ELDER HUNSAKER SURVEY #2 ANSWERS HERE!

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON DINNER THAT PEOPLE FEED YOU IN THEIR HOMES? 

Lasagne and Tacos. Not at the same time, but yeah.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO ANSWER EMAILS? 

We have a member who gives us the key to their house. We use their computer to send emails. The computer is located in their office.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO ANSWER EMAILS ON A TYPICAL P-DAY?

Only an hour or two.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS?

Yes. Our neighbor is a mean cop. He bangs on the wall if we make the slightest noise.

HAS AN INVESTIGATOR EVER ASKED YOU A QUESTION THAT STUMPED YOU? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Nope. I know everything. Yeah, right. Seriously, though, it's pretty rare. Most people ask simple questions. When it happens, we invite them to ask God that question in prayer. That has worked every time. Because God does know everythig and always answers.

ARE YOU GETTIING ALONG WITH YOUR COMPANION? 

Yes. Of course we disagree sometimes...but we usually get along very well.

ARE YOU TESTING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FOUR TIMES A DAY?

Yes. Let me guess...Mom's question? Just kidding, Mom.

HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY TALKS IN YOUR RIDGECREST WARD?

Yes. Three in fact.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT THE MISSION HOME?

Never. I have never been there before.

HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING WELL?

Yes. I had a bad sinus infection a while ago, but now I'm good.

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANION DOING RIGHT NOW?

Lying in bed.

PLEASE DESCRIBE A TYPICAL P-DAY.

We wake up and play basketball, then go shopping, then laundry, then emails and appointments for the rest of the day.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR LUNCH? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]


Usually sandwiches or mac and cheese.


DO YOU EVER GET TO PLAY THE PIANO? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Rarely, though. Twice a month if I'm lucky.


HAVE THERE BEEN ANY HABITS OR QUIRKS YOUR COMPANIONS HAVE HAD THAT WERE HARD TO DEAL WITH? 

Yes. Sometimes they don't follow the rules very well, but most of the time they are great.

DO YOU STILL EAT AT MEMBER'S HOMES NEARLY EVERY NIGHT?

Yes.

HAVE YOU LEARNED TO COOK ANYTHING?

Not really. We get fed every night and only have time for quick things for breakfast and lunch.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY REALLY BAD BOUTS OF HOMESICKNESS?

Yes.

WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE LEARNED FROM ONE OF YOUR COMPANIONS? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]


About different cultures and ways of life. One of the missionaries I lived with is an immigrant. He crossed the border of Mexico with his family. He told me about how hard and scary it was. I never thought about it before.

WHAT'S THE MOST ENTERTAINING THING IN YOUR APARTMENT?

We have a guitar. But we hardly ever get to play it.

ARE YOU READY TO BE PREPARED? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Uh...what?

HAVE YOU LEARNED ANY SPANISH FROM YOUR COMPANIONS?

Yes. Mas o menos. No hablo Espanol, pero comprendo un poquito.

ARE THE MEMBERS HELPING YOU GET CONTACTS?

Yes. They are, but most of them don't. I wish we had more help. If you EVER meet someone who you think should take the lessons, LET THE MISSIONARIES KNOW!

DO YOU DRIVE THE CAR MORE OFTEN THAN YOUR COMPANION?

I always drive. One companion is chosen as "the driver," and since I had a flawless driving record, they chose me!

DO YOU MISS THE DOGS AT ALL? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

Yes. A lot, actually.

IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR YOU NEED, OR WISH YOU HAD? IF SO, WHAT?


Yes. More slacks and short sleeve white shirts. Please!

ARE YOUR SHOES TIED AT THE MOMENT? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Liam is a cobrademon.

WHAT, CURRENTLY, IS YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

White cheezits. I get to have ALL of them. I don't have to give any to Kyle. Whohoooo! Just kidding, Kyle.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING RIGHT BEFORE YOU OPENED THIS PACKAGE? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Planning for tomorrow.

IS THERE ANYTHING STUCK IN YOUR TEETH RIGHT NOW THAT YOU CAN'T GET OUT? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

No. Once again, Liam is a cobrademon.

HAVE YOU GAINED WEIGHT SINCE YOU LEFT ON YOUR MISSION?

Yes. I'm 165 now.

WILL YOU EVER EAT BROWNIES AGAIN?

Yes. Even the ones with laxatives were good, they just made me sick. I still like brownies!

IN ONE WORD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS WEEK? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Fantastic.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THREATENED BY ANYONE? [R.J.'s question.]

No. No death threats or anything, but we've had people yell at us to get off their porch and never come back. That kind of sucked.

WHAT TIME DO YOU NORMALLY WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? 

Usually between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. Never any later than that, though.

DO YOU GET TO SLEEP IN ON P-DAYS? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

No.

WHAT DOES THE "P" IN P-DAY STAND FOR ANYWAY? IS IT PREPARATION OR PERSONAL? OR BOTH?

Play-day. Just kidding. It's preparation day.

CAN YOU FEEL LOVE IN YOUR HEART? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]

Yes. You have no idea.

DO YOU PLAY SPORTS WITH YOUR COMPANIONS?

Yes. Basketball almost every morning.

ARE NON-MEMBERS OR INVESTIGATORS SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT PROP 8 OR BOYD K. PACKERS TALK?

No. Actually, I've never had anyone say anything about either of those.

WHAT IS THE MOST DOMESTIC THING YOU'RE PROUD YOU CAN DO?

Dishes. The ones here are easy compared to what I used to do at home.

[Mom's sidenote: HUH?]

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR MISSION THAT YOU NEVER EXPECTED TO HAPPEN.

I never thought I could love people that are sometimes complete strangers. I feel such love for the people out here, even the ones I don't know.

DO YOU HAVE A BAD CASE OF THE GOUT? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Yes. That's why I wear these brown orthopedic shoes.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Yes. I am without a doubt the happiest I've ever been in my life.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE BUSY ENOUGH?

No. I always wish we had more people to teach. That way we could do less tracting and more teaching.

IS TIME GOING BY RELATIVELY QUICKLY?


Yes. Time is FLYING by. It feels like I walked in the MTC two weeks ago.

CAN I KEEP GIVING YOU HUGS? [KYLE'S QUESTION.]

You can ALWAYS give me hugs. FOREVER.

RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE? 

John 16:32-33

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU ARE GOING TO DO WHEN YOU GET BACK FROM YOUR MISSION? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Sleep for three weeks. I'm always tired--all the time. I have't been fully energized since I got to the MTC.

ARE YOUR SHOES HOLDING UP OKAY?

Yes. I doubt they will last the whole mission, though.

DO YOU EVERY BEAT BOX FOR YOUR COMPANIONS? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Yes.

IF SO, DOES HE RAP ALONG WITH IT?

Yes. Seriously, one of the Elders I lived with loves rap. When I told him I could beat box, he told me to give him a beat, and he rapped to it. He even recorded some.

ARE YOU JUST SO GLAD THIS SURVEY IS OVER?

No. I think these are great. Keep sending 'em.

IS THERE A QUESTION YOU HAVE FOR US RIGHT NOW?

Is there anything I could improve on? Or is there anything you wish I was doing for you that I'm not?

Elder Hunsaker

ELDER HUNSAKER SURVEY #2 ANSWERS HERE!

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON DINNER THAT PEOPLE FEED YOU IN THEIR HOMES? 

Lasagne and Tacos. Not at the same time, but yeah.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO ANSWER EMAILS? 

We have a member who gives us the key to their house. We use their computer to send emails. The computer is located in their office.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO ANSWER EMAILS ON A TYPICAL P-DAY?

Only an hour or two.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS?

Yes. Our neighbor is a mean cop. He bangs on the wall if we make the slightest noise.

HAS AN INVESTIGATOR EVER ASKED YOU A QUESTION THAT STUMPED YOU? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Nope. I know everything. Yeah, right. Seriously, though, it's pretty rare. Most people ask simple questions. When it happens, we invite them to ask God that question in prayer. That has worked every time. Because God does know everythig and always answers.

ARE YOU GETTIING ALONG WITH YOUR COMPANION? 

Yes. Of course we disagree sometimes...but we usually get along very well.

ARE YOU TESTING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FOUR TIMES A DAY?

Yes. Let me guess...Mom's question? Just kidding, Mom.

HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY TALKS IN YOUR RIDGECREST WARD?

Yes. Three in fact.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT THE MISSION HOME?

Never. I have never been there before.

HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING WELL?

Yes. I had a bad sinus infection a while ago, but now I'm good.

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANION DOING RIGHT NOW?

Lying in bed.

PLEASE DESCRIBE A TYPICAL P-DAY.

We wake up and play basketball, then go shopping, then laundry, then emails and appointments for the rest of the day.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR LUNCH? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]


Usually sandwiches or mac and cheese.


DO YOU EVER GET TO PLAY THE PIANO? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Rarely, though. Twice a month if I'm lucky.


HAVE THERE BEEN ANY HABITS OR QUIRKS YOUR COMPANIONS HAVE HAD THAT WERE HARD TO DEAL WITH? 

Yes. Sometimes they don't follow the rules very well, but most of the time they are great.

DO YOU STILL EAT AT MEMBER'S HOMES NEARLY EVERY NIGHT?

Yes.

HAVE YOU LEARNED TO COOK ANYTHING?

Not really. We get fed every night and only have time for quick things for breakfast and lunch.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY REALLY BAD BOUTS OF HOMESICKNESS?

Yes.

WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE LEARNED FROM ONE OF YOUR COMPANIONS? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]


About different cultures and ways of life. One of the missionaries I lived with is an immigrant. He crossed the border of Mexico with his family. He told me about how hard and scary it was. I never thought about it before.

WHAT'S THE MOST ENTERTAINING THING IN YOUR APARTMENT?

We have a guitar. But we hardly ever get to play it.

ARE YOU READY TO BE PREPARED? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Uh...what?

HAVE YOU LEARNED ANY SPANISH FROM YOUR COMPANIONS?

Yes. Mas o menos. No hablo Espanol, pero comprendo un poquito.

ARE THE MEMBERS HELPING YOU GET CONTACTS?

Yes. They are, but most of them don't. I wish we had more help. If you EVER meet someone who you think should take the lessons, LET THE MISSIONARIES KNOW!

DO YOU DRIVE THE CAR MORE OFTEN THAN YOUR COMPANION?

I always drive. One companion is chosen as "the driver," and since I had a flawless driving record, they chose me!

DO YOU MISS THE DOGS AT ALL? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

Yes. A lot, actually.

IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR YOU NEED, OR WISH YOU HAD? IF SO, WHAT?


Yes. More slacks and short sleeve white shirts. Please!

ARE YOUR SHOES TIED AT THE MOMENT? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Liam is a cobrademon.

WHAT, CURRENTLY, IS YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

White cheezits. I get to have ALL of them. I don't have to give any to Kyle. Whohoooo! Just kidding, Kyle.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING RIGHT BEFORE YOU OPENED THIS PACKAGE? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Planning for tomorrow.

IS THERE ANYTHING STUCK IN YOUR TEETH RIGHT NOW THAT YOU CAN'T GET OUT? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

No. Once again, Liam is a cobrademon.

HAVE YOU GAINED WEIGHT SINCE YOU LEFT ON YOUR MISSION?

Yes. I'm 165 now.

WILL YOU EVER EAT BROWNIES AGAIN?

Yes. Even the ones with laxatives were good, they just made me sick. I still like brownies!

IN ONE WORD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS WEEK? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Fantastic.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THREATENED BY ANYONE? [R.J.'s question.]

No. No death threats or anything, but we've had people yell at us to get off their porch and never come back. That kind of sucked.

WHAT TIME DO YOU NORMALLY WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? 

Usually between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. Never any later than that, though.

DO YOU GET TO SLEEP IN ON P-DAYS? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

No.

WHAT DOES THE "P" IN P-DAY STAND FOR ANYWAY? IS IT PREPARATION OR PERSONAL? OR BOTH?

Play-day. Just kidding. It's preparation day.

CAN YOU FEEL LOVE IN YOUR HEART? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]

Yes. You have no idea.

DO YOU PLAY SPORTS WITH YOUR COMPANIONS?

Yes. Basketball almost every morning.

ARE NON-MEMBERS OR INVESTIGATORS SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT PROP 8 OR BOYD K. PACKERS TALK?

No. Actually, I've never had anyone say anything about either of those.

WHAT IS THE MOST DOMESTIC THING YOU'RE PROUD YOU CAN DO?

Dishes. The ones here are easy compared to what I used to do at home.

[Mom's sidenote: HUH?]

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR MISSION THAT YOU NEVER EXPECTED TO HAPPEN.

I never thought I could love people that are sometimes complete strangers. I feel such love for the people out here, even the ones I don't know.

DO YOU HAVE A BAD CASE OF THE GOUT? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Yes. That's why I wear these brown orthopedic shoes.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Yes. I am without a doubt the happiest I've ever been in my life.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE BUSY ENOUGH?

No. I always wish we had more people to teach. That way we could do less tracting and more teaching.

IS TIME GOING BY RELATIVELY QUICKLY?


Yes. Time is FLYING by. It feels like I walked in the MTC two weeks ago.

CAN I KEEP GIVING YOU HUGS? [KYLE'S QUESTION.]

You can ALWAYS give me hugs. FOREVER.

RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE? 

John 16:32-33

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU ARE GOING TO DO WHEN YOU GET BACK FROM YOUR MISSION? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Sleep for three weeks. I'm always tired--all the time. I have't been fully energized since I got to the MTC.

ARE YOUR SHOES HOLDING UP OKAY?

Yes. I doubt they will last the whole mission, though.

DO YOU EVERY BEAT BOX FOR YOUR COMPANIONS? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Yes.

IF SO, DOES HE RAP ALONG WITH IT?

Yes. Seriously, one of the Elders I lived with loves rap. When I told him I could beat box, he told me to give him a beat, and he rapped to it. He even recorded some.

ARE YOU JUST SO GLAD THIS SURVEY IS OVER?

No. I think these are great. Keep sending 'em.

IS THERE A QUESTION YOU HAVE FOR US RIGHT NOW?

Is there anything I could improve on? Or is there anything you wish I was doing for you that I'm not?

Elder Hunsaker

ELDER HUNSAKER SURVEY #2 ANSWERS!

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON DINNER THAT PEOPLE FEED YOU IN THEIR HOMES? 

Lasagne and Tacos. Not at the same time, but yeah.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO ANSWER EMAILS? 

We have a member who gives us the key to their house. We use their computer to send emails. The computer is located in their office.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO ANSWER EMAILS ON A TYPICAL P-DAY?

Only an hour or two.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS?

Yes. Our neighbor is a mean cop. He bangs on the wall if we make the slightest noise.

HAS AN INVESTIGATOR EVER ASKED YOU A QUESTION THAT STUMPED YOU? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Nope. I know everything. Yeah, right. Seriously, though, it's pretty rare. Most people ask simple questions. When it happens, we invite them to ask God that question in prayer. That has worked every time. Because God does know everythig and always answers.

ARE YOU GETTIING ALONG WITH YOUR COMPANION? 

Yes. Of course we disagree sometimes...but we usually get along very well.

ARE YOU TESTING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FOUR TIMES A DAY?

Yes. Let me guess...Mom's question? Just kidding, Mom.

HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY TALKS IN YOUR RIDGECREST WARD?

Yes. Three in fact.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT THE MISSION HOME?

Never. I have never been there before.

HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING WELL?

Yes. I had a bad sinus infection a while ago, but now I'm good.

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANION DOING RIGHT NOW?

Lying in bed.

PLEASE DESCRIBE A TYPICAL P-DAY.

We wake up and play basketball, then go shopping, then laundry, then emails and appointments for the rest of the day.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR LUNCH? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]


Usually sandwiches or mac and cheese.


DO YOU EVER GET TO PLAY THE PIANO? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Rarely, though. Twice a month if I'm lucky.


HAVE THERE BEEN ANY HABITS OR QUIRKS YOUR COMPANIONS HAVE HAD THAT WERE HARD TO DEAL WITH? 

Yes. Sometimes they don't follow the rules very well, but most of the time they are great.

DO YOU STILL EAT AT MEMBER'S HOMES NEARLY EVERY NIGHT?

Yes.

HAVE YOU LEARNED TO COOK ANYTHING?

Not really. We get fed every night and only have time for quick things for breakfast and lunch.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY REALLY BAD BOUTS OF HOMESICKNESS?

Yes.

WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE LEARNED FROM ONE OF YOUR COMPANIONS? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]


About different cultures and ways of life. One of the missionaries I lived with is an immigrant. He crossed the border of Mexico with his family. He told me about how hard and scary it was. I never thought about it before.

WHAT'S THE MOST ENTERTAINING THING IN YOUR APARTMENT?

We have a guitar. But we hardly ever get to play it.

ARE YOU READY TO BE PREPARED? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Uh...what?

HAVE YOU LEARNED ANY SPANISH FROM YOUR COMPANIONS?

Yes. Mas o menos. No hablo Espanol, pero comprendo un poquito.

ARE THE MEMBERS HELPING YOU GET CONTACTS?

Yes. They are, but most of them don't. I wish we had more help. If you EVER meet someone who you think should take the lessons, LET THE MISSIONARIES KNOW!

DO YOU DRIVE THE CAR MORE OFTEN THAN YOUR COMPANION?

I always drive. One companion is chosen as "the driver," and since I had a flawless driving record, they chose me!

DO YOU MISS THE DOGS AT ALL? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

Yes. A lot, actually.

IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR YOU NEED, OR WISH YOU HAD? IF SO, WHAT?


Yes. More slacks and short sleeve white shirts. Please!

ARE YOUR SHOES TIED AT THE MOMENT? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Liam is a cobrademon.

WHAT, CURRENTLY, IS YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

White cheezits. I get to have ALL of them. I don't have to give any to Kyle. Whohoooo! Just kidding, Kyle.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING RIGHT BEFORE YOU OPENED THIS PACKAGE? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Planning for tomorrow.

IS THERE ANYTHING STUCK IN YOUR TEETH RIGHT NOW THAT YOU CAN'T GET OUT? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

No. Once again, Liam is a cobrademon.

HAVE YOU GAINED WEIGHT SINCE YOU LEFT ON YOUR MISSION?

Yes. I'm 165 now.

WILL YOU EVER EAT BROWNIES AGAIN?

Yes. Even the ones with laxatives were good, they just made me sick. I still like brownies!

IN ONE WORD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS WEEK? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Fantastic.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THREATENED BY ANYONE? [R.J.'s question.]

No. No death threats or anything, but we've had people yell at us to get off their porch and never come back. That kind of sucked.

WHAT TIME DO YOU NORMALLY WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? 

Usually between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. Never any later than that, though.

DO YOU GET TO SLEEP IN ON P-DAYS? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

No.

WHAT DOES THE "P" IN P-DAY STAND FOR ANYWAY? IS IT PREPARATION OR PERSONAL? OR BOTH?

Play-day. Just kidding. It's preparation day.

CAN YOU FEEL LOVE IN YOUR HEART? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]

Yes. You have no idea.

DO YOU PLAY SPORTS WITH YOUR COMPANIONS?

Yes. Basketball almost every morning.

ARE NON-MEMBERS OR INVESTIGATORS SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT PROP 8 OR BOYD K. PACKERS TALK?

No. Actually, I've never had anyone say anything about either of those.

WHAT IS THE MOST DOMESTIC THING YOU'RE PROUD YOU CAN DO?

Dishes. The ones here are easy compared to what I used to do at home.

[Mom's sidenote: HUH?]

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR MISSION THAT YOU NEVER EXPECTED TO HAPPEN.

I never thought I could love people that are sometimes complete strangers. I feel such love for the people out here, even the ones I don't know.

DO YOU HAVE A BAD CASE OF THE GOUT? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Yes. That's why I wear these brown orthopedic shoes.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Yes. I am without a doubt the happiest I've ever been in my life.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE BUSY ENOUGH?

No. I always wish we had more people to teach. That way we could do less tracting and more teaching.

IS TIME GOING BY RELATIVELY QUICKLY?


Yes. Time is FLYING by. It feels like I walked in the MTC two weeks ago.

CAN I KEEP GIVING YOU HUGS? [KYLE'S QUESTION.]

You can ALWAYS give me hugs. FOREVER.

RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE? 

John 16:32-33

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU ARE GOING TO DO WHEN YOU GET BACK FROM YOUR MISSION? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Sleep for three weeks. I'm always tired--all the time. I have't been fully energized since I got to the MTC.

ARE YOUR SHOES HOLDING UP OKAY?

Yes. I doubt they will last the whole mission, though.

DO YOU EVERY BEAT BOX FOR YOUR COMPANIONS? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Yes.

IF SO, DOES HE RAP ALONG WITH IT?

Yes. Seriously, one of the Elders I lived with loves rap. When I told him I could beat box, he told me to give him a beat, and he rapped to it. He even recorded some.

ARE YOU JUST SO GLAD THIS SURVEY IS OVER?

No. I think these are great. Keep sending 'em.

IS THERE A QUESTION YOU HAVE FOR US RIGHT NOW?

Is there anything I could improve on? Or is there anything you wish I was doing for you that I'm not?

Elder Hunsaker

ELDER HUNSAKER SURVEY #2 ANSWERS!

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON DINNER THAT PEOPLE FEED YOU IN THEIR HOMES? 

Lasagne and Tacos. Not at the same time, but yeah.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO ANSWER EMAILS? 

We have a member who gives us the key to their house. We use their computer to send emails. The computer is located in their office.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO ANSWER EMAILS ON A TYPICAL P-DAY?

Only an hour or two.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS?

Yes. Our neighbor is a mean cop. He bangs on the wall if we make the slightest noise.

HAS AN INVESTIGATOR EVER ASKED YOU A QUESTION THAT STUMPED YOU? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Nope. I know everything. Yeah, right. Seriously, though, it's pretty rare. Most people ask simple questions. When it happens, we invite them to ask God that question in prayer. That has worked every time. Because God does know everythig and always answers.

ARE YOU GETTIING ALONG WITH YOUR COMPANION? 

Yes. Of course we disagree sometimes...but we usually get along very well.

ARE YOU TESTING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FOUR TIMES A DAY?

Yes. Let me guess...Mom's question? Just kidding, Mom.

HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY TALKS IN YOUR RIDGECREST WARD?

Yes. Three in fact.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT THE MISSION HOME?

Never. I have never been there before.

HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING WELL?

Yes. I had a bad sinus infection a while ago, but now I'm good.

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANION DOING RIGHT NOW?

Lying in bed.

PLEASE DESCRIBE A TYPICAL P-DAY.

We wake up and play basketball, then go shopping, then laundry, then emails and appointments for the rest of the day.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR LUNCH? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]


Usually sandwiches or mac and cheese.


DO YOU EVER GET TO PLAY THE PIANO? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Rarely, though. Twice a month if I'm lucky.


HAVE THERE BEEN ANY HABITS OR QUIRKS YOUR COMPANIONS HAVE HAD THAT WERE HARD TO DEAL WITH? 

Yes. Sometimes they don't follow the rules very well, but most of the time they are great.

DO YOU STILL EAT AT MEMBER'S HOMES NEARLY EVERY NIGHT?

Yes.

HAVE YOU LEARNED TO COOK ANYTHING?

Not really. We get fed every night and only have time for quick things for breakfast and lunch.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY REALLY BAD BOUTS OF HOMESICKNESS?

Yes.

WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE LEARNED FROM ONE OF YOUR COMPANIONS? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]


About different cultures and ways of life. One of the missionaries I lived with is an immigrant. He crossed the border of Mexico with his family. He told me about how hard and scary it was. I never thought about it before.

WHAT'S THE MOST ENTERTAINING THING IN YOUR APARTMENT?

We have a guitar. But we hardly ever get to play it.

ARE YOU READY TO BE PREPARED? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Uh...what?

HAVE YOU LEARNED ANY SPANISH FROM YOUR COMPANIONS?

Yes. Mas o menos. No hablo Espanol, pero comprendo un poquito.

ARE THE MEMBERS HELPING YOU GET CONTACTS?

Yes. They are, but most of them don't. I wish we had more help. If you EVER meet someone who you think should take the lessons, LET THE MISSIONARIES KNOW!

DO YOU DRIVE THE CAR MORE OFTEN THAN YOUR COMPANION?

I always drive. One companion is chosen as "the driver," and since I had a flawless driving record, they chose me!

DO YOU MISS THE DOGS AT ALL? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

Yes. A lot, actually.

IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR YOU NEED, OR WISH YOU HAD? IF SO, WHAT?


Yes. More slacks and short sleeve white shirts. Please!

ARE YOUR SHOES TIED AT THE MOMENT? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Yes. Liam is a cobrademon.

WHAT, CURRENTLY, IS YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

White cheezits. I get to have ALL of them. I don't have to give any to Kyle. Whohoooo! Just kidding, Kyle.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING RIGHT BEFORE YOU OPENED THIS PACKAGE? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Planning for tomorrow.

IS THERE ANYTHING STUCK IN YOUR TEETH RIGHT NOW THAT YOU CAN'T GET OUT? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

No. Once again, Liam is a cobrademon.

HAVE YOU GAINED WEIGHT SINCE YOU LEFT ON YOUR MISSION?

Yes. I'm 165 now.

WILL YOU EVER EAT BROWNIES AGAIN?

Yes. Even the ones with laxatives were good, they just made me sick. I still like brownies!

IN ONE WORD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS WEEK? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Fantastic.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THREATENED BY ANYONE? [R.J.'s question.]

No. No death threats or anything, but we've had people yell at us to get off their porch and never come back. That kind of sucked.

WHAT TIME DO YOU NORMALLY WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? 

Usually between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. Never any later than that, though.

DO YOU GET TO SLEEP IN ON P-DAYS? [EMILY'S QUESTION.]

No.

WHAT DOES THE "P" IN P-DAY STAND FOR ANYWAY? IS IT PREPARATION OR PERSONAL? OR BOTH?

Play-day. Just kidding. It's preparation day.

CAN YOU FEEL LOVE IN YOUR HEART? [KATHRYN'S QUESTION.]

Yes. You have no idea.

DO YOU PLAY SPORTS WITH YOUR COMPANIONS?

Yes. Basketball almost every morning.

ARE NON-MEMBERS OR INVESTIGATORS SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT PROP 8 OR BOYD K. PACKERS TALK?

No. Actually, I've never had anyone say anything about either of those.

WHAT IS THE MOST DOMESTIC THING YOU'RE PROUD YOU CAN DO?

Dishes. The ones here are easy compared to what I used to do at home.

[Mom's sidenote: HUH?]

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR MISSION THAT YOU NEVER EXPECTED TO HAPPEN.

I never thought I could love people that are sometimes complete strangers. I feel such love for the people out here, even the ones I don't know.

DO YOU HAVE A BAD CASE OF THE GOUT? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Yes. That's why I wear these brown orthopedic shoes.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Yes. I am without a doubt the happiest I've ever been in my life.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE BUSY ENOUGH?

No. I always wish we had more people to teach. That way we could do less tracting and more teaching.

IS TIME GOING BY RELATIVELY QUICKLY?


Yes. Time is FLYING by. It feels like I walked in the MTC two weeks ago.

CAN I KEEP GIVING YOU HUGS? [KYLE'S QUESTION.]

You can ALWAYS give me hugs. FOREVER.

RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE? 

John 16:32-33

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU ARE GOING TO DO WHEN YOU GET BACK FROM YOUR MISSION? [LIAM'S QUESTION.]

Sleep for three weeks. I'm always tired--all the time. I have't been fully energized since I got to the MTC.

ARE YOUR SHOES HOLDING UP OKAY?

Yes. I doubt they will last the whole mission, though.

DO YOU EVERY BEAT BOX FOR YOUR COMPANIONS? [R.J.'S QUESTION.]

Yes.

IF SO, DOES HE RAP ALONG WITH IT?

Yes. Seriously, one of the Elders I lived with loves rap. When I told him I could beat box, he told me to give him a beat, and he rapped to it. He even recorded some.

ARE YOU JUST SO GLAD THIS SURVEY IS OVER?

No. I think these are great. Keep sending 'em.

IS THERE A QUESTION YOU HAVE FOR US RIGHT NOW?

Is there anything I could improve on? Or is there anything you wish I was doing for you that I'm not?

Elder Hunsaker

All Things Denote there is a God

Greetings from California! Things have been going amazingly well this week. We have been teaching this inactive member named Alfred B________. He was baptized over thirty years ago and he wants to turn his life around. We taught him a few lessons in his home, and even though his wife and granddaughter (who aren't members) were only a few feet away in the other room, they weren't the slightest bit interested in learning from us. We taught him the restoration lesson and left him with a copy of the restoration DVD; in addition to inviting him to pray to know if our message was true. The next time we went there to teach him, he said: "Hey guys, I was wondering if my family could join our lessons. I showed the the restoration DVD and we watched it three times together. They want to know more and I was wondering if we could go over the restoration again for them." Elder Dominguez and I were blown away. We taught the restoration again and the spirit was powerful. We invited them to pray and ask God if our message was true, and they said they would. What a miracle. God truly has been working miracles here in Ridgecrest. I know that had very much to do with your faith and prayers. I have been feeling of your strength and love, especially when times have been hard. Thank you so much for all that you do. It means more to me than I know how to express. I can honestly say that I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. Lastly I would like to leave you my testimony, that not one of you has thrown away your last chance. Our Father in heaven NEVER gives up on us, no matter what we do or say. The very fact that we have been given an Atonement and Savior, shows us just how much He loves us and trusts us. He has not given up on you. He never will. I promise you that. I know, without any shadow of a doubt, that this gospel is true. I have had many people out here tell me that I can't possibly know these things. Well, if you could prove God existed, people would have to be insane to not believe in Him, which would undermine Faith and the Plan of Salvation. That being said, I am as sure as I have ever been about anything in my life, that we have a Father in Heaven. We have a Savior, Jesus Christ. All they want is for us to return to live with them someday, and they work tirelessly to help us achieve that goal. We are not an accident. We are here for a reason; to learn, to love, and to grow. I hope you have been able to see the hand of the Lord in your life this week, because I definitely have. If we all just stop to look around for a minute, we will see that "All things denote there is a God." (Alma 30:44) The Lord loves you all, and so do I. Have an amazing week!

Remember Who You Are

Hey everyone! This week has been awesome! We taught twice as many lessons as we normally do and lots of new investigators have been coming out of the woodwork. It is so fulfilling and brings me so much joy when the work is going well.

We had our stake conference yesterday, and Elder Cordova of the Seventy spoke. One of my favorite things that he talked about was The Lion King. Not kidding. Elder Cordova felt the story had a lot of great messages in it. He talked about when Simba runs away from home and makes new friends (Timon and Pumba) who tell him he doesn't need to worry about anything and that life is all about having fun and nothing else. Simba lives for many years in this care-free lifestyle, when Rafiki the baboon finds him and knocks some sense into him. Rafiki in the movie is (sort of) how the Holy Ghost can be for us. Rafiki reminded Simba that his life is much more meaningful than "Hakuna Matata." He told him that life is about learning from our mistakes, and that running from them gets us nowhere. Afterwards Simba followed Rafiki into a field where he then saw his father (Mufasa) speaking to him from the heavens. Mufasa tells Simba: "Remember who you are. You are my son, and a future king..." Elder Cordova then said "Do we remember who we are? We are all Heavenly Father's children. We are all His sons and daughters. We are future kings and queens in His kingdom. We need to always remember that." I really enjoyed his talk. Yes, it made me want to watch The Lion King again (ha), but more than that, he really helped me put things into perspective and remember who I truly am. I add my testimony to Elder Cordova's, that we are all God's children. Someday, we are all going to be kings and queens with Him forever. I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ lives as well, and that He is our Savior and Redeemer. God and Christ are trying to tell us the same thing the Mufasa told his son: "Remember who you are. You are my son (or daughter), and a future king (Or queen)." I know that this is true. I love you all and I hope the Lord abundantly blessing you. Have a wonderful week!

A Letter We Received from Ridgecrest

Dear Sister Crow,

I have thoroughly been uplifted by your son's service here in Ridgecrest. Elder Hunsaker has really been a diligent missionary and he has personally helped me to come to know my Savior, repentance, forgiveness, and love in a way that no one else has been able to help me see. His great wisdom that has come from so much pain; trials of his family w/divorce and struggles has really come to benefit him, me, and others in the process. I too have come from a broken home. I am a ward missionary in his ward now - so we have heard personal testimony often. You would be extremely proud - he is the most wise, devoted, and spiritually prepared missionary I have ever met. I have had this calling twice now! He is an EXCELLENT teacher. He has a GIFT for teaching! If you've never heard him teach before, he bears a powerful witness and knows his scriptures very well. I had to write and tell you how great he has been. It has been an honor to serve with him and for him - as we feed the elders a lot! He is wonderful! He talks about his love for you often in his teachings and how he is so grateful for your strong example and staying active in the church. All that sacrifice - it's so worth it! You should be proud - he is well and the spirit is much felt!

God bless you.

Sincerely,

Sister T_________ [Not using her name for the sake of privacy.]

The Spirit's Guidance

Hey everyone! Things are really starting to pick up over here! We found several new investigators this week and had some amazing lessons with them. We also had a bunch of less-active and recent convert lessons. This was the best week I've had since I've gotten to Ridgecrest. I'm so grateful to the Lord for leading us to these people and for the Spirit's guidance when we taught them. I can always feel when I have the spirit with me. There are times when I do, and also times when I don't. When I do, I just have thoughts come into my mind and I can feel that they are what the Lord wants that person to hear. One thing I have learned, when you just listen to people, really listen, you will know what to say. It will be given to you by the spirit. When you stress and think about what you're going to say next after your companion is done talking, your mind will be blank (had to learn that one the hard way unfortunately). I would challenge all of you to listen to the spirit more carefully; its something we all need to work on, especially me. When missionary opportunities arise for you (and they will if you look for them), listen with your heart, and the Holy Ghost will literally put words in your mouth. I had one person we taught this week tell us: "You are definitely inspired men. You somehow knew exactly what I needed to hear even though you had never met me before. Thank you." I know that the Holy Ghost can and will inspire our words, our thoughts, even our very beings if we let Him. Don't forget that He postponed having His body so that He could be with us. Don't shut Him out! He will help us if we let Him. Well, I love you all. Thank you for all that you do each day to build up the kingdom of God; whether it be in your church callings or in your homes with your children, you are making a difference in our Father's world. Hope you have a great week!

Navigating Mine Fields

Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed general conference! I LOVED it. The talks were all so wonderful. One of my favorite talks (some of you may not have heard this one) was in priesthood session. It was by Elder Patrick Kearon. He talked about how in times of war, when troops had to drive through a minefield, the lead car would get information about where the mines were. They would drive first and avoid all the mines. The cars that were following, had to drive in the tire tracks of the lead car EXACTLY. If they drove even a little off of the tire tracks in either direction, they would likely hit a mine an be killed. He compared that to prophets today. Prophets know where the "mines" are that Satan has laid. If we follow him, exactly, we will get through them unharmed. If we don't, we could be caught in an explosion.


I also loved the very first talk in priesthood session. I suppose I am a bit biased though... It was by Elder Nelson and it was about missionary work. At the very beginning, he asked all the full time missionaries and mission presidents within the sound of his voice to stand, wherever we were. The other three missionaries and I stood up. He then expressed his love for us and how much he appreciated what we do. It felt so wonderful to stand when he said that. I could feel God's approval as well. At that moment, no one could bring me down. It felt incredible to stand with the other missionaries of the world, and know that I was one of them. I have waited for that my whole life. How blessed we are to have a living prophet to guide us today. My testimony has been renewed that the prophet and his apostles are truly ordained of Christ, and that everything they said was true.


This week has been going better, we have a new investigator, and she seems interested so far. Even though things are going a little slow at the moment, I know that I am making a difference here. I just feel so peaceful all the time lately. I know that is because of your prayers. Sometimes when I feel I can't walk one step further, strength will flow into me. I know that is completely because of you. When you write missionaries and pray for them, you are literally furthering the work of the Lord. Many of the letters and emails I have gotten have brought tears to my eyes, because I can feel the love you all have for me. I want you to know how grateful I am for all of you and your support. I hope you all always know that. After Pres. Monson's talk about gratitude, I am going to try much harder to remember to thank people. I am so grateful for you, every single one of you. Thank you for the examples you have all been to me in my life. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make for your children and for the Lord. Thank you for helping me become the person I am today. I can't thank you enough for all that you do.


The Lord loves you all, more than I can even begin to explain. If any of you at this moment happen to be feeling inadequate, lonely, or overwhelmed, know that Jesus Christ, the perfect resurrected Savior of all mankind, knows exactly what you are going through. Turn to Him for strength in your hard times, He can and will make your burdens light. He died, so that He could help us in our hard times, and literally wash our sorrows away. May the God of heaven bless you always, and may we always know how much He loves us, as well as His Son, Jesus Christ. I love you all as well. Thank you for being the amazing people you are. Love you!

Hope

Well, this week hasn't been the best in the world. We lost three investigators yesterday, for various reasons. Without them, the work in this area is probably going to be moving really slowly. I'm still going to work my very hardest though. My Father in heaven has done so much for me, and I owe it to Him to work my hardest while I'm out here. My new companion (Elder Dominguez) is a great guy. He is actually a convert to the church. He was only baptized two years ago. After a year of being a member of the church, he decided to serve a mission. About two months ago, while on his mission, his mother was baptized into the church. He still has many siblings and extended family members who aren't members yet, but he knows that they will join someday, whether it be in this life or the next. He has a powerful testimony of the gospel, and lots of thought and insights that I had never thought of before. He is from El Salvador, and speaks English very well. Every now and then he asks me what a word means or what something is called, but we have no problem communicating with each other. I'm excited to get to know him better and to teach with him more. Pray that we can find some new investigators this week, cause we'll need it. I have absolute trust in my Father in heaven to lead me to who He need me to find, when He wants me to find them. Even though the work is going slowly lately, my heart is still so full of joy. What a blessing it is to have the knowledge of the gospel that we have. What an honor it is to be a messenger of the Lord. Love you all!

A New Companion

Hey Everyone! Well, my second transfer just ended today. I'm also getting another new companion! Yep, Elder Jenkins got transferred. My new companion's name is Elder Domingues (I think that's how you spell it), and he's from Argentina. I don't really know anything else about him. I'm not even sure if he speaks English, so I might have to learn some Spanish really quick here! So far on my mission I've had five companions, and I've only been out three months. I hope that doesn't mean anything bad... Maybe everyone just hates me... I am kind of a bum... Ah well, what can you do. Since Elder Jenkins left, I'm in charge of the area now! I'm pretty nervous for that as well. Keep me in your prayers, I'm gonna need them. The work has been steadily picking up here, we have a few investigators now, of varying ages and ethnicities. We have an old couple that talk to spirits while we teach them, and a young German exchange student who's like tin times smarter than I am. I hope and pray I can be guided by the spirit in teaching these people, and that I can help them to, as Moroni said, "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him." I think some great things are going to start happening in this area. Yes, I know I've thought that for weeks now, but I can just feel it! Anyway, Love you all and I hope you always know how much the Lord loves you!

Visit my profile on Mormon.Org! http://www.mormon.org/me/1V2K-eng/Garrett#

Looking up...

Hey everyone! This week was great during some parts, and not so good during other parts. We had a mission conference with Elder Johnson of the Seventy and his wife. It was such a great experience. For two hours we got to ask him any question we wanted about missionary work and the scriptures. He was able to answer every question almost immediately with a perfect scripture. I hope someday I can have a great knowledge of the scriptures like he does. The bad part of the week was Elder Jenkins was sick, so for three days I had to sit around at the apartment while he slept. It was a bummer cause I really wanted to go out and work, but we couldn't. Ah well. We have a bunch of investigators coming out of the woodwork, and things are really starting to pick up here! I'm so excited to see what happens! I hope everyone is doing fantastic and the lord is blessing you abundantly in all that you do. Love you all!

A Tough Week

Hey everyone! So things have been kind of tough this week... one of our most promising investigators just dropped us randomly. It was really hard. It felt like being punched in the stomach. I fasted yesterday for her, that somehow the spirit would guide us to be able to help her. I also had an allergic reaction to antibiotic I was given! My entire body broke out in hives and my skin was blood red and burning. It was rather unfortunate. It been hard, but I know things will pick up. They always do. One of the things I am most grateful about regarding the gospel is the knowledge that everything will work out in the end. No matter how bleak things seem, God always comes through for us. Even if we give up on God, he never gives up on us. I'm so grateful to know that. I hope every one is doing well and I love you all!

An Elder in Ridgecrest

Hey everyone! We put an article in the paper yesterday, and that should really help get the word out about our mission and goals. We are also starting to teach a foreign exchange student from Germany! I'm really excited about that. I hope and pray that the spirit will touch his heart, and that he will gain a desire to come onto Christ through baptism. The weather has been really cool this week! It was only 75 degrees this weekend! I'm not sure that will last... I am having such a great time out here. Things have been a little slower than I would like, but I know things are going to pick up soon. I love you all and I appreciate your love and support. I have been receiving so many blessings from your continued prayers and letters, it means a lot to me to have so many people who care about me. I hope you are all doing well and know how much the lord loves you all.