Training and Working in Our Area

Another crazy week. It was good though. We gave trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday to the leadership of the mission, and they went really well. The meetings lasted all day, from 9-4. You'd better believe I was exhausted after those two days. I'm glad that we've finally been able to work in our area a bit this week. We're teaching an 84 year old woman, and the only reason she wont get baptized is because she wears a wig and doesn't want people to see her without it on. We tried to say that we could have a private baptism with no one else there... We told her we could keep the font closed when the baptism happens... But that didn't work. She is pretty terrified about anyone seeing her without her wig. Hopefully we can help her get over that soon. Something coming up soon: President Martin and Sister Martin are going to a mission president seminar, and they will be gone for five days in Washington state. That means my companion Elder Smith and I will be left to run the mission for those five days while he's gone, since he will be out of state and unreachable most of the day. I am pretty nervous for those days, cause we are going to be getting all of the drama of the mission, and we'll have to decide what to do about it, completely on our own! Ah! I hope you can pray for me extra hard this week, cause I'm going to need it. Well, I love you all! Take care!

Life as an AP....

I'm ALIVE! (Barely) This week has been SO crazy. Apparently the first week of the transfer will always be crazy for me from now on. I helped drive the departing missionaries to the airport when it was time for them to go. I had to get up at four in the morning, and I went to bed at 2am... First we drove to Burbank airport, then we drove to LAX. My companion and I both had to keep punching each other to stay awake. I got to say goodbye to each one, and watch them walk off into the airport. I was kind of hard to watch them return home to their families and know that I still have quite a while... but I know my day will come. I also got to help with the brand new missionaries that flew in just as the departing missionaries left. I gave them some training about how to be obedient and have faithful companionship study. I have also been training the the Zone leaders and District leaders this week. I have two more I'll be giving tomorrow and the next day. Basically, my companion and I are President Martin's counselors. He calls us and asks us for advice sometimes. I hardly feel worthy to be giving advice to a mission president, but I'll try my hardest. I have been frantically running errands for him all week, that's why I didn't have time to email last week. Sorry! To be honest... I kind of miss doing normal missionary work. Things are so different now, I'm even allowed to do things without a companion sometimes. I went and picked up a new mission car and drove it back to the office all by myself. That may not sound like much to those of you who aren't on missions... But when you literally haven't been alone in a car for almost a year and a half, it's a bizarre experience. Anyway, I am doing well. I'm super busy, but I'm hanging in there. I'll keep you posted on the interesting things that happen. Love you all!

A Letter from President Martin Arrived Today

California San Fernando Mission
23504 Lyons Avenue, Suite 107
Santa Clarita, CA 91321-2530

Dear Sister Crow,

It is a pleasure to inform you of the appointment of your son, Elder Garrett Craig Hunsaker, as an Assistant to the President of the California San Fernando Mission. This calling has been issued after much consideration and prayer. Elder Hunsaker has the ability, sincerity, and devotion to duty that qualifies him for such an important position. I am confident he will discharge his new duties diligently. The other missionaries hold your son in high esteem, and he has the love and respect of Sister Martin and myself.

We congratulate you for raising such a fine son. We know that the training he received in his home and your prayers, faith, and encouragement have contributed greately to his success.

Sincerely,

Jerald L. Martin
President

Cryptic Note

This is Elder Hunsaker's mom writing. We did not get an email from Garrett this week until late Monday night. (We usually hear from him about 3:00 or so on Mondays.) The note he finally wrote that evening said:

"I haven't had any time to email until now. I'll write you more tomorrow, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm fine. Hope you didn't worry. Love you! "

And we haven't heard from him since.

I'm assuming that means he has been unbelievably busy, since he's never missed a letter home yet. I've been very eager to hear how things are going in his new calling. If he wrote to one of you readers out there, share the wealth. More info. as soon as we get it.

Kristyn

A New Calling

So this week has been a bit of a shock, in a good way though. We had our baptism on wednesday, and it was a wonderful experience. I was able to do a musical number for the baptism, and I think it went really well. The man was confirmed on Sunday, and I also was able to participate in that. What a wonderful experience it was. The man we baptized is such a great man. Right after being confirmed, he came up to us and asked us if he could have a calling, and this is after being a member for less than an hour. I know he will go on to do great things.

The reason I said this week was a shock however, is because of what happened last night. Last night the phone rang, and it was the mission home's number. We assumed it was just President Martin making Zone leader calls. Elder Walker answered the phone, and President Martin asked for me. I got on the phone with him, and he said "Elder Hunsaker the purpose of my call is to call you to be the new Assistant to the President." I was so shocked (That was the last thing I could possibly imagine him calling me for) that all I could say was "Okay." He laughed and seemed to realize how shocked I was, which cause him to reply "You may be surprised, but I'm not. I received very strong promptings about this." He then explained to me what my new duties would be and such. So there you have it, I'm the new AP. I was blown away, because I haven't even been on my mission 18 months yet. I thought that was pretty much a requirement to be an AP... apparently not. I'm kind of stressed, because from now on I'm going to be SUPER busy. I mean, I was already busy before, but that's nothing compared to what's coming. The Assistants usually are up until two in the morning and wake up at 6:30. I don't know how I'm going to survive that, but I'm sure I'll be okay. This means I'll be moving to Valencia next week. I don't know my new address yet, but I'll be sure to send it next week. Wish me luck! Love you all!

"He shall restore."

It has been a really incredible week. We had Elder Golden of the Seventy come and visit the mission. He is a brilliant man, and knows the scriptures backwards and forwards. He talked to us about a lot of things, including how to increase the work in the mission, and about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. One of my favorite things he said was about how God knows us even better than we think He does. He told us that the name "Joseph" in Hebrew means "He shall add" or "He shall restore." The Name Hyrum means "My brother is exalted." God knew exactly who He was calling when He called Joseph Smith to be the Prophet of the Restoration. I thought that was really cool. Elder Walker and I also have our baptism this week on Wednesday! I'll be sure to let you know how it was. We also set another baptismal date yesterday! We will be having another baptism in mid-October. Things are going really well, and we are so excited for the things to come. Love you!

ELDER GARRETT HUNSAKER SURVEY ANSWERS #3

WHERE DO YOU GO TO ANSWER EMAILS IN CANOGA PARK? WHERE IS THE COMPUTER LOCATED THAT YOU USE TO READ EMAILS?

We usually either go to the library or the Apple Computer Store in the Topanga Mall.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT APARTMENT LIKE?

Our apartment is a two bedroom, one bathroom. It's pretty small, especially since four of us live here. It's actually pretty gross...because missionaries have lived here for over 10 years. The apartments get really worn down after that long.

IS YOUR GPS WORKING? DO YOU USE IT MUCH?

It has been working really well, but it's starting to become a little temperamental. Probably because I've used it almost every single day for a year.

TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR COMPANION.

He has a picture of him getting out of the car at the MTC. The car right behind his is a big white van that says CROWBUS on the license plate. You can see him standing by the van and me about to climb out. He arrived at the MTC at the same time, right in front of us!

ARE YOU TESTING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR FOUR TIMES A DAY? [NOTE: THIS QUESTION IS INCLUDED IN EVERY SURVEY. LOVE, MOM.]

Yes. Note: This answer will be the same in every survey. Love, Garrett

HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY TALKS IN THE CANOGA PARK WARD?

No.

WHEN YOU GIVE TALKS IN THIS WARD, DO YOU USE SIGN LANGUAGE?

No, someone else would just interpret for me. Because it's almost impossible to speak and sign accurately at the same time. It's like trying to think in two languages at once.

HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING WELL?

Yes. My health is still as great as ever.

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANION DOING RIGHT NOW?

Reading the Book of Mormon.

WHEN YOU EAT OUT, WHERE DO YOU USUALLY GO? DO YOU TYPICALLY EAT OUT FOR LUNCH, OR MAKE LUNCH AT THE APARTMENT?

We usually make lunch at home, but when we do go out, it's usually to Subway or IN-N-OUT.

IS THERE ANY DOWN TIME, AND IF SO, WHAT DO YOU DO? CAN YOU PLAY GAMES OR DO ANYTHING RECREATIONAL ON ANY DAY OTHER THAN YOUR P-DAY?

Actually, there is quite a bit of down time. There will sometimes be hour to fill where we have no idea what to do. We try to find productive activities to do, though. Usually games and things are only allowed on P-Day.

WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? DO YOU LIKE IT?

We drive an '08 Chevy Malibu. I like it, 'cause it's probably the nicest car I'll drive for a long time.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PLAYED THE PIANO?


Last Tuesday. I actually get plenty of chances to play since every church building has about 30 pianos.

DESCRIBE CANOGA PARK FOR US.

Super busy, super crowded, lots of billboards advertising pornography and strip clubs...but that's more in the center. On the outside edges of the valley there are very rich areas. About half of our area is pretty rich, and the other half is downtown city area, where a lot of people are struggling to get by.

WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT SERVICE YOU'VE PERFORMED AND HOW DID IT GO?

We helped a deaf woman clean up her kitchen, and it went really well. She really appreciated it.

HAVE YOU LEARNED TO COOK ANYTHING YET?

No. I don't get many opportunities to cook. I almost always have cereal for breakfast, and sandwhiches for lunch. Dinner is almost always provided by a member family.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY REALLY BAD BOUTS OF HOMESICKNESS?

Yes. Not nearly as often as when I started, but sometimes it still happens.

WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT BLESING YOU'VE GIVEN SOMEONE AND HOW DID IT GO?


We gave our deaf sign language teacher a blessing because she wasn't feeling well. Sign language blessings are interesting to give; you have to take your hands off the person's head to sign the blessing to them.

WHAT'S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU MISS ABOUT HOME?

I really miss the formations of geese that fly over the house. Not sure why, I just really do.

[Mom's note...this is so odd because yesterday I was working in the back yard and a huge flock of them--they are Canadian geese--flew overhead. And I thought, "There you are. I remember you guys." R.J. was with me and we both stopped to watch them. So bizarre that he would mention this.]


IS YOUR COMPANION READING THIS?

Yes. I only read the questions to him.

ARE THE MEMBERS HELPING YOU GET CONTACTS?

No. Honestly, not really. I think we've maybe have one referral since I've been in this ward.

IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU NEED, OR WISH YOU HAD?

I'd love some more ties and white shirts.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING RIGHT BEFORE YOU OPENED THIS LETTER?

Cleaning the apartment.

IN ONE WORD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS WEEK?


Uplifting.

DO YOU STILL PLAY BASKETBALL IN THE MORNINGS?

No. I actually haven't played morning basketball since Ridgecrest. I usually just exercise in the apartment every morning. We sometimes play sports at the church building on P-day.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR MISSION THAT YOU REALLY, REALLY LIKE RIGHT NOW.

I love learning sign language, and the people we're currently teaching.

IS TIME STILL GOING BY QUICKLY?

I swear it goes faster and faster every month.

DO YOU THINK ABOUT PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE WHEN YOU GET HOME? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL DO...WHERE WILL YOU GO TO COLLEGE, ETC.?

It kind of stresses me out to think about that...but I would like to go to Utah State when I get back. I'm still deciding what my major would be. I think getting a job as an interpreter while I'm in college would be nice too.

RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE?

D&C 128: 19, 22 - 23

19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!

22 Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.

23 Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid brocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!

WRITE ONE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF:


KYLE: Love
EMILY: Thoughtful
RJ: Friend
ANNA: Brave
LIAM: Cobrademon...just kidding. Smart.
KATHRYN: Beautiful
MOM: Hero
STEVE: Strong


ARE YOUR SHOES HOLDING UP OKAY?

Yes.

TELL US ABOUT A GOOFY TRICK YOU OR YOUR COMPANION CAN DO, OR A FUNNY EXPERIENCE YOU HAD RECENTLY.

If we are ever in someone's house and we don't want them to know what we're saying, we wait for them to turn around and we sign to each other.

ARE YOU JUST SO GLAD THIS SURVEY IS OVER?

Why do you always ask that? I really like the surveys. :)

IS THERE A QUESTION YOU HAVE FOR US RIGHT NOW?

What are your favorite scriptures?

signed:

Garrett Hunsaker

The Reality of an Adversary

Hey there everyone! I can't believe I've been on my mission over fifteen months now! I'm down to the single digits left in months now! Wow... That's so crazy. Things have been going well, the other missionaries that live in our appt. had a baptism yesterday that we were able to attend. The spirit was powerful, and it really got me excited for our upcoming baptism a week from Wednesday!

Its been interesting, the closer our investigator has gotten to his baptism, the more hard things have been happening to him. One thing I have really been gaining a testimony of, is the reality of an adversary. Satan really is there, and trying his hardest to stop us from doing the things that are right. More importantly though, is that there is a God. He is our Father, and He is infinitely more powerful than Satan will ever be. If we trust in Him, and continue to follow Him, Satan will never be able to overpower us. I know that to be true.

This Wednesday, Elder Golden of the Seventy will be visiting with us. He will also be personally interviewing all Zone leaders. That means me! AHHHH! Yeah, I'm a little nervous to be interviewed by a General Authority, but it will be fine. I'll be sure to report on that next week. Love you all!


I did get the letter and survey from (you my family) on Friday. I wasn't able to send it off until Saturday afternoon, so it might have just sat in the mailbox until today. You should be getting it this week though. Those surveys are a great idea. The missionaries I live with saw it and said "Cool! I wish my family did this!" Anyway, thanks for sending it.


I loved hearing that Kathryn and Meredith gave talks about me. I'm honored! It means a lot to have so much support from you all. You also have my support. You are in my prayers every night.

Short but Sweet...

Happy Labor day everyone! This week has been pretty normal. We picked up a few new investigators who seem interested in joining the church, so we're excited about that. Our other investigator Danny is still excited about his baptismal date of Sept 21st. Next week is when we have Elder Golden of the seventy come to visit the mission. I'm pretty excited for that. I'll be sure to let you all know how that goes. Other than that, not much else to report. Love you all!

[Mom's note: We have sent off another "Elder Garrett Hunsaker Survey" and hope to have it back with responses for next post!]

Another Baptismal Date!

Good news everyone! We set a baptismal date with one of our investigators this week! We are really excited for him, and we're pretty confident that the date will go through. He's taking it pretty seriously, anti-Mormon literature hasn't even fazed him or deterred him from wanting to be baptized. I'll keep you all posted on how that goes. Pretty soon, we're having two members of the Seventy come and visit the mission. In october, we will be meeting with Elder Patrick Kearon and... I forgot his first name, but Elder Goldman of the seventy as well. I'm pretty excited about that. Elder Kearon's talk two general conferences ago was one of my favorites. His was the one about the scorpion and not disregarding what we know to be right. I'm really excited to meet both of them. Love you all!

Miracles Around Us

Another transfer is over, and I'm staying in Canoga Park another six weeks with Elder Walker. I'm happy about that, because things are going well here, and we're probably going to be having a baptism in the next few weeks. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on that. We had our monthly meeting with the Stake President yesterday and he said he was pleased with our progress. We have been seeing more and more miracles as we have continued to work. Our most promising investigator came to church yesterday for the first time. One of the members of the ward asked why he had continued to meet with the missionaries and what had attracted him to the church. He said: "I had always heard that Mormon missionaries were really pushy like Jehovah's Witnesses, but these missionaries weren't. They answered my questions and didn't try to push their religion on me. I have felt nothing but goodness from them." I was so happy to hear that. It really made me feel like I was doing my job right. I hope you all are happy and doing well!

Can you believe that It's almost the ten year anniversary of 9/11? I can't believe that was ten years ago. I still remember that day vividly. That was back when I lived in Orem and my mother would always test my blood sugar in the morning before I got up for school. Usually she would test it while I was still asleep, and I would wake up to her telling me what my reading was. I remember that morning I woke up to hearing her say "Oh my gosh... You're kidding me. Are you serious?" Things like that. I was thinking "Oh no... My blood sugar must be REALLY high..." It was really because my Uncle John was calling us about the Trade Center Towers getting hit. That whole day just had a dark feeling about it. Like Satan and his hosts were rejoicing.

The amazing thing is, it may have felt like the forces of evil had won a tremendous victory that day, but really they didn't. The country became more united than it had been in a long time. Petty barriers like race and politics no longer mattered. The whole country realized what was really important. Church attendance was higher than it had been almost ever before, and for a lot of people, families became the most important thing again.

I am grateful that God is good enough, and powerful enough, to take even the worst of tragedies and turn them into miracles. As long as we continue to follow God, evil will never be able to destroy us.

Be a Good Example

Hey everyone! Things have been going well over here. We helped a Romanian nonmember family move this week. They were some of the sweetest people I have ever met. They were astonished that we were willing to help them without accepting any money or service in return. They were just getting acquainted with the church, but they said when they finished moving they were going to take the lessons from the missionaries in their area. The power of an example is sooooooo important. We don't even realize the impact that our examples have on those around us. I can't tell you how many times I have had people take the lessons from us because they knew a member before who was a great example to them. I've unfortunately also met people that wanted nothing to do with us because they knew a member that was less than kind to them. I hope we can be a good example to others and help them come unto Christ through us. Anyway, Transfers are next week. I'm pretty sure I'll be staying in Canoga park but we will see I suppose. It could go either way. Love you all!

Quick Note with Good News!

Hey everyone! I found out recently that a family that I found and taught when I was in Ridgecrest with Elder Dominguez was baptized two days ago. That brings me so much joy. When we first found them, we thought they were going to take a loooooong time to get baptized, that is, if it ever happened. It finally did though! I wasn't able to go to the baptism, since it was in Ridgecrest, but I heard it was a very spiritual experience and that all who attended were very moved. Needless to say, things are going well. I'm still learning ASL, but interpreting is getting easier and easier. Tomorrow, I will have been out for 14 months! I'm almost in the single digits now! Love you!!!!

Appreciating Being Appreciated

This week has been a good one. Elder Walker and I are learning more and more ASL. Our teacher really seems to like us, so she has been teaching us lessons that she reserves for only her favorite missionaries. Funny thing about her, she tends to swear a lot. Or...sign swear words. She's deaf, and she so used to not having anyone understand her, so she curses all the time. It's kind of weird, but we really like her. We have been teaching a lot of lessons lately, and we have a couple of investigators that could be accepting baptismal dates soon. I know that much of the success I have had has only been because of your continued prayers in my behalf. Thank you so much for those. I have literally received extra strength from them.

It made me happy to hear that the missionary I trained was appreciative of my efforts. It's always so wonderful to hear things like that, because to be honest, missionaries are pretty neglected people at times. Very rarely do people tell us that they appreciate what we do. Often the ward members are really hard on us, they are constantly finding things we aren't doing well enough, and they kind of set a standard for us that nobody could ever dream of reaching. Oh well, I guess it helps us to make sure we are always on our best behavior.

I hope things are going well for all of you! Love you!