It's been a great week! Ups and downs, learning experiences, and manifestations of the Spirit. I'm still introducing Elder Baker to the ward one by one. Church was cancelled last week for the snow, so he didn't get to meet anyone. Also, missing church is really hard for me now. I need the boost. So we keep finding new people to teach. But not many are ready to listen right now. We've taught more first lessons this week than any of my previous weeks. We also had a baptism planned for Saturday, but I'll get to that in a minute. Zone conference was great! Some think it's tough to sit in meetings for hours but I learn so much and I definitely feel the Spirit. Of course, there are always tings to change after conferences, thing to improve on. That's why we have them. Elder Baker gave his first baptismal interview Wednesday to an investigator of the sisters. He was nervous but did great (I suppose). Thursday we helped a ward member move out. We didn't realize it at at the time that they were the ones leaving, and we already miss them. They were good friends to our investigators. Friday we got back into our routine with some service a ta local food pantry. They had a huge delivery come in, so that's where we helped out this time. We have been working with a 13-year-old youth to get him ready to be baptized. But Friday, he told us he's not sure he wants to be baptized, and that he wants to talk to his parents about it. So we're backing off, trying not to pressure, but still praying he'll come around. So Friday night. Our investigator we had planned to baptize on Saturday tells us something very similar to the youth's hesitancy, that he wants to wait a little and tell his family about his decision, and that he didn't want us to come over. This is the day before his baptism, the biggest step he'll ever take toward Christ. We tried all night to find him, checking places he might have gone, and finally found him at home of all places. We asked him to write down the spiritual experiences he has had and encouraged him as much as we could to follow through on his commitment, and to call us in the morning. We felt good about it. So Saturday comes, and no call. So we drop by after some morning meetings. no answer. Can't find him, he doesn't want to talk. So we keep hoping he'll show up to the service, if for nothing more than to see the other baptism that night. We helped plan and set up the baptism, because we thought we would have a big part in it, so we were pretty busy Saturday getting things ready. Finally an hour before the service his wife texts us and says he's not ready. Heartbreak. But we know he has to want it, he has to have the faith to overcome his fears. So we'll work on it. The Sabbath was amazing. I don't realize how much it helps until I miss it for some reason. I had the opportunity to help a primary class for a few minutes by acting, that's right, acting as King Benjamin. I prayed for the strength to be able to fulfill my duty, and the Lord helped me out. It seems small, but I felt like I needed a little help. And it was worth it. Immediately after I left the classroom, a visiting member and her non-member boyfriend walked in and asked where to find Gospel Principles, which was exactly where we were headed! A little miracle, but everything counts. We were able to teach them after Sacrament. Oh and Saturday right after the baptism we looked up a referral from the sisters, and he was completely prepared! He's ready to do as God asks him, he didn't even think he needed a spiritual confirmation of what we taught, he just said he knows God sent us and that it's true! So hopefully we'll be having his baptism soon too. Sunday was such a beautiful day! 60 and clear skies, we drove with the windows down and didn't bring jackets with us. Even the doors slammed in our faces didn't dim my spirit. i knew I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. How did I know? Because I could feel the Spirit working in and through me. It's only been coming more and more frequently. And it's great. Of course, I still have things to learn, things I can do better, but I know I'm headed in the right direction. The proof comes after we started walking. That's called faith. Start walking, then you can see what's around the bend, the light gets a little brighter. I know Jesus and Heavenly Father live! I know they're doing everything they can to help us grow and to prepare us to return to them. I'm so thankful for the Plan of Happiness. Keep pushing forward, they are pulling with you!
Love,
Elder Hunt
Monday, March 27, 2017
02/13/17 Letter
What a week! My first real transfer! Well, I didn't get transferred, but I got a different companion. And I get to introduce him to the area, and we both get to try to figure out how we're going to work together. We've had a lot of long conversations lately, not particularly between us, but just in general, we're spending more time talking to people. We have a baptism coming up this week! Fernando, from Ecuador, is set to be baptized this Saturday. It's been 3 months coming, and then some, Our ward has 3 investigators planning to be baptized this week! We've had some good snow lately too. It was about 50 degrees Wednesday, then we got a foot of snow Thursday. It snowed again Sunday and Bishop cancelled our meetings. The people here have to travel a little farther than us Utahans. No specific stories this week, sorry. Just a good week adjusting to each other, helping others adjust to the Gospel. And we wouldn't be able to do it without Jesus Christ. I know he has the power to help us in anything we need. He is the One that lifts us up. Because He descended below it all and rose again, we too can rise with Him. I'm thankful everyday for that. May he bless you in all worthy pursuits!
We've seen this week that it is such a small thing God asks of us. He wants 2 minutes out of our day to start. Read a little in the scriptures, open your heart to His spirit, and ask. That's it. Then, the knowledge starts coming. Now, of course, we don't want to stay at that speed of progression forever. But it is enough to start. Then, as we start to see it, as our seed starts to grow, we are more willing to give, and we receive a greater portion in return. That is how we grow. That is how we turn the dirt and dust of our hearts into mighty trees of testimony. We let the seed in, we give it a little nourishment, and it starts to fill us up. It is from this tree that the most precious fruit is plucked, even eternal life. The Greatest Gift of God. That is what he wants for all of us. And it starts with a small and simple act of faith.
Love,
Elder Hunt
We've seen this week that it is such a small thing God asks of us. He wants 2 minutes out of our day to start. Read a little in the scriptures, open your heart to His spirit, and ask. That's it. Then, the knowledge starts coming. Now, of course, we don't want to stay at that speed of progression forever. But it is enough to start. Then, as we start to see it, as our seed starts to grow, we are more willing to give, and we receive a greater portion in return. That is how we grow. That is how we turn the dirt and dust of our hearts into mighty trees of testimony. We let the seed in, we give it a little nourishment, and it starts to fill us up. It is from this tree that the most precious fruit is plucked, even eternal life. The Greatest Gift of God. That is what he wants for all of us. And it starts with a small and simple act of faith.
Love,
Elder Hunt
02/06/17 Letter
Hey family!
Busy week! Elder Brower is going home, I'm getting a new companion in this area, Elder Baker. I have no idea what he's like, or his mission experience, other than that he's been out about 7 months. So there's that excitement. We have seen little progress with our investigators, but we have more at church than ever before. We have new goals, whcih focus on the people more than our own achievements (teaching lessons), and that's helping move people forward, to the Lord. No idea what to expect, but it's coming fast. I'll just have to rely on the Lord to help me help others through this. That's the secret to getting through this life in one piece, trusting and giving everything to Him. It's so tought. But He is the only way. I love you all!
Love, Elder Hunt
Busy week! Elder Brower is going home, I'm getting a new companion in this area, Elder Baker. I have no idea what he's like, or his mission experience, other than that he's been out about 7 months. So there's that excitement. We have seen little progress with our investigators, but we have more at church than ever before. We have new goals, whcih focus on the people more than our own achievements (teaching lessons), and that's helping move people forward, to the Lord. No idea what to expect, but it's coming fast. I'll just have to rely on the Lord to help me help others through this. That's the secret to getting through this life in one piece, trusting and giving everything to Him. It's so tought. But He is the only way. I love you all!
Love, Elder Hunt
01/30/17 Letter
Hey Family!
Busy start to the week, then it kind of dropped off. We had a great district meeting, then a split with the zone leaders. Elder Taylor doesn't speak Spanish, though. So I was in charge of the lessons and the driving and the everything except studies! A little scary, no support with teaching but a confidence booster afterward. He has been out for about a year, and is a dedicated and strong missionary. On Wednesday we had a worldwide training, which included all of the missionaries everywhere. We reviewed the training from alst year, and they adjusted the missionary daily schedule a little bit. So now we have a little more room to get ready in the morning and a lot more freedom during the day to deal with our various commitments. Thursday we planned out our week, as usual. Friday was just normal, run of the mill missionary work, which isn't a good thing. Every day should be extraordinary. Saturday we had a tough lesson with a less active, we were probably a little too rough on him. We had a great lesson with our most progressing investigator, Fernando, that evening though. He's struggling to find joy in the journey. We had two investigators at church, a record for the year! And all our recent converts and less actives we work with. And after church we had a great lesson with that less-active from Saturday. Today was fullfilling, got a lot of stuff done and had some fun with the zone. Sorry for hte short email, busy day! Love you all, remember who you are. That's the most important knowledge you can gain in this life, thatyou are a child of God. He loves you, Jesus loves you, and they are working hard to help you reach your potential. Jesus Christ knows your struggles and is alwasy ready to lend a hand. Enoy your week!
Love,
Elder Hunt
Busy start to the week, then it kind of dropped off. We had a great district meeting, then a split with the zone leaders. Elder Taylor doesn't speak Spanish, though. So I was in charge of the lessons and the driving and the everything except studies! A little scary, no support with teaching but a confidence booster afterward. He has been out for about a year, and is a dedicated and strong missionary. On Wednesday we had a worldwide training, which included all of the missionaries everywhere. We reviewed the training from alst year, and they adjusted the missionary daily schedule a little bit. So now we have a little more room to get ready in the morning and a lot more freedom during the day to deal with our various commitments. Thursday we planned out our week, as usual. Friday was just normal, run of the mill missionary work, which isn't a good thing. Every day should be extraordinary. Saturday we had a tough lesson with a less active, we were probably a little too rough on him. We had a great lesson with our most progressing investigator, Fernando, that evening though. He's struggling to find joy in the journey. We had two investigators at church, a record for the year! And all our recent converts and less actives we work with. And after church we had a great lesson with that less-active from Saturday. Today was fullfilling, got a lot of stuff done and had some fun with the zone. Sorry for hte short email, busy day! Love you all, remember who you are. That's the most important knowledge you can gain in this life, thatyou are a child of God. He loves you, Jesus loves you, and they are working hard to help you reach your potential. Jesus Christ knows your struggles and is alwasy ready to lend a hand. Enoy your week!
Love,
Elder Hunt
01/23/17 Letter
Hey fam!
It was a sort of crazy week. Tuesday we went to the temple with some recent converts to do baptisms for the dead. Elder Brower taught this family of 4 (3 were baptized before I got here). We made plans to go at 5, but Hispanic Standard Time runs about an hour late. So we left the chapel at 6. We got to the temple at about 7. The bishop had made a mistake filling out the group recommend, and the temple was understaffed so we had to wait til about 8:15 to get started. You RMs see the problem already. Elder Brower and I officiated for the confirmations, a temple worker did the baptisms. They had brought a few of their family names. So we got out of the temple at about 9, already late for getting home. Then our member-chauffer got lost twice in the Bronx, stopped for fried chicken, then took us to Queens on accident. President wasn't happy to hear how late we got home, and we understand why. This family had a wonderful experience, though. Some comments from the participants: I felt a 'swooshing' feeling every time I was confirmed. I wish I never had to leave. I wish I would have been baptized 50 times.
These new members are already building their testimonies of the temple, and feeling the Spirit of Elijah. Another recent convert that I helped teach went to the temple with the ward on Saturday for baptisms as well. He keeps saying the temple is so beautiful and marvelous. And Fernando came to church on Sunday! He's been struggling to find motivation to keep his commitments with us. His wife has been pushing him, though, so hopefully he finds what he needs along the way.
We had a companion exchange Friday night to Saturday. Elder Brower is the district leader so I get more splits than anyone else. This time I took over our area while he went to help in Stamford. The newest missionary in our zone came to work with me. He's only one transfer behind me, so we were two n00bs running around trying to figure things out. We had a poorly planned night with appointments across town and back, and I had no idea how to plan for the next day. But we did our best, tried some street contacting and tracting, and learned some ways not to do things. And now Elder Brower and I know what we need to work on.
I'll just share a quick testimony to finish up (you can expect this from me from now on.)
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He makes it possible for me to bounce back from my mistakes. The Book of Mormon teaches us about Him and the way to follow Him through the words of ancient prophets. We also have been given a prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, to show us the way. I know that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can overcome our weaknesses and return to our Heavenly Father. I know these things because I have prayed to God to know, and He has given me experiences and the manifestation of the Holy Ghost to testify to me. God and Jesus Christ love you! I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
love,
Elder Hunt
Elder Pulu got a hold of my tablet
Manhattan Temple
Some bridge over the Hudson
It was a sort of crazy week. Tuesday we went to the temple with some recent converts to do baptisms for the dead. Elder Brower taught this family of 4 (3 were baptized before I got here). We made plans to go at 5, but Hispanic Standard Time runs about an hour late. So we left the chapel at 6. We got to the temple at about 7. The bishop had made a mistake filling out the group recommend, and the temple was understaffed so we had to wait til about 8:15 to get started. You RMs see the problem already. Elder Brower and I officiated for the confirmations, a temple worker did the baptisms. They had brought a few of their family names. So we got out of the temple at about 9, already late for getting home. Then our member-chauffer got lost twice in the Bronx, stopped for fried chicken, then took us to Queens on accident. President wasn't happy to hear how late we got home, and we understand why. This family had a wonderful experience, though. Some comments from the participants: I felt a 'swooshing' feeling every time I was confirmed. I wish I never had to leave. I wish I would have been baptized 50 times.
These new members are already building their testimonies of the temple, and feeling the Spirit of Elijah. Another recent convert that I helped teach went to the temple with the ward on Saturday for baptisms as well. He keeps saying the temple is so beautiful and marvelous. And Fernando came to church on Sunday! He's been struggling to find motivation to keep his commitments with us. His wife has been pushing him, though, so hopefully he finds what he needs along the way.
We had a companion exchange Friday night to Saturday. Elder Brower is the district leader so I get more splits than anyone else. This time I took over our area while he went to help in Stamford. The newest missionary in our zone came to work with me. He's only one transfer behind me, so we were two n00bs running around trying to figure things out. We had a poorly planned night with appointments across town and back, and I had no idea how to plan for the next day. But we did our best, tried some street contacting and tracting, and learned some ways not to do things. And now Elder Brower and I know what we need to work on.
I'll just share a quick testimony to finish up (you can expect this from me from now on.)
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He makes it possible for me to bounce back from my mistakes. The Book of Mormon teaches us about Him and the way to follow Him through the words of ancient prophets. We also have been given a prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, to show us the way. I know that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can overcome our weaknesses and return to our Heavenly Father. I know these things because I have prayed to God to know, and He has given me experiences and the manifestation of the Holy Ghost to testify to me. God and Jesus Christ love you! I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
love,
Elder Hunt
Elder Pulu got a hold of my tablet
Manhattan Temple
Some bridge over the Hudson
01/16/17 Letter
Hey everybody!
We had a great zone conference last Tuesday. We are blessed to have them every transfer, most missions only get them every other. As such, Wednesday was one of our most productive days yet. We're doing more tracting lately, trying to find more people to teach. Also, President Smith asked us to be out of the apartment by 10 every morning, instead of staying til 11 for language study like we had been. It's a little weird, but it works. We get started on our day earlier and we have to try different things than normal because different people are home at 10. I'm gearing up to take over the area when Elder Brower leaves. It's going to be super weird and probably really tough but I'll learn faster when I have to do it all myself. He's pretty sure I'll be training someone right off the bat. I kind of hope not, I don't feel ready. It's crazy to think that the Lord sends usout here to figure it out ourselves. But that's when we learn, when we have to make the changes ourselves. And with the atonement, any change is possible.
Also, we had a great lesson with an investigator that we found on Christmas Eve. His name is Miguel, and he's pretty interested. Oh and a less active called us to get an appointment! He's really proactive, and ambitious. Those two qualities go together really well. Sorry mom and grandma for this next one. We met two guys in a row street contacting that said it was a really dangerous area and to be careful. We understand it's not the safest place to be, and the sisters never go there after dark, but I've never felt threatened or scared. I guess that's the spirit keeping our minds calm and courageous enough to do the work.
Love you all,
Elder Hunt
We went to Greenwich Point today, a little peninsula in Long Island Sound
We had a great zone conference last Tuesday. We are blessed to have them every transfer, most missions only get them every other. As such, Wednesday was one of our most productive days yet. We're doing more tracting lately, trying to find more people to teach. Also, President Smith asked us to be out of the apartment by 10 every morning, instead of staying til 11 for language study like we had been. It's a little weird, but it works. We get started on our day earlier and we have to try different things than normal because different people are home at 10. I'm gearing up to take over the area when Elder Brower leaves. It's going to be super weird and probably really tough but I'll learn faster when I have to do it all myself. He's pretty sure I'll be training someone right off the bat. I kind of hope not, I don't feel ready. It's crazy to think that the Lord sends usout here to figure it out ourselves. But that's when we learn, when we have to make the changes ourselves. And with the atonement, any change is possible.
Also, we had a great lesson with an investigator that we found on Christmas Eve. His name is Miguel, and he's pretty interested. Oh and a less active called us to get an appointment! He's really proactive, and ambitious. Those two qualities go together really well. Sorry mom and grandma for this next one. We met two guys in a row street contacting that said it was a really dangerous area and to be careful. We understand it's not the safest place to be, and the sisters never go there after dark, but I've never felt threatened or scared. I guess that's the spirit keeping our minds calm and courageous enough to do the work.
Love you all,
Elder Hunt
We went to Greenwich Point today, a little peninsula in Long Island Sound
01/10/17 Letter
Hi everybody!
I hear a lot have been getting sick lately, I'm sorry. I don't know what to tell you except that I know what to tell you except that I know you didn't get it from me! Things are going here. Jaime blessed the sacrament this week! He had to retry a couple times but he got through it and is making some friends in the ward. Fernando is doing great, his wife is starting to progress with him. The Gospel really is a family affair. It just works better when we all try and are on the same page with goals and such. We have a couple other investifators we just have a hard time getting a hold of, we can't figure out where they go. They miss their appointments but are there when just go try to see if we can find them. Just a little weird. We have a recent-convert family planning a trip to the temple to do baptisms next week, and the ward temple tri pis the following Saturday. I went on a split last Friday, always a good time to learn. I went with Elder Ortiz, a missionary who came in one transfer ahead of me and is already trainin. I don't know if I would be ready, bud he's great, he shared some good ideas with me. We got to teach a little family that I had originally helped find on an earlier split with Elder Ortiz's first companion. It was a good little check up, and they remembered me. And then they came to church on Sunday! And I guess the lessons in my area went great without me too. Umm, maybe I'm in the wrong area ;) just kidding. I know I'm where I need to be. I'm happy to be here, serving the Lord in Connecticut. I'm learning alot for myself, too. I was told it would happen, but I think I learn more than my investigators do. They just have bigger steps to take it seems. I love you all! Have a great week and remember the little things! They really build up and make something great out of us.
Love,
Elder Hunt
I hear a lot have been getting sick lately, I'm sorry. I don't know what to tell you except that I know what to tell you except that I know you didn't get it from me! Things are going here. Jaime blessed the sacrament this week! He had to retry a couple times but he got through it and is making some friends in the ward. Fernando is doing great, his wife is starting to progress with him. The Gospel really is a family affair. It just works better when we all try and are on the same page with goals and such. We have a couple other investifators we just have a hard time getting a hold of, we can't figure out where they go. They miss their appointments but are there when just go try to see if we can find them. Just a little weird. We have a recent-convert family planning a trip to the temple to do baptisms next week, and the ward temple tri pis the following Saturday. I went on a split last Friday, always a good time to learn. I went with Elder Ortiz, a missionary who came in one transfer ahead of me and is already trainin. I don't know if I would be ready, bud he's great, he shared some good ideas with me. We got to teach a little family that I had originally helped find on an earlier split with Elder Ortiz's first companion. It was a good little check up, and they remembered me. And then they came to church on Sunday! And I guess the lessons in my area went great without me too. Umm, maybe I'm in the wrong area ;) just kidding. I know I'm where I need to be. I'm happy to be here, serving the Lord in Connecticut. I'm learning alot for myself, too. I was told it would happen, but I think I learn more than my investigators do. They just have bigger steps to take it seems. I love you all! Have a great week and remember the little things! They really build up and make something great out of us.
Love,
Elder Hunt
01/02/17 Letter
Hey Family!
It's been a great week. Well, looking back, it doesn't look that great but I feel great today. Our mission goal was to find 400 new investigators by the end of last week, 4 per companionship. I don't know how but we did our part! We found 8 new people to teach and we have return appointments set with all of them. President Smith did a miracle line on New Years Eve, too. Our curfew was 7:00 that night, so that was a little weird. Oh transfers were last week, so our roommate, Elder Tanner is gone to the Kingsbridge 1st ward and we got a second zone leader, Elder Taylor. He came from one of Elder Brower's old areas, Middletown. New Years Day was nice too, a good day to start again with the sacrament and some reflection on the past year. I've come a long way, carried by the Lord. One year ago, I had almost zero intentions of serving a mission. And now I'm here, speaking spanish in Connecticut! So often it's difficult to see the plan, but like a foggy day, if we just start walking we'll be able to see one step further. I know everybody says it, but set goals this year. Start with a desire, envision yourself achieving it, and make specific, measurable plans to get you there. We have been living without a furnace for a week, so that's interesting. Our landlord hasn't answered the phone so who knows when it will be fixed. Also, one of our zl's hit our car backing out of their garage, so yeah. But hings are great!
Love you all!
Elder Hunt
It's been a great week. Well, looking back, it doesn't look that great but I feel great today. Our mission goal was to find 400 new investigators by the end of last week, 4 per companionship. I don't know how but we did our part! We found 8 new people to teach and we have return appointments set with all of them. President Smith did a miracle line on New Years Eve, too. Our curfew was 7:00 that night, so that was a little weird. Oh transfers were last week, so our roommate, Elder Tanner is gone to the Kingsbridge 1st ward and we got a second zone leader, Elder Taylor. He came from one of Elder Brower's old areas, Middletown. New Years Day was nice too, a good day to start again with the sacrament and some reflection on the past year. I've come a long way, carried by the Lord. One year ago, I had almost zero intentions of serving a mission. And now I'm here, speaking spanish in Connecticut! So often it's difficult to see the plan, but like a foggy day, if we just start walking we'll be able to see one step further. I know everybody says it, but set goals this year. Start with a desire, envision yourself achieving it, and make specific, measurable plans to get you there. We have been living without a furnace for a week, so that's interesting. Our landlord hasn't answered the phone so who knows when it will be fixed. Also, one of our zl's hit our car backing out of their garage, so yeah. But hings are great!
Love you all!
Elder Hunt
12/26/16 Letter
Hi family! Really not much time today, believe it or not. Christmas was great, good to talk to those that could. We had a baptism on Friday and a confirmation on Sunday! Jaime is officially a member! He has a family members to do temple work for too, so he'll be going very soon. Oh another family is trying really hard to get to the temple too, they were captized about 2 months ago, so this is a big deal. They don't want to wait for the ward trip in January. Fernando set his baptism date for the 7th of January too! He's growing and learning, gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon.It really is the key to our growth. Love you all, keep working! The Lord asks that you try every day. Just try. He'll make up the difference.
Love you all!
Love,
Elder Hunt
Love you all!
Love,
Elder Hunt
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