Email from April 20

What's up?!

8 Days left!! The only days that i really have left to preach the gospel as a normal missionary are until Mondaythe 27th. on the 28th, i'm going to boca to hang out with my converts. on the 29th, it's change meeting and hanging out in president's house. on the 30th, it's plane rides.  Also, make sure that the Stake President knows that i want my release interview that very same day! i'm ready for some country music and sportscenter :) I definitely won't be bored. if i get bored, i'll just hit up the missionaries and go ''work'' with them.

what's for dinner when i get home? Speaking of food, make sure that there are poptarts and pizza rolls in the house. I sure do miss poptarts. But i sure am looking forward to throwing down a good steak in Outback when i'm home. They don't have stuff like that here too much in Guatemala, not at all here in Tiquisate.

On Sunday, we baptized a 9 year old girl. 3 weeks ago, we found a less active lady that was baptized 3 years ago. We talked to her about church and what not and was committed to attending general conference with her family. She showed up to conference with her 9 year old daughter that hadn't been baptized. What does that mean? Reactivation and baptism! It's the perfect scenario. Her name is Vilma Ordoñez Gallardo. She understands better than i understood when i was baptized.

My mind literally becomes blank as i write. there's only one thing on my mind....coming home next week.

This Sunday, we should end the mission with a strong baptism day. We for sure have 1 person getting baptized (William Lopez), probably 2 more (a family, Josefina and Armando Quiché), and by milagro, 3 more. We're doing all we can to have a crazy baptism day. It's no longer go big or go home, it's go big then go home. Because it doesn't even matter, i'm coming home. I just need to go big right now.

8 days?

Love ya!!

Elder Hunt

Email from April 14

I miss country music so much. All i hear is crazy latino music that i'll show you to when i get home. you won't understand it, but the beat is great, hahah. guatemala is crazy.

I don't want a job when i'm in georgia for a month. it's my time of rest and descanso. time to hit the gym twice a day and the lake like 3 times a week. if needed, i can cut people's lawns, but i don't want a real job. it'll only last for 1 month which isn't that much. i dunno, i just don't wanna work for that month.

I will definitely need those medical check ups. But, my back has been acting up a little bit recently. it'd be nice to get something scheduled early on with a chiropractor to give me a quick adjustment. for two years, i've slept on really bad mattress, riden in really bumpy buses, and have had to carry a backpack 24/7. I need to go to the chiropractor to fix it up, it hurts me.

My suitcases are...fine. you'll see when i get home. they're not that good of quality in the first place, but they've lasted this long. i'm not sure how much more they'll last when it's all said and done.

Today was crazy. I had my exit interview with President Markham. It was really good. We focused on the 5 things i need to do upon arriving home. Work, study, church calling, get married, and have kids. Those 5 things need to be done simultaneously. That'll be fun. But, that comes after the 1 month of rest i'll have in may. President accepted the one month of rest because he kinda understands how tired i am of going non stop all day every day. Also, i got permission from him to go to Boca del Monte (my area of 14 months) the day before changes. So really, my last day in Tiquisate is the 27th of april, boca for the 28th, the capital for the 29th, and GEORGIA on the 30th.

We should baptize these last two weekends here in the mission, so that'll be great. I'm incredibly thankful for what's been going on recently. God has been good to me and i'm happy.

This week, i bought a couple of hammocks. why? to take to the lake and rest in! yea! 15 days and counting. Ready or not, here I come!

love y'all!!!

Elder Hunt

Email from April 5

Make some good dinner plans! but yea, now that (my coming home is) three weeks away, it's kinda starting to hit me. at the same time, i get hit with two feelings. why work, it's over? and it's almost over! i need to work as hard as i can! the two come because i am tired, i've work tirelessly for 2 years and my body feels it. But, i also want to take advantage of every last moment to be able to give it all i had.

i loved conference. I can return home calm knowing that everything will work itself out. It's strange how the Lord answers the questions that people take to conference. He answered mine, and i'm grateful for it. It's also really fun to hear about President Brough and President MacArthur receiving new callings. They are two incredible men. But it's weird to think that i know two general authorities on a more personal level. I've been blessed, in the mission, i've been able to meet a few others here in Guatemala too. (Elder Amado, Elder Dunca, Elder Ochoa, Elder Alonso, Elder Cook, Elder Andersen). Great examples to a young man like me.

I'm probably as excited as Ben is to be home. Like i've said before, i'm ready to start a new chapter in my life and take on new things. I'm trying my hardest to stay focused these last couple weeks, but it's hard. Don't worry, i'm obedient with exactness and diligent in all things. just at times, my mind starts to wander. but that's normal, right?

We had a baptism on Sunday! She's a granddaughter of some members. Her name is Teresa de Jesus Perez Ortiz. She was a little miracle for us because it was a baptisms without any struggles. We talked to her, asked if she wanted to get baptized, and she accepted. Her mom said it was fine too! There are so many people just waiting to receive the ordinances of baptism, we just have to find them and bring them unto Christ. For this reason, diligence is so important in all we do. One reason that i don't really want to live in utah after the mission is because i'm gonna want to participate in missionary work, but if everyone's a member, what am i supposed to do?

I came here with 3 suitcases. i won't return with 3. I'm realizing that the stuff i haven't doesn't work anymore. the clothes are ripped and beaten to shreds. I don't have socks that don't have holes in them. my shirts haven't been white for a while now. What does that mean? we've gotta hit the mall and marshall's! mainly marshall's, it's cheaper. no hay pisto.

love y'all! See ya in 3 weeks!!

-Elder Hunt

Email from March 31

Well, i've officially began my last month here in Guatemala. That's crazy to think about. i'll be home soon. now that my stomach has adapted to the food here, it's time to come home and not be adjusted to the food there. but, it's all part of the experience, right? I only have 4 more Sundays here. just 4 more P-Days left. Everything is winding down to an end. The carne is weak, but the Spirit is strong. Let's see what else i can do before coming home!

It is hot. I thought it was hot a couple weeks ago, but it's gotten hotter. It's a blessing. i don't know if the temperature has gone up or if the sun is just stronger, but i feel as though it's hotter now than before. Also, there's no air conditioning, just fans throwing around the same hot air all day. I love the heat. I'd much rather be here than in a cold area. It feels good to sweat, that's for sure.

We had a miracle baptism on Sunday. So last Sunday, like 10 days ago, we were desperately looking for someone to prepare to baptize this Sunday. We visited a family that goes to church like 70 percent of the time. The grandparents, kids, and grandkids are all members...or so we though. We asked, just to see, if everyone there had been baptized. Everybody said yes except for some little girl. After a little bit of talking, we found out that this same day is her 9th birthday. What does that mean? She'll count as a convert baptism. She goes to church 70 percent of the time and her whole family are members. So, we taught her a little and had her baptized this Sunday. Tender mercies of the Lord. Her name is Jaquelin Anayeli Hicho Cosiguá.

Tomorrow, April begins. What does that mean? a lot.   it's the month of general conference. it's the month when Aubrey completes years. it's the month of miracles. it's the month of not looking back, just looking forward. it's the month of new challenges and new resolutions. it's the month of change. it's the month that i finish the mission. it's the month in which i will see my mom, dad, and brother again. it's the month where all will change.

I tell myself every day and often throughout the day

''In the sight of the Lord, it is not so much what we have done or where we have been but much more where we are willing to go.''

''Focus on the journey, not on the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.''

Email from March 23

I'll be home in 5 weeks! are y'all excited?

i've sent a lot of pictures home this week. so much has happened these two weeks, it's been crazy.

On Saturday, we were able to go to the temple with the branch. but we didn't go to the capital, we went to a place called Xela, Quetzaltenango. It was really pretty. We went through and did a session. The plan was to go and watch over the youth and do baptisms, but a rule of the temple is that missionaries can't baptize women in the temple. I don't really know why, but that's fine. afterall, we do baptize women outside of the temple. But, we still had a good time. We left Tiquisate at5 am and got home at like 8:15 pm. just to run around and really take advantage of the little work time.

We had a crazy stalker lady follow us around on Sunday. That was great. As we walked, she like ran behind us. Just saying how everybody wanted to kill her and that everybody was after her. It was interesting. She even asked if she could stay the night with us in our house... i love guatemala.

I'm so happy to hear that there is a job for when i get home and that it'll be flexible. It'll be fun to work after the misson. That was actually one of my bigger worries, a post mission job. I have no idea what it is, but it'll suffice until i find something better. but de repente i'll really enjoy it!

It's really nice to receive positive emails from home. It makes me happy and not worried upon returning.

There's not much to say today because i just wrote like 5 days ago. i hope the pictures are enough!

Love y'all!

-Elder Hunt

Email from March 16

Where do i begin? so much has happened this week that i don't know what to start with.

I'll start with the hard times. The missionaries in this house haven't paid the light bill in 3 months...so, the light company came and cut the lights Friday morning! In our house, we've gone without light
for friday, saturday,sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday, and today's thursday. it makes it really hard to do stuff at night and early morning. But the worst thing about it? The fans don't work nor does the fridge. It's so hot here and almost impossible without those two things, but we've survived this long. Lesson learned: pay bills on time. it avoids/prevents problems in the future. what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

On Sunday, we had a a baptism, i'll send a picture next week. i haven't been able to charge my camera battery...i don't have electricity.

On Monday, we were busy. It was our P-day, but it wasn't much rest at all. We went and had breakfast with a member family at 7 in the morning. This member, is an eye doctor. He's a really nice guy and is going to give me a free pair of glasses! free! awesome! Then we played soccer with other missionaries and some jovenes. I really enjoy playing soccer. Then we went to get milkshakes. then we had lunch with our branch president. then we went to the dentist office (another member that does general cleanings for free). We got home, cleaned a little bit, and then went to work again. It was a really good day, got a lot done, but really tiring at the same time.

Tuesday was change meeting and a lot more fun. My new companion is Elder Caceres, from Panamá. I would send a picture, but my camera is dead. he's got 9 months in the mission. I didn't change area, but my whole zone seemed to change, it's really exciting. After the meeting, we didn't want to travel all the way back to Tiquisate and then return to the capital on wednesday, so we stayed in Boca del Monte (my area of 14 months!) I was able to go visit a couple of converts and people that i knew. That was really nice. I would send pictures....but my camera is dead

On Wednesday, we had the conference with Elder Andersen. It was incredible. I couldn't even start to describe all that went on there. Our mission was asked to give a Special Musical Number, so we formed a little choir and i was part of it! yea! a choir singing in front of an apostle! A really cool experience. What he mainly talked about is experimenting the Atonement to be able to share about it. But there were a lot of little things that i learned and picked up on. Gotta love conferences!

Next week, i should send a few pictures.. if we ever get light back on in the house. It should come today, but who knows?

I've oficially entered my last change in the mission. that means only like 42 days left. that's crazy to think about, but it's the reality. it will be nice to rest for a change, i haven't done that in nearly 2 years. Don't worry, i'm focused and working hard. Really trying to make the best of the time left. A lot to do, but little time remaining. We'll see what happens here at the end.

i love y'all!!

-Elder Hunt

Email from March 8

Well, it's been a crazy week, that's for sure!

On Thursday, we had a leadership council with President and Sister Markham in their house in the capital. We got up at2:45, got on the 4 am bus, and headed to the capital. we had the meeting, lunch, my companions exit interview, my companions english test, then the travel home. we got home at 5:40 then went to branch council at 6 pm. it was such a crazy day. traveling really does wear you out! but the meeting was really good. we talked about conversion and really plugging in to the powersource, Christ.

Saturday was even crazier. In this week that passed, President Markham took out two missionaries from an area and left it empty. This area had left someone to be baptized for the Sunday. We jumped on the opportunity and went to baptize this guy we had never met. We got to the area Saturday morning at 9:55 am and baptized him at 12, we just had to wait for the font to fill. we show up, present ourselves, and say ''we've come to baptize you.'' To which he responded, ''alright, let me chop this wood, hide my tools, and let's go.'' awesome! At the baptismal service, there were only 4 people present. My companion and I, Pedro (the baptized), and a branch presidency counselor. It was fantastic!

After, we went to lunch with a member family, to the hospital to give a member a blessing, then we had our real baptismal candidate interviewed for baptism. After that, we started a journey to find a house in an area because they will put 4 missionaries there, not just 2. We got home from looking for the house at like 7:30 in the evening! That's like a whole day without working! so we work that last 1.5 hours and call it a night. A crazy saturday, non stop action and traveling.

Sunday, a niece of a recent convert was baptized. Her name is Cindy Rosicela Espinoza. She's awesome. The recent convert will go on a mission around January/February of next year because he has to graduate first. A great support system that she naturally has.

Yesterday, we played soccer. i'm so thankful that i played soccer growing up so i'm not out there like a fool not knowing what's going on. I'm able to actually play with these Latinos and better than some of them. A lot here play a lot, but they don't ever work on technique, so it's really interesting and fun. But man, i am tired today. my legs are worn out and sore! i can't even imagine how i'll be when i'm back home and trying to get into the same fisical shape as before the mission. I enjoy playing soccer, for sure hitting up intramurals again after the mission.

Something that i've realized lately is that i have power over people. It's something that is quite interesting. Either a person has it or he doesn't, kinda difficult to develop. President Markham has it and some other leaders of the mission to do. But there are a lot of people that aren't go-getters or pro-active enough to have power of people. It's not an unrighteous dominion, it's righteous. But without having power over people, nobody really respects you. I've seen myself grow and become, little by little, the leader i need to become. I'm hoping y'all see the difference when i'm home.

Love y'all! be safe and have fun!

Elder Hunt

Email from March 2

It's official, less than two months til i'm home. isn't that strange? Time is just flying by here. There's always so much to do. I feel like that'll be a shock when i get home. i just won't be as occupied as i am now.

Who do i want in the airport? Whoever wants to go. If there's a crowd, that's fine with me. If it's just y'all 3, that's fine with me. If people want to go, let 'em go. all i know is that someone has to be there to take me to get released and then home.

It's reassuring to know that all is well with the family back home. At times, i just feel that nothing changes or happens there, but life does continue, huh?!

March has started. but where did february go? this month will be fun. Well, mainly the 17th and 18th. On the 17th, we have change meeting, my companion will be leaving and heading on home. On the 18th, we have a conference with Elder Andersen of the 12 Apostles. Those days will come and go and then it'll be April already. what?!

The work here continues to progress. There were baptisms on Sunday! yea! The three have really interesting stories in their journey to baptism. From reactivation of members to a pure miracle. Everything just seems to be falling into place and going right. I really am excited to find out what's left in store for me in these last 8 months.

What will i do after the mission? What Alma did in Alma 8:1. Switch 'Alma' for ''Elder Hunt'', Gedeòn for Guatemala, and Zarahemla for Georgia. What does it say at the end? ¡Hay que aplicar las escrituras a si mismo!

There are miracles every day. When we feel the Spirit, follow the impression, and something positive happens as a result, it is a miracle. I've seen this frequently in this past week. I wouldn't say that I've received more promptings from the Spirit, but i would say that i've become a lot more aware of them and am more apt to follow them. Los ùnicos impedimentos que hay entre nosotros y revelaciòn personal es nuestra dignidad y disposiciòn de seguirla. As we strive to keep the commandments and repent daily (especially with the Sacrament), we'll be worthy. But at times, we're stubborn or are lacking the broken heart and contrite spirit that are needed.

Keep on Keepin on. Make today better than yesterday and tomorrow better than today!

Love y'all!

Elder Hunt

Pictures

 Elder Ortega's birthday

Proud of their footie pajamas

Email from Feb 22

This past weekend was probably the hardest fast i've done. But, it's done so i'm stronger!

This week wasn't super memorable. Not many memorable experiences. My companion and I are always having fun, joking, and laughing so that makes time go by really fast. But as far as stories, there hasn't been anything.

We had a baptism this past weekend! So like 3 weeks ago, we had 4 missionaries in our branch. But two were taken away and i was left to work with my companion in the whole town. So, what we've really just focused on is baptizing the candidates that the other missionaries left behind. We've baptized 3 of them these past two weeks. This Sunday, was a 9 year old they were teaching with his mom. His name is Antonio Diaz. he's super chubby and super goofy, but he understands so much. Way more than i did when i was baptized! He attends church with his mom, but his mom can't get baptized because she's not married...typical Guatemalan problem.

I bought a orange soda the other day. It had the expiration date written on the cap. We happen to have the same expiration date: 30 April 2015. What?! My companion pointed it out to me, i didn't think of it. He thinks more about home than i do because he only has like 3 week left until he's home again.

Weather update: it's getting hotter and the sun's getting stronger!

I went grocery shopping and only spent 27 Qetzales for the week. I just bought two packs of crackers. I don't eat anything for dinner and lunch is provided by members. For breakfast, i just eat some oatmeal. I don't have desires to eat anything else... A well-balanced diet, i know.

Love ya!

Elder Hunt (the only one from the family!)

Email from Feb 16

It's been really intersting here with my new companion. He's really helped me realize how much i've changed. He does a lot of things that i used to do before i 'spiritually matured' here in the mission. but, we're working hard. i feel as though he's working like he never has before the mission. When i walk, he gets tired really fast and just runs behind me. i'm introducing to him a new level of diligence and hardwork..there's no time to waste.

We had baptisms on Saturday! Can i just say that I hate Saturday baptisms? We say 10:30 and start at like 11:15. so we were like hanging out for an hour just waiting for the baptismal candidates to come and get ready. But, it all went well! Odilia Ralon and Melvin Flores. They are really awesome. I feel like we've just made friends with Melvin and he started to come to church and decided to get baptized. It's a testimony of the importance of inviting investigators to activities..like a soccer game. We jus need to get him involved with YSA so he has friends when we leave.

Other than that it's crazy to think that Ben gets home this week....that means i come home soon. there's still so much to do and so much to learn before returning. But, i'll come home happy. In 10 weeks, i'll feel as though i've given it my all. Right now, i can't say that. It's not over yet.

I really don't know what to say. This week has been really calm. Just normal working days and normal people.

Oh yea, something that is really fun is to convince people that i'm from Spain. They totally believe it too! I love it. I love Guatemalans, super gullible. Everybody here in Tiquisate is going to talk about the missionary from Spain....even though he was really from Georgia.

well, i love y'all!!

--Elder Hunt

Pictures

Email from Feb 8

I can't even believe that ben comes home so soon. it's crazy to think that the mission one day will come to an end. but, i don't think about that too much. i'm so glad to be out of the office and be a zone leader in tiquisate. it's so far away from civilization and i'm so focused on building the kingdom of God and helping the other missionaries reach the measure of their creation. i've never been so focused. 

my new companion is elder ortega, from nicaragua. he's super awesome. he goes home in 6 weeks, so we're just focused on working really hard and leaving it all in the mission field. but, we're also having a lot of fun and making some good memories. even though he only has 6 weeks left, we seem to be really focused on what needs to be done. also, it means that i'll most likely stay in this area until i go home. i would not be against that at all. i love this place and the work is progressing so nicely. i've been here in this branch for 9 weeks. 8 of the 9 weekends have been occupied with baptisms! it's incredible.

this week was full of a lot of travels. it's a 3.5 hour bus ride to the capital. so, when we have a meeting, we get up at 3 and leave the house before 4 to get on the 4 o'clock bus to the capital. we get home from meetings and ready to work at like 6 in the afternoon. it's rough, but it's fun. we made this trek wednesday and thursday. but even amongst the travels, there were a lot of good times had.

we baptized a young man, 12 years old. His name is jefferson jose vades hernandez. he was completely a reference of a family with three young men that brought their friend to church and then presented us to him. we just taught him and baptized him without a struggle. the members are key to the success of missionaries. everybody has a part, especially the young men, the future missionaries. it was a good little testimony builder. pictures are in a different email.

Yesterday was an interesting p-day. we enjoyed our selves that day. for example, we found some good buys in a thrift shop. also, found a guy repping a UGA shirt. I love when people have georgia stuff on and they have no idea what's going on.

today, we had a zone training with the zone. so the whole zone got together and elder ortega and i were able to have a meeting. i was really impressioned by this one. last month's was way good too. we prepare a lot and let the Spirit do the rest. I like to think of these zone leaders as preparing talks and workshops for after the mission. i'll for sure be referring to them after the mission. today, we talked about being obedient because we love the Lord, not because we fear Him. We also talked about what we can do to become more devoted disciples of Christ and become is friends. That part was powerful. The Spirit was strong and testified of the truth. I feel like the zone is really called of God at this time to be in this zone. that's one thing the Spirit taught me today.

i love being here! i'm getting changed more and more everyday. it's incredible to be able to offer this time to the Lord and serve Him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.

Love y'all!

--Elder Hunt

Email from Feb 2

This week has been great.

On wednesday, we got to go to the temple as a zone. Since we live so far away, we had 4 other missionaries come sleep over on Tuesday night so we could leave early. We left here at 4 am to make it on time to the 10 o'clock session. That's how far from the temple we are! We got there at a good time, grabbed some Taco Bell, then entered the temple. I've talked President Markham many times about how going to the temple is to purify us...something we don't 'need' as missionaries. I wanted to go, didn't need to go. Many missionaries were saying that they needed to go, but that's fine..they just don't understand all the way. Running off of so few hours of sleep and getting out of a long car ride, it was a big struggle to stay awake. But, it's fine. After, we took some pictures and those are in another email. We started working in our area again at like 4:30 in the afternoon. A nice day of rest it seemed to be. 

On Sunday, we had a baptism! Her name is Ada Caal. She is super awesome and will be a super faithful member of the church. She's changed a lot, like stopped drinking alcohol and is now living the Law of Chastity. Her life is hard in a way that i can't even imagine. Her family is turned against her (not because of her decision to be baptized, for other things). But whenever a problem comes, she just starts to read the Book of Mormon and that's where her soul finds rest and peace. 

We played soccer on a full field the other day. It was fisically exhausting. Guatemalans do not have technique when they play, it was quite sad. But, it doesn't surprise me that their national team never progresses. Everybody wants to be the star and never picks their head up..but i won't talk about that. We ended the hour long match in a tie. So, we went to penalty kicks! For some odd reason, my team picked me to be the goalie. what?! I saved a handful, others missed the frame, and others went in. After the whole team from each side went, we were still tied up. So, they picked three from each team to take the kicks. I was chosen. made it! so, we won the game. it was super funny. Penalty kicks to decide the winner of a friendly soccer game with missionaries.

It's hot here and only getting hotter. February, March, and April are the hottest months here with no rain at all or clouds. It's going to be a straight up oven, but i'm going to love it. Yesterday, we found out about changes. I'm going to stay in my area and Elder Quispe is going to leave. I'm excited and nervious to find out who my next companion will be. There's always so much to learn from each companion.

Well, that's my week in a nutshell. I've oficially started my last two transfer cyles in the mission...nooo!!!

Luv y'all

--Elder Hunt

Email from Jan 25

Things are so good here. I love Tiquisate and will be really sad when it's my time to leave here whether it be in 7 or 13 weeks. Next week, we have transfers and my companion will most likely leave. That means i'll receive somebody new here with me as a Zone Leader. The new missionary has no idea what he's going to come in to: A heat that is almost unbearable. Everybody is always commenting on how i've gotten skinnier. Thanks? 

I did not fast before the mission and did not understand the commandment. I will never fail after the mission. I understand now, so i don't want to lose the opportunity every month to do so. Fasting is necessary. I won't be able to go without fasting. The mission has changed me, observing the law of the fast is one way. 

I didn't tell y'all last week. On the 18th of January, i was super sick. I don't know what hit me, but it got the best of me. I couldn't stand up without having to sit down quickly. I would get worn out sitting down. I was nauseous, head ache, with a fever, and without any strength. I went to church in the morning, sleeping the whole time on the back rows. In the afternoon, my companion went out and worked. I just went to a member's house and slept all afternoon. I miss Sunday afternoon naps. That hasn't changed about me. I am a firm believe of the energy regained by a simple nap. But don't worry. My strength is almost all the way back to me. I'm able to do good exercises in the morning and work all day. Since that one day of being thrown to the ground by the illness, i've worked. 

Also, there was a baptism on the 18th of January i didn't tell you about or send pictures. on the 25th of january, we didn't baptize. First Sunday this change. We baptized 6 weeks straight. But, we've got people for this week and the next. We won't give up until everyone in Tiquisate is a faithful member of the church!

I went on Divisions with the Assistants last Friday. I went to Boca del Monte (my area of 14 months) with Elder Hintze (we were in the office together). It was such a great day. Boca del Monte loves me. He gave me the opportunity to visit some of my converts and so we got a lot of food from them. People see me and give food. interesting, huh? They wanted to get me filled back up again before sending me to Tiquisate again. But that night, emergencies happened that i'll explain after maybe. Long story short, we went to sleep at 2:30am. I got permission from President to drive the car! yea!

Everything is great here. Just working day by day. Seeing miracle after miracle. I'm excited for what's to come and enjoying the journey to get there. 

Love y'all!

--Elder Hunt

Email from Jan 19

This week has been incredible. Where do i begin?

Dogs have it out for me, i'm 100% sure of it. So up til this email, i had been bitten two times by dogs. Now, i'm reporting the third time! Yes, you read that correctly. A dog has bitten me again. Can you believe that? This time, he went in with a little more vengeance. He wripped my pants right there on the ankle! So, there's a new hole in one of my pants. woo!

Cool Experience. Remembered how like a year ago, i received a new missionary and became his trainer? Well, yesterday, i worked with him again! It was incredible. He was not the same person that I trained. In all forms of the word, he was different. A lot more happy and confident. We really enjoyed the day because we chatted the whole time that we worked. Being able to see his progress over this past year made me reflect a lot. What changes have i made? What will my friends and family say has changed about me when 2 years have past? I hope they say good stuff. I've seen quite a few changes in me, i hope other people will see them too.

Interviews with President Markham! Usually, interviews last for like 15 minutes max. Mine went for 40 minutes. Why? He talked to me as though I was still his Executive Secretary. I loved it. The Spirit was really strong and he told me a lot of stuff i needed to hear. I asked a question that's been on my mind. What can i do in my last three months to really accelerate my Spiritual Progression? His answer, "Seek the Spirit, Fast, Pray, and Obey". So we chatted about that for a second. Starting February 1st, i will start a complete santification and purification process. What does that mean? Fasting every weekend for 3 months. Why? To offer myself as a sacrifice to Him. The mission is not a sacrifice. It's an offering to the Lord. A principle taught by Sister Markham. My last 3 months will be a 100% offering to the Lord. That way my first fast back home will be absolute thanksgiving for the time here in Guatemala. It's going to be a crazy three months, but it'll be worth it.

I feel like the week has been incredible, but i don't know what else to say. My mind is drawing a blank. Everything tends to me the same daily routine that wouldn't really interest y'all at all. For me, it's my normal life. For y'all, it's a life unknown. I haven't been taking pictures, because there's not time to stop and take out the camera. There are souls to bring to Christ!

Did somebody say i only have 99 days left? What?

I hope everything is well and everybody's happy. If you're not happy, you're not doing something right.

"Always Be Happy, Never Be Content."

-Elder Hunt

More pictures

 Carmen Rivas baptism

Mosquito nets around Santiago's bed

Email from Jan 12

Well, things are going incredibly well. It's hot. Not much more to say than that. Right now, i'd say it's almost unbearably hot, but the truth of the matter is that it's only going to get hotter for the months of February and March. I'll be here for those months. It's not really something to look forward to, but we'll see what happens.

There was another baptism this week! Carmen Rivas, 77 years old. She's got a crazy story. On the14th of December, an old man was baptized. These two were husband and wife. They had 3 kids together. Then, she turned a little bit crazy. So, Victor, the old man, started to just take care of her. So, he looked for a new wife and found her. This change happened like 40 years ago. But, all three of them live together. It's as though the Victor guy has two wives. It's great. But they all see Carmen Rivas as Victor's sister even though they have children together. It's a great story. But now, Victor is married to the other one, named Delfina, that was baptized on the 28th of december.

I've set a goal for this year: to stop biting my nails. I have talked to a lot of people to quit their addiction to smoking or coffee or alcohol or something, saying that it's possible. When i haven't been able to stop biting my nails my whole life. This year, i'll do it. This time, i have the determination needed to do it. Another one of my goals is to stay under 200 pounds. That trial will come after the mission, but i'll keep it up. Right now in my area, i'm gonna be losing weight.

Time has been going by so fast recently. It's weird to think that Ben only has like 1 month left, and i have like 3.5. It's animating to make me work harder and really appreciate what all happens while here in Guatemala. On Thursday, i complete 20 months in the mission. I never really though this day would come, but it has. So, 3.5 months to give it all i've got and really make the most of it. I'm excited.

When i first got to this area, nobody gave us food. Now, everybody is giving us their food. It's always the same, egg with beans and tortillas. They make you eat til your full then make you go out in the awful heat. Whenever i sit down, i am just nailed with a wave of sleepiness. But, this means that the people love us. It also shows that they didn't really love the missionaries before.

We have a baptism lined up for this Sunday, so that's incredible. We're really searching for the miracle to baptize on the 25th of this month. We need to baptize every weekend, because that's the goal that we've put. We've done it so far, but we don't really have anyone progressing for the 25th. But, we'll find the person that needs to do it. God won't let us down because we'll do all that we have to.

Really, this email has been random. But life is random. The mission is random. It's the best.

Love y'all!!

-Elder Hunt

Pictures

 His zone, Tiquisate

Santiago, his son and grandson (Elder Diaz and Elder Hummel)

Baptism of Julio Antonio Pozuelos Castillo

Email from Jan 6, 2015

Let's see what kind of stuff i can come up with this week.

This week has been incredible. Last Wednesday, we found the miracle that i just sent the baptismal picture of. There's a part of our area that is quite far, like an hour on bus. But, the bus only comes by every once in a while, so it could take up to like an hour and 20 minutes to get there. We went out on Wednesday. It was a process of about 2 hours. We got to a halfway point hitch hiking. We almost decided to start working in that area, but we didn't. We felt like we need to go to Ticanlu. So, we waited and we went. We quickly found out why. We found a guy named Julio. His mom and dad are members and his brothers and sisters are too. In this area, there was a branch that was closed 13 years ago, when he was 7. For the distance to the church, we was never baptized! Like two months ago, he went to church like 3 or 4 times. When we found him, he just straight up said that he wanted to be baptized now that he's 20. We taught him everything in 2 days and baptized him on Sunday, the 4th of January. It was incredible. He wants to be a missionary. He'll be a great leader in this future little branch out there. Miracles exist. But during all this teaching in these two days, we were accompanied by his 25 year old cousin. His cousin loved everything we taught and wants to get baptized on the 18th! His name is Otto. After much sacrifice (traveling) the miracles come. Suffer with patience.

When we hitch hiked out to Ticanlu, we got picked up in a car with a mom, her son, and the son's friends on the way to the beach. Ticanlu is like 10 minutes from the beach. They were crusing with the sun roof open listening to American music. I sure do remember those good ole days from before the mission. Less than four months, huh? wow, that's crazy.

Every once in a while, God lets me see how i'm changing and that i'm not the same person as before. I realized on Thursday, that i've become quick to forgive and forget. Elder Quispe and I got in a little argument because we didn't see eye to eye. I have learned in 20 months, not to get angry. (yes!) But he got upset, but i tried to come up with the solution. Instantly after the little scuffle, i had forgotten about it and forgave him for what had said, but he kinda held on to it. It's super interesting. I'm slow to anger now and quick to forgive and forget. That's going to be way helpful after the mission and in married life.

I'm eternally grateful for being sent here to Tiquiate as a Zone Leader. I've learned so much in this past month. I'm becoming the leader I need to be. The missionaries respect me, for that, they obey. They don't obey out of fear. I've really tried developing into a mix of President Brough and President Markham. And, little by little, i'm being it. Some tend to lead to one side or the other, since they're so different, but i'm focusing on the middle.

Today, we had Zone Training. It was incredible. The Spirit was super strong and the Zone is animated and focused on reaching the goals that we have. I would try to type what was said, but it wouldn't be possible. A lot of on the moment type of things that just happened to make it what it needed to be. Little by little, we're trying to instill in the missionaries a change of heart, mind, and focus. They need to reach a new level of Spirituality and Conversion. That's when we'll see more miracles. If you want to know what was talked about, remind me post-mission of the Zone Training on the 6th of January of 2015, i'll be happy to share. I sent a picture of the Zone and of me with the person i trained and the person he's training. My son and grandson.

Everything is good here, just working on becoming who i need to be. It's hot. I'm sweating. I'm getting tanner and skinnier. What else is there to say?

Love y'all!!

-Elder Hunt

Email from Dec 29

It's been a good week. I'm learning a lot about church leadership: the more leadership you receive, the more busy you become with a lot of things that nobody really knows about. As i've gone up in leadership on the mission, i've realized that the time is just occupied with a lot of little things. Also, the time is just flying by. I thought this 8 week transfer cycle would be really long, but these first few weeks have just flown by. I'm enjoying it a lot.

One thing i am enjoying a lot is divisions with other missionaries. This week, i went out with Elder Cox. He's a relatively new missionary and we get a long quite well. I see a lot of the young Elder Hunt in him. He's got great potential. To end the night, we bought some pupusas and just stuffed ourselves and ended with extras. We had a really good day and a lot of fun.

On Saturday, we had a baptism. The daughter of a returned, ex-communicated missionary (at least that's what we were told) She's 9. Her mom and brothers are faithful. We don't know the details, but the thing is, she was baptized. Dalia Alvanez.

On Sunday, we had 3 more baptisms. But, i'm not focusing on those too much this week

I spoke on Sunday. It was one of my better talks. I really enjoyed it and it came really smoothly. I don't use notes. I get a list of 3 or 4 scriptures and just follow the Spirit. It makes them come out a lot better and are received better by the members. Quite a few came up to me afterward and congratulated me for a really well given talk. That's always really nice.

The mission has changed me and is changing me. There's not too much to write this week since i just talked home.

Set goals for 2015 and make plans to reach them. Know that i love y'all!

-Elder Hunt