Email from June 28

I just love being a missionary. About 3 months ago, I would visit a family of 8 (during my time with Elder Ward). They were kind of progressing, but not rapidly enough. The dad drank and the kids weren't too interested even though a couple of them went to church a couple times. So, I decided to stop visiting them when Elder Clouse came here with me. The other day, the Spirit prompted me to go back and visit them. (listen to the promptings of the Spirit-He knows what's up). The next day we went and visited them. I knocked, they saw me (since I'm taller than their door) and they were so happy. They swung open the door and received us with a lot of excitement. They were telling us how much they had missed our visits. They shared the differences between the times when we would visit them and how it's been without us. The dad, when we would visit, would go 4 or 5 days without drinking. Now, he's been drinking almost every day or every other day. He wants to stop. Upon leaving something for them to read, the daughters said "This time, we actually will read it." Umm, miracle family of 8? I think so. It just testified to me that in the eyes of many, missionaries are angels sent from God. My testimony of that strengthens each day. I know we're not perfect- we're a bunch of 19-21 yr old guys!-but the people don't see us that way. If people open their hearts, they will be changed.

President Markham, the new mission president, is so different from President Brough. Honestly, with my personality and character, I meshed better with President Brough- more serious, straight forward, and at times bromista. President Markham is loud- not like me. It's interesting. I do miss President Brough a lot, he seemed to be more of a teacher and almost as a father figure. President Markham, to me, is more of an uncle type of figure. It's just different. There's some adjusting to do, but I'll be here for a while, so I need to get used to it, right? I'm always humbled by how President Brough would talk about me. He knew from the beginning what time of missionary I would be. He told it to my trainer before either one had met me. As Elder Clouse was coming into the office, President Brough told him about me in a way that almost intimidated Elder Clouse. Each day, it's hard, but I try to live to my potential. That's something I've really studied these past couple of weeks--our eternal potential and progression.

Wait, is this my journal or my weekly letter home? At times I get a little bit confused.

Anyway, President Markham, the assistants, and the secretaries were all in the office yesterday, Tuesday. We had a District Meeting-first one I've ever down with President there. I printed out the agenda and everything, it was fun. President Markham loved the meeting, so that was super fun. He ordered everybody pizza for lunch! Hooray! A crazy day in the office because there were so many people. But everybody was trying to clean the office because the Area President, President Duncan, is coming here on Thursday! yea! I love meeting General Authorities.

Things are all good here in Boca del Monte. Today, I took a Sister Missionary to the airport. She has finished her mission. It's sad to see missionaries that are going home, but it doesn't get me unfocused because I realize I still have  along way to go! The mission is so great. I can't believe I've been here in the office for 2.5 months already. It feels like it's gone by so fast. Just trying to soak in moments and write the good ones down!

Love y'all!

--Elder Hunt

Email from June 24

Well, can you say one of the most unforgettable birthdays ever? It started out like a normal Sunday. We got up, got ready, and went to church. Church starts at 8 (early, but it's fine). We had a few people in church, so that was super fun. For the third hour, we don't usually enter the class because they pack a bunch of men in a tiny classroom where there is not any AC, so it gets good and musty in there. While in the hallway, a lady (22 yrs old) walked in and asked the members for the missionaries. (Blessings come from being friends with members) The members walked past the other missionaries and looked for me. So, I went and talked to her. She is not a member. She lives in our ward boundaries, but works near the temple in the capital. She has been listening to the Sister missionaries at her work (in the limits of a different mission). Last week, she traveled all the way to the capital to attend church with the Sisters. This week, she decided to come and look for her own ward to attend on Sunday. So, she searched it out on the internet. The internet said there were services at 8 and at 10, she chose the option at 10. She showed up and quickly realized it was almost over. We were like, actually, there is another ward that meets together at 2 if you wanted. She was like yea, that would be fine! So we said we'd see her than and we split up. Then like 5 seconds later, she came back and was like ''Can we talk now?'' So, we went and talked to her. The most amazing thing is that she wants to be baptized on the 12th of July, she has picked the date, so we're fine with that! A year ago, she started to listen to the missionaries because her boyfriend was a member. But, she did everything for him, not for her, so she didn't feel anything or want to keep learning. She went to church a couple times but never got baptized. She was like, ''This time, I'm doing it for me. I feel something different.'' Then she told us of her amazing experience the day before, Saturday. As I said, she works close to the temple. Anyway, she took her Book of Mormon and went into the waiting room of the temple! She just sat there and read!! She was like, ''I know how I felt just in the waiting room, I can only imagine the feelings inside the temple.'' Um, can you say every missionary's dream? So, her name is Heidi. This little story doesn't do any justice, but when she was telling us the story, she wanted to cry, I wanted to cry, Elder Clouse wanted to cry. It was so powerful and we all felt the Spirit so strong.

After church, the party got started! I had been telling everybody for like 2 weeks in advance that it was going to be my birthday on the 22nd. They didn't forget. We went to lunch at the Stake President's house and we had cake after. Then I had to take someone to the President's House. Sister Brough made me cookies. (I absolutely love her. I will visit The Brough Family after the mission.) Then we got back and Elder Clouse and I split up. He went to go preach the gospel, and I went to celebrate my birthday :P I went with a member to visit recent converts. They had a cake and party waiting for me! So we taught them and ate some cake. Then I went to the baptism of the other missionaries of the ward. But, I was able to sneak the food from a Youth Activity/Fireside that was happening. Then, I went to a family's house where we had a 'Noche de Hogar'. Really, we got there at 8:52. They had prepared a full out dinner including cakes. We ate so fast just to be back home on time. I got home at 9:29. YES! By the end of the day, I was stuffed with cake and cookies and love of the ward. A great birthday. With miracles and food.

Monday was also a really great day. We came into the office and President was here too. He had interviews with each one of us from the office. It was really cool what we talked about. He said that I need to set goals all my life-what I've learned to do on the mission. But, they shouldn't all be reachable. Because some goals should only come by perfect faith which we never have. But we must set goals in all parts of life. Then, he talked to me about what most attacks strong return missionaries- The Law of Chastity. Get married quick is basically what he said. I asked him what he saw my potential being when he first got to know me. He said my potential was to be a leader. And here I am, a leader. He knew I would be doing what I'm doing right now. Executive Secretary during Mission President changes. That motivated me. He also told me to stop doubting. He says I need more faith and less doubts. Which is super true, but I'm working on it!

On Friday, I'll be with President Markham most of the day. I'll let y'all know how he is next week.

This is going to be a great week and July is going to be fantastic. Get ready for some good stuff to come.

Keep praying for me. Keep praying for the USA World Cup team...or is that just me. USA USA USA!!!

A video of Elder Santiago!

The previous mission president sent Elder Santiago's parents an email that included a video/photo collage of Santiago. The link to the video is at the bottom. Because this blog is also a "scrapbook" for Santiago, I included the letter.

Dear Parents,

We have enjoyed having your son in the mission office with us.  He has the ability to work hard, serve the Lord with all his heart, and still have fun.  During our goodbye conferences Elder Hunt was in charge of taking photos.  As we were reviewing the pictures we couldn't help but notice that most were of him.  So my daughter and I thought we would put together a video for you to share with him when he gets home.

We are very grateful to have known your son.  We love him.  He truly has become a man of God.  Thank you for raising such a great young man.

Love,

Hermana Brough and Ganzie​

VIDEO