This is it!

Over the past 2 years I have had the greatest opportunity of my life. There have been plenty of times where I have been frustrated, sad. I can honestly say that those times are where I have grown the most. My mission has definitely taught me to have patience and to really depend on our Savior Jesus Christ and our father in heaven always. There are a few things I'll talk about and they each helped my mission so much.

The missionaries: I'll be the first one to admit when I got to the mission I was conviced I wouldn't gain lifelong friends. But I was quickly humbled so many of these fellow missionaries have become some of my best friends . I literally love so many of them. They have been awesome examples and yet while we were still having a party.

The people: The people in Illinois and Iowa are so nice and loving for the most part. I mean there is that part of illnois that they still want to chase you out off town haha but I guess that is what I get for knocking 20 minutes outside of Carthage. The members have been so awesome feeding us and getting to know us. The non members have been super kind so many of them have given us lemonade, water and substances with tea in them that we have to decline.  I have learned so much from all  of the people i have taught even if they did not get baptized.

What was missionary work like in Iowa and Illinois  Like (you might be wondering)? The beginning of my mission I knocked pretty much every day all day. Let me tell you it was hard work but i loved being out in that midwest heat sweating getting cussed out by all of these random people. Having old lady's with small dogs chasing you. Going on stake outs and watching the people you were supposed to have lessons leave 5 minutes before the lesson is supposed to start. Walking a ton. I was able to see 2 people enter the waters of baptism due to the act of knocking. So that is super awesome plus the countless seeds planted. I know I am super grateful when I reap a seed another missionary planted. The other part of my mission was working with part member families and helping members. 

Iowa and Illinois:  I love Iowa so much and yes even Illinois a little bit. I love that I was able to render service to the Lord on this sacred ground that my ancestors had to travel on to get to Utah. I am super grateful for Nauvoo. It is one of the most powerful places on this earth. It is so sacred and so many sacrifices and heartache was put into this city. I am also grateful for Carthage Jail. It is also one of the most important places. I loved going in Carthage jail and looking at the different perspectives of what all of these great men were thinking. It was super powerful just thinking about how my great great great great great grandfather John Taylor had to go through .

My testimony: I would like to testify to y'all that heavenly father is so aware of everything going on in our life. Alot of it is hard but I am so grateful to know everything is temporary. I know that Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins and shortcomings and he does live again and can help us get through every single trial that we have in our life. I know that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration.  I know that the Book Of Mormon, Old and New Testaments ,Doctrine and Covenants and the pearl of great price are all true words of God. I know President Nelson is the prophet that God has called in this modern day .

 

 also for those of you that follow my weeklys super tender mercy my name tag was found in a snow bank.  Its scuffed up a little bit but the story is super dope. God does answer prayers and comforts us.

See some of you later this week!

Love y'all 

Elder Hunsaker