9/11 Remembered

(This has been a difficult post for me to write.  My brother Andrew was killed in the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001.  He was in the first airplane highjacked and exploded into the World Trade Towers.  I think of my dear brother Andrew and all the years that we have lost with him with great sadness.  Through the years, my faith has been my anchor and my comfort and has given me strength beyond my own to help me through the grief and pain.  I am so grateful that my son carries this same faith in his heart because I know it will sustain and strengthen him in his journey through life.)

September 11, 2013

My Dear Mother,

Today is the anniversary of Uncle Andrew's passing and I thought I would lift your spirits with a letter, although doubtless this letter will not reach you the same day.  Today we went to the Fort Worth Mission to meet with Elder Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  The meeting was good and I know that he stands as a special witness of Christ and his atonement.

I admire you and Grandma Pat for forgiving those who killed Uncle Andrew.  I imagine if I had to forgive someone for killing Brandon, it would be the hardest thing of my life.  I pray that never happens.  I give you my testimony that through the atonement and Heavenly Father's plan of salvation, we will be united and gathered as a family in the Celestial kingdom of God.  Although there is temporary separation in this life, Christ's victory over death in Gethsemane trumps all.  How great is his victory!  I thank God for the peace of mind and spirit given by that joyous news!  I love you Madre!

                                                 - Elder Hunt

Liquorice Allsorts

September 9, 2013

My loving family -

I just received your "Gold" package and am writing this letter while enjoying liquorice allsorts.

I am so thankful you think of my companions as well.  Please send them something as well as I in each of these fun boxes.  Brandon, thank you for the artwork.  I have it hanging on the wall above my bed at my feet so I can see it when I go to bed at night.  My dear family, you have been so good to me.

Good news!  I have found my scripture for my missionary plaque. It is 3 Nephi 27:16:

"And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world."  

There it is.  Christ's own words plainly telling the simplicity of returning to live with God.  (Each of the missionaries from our congregation has a wooden plaque that hangs next to the Bishop's office.  This plaque has their picture, their favorite missionary scripture, and a map of their mission.)  

I am doing well.  There is a young man who we are teaching.  He is very sincere and he is a great kid.  The work is going slow but sure and I love it!  I love y'all and hope you are all doing quite well.

                                                                  - Elder Hunt

Texas Toast

September 2, 2013

My mission is going well albeit slow.  I am in the richest area of all of my mission and all of Texas, too.  The area has its drawbacks and benefits because of this.  Most of our area is untractable as we get thrown out by security guards.  But, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.  We have an amazing ward which is very missionary minded.  They feed us often.  Oh, man, I have had some goood food here in Texas.  I know I'll gain weight down here.  Although it is hard to effectively contact/tract here the Lord still blesses us and guides us to the right people.

Texas is toasty!  (Graham has been biking around in 100 degree plus heat and humidity for most of August!) It is so Texas toasty that Elder Findlay and I have our apartment at 80 degrees fahrenheit and it feels cold.  At 90 degrees fahrenheit it feels cool and at 100 degrees it feels comfortably warm.

I love the mission, it is awesome!
- Elder Hunt