First Picture in Chile

Dear Hunsaker Family,

We would like to thank you for supporting your son and for allowing him to serve in the Chile Viña del Mar Mission. We want you to know that he is doing very well and enjoyed the first week here. We are very blessed to have such a great young man and look forward to serving along with him. Upon arriving, he took a picture with President and Sister Gillespie in front of the famous flower clock here in Viña del Mar. Attached is picture which you may share with family and friends.

Elder Albrecht
Secretary
Viña del Mar Mission

MORP

A few weeks ago the doorbell rang and there was a cute snowman on our porch with a note saying..."There's "SNOW" other "MAN" I would like to go to MORP with then you." Mikarie Kelsey had asked Matt to go with her...It was darling!!


The theme for MORP was sports so their group all went as baseball players...the girls made up fun shirts with MORP and Northridge on the front and their last names and "10" (for 2010) on the back.


This is the other couple they drove with...Kaden and Conner


The whole big group (minus a few who didn't make it in time) before they went to dinner. It was so fun to see the group in all the different color shirts.

The "Call" and more MTC

On Monday...we finally got the "call". We were so excited to talk to Jordan and hear is voice...what I didn't expect was the emotion I would feel with it. I thought for sure he would say "Hey fam..." or something is Spanish but it was "Mooommm" you know like that little voice that calls out to you in the night. It totally melted my heart and made me cry. Of course the phone was instantly handed to Larry while I tried to control my emotions. (Let's go with that I was really trying to get the other phone on speaker so we could all hear...LOL) I heard him say, "oh brother mom..." which made me laugh. We then spent the next hour and a half talking to a very humble and grown up Jordan. He filled us in on life and the MTC and we did the same. It was so wonderful to hear his growth. We had the opportunity to hear from him again shortly after that when his plane had been delayed and then again when he had a layover in Dallas. THREE times we got to talk to him that day!!

On the last time he called a couple of his friends were here to talk to him. One asked him to tell us a cool story. He said that it actually had just happened. On his flight down to Dallas he was sitting by a 20 year old guy in the military. The guy asked Jordan what is was all dressed up for and Jordan explained he was going on his mission. Well, I guess the guy ended up asking questions the whole flight...Jordan said he didn't have to ask him any cause the guy kept asking. Right before Jordan left the MTC he bought a small Book of Mormon to take with him...well, he asked the guy if he would like it and the guy said yes!! He also gave him a referral card. How cool is that!!

The hardest part was saying goodbye. I once again ached at not seeing him for two years but couldn't be prouder of what he is doing and accomplishing. He survived the MTC, was a Zone leader, and great friend and example to all of us.

The next day I got in the mail another memory card filled with over 100 pictures!! What a good boy I have...ha ha ha!! LOVE IT!!!

Elder Hunsaker and the "Map"


His District showing where they are all going


I don't know whoever would have taught them that move for a picture...LOL


His district and their matching ties from their trainer


His Itinerary...how cool is that!!

6 more days....

6 more days till we get to hear a ring a ding ding and a..."Hello Family...it's Elder Hunsaker!!!" I can't wait and no I am not just a little excited I am ECSTATIC!!

2009 In Review

Even though 2009 has been one of the hardest years of our lives, it has also been one full of excitement and fun. A family vacation to Hawaii, Larry's trip to Alaska, graduation, football, basketball, a mission call to Chile and just everyday memories. It has been a year full of wonderful memories.

 

MTC

We got the very best Christmas present on Christmas Eve...a memory card with over 90 pictures of Elder Hunsaker at the MTC!! Just to share a few of our favorites...

Elder Hunsaker and Elder Kent...his companion from California


Elder Kent, Elder Hunsaker and Elder Hewlett (He loves Elder Hewlett...he is one of his roommates)


The "Name Badge"


Some days the MTC drives him up the wall...LOL


Elder Smith and Elder Hunsaker (these two grew up together)


I think this is his zone/district but not sure


Crutches....can you guess how....yep basketball!!

A Missionary Christmas Poem

This year for Christmas I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus,
my decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks--no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
I've reread November's Ensign, and my testimony stirred.
Our family prays more frequently.
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers gave their sons to war.
Or how the Pioneers chose Zion - their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton.
For two years we will pray for him.
I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.
I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard.
His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand.
This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,
I think I finally understand.
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns,
That all his packing is done.
My gift has taken years to make.
This year...I'm giving Christ my son.

Elder Hunsaker

The Family (the night he was set apart)

Grandma Lu and Elder Hunsaker

Saying Goodbye to Coco

A brothers farewell...(this one hurts my heart)

Brothers

A quiet walk

Elder Hunsaker at the MTC


Getting ready to go...


The final wave...





Farewell my son...may Heavenly Father bless you and keep you safe. I love you with all my heart.

A mothers thought...

What does a missionary mom do the week before her son leaves (besides stress out)...

1. Watches her son quietly sleeping early in the morning.
2. Melts when he puts his arm around her to tease her in the middle of the store.
3. Savors the quiet moments rubbing his back while we sit on my bed to watch a TV show.
4. Sheds a tear when he plays his silly ukulele from Hawaii...he only knows one song and I will so miss hearing it.
5. Take every hug he will give
6. Love when 6 friends are hanging out at our house laughing and teasing each other for the Jordan Hunsaker farewell weekend
7. Pray that I have thought him enough....
8. Pray that he can have the courage to fulfill a mission.
9. Remember not to look at baby pictures...that rips your heart out.
10. Soak in every minute, moment and memory that I have left with him before he goes to serve the Lord.

Congratulations Matt!!

Congrats to Matt for making the 2009-2010 Northridge JV basketball team!! Way to go Matt...we can't wait to see you hoop 'em up!!

I love to see the Temple

There is nothing better than being in the temple with your future missionary son....I highly recommend it!!

Happy 19th Birthday Jordan

Happy Birthday to my handsome 19 year old today!! I love you to infinity and beyond!!

Mis-sion-a-ry (noun)

Someone who leaves their family for two years so that others can be with their family for Eternity.



I have to keep reminding myself of this quote lately as my heart is just aching big time that Jordan will be leaving in less than a month. I truly will miss this boy with every fiber of my being...but he is doing it for other families and for the Lord so that is what is important.

Happy Birthday Coco!!

Today is our puppy's first birthday!! Ok so I am obnoxious putting pictures of her on the blog but she deserves a birthday wish too!!

Coco when we first got her. (She is actually 2 months old here)


Happy Birthday Coco-bean!! (I swear it looks like she is smiling)

Homecoming 2009

What a fun ending to Homecoming Week!! After a great football win against Roy on Friday (35 to 0) the gang all got together on Saturday for a fun day and night at the dance. Half of the group (Matt's group) went miniature golfing in the afternoon and then later in the evening they all gathered at Blake's house for pictures before dinner. There were 25 couples all together in their group but not all made it to the pictures before....good thing, I could barely get them all in the picture as it was. LOL. They ALL went to dinner at Ruby River and then to the dance....what fun High School memories!!

My handsome young man!!


Matt and Alyssa (We were soooo happy to find a shirt and tie that matched her dress perfectly!!)


The group


The couple close up...


The "Boys"


Matt and Brock...doing who knows what?


Carson, Blake and Matt