Letter received December 30, 2013

Family,

What up?!  How goes it?  Life is good!  It's been quite the week but life is still good.  Christmas was good!  Farararara ra ra ra raa!  Good ol' Asian buffets!  We got the car back yesterday.  Now we can go to far away places which is nice.  Connersville is an interesting area...(mission wise).  Lots of scary statistics in this town as well.   But it's good.  Hopefully since the holidays have passed the work will pick back up. Going to have to take charge and change some things to get it done though.  We'll see what happens at transfers.  Lately in studies I've been going through the District DVD's which has been good!  It's awesome because you learn something new or something different stands out every time you watch it.  You guys should get the District 1 & 2 DVD's and watch em.  They really help with learning about missionary work and you could use them in lessons as well.  Hope you had a great few days at Grandma and Grandpas!  Now you're going to be pretty busy for about a week..then things will be nice and calm :)  Until you start throwin the parties!  Meanies, partying without us :)  Don't get too crazy.  I'm almost 19!  :)  My last teen year!  Crazy stuff!  6 month mark on January 10th as well!  Let me know how the developing is going at BYUi.  I'm sure it's changed a lot in a year.  We'll see what an Indiana winter is like.  Dang humidity is just so biting!  Cole - make sure you have beanies and ear muffs...let me know if you ever have any questions about anything..I gotcha bro!  Well travel safe, say hi to everybody.  I love you all and Peace!  2014 here we come!  I love you!

Much love,

Elder Gunnoe

Christmas Card received from Elder Gunnoe

Gunnoe Family!
Meerrrrryyy Christmas!  What a wonderful time of year it is.  Music ringing through the air, folks dressed up like Eskimos, bright lights lighting up houses, hopefully a little snowfall.  It's just such a happy season!  Christ was born in Bethlehem and what a wonderful gift that was.  The Savior provided such a wonderful example for us and how lucky we are to be members of His true church in the latter days.  Ultimately the Gospel is the greatest gift we can share with others not only because of the blessings it brings but because like the Atonement the Gospel is a gift that doesn't expire, can't be over used and will last past this life.  It's a wonderful thing to be the Lord's servant here in the Ohio Cincinnati Mission.  I'm lucky to be able to have this once in a lifetime experience and to me that was an amazing irreplaceable gift you gave me.  Thank you so much for your love and support and for allowing me to serve a mission.  We may not physically be together but you're always in my heart and mind.  Have a wonderful Christmas and don't ever forget...You're the greatest family ever.  I love you!
With much love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe

Letter received December 6, 2013

Familia,
Well life is good!  Elder Jackson and I are ballin it up!  President didn't even know we were in the MTC together when he paired us up!  Elder Jackson just read today's Advent Calendar day.  That thing is so sweet!  Our cottage is all festive.  Finally got 2 investigators at church!  Teresa is a usual but it was Lisa's first time here in Elwood so that was awesome!  Gabbie is doing great at fellow shipping her and her family :)  We went through our Branch roster and 80 of the 120 households are less active :(  Gotta work on that.  We're going to help the Phillips (Branch Mission Leader) do all their decorating.  Then work in Frankton for the day and come back for correlation and to teach Lisa!  Her daughter is going to young women's again so we'll teach her during that.  Weather has been up and down lately so that's been alright.  It's going to be quite the month!  Lots of activities like the Christmas party and the Nativity.  I'm singing O' Little Town of Bethlehem in a trio on Christmas Sunday.  Me, the High Priest Group Leader (he's 41) and Brother McGibbon (he's 36).  It'll be sweet!  Not a whole lot to talk about.  Just gotta make up for the slow week last week due to the holiday.  We have a 1st Quorum of the 70 coming to meet with all the missionaries next week and it was a 70 who introduced or at least did training for the technology down in Florida so we'll see what comes of this meeting... :)  Crossing fingers!  Mom - thank you again for all the Christmas stuff!  We love it all and it brightens our day!  We'll be spending Christmas at the Abrams so we'll take our stockings over there when it gets closer.  It's going to be quite the Christmas there!  I love you and hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe