Elder G
Monday, December 29, 2014
Email received December 29, 2014
Wow what an amazing Christmas week that was! Despite it being the Christmas season and everyone being busy with family and errands we were still able to get around to see quite a few people! We saw a couple of our investigators before Christmas and then on Christmas eve and Christmas day we saw some members and we were fed some amazing food and had a wonderful time getting to know some more of the members :) Wednesday we still had District meeting which went really well :) I decided to lighten the mood by starting off the meeting watching the District meeting movie that the mission put together with the Shoulder Devil video in it.. so funny :) Shoulder Devil loves his Snowflake ;) (inside joke) But then in the rest of district meeting we talked a lot about companionship unity and the important role it plays in the work. It went really well :) Christmas eve we had dinner with Sister McFarren and a lot of her family and it was awesome getting to know a lot of them and talking about the gospel and the way it has impacted our lives and sharing with each other what "gift" we will give to the Savior in this coming year as a birthday gift (awesome tradition I'm going to keep going in our family) :) It was awesome this week to be able to move upstairs into the new apartment! It's a much better fit for us and it's a good change :) Our investigators were awesome this week! A couple of them committed themselves to come to church.. One was last minute mandated to work this Sunday and he told his work he would grin and bear it this week but if they mandated another Sunday he said he's going to church.. he's putting God first in his life which is amazing to see :) Something that we talked about on Sunday in Priesthood was Elder Scott's talk from conference and we focused on the 4 things that he says will improve the quality of our lives and that is 1: Prayer 2: Reading 3: Family Home Evening and 4: Temple Attendance. I have seen all of these make a true difference in the lives of those we work with. Something I emphasized was the importance of the Book of Mormon in someone's conversion. If someone is rooted in the Book of Mormon than they will have a sure foundation to go off of and they will have the Spirit it brings constantly in their life. Temple attendance is very important as well and I can't wait to regularly attend the temple when I get home. I have seen the difference in my life when I am not able to attend the temple for a period of time. I know of the power that rests in the House of the Lord and I can't wait to draw off of it constantly for the rest of my life. I can't believe it's 2015 already!! Time is flying by so quickly and I only have a short 6 months left. I'm so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord in this Mission and I look forward to what He has in store for me after I finish serving Him full time. I Love you!!! Have a wonderful week!! #Redsweatersarethebest #Lifeisgood #Peace :)
Elder G
Elder G
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Letter received December 5, 2014
Wow, what a transfer it has been...Time is just sailing on by! We have been so busy and running around so much. Last week we had leadership council, then p-day, then zone meeting, then weekly planning, then zone weekly planning and a baptism, then Saturday, then church...It's been crazy but it's so much fun! I love being a part of the Lord's work. Stuart and Jennifer got baptized which was an awesome day. We are now in December and the last week of the transfer which is scary. Christmas is on its way. I'm hoping to stay here for Christmas. I love this Ward :) Winter weather keeps coming and going. Some cold days, some rainy, some warm, not too many sunny days. The "He is the Gift" video is amazing! We've been sharing that so much and helping others Discover, Embrace and Share the gift. #sharegoodness #HeistheGift I bet that video would be a wonderful video to use back home this Christmas season *wink wink* - use it! I hope all is well. I love you! #lifeisgood #super
Elder CLG
Elder CLG
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Letter received November 7, 2014
Parents!
Wow! What a transfer! I'm in the Hebron Kentucky ward serving in Burlington Kentucky with the zone leaders Elder Glissmeyer and Elder Tavake. This is so awesome! It's fun being in a trio. We are going to be able to accomplish a lot of great things with this set up. All it takes is one other priesthood holder and we can split up and teach the many wonderful people here in Burlington all at once. Plus being with the zone leaders means we'll be super busy in general. We'll be attending leadership council (all the zone leaders, Sisters training leaders and the Mission Presidency) this week. It will be amazing to be a part of. I'm going to miss Connersville a ton...It's quite a bit different here. One cool thing though is I just left MY town of CONNERsville. On our way into Hebron we drove past CONNER High School, Middle School AND Elementary School off of CONNER Road! :) I'm popular! So leadership council on Friday was amazing and revelatory. We spent all day at the mission home learning from President and Sister Porter and the Assistants. The focus was on being a consecrated missionary. So we talked a lot about giving up our will to submit to the Lord's. Lots of revelation was received and the Spirit was felt. I've really learned to listen to the Spirit when it comes to what the Lord wants for me. So far this area is amazing! I love the people and I'm looking forward to the next five weeks. I hope all is well at home. I love you so much!
Much Love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe
Wow! What a transfer! I'm in the Hebron Kentucky ward serving in Burlington Kentucky with the zone leaders Elder Glissmeyer and Elder Tavake. This is so awesome! It's fun being in a trio. We are going to be able to accomplish a lot of great things with this set up. All it takes is one other priesthood holder and we can split up and teach the many wonderful people here in Burlington all at once. Plus being with the zone leaders means we'll be super busy in general. We'll be attending leadership council (all the zone leaders, Sisters training leaders and the Mission Presidency) this week. It will be amazing to be a part of. I'm going to miss Connersville a ton...It's quite a bit different here. One cool thing though is I just left MY town of CONNERsville. On our way into Hebron we drove past CONNER High School, Middle School AND Elementary School off of CONNER Road! :) I'm popular! So leadership council on Friday was amazing and revelatory. We spent all day at the mission home learning from President and Sister Porter and the Assistants. The focus was on being a consecrated missionary. So we talked a lot about giving up our will to submit to the Lord's. Lots of revelation was received and the Spirit was felt. I've really learned to listen to the Spirit when it comes to what the Lord wants for me. So far this area is amazing! I love the people and I'm looking forward to the next five weeks. I hope all is well at home. I love you so much!
Much Love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Letter received September 26, 2014
Familia!
New transfer, new companion, same wonderful area! :) I am excited to be here in C-Ville for another 6 weeks. My companion, as you read in my email, is Elder Jerman from Mesa, Arizona. This is his 3rd transfer so he just got done training. He's a great missionary and fun to be with. We've been working hard around here lately with 20+ lessons a week and lots of great service. This last weekend we were able to bale hay out at the Risch's which was super fun. We rode our bikes out to their house which is a 10 mile ride through the hilly countryside and we made it in 52 minutes. Great ride :) The Krammes family has been doing good lately! We were able to show Sister Krammes how to use familysearch.org so she can start doing her genealogy for temple work. Brooke Krammes, the youngest daughter, made the best decision ever...she chose Alto Sax for band. I was so excited when I found out. I've been able to teach her a couple of times as she starts to learn it. She also let me play it and it took me a little bit but I played the Alma Mater from memory :) Felt so great. I missed the sax! The weather is really starting to cool down now which is awesome because I get to break out my sweaters. I love sweaters. Looks like it could be another intense winter. Elder Jerman and I went fishing on p-day. Didn't have too much luck but it was a good time. That'll be our p-day activity. So I was studying in the book of Enos today. I love the example Enos sets and his story in general. Enos was granted a remission of his sins because of his faith in Christ. Because of that same faith the Lord promised to grant Enos his desires. That is the faith that I am striving to strengthen. I know that the Lord has a plan for me and that He will provide but I also know that it's by faith that I need to live so that I may see that glorious plan come to pass. I love the song "Be Still My Soul." It speaks to me...as a lot of music does. Well I'm going to get this in the mail. I love you! Hope all is well! :)
Much love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe
New transfer, new companion, same wonderful area! :) I am excited to be here in C-Ville for another 6 weeks. My companion, as you read in my email, is Elder Jerman from Mesa, Arizona. This is his 3rd transfer so he just got done training. He's a great missionary and fun to be with. We've been working hard around here lately with 20+ lessons a week and lots of great service. This last weekend we were able to bale hay out at the Risch's which was super fun. We rode our bikes out to their house which is a 10 mile ride through the hilly countryside and we made it in 52 minutes. Great ride :) The Krammes family has been doing good lately! We were able to show Sister Krammes how to use familysearch.org so she can start doing her genealogy for temple work. Brooke Krammes, the youngest daughter, made the best decision ever...she chose Alto Sax for band. I was so excited when I found out. I've been able to teach her a couple of times as she starts to learn it. She also let me play it and it took me a little bit but I played the Alma Mater from memory :) Felt so great. I missed the sax! The weather is really starting to cool down now which is awesome because I get to break out my sweaters. I love sweaters. Looks like it could be another intense winter. Elder Jerman and I went fishing on p-day. Didn't have too much luck but it was a good time. That'll be our p-day activity. So I was studying in the book of Enos today. I love the example Enos sets and his story in general. Enos was granted a remission of his sins because of his faith in Christ. Because of that same faith the Lord promised to grant Enos his desires. That is the faith that I am striving to strengthen. I know that the Lord has a plan for me and that He will provide but I also know that it's by faith that I need to live so that I may see that glorious plan come to pass. I love the song "Be Still My Soul." It speaks to me...as a lot of music does. Well I'm going to get this in the mail. I love you! Hope all is well! :)
Much love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe
Monday, September 22, 2014
From our email on September 22, 2014
What a week it has been around here! Obviously transfers were this last week and I again stayed in Connersville which I am pleasantly surprised about :) Looking forward to another 6 weeks in the promise land of C-Ville. Still District Leader and my new companion is Elder Jake Jerman from Mesa Arizona! He is only 4 months out so he just got done being trained by Elder Bradshaw (the one i was in the MTC with :D) He's a great missionary and has tons of potential that I hope to help him realize. We had another busy week as we taught 23 lessons and did some great service around the area :) Got to bale hay out at the Risch's on saturday which was super fun :) The weather has really been cooling off around here which is nice.. oh and we actually rode our bikes to the Risch's which is a 10 mile ride and we made it in 52 minutes :) Good times!! Today as you saw on the pics we went fishing which was fun :) Next monday we're going to a member's property out in Liberty because he has a pretty large pond that apparently has some decent fish in it so we'll see how that goes... Other than that not too much crazy goin on.. Life is extremely good and we are continuing to work hard and labor in this part of the Lord's vineyard! Almost 15 months down!! scary stuff honestly.. time is flying which is a good and bad thing but it is what it is... I love you and hope you have a wonderful week!!! :)
Monday, September 8, 2014
Email from September 8, 2014
Well it was a long but great week!! Monday of course we had the chalk draw and of course P-day on tuesday.. Wednesday i was able to go on exchanges with Elder McFarland here in Connersville! It was a great day as we went around and visited people and worked out things for this past weekend. Thursday we had a revelatory Zone Meeting up in Anderson at the end of which we had a very powerful testimony meeting as we each bore testimony about how the Savior has changed us. Friday we had some preparations to do for saturday in addition to our normal teaching schedule... then finally Saturday came... we left at 12 noon to head for the Columbus Ohio Temple!! We were able to go through a session in the afternoon immediately after which we started a baptistry session with 7 of the recent converts!! All in all we had a total of 17 members of the Connersville Ward attend that evening. It was an amazing experience had by all followed by an awesome dinner at cracker barrel! Good times with wonderful people! Sunday was a great day with testimony meeting and some great teaching in the afternoon and evening. Sorry i'm on late today we are down in Cinci with the amazing Elder Bradshaw (the one that came out with me :D) and his companion Elder Jerman (pronounced German).. we are spending the day with them and the assistants because Brother Wright (the member who is going with us to the Reds game tonight) works in Cinci so he dropped us off with the elders this morning and will meet back up with us later! It's going to be an awesome evening of baseball!!! :D i'm so excited :) I hope everything is going well back home!! I love you so much!! Have a wonderful week!! :)
Monday, August 11, 2014
Message from a sweet Sister in Elder Gunnoe's ward in Connersville...
You should know how very busy Elder Gunnoe and Elder Grubbe are in hastening the work here. Even though this was their prep day they were doing service for a family and gave up a lot of their time to get it done. Then I spent from 6:30 to 9pm with them as they taught and we planned for tomorrow. They have three appointments set up for tomorrow plus some new implementations of goals they are working on. They literally are busy working very hard for the Connersville people. Don't be too disappointed when hand written letters lose their frequency, that just means they are so very busy doing the work! That is something I did learn about my son while on his mission, if he had time to write me long letters each week and an email on P-day then maybe he had too much time on his hands and when the letters lessened he explained that he had learned to work harder and that of course took lots of time. So please learn from my experience, if the letters become less frequent then that is a GREAT thing...not that he loves you less but is learning to love the Lord more!! :)
Letter received August 7, 2014
Parentals!
Whoa! Those 5 weeks flew by! Week 6 of the transfer is already here. And in that 5 weeks...we were greatly blessed to see the entire Krammes family AND Hailey and Allysa be baptized and confirmed! God's grace has definitely attended us here in Connersville. We have seen so many blessing and so much opposition it's crazy. I love the Krammes family so much...seeing the great changes they've made in their lives is life changing for me. It's a great testimony builder for me seeing such great faith exercised and witnessing the blessings that come from it. I've really learned a lot with this whole experience of being with the Krammes' from the start. The Spirit has been present in all of our lives throughout it all!
Well as you know I am staying in Connersville for another 6 weeks. When I found out I was staying and also found out I was District Leader I received a massive surge of motivation and determination to do whatever it is that the Lord has for me to accomplish here. We are going to work very hard and start helping the ward see our motivation and work with them to bring about the Lord's purposes. This is the hastening and we need as many people on board as possible. I'm excited for another transfer here in the Promised Land of Connersville! I love this ward, I love the people we are working with, I love my companion and fellow missionaries. I love life :) And I love my momma and daddy and brother :) I hope you're enjoying time with family. Give everyone a hug for me. I love you!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Whoa! Those 5 weeks flew by! Week 6 of the transfer is already here. And in that 5 weeks...we were greatly blessed to see the entire Krammes family AND Hailey and Allysa be baptized and confirmed! God's grace has definitely attended us here in Connersville. We have seen so many blessing and so much opposition it's crazy. I love the Krammes family so much...seeing the great changes they've made in their lives is life changing for me. It's a great testimony builder for me seeing such great faith exercised and witnessing the blessings that come from it. I've really learned a lot with this whole experience of being with the Krammes' from the start. The Spirit has been present in all of our lives throughout it all!
Well as you know I am staying in Connersville for another 6 weeks. When I found out I was staying and also found out I was District Leader I received a massive surge of motivation and determination to do whatever it is that the Lord has for me to accomplish here. We are going to work very hard and start helping the ward see our motivation and work with them to bring about the Lord's purposes. This is the hastening and we need as many people on board as possible. I'm excited for another transfer here in the Promised Land of Connersville! I love this ward, I love the people we are working with, I love my companion and fellow missionaries. I love life :) And I love my momma and daddy and brother :) I hope you're enjoying time with family. Give everyone a hug for me. I love you!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Letter received July 11, 2014
Parentals,
Wassup! Long time no talk...my bad :( It has been an amazing couple of weeks here in the promised land of Connersville. So obviously I am staying for this transfer and I am very grateful for that opportunity because so many miracles have been happening. We keep exceeding our expectations of what's going to happen. 2 weekends ago we were able to baptize 3 amazing girls - Brooke, Hailey and Allysa! It was a very spiritual experience. Then this past weekend we baptized Jeremy Sr. and his youngest son Landon which was amazing as well. Now this weekend we will be baptizing the 2 oldest kids - Jeremy Jr. and Kenzie :) It's definitely an exciting time! I am so grateful for this chance I have to be a part of the Lord's work at this time and in this area. This ward is so awesome! I love them all so much :) We have interviews this week which I'm looking forward to - to see President again :) We've been able to do more service with the Risch family lately which has been awesome. It's just great being with their family :) I can't believe I'm a year out. Only 365 short days left. Time is flying. Elder Grubbe and I are doing great :) Thank you so much for the packages - 4th of July and 1 year :) You da bomb! :) We've been getting quite a bit of rain here. The crops are shooting up :) I'll include some programs of the baptisms for you guys and our awesome BBQ flyer :) I hope all is well back home. Say "Hi" to everyone for me. I love you so much! Have a wonderful week.
Much love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe
Wassup! Long time no talk...my bad :( It has been an amazing couple of weeks here in the promised land of Connersville. So obviously I am staying for this transfer and I am very grateful for that opportunity because so many miracles have been happening. We keep exceeding our expectations of what's going to happen. 2 weekends ago we were able to baptize 3 amazing girls - Brooke, Hailey and Allysa! It was a very spiritual experience. Then this past weekend we baptized Jeremy Sr. and his youngest son Landon which was amazing as well. Now this weekend we will be baptizing the 2 oldest kids - Jeremy Jr. and Kenzie :) It's definitely an exciting time! I am so grateful for this chance I have to be a part of the Lord's work at this time and in this area. This ward is so awesome! I love them all so much :) We have interviews this week which I'm looking forward to - to see President again :) We've been able to do more service with the Risch family lately which has been awesome. It's just great being with their family :) I can't believe I'm a year out. Only 365 short days left. Time is flying. Elder Grubbe and I are doing great :) Thank you so much for the packages - 4th of July and 1 year :) You da bomb! :) We've been getting quite a bit of rain here. The crops are shooting up :) I'll include some programs of the baptisms for you guys and our awesome BBQ flyer :) I hope all is well back home. Say "Hi" to everyone for me. I love you so much! Have a wonderful week.
Much love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe
Monday, July 7, 2014
From email dated July 7, 2014
Momdre!! what an amazing week it has been here in the promise land of Connersville! :) 2 of Heavenly Father's sons were brought into the waters of baptism! And as you know we hosted an awesome BBQ today for our investigators and the member's :) it was a really fun time :) i have been doing very well lately! It has just been a wonderful life here lately but very very very busy. we are constantly running all over creation doing this and doing that. It's crazy how much work we've been doing.. we couldn't do it without Him though :) That's definitely something that i've learned is always recognizing God's hand in our work helps it to be constantly there. Always having an attitude of gratitude and knowing where the credit needs to go. it's been amazing to watch things unfold and all of the pieces come together in the lives of those we're working with! We've been able to have some amazing experiences lately as we have been focusing on a couple of families. I cannot believe that i am about to be a year out! only 368 days left!! :( that's scary!! time is flying crazy and i know when the holiday season rolls around again it will fly even faster! i am looking forward to it though because it will be amazing experience as it has been thus far :) I love you so much! i'll work on the letter!! Have a great week!! hug yourself for me :) Love you!!
Elder G
Elder G
Monday, June 23, 2014
Letter received June 19, 2014
Dearest Family,
What a wonderful and crazy week it has been. I don't even know where to start. It has been hot lately. Sticky summer here we come :) The crops are finally starting to come in so literally everything is green now. We've been driving around quite a bit in the past week with the service we did and the different meetings we have. This last preparation day was awesome because it was the Muncie North Zone (Lamanites) vs the Muncie South Zone (us the Nephites) in a huge Nerf war! So much fun! Just being around all the other missionaries made it a great time :) I loved this months Ensign! It has some great articles in it talking about the Priesthood and recognizing revelation. I like the attached quotes from this years Teachings of the Presidents. Well we will be doing a lot of teaching this week including preparation for the baptism of 2 granddaughters of a member! Exciting stuff! I love you! More next time.
Much love and appreciation,
Elder Gunnoe
Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Joseph Fielding Smith:
"We are spirit children of our Eternal Father, who ordained a plan of salvation whereby we might come to earth and progress and advance and become like Him; that is, He provided a gospel plan which would enable us to have eternal family units of our own and to enjoy eternal life."
"We are ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our commission is to represent Him. We are directed to preach His gospel, to perform the ordinances of salvation, to bless mankind, to heal the sick and perhaps perform miracles, to do what He would do if He were personally present - and all this because we hold the Holy Priesthood. As the Lord's agents we are bound by His law to do what He wants us to do regardless of personal feelings or worldly enticements. Of ourselves we have no message of salvation, no doctrine that must be accepted, no power to baptize or ordain or marry for eternity. All these things come from the Lord, and anything we do with reference to them is the result of delegated authority."
What a wonderful and crazy week it has been. I don't even know where to start. It has been hot lately. Sticky summer here we come :) The crops are finally starting to come in so literally everything is green now. We've been driving around quite a bit in the past week with the service we did and the different meetings we have. This last preparation day was awesome because it was the Muncie North Zone (Lamanites) vs the Muncie South Zone (us the Nephites) in a huge Nerf war! So much fun! Just being around all the other missionaries made it a great time :) I loved this months Ensign! It has some great articles in it talking about the Priesthood and recognizing revelation. I like the attached quotes from this years Teachings of the Presidents. Well we will be doing a lot of teaching this week including preparation for the baptism of 2 granddaughters of a member! Exciting stuff! I love you! More next time.
Much love and appreciation,
Elder Gunnoe
Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Joseph Fielding Smith:
"We are spirit children of our Eternal Father, who ordained a plan of salvation whereby we might come to earth and progress and advance and become like Him; that is, He provided a gospel plan which would enable us to have eternal family units of our own and to enjoy eternal life."
"We are ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our commission is to represent Him. We are directed to preach His gospel, to perform the ordinances of salvation, to bless mankind, to heal the sick and perhaps perform miracles, to do what He would do if He were personally present - and all this because we hold the Holy Priesthood. As the Lord's agents we are bound by His law to do what He wants us to do regardless of personal feelings or worldly enticements. Of ourselves we have no message of salvation, no doctrine that must be accepted, no power to baptize or ordain or marry for eternity. All these things come from the Lord, and anything we do with reference to them is the result of delegated authority."
Elder Gunnoe and Elder Grubbe helping tear down a barn
Elder Gunnoe and Elder Grubbe were able to help with this event - must have been fun!!
Nerf war (Nephites vs Lamanites) - quite the contraption
Elder Gunnoe and Elder Grubbe out working hard :)
Monday, June 9, 2014
Letter received June 9, 2014
Familia!
What up?! It has been a crazy couple of weeks with Memorial Day and Zone Conference and just life. Memorial Day was great. We spent it at Bishop's house with all of the Maddox family and all of the Jordan family. So much fun with great food, some football and some intense games of Corn Hole (bean bag toss). Then after that we went to Sister Anders house for another cookout with the Tuma's. Nerf/water war was interesting...Then that evening we went and saw one of our investigators. We were supposed to have a ride home from his house but for some odd reason the member wasn't answering their phone. So we decided to just start walking even though it was about 9. As we got closer to one of the main roads I saw 3 people, 2 with strollers, walking perpendicular to us and felt prompted to talk to them. So we turned to walk toward them and said the usual "hey how you doing" and started to walk past them but couldn't ignore it so I turned around and struck up a conversation with them. Turns out they wouldn't mind meeting with us. So we found 3 new investigators! Then and only then did our member call us to give us a ride :) Had to do what the Lord wanted first! Then Saturday we taught the Book of Mormon lesson to the parents of the family that we're teaching. By Sunday night the mom was on 1 Nephi 7 then Monday the whole family was reading and all the kids wanted their own copies of the Book of Mormon. Now they're on 1 Nephi 11. Their 8 year old is such a great reader it's amazing. Apparently today is supposed to be quite the severe weather. I'm sitting here listening to the rain and intense lightening and thunder. Could be a crazy day. I can't believe Elder Gunnoe is going to Brazil. That's crazy! He'll do great :) Well, I better get this in the mail. I love you so much!!
Much love,
Elder G
What up?! It has been a crazy couple of weeks with Memorial Day and Zone Conference and just life. Memorial Day was great. We spent it at Bishop's house with all of the Maddox family and all of the Jordan family. So much fun with great food, some football and some intense games of Corn Hole (bean bag toss). Then after that we went to Sister Anders house for another cookout with the Tuma's. Nerf/water war was interesting...Then that evening we went and saw one of our investigators. We were supposed to have a ride home from his house but for some odd reason the member wasn't answering their phone. So we decided to just start walking even though it was about 9. As we got closer to one of the main roads I saw 3 people, 2 with strollers, walking perpendicular to us and felt prompted to talk to them. So we turned to walk toward them and said the usual "hey how you doing" and started to walk past them but couldn't ignore it so I turned around and struck up a conversation with them. Turns out they wouldn't mind meeting with us. So we found 3 new investigators! Then and only then did our member call us to give us a ride :) Had to do what the Lord wanted first! Then Saturday we taught the Book of Mormon lesson to the parents of the family that we're teaching. By Sunday night the mom was on 1 Nephi 7 then Monday the whole family was reading and all the kids wanted their own copies of the Book of Mormon. Now they're on 1 Nephi 11. Their 8 year old is such a great reader it's amazing. Apparently today is supposed to be quite the severe weather. I'm sitting here listening to the rain and intense lightening and thunder. Could be a crazy day. I can't believe Elder Gunnoe is going to Brazil. That's crazy! He'll do great :) Well, I better get this in the mail. I love you so much!!
Much love,
Elder G
Friday, May 23, 2014
Letter received May 23, 2014
Parentals!
Well here we go with transfer #8! My new companion is the awesome Elder Grubbe (pronounced Grub). He's from the Portland area of the great state of Oregon. He's been out for a year and a half and is a great missionary! Going to be an awesome transfer! Life has been good here in C-Ville. Lots of crazy thunderstorms lately. Lots of rain and wind. We had a tree blow over at the church. Luckily not on the church. We've been running around seeing a lot of the members getting Elder Grubbe introduced. Also, I started reading through the Book of Mormon for this transfer. It'll be great! It was a great first week. Lots of running around as I said before and with our investigators it paid off because we had 5 investigators at church. So awesome! Hopefully more next week :) Elder Grubbe is a great guy. We're working really well together which is good. Oh ya, forgot to mention we pitched the old 2010 Corolla that was 10,000 miles overdue for being sold and got a sweet 2014 Chevy Cruse. Great car. Nice and clean. Drives well :) So one thing I wanted to mention since I'm starting the Book of Mormon is how we should approach reading the word of God. We can't just read it and we can't just study it. Reading is just going through the text. Studying is reading with a question in mind. What we should really be doing is having what is called a revelatory experience. A revelatory experience is having a two way communication with God as we read so that we can better understand what He wants us to get out of reading. There are 2 questions we should ask after each page read in the Book of Mormon. Does this bring me closer to God and could any man alone have written this book without divine help? When we come to know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it is the word of God it does three things. The Book of Mormon confirms to us that Jesus is the Christ, that the Bible is the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. It's wonderful! There is a great passage that can help with this in Alma 32:26-33 which says - "26: Now, as I said concerning faith - that is was not a perfect knowledge - even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge. 27: But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words. 28: Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves - It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. 29: Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge. 30: But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow. 31: And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness. 32: Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away. 33: And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good." This is all we do as missionaries. We invite people to experiment with what we teach and share with them. Anyone who reads this should do the same. In order to receive an answer though we need to be willing to act on it and allow that tree to grow and be willing to make whatever changes are necessary to apply this to our lives. Well I'm going to get this in the mail. If anyone has any questions or would like to chat - email me at conner.gunnoe@myldsmail.net. I love you! Happy Bird Day mom!
Mucho Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Well here we go with transfer #8! My new companion is the awesome Elder Grubbe (pronounced Grub). He's from the Portland area of the great state of Oregon. He's been out for a year and a half and is a great missionary! Going to be an awesome transfer! Life has been good here in C-Ville. Lots of crazy thunderstorms lately. Lots of rain and wind. We had a tree blow over at the church. Luckily not on the church. We've been running around seeing a lot of the members getting Elder Grubbe introduced. Also, I started reading through the Book of Mormon for this transfer. It'll be great! It was a great first week. Lots of running around as I said before and with our investigators it paid off because we had 5 investigators at church. So awesome! Hopefully more next week :) Elder Grubbe is a great guy. We're working really well together which is good. Oh ya, forgot to mention we pitched the old 2010 Corolla that was 10,000 miles overdue for being sold and got a sweet 2014 Chevy Cruse. Great car. Nice and clean. Drives well :) So one thing I wanted to mention since I'm starting the Book of Mormon is how we should approach reading the word of God. We can't just read it and we can't just study it. Reading is just going through the text. Studying is reading with a question in mind. What we should really be doing is having what is called a revelatory experience. A revelatory experience is having a two way communication with God as we read so that we can better understand what He wants us to get out of reading. There are 2 questions we should ask after each page read in the Book of Mormon. Does this bring me closer to God and could any man alone have written this book without divine help? When we come to know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it is the word of God it does three things. The Book of Mormon confirms to us that Jesus is the Christ, that the Bible is the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. It's wonderful! There is a great passage that can help with this in Alma 32:26-33 which says - "26: Now, as I said concerning faith - that is was not a perfect knowledge - even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge. 27: But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words. 28: Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves - It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. 29: Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge. 30: But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow. 31: And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness. 32: Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away. 33: And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good." This is all we do as missionaries. We invite people to experiment with what we teach and share with them. Anyone who reads this should do the same. In order to receive an answer though we need to be willing to act on it and allow that tree to grow and be willing to make whatever changes are necessary to apply this to our lives. Well I'm going to get this in the mail. If anyone has any questions or would like to chat - email me at conner.gunnoe@myldsmail.net. I love you! Happy Bird Day mom!
Mucho Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Monday, May 5, 2014
From our email today - May 5, 2014
So we were out working yesterday, workin on hitting our 20 lessons, and we were deciding what potentials to go see since we had about an hour and a half left in the day so we decided what order we would go in and we chose a particular family first. So we went to their house and talked with the wife on the porch and set an appointment for Wednesday but her husband came and saw us and said let em in! So we went in and talked with them and they said they had talked with missionaries about 3 years ago and were close to getting baptized but the missionaries got transferred and the new ones didn't go back so they didn't get baptized obviously...so now we're going to teach their whole family and all 6 of them are baptism eligible!! :) so wonderful!!
Friday, April 25, 2014
Letter received April 25, 2014
Familia!
Ahhh! We had 2 baptisms! Sooo exciting and wonderful! My first two too. It was a crazy week leading up to the baptism but everything worked out. Then on Sunday in Sacrament I was able to sing my testimony - "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" as a solo. Went well according to everyone else. :) Ya Easter Sunday was just a great day. Sister Knotts fed us yummy ham and bread and salad and green beans and pie...then a little while later Sister Grujoski fed us some Korean style beef over rice which was awesome. Then...more pie :) Gotta love it. Then we went and saw the Harshes who are a super awesome family. Love em to death. The weather has been much nicer lately...70's during the day and 40's - 50's at night which is perfect. Now we're a bit overcast with some on and off rain which is nice but it's humid again. But still warm so that's good. We have interviews this week which I'm looking forward to. Other than that not much else going on. Sounds like you had a good trip up north. It's always wonderful going to the Hanson's! I love their house up there. Well I hope y'all have a wonderful week. I love you so much!
Much love,
Elder G
Ahhh! We had 2 baptisms! Sooo exciting and wonderful! My first two too. It was a crazy week leading up to the baptism but everything worked out. Then on Sunday in Sacrament I was able to sing my testimony - "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" as a solo. Went well according to everyone else. :) Ya Easter Sunday was just a great day. Sister Knotts fed us yummy ham and bread and salad and green beans and pie...then a little while later Sister Grujoski fed us some Korean style beef over rice which was awesome. Then...more pie :) Gotta love it. Then we went and saw the Harshes who are a super awesome family. Love em to death. The weather has been much nicer lately...70's during the day and 40's - 50's at night which is perfect. Now we're a bit overcast with some on and off rain which is nice but it's humid again. But still warm so that's good. We have interviews this week which I'm looking forward to. Other than that not much else going on. Sounds like you had a good trip up north. It's always wonderful going to the Hanson's! I love their house up there. Well I hope y'all have a wonderful week. I love you so much!
Much love,
Elder G
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Letter received April 19, 2014
Dearest Family,
Oh my goodness, what an amazing day! We had 5 member presents! Super fun day. It was a very spiritual lesson teaching Regina and Wakita for me. They are getting baptized on April 19th and they came to us this evening having doubts. Not bad doubts, just usual doubts when one is taking a big step. As the opening prayer was being said the thought came to mind to, in a way, praise or thank them for having doubts. I shared with them Joseph Smith's experience right before he had the first vision and that when we are close to having a spiritual experience that Satan is going to do everything he can to doubt or change our minds. It was amazing to see the doubt and fear basically melt away from Regina as we shared these things. She said she felt at peace. It was amazing! There will always be opposition when we start to choose the right. Well it was an awesome week altogether! We taught 11 member present lessons with 6 in a members home which is awesome. It's been so warm lately it's helped a lot. And it's raining today of course. Fun stuff. I'm looking forward to Easter weekend with the baptism and the celebration of Christ's eternally important resurrection! How are things back home? All the roads repaired yet? Got my tires pumped up on my bike getting ready to break them out. I enjoy walking more but if we have long distances we'll go with bikes. Gonna have to start carrying water or Gatorade as the heat settles in. Gotta stay hydrated. Still sitting around 150 lbs...which is nice. Sorry about being late with last weeks letter...meetings happened and time flew by. Hope you have a great week. Love you!
Much love,
Elder G
Oh my goodness, what an amazing day! We had 5 member presents! Super fun day. It was a very spiritual lesson teaching Regina and Wakita for me. They are getting baptized on April 19th and they came to us this evening having doubts. Not bad doubts, just usual doubts when one is taking a big step. As the opening prayer was being said the thought came to mind to, in a way, praise or thank them for having doubts. I shared with them Joseph Smith's experience right before he had the first vision and that when we are close to having a spiritual experience that Satan is going to do everything he can to doubt or change our minds. It was amazing to see the doubt and fear basically melt away from Regina as we shared these things. She said she felt at peace. It was amazing! There will always be opposition when we start to choose the right. Well it was an awesome week altogether! We taught 11 member present lessons with 6 in a members home which is awesome. It's been so warm lately it's helped a lot. And it's raining today of course. Fun stuff. I'm looking forward to Easter weekend with the baptism and the celebration of Christ's eternally important resurrection! How are things back home? All the roads repaired yet? Got my tires pumped up on my bike getting ready to break them out. I enjoy walking more but if we have long distances we'll go with bikes. Gonna have to start carrying water or Gatorade as the heat settles in. Gotta stay hydrated. Still sitting around 150 lbs...which is nice. Sorry about being late with last weeks letter...meetings happened and time flew by. Hope you have a great week. Love you!
Much love,
Elder G
Letter received April 15, 2014
Padres!
Wassup! So it's raining ...a lot...but it's warm so that's ok. Been a good week! Had awesome steaks at the wonderful Wright's house :) Love em! Other than that not too much crazy been goin on. Been a fairly normal week. I'm definitely looking forward to conference! We're having an ice cream social before the Priesthood session so that'll be awesome. A lot of the sisters in the ward make pies for it. The other day Sister Grujoski had a Marie Calendar's Razzleberry pie for dessert at her house...SOO GOOD! Yum :) Finally stopped raining. To it'll be good weather for conference. Man the Saturday sessions were AWESOME! I love conference. Didn't get to see Cole :( There's been a lot of awesome talks so far and I'm sure Sunday's will be amazing as well. I can't wait to go see it live again. I want to sing in it too. The baptism is this Saturday. We're so excited!! It's going to be so great. How are things back in the 909? Anything exciting going on in the branch? Well conference was amazing. The Spirit was so strong throughout the whole thing. Having an overall attitude of gratitude is something I've really tried to develop while I've been out. It helps a ton. I loved Brother Ridd's talk in the Priesthood session. He did very well. Nana sent me a Walmart card which got conference snacks. Nutter Butters, Fig Newtons, Sour Gummie Worms and just for my daddy I got some Swedish Fish. :) Gotta love it. Well I hope you enjoyed conference as much as I did. I love you and hope you have a great week.
Love,
Elder G
Wassup! So it's raining ...a lot...but it's warm so that's ok. Been a good week! Had awesome steaks at the wonderful Wright's house :) Love em! Other than that not too much crazy been goin on. Been a fairly normal week. I'm definitely looking forward to conference! We're having an ice cream social before the Priesthood session so that'll be awesome. A lot of the sisters in the ward make pies for it. The other day Sister Grujoski had a Marie Calendar's Razzleberry pie for dessert at her house...SOO GOOD! Yum :) Finally stopped raining. To it'll be good weather for conference. Man the Saturday sessions were AWESOME! I love conference. Didn't get to see Cole :( There's been a lot of awesome talks so far and I'm sure Sunday's will be amazing as well. I can't wait to go see it live again. I want to sing in it too. The baptism is this Saturday. We're so excited!! It's going to be so great. How are things back in the 909? Anything exciting going on in the branch? Well conference was amazing. The Spirit was so strong throughout the whole thing. Having an overall attitude of gratitude is something I've really tried to develop while I've been out. It helps a ton. I loved Brother Ridd's talk in the Priesthood session. He did very well. Nana sent me a Walmart card which got conference snacks. Nutter Butters, Fig Newtons, Sour Gummie Worms and just for my daddy I got some Swedish Fish. :) Gotta love it. Well I hope you enjoyed conference as much as I did. I love you and hope you have a great week.
Love,
Elder G
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Letter received April 4, 2014
Parents!
What a week it has been. P-day was fun. Tuesday we taught 5 lessons. Thursday we taught 5 lessons. We now have 2 people on date for the 12th. I only ended up having 2 cavities. Brother Knotts took us out to this amazing restaurant called No. 9 Grill ... sooo good! Spicy BBQ boneless wings were so good. I love Brother Knotts! :) It's raining a lot today. It's been a weathery week. Supposed to be really warm tomorrow. Transfers are Tuesday so we'll see what happens Monday when we get the call. I don't feel like packing so I think I'll just stick around here. What a transfer it has been. We greatly improved from last transfer. We were finally able to hit 20 lessons this week which was awesome. I love this place so much! So many wonderful people :) We'll see what transfer calls bring ... Well I'm staying in C-Ville for another 6 weeks. I'm so excited! I look forward to continuing the Lord's work in this wonderful area! Gotta get this letter out. I love y'all and hope you're doing well!
Mucho love,
Elder Gunnoe
What a week it has been. P-day was fun. Tuesday we taught 5 lessons. Thursday we taught 5 lessons. We now have 2 people on date for the 12th. I only ended up having 2 cavities. Brother Knotts took us out to this amazing restaurant called No. 9 Grill ... sooo good! Spicy BBQ boneless wings were so good. I love Brother Knotts! :) It's raining a lot today. It's been a weathery week. Supposed to be really warm tomorrow. Transfers are Tuesday so we'll see what happens Monday when we get the call. I don't feel like packing so I think I'll just stick around here. What a transfer it has been. We greatly improved from last transfer. We were finally able to hit 20 lessons this week which was awesome. I love this place so much! So many wonderful people :) We'll see what transfer calls bring ... Well I'm staying in C-Ville for another 6 weeks. I'm so excited! I look forward to continuing the Lord's work in this wonderful area! Gotta get this letter out. I love y'all and hope you're doing well!
Mucho love,
Elder Gunnoe
Monday, March 31, 2014
The following is from an email Elder Gunnoe sent to his mission president. The mission is gathering information from the missionaries for a book they are putting together. So proud of him ...
Questions of the Soul Answers:
#1 What does Jesus Christ expect of me?
In 2 Nephi chapter 31 we find Nephi teaching the Doctrine of Christ. He talks about how Christ was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and that He set an example for us. But being baptized isn't all we need to do. Nephi goes on to talk about enduring to the end which includes having a steadfastness in Christ and a perfect brightness of hope with a love of God and of ALL men. We also need to feast upon the words of Christ or the scriptures because they are given to us for our benefit and will help us to stay on that straight and narrow path. In Mosiah chapter 4 we learn from King Benjamin that believing in God and having faith in Him and His Son is what helps us to retain a remission of our sins. He also talks about needing to serve our fellow man, to provide for the poor and needy and to remember the God who has blessed us so much.
#2 Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur?
In Alma chapter 60 verse 13 we learn that God allows the righteous to be slain so that justice may be brought upon the wicked. The righteous are blessed when persecuted by the wicked when they endure it well with faith. In Alma chapter 12 verses 31-32 we find that everyone receives the God given right to freedom of choice or agency. Through that agency we have the ability to choose good or evil. Those choices that we make, whether they be good or bad, bring consequences and sometimes we have to suffer from the negative consequences of other people's actions. This is what allows the plan of redemption to be available and to work. In Helaman chapter 14 verse 30 we are able to reaffirm the fact that we each have the ability to choose and that we alone must in the end suffer the consequences of those actions. It is a God given right that cannot be taken away.
#3 How can I avoid sin?
In Moroni chapter 7 verses 11-19 an example is given that helps us to see how we can know good from evil. It says that a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water and a good fountain cannot bring forth bitter water. This means that we know of a surety whether or not what we're doing or seeing or hearing is of the devil or of God. All good things come from God and all bad things come from the devil. If something doesn't bring us closer to God or doesn't fulfill His purposes then it is of the devil. later on in these verses we find that in coming to this earth we receive the Spirit of Christ which helps us to know good from evil which brings us to a perfect knowledge whether something is of God or the devil. In Helaman 5:12 it says that if we build our foundation upon the rock of our Redeemer that when the devil tries to tempt us and lead us astray that he will have no power over us whatsoever. 2 Nephi 32:9 talks about praying unto the Father in the name of Christ dedicating whatever we are doing unto Him so that He will consecrate our performance that it can be for the welfare of our souls.
#1 What does Jesus Christ expect of me?
In 2 Nephi chapter 31 we find Nephi teaching the Doctrine of Christ. He talks about how Christ was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and that He set an example for us. But being baptized isn't all we need to do. Nephi goes on to talk about enduring to the end which includes having a steadfastness in Christ and a perfect brightness of hope with a love of God and of ALL men. We also need to feast upon the words of Christ or the scriptures because they are given to us for our benefit and will help us to stay on that straight and narrow path. In Mosiah chapter 4 we learn from King Benjamin that believing in God and having faith in Him and His Son is what helps us to retain a remission of our sins. He also talks about needing to serve our fellow man, to provide for the poor and needy and to remember the God who has blessed us so much.
#2 Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur?
In Alma chapter 60 verse 13 we learn that God allows the righteous to be slain so that justice may be brought upon the wicked. The righteous are blessed when persecuted by the wicked when they endure it well with faith. In Alma chapter 12 verses 31-32 we find that everyone receives the God given right to freedom of choice or agency. Through that agency we have the ability to choose good or evil. Those choices that we make, whether they be good or bad, bring consequences and sometimes we have to suffer from the negative consequences of other people's actions. This is what allows the plan of redemption to be available and to work. In Helaman chapter 14 verse 30 we are able to reaffirm the fact that we each have the ability to choose and that we alone must in the end suffer the consequences of those actions. It is a God given right that cannot be taken away.
#3 How can I avoid sin?
In Moroni chapter 7 verses 11-19 an example is given that helps us to see how we can know good from evil. It says that a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water and a good fountain cannot bring forth bitter water. This means that we know of a surety whether or not what we're doing or seeing or hearing is of the devil or of God. All good things come from God and all bad things come from the devil. If something doesn't bring us closer to God or doesn't fulfill His purposes then it is of the devil. later on in these verses we find that in coming to this earth we receive the Spirit of Christ which helps us to know good from evil which brings us to a perfect knowledge whether something is of God or the devil. In Helaman 5:12 it says that if we build our foundation upon the rock of our Redeemer that when the devil tries to tempt us and lead us astray that he will have no power over us whatsoever. 2 Nephi 32:9 talks about praying unto the Father in the name of Christ dedicating whatever we are doing unto Him so that He will consecrate our performance that it can be for the welfare of our souls.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Letter received March 26, 2014
"Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, other people MAKE it happen!" - Michael Jordan
Dearest Familia,
What up?! What a 2 weeks it has been. As you found out Monday I have 3 cavities. I get them filled on the 28th. Fun stuff!! We should be having a baptism in a couple of weeks! :) This past Tuesday we went to .... THE COLUMBUS OHIO .... TEMPLE! :) It was so awesome and amazing and spiritual. It's smaller than our temple. Such a wonderful opportunity. Then afterwards we went to Olive Garden. I was in heaven twice that day. Soooo good! :) It's been an awesome week this week. Went on exchanges with my awesome District Leader Elder Tanner. He's my bro for life. I love what it talks about in Mormon Chapter 9 - how God is a God of miracles and He only ceases to be a God of miracles when we loose our faith in Him. In order to live in the realm of the miraculous, as we assist God in hastening His work, we must rely on Him and His Son and the doctrines they have given us through the Holy Scriptures. It's His work, we're just the ones helping to carry it out and see it through to the end. He will provide a way to accomplish the things which He has commanded us to do. How have things been back in the 909? I hear dad got a new toy...remember to not be too hard on it for the first 1000 miles so it's broken in...I remember a dealer telling us that. General conference is coming up! I'm so excited. It's going to be awesome. Transfers are on the first so no mail for this next week. Who knows what'll happen. Coming up on 9 months. Time is flying by. What a great weekend. We have Wakita on date for the 12th of April. Woo! We've been running around so much lately. Saturday we went and did my kind of service. We worked on the Gambill's house. I had so much fun. We fixed some leaks, hung some blinds, and I chopped a bunch of wood which you know how things go when I get an ax in my hand. I couldn't stop. :) Now I'm super sore....so worth it. I love it here. I'm having so much fun and we meet so many wonderful people. We taught another 15 lessons last week. Very solid. It needs to warm up. We're all done with this cold stuff. I love you guys so much! Have a great week! One more thing - as you saw in my pictures we now have Elder Goose joining us at our apartment. The story behind that is that here in Indiana a ton of people have these concrete geese either on their porch or in their front yards. A lot of people dress them up. To us they are know as a Hoosier Goose. Elder Reeves has been wanting one for a while and while Elder Tanner and I were doing service the lady we were doing service for had one in front of the house she was cleaning out. Naturally (with her permission) we kidnapped it. We then went to Goodwill, got it some clothes and now we have Elder Goose! So awesome! Love you!
Love,
Elder G.
Dearest Familia,
What up?! What a 2 weeks it has been. As you found out Monday I have 3 cavities. I get them filled on the 28th. Fun stuff!! We should be having a baptism in a couple of weeks! :) This past Tuesday we went to .... THE COLUMBUS OHIO .... TEMPLE! :) It was so awesome and amazing and spiritual. It's smaller than our temple. Such a wonderful opportunity. Then afterwards we went to Olive Garden. I was in heaven twice that day. Soooo good! :) It's been an awesome week this week. Went on exchanges with my awesome District Leader Elder Tanner. He's my bro for life. I love what it talks about in Mormon Chapter 9 - how God is a God of miracles and He only ceases to be a God of miracles when we loose our faith in Him. In order to live in the realm of the miraculous, as we assist God in hastening His work, we must rely on Him and His Son and the doctrines they have given us through the Holy Scriptures. It's His work, we're just the ones helping to carry it out and see it through to the end. He will provide a way to accomplish the things which He has commanded us to do. How have things been back in the 909? I hear dad got a new toy...remember to not be too hard on it for the first 1000 miles so it's broken in...I remember a dealer telling us that. General conference is coming up! I'm so excited. It's going to be awesome. Transfers are on the first so no mail for this next week. Who knows what'll happen. Coming up on 9 months. Time is flying by. What a great weekend. We have Wakita on date for the 12th of April. Woo! We've been running around so much lately. Saturday we went and did my kind of service. We worked on the Gambill's house. I had so much fun. We fixed some leaks, hung some blinds, and I chopped a bunch of wood which you know how things go when I get an ax in my hand. I couldn't stop. :) Now I'm super sore....so worth it. I love it here. I'm having so much fun and we meet so many wonderful people. We taught another 15 lessons last week. Very solid. It needs to warm up. We're all done with this cold stuff. I love you guys so much! Have a great week! One more thing - as you saw in my pictures we now have Elder Goose joining us at our apartment. The story behind that is that here in Indiana a ton of people have these concrete geese either on their porch or in their front yards. A lot of people dress them up. To us they are know as a Hoosier Goose. Elder Reeves has been wanting one for a while and while Elder Tanner and I were doing service the lady we were doing service for had one in front of the house she was cleaning out. Naturally (with her permission) we kidnapped it. We then went to Goodwill, got it some clothes and now we have Elder Goose! So awesome! Love you!
Love,
Elder G.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Letter received March 5, 2014
Parentals!
What a week it has been! Monday for P-day we went bowling again, then went and played some basketball. I love bowling...Imma get into that when I get back. Anyways..Tuesday evening we had Stake President Burdett come out with us. We went and saw Greg who is an investigator that randomly showed up to church which is awesome! Then we went to see Lowell who has been a member for a long time. He used to own a trucking business. He has this massive, gorgeous log cabin with a 300 foot wrap around porch! Such a beautiful house! Then we went and saw Chopper...he's always fun to see :) The Zone Leaders wanted to go on exchanges that next day and didn't tell us until 9pm and we didn't end up getting back from being with President Burdett until about 10. So Elder Fivas and I didn't get to Anderson until almost midnight. Fun stuff! So in Anderson on Wednesday we had District meeting then went out with a member for a while. Then we found this guy named Larry who we taught the Restoration to. He's an awesome guy. It's always fun hearing other people's stories! Then switched back that night. Connersville is doin well. Went and saw the Caldwells Thursday then Brother Knotts that evening. He's such a great guy. Love him to death. Friday was so sweet. In the evening we had an appointment with Tim, who Elder Reeves found while we were on exchanges. We met Tim at the church. We were able to give him a super awesome chapel tour! Then we taught him the Restoration in the foyer. The Spirit was super strong and we were able to answer a lot of his questions! He's agnostic but we were able to get him to pray! He's starting his journey towards learning the truth! Fantastic day!! :) Well - there went the nice weather. It's currently snowing and we only had sacrament meeting :( We're going to try and get around to see some of the people that couldn't make it today. Sounds like Cali is getting pounded with weather. Do they think it'll help at all? Everyone here is so done with winter. Just makes me reflect on our winters. As you see attached is the letter to Mary. (Elder Gunnoe wrote his Uncle Stephen and his new wife Mary (who has had a few questions about the LDS church) a 7 page letter and sent them the Book of Mormon and the book - Our Search for Happiness. I would love to post the letter here so you all could read it but it is a little personal. I will say it is an amazing letter and makes me so proud of the man Elder Gunnoe is becoming) She should have received it on the 1st. I really enjoyed writing it and really hope it is of benefit to her! I hope she enjoys the books as well. We taught 16 lessons this week! That's a record for this area for a while. Time to go email my amazing parents. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
What a week it has been! Monday for P-day we went bowling again, then went and played some basketball. I love bowling...Imma get into that when I get back. Anyways..Tuesday evening we had Stake President Burdett come out with us. We went and saw Greg who is an investigator that randomly showed up to church which is awesome! Then we went to see Lowell who has been a member for a long time. He used to own a trucking business. He has this massive, gorgeous log cabin with a 300 foot wrap around porch! Such a beautiful house! Then we went and saw Chopper...he's always fun to see :) The Zone Leaders wanted to go on exchanges that next day and didn't tell us until 9pm and we didn't end up getting back from being with President Burdett until about 10. So Elder Fivas and I didn't get to Anderson until almost midnight. Fun stuff! So in Anderson on Wednesday we had District meeting then went out with a member for a while. Then we found this guy named Larry who we taught the Restoration to. He's an awesome guy. It's always fun hearing other people's stories! Then switched back that night. Connersville is doin well. Went and saw the Caldwells Thursday then Brother Knotts that evening. He's such a great guy. Love him to death. Friday was so sweet. In the evening we had an appointment with Tim, who Elder Reeves found while we were on exchanges. We met Tim at the church. We were able to give him a super awesome chapel tour! Then we taught him the Restoration in the foyer. The Spirit was super strong and we were able to answer a lot of his questions! He's agnostic but we were able to get him to pray! He's starting his journey towards learning the truth! Fantastic day!! :) Well - there went the nice weather. It's currently snowing and we only had sacrament meeting :( We're going to try and get around to see some of the people that couldn't make it today. Sounds like Cali is getting pounded with weather. Do they think it'll help at all? Everyone here is so done with winter. Just makes me reflect on our winters. As you see attached is the letter to Mary. (Elder Gunnoe wrote his Uncle Stephen and his new wife Mary (who has had a few questions about the LDS church) a 7 page letter and sent them the Book of Mormon and the book - Our Search for Happiness. I would love to post the letter here so you all could read it but it is a little personal. I will say it is an amazing letter and makes me so proud of the man Elder Gunnoe is becoming) She should have received it on the 1st. I really enjoyed writing it and really hope it is of benefit to her! I hope she enjoys the books as well. We taught 16 lessons this week! That's a record for this area for a while. Time to go email my amazing parents. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Letter received February 20, 2014
Parentals!
What a week it has been! Monday was some sweet basketball in New Castle. Then we saw one of their recent converts and she had this super awesome parakeet that we were holding on our fingers and shoulders. Interviews went well. President Porter said we each individually get our own Temple schedule based on when we came out :) We'll see how it works! We've knocked on sooo many doors this week. Some people have moved, some people aren't interested, some houses have been repo'd, a couple of people have passed on...crazy stuff! It literally dumped snow on us yesterday. We didn't know about it but apparently we were supposed to get 2-3 inches...we got 6-8 inches from 10am to 7pm -_- Fun walking all day. This lemon bread makes the best breakfast ever! I hope you like the glass...glad it finally got there. We've been using Helaman 5:12 (And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.) a lot lately for our quick messages talking to people about faith and having that sure foundation in Christ. It's so fun calling Bingo! The old ladies love us :) It's fun seeing some of their excitement when they win :) We're going to spend all of p-day in New Castle again. Fun stuff! I like 1 Nephi 13:37 (And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be). Especially in these days where the news can be depressing to watch. For some reason while thinking about scriptures, Doctrine and Covenants 66 (Section 66 - Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 29, 1831. William E. McLellin had petitioned the Lord in secret to make known through the Prophet the answer to five questions, which were unknown to Joseph Smith. At McLellin's request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation. 1-4, The everlasting covenant is the fullness of the gospel; 5-8, Elders are to preach, testify, and reason with the people; 9-13, Faithful ministerial service ensures an inheritance of eternal life.) popped into my head...totally applying that to my life. Gotta love the Lord! Thank you so much for the Valentine box! It's so awesome :) I've been coloring on breaks. You and Ma both sent me the "Our Search for Happiness" books. You guys are awesome. What a weekend it's been. Had to shovel again at church this week. It's official - we have lived through the snowiest Indiana winter on record. Over 40 inches! Sad huh? I tell everyone to visit Mammoth during a big storm :) We had dinner at Sister Knotts house with the Clarks from the Stake High Council (Brother Clark and his wife). We had a pork roast with salad and Hawaiian sweet bread with Amish butter! I was in heaven! Sister Knotts bought us 3 other loaves of it because it was marked down. I'm going to gain weight at 7 grams of sugar per slice :) As you know we're both staying for another transfer! It'll be nice to see the transition from winter to spring. Anything fun going on back home? Yesterday for p-day we went and played basketball with the New Castle Elders then went bowling! So much fun! I bowled a 147. Not bad for not having bowled in a while. We might do that more often. This lemon bread is so good. Those cookies were bomb. I miss that frosting. I'm going to get this sent out today. I love you!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
What a week it has been! Monday was some sweet basketball in New Castle. Then we saw one of their recent converts and she had this super awesome parakeet that we were holding on our fingers and shoulders. Interviews went well. President Porter said we each individually get our own Temple schedule based on when we came out :) We'll see how it works! We've knocked on sooo many doors this week. Some people have moved, some people aren't interested, some houses have been repo'd, a couple of people have passed on...crazy stuff! It literally dumped snow on us yesterday. We didn't know about it but apparently we were supposed to get 2-3 inches...we got 6-8 inches from 10am to 7pm -_- Fun walking all day. This lemon bread makes the best breakfast ever! I hope you like the glass...glad it finally got there. We've been using Helaman 5:12 (And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.) a lot lately for our quick messages talking to people about faith and having that sure foundation in Christ. It's so fun calling Bingo! The old ladies love us :) It's fun seeing some of their excitement when they win :) We're going to spend all of p-day in New Castle again. Fun stuff! I like 1 Nephi 13:37 (And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be). Especially in these days where the news can be depressing to watch. For some reason while thinking about scriptures, Doctrine and Covenants 66 (Section 66 - Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 29, 1831. William E. McLellin had petitioned the Lord in secret to make known through the Prophet the answer to five questions, which were unknown to Joseph Smith. At McLellin's request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation. 1-4, The everlasting covenant is the fullness of the gospel; 5-8, Elders are to preach, testify, and reason with the people; 9-13, Faithful ministerial service ensures an inheritance of eternal life.) popped into my head...totally applying that to my life. Gotta love the Lord! Thank you so much for the Valentine box! It's so awesome :) I've been coloring on breaks. You and Ma both sent me the "Our Search for Happiness" books. You guys are awesome. What a weekend it's been. Had to shovel again at church this week. It's official - we have lived through the snowiest Indiana winter on record. Over 40 inches! Sad huh? I tell everyone to visit Mammoth during a big storm :) We had dinner at Sister Knotts house with the Clarks from the Stake High Council (Brother Clark and his wife). We had a pork roast with salad and Hawaiian sweet bread with Amish butter! I was in heaven! Sister Knotts bought us 3 other loaves of it because it was marked down. I'm going to gain weight at 7 grams of sugar per slice :) As you know we're both staying for another transfer! It'll be nice to see the transition from winter to spring. Anything fun going on back home? Yesterday for p-day we went and played basketball with the New Castle Elders then went bowling! So much fun! I bowled a 147. Not bad for not having bowled in a while. We might do that more often. This lemon bread is so good. Those cookies were bomb. I miss that frosting. I'm going to get this sent out today. I love you!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
This is the "glass" Elder Gunnoe was referring to. It was a Christmas present he had made for us.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Letter received February 13, 2014
Mom & Dad,
7 months out! Time is flyin! Transfers are next week then it'll be almost March. Crazy stuff. It's been a crazy week here. The training in Marion went well. 720 is the baptism goal for the year. That's the added up result of all 6 stake goals. We're going to hit it no problem! Then we came back and did some work here and then the storm hit. Got about 6-8 inches which is a ton for around here so that was fun. Meeting in Anderson on Wednesday went well. Work was slow but not slow. 14 lessons taught but 8 were member lessons. We've been doing home teaching for a member who's out of town so that's why. Interviews tomorrow! I need my temple clothes sent out...don't know when we're going - I just want em... :) How are the Olympics going? Wish I could watch em. Sounds like Cole is doing well at the I. Hope the temple trip went well. I love you! Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
7 months out! Time is flyin! Transfers are next week then it'll be almost March. Crazy stuff. It's been a crazy week here. The training in Marion went well. 720 is the baptism goal for the year. That's the added up result of all 6 stake goals. We're going to hit it no problem! Then we came back and did some work here and then the storm hit. Got about 6-8 inches which is a ton for around here so that was fun. Meeting in Anderson on Wednesday went well. Work was slow but not slow. 14 lessons taught but 8 were member lessons. We've been doing home teaching for a member who's out of town so that's why. Interviews tomorrow! I need my temple clothes sent out...don't know when we're going - I just want em... :) How are the Olympics going? Wish I could watch em. Sounds like Cole is doing well at the I. Hope the temple trip went well. I love you! Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Letter received February 5, 2014
Parents!
What's up?! How goes it? Things are goin good here in the Ville! Just an average week here. This weather is annoying...especially when nobody knows how to predict it. We might have the biggest snow storm ever here in a week or two but the storm system hasn't even come off the pacific yet so they don't know where it'll go...gotta love it. It's February already. January went by fast. I got to talk to Elder Warrick Monday. Well, not really talk, I just heard from him but still. He's doing great. :) He's fluent already and loving his mission. Sister Gulledge is doing well. Elder Eastwood is doing well. Elder Adams is doing well. Elder Unklesbay is doing well. Elder Gunnoe is doing well...that's me :) Lots of missionaries out! Our Stake has a goal for 100 baptisms this year. As a new mission in 6 months, so basically August to December, we baptized 220 people with 67 in December which is an unheard of number for baptisms in a month. The goals are high this year! I need to figure out how to get a couple of Our Search for Happiness books so I can send em out to some people. Great book! So, sounds like dad said you don't have much to do...I was thinking of stuff for you! Do some work in the Los Angeles Temple where you were married :) , go to the Mormon Battalion in San Diego and eat at Casa de Reyes (ask the Phillips), do work in the San Diego Temple (my castle), go camping at Keller Peak or in Big Bear (when it's warmer), do some home improvement together. That's about all I got for now...haha :) Well, I hope all is well back home. I love you! Thank you for all you do!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
What's up?! How goes it? Things are goin good here in the Ville! Just an average week here. This weather is annoying...especially when nobody knows how to predict it. We might have the biggest snow storm ever here in a week or two but the storm system hasn't even come off the pacific yet so they don't know where it'll go...gotta love it. It's February already. January went by fast. I got to talk to Elder Warrick Monday. Well, not really talk, I just heard from him but still. He's doing great. :) He's fluent already and loving his mission. Sister Gulledge is doing well. Elder Eastwood is doing well. Elder Adams is doing well. Elder Unklesbay is doing well. Elder Gunnoe is doing well...that's me :) Lots of missionaries out! Our Stake has a goal for 100 baptisms this year. As a new mission in 6 months, so basically August to December, we baptized 220 people with 67 in December which is an unheard of number for baptisms in a month. The goals are high this year! I need to figure out how to get a couple of Our Search for Happiness books so I can send em out to some people. Great book! So, sounds like dad said you don't have much to do...I was thinking of stuff for you! Do some work in the Los Angeles Temple where you were married :) , go to the Mormon Battalion in San Diego and eat at Casa de Reyes (ask the Phillips), do work in the San Diego Temple (my castle), go camping at Keller Peak or in Big Bear (when it's warmer), do some home improvement together. That's about all I got for now...haha :) Well, I hope all is well back home. I love you! Thank you for all you do!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Monday, January 27, 2014
Letter received January 27, 2014
Family!
Well, it's my turn to send you some packages :) (Elder Gunnoe sent us a belated Christmas present and a second box of excess cards, cd cases and odds/ends) Hope you enjoy! :) It's been an interesting week. Being sick wasn't fun. It's nice not being sick anymore! I'm glad I got boots. This weather has been crazy lately. Super cold for a few days, then super warm, then stormy and super cold again. Today we were walking through drifts anywhere from 5 inches to a foot and a half. The County Department has 12 plows and 400 square miles of country roads to plow. Crazy stuff! Didn't get to teach Mia this last weekend but we did reschedule for this weekend so that'll be a good lesson! Hopefully she comes to church soon. So when I get back I have to introduce some awesome Indiana cuisine...Peanut Butter sandwiches with Chili! So good! :) It's supposed to be oober cold and stormy for the next two weeks so we'll see what happens. New investigator yesterday. Her name is Anastasia. She's a daughter of a member and has come to church before. She's a very good listener and asks a lot of questions so that helps us a lot. It'll be great being able to teach her. It's -0 again this morning. Don't know how that works but it's cold. Getting some laundry done this morning as well. It's weird using quarters after having 2 apartments with a washer and dryer in them. I'll be finally getting your packages out. So I can't make this letter too long. How's home? How's the Branch? How's the town? Anything new or exciting? You should go say "hi" to the beach for me...I miss it. Almost 7 months out! Time flies! Well I love you and again I hope you like your presents...They aren't much but I wanted to at least do something since you do so much for me. I'm the most loved missionary out here. Hands down. And I couldn't do it without you. I love you!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Well, it's my turn to send you some packages :) (Elder Gunnoe sent us a belated Christmas present and a second box of excess cards, cd cases and odds/ends) Hope you enjoy! :) It's been an interesting week. Being sick wasn't fun. It's nice not being sick anymore! I'm glad I got boots. This weather has been crazy lately. Super cold for a few days, then super warm, then stormy and super cold again. Today we were walking through drifts anywhere from 5 inches to a foot and a half. The County Department has 12 plows and 400 square miles of country roads to plow. Crazy stuff! Didn't get to teach Mia this last weekend but we did reschedule for this weekend so that'll be a good lesson! Hopefully she comes to church soon. So when I get back I have to introduce some awesome Indiana cuisine...Peanut Butter sandwiches with Chili! So good! :) It's supposed to be oober cold and stormy for the next two weeks so we'll see what happens. New investigator yesterday. Her name is Anastasia. She's a daughter of a member and has come to church before. She's a very good listener and asks a lot of questions so that helps us a lot. It'll be great being able to teach her. It's -0 again this morning. Don't know how that works but it's cold. Getting some laundry done this morning as well. It's weird using quarters after having 2 apartments with a washer and dryer in them. I'll be finally getting your packages out. So I can't make this letter too long. How's home? How's the Branch? How's the town? Anything new or exciting? You should go say "hi" to the beach for me...I miss it. Almost 7 months out! Time flies! Well I love you and again I hope you like your presents...They aren't much but I wanted to at least do something since you do so much for me. I'm the most loved missionary out here. Hands down. And I couldn't do it without you. I love you!
Love,
Elder Gunnoe
Monday, January 13, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Letter received January 11, 2014
1/2/14
Mom & Pop!
DOG STORY! :) Not mine either. So we were out visiting less actives out in the country. As we were walking up a long driveway to a house with 3 cars in the driveway a dog appeared. My companion asked me "Elder is that dog going to kill us?" We had dealt with some other unfriendly dogs before so it wasn't anything new. But I said to him half joking, half not joking "Ya actually that's a German Shepherd so it might kill us!" But we just kept going. We got into the actual driveway area where the cars were and having a little bit of knowledge on dogs of this caliber I knew to ignore it. So I walked right on past him. He took a liking to Elder Reeves however, noticing he was being a little more timid, as we continued walking toward the door he (the dog) snuck up behind Elder Reeves and nipped him one in the butt then another little nip on the hand as we kept walking. We got to the door and knocked and stood there waiting and hoping for an answer. Since we were standing there the dog (Sampson is his name) decided we were alright. Then the son-in-law of the person we were seeing answered the door. He said "Elders!" which was a warm welcome. Then Sampson noticed the door was open. The son-in-law said "Elders get inside quick." Sampson, having been raised by this family from a pup and again being the caliber of dog he is did not seem to like the fact that these 2 strange guys were basically lunging in the house. And apparently Sampson was done with the whole nipping business...I made it in the door as the son-in-law was lunging out to grab Sampson but it was too late. Elder Reeves, halfway in the door, found his right calf engulfed in German Shepherd mouth and teeth. He still had momentum so he pulled his leg from Sampson's mouth before he could sink his teeth more than he already had. 20 minutes later he was wearing army pants after cleaning his wounds while his pants were being repaired from the large tear on the right leg of the pants. So, that was fun. :) After leaving there we went to play some basketball. So we woke up to 4 inches of new snow this morning! And it's been snowing all day! We'll see how much we get. These towns shut down for 3+ inches of snow...literally the library was closed due to "weather." Oy vey! Had an entire can of chili for dinner with a ton of Ritz crackers...I'm full...haha. Time to head to scripture class! We didn't go...our ride didn't show because of the snow...So we're just preparing for the day tomorrow. I'm probably gonna grab a pair of boots soon. 4+ inches of snow and church shoes don't mix well. Probably just find a pair of mids since we don't get a ton of snow. We'll see. Tryin to get some new investigators! Now that the holidays are over we have some appointments with some potentials. Transfers were moved to next Thursday, the 9th, so we'll see what happens there. I'll let you know when I know about it all. That missionary book you got me is so awesome! :) It's got some great teaching in it! I love the ties! So sweet! I only have 42 or so now :) That bike light is so dang bright! So legit :) Dad...you know me well! The Oakley Yankees has is perfect! :) The mug Cole got me is so sweet. It's my breakfast mug! As is the music we got! One of the CD's you guys already got me but it's all good because Elder Reeves was wanting to get that CD so it was a present to him. No worries! That tie pin you guys got is so cool! :) I love a good tie pin :) The Anastasi's got me a couple of super sweet ties. Uncle Don and Aunt Shari and Donny all got me some music which you can never have too much of. Drew got me a sweet knit tie AND a telescoping spoon! Now no one has to pass the jelly - I'll get it myself :) The Abrams got me a bunch of ties and a couple of pictures and Carmex chapstick and hand sanitizer and stickers. I got some money from Brian and Tracie as well as Grandma and Grandpa and Nana and Papa. I got another tie bar from someone in the ward. It was an awesome Christmas! :) I'm so loved. I know a couple are still floating around so that wasn't even them all. That's a massive binder! That'll definitely work for a while. I was glad to see I was making the rounds at the Christmas party! :) The cards from the Branch were awesome! Lexie was awesome and had her primary class make a poster for me :) I had been ok with the whole Argent thing until you decided to give me that card...meany. Thank you for that though. I'm still working on your Christmas package to send...you'll love it :) I'm doing a lot of trial and error with crocheting...I'm a little rusty...I'll have a scarf eventually :) Finally got my suit and pants from Elwood! Suit is fixed and pants are clean. Nice to have the complete wardrobe again. I think I might die from candy overload...good thing holidays are over.
1/3/14
Woke up to 1 degree. Elder Reeves says thanks for the cinnamon rolls! And the lemon poppy seed bread! Good stuff. We've got a heat wave now - it's 2 degrees! Break out the shorts! According to the weather, we can look up on our phone, Monday has a high of -4 degrees with a low of -14 degrees. Yee haw!
1/5/14
Well today was a disappointment. Half the state cancelled church and it turned out to be just a rain storm for now. We'll see if it gets way sub-zero tomorrow like they're saying. Hope traveling was safe! How was Mallory and the Young's? How was Elder Unklesbay? Hope you got to do everything you wanted to! Cole all settled in? He'll do well! Well I'm going to work on my list of people to write. I love you! Ta ta for now.
With Love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe
Mom & Pop!
DOG STORY! :) Not mine either. So we were out visiting less actives out in the country. As we were walking up a long driveway to a house with 3 cars in the driveway a dog appeared. My companion asked me "Elder is that dog going to kill us?" We had dealt with some other unfriendly dogs before so it wasn't anything new. But I said to him half joking, half not joking "Ya actually that's a German Shepherd so it might kill us!" But we just kept going. We got into the actual driveway area where the cars were and having a little bit of knowledge on dogs of this caliber I knew to ignore it. So I walked right on past him. He took a liking to Elder Reeves however, noticing he was being a little more timid, as we continued walking toward the door he (the dog) snuck up behind Elder Reeves and nipped him one in the butt then another little nip on the hand as we kept walking. We got to the door and knocked and stood there waiting and hoping for an answer. Since we were standing there the dog (Sampson is his name) decided we were alright. Then the son-in-law of the person we were seeing answered the door. He said "Elders!" which was a warm welcome. Then Sampson noticed the door was open. The son-in-law said "Elders get inside quick." Sampson, having been raised by this family from a pup and again being the caliber of dog he is did not seem to like the fact that these 2 strange guys were basically lunging in the house. And apparently Sampson was done with the whole nipping business...I made it in the door as the son-in-law was lunging out to grab Sampson but it was too late. Elder Reeves, halfway in the door, found his right calf engulfed in German Shepherd mouth and teeth. He still had momentum so he pulled his leg from Sampson's mouth before he could sink his teeth more than he already had. 20 minutes later he was wearing army pants after cleaning his wounds while his pants were being repaired from the large tear on the right leg of the pants. So, that was fun. :) After leaving there we went to play some basketball. So we woke up to 4 inches of new snow this morning! And it's been snowing all day! We'll see how much we get. These towns shut down for 3+ inches of snow...literally the library was closed due to "weather." Oy vey! Had an entire can of chili for dinner with a ton of Ritz crackers...I'm full...haha. Time to head to scripture class! We didn't go...our ride didn't show because of the snow...So we're just preparing for the day tomorrow. I'm probably gonna grab a pair of boots soon. 4+ inches of snow and church shoes don't mix well. Probably just find a pair of mids since we don't get a ton of snow. We'll see. Tryin to get some new investigators! Now that the holidays are over we have some appointments with some potentials. Transfers were moved to next Thursday, the 9th, so we'll see what happens there. I'll let you know when I know about it all. That missionary book you got me is so awesome! :) It's got some great teaching in it! I love the ties! So sweet! I only have 42 or so now :) That bike light is so dang bright! So legit :) Dad...you know me well! The Oakley Yankees has is perfect! :) The mug Cole got me is so sweet. It's my breakfast mug! As is the music we got! One of the CD's you guys already got me but it's all good because Elder Reeves was wanting to get that CD so it was a present to him. No worries! That tie pin you guys got is so cool! :) I love a good tie pin :) The Anastasi's got me a couple of super sweet ties. Uncle Don and Aunt Shari and Donny all got me some music which you can never have too much of. Drew got me a sweet knit tie AND a telescoping spoon! Now no one has to pass the jelly - I'll get it myself :) The Abrams got me a bunch of ties and a couple of pictures and Carmex chapstick and hand sanitizer and stickers. I got some money from Brian and Tracie as well as Grandma and Grandpa and Nana and Papa. I got another tie bar from someone in the ward. It was an awesome Christmas! :) I'm so loved. I know a couple are still floating around so that wasn't even them all. That's a massive binder! That'll definitely work for a while. I was glad to see I was making the rounds at the Christmas party! :) The cards from the Branch were awesome! Lexie was awesome and had her primary class make a poster for me :) I had been ok with the whole Argent thing until you decided to give me that card...meany. Thank you for that though. I'm still working on your Christmas package to send...you'll love it :) I'm doing a lot of trial and error with crocheting...I'm a little rusty...I'll have a scarf eventually :) Finally got my suit and pants from Elwood! Suit is fixed and pants are clean. Nice to have the complete wardrobe again. I think I might die from candy overload...good thing holidays are over.
1/3/14
Woke up to 1 degree. Elder Reeves says thanks for the cinnamon rolls! And the lemon poppy seed bread! Good stuff. We've got a heat wave now - it's 2 degrees! Break out the shorts! According to the weather, we can look up on our phone, Monday has a high of -4 degrees with a low of -14 degrees. Yee haw!
1/5/14
Well today was a disappointment. Half the state cancelled church and it turned out to be just a rain storm for now. We'll see if it gets way sub-zero tomorrow like they're saying. Hope traveling was safe! How was Mallory and the Young's? How was Elder Unklesbay? Hope you got to do everything you wanted to! Cole all settled in? He'll do well! Well I'm going to work on my list of people to write. I love you! Ta ta for now.
With Love,
Elder Conner Gunnoe
Elder Reeves after the dog incident :(
Monday, January 6, 2014
A few pictures from recent emails...
We did not receive an email from him today (January 6, 2014). We assume it is because Connersville had a temperature of -8 and with the wind chill it was -33. We are hoping Elder Gunnoe was home studying and staying warm!!
From email on December 30, 2013
Lately we have been walking everywhere here in Connersville and there have been days where my legs and knees just haven't been doing so well and although it may hurt to walk I still do it. Just the other day we had been walking for a couple of hours and I realized that my legs weren't hurting one bit...and as soon as I realized that I said a silent prayer of gratitude for my legs not hurting and being able to not be weary in my service! And it's awesome how blessed missionaries are with courage...it's literally nothing for us to knock on a potentials door and go into a house filled with smoke and sti for half an hour talking about the gospel in our eyes and in the eyes of the people we're talking to :)
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