hey fam this week was another good one, we now have
15 people on date to be baptized in febuary!!! how awesome is that, as a
district we have thirty people on date to be baptized and as a mission
we have 304 and so our district alone has
10 percent of the people on date, so im pumped we should have a very
white febuary, that is if im still here and im praying that i am, i love
it here, it will be almost as hard to leave charleston as it was to
leave home, lets just say ive settled in here,
ive made some of the best friends ever and its finally turned into a
place with as much love as i was able to have / create back home, and
really dont want to have to build that from the ground up agian haha but
if i do get called somewhere else i will go
happily and bring as much love as i can there, please pray for the
charleston missionaries and there investigators please.
yesterday we played socker and went to the aquarium
in down town, it was so awesome, enserio i loved it, i dont get how
anyone can believe there is not a god, the world is way to beautiful and
unique to be created by science or on accident,
seriously how stupid/ brainwashed can ya get haha, but anyways i will
take you guys there when you come, it is awesome.
we got to spend last night in west ahley right
outside of downtown and that was so awesome / sad if i have to leave it
could be my last dinner with all the young couples down there, they are
awesome and help us so much its rediculous, i
miss the charleston ward haha just not trying to find hispanics there
haha, north charleston ward has much more for which im grateful , i get
the best of both worlds as a missionary, and mom i dont get bike
problems , ha i never get to ride it unless im on
exchanges outside my area, all of the hispanic areas are to dangerous
to bike to because we would literally have to bike on a highway, and
even though i love the lord i dont love him that much haha, we get a car
but we only get a certain amount of miles which
means we walk alot to, i prefere walking to bikeing in the winter , its
perfect temperature to walk here 55, 60, 75 on sunday haha.
anyways i got to run but im doing great and i love you guys so much,
wait oh ya , so i went and got my eyes checked and
with the insurance coverage we would still have to pay 289 or 300
basically to get my glasses, so mom please go to walmart and reorder me a
supply of contacts, why didnt you ever tell me
how expensive it was to fix my blindness? geez yall have been spending a
ton on me just for my vision, anyways i love you for it, im very
grateful, especially that you never made me skimp or anything in them,
thats alot of money considering ive had glasses
since 18 months and i broke a pair like every 3 months when i was
little haha.
so ya i dont know what to do about the glasses , but please order me some contacts atleast for now.
|
hey fam this week was another good one, we now have
15 people on date to be baptized in febuary!!! how awesome is that, as a
district we have thirty people on date to be baptized and as a mission
we have 304 and so our district alone has
10 percent of the people on date, so im pumped we should have a very
white febuary, that is if im still here and im praying that i am, i love
it here, it will be almost as hard to leave charleston as it was to
leave home, lets just say ive settled in here,
ive made some of the best friends ever and its finally turned into a
place with as much love as i was able to have / create back home, and
really dont want to have to build that from the ground up agian haha but
if i do get called somewhere else i will go
happily and bring as much love as i can there, please pray for the
charleston missionaries and there investigators please.
yesterday we played socker and went to the aquarium
in down town, it was so awesome, enserio i loved it, i dont get how
anyone can believe there is not a god, the world is way to beautiful and
unique to be created by science or on accident,
seriously how stupid/ brainwashed can ya get haha, but anyways i will
take you guys there when you come, it is awesome.
we got to spend last night in west ahley right
outside of downtown and that was so awesome / sad if i have to leave it
could be my last dinner with all the young couples down there, they are
awesome and help us so much its rediculous, i
miss the charleston ward haha just not trying to find hispanics there
haha, north charleston ward has much more for which im grateful , i get
the best of both worlds as a missionary, and mom i dont get bike
problems , ha i never get to ride it unless im on
exchanges outside my area, all of the hispanic areas are to dangerous
to bike to because we would literally have to bike on a highway, and
even though i love the lord i dont love him that much haha, we get a car
but we only get a certain amount of miles which
means we walk alot to, i prefere walking to bikeing in the winter , its
perfect temperature to walk here 55, 60, 75 on sunday haha.
anyways i got to run but im doing great and i love you guys so much,
wait oh ya , so i went and got my eyes checked and
with the insurance coverage we would still have to pay 289 or 300
basically to get my glasses, so mom please go to walmart and reorder me a
supply of contacts, why didnt you ever tell me
how expensive it was to fix my blindness? geez yall have been spending a
ton on me just for my vision, anyways i love you for it, im very
grateful, especially that you never made me skimp or anything in them,
thats alot of money considering ive had glasses
since 18 months and i broke a pair like every 3 months when i was
little haha.
so ya i dont know what to do about the glasses , but please order me some contacts atleast for now.
thanks love elder harris
On Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 12:42 AM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Buenos Dias Spencer,
You’re
doing it son! I just reread your message/letter from last week and it
became obvious why you’re doing so well:
You’re loving the Lord, you’re loving the Hispanic people of South
Carolina, you’re loving your Mission President, and you’re loving you
companion. (And you still love your family!) That is the success
equation for a successful, happy, productive, meaningful,
wonderful mission. Way to go Spencer – really, I’m so proud of you and
so happy for you.
Thanks
for writing us in Spanish Spencer – that was fun. Your Spanish is
getting good. It will be great to do it
often. I’m excited about how well your work is going for you and your
companion. You are being blessed for your hard work and dedication and
faith and prayers and because there are people in your area with good
hearts who need and want the gospel. I love
your story about knocking on one more door and the great results – way
to go Elder Carter and Elder Harris! We’ll keep praying for Bella,
Daisy, Francisco, Jesiel, and Zurry from Panama. So glad you
enjoyed your latest leadership training – you’re going to be a very
successful leader as you continue in your dedication and love – as you
continue in the ways of Jesus Christ our Savior and our Exemplar.
Things
are good here. Mom was sick with a bad cold but she’s almost totally
better already. Sam is doing great with
school (all As and 1B in AP Calculus) and starting early-morning
baseball practice. Meg and Michael and Josh are all good. My Mom in
Boise is struggling with Leonard getting worse in the Care Center –
falling often and right now not eating well, which could
cause him to lose strength for the basic body functions.
I
received a calling at church. I’ve been called and set apart to serve
as the YM Secretary. I’m happy about it
and going to serve in a devoted way to be the best YM Secretary I can
be. It will be fun to get to know and serve the Young Men and all the
YM leaders of the ward.
The
Packers lost. What’s up with that? The Giants beat them today. And
Baltimore beat Texas today. San Fran beat
New Orleans yesterday and Denver finally got beat by the Patriots. So
now it’s the Patriots vs. Baltimore and the Giants vs. San Francisco.
BYU basketball continues winning.
Mom was her wonderful self and fixed a great lunch for all the Home Teaching families that Sam and I have, and all
6 came today – it was great.
Thanks
for serving so well Spencer. The gospel is true and I want the people
around you to accept it and receive the unlimited, eternal blessings.
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life.
In John 10:10 – 11 Jesus says: “I am come that they might have
life, and that they might have
it more
abundantly.
11 I am the good
shepherd: the good
shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
Christ gives us that abundant life as we follow Him and receive and keep the covenants made available to us in His church.
I love you son.
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2012 8:57 AM To: Don J. Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/8/2012
buenos dias familia,
todo fue bien esta semana, hemos tenido mucho
milagros y bendiciones que viene con seguir la guia del espiritu santo.
encontramos 10 nuevos investigadores y 8 de los 10 tienen fecha
para bautismal, estoy muy agradecido que el senor ES preparando la
gente aqui para que podamos ensenar y ensenar tambien, tengo much animo
para la mes que viene, espero que puedo quedarme, pero voy a irme cuando
el senor quiere y no voy a complacer. tuvimos
una cita con una familia ricoso, y ellos no fueron en casa, pero
nuestro presidente dijo a nosotro durante nuestro reunion de lideres que
si nuestro cita no esta que es una senal y que de dentro 10 puertas de
su cita hay 1 bautismo, entonces empezamos a tocar
las puertas, despues de como 5 puertas nos preguntamos si debemos
continuar en un lugar lenno de orgullo y riquezas, pero elder carter me
dijo, uno mas, y en esta casa estaba 6 latinos de varias paises y todos
ya tiene una cita para bautismo!!! en el noche
pasado el padre de ellos francisco, ha orado, y ha pedido el senor
ayuda por su hija, que ella pueda empezar a aprender y vivir el
evangelio, y el nos dijo fuimos un senal y cuando hemos explicado el
restauracion el dijo " finalmente..... un iglesia con razon"
todos van a ser bautizados feb.4th, que chido.
anyways fam if you could not understand that then
ask dad, good story of a miracle where we found hispanics in a rich
neighbor hood, there father praid for help for his daughter
and family and the next night we showed up on his door five minutes
after his daughter got home so ya, dope , im excited there all on date
to be baptized, there form panama, there names are bella, daisy ,
francisco, jesiel, and zurry, please pray for them.
we also found another family, one hispanic his soon
to be wife and there 3 children only of of them is of baptismal age but
lets just say shes elect, she answers all the questions
and understand the gospel better then her parents anyways good week
over all.
we had a leadership training conference for all of
the dls and zls and trainers which was awesome, i learned a ton and got
to get some one on one time with the pres which is always
awesome cuz i love him.
me and elder carter are doing great , we work well
with eachother and we have alot of fun while doing it, its amazing how
much more success you can have with a companionship thats
filled with love for eachother and the people we teach.
thanks for the updates from wade stephen and sefa mom it was awesome.
gota go but i love you all so much and SAM its been way to long my friend.
love
elder harris
ps dad always write in spanish i like it.
On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 8:04 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Apreciado Spencer – Nuestro Querido Elder Harris,
¿Cómo estás hijo? ¿Han encontrado nuevos investigadores para enseñar?
Espero que recibiste los mensajes en cuanto a sus lentes y lentes de contacto y el seguro (Insurance) y las tiendas
para utilizar y todo. Avísame si le puedo ayudar con cualquier cosa al respeto. ¡Llámame!
J (chiste)
Entiendo
totalmente que no debemos buscarte de tu misión y pasear en los lugares
de tu misión sin ser relevado primero.
Y tienes razón, no vas a poder ser relevado en Columbia – tendrás que
volver primero. Esto no es un problema. Puedes volver y toda la
familia puede ir todos juntos después de pocas o varias semanas a
Carolina del Sur. Pero tienes muchas obras buenas e importantes
para realizar – mucha gente para ayudar y servir y ensenar el evangelio
- entre ahora y la semana de volver. Podemos volver al tema de
terminar la misión en 2013.
Todo
bien por aquí. Seguimos adelante con las cosas normales. Ha sido un
buen año para los partidos bowl - BYU y
South Carolina y otros. Mañana por la noche es el bowl y campeonato
grandote - Alabama vs. LSU. Los New Orleans Saints juegan en contra de
los Packers la semana que viene – Aaron Rogers vs. Drew Brees. El
equipo de básquet de BYU ha estado ganando la mayoría
de los partidos, pero St. Marys les ganó.
Tu
mamá está trabajando mucho con bienes raíces (Real Estate), con éxito.
¡Es muy buena en esto y tantas cosas (no
sorpresa). Que bendición es tu mamá para nuestras vidas! La amo
mucho. Mi trabajo también va bien. Josh volvió a Utah State hoy para
seguir estudiando. Sam empieza las practicas de béisbol mañana.
También
amo mucho a nuestro Señor Jesucristo y a su evangelio. Sé que es la
verdad. La obra que tú estás haciendo
es la obra de Dios. Sé que el Libro de Mormón es la palabra de Dios.
Testifico que tenemos un profeta viviente – Tomás S. Monson. La iglesia
es verdadera y de tanto beneficio para nuestras vidas.
Cuenta con mis oraciones y mejores deseos Spencer. Estoy tan feliz y tan orgulloso de quien eres y tu dedicación al
ser misionero de Dios.
Con mucho amor,
Un abrazo fuerte,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 11:37 AM To: Don J. Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/1/2012 - Feliz Año Nuevo!
hey fam sorry its one day late but all the librarys
were closed yesterday again , but hey its fun to email on tuesday. well
this week was good i guess we had to drop alot of investigators
last week so we are out looking for new ones, finding new hispanics is
hard but i know if we work hard the lord will prepare someone for us to
teach.
i am in love with the guitar i got i dont get alot
of time to play it except for mondays but hey that makes me super happy,
thanks mom, sounds like a up and down week back home,
stay positive mom. enjoy the last few months of having a child at home
and in highschool.
and about coming here to get me and picking me up,
whatever happens i want to be released before we go around and do
everything, im not like josh where i want to wear missionary
clothes untill i die haha so ya if i can get released first then you
could pick me up but i dont think thats possible.
..................... sorry not alot to talk about
thats new but i love you guys and im doing good so dont worry about me ,
im having an awesome time.
oh ya, mom i need to have an eye apointment again ,
its been over six months and im almost out of contacts, but the walmart
place said that our insurance from back home does not
cover here is south carolina, and its way to expensive to pay out of
pocket, i would like a pair of glasses too, all i have is the old pair
you sent to me while i was in the mtc, so ya i dont know what to do
about that, maybe you could call the insurance?
buyt anyways i love you guys and miss you so much.
dont ever forget how lucky we are and how blessed we are just to be US ,
living in our family, living the gospel, i dont think
you can find more love in any other house in the world. and its all
because we are founded upon the rock of our savior and his restored
gospel.
love elder harris
2012/1/1 Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org>
Hey Spencer!
Feliz Año Nuevo!
I hope you had a good week during the holidays. Have you been able to teach as much or more than usual? How are
things going with your new companion?
We’ve
had a good week and all are well here. It’s nice to have Josh and
Michael around more. Megan was here during
the week but just left for St. George with her friends yesterday and
gets back tomorrow night. We went to Randy and Tonya Olsen’s tonight to
say hello to Nathaniel who just returned from his mission to Sweden.
They asked about you and we told them you’re
doing very well.
I
went to Boise this week to help Mom with Leonard. Leonard is now 90
and he recently fell and hurt his neck and
had to go to the hospital. We made arrangements (a lot of time and
hassles and mess with insurances and qualifying for aid, etc.) and he is
now in a Nursing Home in Meridian where he is getting the intense
amount of help he needs to eat and use the bathroom
and just do the basics to survive. I don’t really expect him to live
real long – my guess is that there will likely be a funeral for Leonard
in 2012. He is getting weaker physically and his mind is
deteriorating. Sometimes he seems to be thinking fairly
quickly but a lot of the times he doesn’t. The other day I walked him
in a wheel chair for more than an hour – all over the hospital and out
into the cool air just outside the hospital doors a few times – and
about 2 hours later he didn’t remember it happened
at all. It is sad to see. But I am grateful that my Mom is no longer
burdened with caring for him constantly. She can now know that there
are others taking care of him and she can go visit him often.
Mom
and I have been called to serve in the investigator/Gospel Essentials
class. We are one of 3 active and fellowshipping
couples who will be there to help and fellowship those less active
members who are invited to attend. I think it could be real
interesting.
OK son – tell us about YOU! How was your week?
Jesus es el Salvador del mundo y tú tienes el mensaje más importante para la gente del Carolina del Sur.
Cuentas con mis oraciones. Mucho éxito Spencer.
Un abrazo,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 12:31 PM To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 25 Dec 2011 hey fam is was very bitter sweet seeing you all this christmas but i love you and sorry i didnt email yesterday the library was closed so we got permission to come today, i want you guys to know i love you and i am thankful for you all everyday, sorry not much new news over the past two days, saw christmas lights last night in 65 degree weather, its weird. love you!!!!
elder harris
On Sun, Dec 25, 2011 at 8:15 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Mi Querido Spencer,
Merry Christmas!
¡Qué
gran gusto fue poder verte y oírte hoy! ¡Hablas muy bien el español!
Qué alegría
me dio escucharte. Será tan lindo poder hablar español juntos, y
espero tener la oportunidad de poder servir en la iglesia contigo entre
la gente de habla hispana.
Son,
I am so proud of you! Really – I couldn’t be more proud of you and
happy for you. I can see
and feel a very special spirit about you now. You are truly the Lord’s
servant, with a special mantle of authority as His duly called servant,
holding His priesthood. I would love to have had a one on one talk
with you to share spiritual experiences – I
know you are having them. I’m so happy that you’re able to see lives
change and improve as they accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and make
sacred covenants in His church.
It was so great to hear you smile and laugh and enjoy the family together with us. That was SOOoooo
great today.
Things
are great here – we had a great Christmas eve, saw two movies (Mission
Impossible 4 and Sherlock
Holmes 2) and then ate at PF Changs where we spent some time with
Michael, then last night we opened all our presents – not just the book
and jammies. It was fun. And we still had something GREAT to look
forward to for Christmas morning – YOU!
The
only thing that is not good is that my Dad, your Granddad Harris, goes
into an Assisted Living
Center on Tuesday – it’s sad but his Alzheimer’s and health requires
it. He’s now 81 years old. And my Mom’s husband Leonard, now 90, fell
yesterday at home because his legs are so weak, and he will likely also
need to go into an Assisted Living Center.
So I’m worried about my mom and will spend some time with her this week
on the phone (and possibly even go up to Boise) to try to help her
figure out her options. Life is often rough when you get old.
We
LOVED talking to you today! Hope to talk with you again tomorrow!
Call us if you can. Or let
us know if it is possible or better and we’ll call you. It would be
great if mom and I could each have some one-on-one time with you.
I love you son,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 2:16 PM To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris Subject: Re: FW: Dad to Spencer - 18 Dec 2011 hey fam,
sorry my email is late mom but we helped someone
move in just barely so were running a little late on the pday, i dont
know what time on sunday to be honest i dont even know where
i will be , or who my companion will be either, elder parsons just went
home, and wow that was hard phew i love him but he was hard to teach
with just cuz of his social akwardness, but hey im not complaining there
is way worse situations i could be in, like
whats going to happen this transfer...... not excited pres just said he
has plans for me, but oh well i will do whatever he asks me to and love
doing it. im going to have a white christmas? magui is getting baptized
this week on saturday and a comformation
sunday morning! how bamf is that ! my best christmas ever i think,
sorry it has to be away from home, but hey i never helped someone get
baptized back home haha
mom i love you more then you know your blog is
always awesome, and seriously you are the best , thanks for the packages
i love the packers blanket and everything you sent me, and
i opened them early cuz i wont have time on christmas with church and
the comfirmation and all the dinners i will probably have, and my
favorite part that will make me busy is that i get to talk/see you
guys!!!
giselas husband is still holding her and the rest
of the family back from being baptized, [lease pray that his heart can
be opened he wouldnt even let them come to church this week!
hes getting more and more scared.
but ya im doing great starting to get fat but i
will lose it after the holidays, nothing i can do about it now, and oh
yeah its 65 degrees today:) haha but you guys just just laugh
at me when its the summer time and miserabley sticky.
sorrry not much to report besides that i love you more then you can imagine and cant wait to talk too you soon!!!
On Sun, Dec 18, 2011 at 10:26 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Spencer!
My Skype name is:
donjharris1
My picture and my email -
Don.harris@familysearch.org
– are also on my profile.
If you have any
trouble getting in touch with us that day, we’ll know what time we’ll be
skyeping because you’ll tell us, so if there’s any trouble,
just call us on our home phone (801-796-8266) or on my cell phone at 801-651-3138 and we’ll coordinate the Skype. Even call us collect if you need to.
OK – you can just contact us at my contact name via Skype.
donjharris1
I love you son!
Dad
From: Don J. Harris
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2011 5:50 PM To: 'Spencer Harris'; Natalie Harris Cc: ' "MIke Harris'; 'josh Harris'; 'Sam Harris'; 'Megan Harris' Subject: Dad to Spencer - 18 Dec 2011
Mi Querido Spencer,
Como estás Elder?!
So
great to hear about your great week of missionary work last week! I’m
so happy and so proud of you. And we’re so anxious and excited to talk
to you on the phone!
We got your pics! THANKS SON! We’re loving having them! And THANKS for your great letters and e-mails! SO GREAT
hearing from you!
SKYPE! How great is that! We’ll be ready! Just let us know what time and we’ll be there! We’ll set Skype up on
mom’s laptop and on the computer/weird room and be able to Skype from either one – we’ll have a back up.
So,
how’s Magui? Are you going to have a WHITE CHRISTMAS? (Baptism(s) on
or near Christmas day?) And how are Gisela
, Isidro, Toni, Tamirha, and Simeon? So great that you’re teaching so
many people the most important information they can learn in their
lives. I hope they accept it and take action on it to make sacred
covenants with the Lord and receive all the blessings
that can be theirs.
Yes
Spencer, you’re right. Setting good goals that are in line with your
mission and vision in life, making plans
to achieve them, then working to implement them, are the ways to
achieve success. We will set some good goals and plans for the New
Year.
All
is well here. Except the Packers lost today – 19-14 to Kansas City.
But they’re still the #1 team in the NFL.
Mom and I just got back from Boise, where we saw my Dad and Ellen, my
Mom and Leonard, Pam, Trish, Cheryl, Kath, their spouses, and more
family. My Dad’s Alzheimer’s is a little more advanced – so he’s doing
so-so, but he’s mostly happy. Leonard is hardly
able to get around – he’s lost all his strength. It makes you wonder
how much longer he can last when his body is wasting away so much. I’m a
little worried about my mom caring for him – she can’t lift him and he
is in need of more and more help. All my
sisters are doing pretty well. It was great to talk with Randy and
Ronnie again – they’re good guys.
We’re having the whole fam except you here tonight and a lot over the next two weeks – Megan, Michael, Josh, Sam,
Mom and I are all here together to watch the finale of this season’s Survivor.
How was your Zone Conference? Did you get our Christmas gifts? How did we do?
Have a WONDERFUL week son! We so look forward to talking & Skype with you next Sunday. Please let us know what time
is best for you.
Con aprecio y cariño,
Un abrazo fuerte,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 8:49 AM To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 11 Dec 2011
hey fam
this week was good, i went on exchanges and we
helped two people move, and all of the driving and credit card stuff was
taken care of so ya all in all it was a good week, we had
two investigators at church this week, one of which will be gettting
baptized very soon, she is a young hispanic named magui who has been
searching for the gospel her whole life, and has now found it, she is
was awesome haha, i think my comp has a crush on
her haha but i guess we will see when he comes back for her or not
haha, my companion elder parsons goes home this saturday, so i will be
on a temporary exchange untill transfers next wednesday.
good news!!!!!!!!!!!11 we get to skipe!!!!!!! sich
huh?!! anyways not sure where i will skype you from or when but i will
let you know when i know probably around 11 or twelve my
time, tell mike cooper and the boys to come over please so i can say
whats up atleast for a few minutes, invite whoever you want, and maybe i
should talk to mom first and then to them , then you can kick them out
and then i can talk to the rest of you guys
, i just cant talk too sam until they leave cuz i will probably cry
alot. anyways ya im ecited.
well we have about five investigators who are ready
to get baptized but they either need to get married or leave there
spouse , and three two of them cant leave so please pray for,
gisela , isidro, toni, tamirha, and simeon, they all have firm
testimonys of the gospel but have thing holding them back so pleasae
pray that god will provide a way for them to be baptized.
i have realized over the past few weeks that
setting goals and making plans to acheive them, and then following those
plans is the way to success in this life, so start making your
goals for new years haha, anyways i love you guys evrything here is
going great and im happy, hope you are too
love elder harris
On Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 8:03 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Hola Spencer! ¿Como estás Elder?
As
always we were so happy to receive your letter last Monday! And thanks
for the very nice compliment you gave me – I’m so blessed
and so humbled and grateful to be your dad.
You asked last week, saying:
“Dad
why is it so hard for a catholic, a hispanic catholic to change
religions even when they know its true? any advice on hispanic
catholics? i could use it.”
Here are some thoughts for you:
·
It is a
greatly an issue of tradition from their parents and grandparents and
friends – that is just what they do – they practice the same religion as
those before them. It helps them to feel they belong
to their parents and family. And many / most Catholics are only
Catholic in name only – they don’t really go to church or practice their
religion actively – they just “belong” to the church without being
involved or “active” in it.
· Remember this: People, all people, don’t usually make much if any action on what they know – they take action or are motivated by what they feel. We take action on knowledge that we internalize and emotionalize and feel. A person can know that smoking causes cancer, or the cancer they already have, but may not want to give it up, because of their addiction to tobacco – or how they feel psychologically about this or something else. So the key is helping these Hispanic Catholics, or anyone else for that matter, to truly develop not only a knowledge that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true, but to FEEL it, and to identify all the benefits and blessings they will receive and FEEL as a result of accepting and embracing it. · In general, Hispanics are a warmer and more emotional people that the average American, so the FEELINGS they feel are even more important and determine the actions they take.
o
To help
them FEEL the truthfulness of the restored gospel and to take action by
attending church and making the covenant of baptism and receiving the
Holy Ghost, they need to FEEL their new testimonies of
the truths you’re teaching them in their HEARTS, not only in their
minds. The greatest motivator is LOVE – to FEEL God’s love and to FEEL
your love from you missionaries and to FEEL the love of the Bishop or
other members of your wards. In love, you need
to help them learn the new truths and to FEEL these truths in their
hearts. You need to earnestly pray to ask for Heavenly Father’s help and
inspiration in the things you say and do to help them FEEL the truth of
the gospel.
o
It is
important to help them see and FEEL the blessings that will come to them
as a result of taking the actions you hope they will take – those
actions you know that their loving Father in Heaven wants them
to take – to exercise faith in Christ, repent of their mistaken ways or
sins, and make covenants to follow Christ be receiving baptism, then to
receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost through confirmation. So again, the
things you say to them as you teach, and
the things you do to help them see and feel the blessings that will
come, will motivate them to change.
·
This is not
your work – this is the Lord’s work. You are chosen, called
instruments in his hands to carry out His work. Pray earnestly that
each God will bless the people to use their agency wisely and to
choose the right and to choose what will most bless their lives. More
than anyone, our most powerful God can influence people and can cause
things to happen in their lives (usually humbling them in some way) to
help them learn and see and FEEL the truths
of the gospel. Agency / choice is so important to God, and many will
not choose the restored gospel and will not choose to make the effort to
attend church and get baptized. But many will. As a missionary, you
will rejoice in those that accept and take
action and lovingly allow the others to choose – to exercise their
agency in ways that are not in their best interest.
I
hope this helps some Spencer. There is no easy answer. As you
continue to follow the guidance and instruction provided in Preach
My Gospel and the Scriptures and the teachings of your Mission
President, then you’re doing what’s right and will be blessed. But I
hope you’ll keep in mind and in your heart these thoughts about people
taking action on what they FEEL, then use the inspiration
you receive to help them FEEL the truths and blessings of the marvelous
gospel of Jesus Christ.
Things
are good here – all are doing well. Sam gave a GREAT talk in church
today about Matt. 5:14-16 - about being an example in order
to bring glory to God. He gave a great talk! He’s a natural speaker.
He ended his talk stating that his dad and all his older brothers set
an example for him by serving a mission. He said that his best friend
is his brother Spencer and that Spencer is
being such a great example by serving a mission, and that he too wants
to become a missionary like his best friend and brother Spencer.
The
Packers are now 13-0 after trouncing the Raiders today, 46-7. Many are
predicting and undefeated season. They’ll play the Bears
on Christmas Day. It would be fun if you could see some of that game.
Speaking of Christmas – you’ll have your Zone Christmas gathering this
week – enjoy the gifts and the love we sent! And also speaking of
Christmas – it will be so great to talk with you
by telephone that day. You’ll have to give us some instruction on what
number to call or how we’ll talk on that day. We’re so looking forward
to it.
8-2 BYU basketball plays Number 6 Baylor this coming Saturday at the Marriott Center – should be a good game.
We
had Mike Cooper, Michael King, Zack Willis, Cade Hooley, Jordan
Esteban, Calder Bonnet, Austin Walker and Josh Johnson? all here
this last Monday night. We ate together and caught up on their lives a
little. They all speak so highly of you and some couldn’t believe it
had already been 7 months since you left. You’re such a great example
and inspiration to them. Here’s some great
pictures: http://accordingtonatalie.
Sorry there weren’t any investigators that Sunday the 3rd – what about yesterday? Any investigators at church?
How’s
the money and lost wallet situation? Are you still able to drive the
mission car since you have a copy of your driver’s license?
Did you receive the replacement ATM card? Is there anything else we
can do for you about this?
We’re
so looking forward to your letter tomorrow. Tell us lots Spencer.
Tell us all about your experiences – especially the spiritual
experiences you are having. You have our love and support. I’m so
grateful and so proud of you for your missionary service, and for being
our loving and wonderful son.
Con cariño,
Un gran abrazo,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2011 9:07 AM To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 4 Dec 2011
well dad theres no attachemant! bummer i wanted to see the banner.
but this week was good, noone at churhc! from 12 to
0 it kinda stinks but we still have about seven people progressing
towards baptism right now, so im excited pray for tony tamirha
maggie, isela and isidro, dad why is it so hard for a catholic, a
hispanic catholic to change religions even when they know its true? any
advice on hispanic catholics? i could use it. anyways ya got my wallet
stolen, at the pulga ( flee market ) but thats
ok i will get taken care of thanks for everything mom and dad. also if
you did not know austin walker is now home, invite him tonight to, he
will be going back out to a reasigned states mission in a few months.
hug mike for me mom and kiss him on the face
and tell him that i have never been more proud of anyone. amn i miss
those guys, they really are my brothers.
im sending the pictures today so dont worry. tel
sam and london to write me. hmmm well seriously a pretty boring weeek we
taught gisela and isidro and put gisela and her daughter
on date, the father said he would need more time but he knew it was
true, and then right after we left he got mad at gisela and his daughter
for wanting to change religions but they are still on date and we are
going over tommorw night so pray for them. tell
michael king that his little baby but better write me more, especially
after all that we have gone through togethor, he literaly is part of the
family and has no excuse to not write his best friend haha. tell the
family i love them. the times i miss the most
is when our family was togethor even if we were just at the movies, and
actually especially if we were at the movies, carrabas was always good
too, sadly i lost all the subway money in my wallet mom, sorry. anyways i
love you guys, tell ally that she better
write me and tell me her love story, and if i dont get an invitation we
are not friends anymore, i dont care if i cant go haha. anyways enough
friend talk, i love you mom and dad, you really are the best parents and
friends and examples i could ever have and
i am eternally grateful that i chose you. i love you dad.... dont WHO
YOU ARE, WHO YOU WERE BEFORE THIS LIFE, AND WHO YOU WILL BE in the
celestial kingdom, you really are the best father i know.
love elder harris
On Sun, Dec 4, 2011 at 9:34 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Spencer!
Thank
you for giving us an excuse to talk briefly with President and Sister
Holm! Sorry you lost your wallet,
but this will pass quickly, and we will help you get what you need.
President and Sister Holm said that they love Spencer, and that he is an
easy (easy for them), obedient and great missionary. They love serving
with you. I knew that, but it was great to
hear that directly from President and Sister Holm. They also said
that you will get your Christmas packages we sent on December 14.
· We called the UCCU to cancel the ATM card tonight and Mom will go into the UCCU tomorrow (Monday) to order the new one. · Sister Holm said they will get you a replacement Mission Card · And they said that your companion will help you out for money until you get these things replaced
So glad that Thanksgiving went so well for you! And so glad you had the opportunity to remember you are an athlete
and that the people treated you so well.
All
is well here. Nothing big new with the fam, but all are doing great.
Attached is Sam’s new pic with the other
select athletes at Timpanogos H.S. This is one that you can click on
and zoom in to see him and Bryson Nickle and Tyler Hamilton better. It
will be a 7 foot by 20 foot poster hung in his H.S. gym for the next
year.
Sure hoping the work is going well for you! Tell us all about your investigators and who we can pray for!
Sure hoping you will send us your camera card soon!
Sure love you son! You are great and we love you and love the gospel of Jesus Christ that you are teaching. Write
us lots and tell us all about it.
I love you Spencer,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 2:54 PM To: Don J. Harris Subject: Re: Cade Hooley's talk
hey fam sorry the email is getting to you later
today we had stuff to do this morning ! this week was awesome
thanksgiving and alot of cool stuff. for thanks giving we had two
dinners
and i was about to die after, literally i was in pain for two days
after. and we played football that morning( not tackle) whichi loved of
course, i was starting to forget that i was an athlete haha. we had
dinner at the schleggals an awesome fam and with
tony and hugo a less active couple with there non member friends who
are crazy! but it was fun , then another couple we are teaching had
there babay, and they invited us to come, there names are tony and
tamirha sadly neither of there families were there,
i am so gratful for the gospel, they have had to live on there own
since basically middle school and we are kinda there only close friends
besides tonys brother and his brothers wife, so ya awesome that we were
there but sad that missionaries are there closests
friends and only people they can trust, i got pictures of the whole
thing dont worry mom, mom you would love this young couple, they are
only 18 and 17 but they are so strong and amazing. today we took a
carriage ride down town and it was cool cuz it was for
free haha! but ya thats my week............. and sorry to late i
already got some presents for you guys.......... but dont worry i really
wanted to get them for you i didnt feel obligated i just want to , you
will get your pictures too dont worry, i cant find
meg anything though so ya sorry meg i luv you but never see anything
that i think you would want, love you guys. and thanks for everything
mom you really are the best mom ever, presidant wants all the packages
sent by dec1st i already mentioned that but ya
send them really soon.
love you!
elder harris
On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 8:56 AM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Spencer and family,
FYI, I took more notes at Cade Hooley’s talk
yesterday but didn’t include them in my letter to you except for
President Uchtdorf’s quote. I just looked at them again this morning
and I think they’re well worth sharing:
His topic was the Love of God. As I said, he started with this quote from President Deiter F. Uchtdorf:
Think of the
purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love
by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you.7
God does not look on the outward appearance.8
I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a
cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten.
Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are
imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost
and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.
He
loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure,
and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our
résumé but because we are
His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed,
rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He
loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What
this means is that, regardless of our current
state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our
sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly
Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.9
·
We can be forgiven of our sins – Jesus Christ made this possible· Been reading the scriptures more and loving them. The iron rod / word of God keeps us on the right path to God and His love. The more we read and study the scriptures the closer we feel to God and the more we feel His love · Ether 12:27 – when we come unto Christ our weaknesses can become strengths · It is tough and challenging to humble ourselves, but when I am more humble, I feel God’s love and spirit more · Footprints story / poem. God’s love will never leaves us · Serving 2 years is the least I can do to try to repay the Lord in some way · Thanks to all friends and family for all you’ve done for me to help prepare me · He bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and the church and the prophets and scriptures, etc.
(Cade enters the MTC in mid December, and has been called to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mission)
NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
 
Natalie,
I’m so excited and happy and humbled by Spencer’s joy he is
experiencing in doing this sacred and marvelous work of sharing the
gospel.
Let’s
talk about this glasses and contacts issue together. It may make sense
to ask Spencer some questions about his needs and to call the mission
office to make the arrangements
to get him what is needed.
I love you and I’m so grateful we had this wonderful son!
Don
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 9:06 AM To: Don J. Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/15/2012
hey fam this week was another good one, we now have
15 people on date to be baptized in febuary!!! how awesome is that, as a
district we have thirty people on date to be baptized and as a mission
we have 304 and so our district alone has
10 percent of the people on date, so im pumped we should have a very
white febuary, that is if im still here and im praying that i am, i love
it here, it will be almost as hard to leave charleston as it was to
leave home, lets just say ive settled in here,
ive made some of the best friends ever and its finally turned into a
place with as much love as i was able to have / create back home, and
really dont want to have to build that from the ground up agian haha but
if i do get called somewhere else i will go
happily and bring as much love as i can there, please pray for the
charleston missionaries and there investigators please.
yesterday we played socker and went to the aquarium
in down town, it was so awesome, enserio i loved it, i dont get how
anyone can believe there is not a god, the world is way to beautiful and
unique to be created by science or on accident,
seriously how stupid/ brainwashed can ya get haha, but anyways i will
take you guys there when you come, it is awesome.
we got to spend last night in west ahley right
outside of downtown and that was so awesome / sad if i have to leave it
could be my last dinner with all the young couples down there, they are
awesome and help us so much its rediculous, i
miss the charleston ward haha just not trying to find hispanics there
haha, north charleston ward has much more for which im grateful , i get
the best of both worlds as a missionary, and mom i dont get bike
problems , ha i never get to ride it unless im on
exchanges outside my area, all of the hispanic areas are to dangerous
to bike to because we would literally have to bike on a highway, and
even though i love the lord i dont love him that much haha, we get a car
but we only get a certain amount of miles which
means we walk alot to, i prefere walking to bikeing in the winter , its
perfect temperature to walk here 55, 60, 75 on sunday haha.
anyways i got to run but im doing great and i love you guys so much,
wait oh ya , so i went and got my eyes checked and
with the insurance coverage we would still have to pay 289 or 300
basically to get my glasses, so mom please go to walmart and reorder me a
supply of contacts, why didnt you ever tell me
how expensive it was to fix my blindness? geez yall have been spending a
ton on me just for my vision, anyways i love you for it, im very
grateful, especially that you never made me skimp or anything in them,
thats alot of money considering ive had glasses
since 18 months and i broke a pair like every 3 months when i was
little haha.
so ya i dont know what to do about the glasses , but please order me some contacts atleast for now.
thanks love elder harris
On Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 12:42 AM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Buenos Dias Spencer,
You’re
doing it son! I just reread your message/letter from last week and it
became obvious why you’re doing so well:
You’re loving the Lord, you’re loving the Hispanic people of South
Carolina, you’re loving your Mission President, and you’re loving you
companion. (And you still love your family!) That is the success
equation for a successful, happy, productive, meaningful,
wonderful mission. Way to go Spencer – really, I’m so proud of you and
so happy for you.
Thanks
for writing us in Spanish Spencer – that was fun. Your Spanish is
getting good. It will be great to do it
often. I’m excited about how well your work is going for you and your
companion. You are being blessed for your hard work and dedication and
faith and prayers and because there are people in your area with good
hearts who need and want the gospel. I love
your story about knocking on one more door and the great results – way
to go Elder Carter and Elder Harris! We’ll keep praying for Bella,
Daisy, Francisco, Jesiel, and Zurry from Panama. So glad you
enjoyed your latest leadership training – you’re going to be a very
successful leader as you continue in your dedication and love – as you
continue in the ways of Jesus Christ our Savior and our Exemplar.
Things
are good here. Mom was sick with a bad cold but she’s almost totally
better already. Sam is doing great with
school (all As and 1B in AP Calculus) and starting early-morning
baseball practice. Meg and Michael and Josh are all good. My Mom in
Boise is struggling with Leonard getting worse in the Care Center –
falling often and right now not eating well, which could
cause him to lose strength for the basic body functions.
I
received a calling at church. I’ve been called and set apart to serve
as the YM Secretary. I’m happy about it
and going to serve in a devoted way to be the best YM Secretary I can
be. It will be fun to get to know and serve the Young Men and all the
YM leaders of the ward.
The
Packers lost. What’s up with that? The Giants beat them today. And
Baltimore beat Texas today. San Fran beat
New Orleans yesterday and Denver finally got beat by the Patriots. So
now it’s the Patriots vs. Baltimore and the Giants vs. San Francisco.
BYU basketball continues winning.
Mom was her wonderful self and fixed a great lunch for all the Home Teaching families that Sam and I have, and all
6 came today – it was great.
Thanks
for serving so well Spencer. The gospel is true and I want the people
around you to accept it and receive the unlimited, eternal blessings.
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life.
In John 10:10 – 11 Jesus says: “I am come that they might have
life, and that they might have
it more
abundantly.
11 I am the good
shepherd: the good
shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
Christ gives us that abundant life as we follow Him and receive and keep the covenants made available to us in His church.
I love you son.
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2012 8:57 AM To: Don J. Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/8/2012
buenos dias familia,
todo fue bien esta semana, hemos tenido mucho
milagros y bendiciones que viene con seguir la guia del espiritu santo.
encontramos 10 nuevos investigadores y 8 de los 10 tienen fecha
para bautismal, estoy muy agradecido que el senor ES preparando la
gente aqui para que podamos ensenar y ensenar tambien, tengo much animo
para la mes que viene, espero que puedo quedarme, pero voy a irme cuando
el senor quiere y no voy a complacer. tuvimos
una cita con una familia ricoso, y ellos no fueron en casa, pero
nuestro presidente dijo a nosotro durante nuestro reunion de lideres que
si nuestro cita no esta que es una senal y que de dentro 10 puertas de
su cita hay 1 bautismo, entonces empezamos a tocar
las puertas, despues de como 5 puertas nos preguntamos si debemos
continuar en un lugar lenno de orgullo y riquezas, pero elder carter me
dijo, uno mas, y en esta casa estaba 6 latinos de varias paises y todos
ya tiene una cita para bautismo!!! en el noche
pasado el padre de ellos francisco, ha orado, y ha pedido el senor
ayuda por su hija, que ella pueda empezar a aprender y vivir el
evangelio, y el nos dijo fuimos un senal y cuando hemos explicado el
restauracion el dijo " finalmente..... un iglesia con razon"
todos van a ser bautizados feb.4th, que chido.
anyways fam if you could not understand that then
ask dad, good story of a miracle where we found hispanics in a rich
neighbor hood, there father praid for help for his daughter
and family and the next night we showed up on his door five minutes
after his daughter got home so ya, dope , im excited there all on date
to be baptized, there form panama, there names are bella, daisy ,
francisco, jesiel, and zurry, please pray for them.
we also found another family, one hispanic his soon
to be wife and there 3 children only of of them is of baptismal age but
lets just say shes elect, she answers all the questions
and understand the gospel better then her parents anyways good week
over all.
we had a leadership training conference for all of
the dls and zls and trainers which was awesome, i learned a ton and got
to get some one on one time with the pres which is always
awesome cuz i love him.
me and elder carter are doing great , we work well
with eachother and we have alot of fun while doing it, its amazing how
much more success you can have with a companionship thats
filled with love for eachother and the people we teach.
thanks for the updates from wade stephen and sefa mom it was awesome.
gota go but i love you all so much and SAM its been way to long my friend.
love
elder harris
ps dad always write in spanish i like it.
On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 8:04 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Apreciado Spencer – Nuestro Querido Elder Harris,
¿Cómo estás hijo? ¿Han encontrado nuevos investigadores para enseñar?
Espero que recibiste los mensajes en cuanto a sus lentes y lentes de contacto y el seguro (Insurance) y las tiendas
para utilizar y todo. Avísame si le puedo ayudar con cualquier cosa al respeto. ¡Llámame!
J (chiste)
Entiendo
totalmente que no debemos buscarte de tu misión y pasear en los lugares
de tu misión sin ser relevado primero.
Y tienes razón, no vas a poder ser relevado en Columbia – tendrás que
volver primero. Esto no es un problema. Puedes volver y toda la
familia puede ir todos juntos después de pocas o varias semanas a
Carolina del Sur. Pero tienes muchas obras buenas e importantes
para realizar – mucha gente para ayudar y servir y ensenar el evangelio
- entre ahora y la semana de volver. Podemos volver al tema de
terminar la misión en 2013.
Todo
bien por aquí. Seguimos adelante con las cosas normales. Ha sido un
buen año para los partidos bowl - BYU y
South Carolina y otros. Mañana por la noche es el bowl y campeonato
grandote - Alabama vs. LSU. Los New Orleans Saints juegan en contra de
los Packers la semana que viene – Aaron Rogers vs. Drew Brees. El
equipo de básquet de BYU ha estado ganando la mayoría
de los partidos, pero St. Marys les ganó.
Tu
mamá está trabajando mucho con bienes raíces (Real Estate), con éxito.
¡Es muy buena en esto y tantas cosas (no
sorpresa). Que bendición es tu mamá para nuestras vidas! La amo
mucho. Mi trabajo también va bien. Josh volvió a Utah State hoy para
seguir estudiando. Sam empieza las practicas de béisbol mañana.
También
amo mucho a nuestro Señor Jesucristo y a su evangelio. Sé que es la
verdad. La obra que tú estás haciendo
es la obra de Dios. Sé que el Libro de Mormón es la palabra de Dios.
Testifico que tenemos un profeta viviente – Tomás S. Monson. La iglesia
es verdadera y de tanto beneficio para nuestras vidas.
Cuenta con mis oraciones y mejores deseos Spencer. Estoy tan feliz y tan orgulloso de quien eres y tu dedicación al
ser misionero de Dios.
Con mucho amor,
Un abrazo fuerte,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 11:37 AM To: Don J. Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/1/2012 - Feliz Año Nuevo!
hey fam sorry its one day late but all the librarys
were closed yesterday again , but hey its fun to email on tuesday. well
this week was good i guess we had to drop alot of investigators
last week so we are out looking for new ones, finding new hispanics is
hard but i know if we work hard the lord will prepare someone for us to
teach.
i am in love with the guitar i got i dont get alot
of time to play it except for mondays but hey that makes me super happy,
thanks mom, sounds like a up and down week back home,
stay positive mom. enjoy the last few months of having a child at home
and in highschool.
and about coming here to get me and picking me up,
whatever happens i want to be released before we go around and do
everything, im not like josh where i want to wear missionary
clothes untill i die haha so ya if i can get released first then you
could pick me up but i dont think thats possible.
..................... sorry not alot to talk about
thats new but i love you guys and im doing good so dont worry about me ,
im having an awesome time.
oh ya, mom i need to have an eye apointment again ,
its been over six months and im almost out of contacts, but the walmart
place said that our insurance from back home does not
cover here is south carolina, and its way to expensive to pay out of
pocket, i would like a pair of glasses too, all i have is the old pair
you sent to me while i was in the mtc, so ya i dont know what to do
about that, maybe you could call the insurance?
buyt anyways i love you guys and miss you so much.
dont ever forget how lucky we are and how blessed we are just to be US ,
living in our family, living the gospel, i dont think
you can find more love in any other house in the world. and its all
because we are founded upon the rock of our savior and his restored
gospel.
love elder harris
2012/1/1 Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org>
Hey Spencer!
Feliz Año Nuevo!
I hope you had a good week during the holidays. Have you been able to teach as much or more than usual? How are
things going with your new companion?
We’ve
had a good week and all are well here. It’s nice to have Josh and
Michael around more. Megan was here during
the week but just left for St. George with her friends yesterday and
gets back tomorrow night. We went to Randy and Tonya Olsen’s tonight to
say hello to Nathaniel who just returned from his mission to Sweden.
They asked about you and we told them you’re
doing very well.
I
went to Boise this week to help Mom with Leonard. Leonard is now 90
and he recently fell and hurt his neck and
had to go to the hospital. We made arrangements (a lot of time and
hassles and mess with insurances and qualifying for aid, etc.) and he is
now in a Nursing Home in Meridian where he is getting the intense
amount of help he needs to eat and use the bathroom
and just do the basics to survive. I don’t really expect him to live
real long – my guess is that there will likely be a funeral for Leonard
in 2012. He is getting weaker physically and his mind is
deteriorating. Sometimes he seems to be thinking fairly
quickly but a lot of the times he doesn’t. The other day I walked him
in a wheel chair for more than an hour – all over the hospital and out
into the cool air just outside the hospital doors a few times – and
about 2 hours later he didn’t remember it happened
at all. It is sad to see. But I am grateful that my Mom is no longer
burdened with caring for him constantly. She can now know that there
are others taking care of him and she can go visit him often.
Mom
and I have been called to serve in the investigator/Gospel Essentials
class. We are one of 3 active and fellowshipping
couples who will be there to help and fellowship those less active
members who are invited to attend. I think it could be real
interesting.
OK son – tell us about YOU! How was your week?
Jesus es el Salvador del mundo y tú tienes el mensaje más importante para la gente del Carolina del Sur.
Cuentas con mis oraciones. Mucho éxito Spencer.
Un abrazo,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 12:31 PM To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 25 Dec 2011 hey fam is was very bitter sweet seeing you all this christmas but i love you and sorry i didnt email yesterday the library was closed so we got permission to come today, i want you guys to know i love you and i am thankful for you all everyday, sorry not much new news over the past two days, saw christmas lights last night in 65 degree weather, its weird. love you!!!!
elder harris
On Sun, Dec 25, 2011 at 8:15 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Mi Querido Spencer,
Merry Christmas!
¡Qué
gran gusto fue poder verte y oírte hoy! ¡Hablas muy bien el español!
Qué alegría
me dio escucharte. Será tan lindo poder hablar español juntos, y
espero tener la oportunidad de poder servir en la iglesia contigo entre
la gente de habla hispana.
Son,
I am so proud of you! Really – I couldn’t be more proud of you and
happy for you. I can see
and feel a very special spirit about you now. You are truly the Lord’s
servant, with a special mantle of authority as His duly called servant,
holding His priesthood. I would love to have had a one on one talk
with you to share spiritual experiences – I
know you are having them. I’m so happy that you’re able to see lives
change and improve as they accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and make
sacred covenants in His church.
It was so great to hear you smile and laugh and enjoy the family together with us. That was SOOoooo
great today.
Things
are great here – we had a great Christmas eve, saw two movies (Mission
Impossible 4 and Sherlock
Holmes 2) and then ate at PF Changs where we spent some time with
Michael, then last night we opened all our presents – not just the book
and jammies. It was fun. And we still had something GREAT to look
forward to for Christmas morning – YOU!
The
only thing that is not good is that my Dad, your Granddad Harris, goes
into an Assisted Living
Center on Tuesday – it’s sad but his Alzheimer’s and health requires
it. He’s now 81 years old. And my Mom’s husband Leonard, now 90, fell
yesterday at home because his legs are so weak, and he will likely also
need to go into an Assisted Living Center.
So I’m worried about my mom and will spend some time with her this week
on the phone (and possibly even go up to Boise) to try to help her
figure out her options. Life is often rough when you get old.
We
LOVED talking to you today! Hope to talk with you again tomorrow!
Call us if you can. Or let
us know if it is possible or better and we’ll call you. It would be
great if mom and I could each have some one-on-one time with you.
I love you son,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 2:16 PM To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris Subject: Re: FW: Dad to Spencer - 18 Dec 2011 hey fam,
sorry my email is late mom but we helped someone
move in just barely so were running a little late on the pday, i dont
know what time on sunday to be honest i dont even know where
i will be , or who my companion will be either, elder parsons just went
home, and wow that was hard phew i love him but he was hard to teach
with just cuz of his social akwardness, but hey im not complaining there
is way worse situations i could be in, like
whats going to happen this transfer...... not excited pres just said he
has plans for me, but oh well i will do whatever he asks me to and love
doing it. im going to have a white christmas? magui is getting baptized
this week on saturday and a comformation
sunday morning! how bamf is that ! my best christmas ever i think,
sorry it has to be away from home, but hey i never helped someone get
baptized back home haha
mom i love you more then you know your blog is
always awesome, and seriously you are the best , thanks for the packages
i love the packers blanket and everything you sent me, and
i opened them early cuz i wont have time on christmas with church and
the comfirmation and all the dinners i will probably have, and my
favorite part that will make me busy is that i get to talk/see you
guys!!!
giselas husband is still holding her and the rest
of the family back from being baptized, [lease pray that his heart can
be opened he wouldnt even let them come to church this week!
hes getting more and more scared.
but ya im doing great starting to get fat but i
will lose it after the holidays, nothing i can do about it now, and oh
yeah its 65 degrees today:) haha but you guys just just laugh
at me when its the summer time and miserabley sticky.
sorrry not much to report besides that i love you more then you can imagine and cant wait to talk too you soon!!!
On Sun, Dec 18, 2011 at 10:26 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Spencer!
My Skype name is:
donjharris1
My picture and my email -
Don.harris@familysearch.org
– are also on my profile.
If you have any
trouble getting in touch with us that day, we’ll know what time we’ll be
skyeping because you’ll tell us, so if there’s any trouble,
just call us on our home phone (801-796-8266) or on my cell phone at 801-651-3138 and we’ll coordinate the Skype. Even call us collect if you need to.
OK – you can just contact us at my contact name via Skype.
donjharris1
I love you son!
Dad
From: Don J. Harris
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2011 5:50 PM To: 'Spencer Harris'; Natalie Harris Cc: ' "MIke Harris'; 'josh Harris'; 'Sam Harris'; 'Megan Harris' Subject: Dad to Spencer - 18 Dec 2011
Mi Querido Spencer,
Como estás Elder?!
So
great to hear about your great week of missionary work last week! I’m
so happy and so proud of you. And we’re so anxious and excited to talk
to you on the phone!
We got your pics! THANKS SON! We’re loving having them! And THANKS for your great letters and e-mails! SO GREAT
hearing from you!
SKYPE! How great is that! We’ll be ready! Just let us know what time and we’ll be there! We’ll set Skype up on
mom’s laptop and on the computer/weird room and be able to Skype from either one – we’ll have a back up.
So,
how’s Magui? Are you going to have a WHITE CHRISTMAS? (Baptism(s) on
or near Christmas day?) And how are Gisela
, Isidro, Toni, Tamirha, and Simeon? So great that you’re teaching so
many people the most important information they can learn in their
lives. I hope they accept it and take action on it to make sacred
covenants with the Lord and receive all the blessings
that can be theirs.
Yes
Spencer, you’re right. Setting good goals that are in line with your
mission and vision in life, making plans
to achieve them, then working to implement them, are the ways to
achieve success. We will set some good goals and plans for the New
Year.
All
is well here. Except the Packers lost today – 19-14 to Kansas City.
But they’re still the #1 team in the NFL.
Mom and I just got back from Boise, where we saw my Dad and Ellen, my
Mom and Leonard, Pam, Trish, Cheryl, Kath, their spouses, and more
family. My Dad’s Alzheimer’s is a little more advanced – so he’s doing
so-so, but he’s mostly happy. Leonard is hardly
able to get around – he’s lost all his strength. It makes you wonder
how much longer he can last when his body is wasting away so much. I’m a
little worried about my mom caring for him – she can’t lift him and he
is in need of more and more help. All my
sisters are doing pretty well. It was great to talk with Randy and
Ronnie again – they’re good guys.
We’re having the whole fam except you here tonight and a lot over the next two weeks – Megan, Michael, Josh, Sam,
Mom and I are all here together to watch the finale of this season’s Survivor.
How was your Zone Conference? Did you get our Christmas gifts? How did we do?
Have a WONDERFUL week son! We so look forward to talking & Skype with you next Sunday. Please let us know what time
is best for you.
Con aprecio y cariño,
Un abrazo fuerte,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 8:49 AM To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 11 Dec 2011
hey fam
this week was good, i went on exchanges and we
helped two people move, and all of the driving and credit card stuff was
taken care of so ya all in all it was a good week, we had
two investigators at church this week, one of which will be gettting
baptized very soon, she is a young hispanic named magui who has been
searching for the gospel her whole life, and has now found it, she is
was awesome haha, i think my comp has a crush on
her haha but i guess we will see when he comes back for her or not
haha, my companion elder parsons goes home this saturday, so i will be
on a temporary exchange untill transfers next wednesday.
good news!!!!!!!!!!!11 we get to skipe!!!!!!! sich
huh?!! anyways not sure where i will skype you from or when but i will
let you know when i know probably around 11 or twelve my
time, tell mike cooper and the boys to come over please so i can say
whats up atleast for a few minutes, invite whoever you want, and maybe i
should talk to mom first and then to them , then you can kick them out
and then i can talk to the rest of you guys
, i just cant talk too sam until they leave cuz i will probably cry
alot. anyways ya im ecited.
well we have about five investigators who are ready
to get baptized but they either need to get married or leave there
spouse , and three two of them cant leave so please pray for,
gisela , isidro, toni, tamirha, and simeon, they all have firm
testimonys of the gospel but have thing holding them back so pleasae
pray that god will provide a way for them to be baptized.
i have realized over the past few weeks that
setting goals and making plans to acheive them, and then following those
plans is the way to success in this life, so start making your
goals for new years haha, anyways i love you guys evrything here is
going great and im happy, hope you are too
love elder harris
On Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 8:03 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Hola Spencer! ¿Como estás Elder?
As
always we were so happy to receive your letter last Monday! And thanks
for the very nice compliment you gave me – I’m so blessed
and so humbled and grateful to be your dad.
You asked last week, saying:
“Dad
why is it so hard for a catholic, a hispanic catholic to change
religions even when they know its true? any advice on hispanic
catholics? i could use it.”
Here are some thoughts for you:
·
It is a
greatly an issue of tradition from their parents and grandparents and
friends – that is just what they do – they practice the same religion as
those before them. It helps them to feel they belong
to their parents and family. And many / most Catholics are only
Catholic in name only – they don’t really go to church or practice their
religion actively – they just “belong” to the church without being
involved or “active” in it.
· Remember this: People, all people, don’t usually make much if any action on what they know – they take action or are motivated by what they feel. We take action on knowledge that we internalize and emotionalize and feel. A person can know that smoking causes cancer, or the cancer they already have, but may not want to give it up, because of their addiction to tobacco – or how they feel psychologically about this or something else. So the key is helping these Hispanic Catholics, or anyone else for that matter, to truly develop not only a knowledge that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true, but to FEEL it, and to identify all the benefits and blessings they will receive and FEEL as a result of accepting and embracing it. · In general, Hispanics are a warmer and more emotional people that the average American, so the FEELINGS they feel are even more important and determine the actions they take.
o
To help
them FEEL the truthfulness of the restored gospel and to take action by
attending church and making the covenant of baptism and receiving the
Holy Ghost, they need to FEEL their new testimonies of
the truths you’re teaching them in their HEARTS, not only in their
minds. The greatest motivator is LOVE – to FEEL God’s love and to FEEL
your love from you missionaries and to FEEL the love of the Bishop or
other members of your wards. In love, you need
to help them learn the new truths and to FEEL these truths in their
hearts. You need to earnestly pray to ask for Heavenly Father’s help and
inspiration in the things you say and do to help them FEEL the truth of
the gospel.
o
It is
important to help them see and FEEL the blessings that will come to them
as a result of taking the actions you hope they will take – those
actions you know that their loving Father in Heaven wants them
to take – to exercise faith in Christ, repent of their mistaken ways or
sins, and make covenants to follow Christ be receiving baptism, then to
receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost through confirmation. So again, the
things you say to them as you teach, and
the things you do to help them see and feel the blessings that will
come, will motivate them to change.
·
This is not
your work – this is the Lord’s work. You are chosen, called
instruments in his hands to carry out His work. Pray earnestly that
each God will bless the people to use their agency wisely and to
choose the right and to choose what will most bless their lives. More
than anyone, our most powerful God can influence people and can cause
things to happen in their lives (usually humbling them in some way) to
help them learn and see and FEEL the truths
of the gospel. Agency / choice is so important to God, and many will
not choose the restored gospel and will not choose to make the effort to
attend church and get baptized. But many will. As a missionary, you
will rejoice in those that accept and take
action and lovingly allow the others to choose – to exercise their
agency in ways that are not in their best interest.
I
hope this helps some Spencer. There is no easy answer. As you
continue to follow the guidance and instruction provided in Preach
My Gospel and the Scriptures and the teachings of your Mission
President, then you’re doing what’s right and will be blessed. But I
hope you’ll keep in mind and in your heart these thoughts about people
taking action on what they FEEL, then use the inspiration
you receive to help them FEEL the truths and blessings of the marvelous
gospel of Jesus Christ.
Things
are good here – all are doing well. Sam gave a GREAT talk in church
today about Matt. 5:14-16 - about being an example in order
to bring glory to God. He gave a great talk! He’s a natural speaker.
He ended his talk stating that his dad and all his older brothers set
an example for him by serving a mission. He said that his best friend
is his brother Spencer and that Spencer is
being such a great example by serving a mission, and that he too wants
to become a missionary like his best friend and brother Spencer.
The
Packers are now 13-0 after trouncing the Raiders today, 46-7. Many are
predicting and undefeated season. They’ll play the Bears
on Christmas Day. It would be fun if you could see some of that game.
Speaking of Christmas – you’ll have your Zone Christmas gathering this
week – enjoy the gifts and the love we sent! And also speaking of
Christmas – it will be so great to talk with you
by telephone that day. You’ll have to give us some instruction on what
number to call or how we’ll talk on that day. We’re so looking forward
to it.
8-2 BYU basketball plays Number 6 Baylor this coming Saturday at the Marriott Center – should be a good game.
We
had Mike Cooper, Michael King, Zack Willis, Cade Hooley, Jordan
Esteban, Calder Bonnet, Austin Walker and Josh Johnson? all here
this last Monday night. We ate together and caught up on their lives a
little. They all speak so highly of you and some couldn’t believe it
had already been 7 months since you left. You’re such a great example
and inspiration to them. Here’s some great
pictures: http://accordingtonatalie.
Sorry there weren’t any investigators that Sunday the 3rd – what about yesterday? Any investigators at church?
How’s
the money and lost wallet situation? Are you still able to drive the
mission car since you have a copy of your driver’s license?
Did you receive the replacement ATM card? Is there anything else we
can do for you about this?
We’re
so looking forward to your letter tomorrow. Tell us lots Spencer.
Tell us all about your experiences – especially the spiritual
experiences you are having. You have our love and support. I’m so
grateful and so proud of you for your missionary service, and for being
our loving and wonderful son.
Con cariño,
Un gran abrazo,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2011 9:07 AM To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 4 Dec 2011
well dad theres no attachemant! bummer i wanted to see the banner.
but this week was good, noone at churhc! from 12 to
0 it kinda stinks but we still have about seven people progressing
towards baptism right now, so im excited pray for tony tamirha
maggie, isela and isidro, dad why is it so hard for a catholic, a
hispanic catholic to change religions even when they know its true? any
advice on hispanic catholics? i could use it. anyways ya got my wallet
stolen, at the pulga ( flee market ) but thats
ok i will get taken care of thanks for everything mom and dad. also if
you did not know austin walker is now home, invite him tonight to, he
will be going back out to a reasigned states mission in a few months.
hug mike for me mom and kiss him on the face
and tell him that i have never been more proud of anyone. amn i miss
those guys, they really are my brothers.
im sending the pictures today so dont worry. tel
sam and london to write me. hmmm well seriously a pretty boring weeek we
taught gisela and isidro and put gisela and her daughter
on date, the father said he would need more time but he knew it was
true, and then right after we left he got mad at gisela and his daughter
for wanting to change religions but they are still on date and we are
going over tommorw night so pray for them. tell
michael king that his little baby but better write me more, especially
after all that we have gone through togethor, he literaly is part of the
family and has no excuse to not write his best friend haha. tell the
family i love them. the times i miss the most
is when our family was togethor even if we were just at the movies, and
actually especially if we were at the movies, carrabas was always good
too, sadly i lost all the subway money in my wallet mom, sorry. anyways i
love you guys, tell ally that she better
write me and tell me her love story, and if i dont get an invitation we
are not friends anymore, i dont care if i cant go haha. anyways enough
friend talk, i love you mom and dad, you really are the best parents and
friends and examples i could ever have and
i am eternally grateful that i chose you. i love you dad.... dont WHO
YOU ARE, WHO YOU WERE BEFORE THIS LIFE, AND WHO YOU WILL BE in the
celestial kingdom, you really are the best father i know.
love elder harris
On Sun, Dec 4, 2011 at 9:34 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Spencer!
Thank
you for giving us an excuse to talk briefly with President and Sister
Holm! Sorry you lost your wallet,
but this will pass quickly, and we will help you get what you need.
President and Sister Holm said that they love Spencer, and that he is an
easy (easy for them), obedient and great missionary. They love serving
with you. I knew that, but it was great to
hear that directly from President and Sister Holm. They also said
that you will get your Christmas packages we sent on December 14.
· We called the UCCU to cancel the ATM card tonight and Mom will go into the UCCU tomorrow (Monday) to order the new one. · Sister Holm said they will get you a replacement Mission Card · And they said that your companion will help you out for money until you get these things replaced
So glad that Thanksgiving went so well for you! And so glad you had the opportunity to remember you are an athlete
and that the people treated you so well.
All
is well here. Nothing big new with the fam, but all are doing great.
Attached is Sam’s new pic with the other
select athletes at Timpanogos H.S. This is one that you can click on
and zoom in to see him and Bryson Nickle and Tyler Hamilton better. It
will be a 7 foot by 20 foot poster hung in his H.S. gym for the next
year.
Sure hoping the work is going well for you! Tell us all about your investigators and who we can pray for!
Sure hoping you will send us your camera card soon!
Sure love you son! You are great and we love you and love the gospel of Jesus Christ that you are teaching. Write
us lots and tell us all about it.
I love you Spencer,
Dad
From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 2:54 PM To: Don J. Harris Subject: Re: Cade Hooley's talk
hey fam sorry the email is getting to you later
today we had stuff to do this morning ! this week was awesome
thanksgiving and alot of cool stuff. for thanks giving we had two
dinners
and i was about to die after, literally i was in pain for two days
after. and we played football that morning( not tackle) whichi loved of
course, i was starting to forget that i was an athlete haha. we had
dinner at the schleggals an awesome fam and with
tony and hugo a less active couple with there non member friends who
are crazy! but it was fun , then another couple we are teaching had
there babay, and they invited us to come, there names are tony and
tamirha sadly neither of there families were there,
i am so gratful for the gospel, they have had to live on there own
since basically middle school and we are kinda there only close friends
besides tonys brother and his brothers wife, so ya awesome that we were
there but sad that missionaries are there closests
friends and only people they can trust, i got pictures of the whole
thing dont worry mom, mom you would love this young couple, they are
only 18 and 17 but they are so strong and amazing. today we took a
carriage ride down town and it was cool cuz it was for
free haha! but ya thats my week............. and sorry to late i
already got some presents for you guys.......... but dont worry i really
wanted to get them for you i didnt feel obligated i just want to , you
will get your pictures too dont worry, i cant find
meg anything though so ya sorry meg i luv you but never see anything
that i think you would want, love you guys. and thanks for everything
mom you really are the best mom ever, presidant wants all the packages
sent by dec1st i already mentioned that but ya
send them really soon.
love you!
elder harris
On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 8:56 AM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:
Spencer and family,
FYI, I took more notes at Cade Hooley’s talk
yesterday but didn’t include them in my letter to you except for
President Uchtdorf’s quote. I just looked at them again this morning
and I think they’re well worth sharing:
His topic was the Love of God. As I said, he started with this quote from President Deiter F. Uchtdorf:
Think of the
purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love
by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you.7
God does not look on the outward appearance.8
I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a
cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten.
Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are
imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost
and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.
He
loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure,
and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our
résumé but because we are
His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed,
rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He
loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What
this means is that, regardless of our current
state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our
sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly
Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.9
·
We can be forgiven of our sins – Jesus Christ made this possible· Been reading the scriptures more and loving them. The iron rod / word of God keeps us on the right path to God and His love. The more we read and study the scriptures the closer we feel to God and the more we feel His love · Ether 12:27 – when we come unto Christ our weaknesses can become strengths · It is tough and challenging to humble ourselves, but when I am more humble, I feel God’s love and spirit more · Footprints story / poem. God’s love will never leaves us · Serving 2 years is the least I can do to try to repay the Lord in some way · Thanks to all friends and family for all you’ve done for me to help prepare me · He bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and the church and the prophets and scriptures, etc.
(Cade enters the MTC in mid December, and has been called to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mission)
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