Monday, January 30, 2012

THANK YOU MICHAEL KANE!!!!

These are Glutten FREE and pretty much a bit of heaven in your mouth...especially if you are Gluten intolerant.
This weekend Michael turned me on to THE ALLERGEN-FREE BAKER'S HANDBOOK by Cybele Pascal and already we sing praises to this woman. Michael had already done the experimenting and told me to use the  Authentic Food's/Bette's GOurmet Featherlight Rice Flour Blend. To have success the first go round is such a sweet encouragement. I mean...LOOK at the crinkles!! Even the texture is as good as the taste! God bless pioneers in EVERY area of our life!

Letter from Spencer 29 Jan 2012

Just a little disclaimer from Mom...he is totally biased and truly a MOMMAS BOY...AND I LOVE IT:)


hey fam pence here
this week was awesome and then aweful, we had a great week proselyting and then transfer calls came and i have to leave!!! im extremely saddend , saying goodbye to my converts and some of the less actives we reactivated to get our converts was one of the hardest things i have ever done, even though it brakes my heart im so glad i was raised by my mother, mom you really have taught me how to truley love poeple, life and even how to love challenges, you are my hero mom, never forget it. saying goodbyes are not fun, but the burden is lightened by the promise of eternal families, for they truly are my family now, my celestial kingdom wont be a happy place without some of the people i have met and taught here in charleston, its crazy how the gospel can forge such strong relationships. i am sad to leave but i know i can create an area with just as much love wherever i go, another thing mom taught me how to do, one thing that ive realized is that where you are does not make a place great , sure it can help , but the people there with you is really what makes where you are, great. lets just say charleston is great. anyways i dont know where i am going but i think i might be going to agusta just a gut feeling, sad part is that elder cardon is probably going to leave agusta this transfer, hopefuly i see him at the transfer meeting, thanks for the money for the glasses but i am going to order them when i get to my new area so they dont arrive while im gone and elder carter would have to send them to me. im so sad i only get to serve one transfer with elder carter, i feel like we have known eachother since the pre earth life, from the start we were just friends and neither of us have had to make any adjustmants to make living with eachother fun, i hope i can be completely myself with my next companion without annoying him, and even if not too bad haha i am who i am.
anyways i love you guys and miss i will let you know where i am next transfer,
p.s. mom, no more packages! just put money on my card, i dont want candy i just want money so i can buy what i need, and also things like protein so i can stay in shape, i think i am going to go off gluten, just see how it goes, i will probably give in though, homemade tortillas are amazing, lets just say they are celestial.
love elder harris
tell ally congrats and that i love her, and im happy for her, jesse is a good man.

ALI xxooxx

I knew you'd want to see this...March 13th :) How stinkin' CUTE is she?????

Letter to Spencer 30 January 2012

Hi Lovey! As you can see I had SUCH a LOVELY time in Fort Collins with Catherine and her family.
I have been wondering how things are going with your glasses? We are still waiting on your contacts. YOU HAVE PLENTY OF MONEY in your account for your glasses.
I am excited that it is already MONDAY morning and I won't have to wait long to hear from you :)
Pray for Josh and Michael on Thursday when they are in Vegas at the open casting call for Survivor:)
Not much new news with the Fort Collins trip taking the chunk of my week in preparing for and being there. I thought of you SO MUCH while I was there with EVERYONE having an in house dog...and then the dog park...it is a Spencer kind of place. These people would be your peeps. They even have a country club with a golf course :)  A little hard for me to wake up to the REAL  Lindon world this morning :)But having your email coming makes it SO MUCH easier!!!! Actually I have some super exciting work projects I am working on and with  a little more exercise I will be happy to be after "it"!
I LOVE YOU. Excited to hear how your week with your investigators went.
Mom
XXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOOXXX

Sunday, January 29, 2012

I am LIVING Surprise:) Happy Birthday Catherine!!!

Happy, HAPPY DAY and WEEKEND FOR ME!!! Friday morning I flew out of the PROVO...yes, I said PROVO airport (I may never be able to go out of Salt Lake again). Provo has ONE gate...it takes me 10 minutes...15 minutes tops to get there...you walk in, hand them your boarding pass, go through security and get on the plane. This may just be Utah Valley's best kept secret!!! Only Frontier flies out of there...but I think we should take the Light Rail straight in and go for MORE plane flagships!!!
ANYWAY...I flew out of Provo to be Catherine's LIVING birthday surprise...Michael her husband (Husband of the year I might add...I am sure many husbands are having Michael "hate" after the weekend he prepared for so many of us--this man racked up MAJOR POINTS!!!) planned it ALL. So, he picks me up at the airport and has me sitting in the front room when minutes later Catherine walks in from work and he says.."Your birthday present came a week early...it's in the front room"....she walks in and THERE I AM!!! She was truly surprised! It was SO STINKING GREAT!!! And the sweet party began right then and there! I am in LOVE with Fort Collins. Everything is so HOMEY and friendly and ecology "GREEN" :). Of course we had to start with eating! We went to this AMAZING and quaint little CHOCOLATE CAFE where we had the BEST QUICHE I have EVER had, served with homemade applesauce that will make you believe that maybe it was a REAL apple that Eve was tempted with...just cooked down to this very recipe! Kathi Tosi (other High School friend) joined us --SO SAD I don't have a pic with her! My coming was a surprise to her as well. Kathy dropped everything and joined us. Even though it was Catherine's celebration it FELT like mine! We sat in the sunshine in this CHARMING yummiful food filled place and just basked in being friends and catching up. These are my beach women from the reunion this summer. And if you remember, Catherine came to Utah to visit me this Fall.
We made ourselves leave the cafe and walked the enchanting streets of OLD TOWN (reminded me alot of downtown Boise). So many novelty shops! We tootled and bought and solved the problems of the world :) You give the three of us a little time together and we can make most anything all right:) And Tosi will have your stomach hurting from laughing. Catherine will have qualmed all your insecurities with her generous praise that feels believable. Pretty much I just want to BE them, but am SO SATISFIED to be WITH THEM. I was endeared to these college students who were just walking down the street offering their free hugs. They were GREAT hugs too! It just has a FEELING in this city!
After going home and meeting Lucy the dog (now, it seems you MUST have a HOUSE DOG to be a citizen of Fort Collins) and CAROLINE the beautiful and lovely and want to take home girl, we left for the lovely dinner Michael treated ALL of us to at Austin's (another to die for place in Old Town). Now most of you know I don't drink...but this trip has me seriously considering the possibility of it. So...the friends show up to SUPRISE Catherine AGAIN...and wine is poured and we just "visit". This whole HAPPY HOUR tradition is TRULY SO HAPPY. Michael had thought ahead and had some bubbly lime water for me...but I felt left out of the whole totally relaxed ooze that just washed across all of them. This was my first time meeting all of them, and I swear, I feel like I belong to a new Sisterhood. I LOVE THEM. And really, I could FEEL their love for me. It's like I've always known them. I can barely stand that I can't go have Happy Hour with them again and again and again. They are thicker blooded than I am though. I was freezing and had to keep my coat on...but they were WARM...I wondered if it was the wine? And the whole wine thing...SO MUCH TO KNOW and SO MANY CHOICES...so PRETTY in the goblets! We covered everyone's religion, family, in-laws, a little politics,...and there was just so much LOVE and acceptance and encouragement  and SUPPORT for one another. I was breathing air I haven't breathed before and it was as sweet as any as I have ever breathed in.  We left dinner and  stopped at yet ANOTHER wine sharing party. This one, another of their friends, Susan,  who is dealing with her husband (not yet 50) having just suffered a horrific stroke (having to relearn to talk and walk etc...)and he is coming home Monday and she will be the full time care giver. They wrapped her in love and assurance that she will not be alone...and LET ME be apart. More women I had NEVER met, and MORE new friends to miss. The COMMUNITY of it all was thicker than peanut butter and more binding than honey.
You don't get to see us (Michael, Catherine, Caroline and myself) doing Yoga. Yes, how incredibly perfect parenting that the WHOLE family goes to YOGA , right? Well...there was a little redemption that we went directly to Lucille's for a true Louisiana breakfast!! See this plate below bottom right. You are NOT mistaken...those are GRITS on that plate...smothered in butter...and that biscuit...oh my oh my oh my...ok, and pretty hard to miss how ADORABLE the actual old house is.... I think I was really in Mayberry. I am still waiting for my Barney Fife to call and say he was sorry he missed me:)
While here I got to meet Laura Reseau who is the author of the following kids books... THE RED GLASS, WHAT THE MOON SAW, THE RUBY NOTEBOOK, QUEEN OF THE WATER...and others. She is coming to Catherine and Caroline's Mother/Daughter Book Group in February. She is a family friend and her husband works with Michael. TOO COOL right?
Catherine and I then went to see the DESCENDANTS with George Clooney at this artsy fartsy tiny theater that was the size of my basement and the first few rows were couches. The ticket counter was a makeshift kitchen with crock pots full of homemade food to buy with banana bread and lemon bars, and all kinds of coffee and other drink blends. The movie was nothing like I expected and we both walked out saying WOW and grateful for the lives and children we have. Catherine is the friend you can tell anything to and she speaks her truth while pouring her love all over you. We came home and Tosi came back...and there was another minature Happy hour with snacks (I told you I REALLY like this practice). Every night, Catherine comes home, puts on James Taylor, Jack Johnson or the like, pours a glass of wine, turns on the fire, starts making dinner and waits for friends to drop in. Who is NOT going to show up for that? They light the candle on the table before starting dinner in remembrance of the LIGHT of Humanity out in the world, they pinky hold or tiger paw hold each others hands while they say thank you for the food and those who helped it get to them. And then the family love talk begins.
Since Caroline was itty bitty, after each meal she goes to Dad and taps him until he clears a space on his lap and she snuggles in until she has had her quota of Dad love. Or maybe its the other way around. There could be a movie made about these two. Watching them in action is love poetry. I wondered if Caroline will EVER know what a rare gift she has...and then I hoped with all my heart that she will never have to know.
So yeah...this is perfect Michael who gets gazillions of husband (and friend points for creating a perfect weekend). He is Celiac...and now that SAM has joined Josh in his gluten  intolerance, Michael was my hero on a whole other level this weekend. He has been dealing with his non gluten life for over a year!! HE is the baker in the house so he gave me so MANY needed tips and led me to a cookbook that I think will save these boys eating lives. He made chocolate chip cookies that YOU COULD NOT TELL were gluten free!!
This is their Unitarian Church I attended this morning. I may be a convert. I wish I had other pictures, but I loved this idea of name tags...this is a huge name tag holder so you can call people by their first names. But let me tell you what I REALLY LOVED...

the Sermon title was "Is God/Goddess Listening". I swear. GODDESS was printed in the program. THEN...the opening song was pg. 8 (I HAD to buy the hymnbook for myself) "Mother Spirit, Father Spirit"....just a few lines...
 "Mother Spirit, Father Spirit take our hearts, Take our breath and let our voices sing our parts, Take our hand and let us work to shape our art"..... :)
We closed with the hymn pg 23  "Bring many Names"...another few lines....
Strong mother God, working night and day, planning all the wonders of creation, setting each equation, genius at play: Hail and Hosanna, Strong mother God.
Warm father God, hugging every child, feeling all the strains of human living, caring, and forgiving till we're reconciled: Hail and Hosanna, Warm father God.
I cried. This is a real place.
From the title of the sermon you would think that the sermon would be on prayer. But no. It was on atheism. He said we are ALL atheist because we ALL have Gods and Goddesses we don't believe in. He said some pretty amazing things....but some of my favorites were ....after going over male and female traits saying "people, if God is a Guy, GOD HELP US ALL :)" He took the Geroge Carlin  comedy  excerpt where he says "God has 10 rules...but you best not be breakin' them or your going to spend eternity in hell fire and damnation, ---but  hey, don't forget, HE LOVES YOU!"  He never one time said THIS IS HOW IT IS...but he often had you reflect on what and how YOU feel about the things he was presenting. I could go ON and ON about how much I LOVED this morning...I am THRILLED that they have just started podcasting  his sermons. Remember the book I LOVED a year or so back called HERE IF YOU NEED ME?  She was a Unitarian. They embrace all religions. The 9th grade Sunday course of study is their youth going to visit a different denomination each week and having THAT denomination teach them about what they believe....if anyone decides to head over to that religion, ALL IS WELL...
Check out I TUNES for Justin Roth...he played his guitar and filled pretty much all of Fort Collins and most of Colorado with the Spirit.He played his song SURRENDER and introduced it by saying "this is a song about letting go and trusting  what is to come". I let go and trusted.  Afterwords, they all went to the back of the large hall where he had his Cd's for sale and a young girl had her girl scout cookies for sale and they had free trade coffe and other keep the earth green things available....AND a hymnbook...Thank you. I LOVE it. Did I tell you LEAN ON ME is one of the songs in there?
I realize that many of my Mormon friends will smile and understand that I am fully being me. But I wish you could ALL have been there....because there are no words...but with the SPIRIT that was there made it so no more were needed. GOD/GODDESS, bless the Unitarian Church at  www.foothillsuu.org.  and if you Facebook friend them you can get the Podcasts :)
Could a morning be more perfect that to end church with one of the best donuts I have ever had from a place called LAMAR's?? Or then for Cat's friend also named Catherine to come over and we take a beautiful trail run through the hills with their dogs at 50+ degrees? I saw a DOG PARK for the first time...really, a DOG PARK...this is a park JUST FOR DOGS...this is another I SWEAR its true. I wish I had pics.  By the time we spent such a lazy day it was time to head for the airport. I was sad to see it end...but so HAPPY knowing that I CAN GO BACK!!!! KNOWING that that place is IN MY WORLD! That those new friends are just right there!
And did I tell you how DELICIOUS it was to wake up in an electric blanket earlier than everyone else and just be able to snug into that warmth WIDE AWAKE and read for a half hour or more before anyone stirred...that might need to be worked into my morning routine. There is a peace and unhurriedness in that home that I covet. SO DIVINE....
I am loved. THIS IS MY LIFE!!!!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Winter Sea

Need to leave your life for a Scottish shore, with lovers who say the right thing and make you feel like you are perfect and the ONLY possible perfect connection for them? Want to FEEL people who really CONNECT? Quit life and join Susanna Kearsley for about 10 hours :) If you want to HEAR the accents, get it off of audible.com. Go ahead. Treat yourself. Willing to bet Graham and Mr. Morey will keep a place in your heart.

THANK YOU KIM PETERSON...so many good recommendations!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Robin on the hot tub

My heart is near to bursting. I can not NOT record this here. This is just another time when the heavens have visited me directly with a witness that is undeniable. Details are not needed on the specific issues, but I had a body talk session (google it if you don't know what it is-AMAZING at the least) last night where I am trying to move forward in my life in the direction of my TRUE self and release old unneeded energies  and embrace with love, grace and ease the new way that is best for me to move forward in taking care of myself and and the life I want to live here. With that said, the session was raw, direct and heart revealing,  and even though I could not deny any of the stuff that came up, I was wondering if I was up to the changes and if it was just mid life crisis and many other wonderings. Sooooo...I just asked the Heavens for a sign to KNOW if I am on the right path or if I am just being distracted or deceived.

This morning while meditating I opened my eyes...I NEVER open my eyes...I can't even think what made me open them now...but there, sitting on the edge of the hot tub, not 5 feet...maybe closer...I don't want to exaggerate...there was this Robin sitting there. When I gave him my attention he bobbed his head at me, I sat up taller and while I was doing so thought "oh, don't scare him away, can you believe this?" And then he bobbed at me again and just sat there. I said out loud. " Thank you for trusting me, thank you for this visit". He cocked his head and flew into the tree and sat there looking down at me. I finished meditating and he was still sitting there watching over me. When I went in to the house he flew away. After coming in, I thought he must be thirsty and wanted the water...but there were pools of water on the pool cover. The more I thought about it the more curious I became so I came in and goggled ROBIN....and here is the stuff you just can't MAKE UP--there are actual symbolic meanings and "totems" for different animals and birds.... these are excerpts from 3 different sites:

A Robin totem will stimulate new growth in all areas of your life.
Believe in yourself as you move forward.
Obstacles will fall by the wayside if you do and confrontations will be for show only.
This totem gives you the ability to will new growth into your life.
Meditate on Robin and the correct path will be revealed to you.


The robin brings a fresh new perspective to situations that are otherwise foggy and unclear. Try calling on robin energy for clarity when your judgment is clouded or when you need light shed on an issue.

Robin:
Robin signifies stimulation of new growth and renewal in many areas of life. He teaches that any changes can be made with joy, laughter and a song in the heart. Robin shows how to ride the winds of passion within your heart and become independent through this change. Robin will teach you how to move forward with grace, tenacity, perseverance and assertion. Are you letting go of personal dramas? Ones that no longer serve your higher purpose? Are you exercising compassion and patience in mental, spiritual and emotional areas? Robin will teach how to incorporate new beginnings with faith and trust in the process. It is time to believe in yourself and use the inspiration that is given. Listen carefully. It is time sing your own song for a new period in life force abounds.

I love being LOVED. I LOVE BEING ANSWERED. And now...I LOVE ME SOME ROBINS!!!!!


Monday, January 23, 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


Sunday, January 22, 2012

Extremelly Loud and Incredibly Close

 Barb turned me onto this book a few years ago...anything Barb turns me onto is noteworthy. I will never forget the message of the commonality of LOSS in everyone's life...and how losing things/people helps us to FIND ourselves and others. Dad and I went to see it at the movie Friday night and it was brilliant.
This book was our book group read this month....it goes a little slow, but is filled with mind slapping doses of "need to be reminded of" life gifts. What a sweet life George led even in the midst of true hardship. I am still trying to wrap my mind around my OWN life expectations. My favorite part was near the end where the author explains how he started out to write about a life of  injustice and hardship, and instead, by coming to know George, and George's outlook on his own life, it ended up being a book about gratitude. Some of my new favorite quotes are from here.
"EVERYTHING will be alright"
"You have no right to judge another human being. Don't you ever forget that...(some of them white people where nasty and men, some was just scared)." We are all scared aren't we?
"Mostly I have good memories, but even if I wanted to I can't make the truth good or bad, it's just what it is."
"If they didn't pay me fair for a fair day's work I figure that is THEIR worry"
"It's just that I don't eat with the dogs"

LIFE IS SO GOOD and getting better every day!!!!!!!!
I love you George Dawson!

Sunday at Harris'

 These guys are SUCH a KILL!!! How lucky are we to have such crazy great boys in our house all the time? Perk kept his helmet on through food AND Halo...Obviously Johnny was HAPPY about the way the game ended...and then so sad for Perkins:( We planned out Super Bowl Food ---Winger's wings and sticky fingers (found a recipe on net), potato skins, 7 layer dip (again) and then the sweet treats...
 Perk and the 7 layer dip.
 Josh ran in for a minute on his way back to Logan...he spent the weekend with his old missionary companion down in Brian Head snowmobiling and boarding.
 Marsh and Johnny had to be guinea pigs as well for my new glutten free chicken tetrazinni and peanut butter bars...don't think any male between 12 and 20 should qualify...if its warm and has meat they seem to think it's terrific. But let me say, I can make a MEAN loaf of glutten free bread for these boys now!
 Josh heading out the door...won't take another pic...we have our quota...  :) He starts bus driving training next weekend so he'll be home again...
 Meg heading down to Provo with HER glutten free goat cheese and butternut squash pasta dish for her friends to try.
And then Sam....taking a nap break from his hard day of football viewing.

Hey LOVE BUG!!!
Only 63 more weeks! We finally got snow yesterday in the mountains...just a scruff on the valley floor that melted by mid day today. Sundance got over a foot. The snowboarders are going to be in heaven...bet some kids are missing school tomorrow:)
Meg and I went to the Zach Brown Concert last night. Let me just say A M A Z I N G!!!!! He started with KEEP ME IN MIND (I LOVE that song) and ended with CHICKEN FRIED (and I LOVE that song) and sang about 20 others that I LOVE inbetween!!! Meg and I danced the whole time, people watched and had a GLORIOUS evening. Concerts with Megan are the best. She LIKES it when I scream and LIKES it when I sing and LIKES it when I dance...and she does it with me. They announced that Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney are touring together this year so as soon as I'm done writing you I'm going to see WHERE they are going to be.
Michael is working and playing and still thinking he likes that Sara girl. The Tribe brothers from Lindon moved in with he and Andy into his apartment. Andy has a steady CUTE girlfriend! I'll keep you updated.
Sam is ALMOST done applying to colleges. I am crossing my fingers for BYU cuz I am selfish and want him to be close this next year. Won't be long and he'll have a game plan. He is rocking it at Jr. Jazz Basketball. You would have loved his 3 pt shots on Saturday. It was an intense game and they won by only a basket. What on earth am I going to do when I don't have you guy's games to go to????
I went to Janey (Olsen) Butler ?'s BABY shower yesterday. She is having a boy. That made me feel old. It was at Laurie and Ronnie's house and they were all so excited to hear how YOU feel about South Carolina and hoping that you and Aaron will at least see each other. Alyssa and Kaylie are GORGEOUS. Everybody just grew up so fast. Not fair.
Make sure to answer Dad's eye questions so we can get you what you need. I am nervous that it has been 3 weeks now!!!!
Haven't seen your boys still. Going to have to invite them again I guess. Karie has been so busy working and so have I so I don't have a Michael update.
I can only imagine the hoop la Mitt Romney is stirring in South Carolina for your missionary work. Pretty much most of Utah think he's better than hot bread and butter. I'm still not crazy about him...but you know me and politics. At some point I HAVE to pick somebody...even if I don't like ANY of them.
I love it when I can tell you are so happy. Your last letter was sugar to my soul. Happiness is a choice and I LOVE that you have always been the boy to CHOOSE it. I bet your companions love you alot. I bet EVERYONE loves you ALOT. How couldn't they? I LOVE YOU ALOT!!!!!!!!!!!
How is being District Leader? Is it much pressure?
What would you like in your Valentine's package? Besides me? :) Don't worry...I won't show up...we will be in Boise that weekend. We are having an 80th birthday party for GrandMom Ground?Harris. Leonard is doing well in the assisted care and so is GrandDad  Harris---but its hard on GrandDad Harris when he has a "good" day. Please keep them both in your prayers.
I'd also love it if you'd pray for me in work. I am trying to transact a Cement Company and it would be a big deal to me if I could be the one to find the Buyer. Thanks Bud.
Sam has picked up my daily Hot Tub soak habit and goes out most days after lifting. Going off of glutten has made it so he doesn't need or want to sleep so much. I am sad that I didn't get this nailed down sooner.
Joe Hatch is still home but heading back out soon. It's fun to have Paul and Dallin on Sam's JJazz team. Such good boys and sweet brothers to each other. Dallin is huge...I swear he is bigger every time I see him.
I LOVE YOU. I wish I had more news or better pics.We took these tonight JUST for you so you would know we LOVE YOU!!! Can't wait for morning! About time to NOT have a holiday and to get it on MONDAY!!!
Your MOMMA xxxoooxxxoooxxxoooxxxoooxxx


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Letter from Spencer 17 January 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.blogspot.com/

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 will call the Utah D.L. place and find out what needs to happen.  We are to call Elder Hunt, your mission vehicle coordinator, at 803-781-6100 if any Driver’s license correspondence is needed. 
·         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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Don J. Harris
9:25 AM (39 minutes ago)

to me
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.blogspot.com/

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 will call the Utah D.L. place and find out what needs to happen.  We are to call Elder Hunt, your mission vehicle coordinator, at 803-781-6100 if any Driver’s license correspondence is needed. 
·         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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