Miracles

Chapter 11

Miracles

  Church History Museum dancing Hermana's

Hola!!!!

Transfer calls have come and gone and the verdict is that I will be staying in the North Gate 2nd ward for a 6th transfer. The joke in the ward is that they might as well just read my records in because I have been here for so long! I love it here! It might seem like I would be itching to leave but I actually feel blessed to have the opportunity to stay in one place for so long and be able to witness the growth and miracles that have occurred over the 7 1/2 months that I have been here so far. I truly love where I am and excited for this next transfer. 

 My companion, Sister Losi will be going back to her old area in San Francisco  tomorrow and I will be getting a new companion. Somehow, I have managed to have 3 Samoan companions in a row but it looks like the streak has come to an end. My new companions name is Sister Anderson ..... I am guessing by her name that her family line doesn't extend too far into the Polynesian Islands. I am sad to see Sister Losi go but I am excited to meet my new comp and see miracles this transfer. 

Yesterday during studies I decided to look up the word "miracle" in the Bible Dictionary. I love what I found. "Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power" ok, that can be a mouthful! Let me try to simplify. We shouldn't call something miracles because it is something that seemed impossible to happen. A miracle is every time God shows his hand in our life. A miracle is when we do our very best and let him take over the rest. Every person I teach is a miracle because I know Heavenly Father is working on their hearts. Every companion I have had is a miracle because somehow 2 completely different people always manage to overcome struggles and work together. Every time I read the scriptures is a miracle because no matter how tired I am somehow I always find something that I need to hear. In the same passage it says " Miracles were and are a response to faith, and it's best encouragement. They never wrought without prayer, felt need and faith...... Miracles are a part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If miracles cease it is because faith has ceased". I love you all!!!!!!!! Have a great week!!!!!!!

Love, Sister Harris

  

Families Can Be Together Forever

 The Parrish Family

                                                                        Picture used with permission Samantha Little Photography
Tears have been flowing freely today.

 Monday's are a special day!

 P-Day is the most anticipated day of the week. Each week tens of thousands of parents eagerly check their e-mails to see if their missionaries have written. Today was no exception.

 As I was reading Sister Harris's e-mail I received word that the Bill Parrish Family from my hometown had passed away in a tragic accident of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is often called the silent killer because it is hard to detect. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. 

 Bill, his wife and two sons sadly left this earth life but I have no doubt family members that have passed greeted them with great excitement! They are home with our Heavenly Father.

 I also learned that they have a son and daughter serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Whenever, you see handsome young men in white shirts and beautiful young ladies smartly dressed with black name tags they are representatives of Jesus Christ. They are actively searching and Preaching His Gospel. 

I know that I am not the only missionary mom that shed tears, the kind that won't stop.  So, grateful for the Plan of Happiness and the Atonement. We lived with our Father in Heaven and chose to come to earth to gain earthly experience. We have our agency to choose, right or wrong. Our older brother Jesus Christ suffered the sins of all mankind because of his love for us. That we might return and live in our Father's Kingdom united as families forever. Our beautiful earth is dotted with Temples that we make and keep sacred covenants in. We are sealed to our families in these Holy Houses so that we can be together forever.  We partake of the sacrament each week to renew our baptismal covenants. Our faith at some time or other will be tested.  There will always be a way home!  Love, Kindness and Service will triumph every time! Hugs always help.

My heart feels for their son and daughter! The entire family!

 I'm sure thousands of prayers have been sent heavenward on their behalf. 

When something like this happens people rally together for a common good. We rally in our love and memories of the those who have served us and helped us along the way. 

I have been away from home for a long time and this is one of my memories.

My little daughters are always asking me to tell stories. They love to hear true stories about family members. 

I have a story to tell Sister Parrish and Elder Parrish.

I am from Pocatello, Idaho born and raised. I went to school with your Aunt Carrie. Can you say cute dimples:) Your Dad's Uncle Rodney was our Ft. Hall Branch President. A tall, jolly fun man always wearing a bolo tie. I adored him in my youth he had red hair just like my dad. My mother is Native American and our family had the opportunity to attend both the branch and our ward. So thankful!

Okay, my teeth are not my strongest asset. I'll blame my Dad!  Here is where your Dad comes in:) He had just finished dental school and started working on the reservation. I had a MISERABLE tooth that no dentist could help me with. I went to the Ft.Hall clinic and expressed my concerns that this tooth was causing severe pain! I told your Dad that no amount of Novocaine was working. He listened and assured me it would be okay.  He gave me a shot than had me wait for the pain medication to kick in.  He would come back, blow cold air on it and repeat the process over and over.  Nothing, still in pain!  Finally, I could tell he was getting slightly frustrated with this silly tooth. I'm thinking I'm going to be in pain forever! Than he said, I will be right back! I do not know this for a fact but my impression was that he went to say a prayer. I was hoping he was asking for help. I said a prayer too! He came back and said he was going to try one more thing. He called everyone in to watch. Whatever he did everyone went squirmy with audible noises. It HURT but it worked!!!! My tooth went numb!!! YAY!!!!!! He was able to do my dental work and I have never had a problem with that tooth again. I am thankful for a kind dentist who did not give up on a patient that really needed his help. I am thankful to your Dad. I'm sure you will be hearing stories like this over and over again! A giant of a man!He will be greatly missed.

With love and aloha,  Your Sister Valerie Barlow Harris

 It is true Families Can Be Together Forever!

                                                        Picture used with permission Samantha Little Photography

Elder William Walker Harris

Chapter 10

Elder William Walker Harris

 Mesa Arizona Mission 2008-2010

This is Walker. His Dad calls him Walk Dog.  Grandpa Harris calls him Walker Boy. He is used to being called Walker Texas Ranger. He is named after my Dad, William who goes by Rusty. I guess you can say no one goes by their real names in our family.

Walker is our oldest child and the first to serve a mission. The blessings poured into our family when he left and we are still reaping them! I am teary eyed with love for this young man! He was my birthday present! Literally!!!

I can't wait to tell you about him. 

I love the Sister's in the background.

And speaking of Sister's.....

 Our beautiful Sister Missionaries serving on the Big Island.

It was Stake Conference this last weekend. 

I LOVED,LOVED,LOVED it!!!

The theme was Hastening the Work!

I can't wait to share it with you. Family I'm talking to you! 

Love, Sissy

See I don't even go by my given name:)

MR. MAC

Chapter 9

MR. MAC

Our little, Big Island of Hawaii isn't exactly what I would call a shopping mecca. Seriously, living on our little country island I am so grateful for Target. 

Needless, to say all of Elder Harris's shopping would have to wait till we got to 

MR. MAC

Okay, if you have ever needed to get your son ready for his mission this is the one stop shop literally! This place has a massive selection of suits. Uuummm.... they have in stock 6,000-8,000 suits at all times. 

Mac Christensen started his one-stop shopping for missionaries and men's wear in 1966. He used to work at a large department store and saw the need to service the customer better.  Rather than sending them all over the store to different departments, why not just combine everything into one area. Voila... Mr. Mac was born!  He is one of the smartest businessman in Utah!

Maddie

 Thank you!!!

 We got off the plane, luckily Ed reserved the LAST Van at the car rental because of the Sundance Film Festival. Whew!!!!

We drove straight to MR. MAC. 

We had made an appointment with Maddie and she was waiting for us. She took such great care of Elder Harris! Actually,  she was so good to all of us.

These guys are professionals they know what they are doing. 

Maddie brought out exactly what he needed. I was too tired to look around if it looked good than I said, we'll take it!!!!!

Martin

Martin is an amazing tailor!!!! I would say the best! He and his team have altered an unimaginable amount of suits over the years.  He comes out with the chalk,  mark, mark and it will come back perfect! He started as a apprentice over 24 years ago and learned from the old timers the tricks of the trade. A very nice and quiet man. 

It's no problem when your teenage son wants all his shirts tailored.

And no, son they will not move the front pocket up a inch! 

Like Grandfather, father and son!

 Looks good to me!

Mormonism: A Christ-Centered, Global Faith

Aloha! 
At the very end of the video there will be a collage of pictures. Click on any picture and learn a fun fact!

Enjoy!

Pie

Chapter 8

Pie

Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about this last week is.... pie. Particularly the delicious chocolate chip cheese cake given to us by a member sitting in our fridge that has been my breakfast for the past 3 days... I don't regret it. Don't worry mom, I run every morning so it isn't as bad as it sounds. 

Well, lets get to the things that you really want to hear about. This past week was great. We went on exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders on Wednesday and it was awesome. Sister Losi went to the Alamo area with Sister Goddard and I stayed in our area with Sister Martin. The Sister Training leaders are Sisters that are called to help train and look after the sisters in their zone. Each transfer they go out for a day with each sister in the zone to train and help give ideas on how to improve the work in our areas. I love exchanges because it is a great opportunity to learn from the strengths of other Sisters. Sister Martin is really great at having natural conversations with people and still talking about the gospel. Sometimes I still find myself getting stuck so in desperation for an excuse to talk to someone, I end up blurting out something like " Hey! I really like your..... shoes!! Oh, by the way, my name is Sister Harris.... oh and this is my companion" So needless to say, I was able to learn a lot. 

We added a new investigator this week. He is a single dad of a 5 yr. old son. He has met with missionaries before because he disagreed with something that the Elders said. Actually, in his words, he kicked them out of the house. Hopefully, Sister Losi and I can avoid that happening. I had a quick lesson with him while we were on exchanges the other night and he said he wants to continue learning again because he wants his son to be able to make good life decisions. Everybody we teach is different and has different situations in life but no matter how rough the person may seem on the outside, there is always something in the Gospel that touches people’s hearts when they truly desire to learn and to act. Whenever I am talking to people whether it be in a lesson or to someone on the street I always say a little prayer to my Heavenly Father to help me know what He wants them to know.

Yesterday in sacrament meeting a sweet sister in my ward gave a talk on service. She quoted a scripture that I have heard a thousand times but for some reason hit me really hard yesterday. In Mosiah 2:17 it says " And behold, I tell you thee things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." Through the Gospel we learn that we are God's children and that all he wants for us to be happy. Every time we do an act of service, big or small, and make someone’s load lighter, or day brighter, we literally are doing a service for our Heavenly Father. When we serve each other we are doing His work. I am a missionary because I love my Father in Heaven and I know He loves me. He has blessed my life in so many ways; it only brings me joy to share that with others.

Love, Sister Harris

Chapter 7

Homesick- Onions -Letters

No.1

Dear Mama,

I love it here at the MTC!  When I went inside I didn't look back towards you guys but when I did look back and saw that you were gone I almost started to bawl my eyes out. I didn't because the receptionist was right in front of me. My companion Elder Holt is a super cool guy and is super strong in the gospel. I saw BJ and Nani and that lifted my spirits alot! I was so scared the first night and homesick that I almost walked out of the last orientation activity and went to the front desk and told them I wanted to go home. But I didn't because this is the best thing for me to do right now. I know I will be blessed. I am reading the Book of Mormon and loving it. My leaders have shown me some ways to read and study that has helped me.  I hope to be finished in a few weeks. Tell everyone that I miss and love them. Two years is a long time but I will be home in no time. 

Love, Elder Philip Alema Harris 

 Elder Harris & Elder Holt

Elder Harris &  Elder Harris

cousins

No. 2

 President and Sister Craven

Hi Mama,

It's Elder Harris. I am having such a great time in North Carolina. I was scared for the first few days being in the field but I am getting used to it. My first area is in Greensboro. Our ward has three sets of missionaries my companion and I are opening up the third set so we didn't have much work when I first got here but we are slowly making progress. I got my bike and we are currently in a car right now. We will switch with the sister missionaries every other week. The members here are great and we have had someone feed us every night. A sister in our ward asked what I didn't like and I said onions. She was happy I told her. I miss home so much. I know this is the right thing for me to do. I want to talk to you and dad because I am so homesick. I miss you so much. I have cried a few times and tried to hide it from my companion. He has been very understanding of me. I don't want to appear weak to anyone in the field.

Love, Elder Harris

 No. 3

 

Hi Mama,

Last week was a great week! We found a few new solid investigators and taught alot of lessons. My HOMESICKNESS IS LIFTING but I still miss home. It started snowing in the middle of the week and it was nice to be out in the snow helping people get out of the parking lot, we talked to alot of people which helped us. I have alot of warm clothes that I am thankful for. Most of the snow has already started to melt and it should be getting warmer soon. My ward is great and I love everyone here because they are so friendly. All of the families that we have eaten with have prepared really great food for us. I think Heavenly Father has given me tolerance for onions because a few of the dinners have had onions and they haven't bothered me at all. Thank you for the Valentine's package. I loved the candy and card. Tell Nivee I hung the picture she drew me over my desk and I love it. Tell Timbe not to worry about teaching and if he takes 20 minutes each day to prepare he will do fine. I love and miss you all. I will make sure to send you a weekly report. I can't believe I have almost been out a month the end of this week.

Love, Elder Harris

Chapter 6

Scared vs Courageous!

 We are so proud of Elder Harris!

 There is no other way to say this other than Alema was scared to leave home. He was even more worried about his abilities to be a effective missionary and teacher.

 He didn't shy away from telling anyone he was nervous. 

I have asked myself this question, why would a mother tell everyone her child is scared?

Because it's true and because I'm his mother and I know he can do anything he puts his mind too. 

I am beyond proud of this boy! I am thankful for this boy! I love this boy!

 Ed and I have watched him prepare himself his whole life to serve  as missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And when the time came he had self-doubt. 

This boy is like galvanized steel when it comes to striving to keep the commandments. I emphasis the word strive.
 Thank you Early Morning Seminary Teachers Everywhere!
He has had the nightly habit of coming into our room and thanking us for being his parents and raising him in the gospel.  He has also had the ability that I'm not sure most teens have in confiding in their parents about temptations, fears, goals, everything!  He has always counseled with us.  His fears of leaving home and teaching were no exception. 

When Alema turned in his mission papers they came back that his blood work wasn't done. Blood work not done? I took that as a sign that he needed a little more time to prepare. 

The night before he was to enter the MTC he was sick! I'm talking lying on the floor in the bathroom kind of sick. 

I looked at Ed and said, I'm not sure about this? I'm not sure if he is going to make it tomorrow.

Than I watched the most amazing, touching thing happen. I listened as Ed and Walker teached and testified to Alema that all would be well. I listened as his older brother, Walker spoke with love to his younger brother and retold the story of Nephi being sent back to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates. Did he know how he would get them? No. Did he have faith? Yes. Did he trust in the Lord? Yes! Than he quoted this scripture 

1st Nephi 3:7 

And it came to pass that I, Nephi said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. 

Many words of encouragement and love were spoken to help a son and brother have faith that he could and would be a great missionary!That his tongue would be loosened and he would teach with the spirit.That he would grow and learn in ways that would help him for all of eternity. He would touch people lives with his simple testimony and love of the Savior.

They gave him a priesthood blessing and than a miracle happened. He literally fell back into bed and started SNORING louder than I have ever heard him the ENTIRE NIGHT!!!! It was music to my ears! When he woke up in the morning he was completely

 CALM and READY to GO!

 This looks like COURAGE TO ME!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!! 
And we've only bought 1 gallon of milk since you left!

  

Companions & Highlights

Chapter 5

COMPANIONS & HIGHLIGHTS

Sister Rosza

This week was awesome. Everyday is literally packed to the brim so it is pretty hard to remember everything that happens, but here are some highlights. I love my companion Sister Rosza!!! She is the kindest, sweetest, serviceful person you would ever want to meet. I was waiting for her because she was late arriving at the MTC. When she came in we were so excited! We started hugging and jumping up and down. The MTC Mission President's wife thought that we already knew each other. I am so happy!

Temple- Last week Monday we had our first P-day so we got to go to the temple in the morning. It was wonderful of course. When isn't the temple wonderful?

Sofia!!- I got to see Sofia!! While coming back from a trip to main campus on Monday, I recognized a girl who was sitting in the back of the bus as Sofia's roommates, I just happened to have a letter to Sofia in my bag that I hadn't put in the mail yet, so I got super excited and rushed to the back of the bus to give the letter to her roommate. I didn't think her roommate knew who I was, but Sofia must have told her about me because she was already in the middle of writing a text message to Sofia to tell her to come to the bus stop. It was really funny. I'm so glad I got to see her. 

 

Sister Chen

Yep we have a car:) Sister Chen is the driver. She just got her license 2 days before I got here... I’m not gonna lie, she is kind of scary sometimes. I think we are going to call the mission home and see if I can drive sometimes too. I think Danville will be a good place for me to start driving because it isn't too busy here. I seriously, love her!

Sister Tui'sila

Sister Tui'sila is awesome. I love her so much!!! We both get along great. It's funny because we are pretty much opposites in personality but we balance each other out pretty well. She had a hard time at first approaching people that she doesn't know but she told me yesterday that she is starting to feel more comfortable. I believe in talking to EVERYBODY. She told me the other day that sometimes she get worried when she sees me heading to talk to people and thinks "what is this crazy girl doing?". She doesn't talk as much as I do, but when she does it is very well thought out and powerful. Sometimes I feel like I just jabber on and on to people without actually saying what anybody needs to hear. She is teaching me to slow down. We are having a lot of fun together. We laugh a lot. It gets us along. Another thing about her is that she is super protective. Yesterday she asked me "If I ever needed to protect us and ended up hurting someone, do you think president would send me home?" haha... does that remind you of anyone?

 Sister Vaiusu

Just a funny story from the week: Last week Monday we got a text from the Spanish sisters asking us to call them ASAP. Apparently due to a bed bug infestation their apartment was getting fumigated, so President Meredith told them to come and spend the night at our apartment. We only had two mattresses in our apartment so the zone leaders told us that they would come and bring the extras from their apartment over to ours. I have no idea how they did it but somehow they fit an entire twin mattress into their little Toyota corolla! It was really funny to watch them pull it out, but I am still baffled!!! The elders couldn't come up to our apartment so they sat in their car and watched us struggle to get the mattress up the stairs and in the door. In their defense, they did encourage us from the car window and promise us blessings. Hahaha… it was fun having the other sisters over for the night though. One of them was Hermana Kiley Cash, who I was friends with at BYU so it was fun to see her!

Oh and if you are wondering, the other mattress was a blow up air mattress so that one was easy to get up. 

 Sister Losi

 Finally! Sister Harris 1st official post!

Hello from Concord!!!

Have I ever mentioned that I love being a missionary?? Well, I do. Friday we had the awesome opportunity to go to San Francisco for a mission wide conference to have Elder Quinton L. Cook address our mission. It was so cool to be able to shake an apostle’s hand and hear him speak. There was definitely a special spirit present.  I don't remember a lot of what was said off the top of my head   (notes for future reference I just don't have them right now) but what impressed me most was Elder Cooks humility. At the end of his talk he bore his testimony and explained his role as a special witness of Christ. It struck me hard that the reason this man was so special wasn't because of any "worldly" attributes but because of the witness he can stand as for our Savior, Jesus Christ. People "take a stand" for things all of the time, and do all sorts of things to make a point and there cause known, but there was something so powerful in his simple testimony of the Savior that touched my heart. 

I remembered that moment last night as my companion and I were walking in a part of town that we have been told more and more lately to be careful in. As we were walking we stopped a man who was passing us and offered him a Mormon.org card. Out of the corner of my eye I was distracted by something happening on the street corner. All of a sudden my purpose as a missionary came very clearly into focus and I felt a huge responsibility to help this man see that there is more to this world then the chaos we live in. I felt so strongly the importance of my calling to be a representative of Jesus Christ and what it means. I did my best to bear a simple testimony in Spanish and give him a number for the Elders and he went on his way. There is power in truth. The world might be loud but the spirit is undeniable. I don't know if that man will ever look at the website or call the Elders but I felt so strongly that in that moment I was fulfilling my purpose. "By small and simple things, great things come to pass". I love this work and I pray every day to have the strength to do it the best I can. The Lord is really patient to have me as a missionary. 

I was going to tell some funny stories but that will have to wait until next week because P-day is slipping away. But there I do have pictures so I guess i am not doing too bad. 

Love, Sister Harris