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