Family,
I'm running low on time like crazy lately and haven't been able to sit down and write to you! I apologize! It's actually the 4th of January on a Sunday night here and I'm just barely getting the opportunity to write you something little :) It's actually pretty late, but I can't miss a week of sending you a letter! :) Also, we go to Tonga tomorrow so we will be sending these off to you!
This week has been full of blessings and amazing miracles. I know I will be mentioning them in the e-mail, but I will tell you a little about some of the funny details that I will probably leave out of my e-mail.
So, we have been in Uiha this whole last week. I don't know if I have told you too much about it before, but I'll do a little more explaining. It's a village with a ward, then there is another village with a branch called Felemen. The whole island is dusty. It reminds me of the sand dunes back home with no hills and the sand is all dirty! We showed up to our house and there is no electricity and no running water! Once again, the roof leaks water!! So, we were there for about 4 days. We showed up the first night and we taught Fiexxxx and Kavxxx! It was really cool having back to back lessons with people that were prepared to listen and to keep commitments. What most missionaries would call the gold investigators! We proceeded to teach the rest of the week and then Saturday came along! This is the day we planned to have the baptism and also the day we planned on the boat coming to get us and take us back to our island!
We woke up and the water was dripping on us and there was a nasty storm outside. It was pouring. You don't even see rain storms like these very often in the states! We were worried, but my companion with faith aid not one thing on this earth can stop Heavenly Father's work from hastening and progressing and that if this is what the Lord has in store....then we got on our knees and prayed that the storm would clear and we would be able to conduct the baptism! WE also needed desperately to get back to our house in Koulo. For one thing, we didn't bring extra pairs of garments or clothing and were disgustingly dirty. We also needed to get back to Tonga because boats can't drive here on Sunday!
In the meantime, my companion and I went out and mad the best we could out of the situation. We went outside and ran around in the rain! We were to our knees in water, no joke! We went and tried to figure things out with our members be we had no support! Finally, we got a call from the boat driver and he said that they were coming to get us! So, we got our stuff ready and we headed down to the boat dock. Were were absolutely soaked. Then all of the sudden, out pops the sun and the rain stops. Our 1st counselor said, "Grab your investigators! I will grab the bishop. Meet us at the dock in 10 minutes!" So, we ran to Feixxxx and Kaxxxx and got them ready. They were so excited we were the ones that got to do the baptism ordinance! We went down to the ocean and did a small service & literally, as my companion was performing the baptism, the boat came from around the corner!
God answers our prayers and this is his work not ours! He has all control! WE need to always choose to follow him and be worthy and to constantly have faith in him who is all powerful!
Love you!!!
Your Brother/Son
Blake Daniel Harmon
We Are Eternal
Monday, December 29, 2014
Sunday, December 28, 2014
E-mail (Dated: 12/28/14)
Hey Family!!!
Wow it was awesome to be able to hear from all of you this week!!!! Even though I was able to get you pretty caught up, we had some things take place here that I would like to tell you about today.
I think I better start off with the bad news so that I can finish with the good news. Do you all remember the man that I taught over in Hihifo with Elder Hafoka on a companionship exchange? He was the man that talked in the fireside about preparing to enter the temple with his family. Well, we got a very sad call yesterday that he had been struggling with breathing last night and that he passed away as they rushed him to the hospital. It turns out that there was nobody at the hospital at the time. It is really sad to see someone so close to us as missionaries pass away so early on in life. I know that Heavenly Father looked at this man and said it was time for him to come home. Ever since he was baptized, he has been diligent in his priesthood responsibilities. I have never seen the gospel change someone's life in such an incredible way as I saw it change his. I know that it will be an incredible experience for his family to go to the temple to be sealed to their father and husband. I know he is waiting eagerly for those blessings and ordinances on the other side of the veil.
Let me change to a very positive note. We have begun to teach an incredible faithful son of our Heavenly Father, I have written a letter all about it. This young man's faith is taking him places that he could not go otherwise. If his works are as great, he will achieve much and conquer all. He is struggling with some addictions so we are working with him to conquer them through faith and through the spirit.
I love you all!!!!
Your Son, Elder Harmon
DUDE mom
SYST Brooklin
Wow it was awesome to be able to hear from all of you this week!!!! Even though I was able to get you pretty caught up, we had some things take place here that I would like to tell you about today.
I think I better start off with the bad news so that I can finish with the good news. Do you all remember the man that I taught over in Hihifo with Elder Hafoka on a companionship exchange? He was the man that talked in the fireside about preparing to enter the temple with his family. Well, we got a very sad call yesterday that he had been struggling with breathing last night and that he passed away as they rushed him to the hospital. It turns out that there was nobody at the hospital at the time. It is really sad to see someone so close to us as missionaries pass away so early on in life. I know that Heavenly Father looked at this man and said it was time for him to come home. Ever since he was baptized, he has been diligent in his priesthood responsibilities. I have never seen the gospel change someone's life in such an incredible way as I saw it change his. I know that it will be an incredible experience for his family to go to the temple to be sealed to their father and husband. I know he is waiting eagerly for those blessings and ordinances on the other side of the veil.
Let me change to a very positive note. We have begun to teach an incredible faithful son of our Heavenly Father, I have written a letter all about it. This young man's faith is taking him places that he could not go otherwise. If his works are as great, he will achieve much and conquer all. He is struggling with some addictions so we are working with him to conquer them through faith and through the spirit.
I love you all!!!!
Your Son, Elder Harmon
DUDE mom
SYST Brooklin
Monday, December 22, 2014
Hand Written Letter (Dated: 12/22/14) [#66 from Tonga]
Family,
Awe, it was incredible to be able to talk with all of you this week. You know what they way about a mother's voice, it brings home straight back to the heart! You all sounded so good. Brandon & Brooke are freaking me out just a little bit :) Brandon is a giant, haha. I think it's funny how we have talked about him becoming huge while I'm on my mission, then he will be able to take me out in the airport. Haha, now it is no longer a story. He really is big now and I'm going to be running at the airport. Brooke on the other hand is no surprise. She has turned into the stunning beautiful girl that we all knew she would! Wow, what a huge tender mercy to be able to talk to Brittany and Michael on Christmas. It was a true blessing. Dad and Mom, encouragement from you is what keeps my engine turning! Can't wait to sit in our family room and talk until the sun comes up! :)
I would like to share some really cool experience that have happened to my companion and I since we last talked! So, we had to do a big yearly report and send it to the president the day after we talked on the phone. So, we went to our bishop's house to ask for the church key. When we came back from returning the key, our 1st counselor was there and he had an investigator there for us to teach! While we were thinking of what to teach him, my companion had a strong impression that we needed to teach him about the Book of Mormon. So, as we got to know this man, we found out that he has been trying to quit smoking for a long time. As we taught about the Book of Mormon, we talked and testified of the power that it can have in his life! He was in tears as we testified. In fact, not a dry eye in the room. Then, he looked at us and he testified of the truthfulness of all that we had taught, Then, he committed to what asked of him.
I saw the spirit work through my companion's words and through mine as we trusted in the Lord and listened closely to the spirit.
I'm so grateful for every little tender mercy and blessing from the Savior and our Eternal Father!
I thank you all so much and love you all so dearly!
-Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
P.S. Sorry letters are short. Time is so precious right now!
Mom "Dude"
Awe, it was incredible to be able to talk with all of you this week. You know what they way about a mother's voice, it brings home straight back to the heart! You all sounded so good. Brandon & Brooke are freaking me out just a little bit :) Brandon is a giant, haha. I think it's funny how we have talked about him becoming huge while I'm on my mission, then he will be able to take me out in the airport. Haha, now it is no longer a story. He really is big now and I'm going to be running at the airport. Brooke on the other hand is no surprise. She has turned into the stunning beautiful girl that we all knew she would! Wow, what a huge tender mercy to be able to talk to Brittany and Michael on Christmas. It was a true blessing. Dad and Mom, encouragement from you is what keeps my engine turning! Can't wait to sit in our family room and talk until the sun comes up! :)
I would like to share some really cool experience that have happened to my companion and I since we last talked! So, we had to do a big yearly report and send it to the president the day after we talked on the phone. So, we went to our bishop's house to ask for the church key. When we came back from returning the key, our 1st counselor was there and he had an investigator there for us to teach! While we were thinking of what to teach him, my companion had a strong impression that we needed to teach him about the Book of Mormon. So, as we got to know this man, we found out that he has been trying to quit smoking for a long time. As we taught about the Book of Mormon, we talked and testified of the power that it can have in his life! He was in tears as we testified. In fact, not a dry eye in the room. Then, he looked at us and he testified of the truthfulness of all that we had taught, Then, he committed to what asked of him.
I saw the spirit work through my companion's words and through mine as we trusted in the Lord and listened closely to the spirit.
I'm so grateful for every little tender mercy and blessing from the Savior and our Eternal Father!
I thank you all so much and love you all so dearly!
-Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
P.S. Sorry letters are short. Time is so precious right now!
Mom "Dude"
Sunday, December 21, 2014
E-mail (Dated: 12/21/2014)
WOW TIME IS CRAZY, another week in Ha'apai has flown by!!!!! I'm going to keep it nice and short seeing that I will be talking to you all in just a few days from now!!!!!! We have seen some incredible things take place in our area. We have some even more amazing visions/aspirations for the future of all the areas that we are working in!!!! We have four baptisms set up for this coming week on Saturday. I can't think of a better way I would rather spend the holiday than bring Heavenly Fathers children back into the fold!!!!
Lxxx and Uxxx from Fangale'ounga are so excited to be baptized. You should see their excitement! These are two kids that I know I have been sent here to focus on. There has been no one to help these two until I got here with Elder Bunting. We are trying to do everything we can to help elevate the work here!!! The twins from Koulo have accepted dates. Also, we have setup an appointment to go out to Uiha next week to teach the lady from the referral I told you about a while back!!!!
I am so excited to talk to you all this week and I am so grateful for the opportunity I currently have to serve the Lord during this holiday season so that others can receive the true and restored gospel!!!
Love you all so much!!!
ELDER HARMON
MOM 'DUDE"
Brooklin SYST
Lxxx and Uxxx from Fangale'ounga are so excited to be baptized. You should see their excitement! These are two kids that I know I have been sent here to focus on. There has been no one to help these two until I got here with Elder Bunting. We are trying to do everything we can to help elevate the work here!!! The twins from Koulo have accepted dates. Also, we have setup an appointment to go out to Uiha next week to teach the lady from the referral I told you about a while back!!!!
I am so excited to talk to you all this week and I am so grateful for the opportunity I currently have to serve the Lord during this holiday season so that others can receive the true and restored gospel!!!
Love you all so much!!!
ELDER HARMON
MOM 'DUDE"
Brooklin SYST
Monday, December 15, 2014
Hand Written Letter (Dated: 12/15/14) [#65 from Tonga]
Family,
Awe, honestly, so excited right now to be able to talk to you all next week. The excitement has built up so much, can't believe this will pretty much be the last time because the next time, I will be coming home just a month and days later! I bet you are reading this letter and wondering why I am writing in pink, but it has honestly made me want to put hot pink plasti dip on my rims! Haha :)
There have been tons of tender mercies everywhere in our wards and branches! It is not because of their efforts, but because the Lord is opening doors and we are there to enter! The Lord is hastening His work with or without us, it is up to us if we want to jump in and help push the rock! This is where agency comes into pay. The mission truly teaches you the way that Christ wants you to use your agency and he shows you all the blessings you can receive if you continue to strive for the rest of your life with those same desires and continue to use your agency in righteousness then you will continue to want to serve and be engaged in this great work! It is so true when they say that service cures the broken hearted, the stiff necked and the self concerned. This is because service gives you the desire to love and be like Christ because you see people how Christ sees them!
The mission has given me so many incredible things but one of the things that I will cherish forever is the desire that I have to serve others. There is no better thing that we can do with our agency than to do things with love and care as we serve God's children. As I think of how many ways there truly are to serve, my mind is overwhelmed! I think this is truly why my mind is on wanting to do something in the medical field because there will be so many opportunities for service and I will be doing something every day that makes people happier and healthier!
Haha, honestly just some random thoughts of the day!
We are teaching and continuing to teach 5 progressing investigators and they all have baptismal dates. The Lord continues to surprise me as he uses us as tools!
Love this work. This is our time to put what we can into it and show our Heavenly Father our love for him and our brothers and sisters. (Mosiah 2:17)
Your Brother and Son
Blake Daniel Harmon
Your Family Forever!
Awe, honestly, so excited right now to be able to talk to you all next week. The excitement has built up so much, can't believe this will pretty much be the last time because the next time, I will be coming home just a month and days later! I bet you are reading this letter and wondering why I am writing in pink, but it has honestly made me want to put hot pink plasti dip on my rims! Haha :)
There have been tons of tender mercies everywhere in our wards and branches! It is not because of their efforts, but because the Lord is opening doors and we are there to enter! The Lord is hastening His work with or without us, it is up to us if we want to jump in and help push the rock! This is where agency comes into pay. The mission truly teaches you the way that Christ wants you to use your agency and he shows you all the blessings you can receive if you continue to strive for the rest of your life with those same desires and continue to use your agency in righteousness then you will continue to want to serve and be engaged in this great work! It is so true when they say that service cures the broken hearted, the stiff necked and the self concerned. This is because service gives you the desire to love and be like Christ because you see people how Christ sees them!
The mission has given me so many incredible things but one of the things that I will cherish forever is the desire that I have to serve others. There is no better thing that we can do with our agency than to do things with love and care as we serve God's children. As I think of how many ways there truly are to serve, my mind is overwhelmed! I think this is truly why my mind is on wanting to do something in the medical field because there will be so many opportunities for service and I will be doing something every day that makes people happier and healthier!
Haha, honestly just some random thoughts of the day!
We are teaching and continuing to teach 5 progressing investigators and they all have baptismal dates. The Lord continues to surprise me as he uses us as tools!
Love this work. This is our time to put what we can into it and show our Heavenly Father our love for him and our brothers and sisters. (Mosiah 2:17)
Your Brother and Son
Blake Daniel Harmon
Your Family Forever!
 |
| Had to show what Blake meant by his Hot Pink letter:) |
Sunday, December 14, 2014
E-mail (Dated: 12/14/14)
Ha'apai koe feitu'u oku Fakalata
Hey Everyone!!!!!!
I don't even know where to start, I have seen so many incredible miracles and tender mercies this week and have been part of so many cool experiences!!! There are also a lot of changes taking place here in Ha'apai!!!!!
I can see you have all seen that I have been able to become close to Elder Neilson!!!! I was given so many awesome opportunities with him!!! I have truly seen some incredible blessings and learned some incredible things with that opportunity!!! I can tell you it was such an incredible surprise to pick him up from the airport and have his first words say, "I have been looking for you Elder Harmon and looking forward to meeting you!" I hugged him and then said ok now how do you know me hahahaha!!!! But sooo amazing!!!! Thank you Mark and Marissa for the amazing connection. We Elders need those connections at these times in the Christmas holidays!!! I was able to learn some very important things about who I need to be as a missionary but more importantly as a son of our Father in heaven and a future husband and father. I wrote a big letter about it, but I want to bare testimony that I know our Heavenly Father calls His leaders!!! They are guided in their words and actions to lead us and teach us to become sons and daughters of our father!!!
We got to go to dinner with Elder Neilson and our mission president and their wives... me and my companion pretty much got one on one with them and had counsel given to us for the rest of our lives!! I am so so so blessed to be given so much!!! I truly know why I am required to do so much!!!!!!!! One of the topics that touch me so deeply was when he talked about priesthood responsibilities and how this church is relying on worthy and faithful leaders and young men to come off from their missions and hold onto the word of God and make a difference. God has put so much trust in all of us!!!!!
We are working with six progressing investigators!!!!! Family and my beloved friends the power of fasting and prayer is real and god knows all of our sacrifices and he is there if you knock and ask...with faith with true desire of the heart.
We continually are blessed through our faithfulness!!! My companion and I are watching miracles occur . . . but it’s not us, it is the Lord, for we are clean tools in his hands!
We are working with two kids in Fangale'ounga named Lxxxxx and Uxxx. There are also two twins here in Koulo. The other day when went to teach Lxxxxx and Uxxx, we ran into their uncle and grandma on the road and we committed them to listen to us. They agreed so we are now teaching a family!!!!!!! Right when we thought we have seen all God’s blessings in one day, we received a call from the bishop in Uiha. He told us that there is a lady who is eager to listen to our message... She has a husband that has been going to our church for 30+ years and she wants to join him because she has heard of the blessings of the temple. So, next week we will take out a boat and go teach them!!! The Lord hastens his work in his own time, and it is up to us to be ready to be the tools he needs. We always need to be ready and worthy!!!
Love you all!!!!
Elder Harmon
MOm " DUDE"
Brooklin SYST
P.S. Get this....Sister Delong is a sister missionary here in Ha'apai and her dad was the mission president in Milan Italy for a while...then went to the Sicily Italy Mission for the rest. Also, Elder Bunting's Dad served in Sicily Italy Mission the same years as you dad!!!!! We are truly trying to follow in our father's footsteps!!!!! Such big tender mercies!!! We have planned to sing "I Am a Child of God" in Italian to our members in a fireside already!!!!!!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Instragram Post from Elder Gifford Nielsen (12/12/14)
Blake was blessed to spend time with President and Sister Nielsen of the Seventy in Ha'apia this week. Mark and Marisa Skousen sent us the picture because the Nielsens happen to be Mark and Marisa's Uncle and Aunt!!!!
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| Blake said that meeting with Elder Nielsen was an amazing experience! |
Monday, December 8, 2014
Hand Written Letter (Dated: 12/8/14) [#64 from Tonga]
Family,
Awe, this has been an awesome week for our Ha'apai zone. We have had some incredible opportunities! Before I tell you about them, I want you to know how grateful I have been to our Heavenly Father for all the blessings he has given me. He truly knows all of us personally and is shaping us all personally and guiding us to be the men that God needs us to be for the future. I love my new companion. He is a true miracle to my mission! I could not be more grateful for this opportunity! So, did you know that Elder Bunting's dad served in the Sicily Italy mission?! He served the same time as you dad... I think that is a really cool blessing! Elder Bunting and I are going to sing the Italian version of "I Am a Child of God" to our ward together!! The Lord is so aware of all of us. I promise you all that our Heavenly Father is aware of everything we go through. I am a true living testimony of that fact!
This week we had a mission tour with Elder Gifford Nielson from the Quorum of the Seventy. He is incredible. I had the opportunity with my companion to go pick him up along with President Tupou and their wives. It was a really cool experience! I walked up to the President and his wife. They greeted me warmly and then I saw Elder Nielson and he said, "Elder Harmon, I have been looking for you!" He then hugged me and told me that Mark Skousen from our ward back home is his Nephew. I was really excited to hear that he knows someone from home! He took lots of pictures with me and so hopefully he sent a few to you guys!
The meeting was unreal. We talked about a ton of things. A big topic was on "our purpose". He focused so much on us converting ourselves and the fact that we need to become fathers for our future children and husbands for our future wives! It was really a surprising topic to me. He said that the most important thing we do after our mission is marrying the right person, in the right place and at the right time!
Converting ourselves is so very important! I have always thought about the philosophy that there is no neutral zone. We are either constantly increasing our testimonies, or they are decreasing. Where do each of us stand? What are we doing to fix it or keep doing what we need to increase our testimonies and build our sure foundations? Find those goals, apply a plan, and be accountable to your plan. Later, Elder Nielson and President invited me and Elder Bunting to dinner. So, we got to be there with the Seventy and his wife and President Tupou and his wife and also Elder and Sister Delong from Ogden, Utah and the stake president and his wife. Elder Nielson talked to us all about our personal responsibilities in the stake, church, and missionary work. It was intense. Then he talked about the future or our church and then he looked at me and my companion and said that we are the future of this church. He put a lot of pressure on us with that, but I am excited for the opportunities that the future holds for us as priesthood leaders.
Awe, this has been an awesome week for our Ha'apai zone. We have had some incredible opportunities! Before I tell you about them, I want you to know how grateful I have been to our Heavenly Father for all the blessings he has given me. He truly knows all of us personally and is shaping us all personally and guiding us to be the men that God needs us to be for the future. I love my new companion. He is a true miracle to my mission! I could not be more grateful for this opportunity! So, did you know that Elder Bunting's dad served in the Sicily Italy mission?! He served the same time as you dad... I think that is a really cool blessing! Elder Bunting and I are going to sing the Italian version of "I Am a Child of God" to our ward together!! The Lord is so aware of all of us. I promise you all that our Heavenly Father is aware of everything we go through. I am a true living testimony of that fact!
This week we had a mission tour with Elder Gifford Nielson from the Quorum of the Seventy. He is incredible. I had the opportunity with my companion to go pick him up along with President Tupou and their wives. It was a really cool experience! I walked up to the President and his wife. They greeted me warmly and then I saw Elder Nielson and he said, "Elder Harmon, I have been looking for you!" He then hugged me and told me that Mark Skousen from our ward back home is his Nephew. I was really excited to hear that he knows someone from home! He took lots of pictures with me and so hopefully he sent a few to you guys!
The meeting was unreal. We talked about a ton of things. A big topic was on "our purpose". He focused so much on us converting ourselves and the fact that we need to become fathers for our future children and husbands for our future wives! It was really a surprising topic to me. He said that the most important thing we do after our mission is marrying the right person, in the right place and at the right time!
Converting ourselves is so very important! I have always thought about the philosophy that there is no neutral zone. We are either constantly increasing our testimonies, or they are decreasing. Where do each of us stand? What are we doing to fix it or keep doing what we need to increase our testimonies and build our sure foundations? Find those goals, apply a plan, and be accountable to your plan. Later, Elder Nielson and President invited me and Elder Bunting to dinner. So, we got to be there with the Seventy and his wife and President Tupou and his wife and also Elder and Sister Delong from Ogden, Utah and the stake president and his wife. Elder Nielson talked to us all about our personal responsibilities in the stake, church, and missionary work. It was intense. Then he talked about the future or our church and then he looked at me and my companion and said that we are the future of this church. He put a lot of pressure on us with that, but I am excited for the opportunities that the future holds for us as priesthood leaders.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
E-mail (Dated: 12/7/14)
Hey Family and loved ones!!!!
It has really been such an incredible week for me!!!! I have been able to see the Lord's hand in so much!!!!! The day before I went to Tonga for the MLC Meeting we received a call from the APs saying that Elder Latai will be finishing his mission in Vava'u and I will now be with Elder Bunting. I am sure I do not need to tell you how excited I am for this opportunity!!!!! I just thank the Lord for my many blessings and for His every detail that has impact on our lives!!!! So we went to the meeting in Tonga and we were able to run into Harris, Grant, Diehl and Tuitavake while we were there. They all seemed to be doing awesome!!!!!!!
I got to take the shuttle with Elder Bunting in Tonga to go say HI to both of our old areas.... Yes! The shuttle was stick shift....and Tonga feels like the city after coming back from Ha'apai, so I had a little fun!!!!! hahahahaha. It was awesome seeing the people that have become family to me out in Sopu.... We all embraced....it was amazing!!!!!! I don't know if you remember me talking about the 4 year old boy that lived with us in Sopu... but he ran up and hugged me and held on to me until the time I had to leave. It was so heart warming.....
We came back to Ha'apai on Thursday, and we were able to start getting the ball rolling with our area!!!!!! We had an awesome experience with fasting the other day.... As soon as we started our fast for our area and for the people in our areas, we were able to find two people that we are going to start teaching that we have already committed to baptizing just by talking to them!!! This ward and branch have not seen a baptism this whole year.... We are ready to make the sacrifices and to work hard enough to see the blessings and miracles take place!!!!!
We have the opportunity this Wednesday to have Elder Giffort Nielsen from the Seventy come to Ha'apai and speak to all of us!!!! We are excited to learn and grow!!!
You are all thought of in this Christmas season!!! I love you all so so much!!!!
Elder harmon
mom "Dude"
Brooklin SYST
Just some fun e-mail exchanges from today.
------------------------------------------------
Dean Harmon <dean.harmon@yahoo.com> wrote:
How far away is Fangale'ounga
Blake Harmon <blake.harmon@myldsmail.net> wrote:
5min drive....
Dean Harmon <dean.harmon@yahoo.com> wrote:
Do you like being able to drive? Where do you get gas?
Blake Harmon <blake.harmon@myldsmail.net> wrote:
hahaha yeah its good you know me I have always loved being behind a steering wheel. but they bring in gas once a week from the boat!!
Dean Harmon <dean.harmon@yahoo.com> wrote:
I kind a question why they even have a car on the island if it's that small.
Blake Harmon <blake.harmon@myldsmail.net> wrote:
yeah hahaha its probably smaller than you would think.... there is a person from California I wrote to you about in a letter and she said ha'apai makes the word slow look fast
Blake Harmon <blake.harmon@myldsmail.net> wrote:
Mom and Dad,
Last week somehow I skipped over telling you Happy Anniversary. That's usually not like me, I read about all your fun dates and stuff but forgot to mention something!!!! I love you so much and am so grateful for all you do!!! I wrote a letter but it will take a while to get to you, just know I was thinking of you both!!! and I sent 4 letters while I was in Tonga!!! Love you!!!
Gotta go love you all so much!!!
It has really been such an incredible week for me!!!! I have been able to see the Lord's hand in so much!!!!! The day before I went to Tonga for the MLC Meeting we received a call from the APs saying that Elder Latai will be finishing his mission in Vava'u and I will now be with Elder Bunting. I am sure I do not need to tell you how excited I am for this opportunity!!!!! I just thank the Lord for my many blessings and for His every detail that has impact on our lives!!!! So we went to the meeting in Tonga and we were able to run into Harris, Grant, Diehl and Tuitavake while we were there. They all seemed to be doing awesome!!!!!!!
I got to take the shuttle with Elder Bunting in Tonga to go say HI to both of our old areas.... Yes! The shuttle was stick shift....and Tonga feels like the city after coming back from Ha'apai, so I had a little fun!!!!! hahahahaha. It was awesome seeing the people that have become family to me out in Sopu.... We all embraced....it was amazing!!!!!! I don't know if you remember me talking about the 4 year old boy that lived with us in Sopu... but he ran up and hugged me and held on to me until the time I had to leave. It was so heart warming.....
We came back to Ha'apai on Thursday, and we were able to start getting the ball rolling with our area!!!!!! We had an awesome experience with fasting the other day.... As soon as we started our fast for our area and for the people in our areas, we were able to find two people that we are going to start teaching that we have already committed to baptizing just by talking to them!!! This ward and branch have not seen a baptism this whole year.... We are ready to make the sacrifices and to work hard enough to see the blessings and miracles take place!!!!!
We have the opportunity this Wednesday to have Elder Giffort Nielsen from the Seventy come to Ha'apai and speak to all of us!!!! We are excited to learn and grow!!!
You are all thought of in this Christmas season!!! I love you all so so much!!!!
Elder harmon
mom "Dude"
Brooklin SYST
Just some fun e-mail exchanges from today.
------------------------------------------------
Dean Harmon <dean.harmon@yahoo.com> wrote:
How far away is Fangale'ounga
Blake Harmon <blake.harmon@myldsmail.net> wrote:
5min drive....
Do you like being able to drive? Where do you get gas?
hahaha yeah its good you know me I have always loved being behind a steering wheel. but they bring in gas once a week from the boat!!
I kind a question why they even have a car on the island if it's that small.
yeah hahaha its probably smaller than you would think.... there is a person from California I wrote to you about in a letter and she said ha'apai makes the word slow look fast
Blake Harmon <blake.harmon@myldsmail.net> wrote:
Mom and Dad,
Last week somehow I skipped over telling you Happy Anniversary. That's usually not like me, I read about all your fun dates and stuff but forgot to mention something!!!! I love you so much and am so grateful for all you do!!! I wrote a letter but it will take a while to get to you, just know I was thinking of you both!!! and I sent 4 letters while I was in Tonga!!! Love you!!!
Gotta go love you all so much!!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
E-mail from Mission Office (Dated: 12/3/14)
Just received a note that Blake is headed back to Ha'apai from the main island today after a training meeting. He has a new companion who is Elder Bunting. They were in the MTC together, so that is cool. Elder Bunting is from St. George.
 |
| Blake with Elder Bunting |
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
E-mail from Elder Hamblin in the Office (Dated: 12/2/14)
Just took this picture. Thought you might like to see it. He looks good and is a great missionary!
Monday, December 1, 2014
Hand Written Letter (Dated: 12/1/14) [#63 from Tonga]
Mom and Dad, Happy Anniversary!!!
Wow, 25 years of complete dedication to each other and to your family! Such an incredible accomplishment. The world has done so much to try and destroy the family . You two are beautiful examples of how the Lord's influence in the home brings peace, love, faith, and so much more. What an incredible occasion to celebrate your love, dedication and family.
As I grow in older and gain more knowledge and experience different things as a missionary, I see the pwoer of families. I see the influence of parents. The respect and appreciation that I have is so high for the both of you.
As I read of your anniversay experience of temple jumping, I realized that I failed to mention anything about your anniversary in the email I sent you earlier. So, I wanted you each to know that I thought about you constantly the last few days and that I have so much love and appreciation that I am sending your way. I hope you have been able to feel so.
This has been a crazy week. We have been able to do many things. Recently, I have been struggling with my companion, Elder Latai. He is really trunky and pretty much thinks that he is done. So, this has been a real struggle. It's not like we have fought a lot, it is just tough that if feels like I am the only one that cares about the work.
Well, the other day, after I wrote you, we got a call and I truly know it was an answer to your prayers and temple attendance and putting my name on the prayer rolls. So, we got the call that Latai is going to Vava'u again and Elder Bunting is my new companion! I could not have been more excited! We embraced as we heard the news! What a true tender mercy! I think you were ale to find out before I told you because Elder Hamblin took a picture and sent it to you. Haha, his first goal when he sees me is that he takes a picture and sends it to you!
So, on Tuesday, we took an airplane to Tonga for the MLC Meeting "Mission Leadership Council". Elder Hamblin says that it is like we re from the quorum of the seventy because we get to travel so far for just one meeting, haha! But, it was cool and I got to see Elder Grant, Harris, and Elder Diehl from my intake. I also went and dropped by at Sopu and saw Tuitavake who is Elder Lao's and Lotolelei's companion from the MTC....and, I got to see all my families there. It was about 8'oclock when I showed up and right then, a 15 year old young man I knew yelled, "Harmoni!" and ran up and hugged me, then a 4 year old boy I knew jumped into my arms and kept kissing my cheek. It felt like home. What an incredible blessing!!!
The next day after the meeting, I was able to attend the temple. My testimony of the temple has grown so much while I have been able to attend here on my mission. I know it is the house of the Lord, there is no doubt!
Just he other day we had a really cool experience with a lady from California. She came to Tonga quite randomly. I will sum up the story.... She went to the beach here and was having a really hard time, and right when she got back to the house where she was staying, Elder Swan and Elder Tuitavuki showed up. We were able to show up at the lesson they were teaching on the following day. She talked about how her random trip to Ha'apai has changed her for the eternities. She is planning on going home and having the missionaries continue to teach her and she wants to be baptized! It was incredible seeing the power of fasting!!
Family, I love you so much! Time is so crazy! Just know I love and care for you so much and this is our Savior's work!
Your Son/Brother
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
Mom "Dude"
Wow, 25 years of complete dedication to each other and to your family! Such an incredible accomplishment. The world has done so much to try and destroy the family . You two are beautiful examples of how the Lord's influence in the home brings peace, love, faith, and so much more. What an incredible occasion to celebrate your love, dedication and family.
As I grow in older and gain more knowledge and experience different things as a missionary, I see the pwoer of families. I see the influence of parents. The respect and appreciation that I have is so high for the both of you.
As I read of your anniversay experience of temple jumping, I realized that I failed to mention anything about your anniversary in the email I sent you earlier. So, I wanted you each to know that I thought about you constantly the last few days and that I have so much love and appreciation that I am sending your way. I hope you have been able to feel so.
This has been a crazy week. We have been able to do many things. Recently, I have been struggling with my companion, Elder Latai. He is really trunky and pretty much thinks that he is done. So, this has been a real struggle. It's not like we have fought a lot, it is just tough that if feels like I am the only one that cares about the work.
Well, the other day, after I wrote you, we got a call and I truly know it was an answer to your prayers and temple attendance and putting my name on the prayer rolls. So, we got the call that Latai is going to Vava'u again and Elder Bunting is my new companion! I could not have been more excited! We embraced as we heard the news! What a true tender mercy! I think you were ale to find out before I told you because Elder Hamblin took a picture and sent it to you. Haha, his first goal when he sees me is that he takes a picture and sends it to you!
So, on Tuesday, we took an airplane to Tonga for the MLC Meeting "Mission Leadership Council". Elder Hamblin says that it is like we re from the quorum of the seventy because we get to travel so far for just one meeting, haha! But, it was cool and I got to see Elder Grant, Harris, and Elder Diehl from my intake. I also went and dropped by at Sopu and saw Tuitavake who is Elder Lao's and Lotolelei's companion from the MTC....and, I got to see all my families there. It was about 8'oclock when I showed up and right then, a 15 year old young man I knew yelled, "Harmoni!" and ran up and hugged me, then a 4 year old boy I knew jumped into my arms and kept kissing my cheek. It felt like home. What an incredible blessing!!!
The next day after the meeting, I was able to attend the temple. My testimony of the temple has grown so much while I have been able to attend here on my mission. I know it is the house of the Lord, there is no doubt!
Just he other day we had a really cool experience with a lady from California. She came to Tonga quite randomly. I will sum up the story.... She went to the beach here and was having a really hard time, and right when she got back to the house where she was staying, Elder Swan and Elder Tuitavuki showed up. We were able to show up at the lesson they were teaching on the following day. She talked about how her random trip to Ha'apai has changed her for the eternities. She is planning on going home and having the missionaries continue to teach her and she wants to be baptized! It was incredible seeing the power of fasting!!
Family, I love you so much! Time is so crazy! Just know I love and care for you so much and this is our Savior's work!
Your Son/Brother
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
Mom "Dude"
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