Family,
This week has been full of amazing moment and full of the spirit. Just yesterday, I as able to attend and MLC meeting with half of the zone leaders in Tonga (just half because there are so many now they do two meetings). It was an incredible meeting. The spirit was so strong. The purpose of the meeting was to teach us how to let the Holy Ghost teach. So, the whole time we did role plays. It was actually very intimidating, hahahha, but it was also a blast! It is incredible how every thing I do in my life that seems like a challenge, I can just see my football coaches yelling "Love the Challenge"! I can't wait to thank them in person one day for the impact they made on my life. It was awesome that at the end of the meeting, President Tupou expressed is love for all of us and how blessed he feels to have us in hi mission. Honestly, I just feel so blessed to have him as my mission president. I know I am here in this mission because I can learn from him and he can change me for the better. I have found such a great love for the leaders that have guided me in my life! So, in this letter, I would like to say thank you for what part you have played in my life. I have realized at every point in life, we have leaders. They may have titles, but we may just refer to them as "heroes". When we look back, it seems as though the "title" disappears and instead, they become "heroes". For this reason, I would really like to talk about a few that have impacted me.
First ones that comes to my mind are my dad and mom. Dad, you were my first leader as I always went along with you on all of the scout camp outs and you eventually became my official leaders as I became a deacon. I looked up to you in all things. You never seemed to fail me. You continue to set that example day in and day out. Mom, you taught me everything from making my bed to loving everyone around me. It would take 1,000,000 pages if I were to describe all you have taught me and lead me through in my life.
Football is my greatest passion! At a young age, this sport won my heart. As I became a part of the High School team, there were two boys that seemed to have the biggest impact on me. These two boys were incredible athletes....but this is not what did it for me. It was their hearts and watching where their priorities were that made them my heroes. They were the nicest kids on and off the field. They would give the shirts off their backs to some random kid. They had the Christ-like attribute of love and charity....and that is what American Fork Football is all about. They set the example of becoming "Men Built for Others"! I thank these heroes of mine from the bottom of my heart because your example continues to impact me! Thank you Tyler Belliston and Silas Olsen.
The Young Mens was a huge part of my life and all my leaders made and incredible impact on me. They all taught me incredible life lessons! Jeremy, Fraser, Bishop, etc. Kurt Forsberg has become a lifetime hero to me and has helped me build my foundation on the rock of my redeemer. I cannot think of anyone that has made me feel more confident of myself than this man! He always had incredible faith in me and the spirit that he brought into my life was incredible. One thin that really sticks out is that he really was his brother's keeper!
Shayden is my brother from another mother. He is my flesh and blood...hahaha. Something that made a big impact on me is how Kurt Forsberg cared about Shayden just like his own son. I will never forget the service Kurt rendered in my behalf and in behalf of those that I love.
As I entered the priest quorum, I found a hero that I never saw before...probably because my eyes were closed. But, he brought a new sense of joy to my eyes about being in a quorum and being part of the priest group. Kyle Rusick led with an example of love and righteousness that reflected the light of the Savior. He desired that others see the light also and he continued to share it! Today I received the Highland 5th ward newsletter and Kyle said he has 6 weeks left. So, by the time you get this it probably means that he is done and home. Kyle, I want you to know you have become and are one of my heroes!
I could go on for days! I have had sooooo many people affect my life. Many know because I have had the chance to share these feelings before, but I felt impressed that I needed to let you all know I love you and that you have made a difference in my life!
Your Son/Brother
Blake Daniel Harmon
We are a forever family!
P.S. Sorry for the kind-of random letter. I just felt like many needed to know how grateful I am for them!
Monday, March 30, 2015
Sunday, March 29, 2015
E-mail (Dated: 3/29/15)
Hey Loved Ones!
So sorry I'm running short on time today. I wanted to hit you up with a quick note.
We have been working with some awesome less active families and just yesterday we had the opportunity of seeing two big families go to church. These are the tender mercies of the Lord taking place right before us.
The families that we have set dates for baptism are progressing beautifully. They all came to church this Sunday. Wow--what an incredible feeling!!!!!
I'm sorry that I am so short on time. Hopefully my letters will help and hopefully you are receiving them!!! Love you all!
ELDER HARMON
MOM dude
Brooklin SYST
P.S- I think i will be home on the 11th of July now.... :) not 100%, but the Hamblins kinda hinted at it today to me:)
So sorry I'm running short on time today. I wanted to hit you up with a quick note.
We have been working with some awesome less active families and just yesterday we had the opportunity of seeing two big families go to church. These are the tender mercies of the Lord taking place right before us.
The families that we have set dates for baptism are progressing beautifully. They all came to church this Sunday. Wow--what an incredible feeling!!!!!
I'm sorry that I am so short on time. Hopefully my letters will help and hopefully you are receiving them!!! Love you all!
ELDER HARMON
MOM dude
Brooklin SYST
P.S- I think i will be home on the 11th of July now.... :) not 100%, but the Hamblins kinda hinted at it today to me:)
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| The church in Blake's area |
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| Blake's Missionary Apartment |
Monday, March 23, 2015
Hand Written Letter (Dated: 3/23/2015) [#79 from Tonga]
Family,
Man, it has been an interesting week for me. Monday we had interviews with President Tupou. It went really well. Weird to think that it is my second to last interview before I come home. I really love our mission president. At times I feel like I was called to this mission so that I could learn from this mission president. I know that he receives direct revelation for his missionaries! I feel of the great love that he has for all of us! I hope you all meet him one day!
This week we have don a lot of invitations.....baptism invitations. It has been so important for us to get the investigator to understand that the Holy Ghost will testify to him the tings he needs to know and that all truth and knowledge will come through the power of the Holy Ghost in answers to our prayers.
Anyway, that is waht we have been doing with everyone that we meet. So far our success levels have been crazy good. As we have sharpened our inspired questions and relied on the Holy Ghost, we have seen an increase. That increase comes through diligence, desire and preparedness. My companion right now has taught me more than I thought I could ever have learned. He is an awesome example of someone that wants to become better every day of his life. It has taught me a lot about becoming personally better every single day. We can only do this to ourselves by being accountable, checking and evaluating, becoming humble, and asking for advice on how to become better. Then we need to set goals and strive to achieve them!
Anyway, I am really enjoying learning and becoming better. It was awesome to see less active members, whom we have been working with for a very long time, show up to church today. It is the best feeling in the world to see progression in our loved ones. I have developed a vision for these people and when I see pieces of that vision develop, I get such a satisfactory feeling.
I know this has been such a random letter but I wanted to just try and help you understand what is going on :)
Remember...if you have any questions, hit me up on e-mail. I'm excited to see how you are all doing tomorrow! Tomorrow is our P-Day :)
I love you all so much!
Remember your son in Tonga loves and is praying for you:)
Your Son and Brother
Blake Daniel Harmon
Ofa Atu!
SYST
-------- ACTUAL SCANS ---------
Man, it has been an interesting week for me. Monday we had interviews with President Tupou. It went really well. Weird to think that it is my second to last interview before I come home. I really love our mission president. At times I feel like I was called to this mission so that I could learn from this mission president. I know that he receives direct revelation for his missionaries! I feel of the great love that he has for all of us! I hope you all meet him one day!
This week we have don a lot of invitations.....baptism invitations. It has been so important for us to get the investigator to understand that the Holy Ghost will testify to him the tings he needs to know and that all truth and knowledge will come through the power of the Holy Ghost in answers to our prayers.
Anyway, that is waht we have been doing with everyone that we meet. So far our success levels have been crazy good. As we have sharpened our inspired questions and relied on the Holy Ghost, we have seen an increase. That increase comes through diligence, desire and preparedness. My companion right now has taught me more than I thought I could ever have learned. He is an awesome example of someone that wants to become better every day of his life. It has taught me a lot about becoming personally better every single day. We can only do this to ourselves by being accountable, checking and evaluating, becoming humble, and asking for advice on how to become better. Then we need to set goals and strive to achieve them!
Anyway, I am really enjoying learning and becoming better. It was awesome to see less active members, whom we have been working with for a very long time, show up to church today. It is the best feeling in the world to see progression in our loved ones. I have developed a vision for these people and when I see pieces of that vision develop, I get such a satisfactory feeling.
I know this has been such a random letter but I wanted to just try and help you understand what is going on :)
Remember...if you have any questions, hit me up on e-mail. I'm excited to see how you are all doing tomorrow! Tomorrow is our P-Day :)
I love you all so much!
Remember your son in Tonga loves and is praying for you:)
Your Son and Brother
Blake Daniel Harmon
Ofa Atu!
SYST
-------- ACTUAL SCANS ---------
Sunday, March 22, 2015
E-mail (Dated: 3/22/2015)
Hey Family!!!!
This has been a really good week. It has given us a lot of opportunities to use what we have learned from our mission president in our last zone meeting and MLC meetings. Teaching people about the Holy Ghost and how he is "the teacher" has been our main focus. Our goal is to have our investigators awaken unto god Alma 5:7.
I have seen some really cool things this past week with this. We are currently working with an investigator named Misionali and he is awesome,. He is very bright and reminds me of Joseph Smith as he is very concerned with his spiritual life and his relationship with God. We have been helping him recognize and learn from the spirit.
Hahaha, something funny that happened to me this week was that we were at a stake baptism program....or a zone baptism....then, right in the middle of the program they called on me to go teach about the Holy Ghost...yeah this is Tonga haha! So, in front of the biggest stake in Tonga I had to go up and teach hahaha. Funny part is...they thought someone had already called me and reminded me or something :) So, as I walked to the front, I was throwing tons of thoughts through my mind hahaha.....but the, when I got to the front and looked down, I was calm. The spirit was strong and it was a very humbling expierence for me to look down at these investigators who are making covanants with there Father in Heaven and follow His son's example into the waters of baptism. I was able to teach, share witness and promise blessings and it was all confirmed by the Holy Ghost through my words.
I love you so much! Things are going well. I am starting to get a little more used to my area. I will keep you all updated!!!! Love you! Talk to you next week!!!!
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
Mom "DUDE"
Brooklin SYST
This has been a really good week. It has given us a lot of opportunities to use what we have learned from our mission president in our last zone meeting and MLC meetings. Teaching people about the Holy Ghost and how he is "the teacher" has been our main focus. Our goal is to have our investigators awaken unto god Alma 5:7.
I have seen some really cool things this past week with this. We are currently working with an investigator named Misionali and he is awesome,. He is very bright and reminds me of Joseph Smith as he is very concerned with his spiritual life and his relationship with God. We have been helping him recognize and learn from the spirit.
Hahaha, something funny that happened to me this week was that we were at a stake baptism program....or a zone baptism....then, right in the middle of the program they called on me to go teach about the Holy Ghost...yeah this is Tonga haha! So, in front of the biggest stake in Tonga I had to go up and teach hahaha. Funny part is...they thought someone had already called me and reminded me or something :) So, as I walked to the front, I was throwing tons of thoughts through my mind hahaha.....but the, when I got to the front and looked down, I was calm. The spirit was strong and it was a very humbling expierence for me to look down at these investigators who are making covanants with there Father in Heaven and follow His son's example into the waters of baptism. I was able to teach, share witness and promise blessings and it was all confirmed by the Holy Ghost through my words.
I love you so much! Things are going well. I am starting to get a little more used to my area. I will keep you all updated!!!! Love you! Talk to you next week!!!!
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
Mom "DUDE"
Brooklin SYST
Monday, March 16, 2015
Surprise Post by Elder Hamblin 3/16/2015
Shannon was looking at her facebook tonight and saw that Blake had been tagged on a video. It is a video of several Elders singing Happy Birthday to one of the Senior Elders. Blake is in the Video. He glances at the camera several times and smiles as if he knows we will get a chance to see it. He looks good. So fun!!!
Hand Written Letter (Dated: 3/16/2015) [#78 from Tonga]
Taking what we have learned and actually applying it is the most important thing we could possibly do with the knowledge we obtain....This lesson has been one of the wakening moments for me....seeing this take full effect in my life. We had our Zone meeting with President Tupou and all the Zone Leaders and I was able to learn some incredible things that have definitely taken me out of my comfort zone! We focused on baptism invitations....but it this time it was different than other times....the goal of this is to set up how you teach in order to be able to invite an investigator to baptism on the first teach, or even on the first time you might meet them on the street! It was difficult at first but eventually my companion and I got it. We kept on doing role plays for a couple of days and that helped us. President Tupou challenged us to do it with everyone we teach and come contact with on a day to day basis.
I'm so happy to say that we have kept that commitment this week....we have dates for three people!!! We are excited to see how the Lord's timing will bless their lives and teach them to to receive a confirming witness of the Holy Ghost of this incredible gospel! Two of these investigators are husband and wife and they also have children....although, they are very strong members of the Methodist Church. The other is a boy about Brandon's age. He is awesome! We have taught him about three times and he is progressing. I have never taught someone like him. He asks so many different questions! He reminds me of Joseph Smith when he had such a strong concern for his soul and his connection with Heavenly Father. He is someone that is going to be awesome at keeping commitments. I am really excited to see him and his progress in the next week!
On another note!!! Things are going well here in Touliki. I feel like I am still adjusting to the new area in many ways. I have gotten more used to the fact that there are more people around! Haha, it probably would have been a big shock for me if I returned to America straight from Ha'apai, haha!
Haha, my house here has so many rats! It's not even funny! It has gotten to the point that I just watch them run around and don't try to kill them anymore :)
Yesterday we were able to have our Zone baptism for this stake. There were five baptism from my district. It was a very sweet spiritual experience! Haha, when I was sitting down listening to the brother conduct the meeting, he announced that I would be giving the talk on the Holy Ghost. Funny thing, they never told me prior to that moment and this is a "stake" event. There are lots of people. Well, that is how it goes in Tonga sometimes. So, I went up and it was actually a really cool experience to stand up and see the faces of these five beautiful converts who were prepared to follow Jesus Christ! I promised them blessings and I could feel the spirit confirming the words that came from my mouth!
I can't believe it will be April when you get this. I'm excited that you will receive my letters a little quicker now! Well family, you know I love you! Just hold on a little longer and I will be there soon. For now, I gotta finish this last 60 meters of the race!
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
Your forever Brother/Son
Sunday, March 15, 2015
E-mail (Dated: 3/15/2015)
Hey Family and Everyone!!!
WOW, I don't really know where to start with catching you up with it all, just because everything has changed so much since I have been in Ha'apai. New place, new companion and new members!!!! SO I will try to catch you up quickly:)
First of I will have you know that I am driving the car that I crashed in Ha'apai. Somehow it all came back and kicked me in the butt hahaha :) I guess that's justice hahaha. I did get to see Elder Bunting on Friday when I was picking up the car at the office after the zone leader conference and we had a good laugh about it all!!!!
Weird how all the stories that I have heard from Bunting while we were companions about his time in Touliki and all the people. Now I know them all and I'm living all the stories....even sitting on the same broken toilet he told me about -- hahaha.
The people in my new area are awesome!!! Really good ward, but this stake has actually really struggled with missionary work these last few weeks--but hey, we are called for a purpose to make changes,... Crazy how 1/3 of the population of Tonga lives right here in my zone in Homakelikao!!! SO i am meeting a lot of people!!!!!!
I wrote this story in my letter home last week, but I can't hold back about it -- I have to tell you! So, sorry that it's kinda a repeat. Who knows you might get to see more detail or maybe just the same story twice hahaha:)
The day I got here in Touliki, I was at the church and I heard my name being called so I turned around to see a girl that looked very familiar but I could not recall how I knew her -- hahahaha. So, I walked up and we talked for a second and then I immediately yelled FIFITA! I remembered her name hahaha and that she was from my first area in Noapapu!!!! So she went on and asked me if I had heard about her family!!! I was like no??? Last time I had seen them the father was struggling with drugs alcohol and was struggling to support the family. Things were not so good! She was like, come to our house latter and see them and my mom will tell you what's going on.... (I thought they were divorced or something) So, I went there and it was an awesome reunion! I was very close with their family. I have lots of pictures with them. If you remember the picture of the boys carrying my bag in Noapapu??? Those are her kids! Anyway, Tema is the mom's name, So, Tema came out and was like ELDER HARMON!!!! She was so excited that I could actually talk to her now (Remember, I couldn't speak Tongan in the first area very well) So, she went on to tell me that her family is getting sealed in the Temple!!!! Her husband Nela is strong in the church and just took out his endowment last week.!!!!! I was freaking out..... the next day in church I say Nela!!! He was so excited to see me...I need remind you that he was a drunk guy in Noapapu that didn't like me and Elder Price. He would get mad at us when we would try and teach him.
Now, his countenance was different and his spirit was bright!!! We talked for a while then we had priesthood. He is in the other ward, but was late to church so he came to our class. He told everyone his conversion of coming back to the Lord. I didn't know this at the time. He told everyone that right before Elder Harmon and Elder price got transferred from Noapapu they gave him a blessing because he was really sick.... the result was that Heavenly Father blessed him with FULL HEALING. As a result, he decided that he needed to change his life from that day forward.
I had no idea, and now, 16 months later I am witnessing this miracle!!! Heavenly Father's timing is everything! I bear testimony that I know God is a God of miracles and that He lives. This is His church! I love you all so much!
ELder Blake Daniel Harmon
MOM "DUDE"
Brooklin SYST
P.S. My responsibilities are very crazy here so I will probably not be on line when you write back. Just know I love you all so much! Sorry I didn't answer a lot of your questions. Just know I love you!! So happy for Kara Johnson and Pini Katoa!!!
Dad do you remember that letter you sent me about the football player at Stanford and his conversion story? Did you know that I am very good friends with Brandon Fanaika, the kid that helped him into the gospel!!!!! Small world ehh!!!!! I trained with him at Mike Stroshine!!
WOW, I don't really know where to start with catching you up with it all, just because everything has changed so much since I have been in Ha'apai. New place, new companion and new members!!!! SO I will try to catch you up quickly:)
First of I will have you know that I am driving the car that I crashed in Ha'apai. Somehow it all came back and kicked me in the butt hahaha :) I guess that's justice hahaha. I did get to see Elder Bunting on Friday when I was picking up the car at the office after the zone leader conference and we had a good laugh about it all!!!!
Weird how all the stories that I have heard from Bunting while we were companions about his time in Touliki and all the people. Now I know them all and I'm living all the stories....even sitting on the same broken toilet he told me about -- hahaha.
The people in my new area are awesome!!! Really good ward, but this stake has actually really struggled with missionary work these last few weeks--but hey, we are called for a purpose to make changes,... Crazy how 1/3 of the population of Tonga lives right here in my zone in Homakelikao!!! SO i am meeting a lot of people!!!!!!
I wrote this story in my letter home last week, but I can't hold back about it -- I have to tell you! So, sorry that it's kinda a repeat. Who knows you might get to see more detail or maybe just the same story twice hahaha:)
The day I got here in Touliki, I was at the church and I heard my name being called so I turned around to see a girl that looked very familiar but I could not recall how I knew her -- hahahaha. So, I walked up and we talked for a second and then I immediately yelled FIFITA! I remembered her name hahaha and that she was from my first area in Noapapu!!!! So she went on and asked me if I had heard about her family!!! I was like no??? Last time I had seen them the father was struggling with drugs alcohol and was struggling to support the family. Things were not so good! She was like, come to our house latter and see them and my mom will tell you what's going on.... (I thought they were divorced or something) So, I went there and it was an awesome reunion! I was very close with their family. I have lots of pictures with them. If you remember the picture of the boys carrying my bag in Noapapu??? Those are her kids! Anyway, Tema is the mom's name, So, Tema came out and was like ELDER HARMON!!!! She was so excited that I could actually talk to her now (Remember, I couldn't speak Tongan in the first area very well) So, she went on to tell me that her family is getting sealed in the Temple!!!! Her husband Nela is strong in the church and just took out his endowment last week.!!!!! I was freaking out..... the next day in church I say Nela!!! He was so excited to see me...I need remind you that he was a drunk guy in Noapapu that didn't like me and Elder Price. He would get mad at us when we would try and teach him.
Now, his countenance was different and his spirit was bright!!! We talked for a while then we had priesthood. He is in the other ward, but was late to church so he came to our class. He told everyone his conversion of coming back to the Lord. I didn't know this at the time. He told everyone that right before Elder Harmon and Elder price got transferred from Noapapu they gave him a blessing because he was really sick.... the result was that Heavenly Father blessed him with FULL HEALING. As a result, he decided that he needed to change his life from that day forward.
I had no idea, and now, 16 months later I am witnessing this miracle!!! Heavenly Father's timing is everything! I bear testimony that I know God is a God of miracles and that He lives. This is His church! I love you all so much!
ELder Blake Daniel Harmon
MOM "DUDE"
Brooklin SYST
P.S. My responsibilities are very crazy here so I will probably not be on line when you write back. Just know I love you all so much! Sorry I didn't answer a lot of your questions. Just know I love you!! So happy for Kara Johnson and Pini Katoa!!!
Dad do you remember that letter you sent me about the football player at Stanford and his conversion story? Did you know that I am very good friends with Brandon Fanaika, the kid that helped him into the gospel!!!!! Small world ehh!!!!! I trained with him at Mike Stroshine!!
Monday, March 9, 2015
Hand Written Letter (Dated: 3/9/15) [#77 from Tonga]
Family,
This has been a very different week than all the others. It has been a big change. The atmosphere, the people, the food. It all changed! So let me catch you up with it all and what is going on! I have been crazy busy this week and actually didn't get here to Touliki until the 11th of March. Let me help you understand the area a little more. We work in a part of Tonga where 1/3 of the Tongan population lives! So, I went from a small island to a big city hahaha. It's actually a small area but just a lot of people. I don't know if you know this or not but the first two weeks I was in Tonga waiting to go to Vava', I worked here in this area with Elder Harris, Elder Riddle and Elder Montgomery. So, it has been a huge flash back of memories! I saw the first house I ate at. It's been funny and kind of a cool tender experience. I'm actually going to church at the first church I went to in Tonga. Crazy trying to wrap my mind around it all. It ahs really made these two years look really short. Everyone remembers me when I couldn't say a word to them. Now we can finally have a conversation and I can talk to them. It has been a huge tender mercy and I have seen how the Lord has blessed me these last few years!
Just yesterday, may companion and I were at the church and I heard some girl yell my name! I turned around and recognized that it was Fifita from Noapapu. I don't remember if I told you about the girl that I did surgery on her hand at 3am in the morning. Anyway, she was so excited to tell me that her family is getting sealed in the temple this very month! She directed me to where her family lives here in town. That night, my companion and I went over to their house. I cannot remember what I told you about this family before. Hopefully I told you something so you can remember. Their names are Tema and Daniella (nela). Elder Price and I worked with Nela forever to try to help him stop smoking. It was so difficult, he honestly had no desire to stop. This hurt his family because they wanted to go to the temple and be sealed. One night right before Elder Price and I left Noapapu, we gave Nela a blessing for his head and it worked. God blessed him with full health. After we left, Nela told us that he knew he needed to quit his bad habits and prepare to get sealed to his family! Now, 16 months later, they are both strong in the church. I am so excited and thank God for this incredible blessing. I have seen His work come to pass! I will be attending the sealing this next Friday. I could not be more excited!!! I have felt so blessed to be able to be a part of this families return to the fold.
I know God works in mysterious ways. I know sometimes we don't see the results of our work, but everything we do in Christ's name and all work that we bring to pass will pay off. Whether we witness it or not, it is worth it. No work is worthless!
I love you all so much. I'm so grateful for all of you and I love you so much! We are an Eternal Family!
Your Son/Brother
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
This has been a very different week than all the others. It has been a big change. The atmosphere, the people, the food. It all changed! So let me catch you up with it all and what is going on! I have been crazy busy this week and actually didn't get here to Touliki until the 11th of March. Let me help you understand the area a little more. We work in a part of Tonga where 1/3 of the Tongan population lives! So, I went from a small island to a big city hahaha. It's actually a small area but just a lot of people. I don't know if you know this or not but the first two weeks I was in Tonga waiting to go to Vava', I worked here in this area with Elder Harris, Elder Riddle and Elder Montgomery. So, it has been a huge flash back of memories! I saw the first house I ate at. It's been funny and kind of a cool tender experience. I'm actually going to church at the first church I went to in Tonga. Crazy trying to wrap my mind around it all. It ahs really made these two years look really short. Everyone remembers me when I couldn't say a word to them. Now we can finally have a conversation and I can talk to them. It has been a huge tender mercy and I have seen how the Lord has blessed me these last few years!
Just yesterday, may companion and I were at the church and I heard some girl yell my name! I turned around and recognized that it was Fifita from Noapapu. I don't remember if I told you about the girl that I did surgery on her hand at 3am in the morning. Anyway, she was so excited to tell me that her family is getting sealed in the temple this very month! She directed me to where her family lives here in town. That night, my companion and I went over to their house. I cannot remember what I told you about this family before. Hopefully I told you something so you can remember. Their names are Tema and Daniella (nela). Elder Price and I worked with Nela forever to try to help him stop smoking. It was so difficult, he honestly had no desire to stop. This hurt his family because they wanted to go to the temple and be sealed. One night right before Elder Price and I left Noapapu, we gave Nela a blessing for his head and it worked. God blessed him with full health. After we left, Nela told us that he knew he needed to quit his bad habits and prepare to get sealed to his family! Now, 16 months later, they are both strong in the church. I am so excited and thank God for this incredible blessing. I have seen His work come to pass! I will be attending the sealing this next Friday. I could not be more excited!!! I have felt so blessed to be able to be a part of this families return to the fold.
I know God works in mysterious ways. I know sometimes we don't see the results of our work, but everything we do in Christ's name and all work that we bring to pass will pay off. Whether we witness it or not, it is worth it. No work is worthless!
I love you all so much. I'm so grateful for all of you and I love you so much! We are an Eternal Family!
Your Son/Brother
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
Sunday, March 8, 2015
E-mail (Dated: 3/8/2015)
Hey beloved Family and my loved ones!!!!
Moment we have all been waiting for hahaha. I will be leaving Ha'apai to a place called Touliki ... the heart of Tonga.... (buntings old area....) I will be companions with Hafoka... he was actually in my district here in Ha'apai for a while.... he switched out Bunting here in Ha'apai.... so he has actually been in Touliki for about 5 months so we will probably only be companions for a transfer, but I am thinking its going to be good!!! I'm really thrilled to start a new part of my mission... even though I'm going to have a really hard time walking onto that plane tomorrow..... At least I will know that I put everything I had down here in Ha'apai and I will leave with no regrets. This will always be a place I can call my home.....
On my final note for Ha'apai, our recent convert from Uiha received the priesthood on Sunday and is preparing for a mission. I can't tell you how happy I am!!!!! I came on a mission to bring others the joy that I have from this gospel and right now I am witnessing it come true right before me! God is good... This is his work....
Love you all so much, sorry its short.
YOUR BROTHER FRIEND AND SON...
MOM 'DUDE
BROOKLIN SYST
Moment we have all been waiting for hahaha. I will be leaving Ha'apai to a place called Touliki ... the heart of Tonga.... (buntings old area....) I will be companions with Hafoka... he was actually in my district here in Ha'apai for a while.... he switched out Bunting here in Ha'apai.... so he has actually been in Touliki for about 5 months so we will probably only be companions for a transfer, but I am thinking its going to be good!!! I'm really thrilled to start a new part of my mission... even though I'm going to have a really hard time walking onto that plane tomorrow..... At least I will know that I put everything I had down here in Ha'apai and I will leave with no regrets. This will always be a place I can call my home.....
On my final note for Ha'apai, our recent convert from Uiha received the priesthood on Sunday and is preparing for a mission. I can't tell you how happy I am!!!!! I came on a mission to bring others the joy that I have from this gospel and right now I am witnessing it come true right before me! God is good... This is his work....
Love you all so much, sorry its short.
YOUR BROTHER FRIEND AND SON...
MOM 'DUDE
BROOKLIN SYST
 |
| Family Blake got close to in fangale'ounga. They are awesome!! The mom is from Noapapu!!!! His first area! |
Monday, March 2, 2015
Hand Written Letter (Dated: 3/2/2015) [#76 from Tonga]
Family :)
What a trip I have taken down memory lane this last week!!! Finding out that I will be leaving Ha'apai has been really hard for me to take in.... I guess it won't actually click until I'm on the plane back to Tonga looking down on Ha'apai never knowing if I will ever see these people that I have given myself to for the last 8 months of my life! It's going to be really hard to move to a new area, receive and new companion, teach new people and live in a new house. But, this is missionary work and God is the one in charge and I will do where he needs me to go. Not going to lie. Even though aI have been out for 20 months....I'm nervous to go be the Zone Leader over a BIG zone in Tonga.
3/8/15
We just received the actual transfer. I will be companions with Hafoka. Don't know if you remember him but he was in Ha'apai with me for about 4 months. I will be working in Touliki. I'm excited about the area just not crazy or pumped about my house situation. I will be staying with four other Tongans. It was bound to happen at one point in my mission. My new companion is smart and his English is fluent. It's just that when lots of Tongans get together and there is just one white person it tends to turn into the Martin Luther King times and I will get left out of everything. But hey, I came here to do the Lord's work not focus on things that are just temporary. I just hope things go well! Sorry I'm writing without a light. The power is dead or something is wrong with it! Things should be good. By the time you get this, you should know a lot more!!
Do you remember Kavanga? The boy we baptized on Uiha? He got the priesthood this week. We ran into him on the boat dock and he seems to be doing really well and he is still really strong in the church and he is fulling his priesthood duties and following the teachings of the gospel! Best feeling in the world when I heard the news about the priesthood ordination. He is preparing for a mission! Imagine how big of an impact he will have on the people he comes into contact with! I feel so much comfort and accomplishment with my mission when I look at this boy. He has brought me so much joy and that is why I came out! I wanted boys, girls, families, husbands, wives, etc to receive the same joy that I have in my life! Here I am witnessing a miracle of this gospel take place in this young boy's life!
So so so grateful!
I love you all so much. Your prayers and fasting are appreciated more than you know!
Your Brother/Son
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
Ofa Lahi Atu Ka Moutolu
We are ∞
What a trip I have taken down memory lane this last week!!! Finding out that I will be leaving Ha'apai has been really hard for me to take in.... I guess it won't actually click until I'm on the plane back to Tonga looking down on Ha'apai never knowing if I will ever see these people that I have given myself to for the last 8 months of my life! It's going to be really hard to move to a new area, receive and new companion, teach new people and live in a new house. But, this is missionary work and God is the one in charge and I will do where he needs me to go. Not going to lie. Even though aI have been out for 20 months....I'm nervous to go be the Zone Leader over a BIG zone in Tonga.
3/8/15
We just received the actual transfer. I will be companions with Hafoka. Don't know if you remember him but he was in Ha'apai with me for about 4 months. I will be working in Touliki. I'm excited about the area just not crazy or pumped about my house situation. I will be staying with four other Tongans. It was bound to happen at one point in my mission. My new companion is smart and his English is fluent. It's just that when lots of Tongans get together and there is just one white person it tends to turn into the Martin Luther King times and I will get left out of everything. But hey, I came here to do the Lord's work not focus on things that are just temporary. I just hope things go well! Sorry I'm writing without a light. The power is dead or something is wrong with it! Things should be good. By the time you get this, you should know a lot more!!
Do you remember Kavanga? The boy we baptized on Uiha? He got the priesthood this week. We ran into him on the boat dock and he seems to be doing really well and he is still really strong in the church and he is fulling his priesthood duties and following the teachings of the gospel! Best feeling in the world when I heard the news about the priesthood ordination. He is preparing for a mission! Imagine how big of an impact he will have on the people he comes into contact with! I feel so much comfort and accomplishment with my mission when I look at this boy. He has brought me so much joy and that is why I came out! I wanted boys, girls, families, husbands, wives, etc to receive the same joy that I have in my life! Here I am witnessing a miracle of this gospel take place in this young boy's life!
So so so grateful!
I love you all so much. Your prayers and fasting are appreciated more than you know!
Your Brother/Son
Elder Blake Daniel Harmon
Ofa Lahi Atu Ka Moutolu
We are ∞
Sunday, March 1, 2015
E-mail (Dated: 3/1/2015) Happy Birthday to Little Brother
Hey Everyone,
I would like to start off telling my little brother Happy Birthday and I'm so proud of you for who you have let yourself become through the beautiful parents you have and the awesome examples you surround yourself with, but most of all because you strive to follow our Savior in His footsteps. You will be forever blessed for the decisions you are making in your life. You are just beginning to touch the lives of others through your humble example. Continue with this mindset of holding tight to the iron rod, for it is the word of God and none of those that treat you wrong or abuse you will ever have power over you -- know that all of your afflictions will pass. You have the power to lead so many to the light and blessings that come from this gospel. I have seen you do this, so continue and shine bright! I love you so much and you are a blessing in my life! Know that you have a brother in Tonga that is cheering you on and is on your side and you have made and impact on his life for the eternities. NOBODY can take that away from us!!!!!
Family it has been a great week. I have been blessed to see some of the amazing gifts that this gospel has for us in this life!!!!
Ok computer is acting up one sec.......I will sign back in if possible!!!
------------- 53 Minutes Later ------------
Well, I don’t think I will be able to respond to messages after this, it will probably just let me send this, but let’s be grateful for that:)!!!! So, I will try to cover everything in this one email!!!!! We are actually still in Ha'apai. We have the meeting next week the day after transfers, they are making a lot of changes to the mission next week I will be very surprised if I have the opportunity to actually stay in Ha’apai! We shall see next week, I have a lot of pictures to send but the internet is way to slow right now.... so maybe next week!!!! We will just have to see how this works out!
Elder Buntings birthday has been fun, the stake President let us come shoot one of his pig so we could roast it for dinner:) Yes dad that is a Rugger .22 I think hahaha. Elder Bunting is a dead eye target though, it was fun hahaha:)
We did get a new car this week. It’s a 2014 Toyota Corolla...its way nice hahaha. It definitely doesn’t fit in with Ha’apai. We have had several people ask us if they can sit in it and take pictures hahaha... kind of embarrassing for us as missionaries, because the last thing we want to do is stick out because of material possessions, but its brought so funny laughs.
Mom, that’s cool how you say all the connections with the Hefy thing. Hopefully you can find some more pictures on that, I know they took lots!
Dad I am doing well health wise. I am even starting to gain some of my weight back. I know lots of zone leaders have been sick with it lately. I know that your prayers and fasting have made all the difference. I am the only one that didn't get flown back to the Tonga hospital. I have been majorly blessed and we need to thank the Lord for answering all our prayers.
Well, I think that gets us caught up with all of that. I would like to continue onto my other email that got disturbed by the computer turning off....
My companion and I have seen the blessings of the Lord in our life this week as watched the Twin’s (Tevita and Holas) father soften his heart and finally understand why they need to be baptized and come into this amazing and beautiful gospel!!!! We had an incredible day on Saturday as we walked the twins into the waters of baptism. What an awesome experience that my companion and I were able to share with this ward!!!! It has been a lot of years since this ward has had a baptism. The miracles of heaven have been witnessed through the preparation of these two twins as they have been able to become examples and bring their family into the fold of the gospel. Their confirmation on Sunday was very touching as all the boys their age watched, hugged, and high-fived them as they returned to their seats...... I was especially moved as I watched all the boys their age walk with them to the stand and bear their testimonies as new members of the church of Jesus Christ!!! Pretty amazing!!!!!!!
I’m so happy to be part of this gospel!!! We had some investigators and less actives at the baptism, and it seemed to spark some fire in them! Hopefully we will continue to see progress next week with this ward!!!! So happy to be a solider in God’s army!!!!
Love you all so much!!!!
Elder Harmon
Mom DUDE
BROOKLIN SYST
.JPG)
I would like to start off telling my little brother Happy Birthday and I'm so proud of you for who you have let yourself become through the beautiful parents you have and the awesome examples you surround yourself with, but most of all because you strive to follow our Savior in His footsteps. You will be forever blessed for the decisions you are making in your life. You are just beginning to touch the lives of others through your humble example. Continue with this mindset of holding tight to the iron rod, for it is the word of God and none of those that treat you wrong or abuse you will ever have power over you -- know that all of your afflictions will pass. You have the power to lead so many to the light and blessings that come from this gospel. I have seen you do this, so continue and shine bright! I love you so much and you are a blessing in my life! Know that you have a brother in Tonga that is cheering you on and is on your side and you have made and impact on his life for the eternities. NOBODY can take that away from us!!!!!
Family it has been a great week. I have been blessed to see some of the amazing gifts that this gospel has for us in this life!!!!
Ok computer is acting up one sec.......I will sign back in if possible!!!
------------- 53 Minutes Later ------------
Well, I don’t think I will be able to respond to messages after this, it will probably just let me send this, but let’s be grateful for that:)!!!! So, I will try to cover everything in this one email!!!!! We are actually still in Ha'apai. We have the meeting next week the day after transfers, they are making a lot of changes to the mission next week I will be very surprised if I have the opportunity to actually stay in Ha’apai! We shall see next week, I have a lot of pictures to send but the internet is way to slow right now.... so maybe next week!!!! We will just have to see how this works out!
Elder Buntings birthday has been fun, the stake President let us come shoot one of his pig so we could roast it for dinner:) Yes dad that is a Rugger .22 I think hahaha. Elder Bunting is a dead eye target though, it was fun hahaha:)
We did get a new car this week. It’s a 2014 Toyota Corolla...its way nice hahaha. It definitely doesn’t fit in with Ha’apai. We have had several people ask us if they can sit in it and take pictures hahaha... kind of embarrassing for us as missionaries, because the last thing we want to do is stick out because of material possessions, but its brought so funny laughs.
Mom, that’s cool how you say all the connections with the Hefy thing. Hopefully you can find some more pictures on that, I know they took lots!
Dad I am doing well health wise. I am even starting to gain some of my weight back. I know lots of zone leaders have been sick with it lately. I know that your prayers and fasting have made all the difference. I am the only one that didn't get flown back to the Tonga hospital. I have been majorly blessed and we need to thank the Lord for answering all our prayers.
Well, I think that gets us caught up with all of that. I would like to continue onto my other email that got disturbed by the computer turning off....
My companion and I have seen the blessings of the Lord in our life this week as watched the Twin’s (Tevita and Holas) father soften his heart and finally understand why they need to be baptized and come into this amazing and beautiful gospel!!!! We had an incredible day on Saturday as we walked the twins into the waters of baptism. What an awesome experience that my companion and I were able to share with this ward!!!! It has been a lot of years since this ward has had a baptism. The miracles of heaven have been witnessed through the preparation of these two twins as they have been able to become examples and bring their family into the fold of the gospel. Their confirmation on Sunday was very touching as all the boys their age watched, hugged, and high-fived them as they returned to their seats...... I was especially moved as I watched all the boys their age walk with them to the stand and bear their testimonies as new members of the church of Jesus Christ!!! Pretty amazing!!!!!!!
I’m so happy to be part of this gospel!!! We had some investigators and less actives at the baptism, and it seemed to spark some fire in them! Hopefully we will continue to see progress next week with this ward!!!! So happy to be a solider in God’s army!!!!
Love you all so much!!!!
Elder Harmon
Mom DUDE
BROOKLIN SYST
 |
| my cake box made it for buntings birthday!!!!!!!!! hahaha we totally burnt it hahahahahahaha |
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