Hand Written Letter (Dated: 1-27-2014) [#19 from Tonga]

Hey My Eternal Family :)

Wow, how grateful I am for that beautiful knowledge!  As I was able to emial you all today, my heart was filled with warmth and love!  I really want you all to know how grateful I am to all of you and how loving you have been to Brooklin.  Thank you for being so supportive and loving in so many different ways!  I think 90% of the emails I get from Brook talk about how much love she has for each and every one of you!  She talks about mom supporting her like as if her own mom would and she talks about dad always helping with anything she needs and Brandon being there for the hugs that I cannot give and Brooke being like a sister to her!  By the time you get this letter, she will probably be in the MIC.  So I would just like to say that you could not have given me a better gift than to take care and help get someone I love so much on a mission!  FAmily you are incredible and I just did not want all of your kindness and time to go unoticed!  Because, I notice and I am so grateful for all of you and Brittany and Michael!  Thank you!

It's incredible how the temple can bring people so close even on teh other side of the world.  Mom and Dad, you mention that you have put my name in the temple a lot....it does not go unoticed.  My patriarical blessing says that I will grow to understand the complete power of prayer.  It's amazing when I was on a litle island before and you litteraly start learning who you are talking to and the power he really has!  I know that the prayer circle in the temple brings blessings to me and I know I have felt your love "everytime".  Dad used to tell me when you pray, you need to listen, because there is someone always there listening to you!  I have learned to wait and listen and sometimes I am able to receive the feelings of comfort that I was so eager to receive!

I know and I have a testimony that the veil is thinner than any of us can realize.  The experiences I have had with the Comforter are indescribable.  He is there and he is aware of us and our need....whether spiritual, physical, or mental.  He is aware of our loved ones and is aware of those that are serving him and their families!  I know this because I have been comforted in times of need and I have been sent sngels to guide me and I have been given knowledge that has helped me see clearly and to see my purpose!  I am a missionary for our Savior and I love to be part of my Father in Heaven's army!

Tonga has challenges but does any other mission.  Tongan is a hard language to learn, but so is every other language!  Work is hard, but they wouldn't call it work unless it was hard!

I love the opportunity to serve and be where I am!  Even though you are 1000's of miles away I still feel like you are right next to me in my heart!  I have found that when we feel completely alone, it is when we have fogotten to pray!  Prayer is the key to all things.  How can we survive in this game called "life" if we don't ask the many who made the game to help us play and instruct us through it.

I love you all!
Your Elder Harmon!

E-mail (Dated: 1/26/2014)

Hey everyone!!!!

Wow this week has been a crazy busy week!!!! Its crazy going from hardly teaching any lessons to teaching 20 something in a week! We started of on Monday teaching two boys, Sxxxx and Hxxxx. Sxxxx is 13 and Hxxxx is 14. They are amazing kids, they just moved here with their aunt and uncle from a small island by Tonga. We have taught them all of the lessons, and we committed them to be baptized!!! They are such spiritual little giants!!! It is amazing to see these kids that have never had the gospel, receive it with so much love and passion!

Our next investigators are Mxxxx, Nxxxx and Axxxx!!! They are amazing! Nxxxx is catholic and Mxxxx is Siasi Westliana and Axxxx is Siasi Tonga. They have come a long way this week and have all  grown so so much spiritually! Axxxx is 12 and Mxxxx is 14 and Nxxxx is 17. They are all loving reading the book of Mormon. Tongans love the bible and they read it all the time!!! But when they find out the Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is amazing to see them dive in a just learn!!! I wish I would have had the passion to learn as much as these kids have a passion to know more about this gospel!!!!! I love to listen to there prayers as they thank their Heavenly Father for the missionaries that have taught them the true gospel! They will also be baptized!!!  Our members here are amazing!!!! They are always trying to get us new people to teach!!!!

We are teaching 3 progressing investigators!! They are all doing good!!! I am loving it here in Matahao!!!! The work is amazing when everyone in the ward and the missionaries work as one! I have truly seen what all the prophets have said, "The work is hasting!"

I love you all so much!!! Pray for you all always!!!

Blake's new area: Matahao

Blake's new area: Matahao

Blake's new area: Matahao

Hand Written Letter (Dated: 1-20-14) [#18 from Tonga]

Hey My Beautiful Family,

Wow, today was awesome getting the chance to talk to you all on email!  I was so nice!  I enjoy hearing about the things that are going well at home.  Mom & Dad, I love hearing your testimonies and your faith!  It truly is remarkable.  One of my favorite phrases that I love to say now is "Tender Mercies"!  Because God has a hand in all of our lives!  Mom, I have noticed that you too love looking for tender mercies!  As I have pondered over the last 6 months & thought about the hard times & the blessings that come after these hard times (if endured well).

It's quite funny, I have been reading Elder Groberg's book that you sent me!  I love how you said in the fond of the book (mom)....I bet you are living some of these experiences!  It is crazy, I feel as if I am living his book!  His stories and advice have been helping me so much & have opened my eyes to many things.

I want you all to know that I know this is the true gospel!  Joseph Smith at the age of 14 saw God the Father & His Son!  I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God!  I know we have a true prophet on the earth today!  I know that this church has the authority on this earth!  I know that our Savior Jesus Chris died for all of us!  I know that we can live with our families for eternity!  I know we can repent of our sins because of Christ's atonement!  I know that Thomas S Monson receives direct revelation from God the Father!  I know I am a "direct" servant of our Heavenly Father, doing what he would have me do!  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Family, your e-mails and letters have brought me so much joy and so many laughs and smiles!  There are a few things I want to focus on that I didn't have time to respond to in my e-mail.

Brandon, you expressed a concern about me being mad at you because you quit football!  I want you to know that I want you to follow your passion and your love!  I want you to do what makes you happy.  If you do what makes you happy, then I will be happy!  I am excited to see where your desires take you and the road that you ave in front of you!  You are an incredible young man with amazing potential!

Brooke, sweet heart I missed talking to you.  I suppose you were in Sunday School. (good girl)  Just know I love you and missed hearing your sweet words!

Brittany, happy birthday!  You are getting quite old!  It is crazy to see time just disappear!  I still can not believe that we are to this point in our lives.  You changed my life forever & you have always been my example!  Love you Brittany!

Mom & Dad
I am so sorry!  It's hard to keep up with all your amazing quotes and scriptures and stories!  I love each & everyone of them!  Just know I read "everything" even if I don't respond!  Thank you for your time and your efforts in my behalf!  It could not mean more to me!

Your Elder/Son/Brother
Blake Harmon

E-mail (Dated 1/19/14)

So On Monday this last week we were brought back to our little Island in Noapapu! We Had our last Family home evening in our Noapapu ward. It was very tender to listen to everyone in our ward thank us for our service and express there love to us individually! It is crazy how close we have gotten to all of the amazing people on Noapapu. It was hard to say goodbye to the ones we love so much! But the next day as they saw us off at the boat dock they were all so tender and loving, i know one day i want to go back to see these amazing people.

When we got back to Neiafu we packed our bags and headed down to the Warf to wait for the boat!!! Right when we got down there I saw my two favorite people getting off the boat! Elder Riddle and Elder Swan!!!! I hadnt seen Elder Riddle since his accident and I hadnt seen swan since the MTC!!!!! How great it was to catch up and embrass each other!!!! It was fun sharing stories back and forth and hearing different hard ships! In alot of ways this made me alot stronger, and refreshed to take on the new challenges ahead!
So after that we entered the Boat ( The Deadly Rollercoaster!!! ))) But guess what I did not get sick at all!!!! In fact I enjoyed the ride!!!!! It was so smooth and I was able to sleep 90 percent of the time hahaha.......

But right when we got to Tonga, All of my buddies from the Mtc were waiting at the Dock!!!! Elder Dehl, bunting, freer, crosby, harris, grant, patie, man was it good to see so many obiedent and familiar faces!!!!! I was able to catch up with them for a little while! After me and my New comp Elder Latai went to our House and settled in! Our house is 10X better than the one in Noapapu, even though we still have rats and mice running around!!!

The next day we went to a big meeting that had every missionary on tonga. It was amazing!!!! President and a guy from newzealand spoke at it!!!! They talk about a new book called adjusting to missionary life! It was really a big life changing meeting for about everyone in the room! Responsibility and agency are such amazing things that we have in our life!!!!

But after the meeting me and Latai went our and meet the people in our wards!!! We have 2 huge wards!!!!!!! And the members are so eager to help!!!!!!!! WE have 4 Investigators the FIRST DAY!!! And at church 2 of them came!!!!! Me and Latai both bore our testimonies on sunday and introduced our selfs to both of the wards!!!! We have taught 2 lessons to 2 investigators already and we have 2 baptismal dates the the 28th of january!!! It is incredible to see the tongan people work as one with the missionarys!!! Here in MATAHAU every member is a Missionary!!! Our first ward every person in the boundry is baptised and active!!! how incredible!!!!!!! My companion is awesome and he is ready to work.... I am loving TONGA
Oh im also gaining wieght...... so I started using a nieghbors wieght set..... and finally someone killed a dog for me and my comp! That is what i will be eating tonight!!!!! I love you all and pray for you all so often!!!

Your son, Brother and Friend. -Elder Harmon

Noapapu Island Family

Hand Written Letter (Dated: 1-12-14) [#17 from Tonga]

Mom & Dad,

Wow has it been a crazy week for Tonga!  And a crazy week for tender mercies!  As you might remember, IAN (cyclone) came to the South Pacific!  The cyclone reached Vava'u at a level 4 but it swiped i in such a way that nobody was harmed in Vava'u!  The Lord truly does answer your prayers & everyone else!  And he looks after His missionaries!

I would like to bear testimony that I know that our heavenly father is always watching over us!  Which makes my mind think of D&C 121:7-8.  I know that God does not give us trials that we can not over come!  My nose has healed quite a lot, it is amazing!  And my toe has lost a lot of its pain!  The Savior is always there!  The power of prayer is quite incredible!

I am sure as a Family you are learning so much about the power of prayer.  I want you to know that your prayers are being felt! And that they make all the difference!  I talked to Riddle on the phone and he told me that he was able to talk to Dad on the phone.  What a Tender Mercy!

This afternoon I am going to find out if I say in Noapapu or if I am going to be moved.  To be honest, I am ready to move, but if I am still needed on Noapapu, I can do it!

My heart is full today as I think of how blessed I am in my life!  During the hurricane, the love and peace I felt was overwhelming!  I have on of my best friends and pretty much my brother going into the MTC in a few days!  This is a true tender mercy for me!

I want you both to know that I have a testimony that this is the true gospel and it is a gospel of miracles!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to open a few of your letters!  I want to thank you all for your caring words & love towards me!  Mom, I absolutely loved reading all of your fun quotes!

So I just barely found out that I am going to Tonga this transfer and I will be working on the west part of the island.  My companion will be Elder Latai!  He was last companions with Elder Ulukivaiola.  I have a good feeling that we will be getting a lot of work done!

I am excited for the chance to serve and be placed in a new area.

I love you all!
Elder Harmon

Mom - "Dude"

 

E-mail (Dated: 1/12/14) after Cyclone Storm

So During the storm we all stayed in our houses!!!! The animals just run free:) But Vava'u was okay. Not a lot of damage was done... but in Ha pai the island south of Vava' u got hit hard... some people died,,,, I don't know all of the details... but the missionaries and all LDS members are okay. My face is almost healed!!!! It is an absolute miracle, no one knows how it has healed so quick and so well! I received my Transfers! I'm going back to the main island of Tonga! I will be working somewhere in the west of the island. My companions name is Latai he is a Tongan from California....I have a good feeling about it! I go back to Noapapu right now for the night and get the rest of our stuff, then I think tomorrow the boat will take us back to Nuku' alofa! I found out that Cruser will be companions with Price and they are going back to the main island too!!!!

Tropical Storm Ian - Gaining Strength

Looked at the news today and it appears that the cyclone reported yesterday is getting stronger as it passes over Tonga.

Cyclone Warning and Conversation with Elder Riddle

Today we were watching the news and saw the warning of a cyclone in Tonga that is to hit land right where Blake is staying at the moment in Neiafu in the Vava'u islands.  See the article below.

Shannon was so worried.  When I called her today, I could tell she had been crying.  Brooke had also been sobbing all afternoon.  I decided to call he mission office to see what the word was and the concern over the Elders safety.  I talked to a sweet sister in the office who assured us that the missionaries are under the care of the Lord and that they would be fine.  She also told me that she had met Blake and proceeded to tell me what a wonderful missionary he is.  She also stated that she had been on a speed boat ride with him and had gone pretty fast :)

Then she passed me off to an Elder that was in the office who wanted to speak to me.  It was Elder Riddle who is his Zone Leader.  What a wonderful treat to be able to speak with him.  He had a lot of kind words to say about Blake, his character, spirit for the work, and his toughness physically, mentally, and spiritually.  He let us know that Blake was in good hands and was hunkered down with the other Elders in missionary quarters, had plenty of food and was being watched over by the sweet members.  He also let us know that Blake was getting treated with triple antibiotics for his face infection along with a topical treatment.

Hand Written Letter (Dated: 1/6/14) [#16 from Tonga]

Hey Family!  Happy New Year :)

I apologize at the beginning for this very dirty paper!  Haha, to be honest, I only have 2 more pieces before I run out!  So, two for next Monday and then hopefully I go back to main land or I get transferred.

But, as I sit here and think about life and how precious it really is, I start to look to my understanding and knowledge of this gospel. As you might recall, in our search for happiness, Elder Ballard talks a lot about understanding and he talks about how understanding really is the key to all things.  So I would like to share with you and experience I had this week with coming to a greater understanding.  I have been having a really hard time with how little work we have been able to do and accomplish these last few weeks because of all of the family reunions and people gone for the new year and Christmas.  Right when I decided things couldn't get slower, it started to rain like crazy and the paths turned into rivers.  When this happens in Tonga, you can't travel to people's homes because you will get their house wet and muddy.  So, the work is slower than ever! Then, when I am hurting and thirsting for work I got 2nd degree burns on my face from the sun.  Also, my injured toe got infected....and in the midst of it all, there is no medical attention available.  So on the point of breaking and just throwing in the towel and saying, "I give up!", I remembered a quote that dad sent to me by Elder Holland.  Dad can probably show you all the full quote.  But it talks about how we all must at one point as missionaries take on or two steps towards the summit of Calvary!  And at some point, we might have to spend a few moments in Gethsemane.  And we might have to ask ourselves if there is another way.  But we are forgetting that someone greater and a lot more grander asked those same questions a long time ago.

This brought me back to the reality of what our Savior did for us.  He died for everyone, not just for the people that were going to follow him but for everyone!  He has give all of us the chance to be resurrected and given us all the opportunity to repent and be given the celestial glory God has promised us if we keep his commandments.

So, I know that I have a purpose.  It may not be easy at times, but I have a purpose to bring the gospel, the full gospel to everyone, whether they accept it or not.  Just like our Savior did for all of us, we too must give everyone that chance to hear!

I have a testimony of our Savior and his atoning sacrifice and I have a testimony that these are the latter-days talked about in the Book of Mormon!  We have been chosen in these latter-days to make a difference. Many are called but few are chosen!  I love this gospel and I love this work, because it is the Lord's work!

I love you Family!
Your Son/Brother
Elder Harmon

Email (Dated: 1/6/2014)

Wow I have been pondering a lot lately on a lot of things..... and have let a lot of things get the best of me.... lately the work has been slower than ever and the rain and the constant family reunions on our island do not help out! The work feels like it hit a complete stop on our island, with the constant warnings of hurricanes these last few weeks. And just when I thought things couldn't get much worst, I kinda ran into some physical struggles.

I have been debating whether to tell you what has been going on this last week or hold off until later, but I promised that I would be honest with you all. Last week on Thursday I received a sunburn that effected my face in a not so good way..... I received blisters to my nose and to part of my for head..... It was not healing and it ended up getting really infected and this whole time we were not able to get contact of anyone to help me.......but today a miracle happened.  A group showed up with 6 elders and the whole boat crew to come and get me off of the island. They had finally received the voice mails and texts from various phones the day before.....

Among all of this my spirits were really low, my faith was falling and my strength, I'm not sure I had any left. I thought I was going to give up and I thought I had given it my all...... Then I remembered a quote that you sent me dad. It is by Elder Holland. It talks about how missionaries must sometime sit for a few moments in Gethsemane and sometimes as a missionary you need to take a few steps towards the summit of Calvary. Never has something hit me so hard in my whole life. Our savior SUFFERED for all of us in every way possible! He did it for every one, not just those who were going to follow him, but for everyone!

From that moment, becoming Christlike has taken on a whole new meaning to me! We as missionaries are here to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with EVERYONE! No matter if they chose to listen or not! The little sacrifices I am making is nothing compared to what our Savior payed for us. And I know he has felt my pain!

I am fine, in fact I am great! I have the Savior on my side and the tender mercies and blessings I have received are indescribable. My face may look like I got ran over by a car, but it will be okay because I am doing the lords work! I love you all and I am in good hands!

Hand Written Letter (Dated:12/30/13) [#15 from Tonga]

Family :)

It is crazy to think this year is rolling to a close and we are now entering the year 2014.  I look back on this year with warmth in my heart.  I have had so many opportunities to grow and experience so much of what life has to offer.

I have experienced the feelings of a High School Graduate and the feelings of support from accomplishing such a goal.  I have experience opening a mission call in the presence of people without number there to support me.  I experienced entering the temple with my dad as my escort and experienced entering the celestial room with my mom and dad there to greet me!  I experienced the thrills of racing on BYU's track with thousands of people watching (my mom's voice still being heard above them all).  I also experienced fear, but it was accompanied by comfort from my family.

But on July 31st, I stated something that is more than just an experience, it is a road map.  It is difficult, but I know it will be worth it.  As I have gone through trials and through times of despair and loneliness, I want you to know I can still feel my family cheering me on!

Just a couple of days ago, I had the privilege of talking to you all on the phone.  I want you to know how grateful I am for such a loving and caring family!  I appreciate the little things and the big things!

Mom, there is no better peace to a missionary than when he gets to hear his mothers voice on the phone.  Mom, I appreciate so much the advice and the conversation we were able to have together!  Our bond is something so so strong!  And I loved being able to hear you say "DUDE" on the phone!

Dad, thank you for providing me with so much strength.  I am so proud to have a mom and dad so in tune with the spirit.  This meas so much to me, because I am amble to receive answers to my prayers every time you and mom write to me!  When you told me what you said to me before I went into the MTC, I have never felt so much father/son love before.  I want to thank you for being such an amazing dad to me.

Brandon, all I have to say is when I hear your voice, I couldn't help but smile.  I could just picture mine and your Christmas's together and our hanging out together!  You sounded amazing and you looked like a stud!  I was sorry to hear all your friends but Michael are not being too nice to you, but just keep being the "righteous" stud I know you are!  God will bless you for it!

Brooke, I can't get over how old you looked to me!  You are growing up so fat and maturing so quickly! You seem to be doing incredible in school.  Keep it up!  School is so so important!  You are incredible Brooke.  Be the incredible example I know you can be to your friends!

Family, I love you!  Happy New Year!

-Your Missionary
Elder Harmon

Email (Dated: 12/25/2013)

Yippee!  We were able to talk to Blake on Christmas.  We actually were able to Skype him as well.  It was so much fun.  He is sounding great.  There were some tender moments where we all got teary. That's what happens after you talk a while and get a chance to dwell on the hard stuff.  However, we know that Blake is strong and can endure anything that is thrown at him.  Here are some pictures that we were able to get from that day.  Also, an audio clip of him bearing his testimony.

Shannon caught Blake on the iPhone for a second while we were Skyping.

Here is some audio from Blake's phone call.  The first part is his testimony in Tongan.

Hand Written Letter (Dated 12/23/2013) [#14 from Tonga]

Family :)

Mom I know you are a numbers person, so hopefully you needed to receive this letter when you received it.  haha (#14 letter on the 23rd) haha  So just in case (I love you).

Wow this week has been full of service!  I don't think I have had so many opportunities to serve in my life, it was amazing!

On Monday, we had the opportunity to build a hut for our neighbor.  They use these huts for cooling down in the hot air.  In Tonga it is called "Faka Moko Moko".  We made it out of trees and sheet metal.

One of the other projects we did was build a Fale Tonga for the Church of Tonga!  Wow, I am learning a lot about using natural resources to survive.  A Fale Tonga is a hut for the men to drink Kava and have meetings, to dance, etc.  The roof is made from leaves sown/nettled together . . . can't think of the English word haha . . . but they are leaves!  It is so beautiful!!!

Then on Wednesday, we got to help the Westland Church by helping them pain their church.AT first I was trying to be a perfectionist like my dad, but then I realized everyone was just having so much fun throwing on the paint and they were just enjoying serving!

I'm not going to lie to you . . . lots of days, I am not the happiest here . . . but something about serving this week just made me so happy, and for the first time on my mission, I felt like I was being successful.  I was able to open my eyes and slap myself in the face to the opportunity that has been placed in front of me.  I have been put in a place that needs the example of what a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints needs to be.

These people need so much of what I have to offer as both a missionary and an individual person.  We hold the truth of the gospel in the message that we are sharing.  As you know, I chose Mosiah 2:17 as my missionary plaque scripture because serving others is one of my favorite things to do, and it took me until now, on my mission, to remember how much I love it.

This week is the fist week people have actually let us help them.  We have been praying so hard to have the doors opened unto us.  I know that God is answering our prayers by allowing the people's hearts on our little island to be softened and I know we are now going to be able to make a greater difference.

I have such a strong testimony about the power of prayer and the power of God's hand in all things.

Family, Merry Christmas!  I know things must have been different this Christmas, but just know because of our sacrifices, we are changing people's lives forever!

Love your Elder Harmon

P.S. You're all in my heart!

Mom - "Dude"

Email (Dated:12/22/2013)

Today we just got home from church when Blake started e-mailing us.  He is on Neiafu for Christmas.  We look forward to hearing from him in a few days.

Here is the broad note that he sent everyone for an update.  He also sent us a picture.  Looks and sounds great!

----------------

Wow Time is flying!!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!!! I hope you are all having an amazing Christmas holiday season!!!! And I hope you are all enjoying the snowy weather for me, because you know how much I love it!!!! Don't worry I'm just soaking up the sun for you:)

Wow this last week has been pretty amazing for me!!!! On this last Monday we had the opportunity to serve our neighbors and to help them build a big hut, so they can have some of there relatives that are coming for Christmas, stay in it!!!!! It was so amazing because this is the first time we were actually aloud to do what they call men's work hahaha. It was so fun and amazing to finally be useful to our member that feed us everyday..  It is so nice to give back. That night we had family home evening with my first counselors family. It was awesome we taught them about the importance of the holy ghost and we did a fun skit with them!!!

On Tuesday we got to go help the (Church of Tonga) build something called a fale tonga!!!! Its a hut for the missionaries of other churches , to do meetings in and have there yoga classes in hahaha..... and a bunch of other things.... but its made out of trees and dried up huge leafs!!! it was amazing to actually have other church leaders let us help them out..... because of this, it created a domino effect and the Wesleyan church let us come help them paint there ( huge) church.... it was amazing to see everyone's hearts be softened to us all in one week.... the lord works in amazing ways!!!!!

Now all the people of the Church of Tonga and Wesleyan, finally are respecting us and same with the members..... so I am so excited to see the opportunities that are to come!!!!!!!

Last Thursday we were taken off of our island until Christmas is over, because my companion got two huge boils on his face and had to get hospitalized.... ( he's doing a lot better now..... ) but we have been in Neiafu in a place called Toula...

The first day we were here we got to teach a lesson., to someone that left the church when he was younger but  is interested again.... I got to teach him about the Book of Mormon... and before I ended talking he asked me if he could have one to read.... Such an amazing experience!!!!!

I love you all so much!!!!!

The picture is me getting to drive the boat back to my motu hahaha..... yeah I'm gaining weight in my face.....:) ofa lahi atu

Hand Written Letter (Dated 12-16-13) [#13 from Tonga]

Wow, so this has been an amazing week for me in quite a few different ways!

#1 We have had the opportunity to do so many service projects for so many different people!  We got to do a "Mormon's Helping Hands" project and we cleaned up the beaches of Noapapu!  We also setup a huge fence and we cleaned all of the pathways.  It is crazy this week is how I had always imagined working in Tonga would be.  It was fun!  It was hard work, but it couldn't have made me happier!  It is fun for me to finally be able to show the people that I am a hard worker and that I am pretty strong and able to do a lot of things!

Ha, but we were also able to go to town and have a meeting with the zones and able to e-mail all of you.  Kinda stinks that I always e-mail when Brandon and Brooke are in school.  I would love to hear from them!

When I was in town, I received 2 packages and about 15 letters from my family.  The letters were amazing and touched my heart so dearly, even though some of the letters were from 3 months ago, them meant the world to me!

The packages were incredible!  The Motrin was very needed, and the journal was incredible.  I wore the rain deer ears, don't worry, took a picture!  It was my favorite candy!

The Halloween package made it!  Haha, I was laughing so so hard at the mountain man meals  Ha, I love it!  Thank you for your precious time and efforts!  I know those packages are not cheap, so stop sending them!  Save your money!  I will eat American candy when I get home!  Save your money!

I thought I would share with you a cool experience that happened recently.  We have had a family leave the church and go to a different church.  Elder Price and I immediately asked if we could come over and do a teaching at their home.  We did teachings at their home and then about 2 weeks later, they returned back to the church!  There is no better feeling than seeing them walk into the church!

I just want my family to know that God blesses you through your efforts!

Love you all, I gotta go.  Sorry it was short his week.  I need to go do my laundry in my bucket!

OFA LAHIATU Famili

- Your Son/Brother

Elder Harmon

E-mail (Dated: 12/10/2013)

Tonight we were sleeping soundly when all of the sudden my cellphone started ringing.  It was my daughter Brittany calling to tell us that she was checking e-mail before she went to bed and that Blake was back in Neiafu and was online e-mailing.  Here is his letter, and also some pictures that he sent us.
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Wow, It has been a month sense I have come back from my island of Nuapapu!!!! It has been a crazy four weeks. I feel like a lot has happened, so let me catch you up with as much as I can for how little time I have been given to email!!!!

Right when returned to my island that Sunday I was asked by a boy that I had grown really close to to baptize him!!!! He said he had been wanting me to do it for quite sometime but he didn't have a white skirt to do it!!! But I was able to do the baptism! It was beautiful. The ceremony was gorgeous and the singing was beautiful. While he and I were walking out to the deeper part of the water the congregation was singing, it was a very spiritual experience for me! Ha it was funny though one minute before I baptized him i had to memorize his name.  That would be easy except that he has 7 names for his full name!!!!! ... plus remember the Tongan baptism prayer hahaha, but I did it thankfully:)

As for our investigator.... for a while he was struggling with wanting to continue hearing from us and wasn't sure he wanted to keep commitments. But the other week he came to us and said he has a desire to quit smoking and to continue hearing the gospel messages... so we were able to give him a blessing and show our love and concern towards him!!! It is a very beautiful thing to see God's children come closer to him!

In our last meeting here in Vava'u (Neiafu) we were given a challenge by our mission president to read the Book of Mormon again from start to finish before the year ended! I was able to finish the Book of Mormon in 18 days it was quite an amazing experience for me to be in the Book of Mormon for the majority of my studies!!!!! I have gained so much more knowledge and love for the prophets and for the teachings in the Book of Mormon!!!!! I have been overwhelmed by the truthfulness of its teachings...... I know its power and I know It can strengthen all of our lives daily!!! There is a power in the Book of Mormon that nothing in this world can replace. It is directed to our generation and it is a guideline for us and it is how we can receive answers from our Heavenly Father! I know MY Heavenly Father has blessed my life SO SO much for studying his words...... I don't know how I was able to go so long in my life without picking up the Book of Mormon every day and pondering on Gods words!!!!

Our Island is getting ready for a big family reunion and tons of people will be coming!!!!! So they are constantly having us do service projects, like cut grass, paint fences, cut trees, make benches etc.

We have been going to Matamaka, the town next to Nuapapu.... to do service and after we have huge kai polas... which are big feasts!!!!! They are amazing, I'm really starting to love the food soo I really enjoy these things!!!!! We have a new zone leader it is riddle and mu amomolev. Riddle was my companion the first two weeks when i was in tonga so i am so exctied about that!!!!!

But it is time for me to go it is getting late here I will write tomorrow and finish details of Nuapapu!!!!!! I am doing great!!!!  love you alll!!!!!

Hand Written Letter (Dated: 12/9/2013) [#12 from Tonga]

Hey everyone:) So it has only been a couple of days since I last wrote, but I am going to write every week so don't worry :)

So I will be able to talk to you guys on Christmas with good service, because Riddle told us he would probably be picking us up for Christmas!  So now I don't have to worry about that!

But for this letter, I decided since I get to talk to you tomorrow and I wrote 3 days ago, I would write to you in more detail about what life is like on this island.  I'm sorry I haven't been very detailed about it before!

So, let me start by telling you what the ladies do all day.  they do a thing called lalangra.  So what it is, is they make things like bags, rugs, hats, fans, etc.... and that's how they earn money.  They send it to people in Australia & New Zealand.  But its pretty incredible to see their talent and how they use the resources in their environment.

The men either go to the bush and get coconuts and pigs or they go to the ocean for fish or octopus or crabs or  clams.  This is how they feed their families every day.  It is crazy to see how many cool things they can do with just a coconut!  They pretty much survive with the things that a coconut can do!  The use the shell for firewood, they drink the inside, you scrape out the inside for flavor in all of their foods.  They also make tons of things out of the shell like bowls and necklaces.  They use the tree part for houses and kitchens!  Pretty much life revolves around the coconut tree!

There are five churches on our island and they all have choir practice every day and they all have different kings of bells letting you know that their practice is about to start.  When their practices are going on, you are not aloud to do anything or make any loud noises, because it is disrespectful.

The entire island gets together at night and does fire dances and traditional dances and they sing every night.  We are not aloud to go to these but we can hear them loud and clear all night, haha.

At 4pm every day but Sunday, the men and boys gather everyone together in the center of the island and they play tennis.  It is fun to watch.  On p-days, we have gone out and played.  I am terrible, and they all just laugh at me, but it is all good!  I have destroyed them all in a foot race:)

But we also go to Matamaka every other week for church.  It is about a two mile walk through the bush. We also go there once a week for service projects, and once a week to teach.

We also have a store with toilet paper, Tongan cooks, flower and canned fish, but that is about it.

It is pretty amazing that Heavenly Father trust me enough to send me to an island with 60 people in each town!  I know that God's work is at hand when there are missionaries on a little island such as this! God loves ALL of his children!

I love how in the Book of Mormon, it always talks about the Lord lifting up the righteous and helping them prosper in the land!  It is the same thing as now, God's army is huge and he will bless and strengthen us and he will prepare his sheep!

I love you all!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  2014 is my lucky number and I get to spend it on my mission!  I love you family!  Let me know what else you want to know!

I am sorry I don't have any cool stories of teaching opportunities or of my investigators.  I promise that I am working to my potential.  I won't let you down...it is just really hard.  I love you all ...I promise I will make you proud!

- Love your Brother/Son/Missionary

Elder Harmon

Hand Written Letter (Dated: 12-2-2013) [#11 from Tonga]

Wow time is flying!  Mom and Dad, Happy Anniversary!  Technically in America it really is your anniversary!  Wow, I have some pretty incredible parents!   I hope your holiday is going incredible.  It is weird to think that it is probably snowing in Utah right now!  It is just barely starting to get incredibly hot here & it is weird because everyone in Noapapu has been singing Christmas songs.  Even though they are Tongan, and have never seen snow before, they are singing songs like "Jingle Bells....Dashing Through the Snow" :)

Today is supposed to be transfer day....but this is Tonga so our transfer is delayed two days so I will write you on Wednesday and tell you what is going on.

12/5/13
Family...They still haven't told us where we need to be going this transfer.  Time has a  different meaning here, so I will let you know when I find something out.

I wanted to let you know of a challenge my mission president gave us.  He challenged us to restart the Book of Mormon and finish it before the year ended.  I just finished it today.  I was able to read it in 19 days.  It was incredible to be reading in the Book of Mormon so often, so I challenge you as a family to read the Book of Mormon in 2 months, and I know you will be blessed because of it.

12/6/13
Hey, so my black pen died....sorry haha, but the zone leaders called today and we are staying here this transfer!  My new zone leader is Elder riddle!  He was my companion for the first two weeks I was in Tonga!  So I am absolutely stoked about that haha!

Oh, my other zone leader is Mau manaleva (try saying that fast :)  It is going to be interesting to see how calling you guys on Christmas is going to work out. I hope we will get service because we will be on Noapapu (literally in the middle of no where)  Next week we have a zone meeting, so I am planning on emailing you then & finding out when we can talk.

So as for Noapapu lately, the work has still been really slow.  We are lucky if we are able to do two teachings in one day...  We are still teaching our investigator.  He has been trying to quit smoking.  The other day we had a chance to give him a blessing to help him, and for the past 4 days, he hasn't had any problems, so we are just doing our best.

One of the hardest things about Noapapu is that everyone sleeps during the day, then they do dances (traditional dances) & churches have their choir practice during the night.  Literally, there is something going on from 9pm to 5:30am...so naturally, everyone is tired and sleeps a lot during the day, and this makes it difficult to speak with anyone.  So, we have figured out ways but it is still difficult.  Especially when there is already only 60 people around anyway.  (Oh, our missionary quarter has a rat problem now....)  It might be the worst missionary quarters in the entire mission...hahaha.

But overall, I am doing good, learning a lot, but I am good.I love you all so much and hope everything is going well at home!  Don't worry about me, I'm in the hands of the Lord!  Love you all!

Your son/brother
Elder Harmon

Hand Written Letter (Dated 11-25-13) [#10 from Tonga]

Wow, can you believe its almost Christmas time.....now I think about it, you will probably get this letter in January, hahaha, but that is alright.  Merry Christmas Anyway!

So my week has been really depressing with our investigators not making the progress that we had hoped. We continue to work hard and have faith.  So, instead of talking about the work, I thought I would just talk to you about some of the things that I am grateful for since it is Thanksgiving back home.

I would like to start off by telling you Mom and Dad how grateful I am for such amazing parents.  You two have been perfect examples to me of how true disciples of Christ should raise their kids!  Mom & Dad I am so grateful that I have you two to look up to!  Thank you for raising me up in this gospel!  Thank you for being married in the temple, so our family can be sealed forever.  Thank you for giving me the opportunities to chase after my dreams & my passions (football, track, snowboarding) & a million more things!  Thank you for supporting me through everything I ever did!  Thank you for giving me this beautiful opportunity to serve the Lord because it it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had this once in a life time opportunity.  I love you both more than words can explain!  THANK YOU!

Brittany, thank you for being an example to me my whole life growing up!  Thank you for showing me the ropes on how the oldest should act!  Trust me you were the better one at it by far!  Thank you for beautiful haircuts!  Thank you for marrying someone our family all loves!

Brandon, thank you for being my best friend.  Being out here reminds me of how much fun we had together.  I will never forget the summer and all the bonding we had.  Frisbee, sea dooing, wrestling in the lake, playing zombie highway, watching heros, eating top ramen, going the temple and then after going and getting BETOs.  I love having you as my brother.  I could not be more lucky!

Brooke, you are so incredible!  I am so thankful for you and your loving self.  When you sacrificed your personal camera and gave it to me for my mission, it touched my heart and showed me so much love.  I think about you every time I use it.  I am so lucky to have a sister like you to look up to.  Soon I am going to be looking up to you literally!  I hear you are growing so fast, haha!  Thank you for showing me love and kindness.  I will never be able to thank you enough for your loving sacrifices.

This last part, just for kicks & giggles, I thought I would share with you some of the little things I am grateful for that I normally wouldn't have thought of at home.  They are: "showers, flushing toilets, water pressure, cold water, ice cubes, sidewalks, lights, fast mail service, laundry machines, pens and paper, some american foods, convenience of purchasing things, and Brittany's haircuts!

Happy Thanksgiving!
I love you all and I hope next week goes better for our investigators so that I can share more positive news.

Love you all!
Your Missionary
Elder Harmon

Hand Written Letter (Dated 11-18-13) [#9 from Tonga]

Hey Family,

How is everything going your way?  It has been a fantastic week for my companion and I here in Nuapapu! Things picking up for some of our inactive members.  This Sunday we had three of them show up to church.  It was quite amazing!  The ward delayed the temple trip for the ward until early next year in hopes that more members can go to the temple.  This means that Elder Price and I have a lot of work to do to help them prepare.

This week I also had the amazing opportunity!  Our Bishop's son & I have grown pretty close and he still had not been baptized so he asked me if I would do it.  It was an incredible experience to baptize someone that I have grown so close to.  The day of the baptism was beautiful!!  The entire ward was singing in Tongan as we walked out into the ocean.  I had to memorize seven names plus the Tongan baptismal prayer in just a few minutes.  Haha, no problem.  I had the Lord on my side and everything went just fine.

After the baptism, I was asked to give a talk about missionary work...I had 2 minutes to prepare.  It was a little scary for me because our stake president was there.  So, I just did my best to relate missionary work to service and explain how service opens up doors for missionary work.  I was also able to bless the sacrament in Tonga for the first time.  I was very hard, haha .... especially having to say it 'perfectly'!  But it worked out! :)

Just last night, Elder Price and I had a pretty incredible experience.  We had come to the house about 8ish, when one of our investigators asked if we could come do a lesson at his house.  We looked at each other and said, "Of Course!"  Earlier this week we had been a bit discouraged because of our concern about our investigator being able to keep the commitments leading to baptism.  But as we talked to him, he said that he had stopped smoking for now about 6 days and he was ready to follow through on other commitments. Having him say these words has made this whole last 4 months of sacrifice all worth it!  He is on the straight and narrow and preparing for baptism!  If he comes to church on Sunday, then he has an appointment with the bishop right after for a baptismal interview!

He also invited one of his friends to l listen to us and our message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is incredible to see how Heavenly Father prepares and opens doors.  This work is truly incredible!  The Lord loves everyone and I am blessed enough to be put on a tiny island of 60 people in a village and still be able to affect individual lives.

I want you to know that this is the Lord's work and that he is always there to guide us.  The power of prayers is real.  Heavenly Father is always listening, even when it feels like you are are all alone.  Our Savior has felt all of our dissappointments, and I know I can always turn to him for comfort.  The scriptures contain knowledge that we need, daily!  I love this gospel and this work!

I love you family with all of my heart!  I want you to know that I am doing well and that I will see you before we know it, so I have to take advantage of this time :)  You are incredible!  I love all of you and I hope you are able to feel my love.

Your Missionary / Son / Brother
Elder Hamoni

P.S. The children found out my first name, so they call me BIAKA & sometimes MONI

E-mail (Dated: 11/14/2013)

Hey Everyone!
So it has been a very good last couple of weeks. We have been working very hard with the non-active members, along with working with one of our investigators!!!!

Our investigator is my age. He is keeping most of the commitments but struggling with others.  A lot of the challenge is the environment that is hard to escape with other youth.  He has read a lot of the Book of Mormon and he has a testimony of it!!!! So we are just going to keep working with faith that he can overcome his challenges!!!

Just yesterday we had an opportunity to teach the teacher of the primary age kids. We found out that he was soon to be married and that he has already been baptized..... So we talked to him about the importance of temple marriages and being seal for all time and eternity!!!! It was incredible to feel the spirit in that room! He has the strongest desire to be married for all time and eternity, so this week we will continue in teaching him!!!!

A lot of the island is already baptized but there is not a lot of gospel knowledge with many of the members.  Even though they know the church is true, often some members choose to go to church with other family members that belong to other denominations.  I believe that most of the elderly people have a testimony of the Book of Mormon but again, they want to go to the church where there family attends.  So this is very hard, but all we can do is keep praying and keep trying everyday!!!!

We also today had the opportunity to teach the primary students (elementry school) it was a blast they absulutley love the missionaries and love learning about the gospel!!!!!!!
I also had the opportunity to finish the book Man's Search for Happiness and it is incredible!!!! I love that book. It has given me such a great and beautiful understanding of the church and our amazing blessing of having the knowledge of eternal families!!!!!

I have eaten some pretty great things!!!! Lots of horse!!! Its amazing!!! hahah then we had lobster and shell fish!!!!! SO we have been eating pretty good, my comp thinks I'm turning Tongan because of how much I eat and the things I'm willing to eat..... My language is getting better but it is still so hard for me.... oh and our roof leaks water again....on our beds... hahaha, so hopefully it stops raining hahahaha.....

I love you all!

Meeting with the Forsbergs

Our next door neighbor's parents went to Tonga years ago for a mission.  Tonight we were able to do a family home evening with them and hear about their experiences on the island.  It was a wonderful experience and they were so kind to share these memories with us.  One thing that was really neat was that they had prepared a slide show for us.  The first picture that they showed us was a picture of an island that they had taken a picture of from the airplane.  All of the sudden, we looked at each other and said, "That is Blake's island of Nuapapu!"  We could not believe it.  Out of the over 100 islands in Tonga, they had taken a picture of the island where Blake is currently serving.  We have posted pictures of it before, but this picture is unique where it shows a clear picture of the two villages where Blake is now serving.  It is very clear that there are not a lot of houses on the island.  Gives a great perspective!

Hand Written Letter (Dated 11/11/2013) [#8 from Tonga]

Hey My Incredibly Amazing Family!

Aw, I hope you are all doing so well!  I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season and most of all enjoying being together as such an amazing family.  We are so so blessed to have this incredible family that we do.  This week I read the book "Our Search for Happiness"  I absolutely fell in love with it.  The book describes things about our church in such detail, and brings so much joy.  I really like when it talks about the family and how it is eternal.  I have never been so overwhelmed with love and peace in my heart.  We have such an amazing gift given to us and that is the knowledge of this gospel.

This week, my companion and I, along with the members of Nuapapu have been focusing on a quote by David O. Mckay "Every Member a Missionary"!  So all week, my companion and I have gone to the member's houses and invited them to think of someone they know that they could invite to listen to the missionaries and come to church.  It has been an awesome experience seeing the members get so involved and have a strong desire to have their friends hear the message of the true restored gospel here on the earth.

At the moment we only have one progressing investigator but he has been keeping commitments and has been reading the Book of Mormon.  He is my age.  We are teaching him lesson 4 about the Sabbath day, tithing, chastity, and the Word of Wisdom.  It will be interesting because he struggles with the word of wisdom.  We will continue to have lots of faith on his behalf.

This week we were able to do a few service projects.  We have been able to help some people in the "bush" and we have helped do the leaf stuff, be we also get to help put someone's boat in the water.  Talk about something being heavy!

This week I ate something new, horse!  We actually ate it for about five days this week.  We also ate seagull.  You can't do that in Utah, haha.  Horse is actually really good surprisingly.

I want to give you a few challenges.  First, you need to be a missionary to everyone!  One of my regrets from home was that I believe I could have been a greater missionary to my friends.  I could have mentioned the church more and I could have invited them to church more.  I was always afraid of losing them or being the friend that only talked about the church, but I can tell you....I promise you will be happier if you will be the friend that is centered on the church.  You will touch people's hearts adn you will make the difference!  One more challenge is tho read the book "Our Search for Happiness". Focus on us as a family and the amazing gift we have been given to have the gospel in our lives.

I love you all so much!  We are an eternal family and a family that can make a difference!  You are so incredible!  Thank you for your support and love!  You will never know how much it has meant to me!

Every Harmon A Missionary!

With so much love
Elder Harmon

Found some pictures on Facebook

We found out that there is a Facebook page for the Tongan Mission.  We found a few pictures of Blake that we wanted to put up.

Hand Written Letter (Dated 11/4/2013) [#7 from Tonga]

Hey Family!

So I just recently go to talk to you on email so you are pretty updated!! However, I just received you first letters that you sent me so I am going to go through and answer your questions.

Staring with you Dad!  I am so glad to hear that your job is going well!  You will have to keep me updated.  Where is your new job located?  I can't wait to hear about your opportunities.  You mentioned that life is moving fast!  I know it is crazy and we really do need to take in every moment.  Love you Dad!  And I love how you said we need to motivate people by telling them what they can be, or could have. I am going to use this in teaching.

Mom, you are next.  You asked how I am....I am going great!  I love Nuapapu!  You asked how the Island is.  IT is good.  The work is slow, but exciting things happen every day and it is an experience of a lifetime, there is no doubt about that!  I talked to every person on the island in about two hours!  Pretty crazy isn't it!  Yeah mom, you know you are getting old when you have a missionary out...haha!  You are still young to me.  You said that I will have some neat experiences to share when I get home, and that is true!
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Blake then wrote some specific things to his siblings.
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Sorry, I would write more, but I am running low on paper in Motu!  Love you all so much!

I am going to give you all a challenge, especially the kids.  Write in your journal every day!  This is my biggest regret!  Mom....make them do it!

Love Elder Harmon

E-mail from Blake on Halloween 10/31/2013

We were having Chili over at the Fleming home tonight when all of the sudden we get an e-mail from Blake.  He is in Neiafu for a zone conference and had a few minutes to e-mail us.  Here are some excerpts from his update.  He sounds really good!
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After getting to finish emailing you last time, I was able to have my first interview with my Mission President! It was very good I was able to express my goals and share my love about the people. He was very loving and comforted me with a lot of insight and things I needed to hear. We were able to have a zone conference and able to talk about chapter six in Preach My Gospel which is about Christlike attributes!!! It was amazing and I felt the spirit so strong. That night we went back to Nuapapu (our little island).  It is a good 40 minutes from Vava'u and the boat travels at a good 50mph..... so its a little bit out there!

When we arrived on our island, we got to meet a few new people that had been in Tonga Tapu (the main island Tonga where I originally arrived).  They found out we didn't have light in our home, so they provided us with one of their solar panel lights!!!!  The next day, they came and fixed our roof so no longer does the water seep through our roof!!!!

The first week being back in Nuapapu was busy!  We had told the members and our bishop that if we didn't start finding people to teach, the Mission President was going to move us!!! SO the members started sending us people like crazy! Hahaha! We are teaching one of the girls consistently now -- hoping she will start to have enough faith not to worry about what others think, but trust in her testimony and start coming to church and making covenants.

We are also teaching 2 investigators that are 18 and 19 years old, they seem intrested and I have felt the spirit so strong when teaching them!!!! I hope that they will keep progressing!!!!

I have a lady in the ward ( branch ) that made me a bag out of leafs, it is so beautiful!  It has my name in it and everything!!! It is awesome to have so many looking after the missionaries!!!

Also I finished the Book of Mormon on Nuapapu on 10-26-13!
The Book of Mormon is True! I love this gospel, and I love the people of Nuapapu!!!! So many little things have happened I just dont have time to mention them all! But we go to lots of little feasts and eat a lot hahaha its pretty great hahaha.

Oh, we also had our primary program the other day! It was beautiful!  The kid's testimonies are so so strong and their voices stand strong and bright for others to see! I know I am here for a reason!!!!
I love you all and would love to hear from all of you~!!!!!!

Hand Written Letter (Dated 10/28/2013) [#6 from Tonga]

Hey Family!

Wow, where do I even start!  This week has been amazing for me!  I have officially finished the Book of Mormon!  Dad and I were joking about it on email, but who can say that they have finished the Book of Mormon for the first time on a tiny island!  But what an honestly amazing experience, and now for myself my testimony is so much stronger and now with every piece of my heart, I can tell people the Book of Mormon is the true word of God and that it is another testimony that Christ lives!

Also, I love my members in Nuapapu.  I have come so close to the kids and to our bishop's family!  We had the primary program in our ward this week & it was so incredible!  The kids sang all of their songs in English!  (loved that)  Their testimonies are so strong and the have sch a desire to do good!

We taught a lesson every day this week, only two of them to investigators but the others were to girls that have been baptized, but have never been to church.  I have been able to start each lesson, but my Tongan is not very good, but I think the teaching is helping me learn it better.

A lady for the past 6 weeks has been making me a bag for my scriptures and stuff, and she finished this week.  You would be so impressed, its made out of leaves & stuff and it is beautiful.  She has kind of turned into me and my companions grandma!  She is always taking care of us!

I haven't really eaten anything too crazy since I last wrote.  I had pig on a stick again, lots of raw fish, lots of top ram-an.

My companion and I are still getting along well so things are good here on Nuapapu!  The work is picking up!  We are also teaching a temple preparation class.  It is cool that there are members getting ready to go get sealed to their spouses in the temple!

Everything is good.  I don't know if anyone is going to come visit us in between the next 5 weeks, but hopefully they do so these last 2 letters can be sent off!  If not, you will hear from me first on email!

Mom and Dad, I just want to thank you for the person that you raised me to be.  I would like to thank you for the examples that you have always been.  All I want to be when I come home is someone that honors his priesthood like my dad had done.  And also been the example my whole life on how a man should be & for showing me what a true man of God is.  I want to marry someone that has mom's love and cares for people the way that my mom does.  I don't think that you completely understand the impact you have had on me!  So I want you to know that you have not raised a quitter & you have not raised a failure.  You ahve raised someone that never quits, and when he feels like quitting, he turns to the his Savior & he never fails because he has the Savior on his side.  Mom, Dad thank you for raising me in this gospel.  Thank you for your love for Heavenly Father and for His son Jesus Christ.  I love you to pieces!  You are my heros!

I love you family!