Hi Everyone:
What an awesome week! A lot happened and I'll try to get it all in. Thanks for the tie, I got it Saturday and so timing was perfect. I got to wear it on Sunday and I'm wearing it today (Monday) as well. You're awesome thank you... Thanks for all you do for me! I am so lucky to have a family like you. Know I'm thinking of you, and hope that everyone is doing well. Happy Birthday Everyone! You all are awesome.
Thanks for the address, and you could get Dwyane's address through Facebook if you wanted. I think that you would have to send Ade a message, and ask if he could get it. I think he is st SVU. Don't work too hard on it.. it's not a huge deal.
This is my last week in the MTC and I'm doing great! Thanks for the "Don't go Bananas" package it was funny. I'm doing well. I'm learning a lot and trying to do my best to prepare for the real thing. Only so much I can do while here in the MTC, but that changes really soon! This week I got my travel plans!!! I leave the MTC at 8:00 on the 5th. I learned that I fly to LA then over to Taiwan. It's like a 14 hour flight, crazy. I learned though that once I'm at the airport I can call you in the time that I am waiting for my flight to leave. I'm not really sure how much time I will have in the Salt Lake airport, although it might be the best, with the time changes. I'm sorry I don't have the times of all my flights but I think that I have like a two three hour lay over in LA. I'll send you the details, in snail mail, sorry. I'll get it to you ASAP.
Choir has been made and I don't get to be in it. Both of my companions are though (Elders Buss and Christenson) and it's fun to hear them practice. It all adds to the excitement to hear from the Apostles this weekend. I'm way excited to hear.
The Church is true. This gospel is not something we can take faith from someone else. It's a doing church. We have to have our own faith about it. This is so awesome to know because it makes it personal, and real. Jesus Christ lives and has and will help us everyday!
You are all awesome!
Love you
Elder Harr
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Introduction of Elder Harr to his Mission President
President & Sister Grimley,
We think that you are very brave to ask parents to talk about their own children; you may get a few novels. We will try not to capitalize on your time with the opportunity. Thanks for caring about and leading our eldest son, Elder Harr! It is his dream come true to come to Taiwan on his mission, and he knows that it is not a coincidence.
Jed is the oldest of eight children in our home. His littlest sister was born just a month ago, and he hasn‟t seen her. He seeks to be totally obedient and would not even consider asking special permission to see her prior to his departure for Taiwan. We are attaching two photos because we don‟t have any with everyone together.
Jed‟s family nickname is “One in a Million” because that is what he is! We are sure you will quickly agree that he lives up to this name!!
Two of Jed‟s strongest spiritual gifts are the gift of obedience and the gift of hard work. Jed started working in construction with his Grandpa by the age of four (4). He had his own tool belt, and his job was often to pull all the nails out of the used boards so that no one would get hurt on them. Other construction workers would notice that he was obedient to his Grandpa and would stay and pull nails until his Grandpa told him it was time to go home, or there were no more nails to pull. He also helped his mother manage storage units and would sweep the parking lot or empty units, scrub graffiti off of the buildings, and help with repairs to the security locks.
Jed is compassionate and service oriented. When Jed was five (5) years old our family moved to Tennessee to go to law school, far from other relatives. Even at that early age, he knew about compassion and helping others. One night we learned that one of the families I (his Mom) visit taught was moving, and we went to their home to help. Upon arriving, we asked how we could be of assistance, and the mother of the family proceeded to ask if we would please go get her family dinner. We were at the time poor law students, with three young children in our family, we didn‟t have much. The mother of this family had no idea what she was asking of us. Jed and I took notes on what the family wanted including hamburgers for this family of five from a local fast food place complete with shakes, fries, etc. In a panic, I went home not knowing how I would pay for the food they were asking for. I went to my bedroom to pray and cry, wondering where I would find the money to pay for the food requested for this family. It wasn‟t long before Jed knocked on my door with his coin bank. His Grandparents had sent him some cash for his birthday, and he had dug it from his bank, and stood there ready to go get the food for that family. I wept. Jed had precisely the amount we needed to buy dinner for that family. We bought the dinner, helped them load boxes, and worked for a few hours, and then returned home for a simple meal from our own food storage, prayers answered and a good deed done with miraculous help from a very young angel (age 5).
It was while we were in Tennessee that Jed was to start kindergarten. He did attend school… for two weeks. We had previously participated in a co-op school where we saw excellent examples of homeschooling modeled. It was during that co-op time that Jed memorized all the Articles of Faith, and was recognized by the primary with a special plaque for being four years old and knowing all thirteen perfectly! After two weeks of school we decided that all day kindergarten for our little boy wasn‟t right, at least not for that year so far from all other family. Jed didn‟t go back to public school until he was ready for college classes (at the age of 14). Today we send Jed Harr (now age 19) to you with an Associate of Science Degree from Dixie State College, needing only 18 credits to complete his Bachelor Degree from Southern Virginia University where he has played as the center on the basketball team for the past year.
Jed knows how to set goals, and works hard towards accomplishing those dreams. His Eagle Scout project stands as a great example of his ability to catch a vision, and go on to accomplish difficult tasks! Jed completed his Eagle project at the age of 14. His project was to build trash bag racks and provide trash bags to the local state parks to help clean up the beaches. He raised over $14,000 for trash bags against all doubts that it could be done! It is a great project which has significantly impacted the cleanliness of the lake even this year, 5+ years later! Jed lives and exemplifies the Scout Law in being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Jed has attended, and then later enjoyed serving on staff for many Boy Scouts of America Youth Leadership Training Camps over the past summers including Timberline and On-Belay.
Jed decided at a very young age that he wanted to play high school basketball. He played for the local high school while taking predominately college classes. Then after graduating with his Associates Degree while his school mates graduated from high school, he decided he wasn‟t done playing basketball, and he set out to find a college he could play for even without a coach helping him! He decided he wanted to play for a Christian school, and preferably one on the East coast (to my chagrin). Within a few short weeks, he had several scholarship offers to play, two on the East coast, exactly what he had prayed for! As his mom, I couldn‟t believe that he would really go that far away from home, but he wasn‟t afraid! One of those two schools was an evangelical Christian School in upstate New York. One afternoon the coach called from that school, concerned for Jed. With him on speaker phone, I listened as the coach explained the possible prejudices Jed would face as the only Mormon on campus, regretfully as he really wanted Jed to play on his team. Jed was quick to reply positively to his concern. Jed explained that he knew how it felt to be different, and wasn‟t afraid. Jed told Coach Zarges that he had never fit in, first as a Mormon in our community in Tennessee, then as a home school student playing basketball at the high school, and even just as a young man who stands 6‟8” with size 18 feet. He assured the coach that he was up for the challenge and in fact anxious for the opportunity. A few days later Jed and his Dad flew to New York to visit the two schools, and make the decision about where he would attend. At the close of the first day, Jed said he really wanted to stay at Coach Zarges school. After prayer, impressions came that they should find the LDS branch that he would attend if he attended that school. They located the nearest chapel, which was about 60 miles away to the closest branch. To get there he had to travel partially on a dirt road to that LDS branch, and the only way there would be via bike alone on that road through the rainy Fall months ahead. After getting back to the hotel Jed prayerfully reconsidered (a neat story for another time), and decided to attend Southern Virginia University instead. SVU is predominately LDS, but still some 1500 miles away from his home in St. George, Utah. So his Dad left him in Virginia and came home alone while Jed started school.
Hindsight on the past year; we believe that it was a great training opportunity for all of us to prepare to send Jed to serve the Lord. Jed learned invaluable lessons while at SVU. He learned about living with others, there were eleven male students living the same modular home, only two of which were active in the church. He has cooked for himself for the past year, washed all his own laundry, and lived that far from any family members, most of the time with only a bike for his transportation. The closest grocery and hardware stores were 5-10 miles away in a neighboring town. We chuckle as we think about the days he called, pleased that he had successfully arrived back at his „mod‟ with one cinder block at a time so that he could raise his bed off the floor to allow for storage under his bed. Jed finds a way where there is no road, and accomplishes amazing feats! In short, he creates happiness where ever he is.
Jed‟s confidence and ability to succeed is based completely on his reliance on the Lord. He has always known that his Father in Heaven is near, and hears and answers his prayers. He has been well prepared for his mission by our Stake President through a Mission Prep class taught weekly from Preach my Gospel which Jed has attended for a couple of years, as well as a mission prep class at Southern Virginia University. He has read the Book of Mormon more than a half a dozen times, both as a family and personally. I miss walking down the hall to find his light on and his Book of Mormon in hand.
Jed does not fit the stereotypical “socially awkward” homeschooler that many expect when they hear he has been exclusively homeschooled. In fact, we challenged Jed to follow the For the Strength of Youth instructions especially with regards to relations with other teens. Jed has dated a lot… a lot of different girls that is! He was challenged to date 100 different girls before his mission, and to kiss none of them, and we think he reached that goal. He doesn‟t have a girl friend, but rather many friends! He knows how to be a gentleman according to traditional USA culture, and is teachable and anxious to learn about Asian cultures and ready to be totally obedient in following mission rules.
Our family is very close. Despite being 1500 miles from home for the past year, Jed has close relationships with even his youngest brother (nearly 4 years old). He is looked up to and respected by all of his younger siblings (with the only exception being his newest sister just from heaven). Unlike many families, we don‟t have much quarreling and contention in our home, but rather consider each other our best friends! As the oldest, Jed has led the way in showing respect, loyalty, love and compassion. He has modeled working hard, and playing hard together, following the Proclamation to the World in being a family “established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” Our family slogan is “Smile Adventures begin at home, and carry love around the globe.” These close relations have made our separation from Elder Harr a test of obedience, an opportunity to learn as a family our dedication to and faith in our Father in Heaven and His plan. It was Elder Harr who pointed out that he is fulfilling our family mission by carrying that Love now around the globe!
Actions speak louder than words, perhaps for a great introduction to Jed Harr, may we suggest you ask him to cut your hair, fix your bike, make Curry Chicken for dinner, put a starter in your car (or put a lift kit under it if you‟d like) and serenade you with a scouting favorite “The Greatest Adventure” which he sang to us on the way to the MTC.
It is our prayer that Elder Harr will bring as much joy to you, the people of Taiwan, and his Heavenly Father as he does to us!
Sincerely,
Brad and Marta Harr
We think that you are very brave to ask parents to talk about their own children; you may get a few novels. We will try not to capitalize on your time with the opportunity. Thanks for caring about and leading our eldest son, Elder Harr! It is his dream come true to come to Taiwan on his mission, and he knows that it is not a coincidence.
Jed is the oldest of eight children in our home. His littlest sister was born just a month ago, and he hasn‟t seen her. He seeks to be totally obedient and would not even consider asking special permission to see her prior to his departure for Taiwan. We are attaching two photos because we don‟t have any with everyone together.
Jed‟s family nickname is “One in a Million” because that is what he is! We are sure you will quickly agree that he lives up to this name!!
Two of Jed‟s strongest spiritual gifts are the gift of obedience and the gift of hard work. Jed started working in construction with his Grandpa by the age of four (4). He had his own tool belt, and his job was often to pull all the nails out of the used boards so that no one would get hurt on them. Other construction workers would notice that he was obedient to his Grandpa and would stay and pull nails until his Grandpa told him it was time to go home, or there were no more nails to pull. He also helped his mother manage storage units and would sweep the parking lot or empty units, scrub graffiti off of the buildings, and help with repairs to the security locks.
Jed is compassionate and service oriented. When Jed was five (5) years old our family moved to Tennessee to go to law school, far from other relatives. Even at that early age, he knew about compassion and helping others. One night we learned that one of the families I (his Mom) visit taught was moving, and we went to their home to help. Upon arriving, we asked how we could be of assistance, and the mother of the family proceeded to ask if we would please go get her family dinner. We were at the time poor law students, with three young children in our family, we didn‟t have much. The mother of this family had no idea what she was asking of us. Jed and I took notes on what the family wanted including hamburgers for this family of five from a local fast food place complete with shakes, fries, etc. In a panic, I went home not knowing how I would pay for the food they were asking for. I went to my bedroom to pray and cry, wondering where I would find the money to pay for the food requested for this family. It wasn‟t long before Jed knocked on my door with his coin bank. His Grandparents had sent him some cash for his birthday, and he had dug it from his bank, and stood there ready to go get the food for that family. I wept. Jed had precisely the amount we needed to buy dinner for that family. We bought the dinner, helped them load boxes, and worked for a few hours, and then returned home for a simple meal from our own food storage, prayers answered and a good deed done with miraculous help from a very young angel (age 5).
It was while we were in Tennessee that Jed was to start kindergarten. He did attend school… for two weeks. We had previously participated in a co-op school where we saw excellent examples of homeschooling modeled. It was during that co-op time that Jed memorized all the Articles of Faith, and was recognized by the primary with a special plaque for being four years old and knowing all thirteen perfectly! After two weeks of school we decided that all day kindergarten for our little boy wasn‟t right, at least not for that year so far from all other family. Jed didn‟t go back to public school until he was ready for college classes (at the age of 14). Today we send Jed Harr (now age 19) to you with an Associate of Science Degree from Dixie State College, needing only 18 credits to complete his Bachelor Degree from Southern Virginia University where he has played as the center on the basketball team for the past year.
Jed knows how to set goals, and works hard towards accomplishing those dreams. His Eagle Scout project stands as a great example of his ability to catch a vision, and go on to accomplish difficult tasks! Jed completed his Eagle project at the age of 14. His project was to build trash bag racks and provide trash bags to the local state parks to help clean up the beaches. He raised over $14,000 for trash bags against all doubts that it could be done! It is a great project which has significantly impacted the cleanliness of the lake even this year, 5+ years later! Jed lives and exemplifies the Scout Law in being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Jed has attended, and then later enjoyed serving on staff for many Boy Scouts of America Youth Leadership Training Camps over the past summers including Timberline and On-Belay.
Jed decided at a very young age that he wanted to play high school basketball. He played for the local high school while taking predominately college classes. Then after graduating with his Associates Degree while his school mates graduated from high school, he decided he wasn‟t done playing basketball, and he set out to find a college he could play for even without a coach helping him! He decided he wanted to play for a Christian school, and preferably one on the East coast (to my chagrin). Within a few short weeks, he had several scholarship offers to play, two on the East coast, exactly what he had prayed for! As his mom, I couldn‟t believe that he would really go that far away from home, but he wasn‟t afraid! One of those two schools was an evangelical Christian School in upstate New York. One afternoon the coach called from that school, concerned for Jed. With him on speaker phone, I listened as the coach explained the possible prejudices Jed would face as the only Mormon on campus, regretfully as he really wanted Jed to play on his team. Jed was quick to reply positively to his concern. Jed explained that he knew how it felt to be different, and wasn‟t afraid. Jed told Coach Zarges that he had never fit in, first as a Mormon in our community in Tennessee, then as a home school student playing basketball at the high school, and even just as a young man who stands 6‟8” with size 18 feet. He assured the coach that he was up for the challenge and in fact anxious for the opportunity. A few days later Jed and his Dad flew to New York to visit the two schools, and make the decision about where he would attend. At the close of the first day, Jed said he really wanted to stay at Coach Zarges school. After prayer, impressions came that they should find the LDS branch that he would attend if he attended that school. They located the nearest chapel, which was about 60 miles away to the closest branch. To get there he had to travel partially on a dirt road to that LDS branch, and the only way there would be via bike alone on that road through the rainy Fall months ahead. After getting back to the hotel Jed prayerfully reconsidered (a neat story for another time), and decided to attend Southern Virginia University instead. SVU is predominately LDS, but still some 1500 miles away from his home in St. George, Utah. So his Dad left him in Virginia and came home alone while Jed started school.
Hindsight on the past year; we believe that it was a great training opportunity for all of us to prepare to send Jed to serve the Lord. Jed learned invaluable lessons while at SVU. He learned about living with others, there were eleven male students living the same modular home, only two of which were active in the church. He has cooked for himself for the past year, washed all his own laundry, and lived that far from any family members, most of the time with only a bike for his transportation. The closest grocery and hardware stores were 5-10 miles away in a neighboring town. We chuckle as we think about the days he called, pleased that he had successfully arrived back at his „mod‟ with one cinder block at a time so that he could raise his bed off the floor to allow for storage under his bed. Jed finds a way where there is no road, and accomplishes amazing feats! In short, he creates happiness where ever he is.
Jed‟s confidence and ability to succeed is based completely on his reliance on the Lord. He has always known that his Father in Heaven is near, and hears and answers his prayers. He has been well prepared for his mission by our Stake President through a Mission Prep class taught weekly from Preach my Gospel which Jed has attended for a couple of years, as well as a mission prep class at Southern Virginia University. He has read the Book of Mormon more than a half a dozen times, both as a family and personally. I miss walking down the hall to find his light on and his Book of Mormon in hand.
Jed does not fit the stereotypical “socially awkward” homeschooler that many expect when they hear he has been exclusively homeschooled. In fact, we challenged Jed to follow the For the Strength of Youth instructions especially with regards to relations with other teens. Jed has dated a lot… a lot of different girls that is! He was challenged to date 100 different girls before his mission, and to kiss none of them, and we think he reached that goal. He doesn‟t have a girl friend, but rather many friends! He knows how to be a gentleman according to traditional USA culture, and is teachable and anxious to learn about Asian cultures and ready to be totally obedient in following mission rules.
Our family is very close. Despite being 1500 miles from home for the past year, Jed has close relationships with even his youngest brother (nearly 4 years old). He is looked up to and respected by all of his younger siblings (with the only exception being his newest sister just from heaven). Unlike many families, we don‟t have much quarreling and contention in our home, but rather consider each other our best friends! As the oldest, Jed has led the way in showing respect, loyalty, love and compassion. He has modeled working hard, and playing hard together, following the Proclamation to the World in being a family “established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” Our family slogan is “Smile Adventures begin at home, and carry love around the globe.” These close relations have made our separation from Elder Harr a test of obedience, an opportunity to learn as a family our dedication to and faith in our Father in Heaven and His plan. It was Elder Harr who pointed out that he is fulfilling our family mission by carrying that Love now around the globe!
Actions speak louder than words, perhaps for a great introduction to Jed Harr, may we suggest you ask him to cut your hair, fix your bike, make Curry Chicken for dinner, put a starter in your car (or put a lift kit under it if you‟d like) and serenade you with a scouting favorite “The Greatest Adventure” which he sang to us on the way to the MTC.
It is our prayer that Elder Harr will bring as much joy to you, the people of Taiwan, and his Heavenly Father as he does to us!
Sincerely,
Brad and Marta Harr
Monday, September 20, 2010
Two Weeks Left in MTC
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for the photo's they are awesome!! As well as the mail! You are awesome. Thanks you for all your work! I'm sorry that the bike thing is harder that we thought, but thank you for all you do for me!
Great job on the triathlon last weekend everyone! I'm glad that you had a great time and finished the race. Also, as always, I'm sure that the Cub Centennial was awesome! Keep doing good.
Sounds like everyone is doing well and is happy, or at least I hope that this is the case. You are all awesome. Thanks for your example of doing so much good! It's fun to hear about what's going on, like Liesl and the jeep... sorry.... Jk, he just wanted a ride in it:) and the Blessing this weekend. Know I'll be thinking of you, sending my love. Travel safe and have a good time.
This week has been Great. It's crazy only have two weeks left before I leave which is crazy because I have so much to learn and so much that I can learn but it's good. All I can do is to do my best and study my hardest and trust in the Lord to help me. When I get to teach and help His children come to know him and to feel the Love that He has for them in so many ways. I can't wait! It's so amazing what you can learn with the Holy Ghost as your teacher, and when you have a calling from the Lord. It's awesome!
Also this week (yesterday) the GYM opened up again! Hopefully for good now. So everything will be happening again, group firesides and devotionals, and Basketball. :) No that's not as important but it's going to be fun!! I don't know what's going to happen with the Priesthood Choir. As far as I know nothing has happened yet. There is still a chance that I'll get to go.
This week I've been recommitting myself to everything. Chandler and people learning Chinese read chapter 7 of PMG, and find your purpose. It's only yours. Don't make it anyone else's. This is huge and the Spirit can help you. It's part of the whole planning thing from Elder Holland. When we do our best and plan, then He can help us.
This church is true, and this is the Lord's gospel! We have the chance to help spread the love of our Father in Heaven to all his children. Many, many don't have any idea who He is. Share it!
Love you!
Elder Harr
Thanks for the photo's they are awesome!! As well as the mail! You are awesome. Thanks you for all your work! I'm sorry that the bike thing is harder that we thought, but thank you for all you do for me!
Great job on the triathlon last weekend everyone! I'm glad that you had a great time and finished the race. Also, as always, I'm sure that the Cub Centennial was awesome! Keep doing good.
Sounds like everyone is doing well and is happy, or at least I hope that this is the case. You are all awesome. Thanks for your example of doing so much good! It's fun to hear about what's going on, like Liesl and the jeep... sorry.... Jk, he just wanted a ride in it:) and the Blessing this weekend. Know I'll be thinking of you, sending my love. Travel safe and have a good time.
This week has been Great. It's crazy only have two weeks left before I leave which is crazy because I have so much to learn and so much that I can learn but it's good. All I can do is to do my best and study my hardest and trust in the Lord to help me. When I get to teach and help His children come to know him and to feel the Love that He has for them in so many ways. I can't wait! It's so amazing what you can learn with the Holy Ghost as your teacher, and when you have a calling from the Lord. It's awesome!
Also this week (yesterday) the GYM opened up again! Hopefully for good now. So everything will be happening again, group firesides and devotionals, and Basketball. :) No that's not as important but it's going to be fun!! I don't know what's going to happen with the Priesthood Choir. As far as I know nothing has happened yet. There is still a chance that I'll get to go.
This week I've been recommitting myself to everything. Chandler and people learning Chinese read chapter 7 of PMG, and find your purpose. It's only yours. Don't make it anyone else's. This is huge and the Spirit can help you. It's part of the whole planning thing from Elder Holland. When we do our best and plan, then He can help us.
This church is true, and this is the Lord's gospel! We have the chance to help spread the love of our Father in Heaven to all his children. Many, many don't have any idea who He is. Share it!
Love you!
Elder Harr
Friday, September 17, 2010
Anyone There?
To the Awesome Harr Family,
Hey everyone how are you? Where in the world are you this week? I think about you when I get to go up to the temple, because I can see the valley and I wonder how many times you have been through this area in the last week.
This last week was great and kind of weird. This week on Thursday I thought I saw the Excursion. Weird, it was like ours except that it was a gas excursion not a " Real One." (Diesel)
Everything is going great. The language is coming slowly... but it's coming. This week Elder Buss and I got a new companion. He came in with the newest group and has great Chinese, so he got advanced to our district so he can practice teaching in Chinese. He lived in China for 8 years so that helps! Time is really crazy here, I have about three and a half weeks left here in the MTC and then I get to fly out! Crazy. Crazy! I have so much to learn between now and then! But with the Lord I can do it and be the missionary that He wants me to be!
Anyway, this last week I had a cool opportunity. The choir started up for one week, last Tuesday was the only performance so far, then they closed it back down because the GYM is closed again so the floor can be re-done. So I got to sing once and then they asked for people to fill out a questionnaire for a Priesthood choir (my guess is they will sing for conference) but I don't know that it will happen now that the GYM in closed again. We are hoping for the best.
So what's been going on? How is school going? Is it cooling down there yet? I think it's funny some mornings are getting cold and I don't seem to mind, but everyone else does, and I find myself wearing a coat because I have to match my companions. Ya, it's great. Anyway talk to me... How's track? hockey? horses? how is everyone at the office doing? also I remember that you told me that Brother Maughan had a pace-maker put in as a result of a stroke. How is he doing? Please keep me posted! Also how is Brother Calvin doing? Is he doing ok? With Brother Maughan not feeling well, will you check up on him every now and then? Just to see how he's doing? Sorry lot's of questions. There is not a lot to write about here in the MTC. The schedule is the same and we didn't have anything really out standing happen this week other than the Tuesday night fireside and choir performance.
Tuesday night was really good. The speaker talked about prayer and having meaningful prayers. That was cool. I was able to grade myself on how my prayers are going and what I can do to improve them. I also got to think about why I came on a mission and re motivate myself to always do my best here in the MTC.
The Church is true! Through prayer we can come to know our Father in Heaven and know what He wants us to do and say. We can be happy and have hope for a great future and push forward, even when we don't know what is going to happen and we are not sure. If we do what is asked like 1 nephi 3:7. The Lord gives us a way when He asks us to do something and we can trust in Him forever.
Love you
Elder Harr
Hey everyone how are you? Where in the world are you this week? I think about you when I get to go up to the temple, because I can see the valley and I wonder how many times you have been through this area in the last week.
This last week was great and kind of weird. This week on Thursday I thought I saw the Excursion. Weird, it was like ours except that it was a gas excursion not a " Real One." (Diesel)
Everything is going great. The language is coming slowly... but it's coming. This week Elder Buss and I got a new companion. He came in with the newest group and has great Chinese, so he got advanced to our district so he can practice teaching in Chinese. He lived in China for 8 years so that helps! Time is really crazy here, I have about three and a half weeks left here in the MTC and then I get to fly out! Crazy. Crazy! I have so much to learn between now and then! But with the Lord I can do it and be the missionary that He wants me to be!
Anyway, this last week I had a cool opportunity. The choir started up for one week, last Tuesday was the only performance so far, then they closed it back down because the GYM is closed again so the floor can be re-done. So I got to sing once and then they asked for people to fill out a questionnaire for a Priesthood choir (my guess is they will sing for conference) but I don't know that it will happen now that the GYM in closed again. We are hoping for the best.
So what's been going on? How is school going? Is it cooling down there yet? I think it's funny some mornings are getting cold and I don't seem to mind, but everyone else does, and I find myself wearing a coat because I have to match my companions. Ya, it's great. Anyway talk to me... How's track? hockey? horses? how is everyone at the office doing? also I remember that you told me that Brother Maughan had a pace-maker put in as a result of a stroke. How is he doing? Please keep me posted! Also how is Brother Calvin doing? Is he doing ok? With Brother Maughan not feeling well, will you check up on him every now and then? Just to see how he's doing? Sorry lot's of questions. There is not a lot to write about here in the MTC. The schedule is the same and we didn't have anything really out standing happen this week other than the Tuesday night fireside and choir performance.
Tuesday night was really good. The speaker talked about prayer and having meaningful prayers. That was cool. I was able to grade myself on how my prayers are going and what I can do to improve them. I also got to think about why I came on a mission and re motivate myself to always do my best here in the MTC.
The Church is true! Through prayer we can come to know our Father in Heaven and know what He wants us to do and say. We can be happy and have hope for a great future and push forward, even when we don't know what is going to happen and we are not sure. If we do what is asked like 1 nephi 3:7. The Lord gives us a way when He asks us to do something and we can trust in Him forever.
Love you
Elder Harr
Monday, September 6, 2010
One Month in MTC Left
Hey Family:
Wow another week at the MTC down! Crazy yesterday marked the one month mark of the time that I have left in the MTC, so I'm way excited! It's crazy how time goes so fast and I'm learning so much!!! Chinese is going well and it's crazy even though I can't say as much as I want to, I can say a lot!! Last Saturday I taught my 2nd lesson in Chinese and I thought it went well. It was so much fun because I got to teach a RM that came home with Nate Carter last week – Crazy! They knew my name and where I was from and everything – kind of weird. I guess that they have photo's of all the new missionaries that are coming in so that all the older missionaries can help us when we get there. I'm not sure if that's the reason or not but way cool!!!
How about China??? Did Pres Anderson talk about it? Even though no missionaries yet it's getting there!! It's funny to be speaking Chinese just around the MTC. Other Elders will ask me about the how difficult it is to learn and stuff like that. It is so fun to speak and sometimes think only in Chinese! Crazy someday it will flow better! Good to know that the Chinese class is being started again. The Bolters left this last week, I think they have been here for like 8 weeks they where only to be here for three, so I hope they got out! I've meant to send Pres Anderson a letter and tell him about books and about what they have been teaching me, but I just haven't been able to. Have you been able to go the the BYU book store?
It's sooo good to hear about everything! Liesl keep driving the Jeep to school. It's so fun to hear about that haha! No time is too early:). There is a red Jeep Cherokee that parks where I see it almost everyday, fun stuff. Chandler - new ice - you and Sam will have a blast, I'm sure!
Elder Holland is awesome. I have listened to hear a talk that sounds very similar to what you told me recently. He has given at least 4 talks close to that topic. " DON'T YOU DARE GO HOME" is one that is awesome but he gave it at the MTC so I don't think that you can find it. I'll send you some of my notes on it way cool. Another one is the 'You Are as Close to being an Apostle Now as You Ever Will Be” He says that in fact our job as a missionary is almost the same as that of an Apostle, so you (missionaries) are an apostle with a little a. Way Cool! Missionaries are called of God and we are doing His work!
This is the true Church of God. He loves us and wants only to help us! He sent his son Jesus Christ to help us return to Him. He has given us a Prophet today that leads and guides this church in the world today! We are all his children and through prayer we can talk with Him! Read Moses 1 - Way cool to study about prayer and having "Great Faith" read the notes on the bottom!
You are all so awesome. I'll send some ideas in the mail about names for our baby sister! Chinese people pick names they want to become! FYI something to think about but sounds like some good choices have been thought about. What a blessing!
Love you all,
Elder Harr
Wow another week at the MTC down! Crazy yesterday marked the one month mark of the time that I have left in the MTC, so I'm way excited! It's crazy how time goes so fast and I'm learning so much!!! Chinese is going well and it's crazy even though I can't say as much as I want to, I can say a lot!! Last Saturday I taught my 2nd lesson in Chinese and I thought it went well. It was so much fun because I got to teach a RM that came home with Nate Carter last week – Crazy! They knew my name and where I was from and everything – kind of weird. I guess that they have photo's of all the new missionaries that are coming in so that all the older missionaries can help us when we get there. I'm not sure if that's the reason or not but way cool!!!
How about China??? Did Pres Anderson talk about it? Even though no missionaries yet it's getting there!! It's funny to be speaking Chinese just around the MTC. Other Elders will ask me about the how difficult it is to learn and stuff like that. It is so fun to speak and sometimes think only in Chinese! Crazy someday it will flow better! Good to know that the Chinese class is being started again. The Bolters left this last week, I think they have been here for like 8 weeks they where only to be here for three, so I hope they got out! I've meant to send Pres Anderson a letter and tell him about books and about what they have been teaching me, but I just haven't been able to. Have you been able to go the the BYU book store?
It's sooo good to hear about everything! Liesl keep driving the Jeep to school. It's so fun to hear about that haha! No time is too early:). There is a red Jeep Cherokee that parks where I see it almost everyday, fun stuff. Chandler - new ice - you and Sam will have a blast, I'm sure!
Elder Holland is awesome. I have listened to hear a talk that sounds very similar to what you told me recently. He has given at least 4 talks close to that topic. " DON'T YOU DARE GO HOME" is one that is awesome but he gave it at the MTC so I don't think that you can find it. I'll send you some of my notes on it way cool. Another one is the 'You Are as Close to being an Apostle Now as You Ever Will Be” He says that in fact our job as a missionary is almost the same as that of an Apostle, so you (missionaries) are an apostle with a little a. Way Cool! Missionaries are called of God and we are doing His work!
This is the true Church of God. He loves us and wants only to help us! He sent his son Jesus Christ to help us return to Him. He has given us a Prophet today that leads and guides this church in the world today! We are all his children and through prayer we can talk with Him! Read Moses 1 - Way cool to study about prayer and having "Great Faith" read the notes on the bottom!
You are all so awesome. I'll send some ideas in the mail about names for our baby sister! Chinese people pick names they want to become! FYI something to think about but sounds like some good choices have been thought about. What a blessing!
Love you all,
Elder Harr
Thursday, September 2, 2010
New Little Sister born Saturday prior to this Letter
Hey Family:
I am so happy to hear that everyone is doing so good! I'm so glad I've been thinking about you all week! I'm glad you doing well.
This week I listened to several talks about the Atonement, Christ and families. I'm so glad that ours is so awesome! Thank you Heavenly Father for such a huge blessing! Families are forever and I'm glad to know this! It's amazing what the gospel can do for families! Have you seen last months message in LDS.org? Great example on how the Atonement helps us in our everyday life! The gospel is true! I was at the temple yesterday on a Sunday temple walk and saw a little girl maybe 2, I couldn't help but think about the FOUR sisters that I have at home and just family as a whole! I'm so grateful for our family!
This week was awesome! Last Tuesday I got to hear from and see Elder Holland. So awesome! I didn't get to talk to him personally but it was way cool. He gave us three things that missionaries don't do, but if they would do they would be successful they are
1) Personal & Companion Study. He said that even though missionaries are in the MTC for a time they don't learn how to really study the Gospel! I thought about our family study and thought about that example!
2) Planning. He said missionaries don't know how to plan. He said that a missionary should have every 15 min planned out of where they are going what they are going to do on the way and what they will teach...
3) Was that we are not BOLD enough! We do not teach with POWER OR AUTHORITY! He said that we have been called of God why in the world are you scared to open your mouth and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ like the Son's of Mosiah did... with Power?
I really enjoyed this talk it was awesome. It set a standard of what I want to be and do when I get out in the mission field!
Anyway that is one thing that I learned this week. Oh today I read/ listened to Elder Hales last conference talk, listen to it. It was on movies and the rating system and how we need to be careful and "be there." It reminded me of earlier this year in Sunday school with the movie problem. If and Apostle is not old enough to see it are we? Anyway thank you for standing up for what is right and true!
Ok so that was another thing from this week. It's hard to believe this but this week I am half way done with the MTC!!! I think that I told you that I'm a zone leader now so I get to welcome new Mandarin Missionaries into my zone this week - Crazy! It's not really a huge deal but just to think that I've been here for 6 week's - crazy!
Chandler, it is awesome that your starting up Chinese again. Did you get the books? Good luck!
Sorry my email time is up.
Love you! You're Awesome!
Elder Harr
I am so happy to hear that everyone is doing so good! I'm so glad I've been thinking about you all week! I'm glad you doing well.
This week I listened to several talks about the Atonement, Christ and families. I'm so glad that ours is so awesome! Thank you Heavenly Father for such a huge blessing! Families are forever and I'm glad to know this! It's amazing what the gospel can do for families! Have you seen last months message in LDS.org? Great example on how the Atonement helps us in our everyday life! The gospel is true! I was at the temple yesterday on a Sunday temple walk and saw a little girl maybe 2, I couldn't help but think about the FOUR sisters that I have at home and just family as a whole! I'm so grateful for our family!
This week was awesome! Last Tuesday I got to hear from and see Elder Holland. So awesome! I didn't get to talk to him personally but it was way cool. He gave us three things that missionaries don't do, but if they would do they would be successful they are
1) Personal & Companion Study. He said that even though missionaries are in the MTC for a time they don't learn how to really study the Gospel! I thought about our family study and thought about that example!
2) Planning. He said missionaries don't know how to plan. He said that a missionary should have every 15 min planned out of where they are going what they are going to do on the way and what they will teach...
3) Was that we are not BOLD enough! We do not teach with POWER OR AUTHORITY! He said that we have been called of God why in the world are you scared to open your mouth and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ like the Son's of Mosiah did... with Power?
I really enjoyed this talk it was awesome. It set a standard of what I want to be and do when I get out in the mission field!
Anyway that is one thing that I learned this week. Oh today I read/ listened to Elder Hales last conference talk, listen to it. It was on movies and the rating system and how we need to be careful and "be there." It reminded me of earlier this year in Sunday school with the movie problem. If and Apostle is not old enough to see it are we? Anyway thank you for standing up for what is right and true!
Ok so that was another thing from this week. It's hard to believe this but this week I am half way done with the MTC!!! I think that I told you that I'm a zone leader now so I get to welcome new Mandarin Missionaries into my zone this week - Crazy! It's not really a huge deal but just to think that I've been here for 6 week's - crazy!
Chandler, it is awesome that your starting up Chinese again. Did you get the books? Good luck!
Sorry my email time is up.
Love you! You're Awesome!
Elder Harr
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