Week 7: Post Christmas What It Do

Hey Family!

It was great to talk to you on Christmas. And also super weird.. Like ju are all steel ALIEEEVE!?? I'm glad you are all looking so nice and happy. Keep up dat guud work.

Here are some of the things I forgot to tell you and some of the things that have happened since our Christmas skype:

- Sister Wheeler is the best comp ever. She remembered me saying that we punch through a wall of wrapping paper to get to the presents under the tree, and on Christmas morning she had wrapped the doorway of our room with wrapping paper. I love her!!!

- After we skyped, Sister Wheeler and I went to a family's home that invited us for dinner. They are 7th Day Adventist Christians that we met at our Christmas activity a few weeks ago. They were SO NICE!!! Seriously I have never felt so much love from people I hardly knew. They welcomed us into their home (they had some other family and friends there too who were a little confused to see Mormon missionaries at their Christmas dinner lolz), fed us an AMAZING dinner (there was this corn bread casserole that has changed my life), and then they took us out and showed us all their animals (dogs, horses, goats, chickens. It took me about 3 minutes to work up the courage to pet the chicken. It could have eaten me!!). After we came back inside and they gave us all gifts, then they brought me and Sister Wheeler MORE gifts, and then they gave us homemade honey that they made (they have a bunch of bees), and then they awarded us the prize of having the best ugly sweaters. I am totally keeping that sweater for every Christmas. Sister Wheeler outdid herself on those sweaters.

- On Saturday MICHELLE WAS BAPTIZED DAS WUT I'M TALKIN ABOUT!!! It was so so awesome. Her brother Ron who just received the priesthood baptized her. She looked beautiful and it was so great that we were able to reach our goal and give a gift to the Savior. Honestly, none of this work has to do with me. It's amazing how the Lord lets us play a tiny role in His work. He prepares the people, puts them in the right place at the right time, and then tells us what to say and when to say it so that they'll accept our message. It's pretty cool to get to play a small part in it.

- Apparently there is a very high possibility that both me and Sister Wheeler are getting transferred.... That's the rumor, or as Elder Pacheco likes to call it, "the prophesy". I have absolutely loved the Elders and the senior missionary couple here. Bishop wouldn't be the same without them.

Well this is a short email but I will write more next week. Peace and blessings and have a fun new years!!! We are going to go out for sushi with a member (Sister Mclaughlin), and I am making her wear the Sponge Bob party hats I bought. Should be exciting.

Sister Harmon

Week 6: BEEDEEPBOPBOPEBOOP

Another week here and back again. A hobbits tale.

So star wars came out huh?? Wasn't it so good?! I loved the part where I didn't see it cuz I'm on a mission!!

Ok ok okokokokowekrjew;okqfjweklfaj;sldkjaoiwej;flsdk;sjfa;efij;asldfjn;lawe

Monday: Pday was sick. Did you get my pic I sent to you mom? Sister Wheeler an I drove up into the mountains to a place called Cardinal Village. It's a little house/place/store/resort. It is SO CUTE! They had sleighs, Christmas trees, and lights everywhere. I felt like I was on "White Christmas". It was really snowy and we heard that there was free ice skating. We got there and only the owners were there. They showed us around the back where there was a box full of ice skates, and they gave us a shovel and said, "You might need this". They showed us where the pond was and sent us on our way. We got to the pond and it was covered in snow, so we spend 30 minutes shoveling our own ice rink! Haha! It was so awesome. Then we ice skated by ourselves, on a snow-covered pond, in the middle of the mountains that were right next to the pond. Ahh it was so fun! Then we went inside and the owners gave us hot chocolate and told us stories when they went to Zimbabwe. I'll have to tell you when we skype. They were insane.

Michelle is getting baptized this Saturday!!!!! THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS!!!! It is insane. She is doing so well. I think there is a moment when every investigator that's getting baptized becomes a golden investigator. Last night we came over to teach and she was watching Book of Mormon videos on her TV and we were just like WHAT IS HAPPENING WE LERVE IT. She's like, "I've been watching these videos and videos with Thomas S. Monson too!" and I'm  like come over here I must hug ju I lerve ju.

We had the Christmas morningside on Saturday. We watched "It's a Wonderful Life", which I LOVE. Instead of asking what would have happened if we'd never been born, we asked ourselves what would have happened if we'd never gone on our missions. It was a great morning. The rest of the mission is down south and gets together in really large groups for the morningside, but since we are so secluded up here, we got together as a district at Elder and Sister Swain's house. The Swain's are the only senior missionary couple in the mission, and I love them so much. Bishop is the perfect place for them to be. And they're from Vernal! So I'll get to see them lots :) It was fun to have the 8 of us together to watch the movie and talk about our missions.

So last Sunday we had the Christmas devotional activity at the church, and some members invited their friends to come who weren't members. We talked to a family who is very 7th day Adventist Christians, and they invited us to come to their daughter's outdoor nativity performance at their church on Thursday. We were tentatively planning on it, but then we realized we had to teach Michelle at that same time. Right when we were going to go to Michelle's, she had to cancel, so we went to their activity instead. They were so happy we came! They said, "I'm actually really surprised you came, we didn't think you would! Hey what are you doing on Christmas for dinner, you should come over to our house." OK!!! So now we have a place to go for Christmas dinner! It should be fun. They are having an ugly sweater competition AND GUESS WHO'S GONNA WIN. We are going to the store today to buy brown felt. I am going to cut out a reindeer and it's going to be throwing up candy. I know. Winning.

Yesterday we went over to a member's house, Mitch and Angie. Mitch is a recent convert. They are probably the cutest and most hilarious people of all time. They always have the sister missionaries decorate their Christmas tree for them (Angie loves to cover it in pearls. She's awesome). It was so fun! After we decorated they were like "Hey do you want to decorate the outside too?" Lolz. Free labor. Gotta take advantage of it I guess. She was taking pics of us and she said, "Ok smile, like Jesus is coming tomorrow!!" Needless to say the pic turned out amazing.

Well it's crazy to think that this Friday is Christmas. This Christmas has obviously been a lot different than years past. There has been so much more giving and thinking about other people. There are so many people who have less than we do. We are all so so blessed. Christmas isn't about having stuff or getting presents, or even about giving presents to people, even though it's a great way to show our love for each other. Those gifts mean absolutely nothing in comparison to the incredible gift we've each been given by Jesus Christ. What if there was someone who knows you and understands you exactly because they went through everything you're going through, and then died for you so that you could live again? Well there is someone, and that's why we celebrate Christmas.

I'm in the middle of Isaiah chapters (AKA I have no idea what I'm reading) and every few verses the same thing keeps popping up when talking about Christ and the wickedness of the people "And His is had is stretched out still". No matter what we do or how bad we sin, He's always waiting to help us and bring us back.

Week 5: YOU GUYS GUESS WHAT?! eeeeeeeee!

Another week gone by. The days drag on and the weeks fly by. That saying could not be more true. I feel like yesterday it was Pday. Lots of things to tell ju.

Monday: Last Pday. The week before we found an investigator, Mary. She is an old lady who we met contacting who seemed promising but she couldn't remember her address and phone number. Lolz. So we were praying that we would find her again. We were shopping at the store and she was there!! We ambushed her with lerve and then we got her address and visited her that night! She lives in a trailer and is a bit of a hoarder. She has over 200 cook books in her house, and piles and PILES of books everywhere. It's amazing. She has given us tons of cool stuff so it's like Christmas every time we go over. Anyways. She's great!

Tuesday: We have sports night every Tuesday and Saturday night with the elders, investigators, and members. We always play basketball, and whattayaknow, I am horrible at it. Every time someone comes up to me when I have the ball I throw the ball and have a bloodcurdling scream. But I have been getting better!! Baby steps.

Wednesday: We spend the morning every week volunteering at city hall. It usually involves raking. It's a fun time. Our zone has a goal of finding 3 new investigators a week. We found 1 on Monday, but we needed to find 2 more. We were going to be gone for exchanges in Ridgecrest on Friday and Saturday so we were running out of time. We had 4 appointments that day, all of which fell through. We prayed that we'd be able to use our time meaningfully, and we started walking down the street from our appointment that fell through. Second person we talked to, new investigator.

The day before, we were on our way to an appointment and we had a plate of cookies. Our neighbor got out of his car as we were leaving and said, "are those for me?" We all loled and kept going. Turns out that appointment fell through, and we still had the cookies. Right before dinner I thought, 'we gotta give that man dose cookies.' We knocked on the door and he answered and said "Oh my gosh are you serious? Are those for me?" and in my head I was like 'THAT'S NOT THE ONLY THING WE HAVE FOR YOU!!' We started talking and he said that he's a baptist but he's always been interested in reading the Book of Mormon! WHAT?! Are you kitten me right meow. 3rd investigator. The Lord knows.

I have a problem. We'll be tracting and we'll knock into a house where the person is NOT intesterested whatsoever. Typically it will be a comment like "I keep telling you people, TAKE ME OFF YOUR LIST!" and in my head I'm like 'You can't be taken off the Lord's list ma'am'. And we leave the house and I'm giggling and grinning like an idiot.

Friday: We had exchanges in Ridgecrest, about 2 hours away. It was so much fun! I was companions with Sister Bryan, who is in the Gundersen's ward and knows Shelby!! We had a blast. We ran into this house that is COVERED in Wizard of oz stuff. Like there are mannequins all over the roof and yard. It's kind of terrifying and creepy. But beautiful in a way.

Saturday: The elders had a baptism!! I played the piano for it which was fun. Sister Wheeler and I had a "missionary moment" where we spoke and taught the restoration. Good thing I always go red. My neck was TOMATO red and everyone was looking down cuz they felt so awkward for me. And then after Elder Pacheco came up to me and said, "Sister Harmon, are you ok?? Your neck was SO RED!!!!" Thank you elder.

Sunday: Oh my GOSH!!!!! Our investigator Michelle came to church again with her 2 kids. She wants to be baptized but wanted to get baptized on Feb 24 for sentimental reasons. Sister Wheeler and I REALLY wanted to give a baptism as a gift to the Savior this year. We were praying all week and fasting that she would have her heart softened, and as it turned out, we weren't able to see her at all. So we were freaking out. Right after the elders confirmed their investigator in church, Michelle leans over to me and whispers, "How soon can I be baptized?" and I was like "GET CHANGED LETS DO THIS!!!!" I was so pumped!!!! She and her 2 kids are getting baptized the day after Christmas!!!!!!! BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEE!!!!!

That night we had a Christmas ward activity where we tried to invite nonmembers and less-actives. It turned out pretty good! They asked me to be the MC because they knew I could beat box. It was lots of fun. I didn't beat box. Just spiritual beat boxing.

Anyways k I'm done. Love you all!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS.

MTC pics:



First time tracting in Bakersfield with Sister Loar!



At the baptism and at the Christmas activity.!

Week 4: IN LERRRRVE!!!

MY FAMBALY!!!!!

Ok so the other missionaries are emailing to and they are talking and DO THEY NOT UNDERSTAND THIS IS THE HOLY HOUR OF SILENCE?!!??

Ok so remember how last week I sent the most depressing email of all time? So sorry. But the good news is this week was so so much better!!

I am adjusting to Bishop which is good. And I am warm from all my clothes mom sent me :) AND it's not so freezing anymore!!! Seriously such a blessing. And it's been sunny every day. God is good.

On Pday Sister Wheeler and I went up to the mountains and tried to go hiking, but the roads were closed. We did walk on a half-frozen lake which was so fun and totally safe! Lolz. As we were driving we saw this tree that was covered in ice! In the middle of the desert! There was a pipe that broke and covered in it ice, but it that was probably the only frozen tree that exists in California.

Later that night we had FHE with our investigator, Chris, and his next door neighbor named Sister Schuman, who is a member. Chris has been investigating the church for foreeeevverrrr, so we've been really working with him to make progress. It's hard to teach because Chris and Sister Schuman are chatty cathy's and it's hard to get a word in!! It ended up being a suuper great lesson and he really felt the spirit and we made some good progress. This week we are going to commit him to baptism again.

The elders were teaching this guy about the Book of Mormon and he was like "So I was reading about Lehi and how he had this crazy dream, and I thought whoa, I wanna have that dream too! So I did a huge riff. Lehi must of have been high, man." And the elders were like actually he had FAITH and then he PRAYED and had the dream. The investigator was like "ohhh.. that makes sense." LOLZ.

Christmas time in the mission field is so different than being at home. Instead of thinking of what I want for Christmas, I've been trying to focus on what I can give the Savior this Christmas. Because if you haven't noticed he already gave us the greatest gift possible which is ETERNAL LIFE AND THE ATONEMENT. Sister Wheeler and I are giving the Savior a baptism for Christmas this year. What are you going to give the Savior for Christmas? Think about it and then do it. And then tell me about it. hehe.

Our investigator Michelle CAME TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY WITH HER CHILDREN!!!!!!! We died. She is literally a miracle she hasn't been taught in a month and then we went over to her house last week (her schedule is crazy) and she was like "I want to be baptized. I love the Lord and want to show him I love him" and I was like GET CHANGED LETS DO THIS. And then she came to church. Ugh it was so great. She is so ready to be baptized. She wants to be baptized on Feb 24th (sentimental reasons) but little does she know she is getting baptized on December 26. We are working on it. Lolz. But she is seriously so so great. Yesterday was stake conference and it was being broadcast from Ridgecrest, and whaddayaknow, the whole broadcast went out for an hour and we all sat there waiting awkwardly. OF COURSE the one Sunday our investigator comes to church. But she is going to keep coming so it's all good.

We had another lesson with one of our other investigators, Crystal, this week. We thought we were going to drop her but when we came for the lesson she was there with her kids and her mom which never happens!!! (she usually just doesn't come) It was so awesome. And a blessing.

Ok so there is a thousand things to write and I don't want to annoy you with a 10 page letter.

This week we went over to a potentials to set up a lesson and I said "can I share a scripture before we go?" and I read on accident this scripture "Repent ye and be baptized" In alma. HAHAHAHAHAH it was so funny. After I read it I was like "ya know I just love that scripture..." I'm still laughing about it.

On Friday we had zone meeting in Lone Pine, another random town that happens to be touristy. It was suuch a good meeting and we made lots of goals. One of them is a covenant list. If you want special blessings, you have to make special sacrifices. We want 3 new investigators every week, so we are each going to make special sacrifices, start doing things, and stop doing things, so we can reach that goal.

This week I was reading a lot about mercy and justice. God is a just God that HAS to follow laws or else he would cease to be God. Jesus is the ONLY way that we can come back to Heaven because no unclean can dwell with God. He has already suffered for our sins and afflictions- He isn't waiting until we sin to suffer for it- He already did a long time ago. It would be so stupid of us to not take advantage of that and use the Atonement to help us be forgiven and to help us change. Food for thought.

I'll send pictures in a little bit but I love you all and hope you are doing well. Good luck with finals and remember C's get degreees!!!!!

Week 3: BISHOP CALIFORNIA WHAT IT IS WHAT IT DO

MY FAMBALY!!!!!!!!!!

Ugh I am so happy to be emailing you right now. I've been looking forward to it for dayzzz. 

So so so so much has happened this week. They say that you experience the highest highs and the lowest lows. AND AIN'T THAT THE FREAKING TRUTH.

So I left the MTC on Monday. What a sad day. I actually really LOVED the MTC. I was so surprised. I learned so much and had a great time, so it was kinda sad to go. But not that sad because I was gettin outta dat cold weather. There were 14 other missionaries flying to Bakersfield. We landed and walked off the plane to the runway. It was 80 degrees and not a cloud in the sky and I thought "I HAVE ARRIVED IN THE PROMISED LAND". We met President and Sister Wilson who I love so dearly. They remind me so much of you mom and dad. They kinda look like you too. 

We had missionary orientation stuff and then we went out tracting with the Sister training leaders for an hour. It was fun! Then we spent the night with the Davis couple, who are members. They have an orange tree in their backyard, and the next morning Sister Davis made legit freshly-squeezed orange juiced, and I did indeed cry as I drank of that goodness. Then we went back to the church for transfer meeting. 

All the new missionaries came into the chapel with President as all the other missionaries were singing "Called to Serve". And whaddayaknow, I started crying. All the missionaries leaving bore their testimonies and it was literally so hot in there because I was feeling that missionary fire. Then they got to the transfer business. After a long wait I heard, "And serving in Bishop, Sister Harmon will be training with Sister Wheeler". AND MY HEART SANK. I wanted to cry. Of all places in the entire mission, I was going to serve in the coldest place WHERE IT SNOWS and there are only one set of sisters up there. The odds were so slim. And yet they were in my favor. 

I asked to go to the bathroom and I just cried like a baby. I know I sound pathetic, but it totally crushed my spirits completely. We left Bakersfield at about 1:00 and got to Bishop at 9:00 that night. 

A little bit about Bishop: 

Population: 3,750. There is no Walmart here. The only stores are Vons, Smart and Final, and Kmart. 

The Ward: There are 300 members, and less than 40 are active. We got some work to do. 

The scenery: We have an amazing view of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It is insanely breathtaking, I admit. 

The next few days were up and down. I was really struggling with accepting the fact that I got transferred to the boonies of the mission in a po-dunk town in the middle of nowhere where it's freezing cold. I broke down bawling the second day I was there. On Saturday I was really struggling with everything. I called the STL's and they said I should get a blessing. I called the Elder's and they gave me a blessing and it was so beautiful and comforting. Elder Thunhorst is this 18 year old kid, but he is a worthy priesthood holder who is so mature and amazing. After the blessing I felt so much better. Even though it's not easy, I feel so much better. 

This week we visited a lot of potentials, less-actives, and members. It's so humbling being here- mostly everywhere we go there are trailer parks, and the people who live in them are so kind. This week we visited a recent convert named Bob Shae. We read the Book of Mormon with him every Wednesday and Saturday. He is so awesome. We read outside of his trailer. He has such great faith. His personal life is soooo hard and yet he is so converted and lives his religion like it's nobody's business. And he always gives the sisters cactus cooler drinks every time. Lolz. 

We visited a potential named Rich Butterfield. He is a BIG tall man in his 60's with a burly beard. So basically Hagrid. He came out and we started talking about the Book of Mormon and God and he says, "Yeah, I've seen God. I saw him... and then he vaporized... He was wearing like a cheese cloth typa clothing... I know how to dive.... Do I still have to get baptized?" I am still laughing about that one. 

On Sunday I was asked to give a talk as well as the other new Elder, Elder Pacheco. OH, ok so there are 3 sets of missionaries in the ward- elders, sisters, and a senior missionary couple. We spent Thanksgiving at their house with some members and investigators. 

Anyways, Sunday. After Sacrament, Sister Wheeler and I were asked to teach Primary and Gospel Principles. We taught Gospel Principles to Bob Shae on the Atonement. He is AMAZING. After everything we said he says, "I believe that happened!! And I think about it all the time! I know Jesus did all that for us!" And in my head I'm thinking you go Glen Coco!! He is such a stud!! 

After Gospel Princples we found out that it was the combined 5th Sunday, and that Sister Wheeler and I were the teachers! Lolz. The lesson went well thankfully. Does all that count as proselyting? Lolz. 

Thank you SO MUCH FOR MY PACKAGE!!! It was so well-timed and I am so so happy I have warm clothes now!!! It means so much to me to have a family that supports me and loves me. I love you guys so much. 

After my first week in the field, I have learned a lot so far. My goal is to be bold and invite everyone to come unto Christ so that I leave with no regrets. 

Well I reread this letter and it sounds so sad and sucky. But there have been some good moments too. There is a family that's all getting baptized in a couple weeks that the elders have been teaching. They are so strong and so awesome. Without asking, the dad asked all 4 of his sons one by one, "are you going to be baptized? Do you want to be baptized?" They are so great.

I have been playing the piano SO MUCH while I've been here. It's amazing!! I'm so excited to be forced to practice all the time now, lolz.

My biggest lesson I have learned this week is faith. If I want a miracle, I have to be obedient and be faithful. I was reading in Moroni today (finalllllly finishing the BOM again yas) and we talked all about how if we choose to have faith in Jesus Christ, he will bring about miracles that we seek. I know it's true, and that's my goal this week- have unwavering faith. If I work hard, invite others, and be obedient and do all I can, then I can leave the hard stuff up to God and he can give me the miracles that my companion and I seek in Bishop. 

I have no time but I love you all so much and hope you are all fat from Thanksgiving cuz I'm not!! (sarcasm... my diet starts today)

This is me and Sister Krause in the MTC. She's going to NYC what it do. We worked out together and did the triangle face at all times and in all things and in all places.

Bishop trailer parks for days

The mission logo! 

Week 2: WUZ GUUD IN YO NAYBUHOOD

Hey family!!

I'm so excited to write you this week. There is literally no time for freaking writing emails!!!!! It's such a joke. They're like "hey we really want you to write your families and share all your experiences, it's SUPER important. So you got 5 minutes. The church is true elders and sisters!!"

Man. Seriously what a week. So many things to tell ju about.

First off, I have probably seen 12-14 people I know at the MTC! It's been so fun to run into people and giggle and cry. I haven't cried. But at some point I will. Surprisingly I don't cry all the time which is good. I thought I'd be a mess.

I have been able to use my talents so much at the MTC! I play piano every day, and I am playing for sacrament and relief society again. ERMERGERSH GERS WHERT!! We got 2 new districts in our zone, and ONE OF THEM IS ASL ALSO KNOWN AS AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE. I am so so so excited. Me and Sister Pincock have been learning sign to talk to them and it's been a lot of fun. They are all really sweet. On Sunday I am going to play piano, Elder Bingham is going to sing Nearer my God to thee, and then one of the ASL members is going to sign the song. Ugh it's gonna be sick. Yesterday I saw a member of the branch presidency (we were waiting to go into a room to practice) and he says, "What are you elders and sisters waiting out here for?" and I was like "OH MY GOSH GUESS WHAT WE ARE DOING!!" I totally startled him. Lulz.

On that note, my 2 main teachers and branch presidency have been absolutely amazing. I was nervous I'd get stuck with some really sucky teachers but I have been amazed at their teaching and how much I've learned. I feel so lucky to have had them. #blessed

On Sunday we watched a devotional from Elder Bednar called "The Character of Christ". It was truly amazing. The biggest takeaway I got out of it was Christ always turns outward when we would usually turn inward. The moments when it's easy to be selfish and not help others are the moments when Christ would turn outwards.

We started teaching a real investigator in the TRC this week. K SERIOUSLY THOUGH IT'S BEEN FREAKING AMAZING. Her name is Kaylee and she's from Korea, and I am 99% sure she's a real investigator. We've taught her the first three lessons, and she's committed to baptism! But the biggest thing for me is literally I haven't taught a single thing- the spirit has. Last night we were supposed to teach her the gospel of Jesus Christ, and there were some things going on that made it so I was having a really hard time feeling the spirit and feeling ready to teach. Right before we got into our lesson we prayed to invite the spirit and everything, and the lesson was literally amazing. Me and Sister Pincock were moist with wet faces by the end. It was awesome.

I am literally a freak at the MTC. I run out talking in 5 different accents and bugging the crap out of everyone. I'll go into the cafeteria and be like BEEDEEPBOPBOPEBOOP I HUNGEE!! And everyone's like who is this martian. I love my district though.

The best part of the MTC is how much the spirit is with me. I have grown SO MUCH while being here. I am so excited to go out and teach and I am not even nervous. I know I don't have it all down and that I still have so much to learn and do, but **eyes open wider and turn to the ceiling** I'm not the real teacher here.

EVERYONE SAYS I'M LESLIE KNOPE. I usually end up on the floor in tears every time.

Giggly moments
- I heard a story where a nun attacked a missionary. These are the last days.
- Sister Pincock and I were talking about how our investigator was saying to us how she likes a lot of different churches but she just doesn't know which one to join. Sister Pincock throws down her pen and says, "Boy do I have a story for you." I kid you not we were crying from laughing.


I don't know what else to tell you other than it's been great here. I thought I would be such a mess and just cry and miss everyone and hate it here. But I don't which is a huge bonus. I leave Monday morning for Bakersfield and I'm so excited YASSSS.

MERCH LERVE!!

Week 1: HEY FAMBALY

Hey everyone! I hope you guys are all doing great. I hope you aren't too sad still. I miss you guys but it's good that I'm here.

So we said goodbye and I walked through the doors and the INSANITY BEGAN. I got my name tag and put it on and I was like oooo I'm a seeester now! And then I got some packet stuff and then the host sister took me to my residence hall to drop my stuff off. The room has 6 beds in it and so far I was the first to drop everything off. She took me to my classroom and I met my beloved companion, Sister Pincock. She's literally the nicest person on the planet, and I'm not just saying that. She is so nice, caring, excited to learn, and she laughs at my jokes which is huge cuz they're usually dumb. I totally thought I was going to have a companion like the german companion on the movie "Sisters in Zion", so I am THRILLED to have a companion that's pumped to be here.

We were supposed to be in a trio and the other sister never came, which is too bad. We are actually the only sisters in our district, and our zone, so guess who is the new sister training leader?!?!?!??!? Lolz. We'll get more sisters this Wednesday so that will be good. For Relief Society this Sunday it will be just me and my comp and then branch presidency sisters. Lolz. But those ladies are super awesome and fun so it will be great.

The Elders are.... young. Every time the inevitable question of "how old are you" gets brought up within our district, zone, or meeting other elders, they all just kind of give me this look when I say I graduated in 2011 or I'm 22. It's kind of funny. This elder in my district started talking about girls and said, "Ya know, I just really like my white girls" and I was like, "So elder how do you feel your mission is going so far?" So far Sis Pincock and I have been given the name "Sisters from the hood" because of both our swag and swerve.

On our first night we had a ton of missionaries come together and we all acted as one large companionship and tried to answer this investigator's questions. It was a disaster on our part because everyone's answers were all over the place, but it was a really good learning experience. The pattern I learned is you need to ask questions, LISTEN, teach, and testify. Das it. There was one point when this investigator had made a comment and an elder grabbed the mic and said, "oh my gosh I have a funny story that totally goes with that" and then he shared the story and then we heard crickets as we waited for the reason he shared that story. And there was none.

In our district there is 1 comp of sisters (us), 1 comp of elders, and 1 trio. On our first night we were all leaving to follow the zone leaders down the stairs to go on a tour of the MTC, and one of the elders in the trio all of a sudden went missing. They found him at McDonalds with all his luggage, I kid you not. So now we have 6 people in our district. Kinda crazy. But people have their agency, and I'm happy that all the everyone in our district is happy to be there.

I actually really like my district. Everyone has opened up a lot more and we are all pretty good friends.We got really lucky and have some really great teachers who really care. I've been learning a lot even in the past 2 days.

ERMERGERSH THERE IS A SPECIAL ROOM FOR PEOPLE WITH FOOD ALLERGIES I CAN'T EVEN. It is amazing. Not only do they have refrigerated food in there but they also have hot meals that don't have anything in them. It's amazing. The foods not that bad, but then again I'm only here 12 days.

Mom, I really regret not playing piano. I regret even more saying I play the piano because now I'm playing the piano for sacrament. So hopefully I don't botch that up!

Yesterday was great. We had gym time and there are 2 gyms- one with courts and a track and then the fitness center with weights. I found another sister who really wanted to do weights too so we went on splits and worked out together. Ugh it was so much fun. And then we all played lightning on the court and I am embarrassed at how much fun I had. On Sunday we are going on a Sunday walk to the Provo temple and I'm like OH MY GOSH SUNDAY WALK FREE TIME YAS!! It's hilarious how I am literally so excited about going on a walk. I love the MTC though. The schedule is super great and super busy, holy cow. And now my comp and I are in charge of more stuff cuz we are sister training leaders but it's good too! OH and she is going to Bakersfield too!! There are some other elders we found that are going to Bakersfield too but they aren't in our district. They are probably scared of me because when I found out they were going to Bakersfield I lost my head because I was so excited.

And I've already had dreams about being a missionary. I had a dream last night that I was doing Obama's laundry and then I realized I was breaking the rules because I didn't have a companion with me. Then I ran into some guy and he said, "Oh you're a missionary? What's your purpose?" And I said, "Well my purpose is to invite others to come"-- and then I woke up myself up because I was talking in my sleep.

Anyways I'm doing great, love you all and CTR!


Sister Harmon

Bakersfield, California

Well here I am. I get set apart as a full-time missionary tonight, and tomorrow I embark on the greatest adventure of my life. I can't believe this day is already here. I'll be serving in Bakersfield, California for the next 18 months and my brother will be updating this blog weekly. My addresses and email is listed on my picture above. 

As nervous and terrified as I am right now (because I won't lie, I am utterly terrified), I know it what's I'm supposed to do. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve other people in the most meaningful way, and I'm so excited for the wonderful experience that's ahead. I know that God is going to help me every step of the way, and I know that if I do all I can, He'll make up the difference.

Bakersfield here I come!!!  

Bangor, Maine

[BangOR is how you pronounce it btw]

Wow. This was the chillest, most fun trip I’ve been on yet. I had a blast. I left super early Thursday morning to get to the airport. I was really hoping to get my mission call the day before so I wouldn’t have to wait, but fate would have it otherwise. My call came the day I flew out. God must have a sense of humor. I flew to Philadelphia where we had a layover that practically lasted a lifetime. Which, if you’ve never been to that airport, is the worst airport to get stuck in. I had Carter, Chris, and Brittany there so I wasn’t alone which made it bearable. Oh and we also had this bike. 

Oh my gosh I forgot to mention what happened on my first flight! Lolz. I decided to take 2 Benadryl’s so I could sleep the 5-hour flight away. I had a window seat right behind the first class celebs so I had a lot room and there was no one sitting in the middle seat, so I had plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable. About halfway through the flight I woke myself from my sleep talking, which there was no recovering from. I think I tried to pretend I was talking on the phone when I woke up, which, HAHA THERE IS NO SERVICE ON PLANES. I went back to sleep and when I woke up, I asked the girl next to me if we were about to land. She completely ignored me. I think she thought I was sleep talking again.

The flight to Maine was short, and the lady I was sitting next to was named Cathy, and she called herself chatty Cathy, and that name could not have fit her better. She is such a sweetheart. She told me all about her life how she and her husband travel and cruise around the world – they’ve gone on 6 cruises this year already! What an adventurer. That flight was the most gorgeous flight I’ve ever taken- the sky was completely blanketed in an insanely beautiful cloud. It was amazing. And of course I had to get a pic with chatty Cathy. 

As it turned out, our race director flew us out a day early on accident. On Friday there really wasn’t anything to do, so we just packaged metals and color packets together, went to Chipotle, and set up for PPU. Super chill. That night we had our super meet and then we went out for our staff dinner. The staff was super small- only 16 people. It was really nice not to have a huge group though. We went to this place called McLaughlin’s that looked like a 2 story house that was totally open to the outside. In the front there was a fireplace and an area to hang out, and it was right along this little marina with all these trees on the other side of the river. It was so gorgeous.  It was there that I had my first lobster experience. It was really fun to have a lobster just sitting right in front of me and trying not to think about the life it had before being caught, and the kids it had/ wanted to have. Maybe it even had dreams of becoming something other than dinner.  I had a bib on and everything and had to pull the lil lobsert apart. The bib did not help- I still have butter all over my jacket. What is it with me and getting food all over myself EVERY MEAL?

The next day we had PPU and setup at the venue, which was right alongside a super pretty river. We got done SO fast- everyone just worked super hard together and got their stuff done. It was awesome. We got back to the hotel at about 7:45- it was fantastic. I’ve never gotten done that early with PPU and setup. It almost felt like we had cheated- how could we already be done? That’s basically how I felt with the whole trip- it was so easy. That night we went to downtown Bangor which was pretty cute and laid back and had some fish tacos because I have eaten fish tacos every time I am out of town (I just barely realized this). 

The next morning we only had to get up at 4:40- again- what?! In Amarillo we had to be ready to go by 4am! The sun rises at about 5am in Bangor so it felt like the morning was already over by the time the race started. We got all cleaned up by ONE O CLOCK!!!! Like we were driving home by 1!! It was pure insanity.

We got all ready, and then Brittany, Connor, Carter, Chris, and I drove 2 hours to Portland to go see the Portland Head Light. OH MY GOSH. It was unreal. It was insanely beautiful and picturesque. I was amazed. Intrigued. Enlightened. Romanced. Lolz. It was really foggy and drizzly, but it was still super pretty. We took some pics and then got ice cream which made me sicky (when will I ever learn) and then headed back to Bangor. I am so glad we made the trip down there. I wouldn’t have experienced Maine without seeing a lighthouse, and when am I ever going to go back to Maine? Probz never which is extremely unfortunate cuz it's probably the prettiest state in the USA.

The next day our flight wasn’t until 3:30PM, so we took a little road trip to Acadia National Park, which is one of the islands in Maine right on the coast. Oh my GOSH it was seriously so beyond beautiful. We drove around and saw all these islands and boats in the ocean in the bay. We walked to this place called Jordan Pond, a mini lake in this wooded forest area, and it was gorgeous. Then we were driving and saw this dock area with all these boats in the little harbor area that led out to the ocean. Me and Chris got out and took some peectures- and I saw a jelly fish!! I'm still mad at myself that I didn't touch it. And guess what I just realized. This summer I touch the Pacific ocean and the Atlantic ocean. I say touched because I didn't go swimming while in Maine. My finger just touched the ocean. It still counts.

I am honestly still blown away by how beautiful that state is.

The Bangor airport is the smallest airport I have ever been to in my entire life. The arrivals and departures weren’t even on an electric screen- they were on like a menu board like you’d see at McDonalds! It was insane. Oh and there were 4 gates. What a zoo. Then we made it to Philly once again. And guess what? Another layover. I was literally dying to get home so I could open my call. I finally got home at 1AM instead of 9:30, and my fam was waiting for me with a map so I could get right to it! I’ll talk about my mission call in another post.

I realized today that Maine was my last Color Run trip, which is so depressing. I have had the most amazing experiences working for The Color Run. What an amazing chapter in my life to have to close! I am so grateful for the people I worked with, the skills I gained, the places I got to see, and all the fun I had. And I can’t believe I got to count it as my internship and get school credit! Wowza. The Color Run really is the #happiest5kontheplanet. 

Best summer ever.