Thursday, March 31, 2011

A Surprise In The Mailbox:

Mom & Dad,
    I am officially over the hump and all downhill now. It's crazy how much time flies. I will probably be home in no time.

    So I thought I had some things to say but I'm lost for words, so this will be a random letter...

    I hope you know your oldest child is changing. For the better of course. This area that I am in I feel has the potential to help me grow a lot. To show my continued obedience to God and desire to work hard to see miracles. I was really down the other day. I had no desire to do anything. But my companion and I had a special fast, and I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I know Satan has been on me constantly. It has really been as easy to feel his nasty presence as it has to feel and recognize the Spirit. I've learned that trials are a part of the growing experiences, but I also learned that they do come from any disobedience too. I want to make sure that doesn't happen out of punishment!

    So how have your missionary efforts been? I know Echo just got baptized, were you able to go over and help teach, being next door neighbors? When missionaries come over to your home, do they always ask for referrals? That's what we're supposed to do, and I can tell when members get annoyed by it, LOL. (Since we ask so much!)

    My testimony has been so strengthened since I've been here. We may not be teaching many investigators, but we have had success by seeing less active families we work with come back to church. The ward is really nice, but members think that missionary work is just feeding the missionaries and that drives me insane! People don't know how to talk to anyone else that isn't a member and that makes it very difficult as a missionary because that means the load is on you.

    Anyways, I'm starting to run out of things to say but there is something that I would like! A box of random junk food, and batteries and a charger for my camera. I've lost mine and my batteries are dead. (By the way, this will be his THIRD battery charger! Ugh!) And a new camera card would be way awesome. I'd greatly appreciate it. That's probably all that I need. Well, in a month and a half I'll be talking to you guys again already.

Love and miss you bunches! -Corey
PS-Too bad that Jimmer Nation is over! :)

Dear Tyler,
    Words can't descride how thrilled I am to see that you have been called to serve in Croatia! That is so exciting. Foreign mission! How cool is that bro! So anyways, life in the field is chill. Nothin' really much going on here in my area. There is so much potential though. There is no such thing as a "bad" area. You can make every area you're assigned to serve in a good area. I'll tell you, [certain religions] are tough. Most of them don't really care for their own doctrine, they're only that religion because it's a family tradition! I've baptized only one so far on my mission.

    How are you doing? I want to know what you are up to. Any luck on getting another job? You better be reading your Book of Mormon EVERY DAY! Develop that habit now. Also I can tell you if you develop the habit of praying morning and night, if you can do that Tyler, you'll be so much farther along than I was. Believe it or not, prayer is kind of like an art. It takes practice. It's been hard for me, I'll admit, because I'm so tired all the time. Missionary work can be so exhausting, but it's definitely worth all the hard work.

    Mom said something to me that rings so true, that it's okay to be disappointed but not discouraged. I battle that at times just because plans change or people choose to reject the gospel, but I know if I pray for strength, God will always provide. Dude, you're a stronger man than me, you're going to a way harder mission than mine. I give you so much props little brother. I am seriously so proud of you. And because of your tough mission, you're going to have a freaking waaayyy HOT wife! :)

    Well, I love you man. Keep up the good work, tell everyone I say "HEY".

Love, Elder Corey Harris
PS Alma 32:27

Dear Ryan,
    How is school bro? How you been whatcha been up to? :) I heard you're tearing it up in swimming already. That's way cool. So what's up with all the girls now? Like prom stuff? Haha, who is going to be the lucky girl?

    So, life as a missionary is rough right now. I'm in a pretty tough area but I'm not complaining, Tyler's entire mission will be like this. Oh well, it's only 2 years! I'm home in ONE year! That's so crazy! The ward I'm in (Scranton) is pretty big. I get fed a lot which is nice. I saw some young women checking me out, and I thought, "Gross, they're all like Ryan's age." Haha. It's all about the older women. (Don't tell mom this, LOL.)

    Ryan, I don't think you'd believe it but I have changed a lot since I've been out. I'm definitely not as mean and way more sensitive to people's needs. A mission is like a personal rehab to change who you are and become who God wants you to become. To be in this area, I know I'll grow a lot. I'll have to put my trust in God and act in faith for miracles.

    One year left for this blessing. I have to do all that I can to continue to change. I'll be home before you know it. Do all you can to prepare yourself to serve a mission. Become missionary-minded now!! Invite a friend who isn't a member to a combined mutual activity. I promise, if you pray daily for a missionary experience, someone will be baptized from your efforts before you leave. I just felt prompted to share that. Be good Ryan. Take care of Mom. I love you.

Always, Corey

Riley,
    For lack of time, this side is yours, Gabby's is on the other side. You're probably thinking, "Wow, Corey actually wrote a letter!" Haha, I'm blown away too right now!...

    How has everything been? How's school? And learning to play the saxomophone? ;) Stay away from those icky boys. They have cooties!

    My mission has been really fun thus far. I have learned so much. I am also changing a bunch too, you won't believe it. I have only one year left. I want to keep growing all I can. A bunch of "ups and downs" but all the happiness and joy that the "ups" bring make up for all the "downs" we get as a missionary. Riley, always remember to "be strong." There are so many people in the world who hate us for what we are. Always stand up for what we believe in. Never be afraid. I love you Ru. Stay safe, and have fun in all that you do!

Love Always,
Corey

Gabby!!
    How are you doing Bean! How is school? Your reading? Are you able to read my terrible hand-writing? I just wanted to thank you for all of the pretty pictures you send me, it means a lot. I love and miss you soooo much too, you have no idea! I wish I could give you a big hug. You are the best. I think about you all the time. I don't have too much time left, but remember to be good in school, and to your family. And pet Cody on the belly for me. I miss that dumb dog too, haha.

Love always,
Your BIGGEST brother, Corey
PS-Also tell Caroline Wilson HI and give her a hug for me. (I'll always remember when she asked me if I wanted to marry her! LOL)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Dear Harris Clan



First, sorry i am just emailing now, the way we planned p-day today it wouldnt work out to email til just now since we planned to go to philly with some sisters who go home next week. i knew that tyler would have been getting his call and you'd be so anxious to see my reaction., but i am not sure if i got the email to where he is going? soo where is he going?! i want to know so bad!

just kidding.. holy cow slovenia/croatia that is so crazy! i never would have guessed it! a european mission, alright, ryan is going south america for sure! one kid on each continent! that was a cool video, so tyler had trouble saying the country's name, just imagine him trying to learn the actual language! haha! so sorry this will have to be a short one for lack of time, but remember how i said that we had a ton of appointments scheduled for this week? yup, well we had a whopping 14 appointments fall through. so sad, but my comp and i have high hopes for this week, a lot of faith exercising but it'll be all good. so transfers are next week. i'll know by friday night what happens. sorry i really want to discuss the exciting news, ...and braeden is going to London. ;) i love ya guys, i never could have been happier right now, i just feel so great. i hope that you guys have an awesome week and i'll talk to you later!
-corey!
ps the blog looks great! i didnt know that you were keeping track of literally everything!