Hey family!!!
Sad to say this will be the last
email I will ever write as Hermana Harris. Honestly, it has been a long journey
but I can say without a doubt that the Haleigh Harris that left the airport 18
months ago does not exist anymore. The Haleigh Harris that is coming home has
had her entire life changed all because of a person named Hermana Harris. I
have learned in my mission that completely “losing yourself in the work” isn't
just a phrase to stay focused but has a very literal side. When you turn your
whole life over to him, you start to lose the natural man inside. I lost the
silly little things that kept me from the Spirit, the bad habits of my childhood,
and really learned how to be dependent solely on the Lord. In this moment, I
really lost myself and became anew. Now don't get me wrong there will is plenty
of the crazy sassy girl who left, but, now, I am a little more of Latina sassy.
Hahaha! I really feel like I left as a child and will return as an adult.
I have seen how Charity is the
key to life through the service to others. If we don't have love for all those who
we encounter we will never see the struggles in the ones around us. I have
learned in the mission to love every single person that comes along the path
because everyone is part of our eternal family. One phrase that I have adopted
in my life is that you have to love everyone, you do not have to like them, but
when you show your love to them you will learn to like them, too. Everyone in
this life just needs someone to show that they care, that they matter, and who
better than Jesus Christ.
We were determined to eat a coconut.
Sister Taylor eventually got it open!
We have a message that really is
unique to the world: We have a Savior that loves us so much that He restored
His truth to this world again. Heavenly Father loves us so much that He answers
our prayers. They both love us so much that we have been given the chance to be
sealed together for time and all eternity. He loves us that He sent a young boy
into the forest to find the golden plates. He loves us so much He sent us the
Book of Mormon and the Bible to guide us in every step of our life. They love
us so much They restored the Priesthood power on the earth so that we can take
the Sacrament each week. Christ loves us so much He suffered a pain incomparable
to anything we will feel so that each day we can get on our knees and cry for forgiveness.
Heavenly Father loves us much so He sent us His beloved Son to come to the
Earth to guide our way.
Elder Oarth's Birthday!
He got lots of frosting to the face. Hahaha!!
I know that He loves the people
of Puerto Rico more than I ever could. I know that I put a smile on His face to
know that I tried to show His love to them for Him. I know our Heavenly Father
lives and loves us so much! I know that He provided a way so that I could come
to Puerto Rico to save a couple souls, including my own. I know that I never
would be the same if I hadn't made the decision to serve a mission. I have
learned so many lessons that truly are irreplaceable. I have learned how to
love, how to teach, to be humble, to serve those around you, how to be a
friend, how to be a companion, how to be a member of this church. I can say
that I am set and driven to have my mission continue to change me from this
moment forward. Because like Holland said, if you go inactive after your
mission, you better cross the street if you see Him. I am NOT crossing no
street! I will face everything that comes my way with the testimony and
knowledge that I have gained here in Puerto Rico! Now, at this time, I can say
I have been strengthened like Nephi, tried to serve like Ammon, and shown my
faith like the Brother of Jared. I know that everyday I can continue to become
more and more like them. That is my testimony. I share it with you all in the
name of Jesus Christ, our beloved Savior, brother, and friend, AMEN!
Con Amor Siempre,
Hermana Harris
Love you Haleigh so much!
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