Ola! got your letter and packages mom! thanks so much!  Sounds like some crazy stuff is going on back home and tell Elizabeth I love her!!! She was always the sweetest to me and the one I visited a couple times a week for a few weeks in young womens.  Good to hear from everyone!  Did anyone make a snowman?  haha that's always a bummer when you're stuck at Georgetown school with less supplies and room and stuff.  we haven't really had any snow. mostly just frost.  Our team-up last night took us to see some Christmas lights last night the few minutes we had before we had to get home. It was sweet!!! Sister Howard said she'll take us around Christmas Eve because she knows a really sweet place to go.

 

So crazy that everyone will be home. I get to Skype here so I'll get to see faces too. Sweetness!  I'm not sure if I prefer that or a phone call. haha The boots Debbie gave me should be just great. I got some socks that I wear over my tights and that's kept my feet really warm.  Kansas weather is SO odd.  It was like 56 degrees yesterday and it's about the same today then it'll randomly switch to 17 again.  so fun. haha  And Christmas is CHRIST-mas.  it's just a fact :) When you take Christ out of it it's merry mas. and that REALLY doesn't work. just makes everyone sound selfish. haha (hope someone else thought that was funny ;)

 

At the last zone conference they showed us the Christ video "To this End was I Born"  Sheesh it has hard parts to watch.  I was bawling.  But it shows how incredible the Atonement is. how Perfect Jesus Christ is as well and how He knew what He came here to do. 

 

Also, I'm sending a package out to the family for Christmas.  So you'll probably be surprised to find what's inside but feel free to guess anyways. haha

 

Katrina! right now it's colder in Idaho than in  Kansas!    Sounds fun to be able to get out and exercise. I just do this workout thing everyday but apparently it's more than a lot of missionaries. A lot of them just stretch, but I don't want to get fat from all the sweets and dinners we get every day.  Ah!!    I'm trying to work the Sugar out of my system.  We have cookies, brownies, little cheese cake bites, and our investigator Pam gave us a box of Sees candy. MMmmmm  Good luck on finding a job! I'll pray for you! (since that's the only way I can help, but it's pretty effective not gonna lie :)

 

Greg and Ashley! thanks for the pictures!! Brynnlee is so precious!! I bet it'll be awesome at Christmas time with everyone with their kids and everything.  You could get an almost completely updated family photo!!!! 

 

Nichole, I think it's every updated family photo we get you're pregnant. haha  that's how being a mom goes though right?  When do you find out what you're having?  And happy early birthday and since you're birthday is extra special I'll Skype you ok? haha

 

Also, I'm staying here in Emporia which I am soooo grateful for.  We've got a lot to do still :)  Rhonda has been reading the 12 scriptures we gave her and other investigators from the Book of Mormon about the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. So awesome!!!  We read with them if they haven't read and some of them have been surprised that the Book of Mormon isn't quite what they thought it was, it's better. haha  So exciting.  She and Brandon and Tony are just so awesome.  The picture that we all took together they put on their Christmas tree. We feel super special. Did I tell you Tony calls us the Dynamic Duo? baha

 

We've been talking with a lady named Marsha.  So she is super sweet and can talk about anything.  We love talking with her.  She attended the LDS church for 4 years actively and had callings but was never baptized.  One day she just stopped and she's not sure why but she doesn't want to go back.  She has read the Book of Mormon through once before but she said she'll start it again.  We're hoping she'll let us start actually teaching her some lessons but she's pretty reserved about that.  She  likes visiting, but hopefully if she starts the Book of Mormon we'll have more church stuff to talk about. 

 

We also have gone to see Kathleen who is a knitting pro and congratulated me on my knitting skills cause I made a head warmer band thing during my lunches and P-day and stuff. haha haven't worn it yet, but it'll keep my ears warm when I need it!  :) Bow and everything, haha  She's been taught everything by missionaries and has seen them for the last 50 years or so.  We talked to her about the plan of salvation, but she said she doesn't even know if she has faith.  Sister Tycz (Pronunciation is: Ice with a T just for you Ashley! haha) and I thought about what we could give her for another of the 12 days of Christmas and thought the Finding Faith in Christ video would be best.  We hope she'll watch it soon :)

 

Also, more good news! Daniel and Kim decided to go back to church and I think Linda will too now. So happy! thanks to Sister Mortensen for giving me updates. 

 

Matt and Izak are so hilarious.  We taught them the plan of Salvation and they had some awesome deep questions.  They also said they don't know why they smoke because they don't even like it. haha makes no sense. 

 

Sister Tycz and I got Christmas sweaters for our zone's Christmas party which was sweet! where we watched that Christ video and were fed a TON. haha We had interviews with our Mission President Bell which was cool.  HE told me to take 20 minutes, pray for ten and listen for the other ten.  I did it that night and got some cool thoughts and answers.  The Spirit always will tell us the truth! and tell us something that's best rather than good, or better. 

 

I'm so excited for what this week will bring.  I never knew I'd get so excited when someone reads a bit out of the Book of Mormon, even if it's only a verse or chapter.  Being a missionary is so rewarding and I love love love the people here and hope we can find even more this week.  Thanks for your love and letters!  I'll e-mail you next week with some pictures and I hope you'll get my and Sister Tycz's Christmas letter/pictures before Christmas :)  Love you!!!

-- Love always and forever

Sister Harston

So Winter means Christmas and it's almost here!! Ah!!! Tony and Rhonda already said we could come over Christmas day for lunch with their family. haha Even though one of their family members doesn't really like Mormons.  They are so awesome!!!  But first I gotta ask how you all are doing!? Are Christmas preparations crazy or what? 

 

Nichole!! I need a pregnant picture :) haha Can't believe you're fourth kid will be there soonish.  I think I need a list of everyone's birthdays so I can keep track of how old you people are. haha

 

One of the Less active ladies we visit, Janet!, is super duper sweet.  She runs her own day care and all the kids love her.  She said that she can see a light in Mormon's eyes in general and said she'd come to the ward Christmas party, but unfortunately didn't make it there.  We gave her another copy of the Book of Mormon though and she wants to start reading it again :) It's a powerful little book that is for sure!! I'm still working on knowing where things are so I can whip them out when the time is right.

 

We talked to Matt Simmons on his doorstep again.  haha We haven't ever been able to set a real appointment with him so we haven't been able to bring anyone with us.  Izak wasn't there cause apparently he works on an oil rig somewhere for 2 weeks then comes back for a week. Crazy schedule.  But we gave Matt a Restoration pamphlet and he pinned it up on his wall because he was excited to have a  picture of Jesus. haha  "You got to read it first Matt"  we told him. haha pretty funny though. 

 

A little about the Jensens (the members we live with)  They are awesome!! Sister Jensen reminds me of Grandma Harston honestly.  She knows an incredible amount about the gospel and has an unshakable testimony.  Sister Tycz and I had some questions about Jesus Christ's atonement and the other worlds that He created and also about what things we do after we die.  It was a long conversation but my mind is much clearer now :)  I'm learning so much everyday it's AWESOME!!!  one hour of personal study just isn't long enough anymore. haha

 

Tim, one of our investigators committed to go to church this Sunday!!! (which unfortunately was cancelled, we were devastated, but next Sunday!) He is super nice and interested in learning more which totally surprised us because he's covered in tattoos and looks kind of rough.  I just proves to us again that anyone can be ready for the gospel!!!!  We can make a judgment that makes them live their life without even knowing the fullness is here!   Scary thought.  I know without a doubt that this Gospel blesses individuals and families.  it fills you up in ways that no food or addiction ever could.  It sustains me and buoys me up.  And I still have sososososooo much to learn. 

 

During zone training this week they scared us all half to death.  They said that the Mission President had sent a voicemail that he wanted us all to listen to saying, "The prophet has just made a change.  Since there are so many missionaries coming out now on missions, their shortening each missionaries' mission by 6 months."  Everyone was really somber and Sister Tycz started crying immediately.  I just kept thinking, it's not true, it can't be true.  And FORTUNATELY it wasn't.  It was a serious eye opener though.  Time is precious!!  We got to use every minute like it's the last week of our mission and time is running out.  Sister Tycz and I had just been talking the day before about how we only have 10 transfers left!  Time is going too fast and my training will be done by next week.  My goodness, it also showed how much I love being out here!  It's not always super exciting, and not everyone is home or wants to talk to us when we knock on their doors, but it is absolutely worth it and I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. 

 

 For example, these are the moments every missionary loves.  Tony and Rhonda came to the ward Christmas party!!! and members of the ward came up and said hi and welcomed them too.  we were hoping some members would come and sit with us, but that's ok.  Tony even knew a couple people from a place he worked at many years ago and also one from high school. It was priceless when he shook Jo Zabriskie's hand and said do I look familiar to you?  she was at a loss til he said he was Tony and she said Tollet??  Yep! haha The last couple days Sister Tycz and I went over to Tony and Rhonda Tollet's to help them set up their Christmas tree and such.  We got to teach them the Plan of Salvation which they said really made sense to them.  The next day we talked with them and they were laughing about how I know all the old movies and TV shows and Sister Tycz knows all the new ones. baha  (Glass Bottom Boat, the Carol Burnet show, etc. They know them!) We taught them about Joseph Smith and the Restoration and showed them the 20minute video about it.  I could definitely feel the Spirit and I think they did too.  They're Methodist and said that our religion believes a lot of the same things, but where we're different, we're really different. haha  They love us and we love them SOOO much!  They've both said they're adopting us and tony said he worries about us walking the streets when there are bad people around, even in Emporia. So sweet.  I've attached a picture of them by the way :) 

 

Also, Katrina, I don't know if you remember my password, but could you accept Rhonda's friend request for me on facebook?  That would be sweet :)  And I got your package!!! yay ;) and I didn't even open it yet although you're killin' me, you're really killin' me. hahah  THANK YOU!!!

 

I also got the letters that family wrote at Thanksgiving which was super fun to read.  :D LOVED it!!!

 

The roads are skating rinks here. so pretty but kinda iffy. haha   But our investigator Debbie gave me some of her boots that she doesn't fit anymore!!! So sososoo thoughtful, I was about to cry it was so nice of her. plus some DELICIOUS homemade bread. oooh so good. 

 

My goal this week is to learn more about the Atonement and make our visits more effective. We just love them so much we have to know how everything is going with them that we end up staying too long. haha But I just started Jesus the Christ and I'm super excited to read it when I can between studying the scriptures and Preach My Gospel.   I know that The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real.  That He came to this earth.  I read 3 Nephi 19 this morning and it really made me rethink my own prayers.  It talks about Jesus Christ praying for the people.  Christ just thanks Heavenly Father for the gift and blessing He gives to the people.  He wants them all to enjoy the blessings of having the Holy Ghost which is truly an amazing gift from our Father in Heaven.  I love feeling that in my heart, and Knowing truth because of him.  In verse 34 it says, "Nevertheless, so great and marvelous were the words which he pared that they cannot be written, neither can they be uttered by man."  That really made me rethink about how wimpy my prayers sometimes are, like please bless me with this, and please bless me with that.  Yeah we do need help sometimes, but our focus should really be thanks and praying for others and their specific challenges and needs.  It adds to the definition of forget yourself and go to work.  I know prayer works!!! I pray for our investigators often, that they will pray and recognize the answer they get to their prayers.  I know this is the truth because I can feel it.  Just like I can't describe what salt tastes like, I can't describe what the Holy Ghost does for me, but I am thankful that he helps change my heart and will to align with my Loving Heavenly Father.  (Also see Matthew 15:30 and take note of the word WITH.  I'd never noticed before that the people didn't get to Jesus' feet by themselves)

 

Love you all and hope things are tooooo crazy around the Christmas season.  Everybody stay warm!! Taylor told me it's supposed to snow there. Burr!!  I'll let you know about transfers next week if we're even going to be transferred (I sure hope not we got more work to do!) haha 

-- Love always and forever

Sister Harston

So good to hear about the family Thanksgiving in Idaho!!!  And can't wait to get all those precious notes from everyone who was in California for Thanksgiving to :)  That's nice that it's not a very long break between seeing them.  Are Nichole and Justin and family flying down for Christmas?  I haven't gotten Katrina's package yet, but I think it got stuck at the mission home and will hopefully be here soon.  As for where to send it, I don't think I'll be transferred so you could probably just send here to the 2090 Fanestil address. then i'll get it quicker.

 

And also I might need a few things for warmth. It's supposed to be a high of 20 degrees here on Friday. Burr!!! Fortunately we have the car this week, but next week might be a little frigid if you know what I'm sayin. So don't want to make it difficult for ya but maybe some long sleeve shirts, and a cardigan and fleece lined tights or something?  I have a couple pairs of tights but we can't seem to find them at the Wal-Mart here and we haven't been able to shop anywhere else really. 

 

I'm so excited for Marissa!! I tried to e-mail her and I think she might be in the same area as a couple of the Elders who were in my district.  I'm so excited she doesn't have to wait anymore.  She's going to be such a strong spanish missionary.  Love her!

 

Thanksgiving here was great. We seriously had like 3 meals and Sister Tycz and I could barely eat our cereal the next morning. haha  The first one was at the Starr's house and so it was a pretty big get together.  Jeremy Starr dared Sister Tycz and I to eat a concoction of his making and said he'd buy us Christmas sweaters if we did.  so since awesome ugly Christmas sweaters were on the line, we agreed. haha  so the combo was gross. I'll be honest.  Fortunately we only had to eat a mouthful but he mixed this melty cheddar broccoli cheese with black licorice and nutmeg.  Delicious right? Blegh haha

 

We did get to have Thanksgiving on the 30th with Rhonda and Tony and all their family.  You could tell they were pretty skeptical at first but since we just talked with them and they realized we were normal they warmed up.  We talked with Rhonda's dad Mike for a while. He even started introducing us to the others. haha  They asked for how long we'll be out on a mission, and how we got to go out, so we got to talk a little about the prophet.  They thought it was cool that we're paying for it ourselves.  They also want me to get out to Brazil quick so I don't freeze. haha  They had some pretty good suggestions of where to get boots for Sister Tycz though.  Can't wait to go back and talk with Tony and Rhonda later this week.

 

Right after we ate a ton at Tony and Rhonda's we got to work it off by raking leaves for our investigator Debbie.  I don't think she's really interested in what we have to say.  She just likes venting to us. haha But her friend Debbie started asking some questions.  New investigator!!! She is so sweet.  She's got a few things to work on (like drug addiction, alcohol, and smoking plus she's living with her icky boyfriend)  But there is so much hope for her!! Sister Tycz and I had the awesome experience of viewing her as the Lord sees her.  I was horrible and was thinking there was no way we could teach her because she was a bit drunk and stuff, but once Sister Tycz started teaching her, I prayed to Heavenly Father to help me see her potential.  She really is pretty and would look so good with clear eyes, dressed in white and smiling.  She wants to fix things and blames herself for everything (which we suspect is partly due to the guy she's dating/living with).  The Gospel can bless her and help her so much though!!!!  She could actually be happy and feel she has worth, because it's so true!!!  We want to help her so bad but the best thing for her honestly, is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She wanted to come to church but apparently had work, and her boyfriend doesn't like Mormons either. So we hope he doesn't stop her from coming closer to Christ.

 

Also, after raking for a couple hours, we had to have a bit of fun, so enjoy the crazy pictures! haha

 

The day before Thanksgiving we were going to to see Matt and Izak, who weren't home unfortunately.  So instead we thought we'd do a bit of tracting.  We knocked on a door, and as we started walking away, a lady opened it and her husband drove up at the same time so we were stuck in the middle. haha  We talked with them (Sharen and Rolan) for a bit.  She wasn't interested when we offered her a Book of Mormon, but her husband said he'd take one.  We're excited to talk a bit more!  Also, since we have the car this week we get to go seen the Knolls who live too far away to walk.  We have their names and don't know if they're already members or not, so we'll find out soon!! haha 

 

Oh PS, Sad news some crazy things happened in Dodge City apparently and Kim and Daniel, the recent converts are thinking of withdrawing their membership record because he feels judged now that people know he's done some pretty bad stuff. Since they live with Linda, Linda thinks the church does background checks on everyone and doesn't want to be a part of it.  She loves the Sisters still but doesn't want to be a part of the church :/ Seriously broke my heart to hear this.  I really hope we can still write back and forth though.

 

Anyways, Stephanie's prego?  Oh my goosh soooo exciting!!!!   so she and Nichole will both be due in what month? Also super excited for you Katrina to be in Idaho with Greg and Ashley, what's your/their address??so I can send something for Christmas :D  Also I'm in need of Adam's and Nichole's address and Grandma Harston's and Grandma and Pa Davenports. I think that's all the stamps I have so yeah.  haha  I really hope you find a job though KC! Especially if the medical coding can totally pay off too. If you need a math tutor, um can't help ya. haha but apparently I remember something because I helped a less active lady a week or so ago with her homework. haha random.That's sweet that Kaily and Thomas will be there.  Can't wait to hear your hangout stories :)  Say what?!?!?!  baha it'll be like that here too :)  good luck on Sundays when you have to wear a skirt! haha

 

Well I love you all and know that this Gospel can help us no matter what trials we face, be they large or small.  Our Heavenly Father just wants to help us so much if we would only turn to Him and the example He gave us through His Son Jesus Christ.  I know this church is true without a doubt.  I feel the Holy Ghost testify this to me every single day and it's the best feeling in the world.  I love you all!!!! 

-- Love always and forever

Sister Harston