Elder Harrison Adams 7/18/16 Nags Head, NC

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been full of lots of change! I left Morehead City Wednesday, at 4 in the morning. A member (Brother Willis) drove us all the way to Portsmouth, Virginia. There I waited with some other missionaries while the training missionaries had a meeting. After that I got on the transfer van, drove back down to Elizabeth City, and then spent a little bit of time with the Zone Leaders there while the Nags Head Elders were driving up. When the Nags Head Elders got here, we exchanged and then I headed down to Nags Head. Our house is literally the house right next to the church, and is about a 20 second walk from our door to the church doors. We also live in a beach house, with the English Elders. It's really nice and roomy, I'll be sure to include photos next week. 

The ward here is really nice. Although it's very confusing at the same time. Lots of people have weird last names, there are 4 different Spencer families in the ward, and 2 Buchanan families. Also no one here uses last names, you call everyone by there first name. Our ward mission leader, Paul Spencer, owns the company Spencer Yachts. He makes million dollar yachts. Ironically, he can't afford one of the boats he makes. 

The area here is really nice. We're right on the beach really anywhere we go. And everyone working in restaurants here (other than local restaurants) is foreign. I guess lots of foreign people come here during the summer to work. There are also 100 horse statues on the island. I guess lots of missionaries here try to make it a goal to take pictures with every one of them. Something a little different about this area, is that we don't work in trailer parks very much. The majority of Hispanics around here live in the beach houses. You'll knock on a house, and there will be 20 different Hispanics living in the one house. It's different than what I'm used to. Although we do have a few trailer parks that we work it. 

 We had lots of visitors at church so it was hard for me to know who was just visiting and who was a local. Traffic here is also horrible with all the people coming. But I finally get to drive, which I haven't done in about 11 months. It's nice to know I still remember how to do it! Something that's really impressed he here is the unity of the ward. Everyone here is family. The ward is especially mindful and accepting of the Hispanic population here. Everyone really loves each other, and you can feel that special spirit. We had a service project for a widow, and lots of members came and helped out. They were all joking, laughing together, and talking like they were all best friends. It made me think on how my relationship is, and how it should be, with other people. Since we profess so boldly that we are the only true church of Jesus Christ, we should all strive to be Christlike and show that love to everyone. 

I hope y'all have a good week, and be safe!

-Elder Adams

Elder Harrison Adams 7/11/16 Morehead City, NC/Nags Head, NC

Family and Friends,

To start off, I have some sad and also exciting news. So we had transfer calls, and I will be leaving Morehead City. Elder Gibb will be staying and train a new missionary. It'll be weird to go somewhere else because I've spent 6 months and this ward is my second family. It was really hard to say goodbye to some people. But I'm also excited because I will be going to my new area, Nags Head in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I'll be companions with Elder Martinez again, and we'll be living inside a beach house. So I'm excited for that!

Last week for the 4th, we were able to go with a member family to the beach and watched fireworks there. It was really cool and pretty to see them.

This week we had a really good lesson with an investigator, Johanie. We taught the Book of Mormon. Although, we spaced it and forgot to bring a Book of Mormon for him! Luckily after the lesson, it was close enough to our house that we could just run back and grab one for him. He's my age, 19, and just barely got here from Mexico. He's really a nice guy, and has sincere desires and questions about God. The bishop went out with us to that lesson, and even though he can't speak Spanish, he still was able to help lots. We would ask him questions and then translate his answers to Johanie. 

Other than that not too much exciting has happened this week. We played lots of basketball and tennis in the mornings, with ward members. Brother Cambell and Crandell play basketball with us lots (see photo below) while the bishop and some other members come and play tennis with us. I'll miss that!

Oh I also forgot! So this week two members in the church got married. Ricardo Rubio and Marcella Fletcher. They needed someone to translate a ring ceremony that they were doing so they asked us (the grooms family and friends were Hispanic). So now I've officially translated part of a wedding! 

On a more spiritual note, I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ and for His unconditional love. I don't think I'll ever truly understand what it means to call Him my Savior. But I do know that he suffered for the world. Me included. The Saints, the sinners, and everyone else in that mix. He suffered for us so that He could raise us up to live with God. So that we can enjoy eternal happiness and bliss. A blessing about being in the South is that everyone here has a strong love for Jesus Christ and a strong desire to follow his commandments. Although they don't always agree with what we teach, they do have that love and devotion for their Savior.

I love North Carolina, I love the people here, and I love being a representative of the Savior Jesus Christ! 

Love,

Elder Adams

Elder Harrison Adams 7/4/16 Morehead City, NC

Family and Friends,

Happy 4th of July! 

To start off, we had a really good and enjoyable week this week. One of my dreams came true this week. Me and Elder Gibb were just trying to visit a few people, and they weren't there. Then some little Hispanic kids (around the age of 10, there were 4 of them) yelled from a porch "vamos a jugar?" So we went over and told them we'd play with them for a little bit so they got out their basketball and we played a quick pickup game in the middle of a trailer park! Granted the kids were all really short. And Hispanics are definitely better at soccer, not basketball. But we had a good time playing a quick game with them. After we were able to share a quick message with them, and are hoping in the future that we will be able to teach their parents as well. 

 With it being the week of the 4th, I've been reflecting a lot about freedom and our Independence day. Being here in the United States, I'm not sure I quite understood or appreciated all of the freedoms and things that were available for me growing up. Serving my mission with the Hispanic people here in the United States has broadened my vision. Some words of advice one of my investigators gave me a few weeks ago really stuck with me. We were talking about what we wanted to do as our professions. And after he looked at us, and said "Then go do that. Here, you can do and be whatever you want. Be whatever you want. Don't miss out on that."

Another thought that has been on my mind a lot this week was a comment a member made in my last area. When he first came to American, he had nothing. Then he expressed his love for America, and the wonderful opportunity it gives people. He had just opened his own tire shop and started his own business. A lot of people think the American dream is dead. But it's not. We have such great opportunities here, and I'm grateful to live in this country. 

Along with all of that, some other really good things have happened this week. This fast Sunday our investigator Alex got up and shared his testimony. Our other investigator Chris (the hippy surfer) wore pants to church, so I count that as progress! We've also had a lot of opportunities to teach, and the Spirit has been so strong. Especially coupled with fasting, prayer is such an amazing tool. God answers prayers. 

 Well happy 4th of July! Our plans tonight include going to the Morehead waterfront to watch some fireworks (from there we will also be able to see the fireworks from Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, and Pine Knoll Shores). Be safe!

Love,

Elder Adams 

Elder Harrison Adams 6/27/16 Morehead City, NC

Family and Friends,

Another good here in Morehead City! As of today we have a new mission president. That might take a little while to get used to. But it will be fun as well! 

We spent a lot of time this week helping a family move out of the ward. They will be moving to the Cedar Hills area, by American Fork. It was fun because that's where Elder Gibb is from so they were talking lots about the area. But we helped them paint some walls, varnish their deck, and fill in some holes in the walls. The day of the move came, and we weren't going to be able to make it to help because we had lots of set appointments during that time. Well. All of the appointments cancelled so after all we were able to go and help them move. It wasn't too fun though because we were still in our proselyting clothes, it was the most humid night I've ever had here in North Carolina, and then halfway through the sky decided to dump hot rain on us. We were soaked head to toe but we packed them all up and shipped them off the next day! 

We also had a really good, uplifting district meeting. It was also bittersweet because a good friend of mine, Elder Sommer, gave his farewell testimony. He will be going home tomorrow. I'll include a photo below. 

We also had Ward Conference this past Sunday. It was good to hear from the Stake Leaders, and has just added to my testimony of the leadership of the church. They're not always perfect, but they are called of God and hold keys to execute their responsibilities. After church we had what's called a "Linger Longer." I guess here in North Carolina, and possibly other places as well, after Ward or Stake Conference everyone gets together in the cafeteria and we all eat. People bring lots of different food. The fried chicken was my favorite. 

I hope y'all are having fun where you are, and have a fun (and safe!) 4th of July! 

Love,

Elder Adams

Elder Harrison Adams 6/20/16 Morehead City, NC

Family and Friends,

We had a really good week again here in Morehead City! This week was the Big Rock tournament. It's the largest marlin fishing tournament in the whole United States. If not just the biggest fishing tournament in the whole United States as well. So the little town of Morehead has been packed! Traffic has been pretty bad, and there are lots of people on the roads. We had a few members in the ward participating in the tournament. The grand prize is 1 million dollars. The winning marlin was over 550 pounds! It was funny because we'd be driving down the road and fishes bigger than I am would just be in the back of a truck in front of us. 

This week we also had Zone Conference. It was the last time that we will be seeing President Baker, as President Weed will be the new mission president as of next Monday. It was sad but it was also really cool to hear President Baker talk about how the keys in the mission presidency work. The second that President Weed sets foot in Virginia he will be the new mission president. And the mantle will transfer from President Baker to President Weed.

I also saw my trainer, Elder Berry, for probably the last time.  He will be going home the end of next transfer and we won't be having any more meetings with his Zone before then. Although this week has been sad with goodbyes, I am also excited for President Weed to come in and know that he will be led as a mission president. 

One of our investigators randomly moved. Luckily he moved somewhere in the same trailer park. We just haven't tracked him down yet. We're also struggling to get investigators to church. There is a soccer league for the Hispanics around here and they have games on Sundays. So people are always going to that. But with the frustration also comes blessings through hard work!

We've seen lots of progress with some people, especially as they delve into the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it is sacred scripture. And through reading the Book of Mormon, we will develop a better relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is true. This church is true. And Joseph Smith absolutely saw God the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ. If any of you are having a hard time, just remember that One already came before you. He was a man "acquainted with grief," our grief. Let's never forget that. 

I love y'all, and hope you've had a good week! And a special thanks to all of the fathers out there.

Love,

Elder Adams

Elder Gibb and Elder Adams

Getting ready to play "Oompa Loompa" at Specialized Training.

Elder Harrison Adams 6/13/16 Morehead City, NC

Family and Friends,

This week was a very successful week for us! We were able to find a lot of new investigators, in fact I believe we found more this past week than the whole time me and Elder Gibb have been together combined! We also had the chance to teach lots of people, and had two investigators at church! Alex and Chris. We may have to talk with Chris a little bit though, because he is very loose with his language. I've never heard the f-word in a church building ‘til now. I heard it about 15 times haha! Bless his heart. 

The weather here has gotten pretty warm. Whenever we take off our shoulder bags, your shirt is stained yellow from all the sweat! So we've been having to do laundry almost daily. Also there are bugs everywhere. I've never seen so many bugs in my life! They also have a bad habit of sneaking into our apartment. This morning I killed 13 different spiders that were all on our ceiling. 

Not too much has changed here. We are working hard. And enjoying ourselves! There is truly nothing greater than serving the Lord. Putting all of your time, thoughts, and efforts into bringing His children closer to His gospel. I know that this church is true and that we all have a part in this great work.

Much love,

Elder Adams 

Zone meeting

Elder Harrison Adams 6/6/16 Morehead City, NC

Family and Friends,

With the summer starting, we are really taking a beating here! The temperature hasn't been too bad. Normally in the middle of the day it's in the low 90's. But the catch is the humidity! The second you walk from a cold building to the outside all of the oxygen form your lungs is just sucked right out! Me and Elder Gibb have been sweating lots, because we aren't used to this weather yet. Also hurricane season has officially started. Last week we got hit pretty hard with a tropical storm. I don't know if I've ever seen rain coming down so hard in my life! Sadly, with all the humidity and rain, that means more mosquitoes. I've kind of just gotten used to it now. But we get pretty covered in mosquito bites. 

Other than the heat and bugs, this week was fairly normal! Last Monday night we ate at the Willis house. We were surprised when Brother Willis asked for our phone numbers back home. So we gave them to him. Then he just picked up his phone and called our homes! He stepped out of the room so we didn't hear, but he sat and talked to our parents for a little while haha! But we love the Willis family. They always make sure we are taken care of. 

We also had exchanges with the District Leader so I stayed the day up in Havelock. It's really great to do with other missionaries and learn from them.

Alex came to church again. He's been now it feels like a million times. But he's still not considering baptism. Sometimes being a missionary is frustrating, but it also teaches you patience. 

Last week we went to Fort Macon again, for Memorial Day. We said goodbye to Elder Johnsen, and got Elder Ray. He started his mission here in Morehead City and has come back now to finish his mission here. Everyone in the ward says the same will happen to me haha.

With it being summer, our church attendance has about doubled! We see lots of new people and new phases. Sometimes it's hard to tell if it's a less active member that came to church or just a visitor! Well, with it being summer, I thought I'd give y'all a quick list of how to not look like a tourist this year if you plan of coming to the East Coast! Because the locals can't stand tourists haha!

1. Never drive under the speed limit. This is the #1 reason why locals hate tourist! They say it's safe to drive 7 miles over, but as a missionary I don't think I should solicit speeding....so at least go the speed limit!
2. Don't wear your flip flops unless you're going to the beach! It's one of the easiest ways to spot a tourist, and also dangerous! A member at the hospital said that right now, 90% of people coming in our tourists who have slipped and gotten foot injuries from wearing flip flops.
3. Sun burns. Another easy way to look like a tourist is to come here and just get burned! Typically the locals take care not to get burned. 
4. Boogie boarding. If you go boogie boarding be sure to put one hand on the front of the board and your other hand on the side. You have more control and movement. Holding on to both sides is another way to look like a tourist. 
5. Bringing clutter to the beach. The people around here just bring their boards or a ball. All of the other clutter isn't necessary! They also don't bring towels to the beach. They leave them in their cars. 
6. Don't shop at surf shops on the beach. Typically prices there are about double what you can find for the same product a little farther inland! 

Well hope y'all enjoy your trips this summer! 

Love, Elder Adams

Harrison and Elder Gibb at the Willis/Clifton home

Harrison enjoying cake at the Willis/Clifton home

Harrison and Elder Gibb at the Willis/Clifton home

Fort Macon on Emerald Isle

Manning the cannon at Fort Macon