Today, I am HAPPY. Happy as a clam. I don't know how clams are considered happy. Perhaps its the way they're shaped. Regardless, I am a happy person.

Happy birthdays are in order!! EMILY!!! And BRETT Robertson!!! And Paige Knudsen!!! And Inez!! I actually lost my birthday list...but please know that you are not forgotten! I found that precious piece of birthday paper!! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Love you all!!!

THANK YOU Tiffany, Grandma & Grandpa Davis, Grandma & Grandpa Harmer, and Margaret for ALL your support and love. Seriously. You have no idea how much those notes of encouragement and support mean to me.

Life is good here in Salt Lake. It's been a CRAZY few days. Literally. Crazy. I will miss Sister Moisio so much. I know I say that from time to time with these companions of mine, but seriously, she is a forever friend. I learned so much while we got to serve together.

Sister Maneha is wonderful. She's Hawaiian. From Oahu!! Yay! And for kicks, she even speaks Hawaiian. She loves ice cream too. I think we'll get along just wonderfully well.

One of the 12 apostles, Elder David A Bednar, went to DENMARK!! People. I am telling you....Denmark is on the map. If I'm not mistaken, it looks like my friends Benjamin is the face underneath the arrow in one of these.! Miss you Denmark....

Something that I learned this week is to really be happy, I really need to soak in the moment. Whatever that random moment is, I can choose to love it or not. It's been really hectic trying to schedule sister missionary coverage for the Beehive House, especially during General Conference. We're expecting over 100,000 people to Temple Square over the course of 2 days. Yep. Unreal. We'll see if I'm still standing next week.

Sister Moisio and I got to be with Aunt Suzy!! Uncle Ray's sister!! She's wonderful. She let us explore the behind the scenes of the Tabernacle. She was SO generous in doing so. She was so busy, but she made time to be with us. Seriously. Angel.

I am grateful for the blessings in my life. Grateful for the privilege it is to serve my loving Heavenly Father every day by loving His kids. I hope that I am learning how to be more patient, more kind, more sincere, more understanding and more charitable. All that for 18 months? I'll take it.

Love you all so much. Thank you for everything!!!!
Much Love,
Sister Amy

We ate some parsley together

• Got an inbound call from a drunk Swedish man. Of the people in the room, I could understand Swedish. So there was Peter. Hilarious. It was about 3AM in Sweden when he called. Short conversation. He wasn't too interested in speaking Danish or English. Great 5 minutes of the week.





• We took a DANISH motor coach this week!! Happy happy!! 36 Danes!! Loved them!! Shamelessly, I have a crush on tour guide Peter.





• Follow up from last week. Remember how I shared about Hilary from Washington? Well, I called her friend, Maddie. Wonderful person. She is such a doll! I tried her, left a message, then tried again a few days later. When she answered, it was like we were old friends (honestly, I don't know how that works in such a random situation in 10-15 minutes...). But hey, I called and she says, "Amy! So glad you called back! Sorry I didn't get a hold of you, it's been a crazy week. Thank you so much for the last voicemail about Hilary. It was really great to hear she thought of me and wanted to share something so special to her. I literally started to cry a little when I heard it".





• Got my flu shot today!! YAY!!!





• Our neighbors like to play the guitar at night. They are pretty good actually. Sister Moisio and I love them. We creepily listen/stare through the blinds. My favorite acoustic picks of the week (get it, picks...) are James Taylor "I see fire and I see rain...." and Modest Mouse with Float On. Well done fancy neighbors.





• We met Corrine. Wonderful person. Served in Palmyra, New York at the Hill Cumourah Visitor's Center there. When we asked her what her favorite spot was, she said, The Peter Whitmer home. I loved that. Off the beaten path. Humble beginnings. Sacred just the same.





• This week, a visitor here named Maryanne from Minnesota pointed out some of the parsley we have here in the gardens. Yep, the two of us had a moment. We ate some parsley together. :)





• Next week, I will be updating you with new transfer info.





• Get excited...General Conference is coming!! First weekend in October...





• GIRL POWER. We get to go to the General Relief Society Meeting next week.





• 17 Miracles. Watch it. We watched it last night as a mission. I cried my face off. Here is the preview for 17 Miracles.





• All in all, I am grateful. I am so grateful for the people who sacrifice SO much for others. Regardless of who they are, I admire when people sacrifice themselves for the improvement of others. And hey, my family and friends have been some of the best examples of sacrifice that I could ever ask for. Truth.

Thank you all for everything you have blessed my life with!!

Love love love,
Sister Amy

Because you are a Covenant People

Faces too close family
I love the mormon.org profiles. You may know this already. I got a kick out of this family. I didn't even watch the video. I couldn't get over how close their faces are in all the pictures.
Restauran Loteria
No joke....this may be a confession moment. SO, we have been enjoying 1 hour lunches and 1 hour dinners. Sister Moisio and I decided to hop on the Trax here in Salt Lake. We decided to see where it would take us. Fiasco. We went one stop further than the downtown "free zone" (which, we had no idea about...) Then, on our way back, we were stuck on the train. They had an accident up ahead that they had to clear away. But hey, we had Azteca lemonade and pineapple juice. So we were pretty happy. What can you do? C'est la vive.Ron + all the Jewish friends!
We keep meeting so many Jewish people this week! Seriously. We met a guy named Ron from Long Beach. His sister actually lives in Los Gatos!! Yay!! We meet Ron:
Ron: "So, I'm Jewish".
Me: "Yay!! I love Jewish people!"
Ron: "Why is that? It's not the first time I've had that kind of reaction from a Mormon"
Me: "Well, RON....You're a covenant people!"
Arielle
Sister Moisio and I are teaching another college freshman Arielle from Arizona. Her friend referred her on the square. We taught her one lesson over the phone. Before we ended, we had this moment:
Us: "well Arielle, is there anything you'd like us to pray for specifically?"
Arielle: "Well, can you just pray that I can find the direction I need to go in? And that I'll know the steps I need to take to get there?"
Yao Ming's parents
I stayed at home with Sister Bateman for half a day. She's from Washington. She's in the same zone. She is sick. Sister Moisio went on an exchange with Sister Bateman's companion....yep--Sister Chen from Taiwan, my former companion. And what happened while they were down at the Square? Mandarin Chinese motor coach. But wait, who was on the motor coach? Yao Ming's parents!!! Seriously. Hilarious.
Sister Yao
Speaking of Yaos......Thank you Sister Yao for the precious letter!!! You are missed here at Temple Square!!! I loved hearing about your dream! :) Thanks for the lock of hair too....
I really like this one: The Civility Experiment
Hilary from Washington
Seriously. Favorite moment of the week. Thursday night, Sister Moisio and I are planning for Friday. "Hmm....what shall we plan for? What kinds of needs have people been having lately?" We decided to plan for the concern "What happens after we die?". Basically, when we plan, we plan for how WE can understand the concern more fully, so that we can help others to do the same. Even if we don't meet people with that concern, we are better suited for the week. So Friday afternoon, we are walking by the shell fountain near the Temple and we meet these two college freshman. In downtown to see the Symphony. From California and Washington. BYU. We small talk for a minute or two. They asked us why we chose to serve missions. We talked about the pioneers a little too and the faith that they had to walk over 1,300 miles to Salt Lake Valley from the east coast. What would motivate them? Then before they left, we asked if there was anyone they would want us to call for them to give them the opportunity to learn a little more about the things that have blessed their lives. Hilary looks at me and says,
Hilary: Yea, can you call my friend?
Me: Sure. Why did you think of her?
Hilary: Well, by 19 year old cousin just died this summer. My friend and I recently just had a really long conversation about what happens after we die.
I told Hilary that she was who we needed to meet. She was who Heavenly Father had us plan for the night before. I am so impressed with how personal these miracles are. Every day. I am so grateful to serve.
No big deal...but we're going to P.F. Chang's tonight. :) Yay!!
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!
Sister Amy

Even if we can't carry a tune

So, this week was a little tough.


Sister Moisio heard some sad news. A few months ago, she served in the Uttica, New York mission for a brief period of time. While serving there, she served with Sister Bentley from Arizona. They were teaching companions for 6 weeks. To our sadness, Sister Bentley was killed, while still serving as a missionary, in a car accident. Here is the article about Sister Bentley. It's been a really tough week. But honestly, a really great learning week. We've put things into perspective. What's really important. What's not important at all. And honestly, we've had a really sharp wake up call. We've got to live life to the absolute fullest. BE HAPPY. Sing a song or two--even if we can't carry a tune. I am so grateful for the plan of happiness.

I may have put this link on before, but I watched it this week again with some guests on the square and I started crying. Such a strong woman. So much courage. So much faith. I want to be this kind of woman. I love how she considers motherhood a privilege. She cherishes LIFE.
I was eating dinner in the mission kitchen.

The phone rings. Someone answers and says, "uh...Sister Harmer. Phone's for you". Yep. That would be Sister Kemsley. Stinker. I love you. I heard Carol got to see you this week. She was beaming. :)

I highly endorse alternative Sunday School. Guest speakers galore.
Larry! Hooray for shameless Bay Area plugs. He went to Del Valle High in Walnut Creek.


MORMON.ORG/ASIA/!!! LOVE THIS. SO obsessed with this. It makes me crave Boba drink.

We met Pauline and Willie this week--from Florida. They love God. So much. Southern Baptist. They were open and loving. They told us about their trip across the US and all the beauty in between that they'd seen.
--Willie: "There has to be a God. I tell my kids--you know, there's a reason why you's is breathin' this mornin'.

I am such a sore thumb at the Scandinavian language meetings. But hey, I love it. 2 Finnish. 2 Swedish. 1 Danish. And then me...California. :) That's Scandinavian for you.

August 1--Christmas lights are starting to be put up (right before the cold...). Hooray for sparkle!

I am grateful for the opportunity I get to serve full time for my Heavenly Father. This week, more than ever, I have been reminded of the important and hopeful message that the gospel of Jesus Christ really is. And what it isn't. It's about JOY. Real joy. Eternity. Perspective. Not mini-vans, warm cookies, or you know my favorite, CTR rings. It's about Jesus Christ. It's about Heavenly Father. His kids. We're full time inviters. We invite people to be a little bit happier, by inviting people to follow the Savior's example--(by the same token, not forcing or contrasty withholding the opportunity).

THANK YOU for the INCREDIBLE amounts of support you all give to me. THANK YOU. I am so grateful for your examples.

I love you so much.

-Sister Harmertime

Short this week. But incredible experiences.

• Grandma & Grandpa
• Thanks for the updates! I read parts of your letters sometime to my companions or other sisters. You are more often than not answers to prayer. For me and others. :)
• Chelsea
• Thanks for the DARLING Solvang card! It's all the rage with the Scandinavian sisters here. THANK YOU!!!!
• Margaret
• LOVED the concord! Sounds like you're having an amazing time on your vacation!!! Thank you for being one of the most compassionate friends in the world!
• Bobbi
• Thank you for the sweet updates!!! CYLO? California Youth Leadership Organization.....I am so anxious to jump right in January! Wow! Exciting changes. And congrats on your special award!! YOU deserve it!! I couldn't think of a more sincere person dedicated to serving others. THANK YOU for your example!
• Sealings! Not the roof.
• We passed a family taking pictures outside the temple. They had a teenager and a younger daughter. From the looks of it, they had just been sealed in the temple as a family. Not Ziploc. But kind of. A sealing is a binding of a family of families for time and all eternity--so beyond death. Here is a picture of the sealing room in Denmark. I almost relish in seeing moments like these at Temple Square over seeing all the new brides.
• Met Wilson Ong and his family on the square. He's an artist with some pieces at the Conference Center. Pretty incredible opportunity. "So, what were you thinking Brother Ong when you painted this?" Pretty amazing. (you can google him)
• I taught Sister Moisio: "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!" this week. We've had a lot of fun using it. :)
• We met President Packer this week briefly. It was pretty incredible. He briefly came to look at the Temple model. SO VIP. We closed off the visitors center. 5 companionships. He was only there for about 20 minutes. He invited us to say hello, so we all walked over, shook his hand, said our name and where we were from.
  
  Funny thing: I've been teaching Sister Moisio some funny English catch phrases lately. ie: "whoopsie daisy", "she threw her under the bus", etc...
  --Sister Moisio: I'm Sister Moisio from Finland.
  --President Packer: Are you lonesome for it?
  --Sister Moisio: I think so....?
• Also... we found Elder Hinkley of the 70 in the South Visitor's Center looking for Hungarians this week.

Amidst all the fame this week, they were all SO HUMBLE. Christ centered. Meek. Sincere. Precious (says Sister Moisio). I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who let me meet so many humble people with strong character. It makes me think of all the people I respect back home and in Denmark. THANK YOU ALL FOR being such wonderful examples to me!

Love you all. Just another crazy and exciting week at Temple Square. It's all true. Please be patient and loving. Too many people, even if they know better, aren't. We need builders, not destroyers!

Thank you!!!

Love you!

Sister Amy

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Short this week. But incredible experiences.

• Grandma & Grandpa
• Thanks for the updates! I read parts of your letters sometime to my companions or other sisters. You are more often than not answers to prayer. For me and others. :)
• Chelsea
• Thanks for the DARLING Solvang card! It's all the rage with the Scandinavian sisters here. THANK YOU!!!!
• Margaret
• LOVED the concord! Sounds like you're having an amazing time on your vacation!!! Thank you for being one of the most compassionate friends in the world!
• Bobbi
• Thank you for the sweet updates!!! CYLO? California Youth Leadership Organization.....I am so anxious to jump right in January! Wow! Exciting changes. And congrats on your special award!! YOU deserve it!! I couldn't think of a more sincere person dedicated to serving others. THANK YOU for your example!
• Sealings! Not the roof.
• We passed a family taking pictures outside the temple. They had a teenager and a younger daughter. From the looks of it, they had just been sealed in the temple as a family. Not Ziploc. But kind of. A sealing is a binding of a family of families for time and all eternity--so beyond death. Here is a picture of the sealing room in Denmark. I almost relish in seeing moments like these at Temple Square over seeing all the new brides.
• Met Wilson Ong and his family on the square. He's an artist with some pieces at the Conference Center. Pretty incredible opportunity. "So, what were you thinking Brother Ong when you painted this?" Pretty amazing. (you can google him)
• I taught Sister Moisio: "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!" this week. We've had a lot of fun using it. :)
• We met President Packer this week briefly. It was pretty incredible. He briefly came to look at the Temple model. SO VIP. We closed off the visitors center. 5 companionships. He was only there for about 20 minutes. He invited us to say hello, so we all walked over, shook his hand, said our name and where we were from.
  
  Funny thing: I've been teaching Sister Moisio some funny English catch phrases lately. ie: "whoopsie daisy", "she threw her under the bus", etc...
  --Sister Moisio: I'm Sister Moisio from Finland.
  --President Packer: Are you lonesome for it?
  --Sister Moisio: I think so....?
• Also... we found Elder Hinkley of the 70 in the South Visitor's Center looking for Hungarians this week.

Amidst all the fame this week, they were all SO HUMBLE. Christ centered. Meek. Sincere. Precious (says Sister Moisio). I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who let me meet so many humble people with strong character. It makes me think of all the people I respect back home and in Denmark. THANK YOU ALL FOR being such wonderful examples to me!

Love you all. Just another crazy and exciting week at Temple Square. It's all true. Please be patient and loving. Too many people, even if they know better, aren't. We need builders, not destroyers!

Thank you!!!

Love you!

Sister Amy

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Finnish Strong

Hello LIFE.
Favorite links first!!
Beatta is FINNISH! Just like my new INCREDIBLE companion (Sister Moisio).
Hooray for girl power!!

We taught a 22 year old named Logan this week. Arizona. 99% of his friends are LDS. And he knows a lot about the gospel. Logistics I suppose. He knows what a home teacher is and a companion. He's met missionaries before. So when I asked him if he wanted to again, he said, "Yeah. I'm looking for answers but not really finding any".
Me: Well, what would you like Sister Moisio and I to prepare more for you about? Anything specific?
Logan: I know it all. You better have your guns loaded when you call.
Ha! Well, Logan is hilarious. We prayed probably 3-4 times for him before we called. Well, when we called, the spirit took over. It was one of the smoothest conversations ever. Spirit-led. Christ centered. His needs, not our agenda. He hasn't prayed in over a year. How can he find spiritual answers if he doesn't ask a spiritual source? He realized what he needed to do to find answers.

With the lieu of a new transfer comes my favorite things. "Getting to know you's" and "check-ins". Room check-ins, sure, but if you know me at all, you know my favorite type of check-in involves uninterrupted eye contact (thank you Baby Mama).

Speaking of Mamas....I gave a talk on Sunday. I was asked to speak for about 7-10 minutes about this quote: "No other success can compensate for failure in the home. The poorest shack in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than any other riches. In such a home God can work miracles and will work miracles. -President David O. McKay"

Basically I focused in on 3 incredible women who live that motto. Women who help their homes put trust in God and faith in Jesus Christ.

The first was a woman who, as a teenager, was asked to serve as the mother of God's son. (no pressure). But when she was first told of her destiny, here's some reassuring comfort: "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God" Luke 1:30. With no better circumstances, she gave birth to the Savior of the world in a tiny manger. With no better medical supplies, this faithful woman turned to her Heavenly Father. Trusted Him. Put His will first. Then put her faith in that tiny baby. She knew who He was. And humbly, lived what she knew.

Then there is Lucy Mack Smith. The mother who would raise the prophet of the restoration. She's incredible. I thought about the strength that she had as she watched her young son endure a painful surgery in the early 1820s. The surgeons operated "by boring into the bone of his leg, first on one side of the bone where it was affected, then on the other side, after which they broke it off with a pair of forceps or pinchers. They thus took away large pieces of the bone". (History of Joseph Smith) When the surgery ended, Lucy was incited to enter the room, She wrote: "What a spectacle for a mother's eye! The wound torn open, the blood still gushing from it, and the bed literally covered with blood. Jospeh was pale as a corpse". I'm grateful for the trust that Lucy put in God. Through everything. And the faith that she taught her son Jospeh Smith to put in the Savior.

Then there's the warrior of today. Mama Harmer. She's incredible isn't she? I talked about a time on my mission when she really helped me put things in perspective. I once received a letter from my mom, (I'm sure after I had complained about feeling too tired or sore...). She wrote, "Dearest Sister Harmer....I want you to know I am with you always. Holding you and helping you endure, no matter what the task. Exercising, studying, giving tours, learning the programs. You are so special to so many, but most importantly your Heavenly Father. He can give you strength to move mountains, touch hearts and teach souls. I'm sure there are days you are exhausted both spiritually and physically. Just say your prayers to endure and have the strength to conquer all. Remember to always trust Him, no matter how small or big the task is....Enjoy the journey!" I am SO grateful for my mother. She has taught me where to turn. I know that her example of Christ-like charity has been my standard. I love her so much.

Thanks for a wonderful week!!

Sister Amy