New Companion!

Loved Ones,

How are you all? I hope that you've never been better. Christmas is coming up, so I trust everyone is full of holiday cheer. Even the hipsters of Williamsburg seem to have the Christmas Spirit (in a totally underground way, of course.) I'm actually very impressed with how much Christmas Spirit there is around Brooklyn. People still decorate even though no one actually has a house. It's nice. This week was crazy! I could probably talk to you all for hours and never say all that I'd like to (There's a rumor going around that a situation like that may unfold in about 15 days. I was never one for spreading rumors though.). Where to start?

First off, I sent Elder Tremble on his merry way this week. I didn't think it would be as sad as it was to say goodbye. We had spent basically every waking moment with each other for the last 3 months, so we were pretty close. I miss that guy. I am so grateful that I was able to be with him, though. I'm still learning from him and he's not even here anymore! He set a remarkable example of missionary service and made an impact on my life that I will literally never forget. I can't wait for you all to meet him some day. We will definitely always be close friends. It's amazing how strong a friendship becomes when founded upon spiritual things. In honor of Elder Tremble, I have to leave you guys with one of his signature quotes. I will reveal it in the form of a very short story. For a zone activity, my zone was playing a game called werewolf. It's basically the same thing as mafia. Anyway, some of the elders were accusing me of being the werewolf, and they were debating about whether or not they should have me eliminated. One elder said that he thought I was the werewolf because I looked nervous. Elder Tremble said, and I quote: "He's my companion. He's always nervous." We had a very funny relationship. I just had to give Elder Tremble a fitting farewell via email to you all. He was the man. He continues to be the man, I'm sure. 

Secondly, I have a new companion. His name is Elder Hooper, and he's from... drumroll... Mesa, Arizona! Kinda funny, huh? We are enjoying freezing together in New York. He is great. It's not a perfect comparison, but in many ways he is exactly like Elder Calhoun in "The Best Two Years". He is a fireball! Honestly, it pumps me up to see his enthusiasm for the work. I felt a little bad because his spirits took a bit of a hit when he realized that we aren't teaching investigators all day like in the MTC. He is doing a great job of staying positive through the long hours of tracting in the cold rain, though. But for real, training is a lot harder than I anticipated. I am realizing how much I relied on Elder Tremble's experience now that I am on my own. When there's a question that needs to be answered, I find that there isn't a seasoned veteran by my side to ask. I have to try to come up with an answer! I feel overwhelmed at times, but it is a very rewarding experience to be training. I'm learning a lot from Elder Hooper's passion for the work. I'm also learning how to be a lot more responsible than I've ever had to be. There is so much that Elder Tremble guided me through that I didn't even think about. Being the guide is slightly more stressful than being the guided. But honestly, it's a really good thing. I find it interesting that I've been praying for more humility, and the Lord calls me to be a new trainer, which makes all my inadequacies very apparent. Coincidence? I think not. I already know that Elder Hooper and I are supposed to be together. We are very different people, but we have already discovered that we both have some very similar core concerns that we can work through together. Training has also helped me to be a lot more selfless (Which, believe it or not, is something else I've been praying for.) I don't say that to brag in any way. I just naturally have to think more about Elder Hooper than myself, and that's helped me out a lot. My testimony of the power of service and charity has been strengthened even more. The perfect way to transition from doing hurricane clean up to regular missionary work is to train, I think. I am still able to serve, just in a different way. 

I have to tell you guys about one of my favorite moments of the week. This week was stake conference, and Floretta was asked to bear her testimony during the meeting. It was so powerful to hear her share a strong testimony of the restored gospel. She is incredible. I was so happy. It is just more incentive to go out and find more people who's lives can be changed by the gospel. They're out there. They're out there. They're out there. They're way, way out there. (I have to give props to my main man Mark What's-His-Face for those fine words. Only a small number of people will have any idea what I'm talking about). Also, Floretta just received her temple recommend, so Elder Hooper and I are going to go with her for her first time! I'm excited. As for the other investigators, much prayer is needed on their behalf. They have been a bit hard to get in contact with lately, but hopefully Elder Hooper and I can meet with them soon. We were able to see the Hanssens for just a little bit, and they are still interested in learning, they're just busy. They are honestly the coolest family ever. The work continues to move forward, but that doesn't mean it's easy. That's a good thing, I figure. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. 

Mom, I thought it was interesting that you mentioned that someone gave a talk using Brad Wilcox's "His Grace Is Sufficient". I just read that talk this morning. It is incredible. I highly recommend it. Grace is a concept that I didn't understand at all until recently, and learning more about it has been very enlightening. You all should get the audio version of that talk and listen to it. It's really good. 

In short, all is well. I'm so happy to hear about all the fun things everyone is doing. It looks like it is going to be a swell Christmas for all. I loved seeing all the pictures. You guys are a bunch of beautiful people, and I love you. Have a really fun Christmas season. I am loving the missionary advent calendar. Thanks for putting that together. I don't know what I'd do without my family. The roommates and I are already planning quite the Christmas spectacular since Christmas Eve will be on P-Day. It should be good. I hope that everyone has a wonderful week. I love you all!

Elder McDonald

Here is a posterity picture. Elder Hooper is in the middle.

Who doesn't like beets for breakfast? Elder Yates is the Elder in the pic. Also, this is the first of our apartment Christmas photos. I thought they turned out nice.

One of the treasures from the hurricane cleanup.

Elder Tremble and I had our last supper at Peter Luger which is apparently one of the top steakhouses in the world. Before I knew what was happening, the waiter ordered a plate of steak for me. I'll admit that it was dang good even though I did have to break the vegetarian code.