Hello one and all. How is everyone doing? From what I have heard, it sounds like everyone is doing well. I hope that Christmas is just filling everyone's souls with abundant cheer and mirth. It sounds like you guys are keeping up some of the fun family Christmas traditions. Nice work. I'll have you know that I am not letting Christmas Eve go by without a reenactment of the Nativity. I think that the other missionaries think it's lame, but I don't care. I'm going to make sure it happens. It's just not Christmas Eve without a Nativity reenactment. There will also be a lot of eggnog. The plan is to have all 3 companionships in my district bring a carton of eggnog. That should cover it. I would also like to eat a whole roll of Toll House cookie dough as fast as I can. I have high ambitions, but I'm a little short on time. It'll definitely be fun, though.
My missionary Christmas had a good start so far. My zone went to Broad Channel for the community Christmas party, and we were very warmly received. Everyone in the town gave a hearty cheer whenever "the Mormons" were mentioned. They even included us in their town picture! We are basically just members of their community now. It's so cool to see what service can bring about. It brought a community together, and allowed friendships to develop that would have remained undiscovered if Hurricane Sandy had never descended. We've mostly wrapped up the service, and it is definitely sad to have that chapter come to a close. But, I'll never forget the good that has come forth. As I looked out at all the Broad Channel townspeople during the party, I felt a sincere love for them. I have never even met many of them, but they just seemed like my brothers and sisters. I've been thinking about that, and I've realized just how important service is. The greatest commandment is to love, and the best way to love is to serve. I think it's less about loving people so we have the desire to serve them and more about serving people so we grow to truly love them. I believe that service brings about a fulfillment of the greatest commandment. It's been very impacting to see that in action.
This week, I've had the secret of missionary work re-taught to me by experience and the Spirit. It's easy to forget that the secret to missionary work is work. I've realized that I cannot be happy unless I put in my all and operate out of a sincere desire to help others. When I go out and try to look for people who can be helped by the message of the restored gospel, I am happy. When I drag my feet and check my watch, I am not. I think that this relates to the concept of love and service. I feel that when we love, we are happy. When we are filled with charity, the world will be a brighter place. In order to be filled with charity, we need to serve. I know that as I serve selflessly and develop more love for the people of New York, I will find happiness and fulfillment. It sounds so easy on paper, but it's definitely hard. That's why the secret of missionary work is work! Work is hard, but worth it. I loved Elder Ballard's admonition in his conference talk to pray for the opportunity to serve someone every day. We can be the instruments to bring about great happiness and great good in the world if we serve.
I'm a bit short on time, so I have to wrap up, but I will be able to talk to you before long! Unfortunately, my mission doesn't do Skype. I was bummed out. But I don't want you to grieve, Mom! It will still be so good to talk to you all! I can't wait. I love you all so much. Know that. Your support means the world to me. Stay happy.
Love,
Elder McDonald
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| Here is a picture of my district, and then one with Bro. Frandsen, the guy who made the documentary I was telling you about. He's cool. |
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