I Know.

Loved Ones,

Good morning! I suppose it may not be morning when you read this, but I hope that your next morning is a good one. How is everyone? Where to begin? I loved to hear about Jacob's talk in church. Good job, buddy! And they're already calling you Elder McDonald? I'm trying to keep my tag nice so I can pass it off to you when the time comes. I'm proud of you, Jacob. Having a testimony of the Restoration and then being able to express it is a powerful combination that will shape your life. Cherish your testimony as your most prized possession. People may try to take everything away from you, but they can never, ever take away your testimony. That is a gift that only you have the power to forfeit by neglect or poor choices. Never reject your testimony. And keep sharing it, too!

It has been a really good week here in West Egg (I'm close enough to claim it). I learned a lot this week. I realized yesterday that I feel like my life is securely that of a missionary now. That may not make much sense, but the best way I can articulate it is to say that I feel like when I learn, the learning doesn't take place so much in the sphere of becoming a missionary as it does in the sphere of improving my missionary efforts. Being a missionary makes sense more now. The task at hand is one of progression within the role I've already settled into. And the joy that comes from learning from experience and applying is something that I've grown to appreciate. It's also interesting to notice the ways that New York has changed me. I feel like I've become a lot more bold. New Yorkers just speak their mind. It's rubbed off on me a bit. But, with that said, I still feel very much the same. I feel like missionary service doesn't create an entirely new mold so much as it shapes and refines the mold that was already there. I suppose I should just sum all of this up by saying that I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve, and I'm also very grateful for my knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father who has planned out an experience precisely tailored to meet my needs and put me in positions that provide me with the opportunity to serve others. And lest I sound selfish, I'd like to add that Heavenly Father has a plethora of glorious sunrises and sunsets to occupy the horizons of all of our lives. We just need to humbly go to Him in prayer, turn our lives over to Him, and then be willing to act on the inspiration He gives to us. That pattern is one that I am working hard to follow more closely.

I had an interview with President Calderwood on Friday, and that was a fantastic experience. I spent about 15 minutes after the interview writing down all the things I need to do and remember. I listened to a talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook a few weeks ago (I believe it was his first general conference address as an apostle), and he mentioned in the talk that one of the greatest miracles of the restored gospel is an inspired mission president. I add my testimony to Elder Cook's. President Calderwood has been a powerful influence for good in my life that I will never forget. I can't wait for you all to meet him someday. Grandma and Grandpa, I gave President Calderwood the picture of his father that you sent me, and he was very happy to receive it. He asked to keep it so he could add it to a collection of remembrances. He said that his father is coming to visit in June, so I'll be able to meet him. Is there any message you'd like for me to pass on?

Yesterday in church, we watched Elder Bruce R. McConkie's last conference address. I was struck by the power of that man's testimony. I love his final testimony that he shared, expressing the certainty of his belief in Jesus Christ. He said that he wouldn't know that Jesus Christ lives with any more certainty when he actually sees the Savior face to face. What a remarkable thing to say! And what a great gift from God our testimonies are! God is willing to give us such a powerful assurance that tangible evidence would not have any power to strengthen the conviction we already have. He has told us what we need to do to gain such an assurance. The path is clearly laid out before us, but God will not push anyone onto it. The choice is ours to make. I testify that there is no assurance so sweet as a testimony that God lives. I testify that the gift of testimony is worth any price we must pay to achieve it. Sometimes we must make a leap of faith. Sometimes we must step into the darkness. Sometimes we must step over the edge, trusting that God will catch us before we fall. I testify that God will always catch us. He will not rob us of the growth that comes from a leap of faith, but He will be right beside us every step of the way. I think of a father helping his child to learn to ride a bike. If he doesn't let his child set off on his own and start pedaling, then the child will never ride a bike. But, a loving father is always right behind the child, arms outstretched, ready to catch the child when he loses his balance. If we will just exercise a particle of faith and do what God asks, I know that we will receive the precious gift of testimony and the sweet assurance that we are on the right path. That is what I had to do, and that is what anyone has to do. I now know that God lives, that He will never forsake me, and that I have a purpose in life. I want to emphasize the fact that I know. I don't think - I know. I want to express my deep gratitude to every one of you who helped me to arrive at the departure point of testimony. Thank you. I know that God has placed certain people in my life for a very certain reason.

I love you all so much. I hope that everyone has a wonderful week. Stay happy!

Love,

Elder McDonald

A few candids taken by Elder Legere...

Now You Know Who Invents These Titles...

Loved Ones,

Hello! You know, I've been thinking about adding subjects to these things for the past few months, but I just have the hardest time thinking of a fitting subject to define an email. I hope that it is acceptable to omit a subject from these communications for the remainder of my missionary service. One man can only do so much, and I'm afraid that a great subject for my emails would be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Here's the thing: is the straw the variety that you use for the consumption of beverages or the kind of straw you would find on a farm? Perhaps the weight difference between the two is trivial, and either one would break the camel's back. You could also find both straws on a farm, so in my attempt to erase ambiguity, I have only raised more questions. I suppose the world may never know what straw is breaking the camel's back. I am willing to accept that. But I will eventually find out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. I am determined to solve that mystery. I'm not sure if all of that was relevant, but I figure that someone has to ask questions around here.

How is everyone doing? I love you all a whole lot. I just want you to always know that. I always am pleased to hear of all the good things everyone is doing. Is it just me, or are you guys doing a lot of really cool things since I've left? Was I just holding you back all this time? Please don't mistake my tone for one of bitterness. I am really happy that everyone is having fun. I want you all to know that everything is going very well over here. This past week was one full of learning. I suppose that every week ends up being full of learning. There is no teacher like the Holy Ghost and no classroom quite like missionary service. I thought I was putting school on hold for 2 years. Not so. Speaking of school, should I know what I want to do for school when I get back by now? I hope not... I'm open to suggestions. I actually do have a few ideas, so I'm sure that everything will continue to become more clear.

There are a lot of good developments in Little Neck.  Elder Legere and I have been thinking of new ways to find people to teach with more power, and a woman named Ryann who we're teaching is scheduled to be baptized on May 26th. We're really excited for her! It is traditionally difficult to find new people to teach out here, but I feel that there are definitely prepared people who just need to hear an honest testimony to spark the Light of Christ in them and plant a seed of faith in their hearts. I'm growing to love the people of New York more and more. This place can be a very dark and cold one, and I know with all my heart that the gospel of Jesus Christ will heal broken families and broken hearts. Seeing people hurting, with broken lives, inevitably brings out compassion and charity. Can you imagine how the Savior felt as he looked out over Jerusalem and saw so many confused and lost souls? He had the capacity to love everyone perfectly, and I believe that it was His love that gave Him so much power to lift and to heal. Of course, His priesthood power was essential, but His priesthood power was exercised out of pure love. He finds His joy in the joy of others. He has taught us that it is through selfless service and sacrifice that we find eternal happiness. It truly is better to give than to receive. If we give of ourselves, and do it out of a pure love, we will receive returns far more grand than we could ever hope to achieve by doing what we think is best for us. I'm so grateful that God has blessed us with the ability to love deeply so that we can serve selflessly and be happy eternally. One thing that was deeply impressed on my mind this past week is the power of forgetting yourself. When we focus on the needs of others, we find that, somehow, our needs are taken care of. A phrase has been running through my mind lately: It's not about you, but by making it not about you, it becomes about you. An interesting paradox, yes? I testify that if we will just lose ourselves in the service of God and our fellow beings, we will find ourselves. A quest focused on finding yourself will yield minimal results. A journey to discover and address the needs of others will miraculously end with a discovery of who you are in the truest and most beautiful sense. I hope to be able to love the people of New York more deeply so that I can serve them more fully and find joy with them eternally.

I have a question for anyone who will answer: What blessings in your life have you seen from paying tithing? I'm trying to collect a few experiences that I can draw from when teaching. I would also just love to hear about some experiences. I also have another question for the general audience: Is The Great Gatsby set somewhere near my area? I have heard that it is, and if so, I will be visiting that location on preparation day. I would greatly appreciate any information on the matter. I thought you guys would like to know that Elder Legere and I got a new car, and we named it Hidalgo. Our last car was at the end of its rope, so it was about time. Is there anything that you all would like to know? I'm never quite sure what to talk about, but I'm happy to answer questions. Is everyone getting excited for the general conference issue of the "Ensign"? I know I am. I have grown quite fond of the "Ensign" lately. I had a thought about general conference that I'm excited to apply and that I thought I'd share. General conference comes around every 6 months, right? So, every 6 months, we receive a treasure trove of counsel from the prophets, and then we have 6 months until the next conference, during which time we can apply what we learned so that we'll be ready to receive and apply more counsel. We can just keep making 6 month "game plans". I'm excited to try this out and see what happens. I definitely know that if we will apply the counsel of the prophets, we will find safety and security, and we will become truly great. If Jay Gatsby would have listened to the prophet, they would have had to call him The Great Great Gatsby. I'm sorry. I couldn't resist. I can hear the crickets now, and it's the middle of the day. Anyway, I'd love to hear what everyone learns and experiences as they follow the prophet.

Well, I love you all dearly, and I'm so grateful for all that you do for me. I pray for you, and I am so grateful for your prayers. Stay happy!

Love,
Elder McDonald

Spring!

Loved Ones,

Spring is in the air! I thought that I loved spring before, but passing through a long, cold winter and emerging from the dreary waste to behold a glorious dawn of blossoms and sunshine has made me appreciate the season of newness much more. It really is beautiful here. I'll try to get some pictures. The birds are singing, the grass is green, and the whole world seems to be shouting a joyous refrain. It even takes the sting out of a door closing on you at the hands of a disinterested New Yorker. Oh, but how I've come to love these New Yorkers. They really are wonderful people. You just have to break their crusty exterior with a smile or a laugh, and then you find a warm and genuine core in most everyone. In summation, life is good. I look forward to making it better.

It seems that life is good for all of you as well. Mom and Dad, I'm glad you were able to enjoy Monterey. The pictures were very nice. It looks like a beautiful place. And Jacob, way to not burn the house down while the folks were away. You done good, kid. By the way, do Grandma and Grandpa still need to get rid of their house? My only request is that, if so, they allow me to burn it down for them. I hope that everyone is healthy and happy. Guess what? I've discovered a new passion. I very much enjoy drumming along to cheesy EFY music while driving in the car, with the hard surfaces of the car serving as my drum kit. It's fun. I just thought I'd share that with you all. There are a lot of simple joys in life.

I've been learning a lot since being transferred. Getting out of my comfort zone once again has proven to be productive. It really is incredible to see how carefully the Lord moves the missionary transfer process along. He has a perfect way of perfectly composing everything. He is perfect, so that is only natural, but as natural as it is, it is still a wonder to me. I am exactly where I need to be right now, and I know that I'm going to learn some lessons that will be beneficial and even necessary in the future. When things are a bit difficult, it is actually rather reassuring, because if everything just flows right along, then there is no growth, no progress, no learning, and no joy, as there would be no pain. I could not appreciate the beauty of spring without passing through the trial of winter. But, there is also beauty in winter. God tells us to endure our trials well, not to simply endure. "[We] are that [we] might have joy." There is always a silver lining, and God always provides a way for us to be happy, even in the midst of affliction. I know that God is intimately involved in the lives of each of us. He loves us. He truly, truly loves us. To those who may feel that God doesn't care, I want you to take whatever seed of faith you have in God and apply that faith to a moment of reflection on the beauty of the planet upon which we reside. The wonder of God's creations has been on my mind lately, with the advent of spring. God created this exquisitely beautiful world for us. Does it look like the creation of an uninterested, uncaring God? I answer my own question with an emphatic "No!" The same God who notices the fall of a single sparrow and takes thought for the lilies of the field knows you, loves you, and cares deeply for you. I testify that God is our loving Father in Heaven. There is no doubt of that in my mind. 

With those thoughts in mind, I want to share with you all something that struck me a few days ago. I have felt strongly that the Lord is indeed hastening His work. Knowing this should change a few things. It may change a lot of things. Youth of the Church (and that definitely includes Jacob, Jase, and Mia!), please come get involved. You have the chance to participate in the greatest cause of all time and eternity. I include in that call a call to myself to become more involved and more diligent. I don't want to place myself on a pedestal. I have work to do. To those not yet of our faith, I invite you to heed this message when it comes your way. I testify that it will continue to come your way by one means or another. If you ignore this message, it will not go away. You may turn from it, but it will not turn from you. This work will move forward regardless of individual choices. I invite all to come to know of the joy that can be yours. It is a message of happiness that will come your way. This isn't a matter of membership numbers. Nowhere in the missionary purpose will you find a call to increase Church membership. We offer people the path to salvation that begins by making covenants with God and becoming a part of His people. The increasing membership of the Church is simply a part of Daniel's prophecy being fulfilled. The stone cut out of the mountain (Daniel 2:45) is rolling forth and covering the whole earth, and it's starting to roll faster.

I don't want to sound fiery and brimstone-y. I just want to be honest. What I have said, I believe in with all my heart. "I meant what I said and I said what I meant. [I try to be] faithful - one hundred percent." To anyone who is reading this, I feel confident in saying that I love you and I want you to be happy. There is so much in store for each of us if we will only follow Jesus Christ. 

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day and a wonderful week. Thank you so much for all that each of you have done for me. Maybe someday I'll find a way to express the depth of my gratitude. For now, just know that I am grateful and I do love you.

Love,

Elder McDonald

These were pictures from last week that wouldn't load- they worked now! Yay!

The Caccipoli famiy, who are great!

 Brother Brasher, the coolest man alive.

Me just before leaving Williamsburg.

The Big Reveal...

Loved Ones,

Well folks, I suppose that there is a mystery that needs solving. Where am I right now? The answer shall be revealed with a riddle... Just kidding. I'll just tell you. I am in a lovely place called Littleneck. It is in the Long Island area, and it is a whole new world for me. I don't think I realized how accustomed I have become to the city life. There have been some changes. First off, I now have a car. That is pretty darn awesome, I'm not going to lie. Secondly, I am now a part of a ward rather than a branch. That makes things a bit different. Also, (this next one is a kicker) there are now sister missionaries in my district. That is another big change. I've been in the "Man Zone" for what feels like my whole life. By the way, the "Man Zone" is no longer the "Man Zone". They sent sisters there this transfer. It is now the "Celestial Zone". I've been waiting for that to happen for a long time. I am with an elder named Elder Legere. He's a great guy. We've already begun to get along swimmingly. He's in his second transfer, so I'm finishing up his training. His first companion up and left for Bermuda. Speaking of Bermuda, there have been some changes there, as well. For the first time, a companionship of sisters has been sent there. President Calderwood is doing some really cool things with the mission. That man is inspired. Every time I bring something up, it seems to lead right into something else that has changed. So, speaking of President Calderwood, I am now in his family's ward. Is that cool or what? That's my favorite part about this area. I live like 15 minutes away from the mission home now. Needless to say, I have had plenty of adjustments to make over this past week. If I'm being totally honest, transferring was a very strange experience. I almost felt like I ended one mission and began another one. I was in one place for so long, that it just began to feel like home. It had begun to feel like my mission was the time I spent in Bushwick. That was all I knew. So, it was a bit confusing to end what seemed like a small lifetime and an entire mission, but then just go somewhere else unfamiliar and not home. But, the adjustment was much needed. The very fact that I felt at home in Bushwick is a testament to the necessity of my departure. I have more to learn, and boy, has the Lord taught me a lot this week. 

I'm not sure what else I can say about the new area, so I'll jump right into the thing that is most pressing on my mind: general conference! How good was general conference? I absolutely loved it. I already can't wait for the next Ensign to come out so that I can read through all the talks again. How does so much wisdom fit into one weekend? I challenge anyone to honestly listen to a session of conference and not come away with a desire to do better and be better. It can't be done. The general authorities and officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are inspired people who have a divine call. "By their fruits ye shall know them", and we we saw the goodness of their fruits in a powerful way last weekend. I know more than ever that the Church is true, and it is the very Restored Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. That knowledge is among my greatest treasures, and I give my promise that any sincere seeker of truth may have that knowledge for themselves. That is one treasure that I will willingly share with all the world. I think that my favorite talk was Elder Holland's. I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but I cannot help loving that man and all that he does. He is my role model in many ways, and his message spoke directly to me. I invite anyone who feels like their faith is weak to accept Elder Holland's invitation to lean on his. I know that if we will stay true to what we already know, that we will eventually be able to  say, "I know" with all of the conviction that he did. Another favorite of mine was Sister Dalton. I thought that her talk was extremely powerful. Especially since it was her last as the General Young Women's President. There were a multitude of plentiful offerings brought before us, and I am truly grateful that God loves us enough to work closely with his chosen leaders for our benefit, and then work closely with us as those leaders share their testimonies with the world. 

Another inspired leader who I have already expressed my love and admiration for is President Calderwood. I bring him up again because first, he's great, and second, I was able to have a lovely evening with his family last night, and I want to tell you all a bit about it. It was a perfect way to end the conference weekend. Elder Legere and I were invited over to the mission home by President and Sister Calderwood so that we could teach a friend of theirs who was visiting for a few days. We readily accepted. We taught a lesson on the Plan of Salvation, and President and Sister Calderwood helped us. It was one of the most powerful lessons I've been a part of during my entire mission. The Spirit was strongly manifest, and the power of President and Sister Calderwood's testimonies was impressive. I would say that the best way to teach a lesson with a member present is to teach with the mission president and his wife. It was a choice experience. And then, Elder Legere and I were invited to stay for dinner. It was really fun to see the Calderwood family in their natural habitat. They are a very good family. We all shared the insights we'd gained from conference with each other, and just had a grand old time. It was very comforting to me, as I felt more at home than I have in a long time. So, Mom, rest assured that my mission president and his wonderful wife are taking good care of me and giving me a lot of love. I count myself very lucky to have the chance to work so closely with them now. They are great people, and I hope to have a family like they do someday.

Now don't let my previous comments make anyone think that I don't love and appreciate my biological family. Anyone who says that is definitely out of bounds. I am so grateful to my wonderful family for all that they do. Thank you for being there for me and for raising me in a gospel-centered home. "Sweet is the peace the gospel brings", and I am eternally grateful that I have "goodly parents" who brought that peace into our home. Thank you. 

Well, I love you guys. I hope that all is well. I miss you and I pray for you. If you have any questions, please shoot. I'm happy to answer any inquiries. Well, maybe not any, but there's a pretty good chance I'll answer you. 

Love,

Elder McDonald

Elder McDonald and his former zone at the training conference he attended a couple of weeks ago.

Change Is In The Air

Loved Ones,

Hello! Let's get down to the nitty gritty, shall we? I am being transferred. It's almost hard to believe after serving in Bushwick for 8 months. I feel like I'm going to leave home again. I don't know where I'm being transferred yet, though. I find that out tomorrow at transfer meeting. The suspense! I could go anywhere and be with anyone! What will happen? I'm quite excited, actually. I am grateful for the time I've had in Bushwick, but it's time for a change. I look forward to all the new experiences the Lord has in store for me. I look forward to filling you all in next week!

Unfortunately, I was not able to seal my time in Bushwick with a trip to the temple. The plans for the recent convert temple trip that I told you guys about fell through, and the trip has been postponed. Bummer, right? I was looking forward to that. But, this last week was a very good send-off. It was a great experience to go the homes of the members I've come to love and sing an Easter song and bear my testimony of the Living Christ. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. I can't wait to introduce you guys to all the great people in the Bushwick 1st Branch. That will be a happy day indeed. It's hard to believe that I've been here for 8 months, but when I look back, it's also hard to believe how much I've experienced in such a short amount of time. I almost feel like I have experienced a lifetime since I left the MTC. I have an unshakeable testimony of the power of a mission. I confidently declare that anyone who chooses to worthily serve a mission is making a life-changing decision. Anyone who will "embark in the service of God..." and "serve Him with all [their] heart, might, mind, and strength" (did I quote it right?) will be amazed at how much the Lord gives back.

Jacob, I'm glad you stumbled upon the "I'm a Mormon" video of that professor. I like that one a lot. I can only hope that I will be able to someday have a beard as magnificent as that man's. I thought he was super cool, though. I definitely would like to create a similar situation in my future. I'm glad to hear that there was yet another week of joy amongst the McDonald clan. That Easter egg hunt must have been insane. I can only imagine what havoc ensued as hoards of children sought out 1,400 eggs on a multiple-acre compound. It sounds a bit like a "Hunger Games" scenario. Hopefully not... Jase, I'm sorry that you took a blow to the stomach. Make sure you keep a tab on the perpetrator, and I will be sure to give them a piece of my mind first chance I get. Actually, we should probably forgive that person, but I am upset that you had to deal with riff raff. Stay out of trouble!

Easter was really good here. I'm just really excited for general conference, though. I've been reviewing the past addresses, and that has been quite enjoyable. I'm able to get so much more out of the talks when I go over them again. I recommend that! I've been particularly impressed by President Monson's talks. My testimony of the reality of his divine call as the Lord's prophet has been strengthened ten fold as I've re-read his addresses and pondered his counsel. I love that man. One thing that I appreciate about being a missionary is the opportunity I have to bear my testimony frequently. I just want to tell you all that I know that Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet on the earth today. That's not something I just think is true. I know it is. I know that if we will listen to him, we will be led through the turbulence that is so prevalent in the world today. God does indeed speak to men in this generation just as in times past. He will speak to you to tell you that President Monson is His prophet if you will come humbly seeking and listening. I promise.

I love you all so much, and I wish you all the very best. Stay happy. Stay awesome. Stay classy. Stay true.

Love,
Elder McDonald