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