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.