More Change!

Loved Ones,

Hello! Wowza, is it ever an exciting time! I'm so glad that you all watched the broadcast. History was made. I am continually in awe at the marvelous work and wonder that is unfolding. Wasn't that broadcast just awesome? My district watched it together, and we were just freaking out. We were so giddy! I loved every minute of it. Elder Holland once again showed us all how awesome he is (I loved his Spanish. Also, I saw Blake Julander among the missionaries in Washington D.C. North when they went to the live feed. Do you remember him? He's the one that was stung by a scorpion when he was over at our house.). I also just loved to see the Brethren in so many different situations. Just watching them live their lives is marvelously instructive. They are just good, good people. And, what wonderful instruction we received from President Packer! I love that man. He is wise beyond belief. I also loved the videos they showed. By the way, I may have a possible thread to follow in my career decisions. I've stumbled upon this thread before, but it was cemented more soundly during the broadcast. I think that I may want to go to BYU's film school and, among other things, produce videos and films for the Church. I am always very impacted by the video presentations, and I feel that I am particularly drawn to that medium. That would be a way that I could share what I love by doing something I love. There is much more exploration to do, I'm sure, but I do have that idea floating around my head. What do you think? In summation, I feel very blessed to be serving the Lord at this exciting time. And, I will feel even more blessed when my mission gets iPads! Yes, the day fast approaches.

So, let me give you a quick update about what's going on. I have more than usual to report, actually. I have been called to serve as a zone leader, and I'm being transferred to an as yet unknown location. Elder Legere and I are actually both being transferred. We're being "blinded out" as they call it. It's an interesting turn of events! The Lord has taught me so much over the last three months, and I am very much looking forward to the next great leg of my journey. I welcome new challenges and opportunities, for it is through these experiences that growth is achieved. I have learned to trust in the Lord much more recently. I know that things will always work out. If we stand by the Lord, He will always stand by us. He has our best interests at heart, and He wants for us to be happy. I know that we never need to worry or fear. If we cling to obedience, then joy and peace will be our reward and our shield against the darkness that so pervasively assaults us. There have been so many times that I have felt completely stressed out and wondered how anything would ever go right, only to see everything miraculously fall into place right before my eyes. So, it is with this knowledge that I've gained and that I am very grateful for that I move forward into the unknown with hope and excitement. I can say without hesitation that I absolutely love my mission and I know that I could not possibly do something of more value at this time.

I'm so glad to hear that you are all settling in! I hope that you all continue to prosper! How is the lovely Southern California weather? Lovely? New York City is rapidly descending into a blazing inferno. That is to be expected. I can only hope that I have a car in my next area. I suppose I have to earn my keep, though. I love each of you so much, and I pray for you. Keep loving life! I am so excited to hear about all the exciting things that happen. I'm excited to tell you about the exciting things that I will experience as well.

I'm feeling a great deal of enthusiasm right now, so if you don't mind, I'd like to let all that spill out of me for a moment. First of all, I want you all to know that I know unequivocally that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I know this with all of my heart. And I also know that we are living in the midst of a miracle. The growth of the Church and the impact that it has made on the world is nothing short of miraculous. "A notable miracle has been done in the Church and in the lives of its members." What is happening right now cannot be dismissed as an event to simply casually observe. The very work of God rolls forth "boldly, nobly, and independent", and it will soon reach every ear and every corner of the earth. The royal army of God is growing and bringing the healing balm of the Savior to the pure in heart who long for the Truth. The Lord has prepared a fantastic harvest, and incredible things will happen as we unite in faith and love. If we will all do our duty, then I believe a surge of pure miracle will occur beyond our capacity to currently understand. I hope that I can do what the Lord has called me to do with greater zeal and determination. I want to be an active participant in the work of the Lord, not simply an observer. It is on the Lord's side that we find fulfillment, happiness, and peace. I am so grateful to each of you for the strength you give to me. Thank you for participating with me in this great cause. I love each of you more than I can say, and I pray that the blessings of heaven will be poured out upon you and that you will feel the Lord's gentle, guiding hand as you turn to Him and lay your troubles at His feet. He is always there for us, whether we need more faith, more love, a shoulder to cry on, or even a miracle. If we can but believe, all things are possible. I believe, and I pray that the Lord will "help...my unbelief". Be good, live as fully as you can, and love the Lord. I hope that we can all find the pure joy that comes as we align our will with God's.

Love,
Elder McDonald

Gatsby Hair

Gatsby 

Cute little botanist.

New York Cheesecake Bagels...

Classic Missionary Dinner. 

Charity Never Faileth

Loved Ones,

Hi! So, now everyone is finally back in the place where dreams come true, eh? Well, I suppose that could be several places depending on who you are. Personally, I feel that Disneyland is actually the only place that really deserves such praise, so never mind. I was a bit too hasty in my classifying of Southern California, though it is a place of wonders. But I'm sure that you are all benefiting from the vitality that seems to only come from consistent, deep breaths of ocean air. Does it feel like you came home? Are we officially a Southern California family? What adventures await just beyond the horizon? (I'm imagining these questions being asked in a dramatic manner, such as at the end of an episode of Pokemon. I seem to remember dramatic questions being asked at the end of Pokemon episodes.) But anyway, it sounds like everything is working out quite swimmingly. I am glad that happiness prevails in your hearts!

This week was not very eventful in the traditional sense of the term, so I don't have a lot of exciting stories to tell, but it was a good week that provided a myriad of teaching and learning experiences. One thing does come to mind that I'd like to share. I think that the most important lesson I learned this week is the grand, eternal importance of charity. Elder Legere and I have had a few encounters with antagonistic individuals over the past months, which is to be expected, and these encounters have taught me a lot about myself and what I can do to be more charitable and loving. I think that you all have realized that I'm a pretty passionate person. When I agree or disagree with something, I tend to do so with a fair amount of zeal. It's just my nature, I suppose. I feel strongly about those things that are important to me, and I often vocalize these feelings. This can be a good thing, but any virtue can transform itself into a vice if we are not cautious (President Packer taught us this wise counsel in his conference address). Sometimes, I think I can be a bit like the impetuous Peter. We all remember the story in which he brashly cuts off the ear of one of those who sought the arrest of the Savior. He too was a passionate man. In comparing myself to Peter, I want to be careful, and state clearly that I am only comparing one of his characteristics with one of mine. I could not with any degree of justification place myself on the same level as such a powerful man. But, my point is that I can sometimes be a little bit rash in expressing my thoughts. When people challenge my faith and even condemn it, I am moved to take a stand. I never like to be angry or unkind, but sometimes my passion can be overbearing, I've found. So, what I've learned is that passion is good, but it must be placed in the bounds of charity for the effect to be positive. I've learned that the most important thing is to love people, and then everything else falls into place. I'm now trying to slow down, and really love those who I come in contact with. Then, I can direct my passion in the proper direction. If we don't have charity, then we are nothing. I need to love more.

Speaking of love, I was able to attend a wedding last week - the second one in a month! A couple that is being taught by the Spanish-speaking missionaries in the district was married in preparation for their baptism. It was a great occasion. Weddings are just a joy. I didn't think that I would be attending one as a missionary, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to see families unite in such a tangible way. I really can't think of anything else that would be exciting to share. I'll try to have a more intriguing report next week. I can say that I am really excited for President Monson's address to the world on June 23rd. I think it will be a historic point in Church history. We really are living in such a remarkable time. It is a great privilege and opportunity.

I want to add on to the invitation I extended last week. Family history work continues to be a focus in my mission, and I've seen the power that comes from this beautiful work. I want to promise a blessing to each of you through a quotation from Elder Richard G. Scott's October 2012 conference address. In the words of Elder Scott: "Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost...Set aside those things in your life that don't really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences...Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful." I know that what Elder Scott teaches is true. I invite each of you to engage in this work. I actually ask each of you to do so as a way to help me in my missionary efforts. I will be doing family history work weekly, and I hope that you all can join me so that we can find our ancestors who, at this point, remain undiscovered. I also ask you to prayerfully search out and select stories about our ancestors and pictures of them that I could share with others. Then, send them my way! Not only will this help us to combine as one in a missionary effort, but our family will be blessed as we learn about and connect with our ancestors. I am so grateful for all the support and strength you all have given to me so far, and I am hesitant to ask for anything more, but I know that the Lord will bless us, and that as we work together, great things will be brought to pass. I pledge to increase my efforts and to give more of myself. I pray for the strength to do so. Thank you all for all you do. I love each of you dearly.

Love,

Elder McDonald

Read and Pray!

Loved Ones,

Wow. Where to begin? It sounds like we both had interesting and exciting weeks. You're moving! That all happened quite quickly. And I get to have my cake and eat it too! A home by the beach and another missionary plaque! Woohoo! Mom, did you look up what the record is for the largest number of plaques acquired? I'm sure it's more than 3, so you might have to do some ward hopping. I'm so excited for you guys! My thoughts are honestly a little discombobulated. There is just so much to think about all the time! And you know what the greatest part is? Not one of those thoughts need ever be about something as insignificant or meaningless as so many of my thoughts just a year ago sometimes were (What movie should I watch? What's going on on facebook? etc.) Now, don't get me wrong. There is definitely time for some leisure in life, and there are many things that can be great in moderation. But, not having any time for leisure has taught me a lot about what is truly important in life. There are so many good things that each of us can do, that if we think about them all, we'll find that we don't have enough time to do them, let alone all the things that are rather unimportant and perhaps even distracting. The term "the finer things of life" has taken on more meaning for me. God, family, service, love - these things are important. Most of all, don't forget about love. Everything important will always tie back to love. I am so grateful for the capacity to love that our loving Heavenly Father has given us. I love to love, and I love all of you! I'm so grateful for all that you do and for the labor of love which you are continuously engaged in on my behalf. Things you do that may seem small can be more powerful to me than I can express. Please don't ever feel like you aren't making a difference. Never feel like your work is not appreciated. I assure you that it is. I wish I could bottle up the love I feel right now and send it to you. I just can't express it. I am eternally grateful for what each of you has done. You have all played a role in my life that time and circumstance will never diminish. Each day that I move through becomes a memorial for the contributions you have made to my life. I pray that I can make my own fitting memorial to each of you by the way I live. I earnestly hope that my life will be worthy of the work that all of you have put in to it. I know that it is not just me who is pleased. "When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God." What you have done for me, you have done for Him. Thank you. Though those words are surely among the most noble in all the english language, they seem feeble when presented with the task of expressing the feelings of my heart. I pray that the Spirit will make "weak things become strong". I pray that you will each be able to feel of the unending love I have for each of you.

I am glad to hear that, despite the hiccups, everyone made the trek back to the homeland in safety. Mom, it sounds like you finally managed to surpass the horror of our drive through Las Vegas without air conditioning. I'd say you one-upped any previous family travels the moment that engine piece freed itself and went bounding across the freeway. It seems that we have a knack for adventure and for being involved in situations that go horribly but wonderfully wrong in our family. I love to look back on all of the moments that seemed to be nothing short of apocalyptic when they were being lived. Isn't it funny how time can turn a tyrannosaurus rex into a source of wonder for the bright, curious eyes of children? I learned some wisdom long ago that has brought me comfort: tragedy + time = comdedy. We are going to have quite a quiver of tales to tell when we reunite. I look forward to laughing until it becomes painful. I hope that everything goes very well as you all move forward on your journeys. Jacob, I'm really excited for you to go to EFY in Santa Barbara! That is going to be awesome! Let me offer some advice: don't get sick on the last day so that you are quarantined in your room and forced to subsist solely on the Goldfish crackers and Snickers bar that your kind uncle graciously gifted to you. If you can avoid that, you should do great! The DLG has some really delicious food, and EFY is just awesome in general. Meet as many good people as you can and soak up all the spiritual goodness that is sent your way. Jase, way to get straight A's! Nice work, buddy. Are you going to learn how to surf this summer? You and Mia should learn together. I want to suggest a goal for each of you now that school is out. I invite you all to read from the Book of Mormon everyday for at least 15 minutes over the summer. Mia, you can use the Book of Mormon Stories book. That is good, too. And don't just read! Study, ponder, and apply what you are learning. I promise each of you that if you will do this, a light will come into your life that will never dim. You will be shielded from all the evils of the world, and your love for the scriptures, the Lord, and life will blossom and thrive. Of course, you can't forget to say your prayers morning and evening as well. The Primary kids are wise beyond their years when they enthusiastically shout out, "Read and pray!" as the answer to every question that comes their way. I know that if you will do those things, you will be given strength beyond your own, and your life will be full of joy. That is a promise I leave with each of you.

I know that you are all busy, but I want to leave another invitation with you. My mission has been focusing a lot on family history work lately. We are using it as a way to strengthen the members and find investigators. I mentioned in a previous email that my testimony of the temple has grown. In addition to that, I have been touched by the Spirit of Elijah, and my testimony of family history work has become strong as well. I'm so grateful for this, because now my love for the temple has become more tangible. I know that family history work is important. Time does not allow me to share all the thoughts and experiences I've had concerning family history work and the temple, but I will say that I know that if we will choose to engage in this great redemptive work, we will be blessed bountifully and eternally. I want to invite each of you to learn the doctrine behind family history work and the Spirit of Elijah. Then, with the empowering knowledge that you gain, go and labor for the salvation of our ancestors to whom we owe our very existence. I have had the impression that it is in this way that we can unite our efforts as a family. I will be learning more and focusing more on family history work, and I am using it as a principle means to share the joy of the gospel. Our efforts can be knit together as we strive to become more involved in family history work as a family. What better group to unite with than your family as you labor for your family that has passed on! I want to invite each of you to share your experiences as you do this. I would so appreciate hearing your testimonies. I humbly ask for your help. As we work together, our efforts become much more powerful. I hesitate to add more to your full plates, but I know that the Lord will give us strength beyond our own as we choose to give of ourselves in the service of others.

I love each of you dearly. I pray for you. If there is ever anything that I can do for any of you, please let me know. "Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy...Shall we not go on in so great a cause?"

Love,
Elder McDonald

Day-To-Day

Loved Ones,

Hello, dear ones. How is everyone? Did June bring a host of joyful experiences? I'm not really sure how in the world it is June 2013 right now, but I have a lot of reliable sources telling me it is. I must yield to reason. But we could have an entirely different conversation on that subject. Are there many exciting happenings happening? I'm going to guess that there are, but I think we've already addressed the fact that what I judge to be exciting may simply be the day-to-day for all of you. But if I ask you all if you have had any day-to-day experiences lately, then that doesn't seem to quite express the proper sentiment. Where am I going with all of this? I'm not sure. Really, I just hope that everyone is happy. I hope that is the case.

Is school out yet? If it is, then you guys are lucky, because you have more time to read your scriptures! I hope that it isn't too unbearably hot in Clovis. It's getting warm here again. It's amazing how much the weather can fluctuate. But today, it's raining, which is perfect because my zone is playing ultimate frisbee at the park, so now we can play in the mud. It should be pretty exciting (or day-to-day, depending on who you are). I'm trying to think back to discover any noteworthy adventures from the past week. I do believe that if you go on to the Book of Mormon musical facebook page, you may find a picture of Elder Legere and I with a guy who I think is named Dave. We ran into him while we were knocking on doors, and he is friends with the writer of "The Book of Mormon". He was a really nice guy, and he was excited to take a picture with us. He recommended that we go to a showing of the musical and then start preaching during intermission. He said that we would easily attract a crowd. I don't think we'll follow through on his suggestion, but it was good of him to offer advice. That is kind of exciting right? Ok, maybe that was more on the day-to-day side, but I'm trying my best! President Calderwood held a leadership conference last week, and it was really helpful. He taught us a lot about planning our lives out, and I became even more excited about the future. The future just gets me excited. But, I do just need to move from day-to-day (attempt at a joke based on previous comments). President Calderwood has taught me a ton about how to effectively plan, and I absolutely know it will benefit my life. Speaking of President Calderwood, I forgot to mention that I gave him the picture of his father as a missionary that Grandma and Grandpa sent, and I showed him Grandpa's missionary picture. He was really excited. His father is coming to visit in the next week or two, so I'll have a chance to meet him! I'll try to get a picture with him.

Other than that, I don't think I have any other adventures to report on. I was struck with the remarkable beauty of this place I am privileged to serve in as I traveled throughout my area. It really is picturesque. Sometimes, I do have urges to jump in the water of the bay because it is just that beautiful, but Alma does tell us to bridle our passions. I'll heed his advice. My eyes are constantly given a feast of tall, green trees, colorful birds, and wonderful lighting (shout-out to Tiffany). And my ears are treated to a symphony as the birds sing their hearts out. I'm lucky to be here. I'm sorry Brooklyn. You have a lot of things going for you, but beauty just isn't one of them. There are also many beautiful people here. Elder Legere and I keep having the opportunity to talk with really nice old people. Old people, especially couples, are probably my favorite segment of the population. They are so classy, kind, and good. They've offered us something to drink on multiple occasions, which gives us the opportunity to sit down with them and have very pleasant conversations. One couple actually gave us ice cream! These conversations with the aged have renewed my faith in humanity. They are living proof that even though the world can be dark and terrible, light will always triumph over darkness. If you choose good, then good will be your reward. I wish to thank all those who have gone before and chosen the better part. Especially you, Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa, I wanted to tell you that I used your missionary picture in a lesson to illustrate how the choices we make now will determine our destiny and influence those who come after us. During the lesson, I expressed my gratitude for the choices that you made and how I've been blessed as a result. So thank you, Grandpa. And you too, Grandma. And I extend my gratitude to everyone who has gone before me and who has gone with me throughout my life. I could never have made it to this point without you, and I continue to be blessed by your presence in my life as I move forward. I know that what we choose to do now will make a difference. I know that if we will move forward in faith, even if that means taking a step in the dark, we will find the light and the good in the world and in ourselves.

I love you all, always and forever. Please be happy! And be well. Most of all, be good. We can never know what little decisions will lead to, but we can know that good decisions lead to a good life.

Love,
Elder McDonald