Aloha!

Loved Ones,

Hello! My "hello's" are always answered by silence in the digital world, and it reminds me of a thought I had yesterday in church. You know how nobody ever responds when someone who is giving a talk says, "Good morning," but when someone goes up and says, "Alooooha!" everybody promptly sends a big "aloha" right back? Well, as I pondered this for a moment, I decided that I think I might just say "aloha" every time I give a talk at church so I can get a response. Using this logic, I might well infer that if I begin my emails with "aloha" instead of "hello", I'll get some sort of response. Who or what it is that would answer me from the far reaches of the digital wilderness, I can't say. I feel like these are questions that need to be answered :) But, I digress. How is everyone doing? Once again, it seems like you've managed to have a great week. Mom and Dad, I loved the pictures of your trip to the Getty. You two are looking good! I have some cool parents, I do declare. And I'm only a little bit jealous that you had dinner on the beach in Malibu. Mostly, I'm happy that you are taking some time to slow down and make some happy memories. Those little moments are like an investment with an incredibly high interest rate. They yield a continual return of warmth and joy, and they are worth their weight in gold (do moments have a weight?). Thank you all for keeping me in the loop and letting me experience a little slice of the good times. 

This week was good. Transfer calls came, informing me that I will be staying here in Midwood with Elder Monestine for the next transfer. I just love this place so much. It is definitely my favorite area so far. But I've loved each area for individual reasons. Midwood is just such a beautiful convergence of cultures. It's like I'm always on a field trip for a cultural anthropology course. It's great! For the cultural experience of the week, let me tell you about the Middle Eastern (I think it was Pakistani) sweet shop Elder Monestine and I found. We were walking home one night near the end of last week, and we passed a little shop with some interesting offerings displayed on their counter. Elder Monestine wondered aloud what these foreign foods were, and I suggested that we go inside and find out. As we walked in, we were greeted by one of the kindest, most friendly people I've met recently. He patiently explained what some of the sweets were, and then very graciously gave us some free samples. The sweets were delicious, but even sweeter was the warmth and love that comes from simple human kindness. This man reminded me of the power and importance of civility. If we all treat each other with a little more kindness and respect, sharing our "sweets" with those around us, then the world will be a more beautiful place. Elder Ballard's address about honeybees and service comes to mind. 

One thing I learned this week, is that the Lord is always mindful of us, and He knows when we need a little encouragement from our heavenly home. Sometimes, it can feel like we're on our own, but the Lord's comfort is always there to remind us that someone knows and someone cares. We are often allowed to struggle and experience some adversity so that we can grow. The metal must pass through the refining fire if it is ever to achieve its full potential. I feel that the Lord does not like to see us struggle, but He has an eternal perspective, and so He knows that some stretching is necessary. And, just like a father teaching his child how to ride a bike stays by the child's side with outstretched hands, ready to catch the child if balance is lost, the Lord stays near us, always ready to "catch" us when we need help. I felt the Lord's sustaining power this week. There were a few moments when I felt downtrodden, distressed, and distanced from God. I needed an assurance that my Heavenly Father was mindful of me, and that assurance came - more than once. This week, I have been strengthened by divine love, and I have learned for myself that the Lord's promise in John 14:18 is real: "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." And so, I declare that God lives. He loves us. Feeling God's love will heal any wound and lift even the most depressed soul. We need to turn to the Lord in our trials. He is always there to help. 

I love each of you so much. Thank you for always being there for me. Sometimes the Lord sends angels to help us, and you guys have been angels for me. 

Love,

Elder McDonald