Happy Thanksgiving #2!

Loved Ones!

Hello! Well, I'm just feeling great about life. Elder Durkin and I
were talking to a brother in the Midwood ward a couple of weeks ago,
and he mentioned how he feels that being on a mission is kind of like
being on a crazy reality TV show. You get dropped off in a foreign
place with people you don't know at all, and your task is to start
talking to as many people as you can about religion. It just sounds
like the stuff of prime time. I liked that perspective, actually. It
really is such a fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience. But the
missionaries shouldn't have all the fun! Everyone can join in on this
work. Eternal friends will be made, eternal families will be expanded,
and eternal love will grow. That last one is my favorite, and the one
I most need to work on. Though a mission is a very unique experience,
our whole lives can be simultaneously full of whimsy and deep meaning.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has a way of making paradoxes possible.
Speaking of whimsy, let me share a funny moment from yesterday. Elder
Durkin and I were walking to the church late in the evening, and, for
some reason, we started to perform a little two-man band routine in
which we were both air guitarist. Elder Durkin started with the rhythm
guitar while I soloed on top, and we would switch back and forth as we
walked. This went on for at least 5 minutes, I think. Life is a lot of
fun. In other news, it was cold enough to send a yeti to Florida
yesterday. Our ward mission leader checked the weather report and said
that it felt like -8 or something ridiculous like that. All I know is
that it was really cold. But it was not in vain! I gained a deeper
respect and appreciation for the pioneers who trekked across the
frozen plains and sacrificed their very lives for truth. I am so
grateful for them. While walking through the cold in the Crown Heights
area, I also had an "I-can't-believe-I'm-in-New-York" moment. It came
as I gazed upon the Chrysler building, beaming with golden sunlight in
the distance. Those moments come from time to time.

But enough about me! How are all of you? Jacob, way to nail a sweet
improv talk in church! I can't wait to hear about it. You know, I feel
that the most powerful way to give a talk is to simply study
beforehand and have an outline, and then just deliver whatever message
the Spirit directs you to give. I've been blessed by using that format
in preparing talks and workshops. I wish I could have been there,
though. I'm happy that everyone is getting settled in to the new
place. Does it feel home-y yet? I don't mean in the gangster sort of
way. I hope that everyone feels at ease. I also hope that the classic
St. George Thanksgiving is great, as usual. What fond memories pour
into my mind as I think of St. George Thanksgivings! Have lots of fun!
I am ever with you in spirit.

I just would like to share something with you all really quickly. One
thing that has really been a blessing for Elder Durkin and I is having
a vision for our work. We decide what we would like to see (and make
sure it's what The Lord would like to see as well), then set goals and
make plans to accomplish the vision. Goals help to bring about the
vision in a measurable way (when they're measurable, it helps us stay
motivated so that we can see the progress that we make), name plans
help us achieve our goals. Having a vision to guide our efforts has
been such a big help. We feel more purposeful and honestly more happy.
I know that this will be the case for everyone. So, I would like to
extend an invitation to you guys. I invite you to get together as a
family and create a family mission plan, detailing how you are going
to be missionaries and help hasten the work of salvation. A great way
to start is by going onto the new Hastening the Work website and going
over the material there to catch the vision and learn what your role
is in all this. I promise that you will find greater peace, joy, and
love (perfect for Christmas!) as a family if you will do this. Having
a plan not only provides purpose and direction, but it also is a great
way to show The Lord you're serious so that He can begin to open doors
for you. When we commit to doing things, and really desire to serve
God, He makes things happen. I'd love to be a part of the plan. What
do you think?

I love you all so much! Thank you! I may be a broken record, but I
can't thank you enough. Have a great week!

Love,
Elder McDonald