Another New Adventure!

Loved Ones,

Hello! I must start off by saying how much I love you all. Honestly, I
really do love each of you. I am so grateful to have you folks in my
life. I wish I could send a package of love to let you all know how
much I care and how much each of you mean to me. I hope that my
brevity in communication is never interpreted as a lack of care and
concern. That is surely not the case. The work is moving quickly, and
I just simply don't have the time I would like to individually speak
with each of you as much as I'd like. The time will come when I will
be more available, but for now, it's important to me to consecrate
myself and give The Lord my heart. I've learned recently how important
it is to have your heart in whatever you're doing. I've spoken a lot
about love, and I continue to learn many lessons about the importance
of that virtue, but here, I am speaking more of the heart in relation
to our desire. When our desire is behind something, we work so much
more effectively. I am striving to have a greater desire for the work
of The Lord. The scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 4 says, "If you
have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work." It is our
desire that counts. I've remembered recently that The Lord judges us
based on our works and the DESIRES of our hearts. I hope that I can
put my treasures in Heaven and serve God in the way He expects. I have
been so richly blessed. I need to do my small part to show my
appreciation and help others to be blessed as well.

I want to thank my wonderful family for sending me some Christmas
package love. Those packages brought me so much joy. I am so blessed!
You all are the best! Thank you so much. My thanks seems meager when I
think of how happy I was when I received that package. I just kept
thinking to myself, I am so lucky! My family is the best! But, I say
with as much sincerity as I can, thank you so much. I really am very
appreciative of all that you all do for me.

I am nearly out of time. I'm really sorry. It makes me sad that I
can't tell you all more. So, I must focus on the biggest news. I am
being transferred. I am most saddened by this, because Elder Durkin
and I only had one transfer together, and it has been probably the
most fun I've ever had. The word that I can think of the best describe
Elder Durkin is "riot". He is amazingly enthusiastic and fun, and he
has pushed me along and helped me to learn much this transfer. Also,
he is completely dedicated to this work, and his actions exemplify
what I spoke of earlier about desire. I'm going to miss him. I've
learned so much. Also, I'm being released as a zone leader. I'm off to
a new adventure! My next destination will be announced next week!

That's all for today, folks! I love you all so much! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder McDonald