Mystery Revealed...

Loved Ones,

Hello! The time has come to reveal my location. This is the moment we
all have (maybe) been waiting for. Ok. The place where I am currently
typing this email from will be revealed in just a moment. Here we go.
I am in... Commercial break!! No, I wouldn't do that to you. I was
trying to simulate the American Idol announcement experience. I'll
tell you now. I just realized that by explaining that I wouldn't
inflict a commercial break upon you, I ended up doing so anyway. And
now, by explaining that, I have stalled even more. Before I embark on
more tangents, I will say that I have been transferred to Bayshore.
They shipped me way out to the far reaches of Long Island. I'll tell
you just a bit about the area. It's a sort of sleepy place, with a
small town America feel. Many people have the Christmas spirit here,
with elaborate Christmas lights adorning a good portion of the homes.
The town became very beautiful courtesy of a calm snowfall two days
ago. There is also a very western United States feel, with big
shopping complexes with huge parking lots. I shopped at Target to get
my dose of commercial Christmas cheer. It's fun to have the old staple
stores around. You know, I just thought that maybe I will end up
missing Wal-Mart after not being in one for two years. Then, I thought
about it for a moment and changed my mind :) More importantly than all
that, the ward and members here are awesome! I was so happy after
experiencing it all yesterday. There is great potential here, and the
work will surely hasten in this portion of the vineyard.

The next question is, who am I with? I think you'll get a chuckle out
of this one. My "new" companion is Elder Pulla. We've come full
circle! I'll be his last companion as he is finishing his mission this
transfer. Pretty interesting, eh? It will be fun! I know that I'm in
the right place, and I am excited for the next phase of my service.
Whatever happens, I know I need to make the most of every moment
because time is starting to fly. This past week was like lightning.

The first thing I want to do is deeply thank each of you for your
prayers. I absolutely know that I was blessed because of the prayers
of great faith that were offered in my behalf. A few days ago, I
realized that small miracles came about because of the prayers. I
needed them, and I am deeply grateful. My testimony of the power of
prayer has grown. I always feel so inadequate when expressing thanks.
I just can't impart to you my feelings accurately. Please accept my
meager offering! I want you to know that the prayers definitely helped
in a very real way. I love you all so much! Honestly!

I'm running low on time. I'll wait to wish you all a Merry Christmas
because Monday is still two days before the big day. Good news!
They have cheese balls at one of the stores here! You can bet your
bottom dollar I'll be getting some of that for Christmas Eve! I wish I
had more time! I have to go for now. I love you all so much! If you're
dreaming of a white Christmas, you can live vicariously through me.
Though I will only be home for Christmas in my dreams, I want you all
to know that this is where I want to be at this time. I am glad I can
serve the Savior as my Christmas gift.

Love,
Elder McDonald