Polar Vortex

Loved Ones,

Hello! Apparently, New York is trapped in a polar vortex. What does
this mean? Well, unfortunately inter-dimensional travel is still out
of the question. To my knowledge, the polar vortex really just means
that the weather swings from a nice, balmy 50 degrees to 10 or so
degrees in a few days. What's exciting is that snow may be part of the
equation, so there just might be some more opportunities to shovel
snow for some folks who need help. I sure hope so! Shoveling snow is
great! How are you all doing in the perpetually sunny land of
California? I hope that joy is ever springing up all around each of
you. I am happy over here. Last week was full of learning. I do love
to learn. Sometimes, learning in life comes with challenges, but how
else could we progress? Natural laws require that there be input to
receive an output. We can't expect to learn and grow if we don't have
some difficulties.

As you may be aware, we are on the precipice of a new transfer. Just
as the polar vortex brings a change as icy weather blows in from the
North, this week will shake things up a bit. We already knew that
there would be change as Elder Pulla is returning to his native India,
but I have a few more details now. Let me just say that I am really
excited. I've been called to train a new missionary next transfer! So,
my next companion is flying somewhere over the United States at this
very moment. I can't wait to meet him! I checked the pictures of the
incoming missionaries, and saw that he will either be from Rwanda or
Mesa, Arizona. Training is really fun and a huge learning experience,
so I feel really lucky. I'm staying here in Bay Shore, so no packing
necessary. Thank goodness! I have to say, I do not like packing. Not
one bit. I do like traveling, though. There is the "opposition in all
things" concept again! Learning is to challenges like traveling is to
packing. It's everywhere!

I must report on my trip to the temple. It was grand. Elder Broadbent
and I were able to go together, and that was a wonderful bonus. We've
been able to spend a fair amount of time together this transfer as he
has been my zone leader. He's a great person. I'm excited for you all
to meet him. Once I was in the temple, I just felt like I could have
stayed for hours and then gone back the next day for hours more. Going
to the temple will not be something on my to-do list that I need to
accomplish when I get home, it will be a sacred privilege that I
relish. At least, I hope I can continue to feel that way. I suppose
that I may be able to evaluate myself by not only my holding a temple
recommend, but my desire to attend. I can't even imagine how much the
temple meant to those early Saints who sacrificed so much and labored
so diligently so that the Lord's house could be established on the
earth once more. I hope to emulate their devotion and desire. I have a
long way to go! Dad, it was actually the Mckells who took us to the
temple. That's so cool that Elder Mckell was your bishop!

Well, I love you all! You guys are the greatest. I'm praying for you.

Love,
Elder McDonald