Enduring to the End

Loved Ones,

You know what the hardest part of writing these emails is? Starting
them. I have found a remedy though, and it's the same one I've used in
my daily journal entries. I actually just used it in my opening
remarks. I've found that by talking about how it's hard to start and
then offering a bit of commentary on the subject, I wind up with a
unique opening. It seems to work like a charm! So, now that the
hardest part is over, let's get on with the rest of the email!

How is everybody? I'm doing very well, myself. I'm just trying to bid
farewell to a little seasonal cold that has stopped by for a visit,
but my unwelcome guest just doesn't seem to be getting the message.
It's ok, though. A mission isn't a mission without at least a little
bit of sickness and affliction. That's just the way things go in a
fallen world. I, of course, refer to the fall of Adam and Eve and the
resultant fallen state of planet earth (thorns, thistles, etc.). I am
quick to add that I think this world is absolutely terrific in many
ways. As we hope for the things of a better world, I think we can find
healthy doses of joy right here in the world we're in. Sure, I could
do without this cold, but how can I complain when such a thing as
peanut butter exists? Quick, tell me the best things that happened
this week. Ready, go! ...You can start now... The clock is running...
Ok, I'll start. That's only fair :)

This past week was a stake conference week, and we had a magnificent
conference. The stake presidency here is working in perfect unity with
the missionaries, which is a beautiful thing. We are one in this great
work! It works better that way. I was edified by the thoughts and
testimonies shared by the speakers. Also, I had the opportunity to be
a part of the stake choir, along with the rest of the missionaries in
the district. I very much enjoyed that! Choir practice is always one
of the highlights of week because we get to spend time with our
awesome ward members, and our choir director, Sister Burgess, is the
coolest ever. She and her husband (who plays the organ) are from South
Africa, so they have really cool accents but even cooler
personalities. They're fun to work with. Another highlight was a trip
down to Bushwick for a giant blitz to find some of the members who we
haven't seen in a while. I was invited to come since I know the area.
I went down with Elder Booth, Elder Broadbent, Elder Jolley, and Elder
Rubin. It was so good to see all my Bushwick friends again. I went on
splits with President Frandsen (the one who made the film "Duck Beach
to Eternity"), so I lucked out because he's a lot of fun. It was good
to catch up with him a little bit. Being back in my first area was
very interesting. I saw many of the places which I passed so
frequently just about a year ago now. I suppose it was a foretaste of
what it will be like to visit my mission after my release. The places
I have labored are forever emblazoned on my mind.

Well, I suppose it is about time to bid you all farewell until next
week. Before I do, I'd like to share my testimony of the portion of
the doctrine of Christ referred to as enduring to the end. Consider
the following passage from the Book of Mormon:

"And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the
fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou
mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the
fountain of all righteousness!
"And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this
valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments
of the Lord!"
 (1 Nephi 2:9-10)

The words "continually", "steadfast", and "immovable" stand out to me
in the above passage. The strength of character which endurance to the
end demands is so essential for the fulfilling of our eternal destiny.
We all know from one experience or another the power of habit. Well,
if we make living the gospel of Jesus Christ a habit by enduring to
the end, meaning continually living the gospel every day of our lives
with a determination that can only be described as "steadfast and
immovable", then we won't just be doing good things, we will BE a good
person. The changes in us will be deep and eternal. We will be able to
call upon our spiritual strength and good habits in time of dire need,
and we will have sufficient oil in our lamps to meet the demands of
whatever circumstance we may be in. It is at least partially because
of the need to endure to the end that the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints is not just a twice-a-year or even once a week
church. We are asked to live our religion every hour of our lives. I
testify that if we "press forward with a steadfastness in
Christ...behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
(2 Nephi 31:20). I hope to be more steadfast and immovable, and I
acknowledge that it is only through the grace of Jesus Christ that
this is possible.

I love you all so much! Thank you for all that you do! It means a lot
to me. I know I say that all the time, but I really do mean it. Have
an awesome week!

Love,
Elder McDonald

It's Not Easy Being Green

Loved Ones,

Hello! Happy St. Patrick's Day! What's this? No one is wishing me a
happy St. Patrick's Day back? "It's because I'm green, isn't it?" No,
I'm only joking! I know that if we were speaking face-to-face I would
have certainly received a response. I hope that the traditional
festivities will bring joy to you all this fine day! You know, Mom, I
think that out of all the holiday food, what you make for St.
Patrick's Day is my favorite. In fact, I believe it was the food alone
that instilled in me such a deep love for this oft unheralded holiday.
Thank you for raising me to think of corned beef and cabbage and Irish
soda bread rather than irresponsible alcohol consumption when St.
Patrick's Day comes to mind. What a fine thing tradition is! And it's
powerful, too! Indeed, it was the wicked traditions of the Lamanite's
fathers that led their whole civilization astray for a time.
Conversely, a righteous legacy can and does burn bright through the
generations, positively impacting the lives of hundreds, even
thousands. Heck, it could even be millions. I'm so grateful for those
who have gone before me to blaze a trail. I'm especially grateful for
the powerful example of my ancestor Ephraim Hanks at this time. More
on that later.

My, how much joy you bring me! Mia, thank you for demonstrating your
hula skills for me! You are so good! I was blown away as I watched the
video! Also, I was so happy, because you are so precious! Will you
teach me how to hula hoop this summer? Jase! You passed the sacrament
for the first time! You are awesome! I'm really proud of you, bud.
Jacob, what can I say? I'm going to start mailing Mom and Dad good
sticks that they can use to beat away the ladies that are constantly
vying for your attention. I hope that everyone is just doing so well.
I bet you are! I hope that the mail I sent got to everyone in a timely
manner. I wish I had more time so I could send more love.

Last week was awesome! There was some really good news that reached
the anxious ears of Elder Booth and I. We had suggested to our
investigator "Jim" that he start attending the YSA ward because of a
few different factors. There was a little bit of a misunderstanding,
and we lost contact with him for a time. We were greatly troubled by
this as we had become close and he was progressing so well. But, it
all worked out in the end. The good news we received was that Jim is
attended the YSA ward and he feels right at home. He's working with
the sister missionaries there, and he will be baptized in 2 weeks. He
has invited us to come to the baptism, so there are no hard feelings.
Isn't that great? Elder Booth and I met again with our favorite
Jamaican couple and were delighted to find that they are also doing
well. They have committed to read the Book of Mormon. Perhaps the
greatest experience of last week came Friday night. I had the choice
opportunity to relive our classic pizza-and-a-movie night! What? Pizza
and a movie as a missionary? Well, it wasn't your typical missionary
situation, but it also wasn't your typical movie night. A wonderful
member invited us to attend the event as she was planning on inviting
an investigator and a less-active member. The plan was to watch
"Ephraim's Rescue". When the night of the activity came, we were
saddened by word that the less-active member wouldn't be coming. We
also had not heard anything from the investigator. So, Elder Booth and
I were getting ready to forgo the plans as there would not be a clear
missionary purpose in just going to watch the movie. We didn't want to
do that, and Sister Mehmedi (the member) didn't want us to either. So,
she called over her son-in-law who is not a member of the Church and
invited him to join us. He agreed. I'll start with the film. I really
enjoyed it! It was a powerful reminder of how much those people gave
so that we could have so much. I also really enjoyed learning more
about Ephraim Hanks (I said I'd come back to that). What a legacy to
live up to he left! I'd love to study up on his life a bit more. Jose,
Sister Mehmedi's son-in-law, really enjoyed the film as well, and,
sensing an opportunity, Elder Booth invited him to learn more about
the restored gospel afterward. He agreed again! That night was such a
sacred experience. I can't explain it, but there was just a holy
stillness which seemed to fill the air as Elder Booth and I returned
home. We are looking for the pure in heart, especially families, and
we feel like we found one such individual. All of that underscores the
point that the absolute best way to do missionary work is through the
members of the Church. What is a simple gesture of neighborly kindness
can be a perfect opportunity to bring gospel truths into the lives of
our brothers and sisters. Missionaries simply can't create those sort
of golden situations on our own. I suppose that's the report for the
week! I am so appreciative of your support and prayers. Boy, do I need
it!

In closing, I would just like to share a little testimony of scripture
study. When we are having a tough time, the scriptures are an amazing
remedy. In a dark hour, Elder Scott's description of the scriptures as
"packets of light" is very fitting. This morning, just a few verses
from the Doctrine & Covenants lifted my spirits and gave me a more
clear vision of the eternities. I know that the holy scriptures -- the
Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of
Great Price -- are the word of God. They are faithful friends that
always seem to know what to say.

Well, that's all folks! I love you all so much! Thank you for being so
wonderful. I am inspired to be more because of what you are all doing
for me.

Love,
Elder McDonald

Benji!

Loved Ones,

Hi friends! Goodness me, it seems that we've experienced what Elder
Booth terms a "temporal anomaly". We were not aware of the switch to
daylight savings time -- a terrible institution that ought to be
abolished :) -- until we got into the car to go to church and then
experienced the temporal anomaly. We drove in a circle for just a
little while in great confusion before we gathered our wits, got our
bearings, and proceeded to church. The fact that it is already March
is what makes me suspect another temporal anomaly. I don't know who
Father Time is or what he wants, but someone needs to have a word with
him. It's getting out of hand. But really, life is so much more than
the passing of time. What I ought to concern myself with is loving and
living to the fullest each and every day. Time may pass, but a life
well-lived will continue on forever.

You all had quite the week last week! I'm glad that there was family
fun to be had. I loved seeing the pictures. I thought the picture from
"Tower of Terror" was particularly funny because of the stark contrast
between Mia's reaction last week and her reaction during our
Disneyland trip with the Nethercott's. Speaking of the Nethercott's, I
spoke with Elder McKell, and he definitely remembers the Nethercott's.
I didn't have time to get any good stories from him, but he seemed
glad to hear about the connection. And, speaking of connections, I was
finally able to meet Brother Calderwood, who served with Grandpa! He
told me to tell Grandpa that he's still alive and kicking.

So, now for the news. I gave a talk in sacrament meeting yesterday on
maintaining an eternal perspective. I focused on the Savior's
commandment to "be of good cheer". It was fun! I love giving talks
because a.) they are fun to give, and b.) I always learn a ton when
I'm preparing them. A good way to study the gospel is to prepare a
talk on the topic you wish to learn more about or understand more
fully. As part of the talk, I shared my first experience with the
"Indiana Jones" ride to make the point that we shouldn't go through
life with our heads down the whole time. So, in a way, I joined in the
Disneyland festivities. I was also able to squeeze in my favorite
Buddy the Elf quote, "I just like to smile. Smiling's my favorite." In
other news, Bay Shore held a St. Patrick's Day parade a few days ago,
and Elder Booth and I walked around the site of the parade for a bit,
speaking to a few nice people. We met a man named Frank who is a
member of an Italian biker gang called (I think) "Boys of Italia". We
chatted for a bit, and then Frank said, "Have you ever had a cannoli
in your life?" and suggested that we buy a cannoli from the table next
to us. I told him I didn't have any money, at which point he shouted
over to the guy manning the cannoli table, "Get some cannolis for
these religious guys!" So, we were given free cannolis, and they were
delicious. They were even adorned with green sprinkles. Italy meets
St. Patrick's Day is a good thing, I do declare. Speaking more
generally, the missionaries and the ward are beginning to unite more
here, and it's just fantastic. The members of the Bay Shore Ward are
honestly the greatest. I love them so much, and I delight in the
opportunity to work with them and be their friends. I look forward to
the day when you guys can meet some of them. One of the greatest
blessings of the work of the Lord is the friendships you develop with
 those you serve.

I testify that this work is true. Though I am not always as true to it
as I ought to be, I will never deny that it is the work of God. My
invitation for all is to come and be a part of it. It is definitely
hard, and there will be days when you feel overwhelmed, but that is
surely true of any other endeavor in the world. I know that this
endeavor will bring the most joy and the most good of them all. I love
you all. Thank you for being such stalwart friends and family members.
I am lucky indeed.

Love,
Elder McDonald

The Future is Revealed!!

Loved Ones,

Hi! How is everyone feeling? Good? For a split second, I just felt a
bit like a motivational speaker beginning an address to a crowd. I do
feel a lot of motivational energy right now! I hope you all do as
well! Life is just really, really good. There is so much to be
grateful for all around us. The sun, the moon, the grass, the flowers,
the sea, the sky -- it's all amazing! We've been counseled time and
time again to have an eternal perspective, and I've often thought of
that as meaning that we should see time in the context of eternity.
That is a part of it, but I think that having an eternal perspective
also means seeing the world, situations, other people, and yourself
the way Heavenly Father does. That means, at least in part, viewing
all things with a hopeful optimism and a love of life. If we will but
look up and try to find the beauty in it all, we can have this
perspective, and I testify that such a perspective brings great joy.
Now, I have an unfair advantage because I am surrounded by such
wonderful people, and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you all
for who you are and what you do. In ways that I don't even know yet,
you have incalculably blessed my life.

From what I've heard thus far, everyone is doing swell, and I'm happy.
Jase, you are the man! I am so excited for you to receive the
priesthood! There is so much good to do in your priesthood service.
You will do absolutely terrific! Jacob, I can't believe that you are
going to be 17. You have reached the age that I have a clear memory of
being, and so that is weird for me. As I look back, it is easier for
me to remember what I was thinking and feeling at around the age you
are now, and it's crazy to me that you're at that point. I'm sure
you're doing a better job at being (almost) 17 than I did. Keep up the
good work. Mia, you are just the cutest girl in the entire world! You
are so grown up and amazing! I am lucky to have such a great little
sister. And Mom and Dad, you both are powerhouses! The longer I live,
the more I realize how difficult it is to do what you do, and so I
stand in awe at the grace with which you live life and fulfill that
most sacred of obligations that is parenthood. How could I ask for a
better family? I can't! I include in my praise all my extended family
who mean so very much to me. You too are incredible, and "blessed be
the name of my God for it". I am so grateful to all of you.

I would like to mention that exciting things are happening here in Bay
Shore. The Lord is hastening His work here, and it is a thrill to see
such times unfold. The members here are being touched by the
missionary spirit, and there have been so many great things that have
happened, and they are continuing. We're working a lot with the young
men, so that's a great time. Did I mention that we went with the youth
to their temple trip? Elder Booth and I served as missionary helpers
at that event, and it was grand! The day was absolutely gorgeous, so
it was fun to be in the City at that time. And, as always, the temple
was so good. What a privilege it is to serve in the Lord's house!
Elder Booth and I began teaching a lovely couple who are living in a
motel room right now. They have run across hard times, but they're
making it work, and they are a ton of fun. We also began teaching a
couple who we helped shovel snow. They're from Jamaica, and they're
fantastic people. That situation is a great testament to the power of
service. All in all, all is well.

I have an announcement to make, and this platform seems like as good a
place as any. It has come time to decide where I will be living out my
educational future, and I have made a choice. I have decided that I
will be attended BYU in Provo. I am very surprised that I haven't
chosen to attend BYU-Hawaii, where I have dreamed of attending for
years now, but I have felt the Lord's hand guiding me back to the
Motherland. President Eyring's talk "Where Is Thy Pavilion" has been
on my mind lately. I very much want to leave cold and snow behind and
dwell in a tropical paradise while pursuing my education. It would be
a lot of fun to attend BYU-Hawaii. But, the Lord has "called [me]
another way". This decision has been difficult to make, but I know
that if I "trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not unto [my]
own understanding" the Lord will "direct [my] paths." I trust that
Heavenly Father wants me to be happy, so I feel confident following
His direction, even though I do have to put aside some things that I
personally may "want". I'm excited for the adventure ahead! Thank you
again to all of you who have helped me get to this point!

Well, my dear loved ones, I do love you. I want to say that I do know
that I am here doing the Lord's work. I know that God lives and that
He loves us. I also know that the Book of Mormon is true. I love that
book, and a testimony of its truthfulness carries with it more
significance than we might first think. May you all be well always.

Love,
Elder McDonald