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