Last Transfer

Loved Ones,

Hello! How are you all? Can I just say that I love you all? I really
do. I just have to say that from time to time. It's kind of like when
Jesus rides into Jerusalem when the Pharisees rebuke Him for allowing
his disciples to praise Him and He says, "I tell you that, if these
should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out" (Luke
19:40). I like picturing stones crying out. That would be pretty cool.
I earnestly hope that you all are happy. I'm sure you are. You're a
pretty happy bunch of people. I can tell that because you make me
happy, and an unhappy person would have trouble making another person
happy. Thanks for sharing the joy.

Transfers came and went, leaving me here in Bay Shore to spend the
rest of my days. I did, however, pick up a new companion. The karma
chameleon came around as my trainee, Elder Hooper, will now be
training me in the new 6 week program, "Adjusting to Regular Life".
I'm partially kidding, of course. The part about Elder Hooper being my
companion is true. We have been reunited! It should be fun. We've been
reminiscing about our Bushwick days. I didn't get to go back there,
but I did get my Bushwick companion back! You know, looking back, it's
amazing how not long ago it seems since those days. Time has flown.
Any exciting developments on the home front? Is All Quiet on the
Western Front? Thank goodness you all were able to stay put and keep
your eyebrows through the fires. I hope there wasn't a lot of damage,
and I really hope that no one was injured. How's the weather over
there? Terrible right? And the waves are awful too? Should be that way
until mid July? Perfect.

Guess what? Elder Hooper and I began teaching a family of five! We
found them through tracting, which is miraculous. They've been
prepared to receive the gospel. It was such a joy to teach them! They
have three young children who are super cute and super smart. I love
teaching little kids the gospel! It's great. Speaking of which, by
substituting for Primary a few times, I've developed a great respect
for Primary teachers. It is a joy to teach the children, but it keeps
you on your toes and requires a lot of energy. This has been my random
soap box thought of the day.

I've been thinking a bit about the privilege of testifying as a
full-time missionary lately. I feel that it has been when I have had
the opportunity to testify that I've recognized the power and
authority that comes with the sacred calling of representative of
Jesus Christ. I say this in all humility, acknowledging that it is
God's power and expressing my gratitude for the opportunity to be
engaged in this work. I've also been finding a lot of joy in walking
the streets and talking to strangers about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I love approaching a stranger and learning about their life. If the
ice breaks, then a warm, human experience flows forth, and strangers
become friends. It really is fun. Sometimes I look around, see all the
people, and feel a love and concern for my fellow travelers who are
journeying with a broken compass or a faulty map. It's an interesting
affection that I feel, but I cherish it because it brings me closer to
my brothers and sisters. I wish I had the ability to give them all the
gospel. Really, I wish I had the opportunity to reach them. Having
said this, I don't want to place myself or others who have the gospel
of Jesus Christ in their lives upon a pedestal. There are so many
wonderful people out there who simply just don't have all the
information of no fault of their own. They are living good lives, they
just need us to share the light we've been given with them. "Freely Ye
have received, freely give."

I love you all heaps and oodles. Thanks for your ever-shining light
and your never-ending love. May God bless each of you.

Love,
Elder McDonald

Birthday Boy with his spoils.

Confetti bomb!!!