Rainy Days

Loved Ones,

Hellooo! I said that with an accent in my head, but I suppose that
just got lost in translation. It's ok. I think the point still got
across :) How are ya'll doing? I hope very well. I'm doing great!
Today is a rainy day, but it's a particularly beautiful rainy day.
There is a feeling of purity that has descended upon Bay Shore with
the precipitation. As I walked through the rain, I felt renewed,
refreshed, and hopeful. It was very nice. There is such beauty in
rain. The rain is also rich with symbolism. I've always loved the
Primary song "When I Am Baptized". That song perfectly captures the
lesson we are reminded of each time the clouds release their
life-giving cargo. Isn't it interesting that, when it rains, not only
is the Earth washed clean, but the clouds are relieved of a burden.
There is double-symbolism! Meditating on the wonder of nature brings
deeper understanding and meaning to truths that we logically
comprehend but perhaps don't always fully internalize. No wonder Jesus
so often referred to the things of nature when teaching!

One thing that the rain did not wash away is my love for being a
missionary. No, I hope that nothing will be able to do that. I am
humbled and inspired by those who have learned to love the Lord's work
and desire to a greater degree than I have yet learned, but I can say
that, in my small way, I do love this work. Yesterday, Elder Hooper
and I were invited to participate in the young men's lesson as the
subject was missionary work. We had the opportunity to tell the young
men why they should serve a mission. As I testified of the miracle of
a mission, my testimony and gratitude increased. I was deeply moved
and inspired by that lesson. This has been the best two years of my
life! I can't imagine not having done this. Thank you, dear loved
ones, for being there with me every step of the way. I have been
forever changed by this experience, and I pray that a significant
manifestation of that change will be a greater ability to love each of
you the way that I should.

How about a fun experience of the week? Elder Hooper and I became
acquainted with a family of farmers last week. We struck up a
conversation with one of them, John, while he was near the front of
the farm where we could see him from the road. Two other family
members later joined us, so we met them, too. We asked them if they
would ever need any help around the farm, and they told us that we
could come by anytime if we wanted. Well, we took them up on that
offer! We showed up the next morning ready to work! What a fine
experience it was to be on the farm! I may have been persuaded to make
farming my livelihood. I'm pretty sold on it. It was so rejuvenating
to be so close to the earth and the means by which we all used to
sustain ourselves. Again, I could go on about the wonder of nature. It
was also so special to make friends in a day. We were able to just
connect as human beings and have a few conversations about God, He who
connects us all. One of my greatest joys as a missionary is traveling
about and befriending total strangers. I've found that it's actually
quite easy to sidestep small talk and begin talking about what matters
most: family and faith. I've tried to be particularly focused on
eternal families as I've testified to my brothers and sisters. When we
talk with each other about things that are of the most worth, we
develop a connection that is really beautiful. That doesn't mean that
we just flippantly toss around our "pearls". We can very reverently
and respectfully speak of sacred things with those we come in contact
with, even if we just met. Perhaps moving past the "weather talk" to
those more weightier matters is one of the secrets to making friends
and sharing the gospel.

I pray that you are all happy. Can you believe that we will see each
other so soon? It's kinda amazing. I love you all so much! Thank you
for the wonderful things you do for me. Thank you for being wonderful
people. May I end with a little joke?

1. Knock, knock.

2. Who's there?

1. The Grinch.

2. The Grinch who?...
1...Stole Christmas.

Love,
Elder McDonald