Merry Christmas!

Hello Loved Ones!

It was so good to hear you all! Honestly, I loved it a ton. Man, did that 45 minutes fly by though. That's to be expected, I suppose. I only have a very little amount of time to email today, so I have to be brief. Sorry! I will give a more complete account next week. I'm so glad that you all had a great Christmas! And you got to spend it with the Nethercotts! Lucky! It looks like you all had quite the party. I'm happy about that. So when do you guys head off to San Francisco? That should be a lot of fun. This time, I propose that you all ride bikes all the way across the Golden Gate Bridge instead of only halfway. I bet it's going to be a blast. I'm excited for you guys. I have to compliment you all on the very organized system you created for the phone call. That made things flow smoothly. Good idea. I wish that we could have Skyped, and my heart dropped a bit when I opened the 25th day of the advent calendar and saw that you put the Skype account name in there. But, it worked out well. President Calderwood gave us permission to Skype a few days before Christmas, but a bunch of the members in my branch were out of town, so we didn't have a lot of available computers, if any. Now that I know we are allowed to Skype, I'm going to make sure that I get it sorted out very early so I can see you all on Mother's Day. 

Before I go any further, I have to thank you all for the wonderful Christmas presents. I loved them all. I am super excited to try out the table-top air hockey. I didn't even know that existed. And the pajamas and slippers are super comfortable. Everything was perfect. The goodies were also divine. All who partook were very impressed. It just wouldn't be Christmas Eve without Momma's goodies. Grandma. thank you so much for the toffee and peanut brittle. You know how much I love them both. You're the best. Thank you one and thank you all. Honestly, you made my first Christmas away from home a treat. I missed you all, but throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas, I just kept having a feeling of fulfillment and I kept thinking that I was absolutely where I needed to be this Christmas, even though that meant being away from my family. 

One thing that I want to share before I run out of time is the 2013 Vision for the mission that President Calderwood unveiled at the Christmas Eve mission conference. The vision is as follows:

"I am set apart from the world to serve the Lord Jesus Christ here in New York. By serving my fellow beings, I am serving my God and I am forever changed. My voice is HIS voice. My works are HIS works. My attributes are HIS attributes. The TEMPLE is the goal. The MEMBERS are the key. The DOCTRINE OF CHRIST is the path. The ATONEMENT is the ONLY way!"

It was a very powerful moment when this vision was unveiled. I am really excited about it, and I want to make it a part of me. It just says it all perfectly. Though it can be sad to be away from you all at Christmas, I am so thankful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to serve here in New York. I know that the Lord will not be satisfied with anything less than my best, and neither will I. Thank you for all your support that helps me to give my very best. I feel that we are all working together in a great cause. There is much work to do. One of the thoughts that keeps me going through difficult times is the realization that I need to put in a lot of effort in order to even begin to pay the Lord back and do my part. I couldn't be satisfied with myself if I let this opportunity pass me by, and I could not look any of you in the eye with a clear conscience and bear my testimony of the truthfulness of this work if I shirk my responsibilities and fail to work until the tank is empty. I'm going to make sure that that doesn't happen. I love you all so much, and I am so grateful to each of you for all that you do for me. 

Love,
Elder McDonald

Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel!

Seasons Greetings!

Hello one and all. How is everyone doing? From what I have heard, it sounds like everyone is doing well. I hope that Christmas is just filling everyone's souls with abundant cheer and mirth. It sounds like you guys are keeping up some of the fun family Christmas traditions. Nice work. I'll have you know that I am not letting Christmas Eve go by without a reenactment of the Nativity. I think that the other missionaries think it's lame, but I don't care. I'm going to make sure it happens. It's just not Christmas Eve without a Nativity reenactment. There will also be a lot of eggnog. The plan is to have all 3 companionships in my district bring a carton of eggnog. That should cover it. I would also like to eat a whole roll of Toll House cookie dough as fast as I can. I have high ambitions, but I'm a little short on time. It'll definitely be fun, though. 

My missionary Christmas had a good start so far. My zone went to Broad Channel for the community Christmas party, and we were very warmly received. Everyone in the town gave a hearty cheer whenever "the Mormons" were mentioned. They even included us in their town picture! We are basically just members of their community now. It's so cool to see what service can bring about. It brought a community together, and allowed friendships to develop that would have remained undiscovered if Hurricane Sandy had never descended. We've mostly wrapped up the service, and it is definitely sad to have that chapter come to a close. But, I'll never forget the good that has come forth. As I looked out at all the Broad Channel townspeople during the party, I felt a sincere love for them. I have never even met many of them, but they just seemed like my brothers and sisters. I've been thinking about that, and I've realized just how important service is. The greatest commandment is to love, and the best way to love is to serve. I think it's less about loving people so we have the desire to serve them and more about serving people so we grow to truly love them. I believe that service brings about a fulfillment of the greatest commandment. It's been very impacting to see that in action. 

This week, I've had the secret of missionary work re-taught to me by experience and the Spirit. It's easy to forget that the secret to missionary work is work. I've realized that I cannot be happy unless I put in my all and operate out of a sincere desire to help others. When I go out and try to look for people who can be helped by the message of the restored gospel, I am happy. When I drag my feet and check my watch, I am not. I think that this relates to the concept of love and service. I feel that when we love, we are happy. When we are filled with charity, the world will be a brighter place. In order to be filled with charity, we need to serve. I know that as I serve selflessly and develop more love for the people of New York, I will find happiness and fulfillment. It sounds so easy on paper, but it's definitely hard. That's why the secret of missionary work is work! Work is hard, but worth it. I loved Elder Ballard's admonition in his conference talk to pray for the opportunity to serve someone every day. We can be the instruments to bring about great happiness and great good in the world if we serve.

I'm a bit short on time, so I have to wrap up, but I will be able to talk to you before long! Unfortunately, my mission doesn't do Skype. I was bummed out. But I don't want you to grieve, Mom! It will still be so good to talk to you all! I can't wait. I love you all so much. Know that. Your support means the world to me. Stay happy.

Love,
Elder McDonald

Here is a picture of my district, and then one with Bro. Frandsen, the guy who made the documentary I was telling you about. He's cool. 

New Companion!

Loved Ones,

How are you all? I hope that you've never been better. Christmas is coming up, so I trust everyone is full of holiday cheer. Even the hipsters of Williamsburg seem to have the Christmas Spirit (in a totally underground way, of course.) I'm actually very impressed with how much Christmas Spirit there is around Brooklyn. People still decorate even though no one actually has a house. It's nice. This week was crazy! I could probably talk to you all for hours and never say all that I'd like to (There's a rumor going around that a situation like that may unfold in about 15 days. I was never one for spreading rumors though.). Where to start?

First off, I sent Elder Tremble on his merry way this week. I didn't think it would be as sad as it was to say goodbye. We had spent basically every waking moment with each other for the last 3 months, so we were pretty close. I miss that guy. I am so grateful that I was able to be with him, though. I'm still learning from him and he's not even here anymore! He set a remarkable example of missionary service and made an impact on my life that I will literally never forget. I can't wait for you all to meet him some day. We will definitely always be close friends. It's amazing how strong a friendship becomes when founded upon spiritual things. In honor of Elder Tremble, I have to leave you guys with one of his signature quotes. I will reveal it in the form of a very short story. For a zone activity, my zone was playing a game called werewolf. It's basically the same thing as mafia. Anyway, some of the elders were accusing me of being the werewolf, and they were debating about whether or not they should have me eliminated. One elder said that he thought I was the werewolf because I looked nervous. Elder Tremble said, and I quote: "He's my companion. He's always nervous." We had a very funny relationship. I just had to give Elder Tremble a fitting farewell via email to you all. He was the man. He continues to be the man, I'm sure. 

Secondly, I have a new companion. His name is Elder Hooper, and he's from... drumroll... Mesa, Arizona! Kinda funny, huh? We are enjoying freezing together in New York. He is great. It's not a perfect comparison, but in many ways he is exactly like Elder Calhoun in "The Best Two Years". He is a fireball! Honestly, it pumps me up to see his enthusiasm for the work. I felt a little bad because his spirits took a bit of a hit when he realized that we aren't teaching investigators all day like in the MTC. He is doing a great job of staying positive through the long hours of tracting in the cold rain, though. But for real, training is a lot harder than I anticipated. I am realizing how much I relied on Elder Tremble's experience now that I am on my own. When there's a question that needs to be answered, I find that there isn't a seasoned veteran by my side to ask. I have to try to come up with an answer! I feel overwhelmed at times, but it is a very rewarding experience to be training. I'm learning a lot from Elder Hooper's passion for the work. I'm also learning how to be a lot more responsible than I've ever had to be. There is so much that Elder Tremble guided me through that I didn't even think about. Being the guide is slightly more stressful than being the guided. But honestly, it's a really good thing. I find it interesting that I've been praying for more humility, and the Lord calls me to be a new trainer, which makes all my inadequacies very apparent. Coincidence? I think not. I already know that Elder Hooper and I are supposed to be together. We are very different people, but we have already discovered that we both have some very similar core concerns that we can work through together. Training has also helped me to be a lot more selfless (Which, believe it or not, is something else I've been praying for.) I don't say that to brag in any way. I just naturally have to think more about Elder Hooper than myself, and that's helped me out a lot. My testimony of the power of service and charity has been strengthened even more. The perfect way to transition from doing hurricane clean up to regular missionary work is to train, I think. I am still able to serve, just in a different way. 

I have to tell you guys about one of my favorite moments of the week. This week was stake conference, and Floretta was asked to bear her testimony during the meeting. It was so powerful to hear her share a strong testimony of the restored gospel. She is incredible. I was so happy. It is just more incentive to go out and find more people who's lives can be changed by the gospel. They're out there. They're out there. They're out there. They're way, way out there. (I have to give props to my main man Mark What's-His-Face for those fine words. Only a small number of people will have any idea what I'm talking about). Also, Floretta just received her temple recommend, so Elder Hooper and I are going to go with her for her first time! I'm excited. As for the other investigators, much prayer is needed on their behalf. They have been a bit hard to get in contact with lately, but hopefully Elder Hooper and I can meet with them soon. We were able to see the Hanssens for just a little bit, and they are still interested in learning, they're just busy. They are honestly the coolest family ever. The work continues to move forward, but that doesn't mean it's easy. That's a good thing, I figure. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. 

Mom, I thought it was interesting that you mentioned that someone gave a talk using Brad Wilcox's "His Grace Is Sufficient". I just read that talk this morning. It is incredible. I highly recommend it. Grace is a concept that I didn't understand at all until recently, and learning more about it has been very enlightening. You all should get the audio version of that talk and listen to it. It's really good. 

In short, all is well. I'm so happy to hear about all the fun things everyone is doing. It looks like it is going to be a swell Christmas for all. I loved seeing all the pictures. You guys are a bunch of beautiful people, and I love you. Have a really fun Christmas season. I am loving the missionary advent calendar. Thanks for putting that together. I don't know what I'd do without my family. The roommates and I are already planning quite the Christmas spectacular since Christmas Eve will be on P-Day. It should be good. I hope that everyone has a wonderful week. I love you all!

Elder McDonald

Here is a posterity picture. Elder Hooper is in the middle.

Who doesn't like beets for breakfast? Elder Yates is the Elder in the pic. Also, this is the first of our apartment Christmas photos. I thought they turned out nice.

One of the treasures from the hurricane cleanup.

Elder Tremble and I had our last supper at Peter Luger which is apparently one of the top steakhouses in the world. Before I knew what was happening, the waiter ordered a plate of steak for me. I'll admit that it was dang good even though I did have to break the vegetarian code.  

Big News from the Big Apple!!!

Loved Ones,

Season's greetings! It's December! I love this time of year. Even though I can't check out Manhattan, Brooklyn is still decorating fairly well for Christmas, so there is a nice Christmas cheer in the air. It makes me so happy to hear that my family is having a great holiday season so far. Man, Clovis sounds like a lot of fun. You guys picked a good place to call home. I'm going to miss you all quite a bit this month, but it makes everything better to know that everyone is having fun and enjoying their new (well, not so new anymore) lives. I missed the Christmas devotional, but I'm glad you guys checked it out. Guess what? There are some copies of Mr. Kreuger's Christmas in my apartment! I'm saving that up for Christmas Eve. I was overjoyed when I discovered that treasure trove. The blow-up Christmas tree is making our apartment very festive, Mom. Thanks for sending it. 

Well, I don't have a ton of time, but I have a lot to say. I'll probably never catch up on everything, but I look forward to the time when I can relay all of my experiences to you all face-to-face. This was a big week for me. On Wednesday morning, I received a call from President Calderwood. He doesn't usually just call to say hello, so I knew something was up. He was calling to extend a call to me to be a trainer this next transfer! My next companion will be a brand new missionary fresh from the MTC. I feel like I still need training! I'm humbled and a bit nervous, but I am so excited. I can't wait to meet my trainee tomorrow morning. He's probably on a plane right at this moment! Elder Broadbent is training too, and we are still in the same area and same apartment. It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm also going to learn a ton from the new missionary, I'm sure. I've already learned a lot as I've tried to prepare for training. Elder Tremble has been a very valuable resource in this endeavor. He has a basically endless vault of experience and wisdom to sift through, and I have benefited greatly from this asset. It has been incredible to work with Elder Tremble. It's a bit weird to be so new when he is on his way home. He was honestly the very best person I could have been with, though. The Lord knows exactly what He's doing. I have learned so much from Elder Tremble. He's also helped me to be a better person. It will be sad to see him go. There are some things that I don't know if I ever shared about Elder Tremble, and I'd like to do so now. First of all, he's the only member in his family, and he didn't join the church until he was 18. If my math is right, he's been on his mission for the majority of the time that he's been a member. You would never know because of his incredible knowledge and spiritual strength. Another fun fact is that he served in Bermuda, so hopefully some of his luck rubbed off on me:) . He has made a huge impact on my life, and I think we'll always be friends. He's a stud.

I'll give a quick update on the status of the investigators. Elder Tremble and I have a lesson with the Hanssens tonight, so I'll be able to tell you guys more about them later. Sara seems to be doing really well. I think that she will gradually recognize the Spirit and build her testimony bit by bit. Qua and Nicolett are doing well, also. Qua has officially quit smoking, so the goal now is to not go back. I know he can do it, he just has to stay strong and rely on the Lord. They both have so much potential, and it is a bit painful to see them not live up to it, but I feel that they are growing and strengthening their faith. It's been very cool to just see the change in Qua's countenance as he come closer to God. When Elder Tremble and I teach him, you can tell whether or not he's been keeping his commitments and trying his hardest by the way he looks and acts. When the Spirit touches people, a visible change occurs. There is so much to the admonition to be born of the Spirit. When we are changed by the Spirit, the weakness in us is thrown aside. I have a strong testimony of the importance of deep and abiding conversion. When the gospel becomes an inseparable part of our being, then amazing things occur. I think that we can all instinctively see when people have the gospel absorbed into every aspect of their lives. They are different. They are a "peculiar people", and that is a wonderful thing. We don't want to follow the herd! The herd is quickly and unceasingly moving toward the edge of a cliff. I believe that we need to turn around and take as many of the herd with us as will heed our warning. It is no small task, but nothing worth doing is easy, right? 

On Saturday, the mission had a special guest come to visit: Elder Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy. It was very cool. He spoke to the mission after a day of service and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the service that we've been rendering. He works with the Quorum of the Twelve very closely, and so this extension of gratitude was very powerful. He gave us all the challenge to make sure that this opportunity we've had to serve will forever change our lives. I thought that was a really cool thing to say. It has definitely been a life-changing experience. I'm going to work hard to make the changes permanent! 

Well, I have to run, but I want you all to know that I love you very much. I hope that all is well. You're in my prayers!

Love,
Elder McDonald