I Know.

Loved Ones,

Good morning! I suppose it may not be morning when you read this, but I hope that your next morning is a good one. How is everyone? Where to begin? I loved to hear about Jacob's talk in church. Good job, buddy! And they're already calling you Elder McDonald? I'm trying to keep my tag nice so I can pass it off to you when the time comes. I'm proud of you, Jacob. Having a testimony of the Restoration and then being able to express it is a powerful combination that will shape your life. Cherish your testimony as your most prized possession. People may try to take everything away from you, but they can never, ever take away your testimony. That is a gift that only you have the power to forfeit by neglect or poor choices. Never reject your testimony. And keep sharing it, too!

It has been a really good week here in West Egg (I'm close enough to claim it). I learned a lot this week. I realized yesterday that I feel like my life is securely that of a missionary now. That may not make much sense, but the best way I can articulate it is to say that I feel like when I learn, the learning doesn't take place so much in the sphere of becoming a missionary as it does in the sphere of improving my missionary efforts. Being a missionary makes sense more now. The task at hand is one of progression within the role I've already settled into. And the joy that comes from learning from experience and applying is something that I've grown to appreciate. It's also interesting to notice the ways that New York has changed me. I feel like I've become a lot more bold. New Yorkers just speak their mind. It's rubbed off on me a bit. But, with that said, I still feel very much the same. I feel like missionary service doesn't create an entirely new mold so much as it shapes and refines the mold that was already there. I suppose I should just sum all of this up by saying that I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve, and I'm also very grateful for my knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father who has planned out an experience precisely tailored to meet my needs and put me in positions that provide me with the opportunity to serve others. And lest I sound selfish, I'd like to add that Heavenly Father has a plethora of glorious sunrises and sunsets to occupy the horizons of all of our lives. We just need to humbly go to Him in prayer, turn our lives over to Him, and then be willing to act on the inspiration He gives to us. That pattern is one that I am working hard to follow more closely.

I had an interview with President Calderwood on Friday, and that was a fantastic experience. I spent about 15 minutes after the interview writing down all the things I need to do and remember. I listened to a talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook a few weeks ago (I believe it was his first general conference address as an apostle), and he mentioned in the talk that one of the greatest miracles of the restored gospel is an inspired mission president. I add my testimony to Elder Cook's. President Calderwood has been a powerful influence for good in my life that I will never forget. I can't wait for you all to meet him someday. Grandma and Grandpa, I gave President Calderwood the picture of his father that you sent me, and he was very happy to receive it. He asked to keep it so he could add it to a collection of remembrances. He said that his father is coming to visit in June, so I'll be able to meet him. Is there any message you'd like for me to pass on?

Yesterday in church, we watched Elder Bruce R. McConkie's last conference address. I was struck by the power of that man's testimony. I love his final testimony that he shared, expressing the certainty of his belief in Jesus Christ. He said that he wouldn't know that Jesus Christ lives with any more certainty when he actually sees the Savior face to face. What a remarkable thing to say! And what a great gift from God our testimonies are! God is willing to give us such a powerful assurance that tangible evidence would not have any power to strengthen the conviction we already have. He has told us what we need to do to gain such an assurance. The path is clearly laid out before us, but God will not push anyone onto it. The choice is ours to make. I testify that there is no assurance so sweet as a testimony that God lives. I testify that the gift of testimony is worth any price we must pay to achieve it. Sometimes we must make a leap of faith. Sometimes we must step into the darkness. Sometimes we must step over the edge, trusting that God will catch us before we fall. I testify that God will always catch us. He will not rob us of the growth that comes from a leap of faith, but He will be right beside us every step of the way. I think of a father helping his child to learn to ride a bike. If he doesn't let his child set off on his own and start pedaling, then the child will never ride a bike. But, a loving father is always right behind the child, arms outstretched, ready to catch the child when he loses his balance. If we will just exercise a particle of faith and do what God asks, I know that we will receive the precious gift of testimony and the sweet assurance that we are on the right path. That is what I had to do, and that is what anyone has to do. I now know that God lives, that He will never forsake me, and that I have a purpose in life. I want to emphasize the fact that I know. I don't think - I know. I want to express my deep gratitude to every one of you who helped me to arrive at the departure point of testimony. Thank you. I know that God has placed certain people in my life for a very certain reason.

I love you all so much. I hope that everyone has a wonderful week. Stay happy!

Love,

Elder McDonald

A few candids taken by Elder Legere...