It's Not Easy Being Green

Loved Ones,

Hello! Happy St. Patrick's Day! What's this? No one is wishing me a
happy St. Patrick's Day back? "It's because I'm green, isn't it?" No,
I'm only joking! I know that if we were speaking face-to-face I would
have certainly received a response. I hope that the traditional
festivities will bring joy to you all this fine day! You know, Mom, I
think that out of all the holiday food, what you make for St.
Patrick's Day is my favorite. In fact, I believe it was the food alone
that instilled in me such a deep love for this oft unheralded holiday.
Thank you for raising me to think of corned beef and cabbage and Irish
soda bread rather than irresponsible alcohol consumption when St.
Patrick's Day comes to mind. What a fine thing tradition is! And it's
powerful, too! Indeed, it was the wicked traditions of the Lamanite's
fathers that led their whole civilization astray for a time.
Conversely, a righteous legacy can and does burn bright through the
generations, positively impacting the lives of hundreds, even
thousands. Heck, it could even be millions. I'm so grateful for those
who have gone before me to blaze a trail. I'm especially grateful for
the powerful example of my ancestor Ephraim Hanks at this time. More
on that later.

My, how much joy you bring me! Mia, thank you for demonstrating your
hula skills for me! You are so good! I was blown away as I watched the
video! Also, I was so happy, because you are so precious! Will you
teach me how to hula hoop this summer? Jase! You passed the sacrament
for the first time! You are awesome! I'm really proud of you, bud.
Jacob, what can I say? I'm going to start mailing Mom and Dad good
sticks that they can use to beat away the ladies that are constantly
vying for your attention. I hope that everyone is just doing so well.
I bet you are! I hope that the mail I sent got to everyone in a timely
manner. I wish I had more time so I could send more love.

Last week was awesome! There was some really good news that reached
the anxious ears of Elder Booth and I. We had suggested to our
investigator "Jim" that he start attending the YSA ward because of a
few different factors. There was a little bit of a misunderstanding,
and we lost contact with him for a time. We were greatly troubled by
this as we had become close and he was progressing so well. But, it
all worked out in the end. The good news we received was that Jim is
attended the YSA ward and he feels right at home. He's working with
the sister missionaries there, and he will be baptized in 2 weeks. He
has invited us to come to the baptism, so there are no hard feelings.
Isn't that great? Elder Booth and I met again with our favorite
Jamaican couple and were delighted to find that they are also doing
well. They have committed to read the Book of Mormon. Perhaps the
greatest experience of last week came Friday night. I had the choice
opportunity to relive our classic pizza-and-a-movie night! What? Pizza
and a movie as a missionary? Well, it wasn't your typical missionary
situation, but it also wasn't your typical movie night. A wonderful
member invited us to attend the event as she was planning on inviting
an investigator and a less-active member. The plan was to watch
"Ephraim's Rescue". When the night of the activity came, we were
saddened by word that the less-active member wouldn't be coming. We
also had not heard anything from the investigator. So, Elder Booth and
I were getting ready to forgo the plans as there would not be a clear
missionary purpose in just going to watch the movie. We didn't want to
do that, and Sister Mehmedi (the member) didn't want us to either. So,
she called over her son-in-law who is not a member of the Church and
invited him to join us. He agreed. I'll start with the film. I really
enjoyed it! It was a powerful reminder of how much those people gave
so that we could have so much. I also really enjoyed learning more
about Ephraim Hanks (I said I'd come back to that). What a legacy to
live up to he left! I'd love to study up on his life a bit more. Jose,
Sister Mehmedi's son-in-law, really enjoyed the film as well, and,
sensing an opportunity, Elder Booth invited him to learn more about
the restored gospel afterward. He agreed again! That night was such a
sacred experience. I can't explain it, but there was just a holy
stillness which seemed to fill the air as Elder Booth and I returned
home. We are looking for the pure in heart, especially families, and
we feel like we found one such individual. All of that underscores the
point that the absolute best way to do missionary work is through the
members of the Church. What is a simple gesture of neighborly kindness
can be a perfect opportunity to bring gospel truths into the lives of
our brothers and sisters. Missionaries simply can't create those sort
of golden situations on our own. I suppose that's the report for the
week! I am so appreciative of your support and prayers. Boy, do I need
it!

In closing, I would just like to share a little testimony of scripture
study. When we are having a tough time, the scriptures are an amazing
remedy. In a dark hour, Elder Scott's description of the scriptures as
"packets of light" is very fitting. This morning, just a few verses
from the Doctrine & Covenants lifted my spirits and gave me a more
clear vision of the eternities. I know that the holy scriptures -- the
Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of
Great Price -- are the word of God. They are faithful friends that
always seem to know what to say.

Well, that's all folks! I love you all so much! Thank you for being so
wonderful. I am inspired to be more because of what you are all doing
for me.

Love,
Elder McDonald