The New Me

Loved Ones,

Hello! Okay, so I'm going to be honest. I don't have a ton of time to compose this email, because I have a zone activity today, and for the activity we're watching "The Other Side of Heaven"! Wohoo! A real movie! It should be pretty great. I'm going to be honest again. If you guys were to hang out with me for a day right now, I would be quite strange, I'm sure. I would be bumping EFY music in the car and watching "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" in my spare time. I get pretty jazzed at the prospect of watching "The Best Two Years" or "The Other Side of Heaven" whereas just a few short months ago, I would have murmured considerably should someone have suggested watching one of those movies. And don't even get me started about how I would have reacted to someone playing EFY music. I hope you guys can still love me in my weirdness! I sure love all of you!

It sounds like everyone had another fantastic week! I'm happy! I'm so glad that the birthday throwdowns were successful, and I am a bit jealous that you guys were able to have a conference with Elder Christofferson! He is awesome, and he has perhaps the coolest name ever. The General Authorities are definitely more laid back when they aren't speaking in General Conference. The speeches they give at BYU are usually really good and very funny. Would you have guessed that President Packer is hilarious? I wouldn't have, but he definitely is. I definitely want to have the opportunity to participate in a meeting with a General Authority outside of conference, preferably one at which Elder Holland is present in all his General Awesomeness (that's the kind of awesomeness that only a General Authority can have). Perhaps the thing I enjoyed most about meeting President Monson was the opportunity to see his personality. That made me appreciate him and his prophetic mantle so much more. I love him.

This week was good, and very full. Things are sometimes a bit stressful as district leader, but the Lord is teaching me a lot, and I'm grateful for that. I'm also glad that I watched "Lost", because Jack taught me how to lead people. I'm considering making my district's motto "We're gonna have to learn how to live together, or we're gonna die alone." Hopefully I will be able to continue to make "Lost" references throughout my mission to continue what I started with my farewell talk. Of course, I say all this with a slightly joking attitude. Clearly, the one I should look to for leadership guidance is the Savior Jesus Christ. He taught the most important lesson of leadership: service. I'm grateful that I have more opportunities to serve and learn how to love people more fully. Thank you guys so much for all the support you give me that helps me to handle everything. I couldn't do it without you! Elder Hooper and I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach a few people recently, and there are even more opportunities coming up this week. I guess I never really gave you guys an update on Matt. He's doing really well. He has been in California helping his parents move, but he's coming back this week. At the end of March, we're planning on doing a temple trip with the branch youth and the 4 recent converts in the district. It should be a really special experience. Each companionship in the district will be there with the convert they taught. I look forward to reporting on that!

I've been thinking lately about how much I have grown to love the scriptures over the course of my mission. I don't think I really appreciated how great they are until recently. Getting lost in the scriptures is a wonderful way to spend time. The words of Christ truly will tell us "all things" (2 Nephi 32:3). When we seek wisdom from the scriptures, the Spirit will teach us what we need to know. Isn't it amazing that texts written thousands of years ago can speak to us today and help us to solve the complicated problems of the 21st century? I love it. I especially love the Book of Mormon. I absolutely know that book is the word of God. The Book of Mormon represents everything I love about the scriptures. The words are beautifully strung together from a literary standpoint: "And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God and wish to die. Nevertheless, they would struggle with the sword for their lives." (Mormon 2:14); doctrine is taught simply and powerfully: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25); and often, both of these attributes are rolled into one package: "Awake! and arise from the dust, and hear the words of a trembling parent, whose limbs ye must soon lay down in the cold and silent grave, from whence no traveler can return; a few more days and I go the way of all the earth. But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love." (2 Nephi 1:14-15). I promise that anyone who sincerely reads the Book of Mormon will feel a renewed sense of peace and joy in their life. I know that you will draw closer to God by reading that book than by any other book. There have been incredible sacrifices made to bring the Book of Mormon and the scriptures in general to us today, and I am so grateful for those who gave all they had to provide us with easy access to God's word.

I love you all a ton, and I have so much I'd like to say, but I'm not sure how to say it. I cannot possibly express the depth of my love and gratitude. I miss you all very much, but I find great joy in all the happiness that you guys are having, and I know that I am doing the right thing in the right place. Thank you so much for your love and letters. I can feel the love when I read your words, and I can't possibly tell you how much that means to me. I hope that you all have a wonderful week. You're in my prayers.

Love,
Elder McDonald

Honest Abe

Loved Ones,

Hello! How is everyone? I hope that life is a bliss complete for one and all. Judging from the news and the pictures, I'd say that you all had a pretty splendid week! That makes me happy. I feel like I have some catching up to do since I provided practically no information last week. I'll do my best to give a faithful account.

This last week has been quite the challenge, but that is a good thing because when times are tough, I end up learning a lot. Similar to my experience with training, the increase in responsibility that came with being called as a district leader was more than I anticipated. Sometimes it can be tempting to think that it all is just too hard out here, but I've found that the Lord knows exactly how much we can take and how much adversity we need in order to grow. God always will come through for us when we feel like we just can't move forward any longer as long as we don't lose faith. I'm grateful for this opportunity I have to continue to learn and grow. I have to say that I was a bit disheartened upon first learning that I would be staying put for another transfer, but I realize now that I was being very selfish, and I thought that I knew what I needed better than the Lord does. I'm realizing that there is definitely more that I need to learn, and the convergence of experiences I'm having now seem to be the perfect schooling. I've found that the more I focus on what I want, the less effective and less happy I am. The only way to be happy is to work with God. Fighting against Him really doesn't make any sense. Why row upstream when your destination is downstream? Sometimes I feel stuck, but most of the time that's just because I'm rowing against the current. I know with all my heart that if we put our trust in God, mountains can be moved. The new members of my district are great, and we've all started getting along swimmingly. There is an elder named Elder Cobbley who just came out (he's 18), and an elder by the name of Elder Kang who is nearing the end of his stay in New York. It's a privilege to have more opportunities to serve. It seems like an opportunity to serve is really what leadership positions are all about in the end. Jesus gave us a perfect example of that. I'm grateful to have more service opportunities. I crave service now, and I sometimes find myself longing for the days of daily hurricane clean-up. But alas, I shouldn't long for days gone by. The future is a beautiful mystery just waiting to unfold. Speaking of the hurricane clean-up, Elder Hooper played at a concert in the Far Rockaway area (where we cleaned up) yesterday. They basically taught the Restoration through music. The program was really cool. I didn't actually get to see it because I went on an exchange so we could still cover an appointment, but apparently it went really well. I very much look forward to visiting that area.

So, big news: I was finally able to use the family relation to Tom Hanks though Abraham Lincoln in a meaningful and completely justified manner. I was excited. Elder Hooper and I were tracting, and we entered into a lovely conversation with two elderly women on the doorstep. They are avid O'Reilly fans (Grandpa would have gotten along well with them), and they were talking about his book about Abraham Lincoln and some program on Abraham Lincoln that was on TV recently. They said that Tom Hanks narrated it because he is apparently a relative of Abraham Lincoln. I got really excited and basically said, "He is! I can confirm that! I'm related to Tom Hanks and Abraham Lincoln!" It basically made my night. I'm a weirdo, I know. But, often it's the little things that bring me joy. I also need to tell you guys how much the new Lower Lights cd is rocking my world. Has everyone listened to that yet? I love it. My personal favorite is "Let My People Go". Thank you so much for sending that! The EFY cd's are awesome as well. I needed some new tunes. Muchas gracias. I also love the "more cowbell" shirt, and I wear it with pride. You guys are the best. I'm not sure why I'm so lucky. Mom and Dad, I think that you would be flattered to know that one of my zone leaders keeps asking me if you guys are vampires because you look so young. He refuses to believe that you're not. So way to be looking "fresh, clean, and jiggy wit' it", in the words of my former roommate, the great Elder Gregory (now home).

Well, life is definitely rolling forward. Time just seems to fly by out here. I can't believe that it's almost March! It is a little scary to think that I'll have been out for a year before I know it. That thought makes me want to do all I can to savor every day. I really do feel so blessed for the wonderful experiences I've been able to have so far, and the opportunity to be serving my Lord during this exciting time. I'm grateful for all that I'm being taught and for the situations I'm placed in that are perfectly tailored to my needs. Recently, my testimony of the enabling power of the Atonement has been strengthened a lot. I'm starting to learn that we can't accomplish the things we need to or become the people we need to be without the grace of Jesus Christ. If we trust in the Lord and "lean not unto [our] own understanding", then His grace is sufficient for every one of us. There is so much more that I have to learn about the Atonement and about living life in general, but I do know with certainty that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and that He suffered and died for me. I know that through His grace, I can be more than I can be on my own. There's something very powerful that begins to happen when I acknowledge that I can't get by without the strengthening power of the Atonement. I know that God will lead us along if we will just trust Him and come unto Him. He will make our weaknesses strengths, and He will ultimately lead us to eternal life and happiness if we do what He has asked. God doesn't ask us to do things just because. He loves us. I know that's true. I have felt His love, and it is the sweetest feeling that I can ever hope to have. It fills me completely and brings me a joy that cannot come from any other source. God asks us to do certain things because He knows they will bring us happiness, and He wants us to be happy. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the path to happiness. I know that my Redeemer lives. I love Him, and I'm grateful to Him. I love my Heavenly Father, and I know that He loves every single one of us. I love my family, and I'm so grateful that I am able to take this journey with you all.

Love,

Elder McDonald

The Same, But New...

Loved Ones,

Hello! Sorry to leave you all hanging on all the news. Those darn holidays keep falling on Monday. And, yesterday was crazy busy, so I couldn't  send out an email. I can't spend much time emailing today since it's not a P-day, but I do want to let you guys know that I'm alive and I figured I should tell you where I am. So, I'll get right to it. I am writing this email to you from my current area which is...drumroll...Williamsburg! I didn't leave! I was quite surprised. I think that I'm just going to end up being here my whole mission. I feel that the Lord is trying to teach me something. I felt like I was ready to leave, but there is obviously more I need to learn. I've been called to serve as the district leader here, so there is a bit of newness to keep things interesting. I'm also still with Elder Hooper for this transfer. So, that's the news!

Another thing that is very cool just happened yesterday at transfer meeting. The first group of 19 year-old sister missionaries and 18 year-old elders arrived! I was so stoked to see them all. There was a lot of excitement in the air. I consider myself very blessed to have the opportunity to serve a mission during this incredible time period. Amazing things are happening, and it's only going to continue to get better. I love you all very much, and I'm grateful for your support. I'm doing my best to serve so that I'm worthy of such great help. I will email a lot more on Monday, I promise! I don't like not being able to say everything I want to! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder McDonald

It's A Small World After All

Loved Ones,

I'm sorry for the sporadic email schedule. Someone needs to tell the guy who watches Chinese martial arts movies on the library computer that it's more important that I talk to my family! But that's okay. He doesn't mean any harm. And it is pretentious of me to think I'm more important. I'm not, really. But Chinese martial arts movies vs. family? I think we all know who the victor is. Chinese martial artists vs. family? Unfortunately, I'm not so sure about that one. I would hope that you guys would be able to prevail, though. Anyways, it was so good to hear from everyone this week! Thank you for all the letters and the wonderful package. I love that package. I will be wearing my "more cowbell" t-shirt quite often, I assure you. Good find. And thank you for the cd's, Mom! I'm so excited to listen to the Lower Lights second volume. I love them. You guys are the best. For reals. Thank you very much.

This week was so good! Matt was baptized, as scheduled. Elder Yates, my district leader, referred to Matt as a "golden investigator from heaven", and he is completely right. It was such a huge blessing to be able to teach Matt and welcome him into the branch. Matt is someone who has embraced the gospel and let it change his life, and it's so special to see that happen. Having Matt's confirmation next week will be a great way to end my stay in Bushwick should I be leaving this transfer. In anticipation of the possibility of some of the missionaries leaving, President Frandsen (the branch president) invited Elder Broadbent, Elder Yates and I to bear our testimonies in sacrament meeting on Sunday. I kept thinking about all the missionaries I've seen bearing their testimonies before getting transferred over the years, and it was a bit surreal to join their ranks. I have grown to love this branch and the people in it so much. I don't think there will be another branch that I'll be more excited to introduce you guys to after the mission. It has been a huge opportunity to serve here. I am impressed by how at home I feel amongst people who are 3,000 miles away from my home. It's been wonderful.

The last segment of The District that you guys watched is not included on the missionary's version of The District. I think it is for good reason. A segment entitled "Coming Home" would, most likely, make us start "trunking out of [our] mind[s]" in the words of Elder Van Pelt ("The Best Two Years"). I'm sure it is very poignant. I look forward to watching it at some point. I'm glad you guys got to watch The District, though. It's so good. It is very honest about missionary life with all its ups and downs. I have one question: did you guys spot The Neuter Scooter in the first episode? I was quite amused to see it make an appearance. It's quick, so you have to keep an eye out. I realize that the majority of you reading this will be confused and maybe even a little disturbed by my reference to such a thing as a "Neuter Scooter", but I thought that those who know what I'm talking about would find it funny. After all, I do have a picture with the infamous vehicle in my photo album. Thanks for sending that one, Mom. It's fun to see all the things from back home in The District. It makes me miss the San Diego Temple. What a beautiful place San Diego is. It sounds especially appealing in the aftermath of the blizzard that I had the pleasure of experiencing just last week. Despite the cold, it was actually quite beautiful. And, there were some opportunities to help people shovel snow, so I was able to have that experience. We didn't have to stay inside for the blizzard. It really wasn't that bad. We always hope that people will have sympathy on us and let us in when the weather is fierce, but it doesn't seem to work too well. But alas, all is well.

I have a funny story for you guys. It's not really a story, but I thought you might think it amusing. In elder's quorum last week, we played "two truths and a lie" to get to know each other better. we split into groups of three and each shared our truths with one lie. Here's what I said: My favorite cereal is Grape Nuts; my favorite ride at Disneyland is "Small World"; I've broken three bones in my body. Jensen Clifford was in my group and he said that clearly I was lying about Grape Nuts and "Small World" because "No one under the age of 60 likes Grape Nuts and no one over the age of 3 likes 'Small World'." Everyone in the group agreed with him. Those of you closest to me know that I have never broken a bone in my body. Man, were they surprised. I think I definitely lost all my street cred. That's alright. It's inevitable that everyone I know will eventually come to realize what a goober I am.

Mom, I thought that the lesson you learned from the Book of Mormon is really important. I never really thought of that aspect of the story of Alma and Amulek, so thank you for sharing. I totally agree with you that we have to realize and remember that a life of discipleship is not an easy path. Elder Holland gives a really good talk about that. He basically says that it would be foolish to imagine that we can avoid pain and trials as we follow Christ, because His life was full of harsh trials. He ties it in to missionary work by saying "Missionary work isn't easy because salvation is not a cheap experience." I know that all the difficulties we face will be for our good in the end. How can we appreciate Jesus Christ's Atonement for us if we don't suffer a little bit ourselves? I believe that it is during the darkest days that we can come to appreciate the Atonement the most and receive the most strength. We have to go through the fire to be refined. It is so important to keep our faith when we are going through the refining fire. If we lose hold of our faith, then that not only makes the trial more difficult, it also prevents us from gaining all the experience that the emergence from the difficulties brings. If we let go of our faith, we don't learn the lesson that we should have, and we end up with less than we had before the trial commenced, having suffered in vain. It doesn't make sense to do that! Keep the faith.

I love you guys so much. Thank you for everything. I hope that everyone has a really, really good week. You all deserve it.

Love,
Elder McDonald

Groundhog Day!

Loved Ones,

Hello one and all! I hope everyone is doing well! Did the groundhog predict more winter or spring? I didn't hear. Judging by the weather here, I'm guessing the groundhog didn't even come out of his den. I bet he stayed inside and drank a mini cup of hot cocoa with super mini marshmallows. That's what I would have done. But, despite the cold, the Lord's work moves forward. I know I haven't even come close to the pioneer level yet, so I have nothing to complain about.

This week was packed full, and I quite enjoyed it. Matt didn't get baptized, but he has a date set for the 10th. We decided that it would be better for him to get to know the branch a bit before he became a member. He's so solid. It's really incredible to see how prepared he is for the gospel. I'm very grateful that Elder Hooper and I have the opportunity to teach him. I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but the missionaries have been putting together a branch cultural party for the last month or so, and the long-awaited party was on Saturday. We were trying to use the party as a way to get members involved in missionary work. The idea was for them to bring their friends. In the end, there were not a lot of non-members there, but the party went really well. It was a good way to build branch unity. The theme of the party was a celebration of the cultural diversity within the branch. It was cool to try everyone's cultural dishes and hear about the different heritages we all have. This branch is something else. I'm going to miss it a lot when I get transferred, which is probably real soon. I've grown to love the members, and there are some really cool people that I look forward to staying in contact with. It's been a privilege to be in this area.

Something interesting has happened recently: I've started to develop a lasting love for missionary work and being a missionary. I've always enjoyed it, and I've always had a deep belief that I was doing the right thing, but I will admit that I haven't always loved all the tracting and such. That has been something that I've done because I know that's the only way to fulfill my calling fully. But recently, I've just been feeling a love for what I'm doing, even if it does involve knocking on doors endlessly and getting turned down a lot. Today, I had the great privilege of watching "The Best Two Years" with my zone. It was good to finally watch it after thinking about it so much. I feel like I've referenced it a lot in these emails. Anyway, what that has to do with what I'm saying is this: as I watched the movie, I just felt a sense of joy for the opportunity to be involved in this work. As I watched people doing pretty much exactly what I'm doing now, it put it into perspective a little bit more. It wasn't just today, though. I've been feeling this love for the work and my love for the people of New York building over this past transfer. I'm grateful for that. Love is at the heart of everything (is that a pun?). I love being a missionary!

So, I don't have a lot of time, unfortunately, but I have a few things to tell you guys. First, as you guys have been watching The District, you know who Elder Christensen is. But, can you guess which General Authority is his father? Here's a hint: look to the Presidency of the Seventy. The other thing I want to tell you about is an awesome Mormon Message that darn near brought tears to my eyes. It's called "Earthly Father, Heavenly Father" and it's incredible. I recommend it highly. It made me very happy. Those Mormon Messages are fantastic. They're getting really good lately.

I wish I had more time! That's all for today, though. I hope that everyone is having a great week so far. I love you all so much, and I'm so grateful for your prayers and support.

Love,

Elder McDonald

Pictures of the new place!

Brrrrrrr...

Loved Ones,

How is it that another week has gone by? I don't understand. Mom, I can totally confirm what the sister missionaries in your ward said. The days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days. It's strange. How has everyone been? It's been unseasonably warm in Clovis, has it? I'm glad to hear that it was warm somewhere. Jack Frost has been wreaking havoc on Brooklyn this last week. There were a few days where the cold surpassed all my understanding. I believe that it was somewhere in the single digits with the wind chill factored in. Now I feel like I have survived a New York City winter. It was only a warm-up (no pun intended) before. I do have enough clothes to stay warm, so don't worry. It's snowed twice in the past week, and that was really nice. The city is beautiful in the snow.

This week was pretty darn cool (again, no pun intended). We had interviews with President Calderwood on Thursday, and I learned a ton from him. It seems that he has a wealth of wisdom concerning any topic that I could think to address, and he shares it with a passion and clarity that is most instructive. From the interview, I do get the feeling that my stay in Williamsburg is coming to a close in the near future. Whether that means this transfer or the next, I'm not sure, but I feel like I may be off to new places this transfer. I just get the feeling that it's time for the next phase. I'm a little bummed because I most likely won't be able to see the "man zone" receive its first sister missionaries, which I am now certain will occur this next transfer. I've been expecting it, but now it's pretty much a known fact, even though it's supposed to be a secret. President Calderwood hinted at it in the interview, and now Elder Hooper and I are supposed to be keeping our eyes open for available apartments in the area for sister missionaries. I'm really excited. Sister missionaries bring something to the table that I think elders alone cannot. It's going to be very cool to see the work move forward with greater power in this area.

Speaking of the work moving forward, a small miracle occurred on Sunday that I am completely stoked about. After sacrament meeting, Elder Hooper and I were talking with people, and I introduced myself to a lady who I didn't recognize and a man with her who I also didn't recognize. It turns out this lady is a member from Harlem, and she was at church because she was bringing her friend (the previously mentioned man. His name is Matthew.) to the branch. Matthew has been investigating the Church for the past few weeks, and he's been taught by the missionaries in Harlem because that's where he was introduced to the Church by his friend. However, he lives in Greenpoint, which is in the boundaries of the branch I'm in. When he realized that he should be going to the Bushwick branch, he resolved to attend there since it is so much closer than Harlem. One other thing: he had a baptismal date set for February 2nd. He was going to be baptized in Harlem, but now he wants to be baptized into the Bushwick branch! So, Elder Hooper and I are going to start teaching him, and we're planning on scheduling his baptism for next Sunday! He is a really cool guy, and he seems to be very committed to the gospel. I was able to talk with him a bit at church, and he shared his conversion story and testimony with me. It was a very cool experience. So, it looks like there will be a baptism coming up! Crazy, right? I see this as being a huge blessing after a long period of hard work with limited success. I'm looking forward to getting to know Matthew better and seeing the gospel change his life and bring him a fulness of joy. I know that is exactly what the gospel does for people should they choose to accept it.

I just wanted to offer you all my testimony of the work I am engaged in, and the work that any faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sets out to do. Though I am far from being the perfect example of what a dedicated and set apart missionary should be, I testify with all my heart that the work I am engaged in is the Lord's work. I testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live. They love every single person on this earth with a love that I cannot comprehend at this time. Not only do They live and love us all, They are very active in our lives. I know that the church that Jesus Christ set up when He was on the earth has been restored completely, and I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that church. But that doesn't matter much if we don't let that knowledge do something for us. I know that in the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth today, the perfect and simple plan that we need to follow in order to find true happiness and return to be with our Heavenly Father and our families for all eternity is taught correctly. I know that this plan, the gospel of Jesus Christ, will bring happiness to anyone who follows it. I know that with all my heart. I know that if we heed Jesus Christ's call to every single one of us to come and follow Him, that we can all find exactly what it is we are all looking for, even if we don't know exactly what it is we are looking for yet. I would ask everyone who may read this to just take a leap of faith and try living the gospel of Jesus Christ fully and with dedication if you haven't already committed to do so. I know that such a decision will bring you joy. I just want to say that I am serving a mission in New York City because I believe fully in the cause I am promoting. I am not out here because my parents told me to be here. I am not out here because I am some blind, brain-washed follower. The reason I am out here is because I know that my Heavenly Father wants me to be here. I am out here because I know that the gospel has been the source of all that is good in my life, and I hope that others can experience that same goodness. I echo the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "To those who have not yet joined with us in this great final cause of Christ, we say, 'Please come'." I love you all. Thank you for all the support you give to me. I am glad to be here in New York City, and I'm grateful for all the help that so many of you provide that keeps me going.

Love,

Elder McDonald

New Digs!

Loved Ones,

Hey guys! How is everyone? Good? Good. I have a lot to tell you all! It's been a full week. I'm sorry that I am late emailing. MLK Day threw off my schedule. How was everyone's MLK Day, by the way? Did you stick to last year's tradition? I hope so. That was awesome. I'm glad that Sunday was awesome. That is interesting that Sabbath day observance was listed as one of three things needed in order to be successful. In support of that, I will quote President Calderwood: "You will fail in life if you don't understand the Sabbath day." Pretty bold right? President Calderwood is a bold man. We just had a multi-zone conference, and President told us about some of the changes he's making in the mission. It's really cool to be in the middle of a change of direction. But I digress. I hope that you all had a fantastic week that Mr. Fox would have been proud of.

I guess the first thing I should tell you all is that I moved. I didn't get transferred, but Elder Hooper and I moved into a new apartment. That means a couple things. First, I now live away from Elder Broadbent for the first time in over 6 months. Parting was a bit sad, but it's for the best. Second, I now live in Williamsburg, so I am automatically 7 levels higher on the hip scale. And, I've lived in Bushwick, so I have street cred too. The best of both worlds. So, now Elder Hooper and I live right in the middle of the area we do the majority of our work in. I think it's nice, because it makes us part of the community, which is the goal. I'm reminded of Ammon who wished to "dwell among [the Lamanites] for a time", or even until the day he died. I'm not planning on dying here in Williamsburg, but the comparison still seems to fit. I enjoy living in the new spot thus far. It's good to have just Elder Hooper and I in the apartment because it allows us to be more focused during studies and such. Being in an apartment with 4 people is fun, but there is the potential for distraction. The environment is more spiritual with just two people, I think. The apartment is pretty nice, too. It needed a lot of clean-up when we inherited it, but we are getting a chance to practice our interior decorating skills. I'm not sure that made me sound at all manly, but that's okay. I'll send some pictures next week!

In order to make up for the decrease in my manliness after my interior decorating comment, I will tell you all about one of the other notable things that happened. Yesterday, for P-day, I took on the Blazin' Challenge at Buffalo Wild Wings with my district and a few members of my zone. This challenge consists of eating 12 of the most hot wings that Buffalo Wild Wings makes in a mere 6 minutes. This may not sound like something I would do, and normally it wouldn't be. However, Elder Hooper thought it sounded like fun, so I decided to back my companion. And I thought it would be a good way to build district unity, which is always a good thing. If I could describe the challenge in a word, the word I would choose would be "pain". It was intense. When the waitress brought the wings out and the aroma singed my nostrils, I knew I was in trouble. I gave it a valiant effort, but in the end, I just could not ingest 12 lava wings in 6 minutes. I got to a point where my body would just not accept more wings. But, in the interest of preserving my manliness, I ate all 12 of the wings. I just had to take more time than 6 minutes. I'll get you guys some pictures of the event. As I was trying to force the wings down my mouth, I felt a tear trickle down my cheek, and my sinuses were vacated quite efficiently. Apparently I turned a purplish color as well. It is a good memory, but I don't think I'll be doing it again, except for one exception. The exception is this: Jacob, if you will take on the challenge with me, I will attempt it once more. I feel like we could complete it together. Start preparing. You have just under a year and a half. But anyways, that was a good time. Elder Jolley, who I've mentioned before, ate all his wings in two minutes and 15 seconds. He has no gag reflex, so he had a leg up, but I still find that shocking. So, that was my adventure for the week. Did I make up my manliness a little bit?

I am running low on time, but I did want to mention one thing I've been thinking about lately. The decay of civility in our society was brought to prominence in my mind after Elder Hooper and I had two doors closed on us without a word from the person on the other side within about 30 minutes. I was reading Quentin L. Cook's conference talk that addresses this issue, and I think he hits the nail right on the head. There is a serious lack of civility these days, and I don't think that's a good thing. After all, Mormon describes the people living near the end of the Book of Mormon times as a "people...without civilization", and that society didn't go anywhere any of us want to go. I feel like a little kindness and common decency would go a long way in this troubled world. So let's all be civilized! A little kindness may not feel like much when you're giving it out, but it can make a big difference. I've definitely experienced that. It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

I have to wrap this up, but I want you all to know that I love you very much. Thank you for all the support you all give to me. It is much appreciated. You guys are the best!

Love,

Elder McDonald