All we need is love...

Loved Ones,

Just when I think you guys had the best week ever, you go and totally top last week. Man, the beach looked really nice. I'm glad everyone was able to get back in touch with the Great Ocean Spirit? (I actually don't think there is such a thing, but sometimes it feels like there is). In my opinion, the family trip contained all the elements necessary to create nirvana: the ocean, sunshine, Taylor Swift, Jacob wearing Grandpa's swim trunks, Jase ripping his swim trunks (did you guys sing the Spongebob song?), and love. I wish I could have been there! I'm very glad to hear of such bliss. Tell Mia that I can't wait to sing along with Taylor Swift at the top of my lungs with her. It makes me happy when I keep receiving glad tidings of great joy from my family. Keep living it large!

I'm sorry that you are experiencing the drawbacks of Clovis in such a relentless barrage. I hope that the air gets better. There must needs be opposition in all things, I suppose. There were some ups and downs this week, but everything is going pretty well. Elder Hooper and I have had the opportunity to teach two families recently, which is always a treat. One of the families is a media referral, and the head of the household is a woman named Zelda. Yes, I know. Isn't that just perfect? Her family is really cool, though. I love 'em already. Elder Hooper and I are working hard to get them to come to church and see how the restored gospel will bless their lives. There are a lot of great things happening in the branch too. Boy, do I love this branch. I'm really going to miss them. It feels like I've been in this branch for pretty much my whole life. It's kind of weird. Since there is a chance that this week will be my last in the area, Elder Hooper and I are going to visit as many members as we can to sing them a song and share our testimonies of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter time is upon us! I'm really excited for the next few weeks, especially for general conference. I can't believe it's already that time of year.

We had a really cool mission conference last week. Two of the top people from the missionary department came and gave the best training I have ever experienced. Their names are Brother Droubay, who is the head of the Church's media department, and Brother Watson, who is the head of proselyting. They are the coolest. They definitely know their stuff, and I learned a ton. I'm excited to start applying it all. Brother Droubay is one of the 4 people who worked under Elder Ballard on bringing forth Preach My Gospel, so he had a lot of really interesting information on the subject. He has been working closely with general authorities for years, and, as you can imagine, he has a fine collection of stories. Wouldn't it be great to have close associations with the Apostles on a regular basis? Brother Watson had some great insider information of his own as well. He revealed some exciting advancements that may be coming to the New York New York South Mission soon. I'll let you know if the rumors become confirmed. Ah, the suspense! The conference was awesome, though. I was definitely hoping that Elder Perry was going to stop by as he was in the area last week, but he didn't. Oh well. We'll all get our general authority fix soon enough.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how the ecclesiastical side of the Church and the missionary side of the Church are, unfortunately, sometimes thought of separately. Specifically, I've looked back on the way I viewed missionaries in the past and the degree of respect I showed them. This reflection has caused me to realize that I didn't give a lot of missionaries nearly the credit or support I should have. I'm honestly a bit saddened by the way I sometimes looked at missionaries who I considered "goofy" or "incompetent". Of course, if missionaries are being disobedient and immature, they do not deserve anyone's respect, but for the most part, missionaries don't get the support that they should. I have definitely been guilty of acting along with this trend. It's important to remember that the Lord brings great things to pass by small and simple things. Missionaries are not always going to be the coolest cats in town, and they may be very small and very simple. But I think it's important to remember the sacrifice that every single one of them has made. They have voluntarily left home and family behind to come to a strange new place out of their love for the Lord and His children. They have put aside their own wants, desires, and aspirations for a season and devoted all that they have to serving people who they don't know. They experience continual disappointment, heartache, and adversity, more than they sometimes feel they are able to bear. At the very least, they should be able to expect support, love, and respect from the members of the Church in the area in which they serve. I also don't think it's too much to ask for the respect of all people regardless of religious affiliation. Now, I must say that just as there is much pain involved in missionary work, the greatest of life's joys also accompany us. So, I'm not calling for sympathy. Missionaries simply are doing what we have chosen to do, and I speak for the group in saying that there is nothing else we would rather be doing at this time. I am, however, pleading with everyone to respect those who are just doing their best to give others the best. I have definitely committed to be a much better support to the missionaries when I come home. It's funny how experience changes perspective. Let's all just work together to help bring about the "immortality and eternal life of man" shall we?

I love you all, and I wish the very best for every one of you! You are all the very best!

Love,
Elder McDonald

Jedi Ways

Loved Ones,

Hi there! How is everyone? You guys keep having great weeks! Why are you all just so awesome? I hope that the pattern continues. I love to hear of all of your triumphs and happiness. This last week was a series of learning experiences that I'm very grateful for. And that's only kind of a euphemism for "it was a hard week", because it is a given that it's going to be hard every week. I won't lie to you guys and tell you that I float around all day on a cloud of bliss, trailed by flying Peeps and rainbows. That would be preposterous. It seems like every week gets more difficult, but I'm grateful because that means that I have the chance to continue to learn. I have learned that there is no comfort in the growth zone. It seems like no matter what happens, I continually realize just how helpless I am without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In the words of Brad Wilcox, "Grace doesn't make up the difference - it makes all the difference." I know that is true. There is something beautiful that happens when we must ask God for our daily bread. Sometimes we only receive enough "manna" to last us one day, and we have to trust that God is going to come through for us again the next day. I know with all certainty that God will always come through for us. "[He] will come to [us]. He will not leave [us] comfortless." Sometimes it feels like I can't take another step. Sometimes it feels like nothing is going to ever work out. But without fail, just as I feel ready to give in to despair, a silver lining appears and makes all the difference. God will never give us more than we can handle, but He will try us. And that's only because He knows that we can take it, and that we will be better when we emerge on the other side. But here's the great thing: God doesn't ever leave us on our own. He will never draw away from us if we choose to be near to Him. He will always guide us along, grace by grace, until we find that our life has become as bright as the perfect day. I am so grateful that God trusts us enough to take on hard things. I'm so grateful for the comforting arms that He wraps around me when I feel like I am completely alone. And I can testify that many times, God will answer our prayers and give us comfort through others. I have seen that time and time again. I wish I could express how grateful I am to all of you for the support you provide to me that carries me through when I don't feel like I have much else to lean on. Realizing how much I've been benefited by the love and care of others makes me want to be better at putting myself in a position to be a vessel for God. Think of how great our joy can be as we give our lives to God so that He can accomplish unknowable good through us. I know that there are few things that will bring more joy than to have the opportunity to be an instrument in God's hands. "Consecration is the only surrender which is also a victory." I know that God lives. I wish I could express in words the joy that knowledge brings to me. To anyone who doesn't absolutely know that they have a Father in heaven who loves them infinitely, I offer a challenge to seek out that knowledge. I promise that if you can come to know that, everything else begins to fall into place.

I suppose that that was a rather long tangent. I hope I didn't make it sound like I had a terrible week. I didn't. Everything is going well. I am definitely exceedingly tired all the time, but that will only make the rest that will ultimately come that much sweeter. There is a lot going on in this area. There are a lot of people that we are finding to teach, and we are working on restructuring the way that we approach the work here to be more effective and efficient. We're basically just changing up our approach to the area we work in order to work more with the members and find more of those people who are humbly searching out the gospel, perhaps unknowingly. I feel like if I were to go into detail it would just be confusing, because there's so much to cover, but just know that I am a healthy and happy little lad.

Oh! I have a story! Elder Hooper and I were looking up some less-active members last night, and one of them was home, so we spoke with her for a bit. It turns out, she's from Preston, Idaho, which would automatically bring a great discussion about "Napoleon Dynamite" about. But wait, there's more. Not only is she from Preston, Idaho, she is in "Napoleon Dynamite"! She's one of the girls doing sign language in the "Happy Hands Club" scene. I was so excited to learn of this. It was awesome. I totally recognized her after she mentioned it. So, that is my exciting tale for the week. Are you ready for my deep pondering of the week? Get ready. So, I've been thinking a bit about the parallels between "Star Wars" and the gospel lately (there are many), and my mind has been drawn to the striking similarities between Jedi and missionaries. First of all, Jedi go around two-by-two with one Jedi being the senior Jedi. This is remarkably similar to the companionship in missionary work. Second, both missionaries and Jedi have some strict restrictions on dating. Namely, it's not allowed. And, now, I bet you're going to try to debunk my claim by referring to lightsabers (arguably the coolest part about being a Jedi) and the lack thereof amongst missionaries. Well, hold your horses. Missionaries carry the word of God, which is sharper than a two-edged sword. That's got to be at least as powerful as a lightsaber! There you have it. Feel free to lose all respect for me. I am who I am. I think I'm just trying to live, even in an imaginary and abstract way, my lifelong dream of being a Jedi.

Well, I am unfortunately low on time. There is much more to tell, but I suppose it will have to wait. Thank you guys so much for all that you do for me. I love you all very much, and I am grateful that I can stand shoulder to shoulder with you, though I am far away. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Have the best week ever!

Love,

Elder McDonald

A few more pics of the apt. Elder Hooper is an awesome violinist and is seen here practicing.

Some of the gifts from Sandy cleanup

Yay! Somebody fed him!

Traditional Valentine cookies!

Pizza party!

What happens when Elders get a subway car to themselves...

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!