So Much Joy!

Loved Ones,

Hey folks! Surprise! I am going to have to be brief, but I want to let you all know that I'm alive and well. Why do the national holidays always fall on Mondays? It really throws things off. I wish I didn't have to be brief, because this week was an eventful one. A family began the rewarding journey on the straight and narrow path to the eternities. More to come on that.

I'm very glad that you guys had such a fun Memorial Day weekend. I'm trying to remember if our family camping tradition was observed on Memorial Day weekend in times past. I thought it was. Am I right, or is it another holiday weekend? I was thinking about that yesterday, and reflecting on the fond memories that were the result. How grateful I am for my family. I quite enjoyed my Memorial Day weekend! I had the opportunity to go to a wedding and then have an investigator be baptized! Ryanne and Felipe tied the knot on Saturday. Weddings are always happy times, but there is even more reason to rejoice because of the special wedding it was. Ryanne and Felipe are very special, and being able to witness the beginning of their life together was a privilege indeed. But the wedding was really just a step towards Ryanne's baptism, which took place on Sunday. A big step, yes, but the baptism was the event that really put everything into perspective. The pure love that it was my privilege to feel during the baptismal service is a memory and a source of strength that I will cherish. I have grown to love Ryanne and Felipe so much, and I am forever grateful that I was able to play my small part in their journey. I unflinchingly declare that the only way to be happy is to turn outward and love others. No pleasure or pursuit will ever outlive the pure love that comes from service and the Spirit. I was pushed to tears during the baptismal service. They were the kind of tears that I love to shed - tears of joy. Honestly, it was such a wonderful experience. I cannot adequately express the joy I felt, but I can invite you all to "come and see". No description will ever be sufficient, but experience compensates for the inadequacy of description. Seek out the pure things of life. I can think of no earthly thing more pure than the event I was able to witness on Sunday. The pure things are the things that bring joy and experience beyond words. I love you all so much, and I hope that you are having a wealth of pure, joyful experiences. I really do want nothing but the most full and lasting happiness for each of you. The gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families. I knew it before, but I know it more now. My knowledge is perfect in this thing. Mom and Dad, thank you for sharing the gospel with me. Thank you for making it the center of our home. Thank you for your love and example. Once again, words cannot express my feelings. My gratitude is beyond expression, but I hope that my feeble words will make it to your hearts. Jacob, Jase, and Mia - I haven't forgotten about you. Thank you all so much for your love and your goodness. I cannot tell you how much strength I receive from your support. I hope that I can measure up to the task placed before me so that I can show my gratitude in deed. I promise each of you that I am going to do my best.

The events I was able to witness this past weekend were a culmination of a process. I have profusely expressed the joy I felt, and I feel I am justified in doing so. But sometimes the peak of the mountain can seem unreachable from the base. Sometimes we wonder how the truly pure and beautiful experiences of life can be a reality for us. The marriage of Ryanne and Felipe and Ryanne's baptism was the result of a lot of little things added together. I wish to point out that little things lead to big things. The Lord works by "small and simple means". Sometimes we want a grand experience or fulness of joy right away. But, as President Uchtdorf's wife taught us, life is not a race. It's a journey. I know that the little decisions we make every day matter. Every choice we make moves us either closer to God or otherwise. Every action has a consequence. The accumulation of little decisions, added together, determine our destinies. I just want to invite all of you and myself to take more thought for the little things that are important. The gospel blesses families, but only if we apply it, and the application of the gospel is a continual round of simple, powerful steps that will always bring happiness and peace. Always. This has been made much more clear to me lately. I know that life can be hard, and sometimes we feel stuck or even abandoned. We are never abandoned, and we're only ever as stuck as we choose to be. The path is clear. What you choose to do now will make a difference. I offer that as my testimony. There is a mountaintop for each of us if we choose to claim it. Please do so. As I said, I want nothing but happiness for all of you. I love you all heaps and bunches. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I absolutely can't say it enough. You are in my prayers, and I do so appreciate the ones you offer in my behalf.

Love,
Elder McDonald

A Happy Birthday!

Loved Ones,

Hello! How are the people I love? I hope all is well. A lot has happened since we last talked. It's been a big week. I'm doing really well, though. This transfer has been exciting so far. I think it's clear to see that the Lord is hastening His work (there will be 80,000 full-time missionaries by July), and I have been excited about that for a long time, but what I failed to consider is that as the work hastens on a large scale, the work will inevitably hasten in individual missions and for individual missionaries. When you pick up one end of a stick, you pick up the other. That has been made clear to me this week. It feels like the New York New York South Mission is starting to sprint. The pace of the work here is accelerating rapidly, and it's really exciting. Along with the excitement comes more work, and the day-to-day has become more demanding, but when the day demands more and you deliver, the reward is more than equal to the demand. I feel honored and privileged to be serving the Lord full-time at this time, and I have come to understand a bit more about what it truly means to serve the Lord full-time. I'm also grateful to be under the leadership of President Calderwood. He has helped me in more ways than I can recount, and I know that he has been called of God to bring about a great work. I hope that I can measure up to the responsibility I've been given as a participant in this work. It is incredible how much the Lord trusts us. I know I would do well to trust Him a little bit more each day.

The biggest event this last week was a visit by Elder Koelliker of the Seventy. He conducted a mission tour, and so we had an opportunity to learn from him. He knows what he's doing. I learned a great deal from his counsel. Elder Koelliker asked every missionary to prepare two five-minute talks, one on accountability and one on working with members, in preparation for the conference. We were told that he would call on missionaries to give their talks. I prepared talks, but I figured that the odds were pretty slim that I would be called upon. Slim they may have been, but when the two selected speakers were announced, I was one of them. I was called to give my talk on accountability. As I stood in front of the three zones in attendance (so about 60 or 70 missionaries), with Elder Koelliker and his wife and President and Sister Calderwood behind me, my palms became a bit sweaty. It was a little nerve-wracking to speak in a meeting with a general authority. I was careful not to teach any false doctrine. I didn't want to be rebuked by Elder Koelliker. Of course, Elder Koelliker is not one to be afraid of, and I had no reason to be nervous, but it was an intimidating situation nonetheless. I was grateful for the chance to speak, though. I can only imagine what it feels like for a newly called general authority to stand up at general conference and speak with the prophet right behind him or her. In summation, the conference was very good. My stake also had stake conference this weekend, and the session consisted of a broadcast from Salt Lake. President Packer and Elder Perry spoke, along with a few other general authorities. It was a treat to hear more from the Quorum of the Twelve so soon after general conference. I know that those men are called of God. I so respect and admire them. Elder Rasband spoke about the temple, and I was really impacted by his talk. I have gained such a deep testimony of the power of the temple, which is strange because I haven't been in 10 months. I just have had impressed upon my mind and soul the great sacredness and importance of the temple. I know that we have temples on the earth for a purpose, and that they are a source of peace for this troubled world. As Elder Rasband spoke, I knew that I loved the temple, and I felt a great desire to go there. In less than 2 months, my wish will be granted. I'm incredibly excited. I just want to let all of you know that I know that temples are sacred, and that we will be safe and happy if we make the temple our highest goal and greatest priority. The temple truly is "a house of God - a place of love and beauty." It is so important to go to the temple. In this world, we need to "stand in holy places and be not moved."

I'd like to report on my birthday as well. Thanks to you guys, it was a great birthday. I really loved the packages. Elder Holland has been speaking constantly in the car as Elder Legere and I make our way to our destinations. And, I am now well-stocked with socks and goodies and love. Thank you. My district also ensured that my birthday was a happy one. I was blindfolded (with one of the batman masks you sent, I might add) and driven to a secret location by Elder Legere. When I emerged from the car, my district was there to wish me a happy birthday and buy me a burrito from Chipotle. It was a very nice birthday surprise. It really was a great birthday. You wouldn't think that a birthday filled with knocking on doors would be enjoyable, but it really was. I was blessed to find joy in serving the Lord.

Well, I have to close for now. I love you all very much, and I am so grateful to each of you. Please stay happy!

Love,

Elder McDonald

Can you believe I'm still in New York? It is amazing how diverse the scenery is. 

The Festivities!

It rained yesterday. All day. Elder Legere and I tracted yesterday. All day. This is me at the end of the day. (Don't worry - I was posing for the picture. I'm not actually depressed. I just wanted to capture the essence of my bodily condition.)

Growing Up

Loved Ones,

Why, hello there! First of all, I love you guys. I hope that is clear. It was so good to see your faces thanks to the wonders of Skype. I definitely liked that better than the phone call. It was much easier to communicate. It makes me happy to see everyone doing well, and it is pleasantly surprising to see how much everyone is growing up! It turns out that life outside of my missionary service does not become encapsulated in a bubble, immune from the progression of time. Alas, change is good as long as it is good change. I'd say that the change has been good on all accounts. It really was so nice to hear all of your perspectives on our life in progress straight from your mouths. There are few things sweeter than the voices of those I love. Speaking of our life in progress, I woke up to a sight this morning that caused me to drift into a moment of pondering and reflection. The new World Trade Center tower has been steadily climbing throughout my time in New York, and it is nearing completion. This morning, the rising sun stretched its light out from the horizon and let it fall on the glass surface of the World Trade Center. In a perfect confluence of the angle and intensity of the sunlight, the shiny surface of the tower took on the appearance of fire. A beacon of light was created that was intense enough to travel the miles to my apartment window while still being too bright to look at directly. I thought about how the steady progress in the construction of the new World Trade Center has been, in some ways, a companion to my progress as I've served as a missionary in New York. As I looked at that burning tower, I felt a connection with it. We've been growing up together, and we still have a climb ahead of us. Just as the World Trade Center is not complete, I readily acknowledge that I have a long way to go. But, that does not change the fact that there has been progress, and I have gained great joy in it. I'm grateful that the Lord has taken the time to lovingly build me up. He has been and continues to be the perfect architect and builder. The same Being who created this perfectly beautiful world is still actively creating bright presents and futures for every one of us. If we will let Him, He will take us to heights far greater than we could hope to achieve by our own power. The sight of the World Trade Center illuminated by the sun's rays also caused me to reflect on the illumination I received yesterday as I spoke with my family and was touched by the bright, warm light of love. This morning, both the World Trade Center and I were brighter than we normally are. One by virtue of the powerful light from the sun, and another by virtue of a light that I feel is far more powerful. I want to thank you for your love. This climb would be rather empty if love wasn't my companion, and I assure you that your love is loved and returned. You guys are the best.

This past week was really excellent. Elder Legere and I have found new people to teach, and the people we've been teaching are doing well. There were some fun times as well. A family in the ward invited the missionaries over for an authentic Filipino meal on Friday, and that was quite the experience. The food was really unique, but good. They served several whole fish, bones and all, and I found that enjoyable. I felt like I was in "Cast Away" just eating a fish right out of the ocean. It was great until I accidentally swallowed a fish bone. The family became very concerned when I told them, and they said that I needed to either swallow a banana, eat a ball of rice, or have a cat scratch at my throat. I chose to eat a ball of rice. That seemed to do the trick. I'm not entirely sure what would have been accomplished by allowing a cat to claw at my jugular, but I suppose they know their stuff. For the grand finale, they presented a dish to us called balut (I'm not sure what the proper spelling is). Perhaps you have heard of such a thing. Basically, it is a duck egg. That doesn't sound all that exciting unless you learn a little bit more about this duck egg. Inside this egg is a partially developed duck fetus that has been hard-boiled along with the remaining yoke. So, when you crack open the egg, an alien-like creature is essentially staring at you, and the next step is to eat it. Personally, that's not the logical connection that I would make, but apparently it is a popular dish. Eat it, I did, and it wasn't as bad as it sounds. It just tastes like a standard hard-boiled egg. The texture of the fetus was a bit disturbing, but I held it down. Elder Stauffer was sitting next to me, and his bite nearly came back up again, but ultimately none of the missionaries were sick. There was a lot of laughing, perhaps to keep from crying. It was a lot of fun. I was grateful that the Balgos family gave us a cultural experience.

I have had something on my mind lately that I'd like to share with you all. One of the gifts from my mission thus far has been a deeper understanding of what the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ means to me. I have been thinking a lot about this lately, and especially about the Prophet Joseph Smith. If I may, I would very much like to share some of the thoughts I've been having. I have developed a great love for the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that he is the Prophet of the Restoration. I willingly and anxiously testify that that man was called of God to perform a great work, and I know that he truly lived up to that calling. I had that testimony tried by a man I spoke with on the street the other day, and I am so grateful that I was able to stand by the Lord's servant Joseph Smith and say with conviction that I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet. I look to him as a friend, and when the man on the street declared him to be a deceiver, I knew with all my heart that he was the exact opposite, and I let that man know! The witness of the Holy Ghost is something that I cannot and will not deny. This knowledge is significant and sacred to me because of the deeper understanding that I've gained of the Restoration. It's difficult to express, but I composed a poem that helps me to do so. I thought I'd share that with all of you.

My Loving Father had a gift to give,

He sent His Son, who died that I might live.

And lest I wander here, below,

The Prophet gave his life that I might say, "I know."

I'm grateful that the Prophet Joseph Smith was willing to die so that I could have a true and complete understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and access it fully in my life. I know that my witness is true.

I love you all and I am grateful for the light you bring into my life. Thank you so much for your prayers and your support. I will do my best to live worthy of such great blessings.

Love,

Elder McDonald

The whole zone.

Pre Balut

Post Balut

Close up...

Raccoon Encounter

Sharing a granola bar

Running from hissing raccoon.

Looks like a package they all appreciated!

The lady on the Special K box needed to cover up. I helped her out with a Sharpie. 

Hidalgo!

Hooray For The Sunshine!

Loved Ones,

Hello and good morning! It's May! I love May. I hope that everyone has had a wonderful May thus far. Happy birthday Mia! I can't believe you're already 6! How are you growing up so fast? Have you been eating a lot of spinach? I want you to know that I love you and I miss you. I hope you have a fantasmical birthday! And another exciting event is approaching! I believe that I will be able to see some of your beautiful faces in a few short days. I'm working on finding a friendly member who will let me use their iPad to Skype. I will do all I can! I'm so excited to vocally express all my love and appreciation and hear the voices that I so adore.

This week has been great! Honestly, it has. I have learned so much, and I am very grateful for that. My study journal that I write down insights and experiences in has become my most cherished possession. One of the greatest blessings of missionary service is the constant growth and learning. I wonder if God is more generous with revelation with his missionaries, or if I'm just better understanding what I need to do in order to receive my Heavenly Father's direction. Maybe it's a combo of both. At any rate, I am very grateful for the opportunity to pass through this experience and collect the pearls of wisdom and experience that I encounter along the path. They are of great price, and I mean that in at least two ways. Elder Legere and I are getting along really well, and we are able to teach each other a lot. The weather has been beautiful, and I got sunburned for the first time in too long. Who would have thought that I would ever crave a sunburn?

I had the wonderful opportunity last week to return to the Rockaways and don my yellow vest once more for a day of clean-up efforts. The sun was shining, and I felt sunshine-y both on the outside because of the bright yellow I wore, and on the inside because of the warmth that comes from service. It was good to return to that part of New York that will always hold a special place in my heart. There is no better way to develop love than to serve. And there is no better way to be happy than to love. So, service leads to happiness. It's a fool proof pattern. In the past, I haven't appreciated service as I should. There were so many great opportunities for service in scouting and in the Church that I didn't recognize as opportunities to develop greater love and be happier. Now, I want to provide service whenever I can, because my heart has been changed. That is one of the blessings I received from my service during the clean-up of Hurricane Sandy. God provides a huge opportunity for us when he trusts us enough to give us the chance to serve His children. God perfectly understands the principle of delegation. He knows that the service of our fellow beings is a blessing. He knows that we get more than we give when we serve. And, not only that, but many needs are met by the loving service of others. So, two birds are killed with one stone. God is very good at killing multiple birds with one stone, figuratively speaking, of course. I'm confident God would not kill any real birds with a stone. But it is very interesting to look at a commandment He gives or a principle He teaches and see how that commandment or principle infinitely benefits those who follow it and accomplishes multiple purposes simultaneously.

I've been taught a great deal about true happiness recently, and I'd like to share a bit on the subject, if I could. I feel that service makes us happy because we forget ourselves, if only for a moment. Jesus taught us that if we will lose our lives, we will find them. I testify that that is a true principle. In missionary work, and I think life in general, the only way to truly be happy is to forget yourself. The only way to be happy in missionary work is to work! I've been taught that principle by experience. When we pursue pleasure, which is always selfish, we will ultimately be left feeling empty if we don't do what it takes to find true happiness. The world does not understand happiness. This society has become a factory for pleasure that is given the label of happiness. That is the definition of false advertising. The world has a lot of options for happiness, but they all lead to one result: emptiness. A teaching from the Prophet Joseph Smith helps me to understand true happiness and its source. He taught that we must "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power." (D&C 123: 17). I think this is a wonderful admonition, but it is not so much the teaching as the context in which it was given that impacts me. Joseph Smith penned those words in a place called Liberty Jail. Elder Holland has already pointed out the tragic irony in that name. This jail was a place of horrors. Perhaps the most painful suffering of the Prophet Joseph Smith's life was endured during his time in Liberty Jail. But, in the gall of bitterness, Joseph Smith was able to confidently talk about being cheerful. How in the world did he maintain such optimism in such terrible circumstances? I believe that the answer is, at least partially, that Joseph Smith understood what true happiness is. He understood that pleasure is not requisite for happiness. There was certainly little pleasure to be found in Liberty Jail, but happiness was still within reach. In an email that I wrote months ago (though it seems like weeks), I quoted James E. Talmage in a discussion on happiness. I want to quote Brother Talmage once again, and I will put his words in quotations in order to give credit where credit is due. But, I want to state very clearly that the following words have become my own: "True happiness is lived over and over again in memory, always with a renewal of the original good; a moment of unholy pleasure may leave a barbed sting, which, like a thorn in the flesh, is an ever-present source of anguish. Happiness is not akin with levity, nor is it one with light-minded mirth. It springs from deeper fountains of the soul, and is not infrequently accompanied by tears. Have you never been so happy that you have had to weep? I have." I testify that to find true happiness, we must be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and keep our covenants. "In this there is safety, in this there is peace." I love you all, and it is love that makes me happy. I want for you to be happy as well.

Love,
Elder McDonald

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...

Now You Know Who Invents These Titles...

Loved Ones,

Hello! You know, I've been thinking about adding subjects to these things for the past few months, but I just have the hardest time thinking of a fitting subject to define an email. I hope that it is acceptable to omit a subject from these communications for the remainder of my missionary service. One man can only do so much, and I'm afraid that a great subject for my emails would be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Here's the thing: is the straw the variety that you use for the consumption of beverages or the kind of straw you would find on a farm? Perhaps the weight difference between the two is trivial, and either one would break the camel's back. You could also find both straws on a farm, so in my attempt to erase ambiguity, I have only raised more questions. I suppose the world may never know what straw is breaking the camel's back. I am willing to accept that. But I will eventually find out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. I am determined to solve that mystery. I'm not sure if all of that was relevant, but I figure that someone has to ask questions around here.

How is everyone doing? I love you all a whole lot. I just want you to always know that. I always am pleased to hear of all the good things everyone is doing. Is it just me, or are you guys doing a lot of really cool things since I've left? Was I just holding you back all this time? Please don't mistake my tone for one of bitterness. I am really happy that everyone is having fun. I want you all to know that everything is going very well over here. This past week was one full of learning. I suppose that every week ends up being full of learning. There is no teacher like the Holy Ghost and no classroom quite like missionary service. I thought I was putting school on hold for 2 years. Not so. Speaking of school, should I know what I want to do for school when I get back by now? I hope not... I'm open to suggestions. I actually do have a few ideas, so I'm sure that everything will continue to become more clear.

There are a lot of good developments in Little Neck.  Elder Legere and I have been thinking of new ways to find people to teach with more power, and a woman named Ryann who we're teaching is scheduled to be baptized on May 26th. We're really excited for her! It is traditionally difficult to find new people to teach out here, but I feel that there are definitely prepared people who just need to hear an honest testimony to spark the Light of Christ in them and plant a seed of faith in their hearts. I'm growing to love the people of New York more and more. This place can be a very dark and cold one, and I know with all my heart that the gospel of Jesus Christ will heal broken families and broken hearts. Seeing people hurting, with broken lives, inevitably brings out compassion and charity. Can you imagine how the Savior felt as he looked out over Jerusalem and saw so many confused and lost souls? He had the capacity to love everyone perfectly, and I believe that it was His love that gave Him so much power to lift and to heal. Of course, His priesthood power was essential, but His priesthood power was exercised out of pure love. He finds His joy in the joy of others. He has taught us that it is through selfless service and sacrifice that we find eternal happiness. It truly is better to give than to receive. If we give of ourselves, and do it out of a pure love, we will receive returns far more grand than we could ever hope to achieve by doing what we think is best for us. I'm so grateful that God has blessed us with the ability to love deeply so that we can serve selflessly and be happy eternally. One thing that was deeply impressed on my mind this past week is the power of forgetting yourself. When we focus on the needs of others, we find that, somehow, our needs are taken care of. A phrase has been running through my mind lately: It's not about you, but by making it not about you, it becomes about you. An interesting paradox, yes? I testify that if we will just lose ourselves in the service of God and our fellow beings, we will find ourselves. A quest focused on finding yourself will yield minimal results. A journey to discover and address the needs of others will miraculously end with a discovery of who you are in the truest and most beautiful sense. I hope to be able to love the people of New York more deeply so that I can serve them more fully and find joy with them eternally.

I have a question for anyone who will answer: What blessings in your life have you seen from paying tithing? I'm trying to collect a few experiences that I can draw from when teaching. I would also just love to hear about some experiences. I also have another question for the general audience: Is The Great Gatsby set somewhere near my area? I have heard that it is, and if so, I will be visiting that location on preparation day. I would greatly appreciate any information on the matter. I thought you guys would like to know that Elder Legere and I got a new car, and we named it Hidalgo. Our last car was at the end of its rope, so it was about time. Is there anything that you all would like to know? I'm never quite sure what to talk about, but I'm happy to answer questions. Is everyone getting excited for the general conference issue of the "Ensign"? I know I am. I have grown quite fond of the "Ensign" lately. I had a thought about general conference that I'm excited to apply and that I thought I'd share. General conference comes around every 6 months, right? So, every 6 months, we receive a treasure trove of counsel from the prophets, and then we have 6 months until the next conference, during which time we can apply what we learned so that we'll be ready to receive and apply more counsel. We can just keep making 6 month "game plans". I'm excited to try this out and see what happens. I definitely know that if we will apply the counsel of the prophets, we will find safety and security, and we will become truly great. If Jay Gatsby would have listened to the prophet, they would have had to call him The Great Great Gatsby. I'm sorry. I couldn't resist. I can hear the crickets now, and it's the middle of the day. Anyway, I'd love to hear what everyone learns and experiences as they follow the prophet.

Well, I love you all dearly, and I'm so grateful for all that you do for me. I pray for you, and I am so grateful for your prayers. Stay happy!

Love,
Elder McDonald

Spring!

Loved Ones,

Spring is in the air! I thought that I loved spring before, but passing through a long, cold winter and emerging from the dreary waste to behold a glorious dawn of blossoms and sunshine has made me appreciate the season of newness much more. It really is beautiful here. I'll try to get some pictures. The birds are singing, the grass is green, and the whole world seems to be shouting a joyous refrain. It even takes the sting out of a door closing on you at the hands of a disinterested New Yorker. Oh, but how I've come to love these New Yorkers. They really are wonderful people. You just have to break their crusty exterior with a smile or a laugh, and then you find a warm and genuine core in most everyone. In summation, life is good. I look forward to making it better.

It seems that life is good for all of you as well. Mom and Dad, I'm glad you were able to enjoy Monterey. The pictures were very nice. It looks like a beautiful place. And Jacob, way to not burn the house down while the folks were away. You done good, kid. By the way, do Grandma and Grandpa still need to get rid of their house? My only request is that, if so, they allow me to burn it down for them. I hope that everyone is healthy and happy. Guess what? I've discovered a new passion. I very much enjoy drumming along to cheesy EFY music while driving in the car, with the hard surfaces of the car serving as my drum kit. It's fun. I just thought I'd share that with you all. There are a lot of simple joys in life.

I've been learning a lot since being transferred. Getting out of my comfort zone once again has proven to be productive. It really is incredible to see how carefully the Lord moves the missionary transfer process along. He has a perfect way of perfectly composing everything. He is perfect, so that is only natural, but as natural as it is, it is still a wonder to me. I am exactly where I need to be right now, and I know that I'm going to learn some lessons that will be beneficial and even necessary in the future. When things are a bit difficult, it is actually rather reassuring, because if everything just flows right along, then there is no growth, no progress, no learning, and no joy, as there would be no pain. I could not appreciate the beauty of spring without passing through the trial of winter. But, there is also beauty in winter. God tells us to endure our trials well, not to simply endure. "[We] are that [we] might have joy." There is always a silver lining, and God always provides a way for us to be happy, even in the midst of affliction. I know that God is intimately involved in the lives of each of us. He loves us. He truly, truly loves us. To those who may feel that God doesn't care, I want you to take whatever seed of faith you have in God and apply that faith to a moment of reflection on the beauty of the planet upon which we reside. The wonder of God's creations has been on my mind lately, with the advent of spring. God created this exquisitely beautiful world for us. Does it look like the creation of an uninterested, uncaring God? I answer my own question with an emphatic "No!" The same God who notices the fall of a single sparrow and takes thought for the lilies of the field knows you, loves you, and cares deeply for you. I testify that God is our loving Father in Heaven. There is no doubt of that in my mind. 

With those thoughts in mind, I want to share with you all something that struck me a few days ago. I have felt strongly that the Lord is indeed hastening His work. Knowing this should change a few things. It may change a lot of things. Youth of the Church (and that definitely includes Jacob, Jase, and Mia!), please come get involved. You have the chance to participate in the greatest cause of all time and eternity. I include in that call a call to myself to become more involved and more diligent. I don't want to place myself on a pedestal. I have work to do. To those not yet of our faith, I invite you to heed this message when it comes your way. I testify that it will continue to come your way by one means or another. If you ignore this message, it will not go away. You may turn from it, but it will not turn from you. This work will move forward regardless of individual choices. I invite all to come to know of the joy that can be yours. It is a message of happiness that will come your way. This isn't a matter of membership numbers. Nowhere in the missionary purpose will you find a call to increase Church membership. We offer people the path to salvation that begins by making covenants with God and becoming a part of His people. The increasing membership of the Church is simply a part of Daniel's prophecy being fulfilled. The stone cut out of the mountain (Daniel 2:45) is rolling forth and covering the whole earth, and it's starting to roll faster.

I don't want to sound fiery and brimstone-y. I just want to be honest. What I have said, I believe in with all my heart. "I meant what I said and I said what I meant. [I try to be] faithful - one hundred percent." To anyone who is reading this, I feel confident in saying that I love you and I want you to be happy. There is so much in store for each of us if we will only follow Jesus Christ. 

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day and a wonderful week. Thank you so much for all that each of you have done for me. Maybe someday I'll find a way to express the depth of my gratitude. For now, just know that I am grateful and I do love you.

Love,

Elder McDonald

These were pictures from last week that wouldn't load- they worked now! Yay!

The Caccipoli famiy, who are great!

 Brother Brasher, the coolest man alive.

Me just before leaving Williamsburg.