Kimber Mail 12-21-2015 "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas... but probs won't happen... Oh Well!"

   Who's excited for Christmas?!?! I sure am!! I wasn't quite sure what to think about last week and this week but I can already tell that this is one Christmas I will never forget. 

   Last Sunday, Sister Thorson and I decided to Fast for opportunities to teach people and be able to serve to our fullest - especially as Christmas break was beginning and all of these college kids are headed home. (Just so everyone understands- very basically, fasting is going without food and beverage, showing the Lord we need extra help) I tell you this because I noticed that this one little sacrifice to fast poured out a fountain of blessings. Here are some of the awesome opportunities that were given to fulfill our calling to be witnesses of the Savior Himself, even more so this week. We were able to:

   - teach a couple lessons this week! It makes my heart happy to be able to teach these people and build off the faith they already have in our Savior. To help people realize, truly realize, that Jesus Christ loves them and that there is a purpose to life is the best!:) I feel like I've made so many wonderful friendships with these dear people that we are able to discuss the saviors teachings with! 

   - meet a member of our church that hasn't been able to show up to activities and church in a while and get her some help from awesome members of our church with math and she was able to ace her test! I love that we are all one big family in the church:)

   - go several times caroling to different retirement homes and talk with the elderly people reminding them they are loved. It made me grin to see these elderly folk belt out the Christmas music with us. It really is the simple little things!

   - See a cute little boy be baptized and see his pure excitement as he committed to follow the savior! Plus president and sister Johnson were there -wooo! I love them so much it made my week to see them  

   - Stop and talk to so many people down town and share the A Savior Is Born video with them and with some even share the Book of Mormon. It made my week to share this book with several people because reading from it paired with the bible I have come to know my savior and know that he loves me so much. If you haven't had the chance to read from the Book of Mormon in a while or have never read from it please open it and let the light of Christ into your life even more so this Christmas season:) 

   Have a merry Christmas!! Love you all<3 

~Sister McDonald 

Ponderize: Alma 23:6 "many were converted unto the Lord, [and] never did fall away."

Quote:  His [Christs'] mission also included the beauty of His service, the miracles of His ministry, the relief He brought to the suffering, and the joy He offered--and still offers--to the mourning. (Be at Peace, Elder Christofferson) 

Kimber Mail 12-14-2015: "Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat! Ha,ha"

   This week there were lots of miracles and lots of smiles!! Way too many to just pick one. So I'll  summarize a highlight from each day:) 

   Tuesday (8th): institute with Brother Done was AMAZING! He asked us to ponder what the Savior means to us and write it down. To me the savior means happiness, light and life. He helps pick me up, dust me off and keep me going. He puts a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart knowing I am truly never alone. He is the best of friends and the greatest older brother ever!! He is a new start and a helping hand each and every day. Jesus is a dear, dear friend of mine. :)  I encourage you all to take the time to write down what Jesus Christ means to YOU! 

   Wednesday (9th): We had exchanges with our Sister Training Leaders (STLs) and I was with Sister Durfee (Bro. Done's niece! Ha,ha) she was so fun and we did a ton! We taught an awesome lesson with Merve about feeling the spirit and tied in Elder Bednar's patterns of the spirit (look them up - they are wonderful.) We spent several hours tracting apartment complexes as well as OYMing (open your mouth) on the street (basically just trying to talk to anyone and everyone one you see and share about Jesus, ha,ha). People..., that OYMing was hard!! BUT we did it and were able to have some awesome conversations with people of all sorts of religious backgrounds. It makes me so happy to share the message of Jesus Christ - all day every day!! 

   Thurs (10th): We had Christmas Zone Conference!! I loved it!! They showed us the mission Christmas video which was so fun to see people that I actually know. There was even a little video of me getting my picture taken when I first got here ha,ha,ha, sooo great.  ;)  Also some great messages were shared, here a few points I loved:

- Say "I love you" more and mean it! (President Price - Stake President)

- Make every day worth it, be joyful and "realize the calling isn't about me but is about Heavenly Father's children" ~ Elder Renlund (President Johnson) 

- Every time we follow in the steps of the Savior we replace doubt with truth and every time we take someone else figuratively by the hand and introduce them to Jesus Christ...we will feel his love for us! (Sister Johnson) 

   Friday (11th): After a rough day of 2 lessons cancelling we had the coolest dinner with the Banya family. They are from West Africa and have 2 little kids! Guys you know what that means....Sister McDonald was in Heaven!! :D Ha,ha,ha,! We tried legit African food and it was pretty good....Sister Banya started telling us what was inside and I was like no, no it's fine we can just be surprised...no spoiler alerts please! They had a friend that's not a member come over with her little boy and we got to all go around and share our favorite scriptures and the spirit was so strong! I love that the gospel is for EVERYONE, no matter where you're from or what kind of life you have, it is for you and me and all of us! 

   Saturday (12th): Happy 4 month click day to me! We taught a lesson, got to go see our branch mission leader's new baby, and had our dinner paid for by a sweet convert that's in our branch who gave his manager his card to pay for us when he saw us walk in! Plus I got ice cream so umm yeah it was a great day!

   Sunday (13th): So those of you that know me well know that I'm not a fan of singing. But being a missionary the Lord gives you LOTS of opportunities to do things you are not a "fan" of. We had our branch Christmas program. It was probably the coolest Christmas program I've ever seen and the spirit was SO strong!! A member of the bishopric did a reading of different talks and scriptures and in between each spot we had a musical number.  Since people were sick, the missionaries got to fill in and sing with the choir.  Wow it was a great experience and one I will never forget!! 

I love you all, have a wonderful week!  :) 

Love,

~Sister McDonald 

Ponderize:"they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matt 1:23 

Quote: "We are to reach out to our fellowman in love to invite, persuade, serve, and rescue" ~ Elder Rasband (Sun morning session) 

Month #4 complete... #missionnotes

Month #4 complete!  Congrats Sis. McDonald on to month #5!

Kimber Mail 12-07-15: "Cue the Christmas Spirit!"

   Great big hello to everyone!! Hope your weeks have been dandy and that the start of the Christmas season has brought peace and happiness to your hearts and homes. I know for me as things have started picking up speed and the hustle and bustle have arrived, one thing is for certain: the Spirit of Christmas (especially Christ) can be felt everywhere I go. I think even more so than normal because so many hearts are being softened, by even the toughest of toughies!! :P

   Sunday was probably my favorite day this week just because of all the miracles I was able to witness. So I'll mention a few..

   - First, the lady we are teaching, Merve, was excited to come to church and fast for an answer to her prayers. She came wearing her nice skirt and the first words out of her mouth were "Sisters! I'm going to try to sing the hymns today!" And as I heard her sing and get gradually louder with each verse my heart couldn't help but overflow with gratitude. To see people on their journey of progression is the coolest thing and I have come to gain so much love for these people!! 

   - Second, as missionaries we got to be in charge of making sure the nativity displays that were set up at the main chapel ran smoothly. It was a fantastic display with nativities from all around the world! It touched my heart to see people ranging from older couples to young families come and take a few minutes to remember the true reason we celebrate the season 

   - Third, we were able to watch a Christmas music thing at the church which included different people from different religions in the hand-bell choir and the middle-school choir and many others. As the whole congregation was closing the evening singing Angels We Have Heard on High I couldn't help but look around and feel an overwhelming sense of happiness that this season brings us all together regardless of faith, background or wherever we may be in the world. We are all praising the Lord and our hearts are full of love for Him!

   - Fourth, the First Presidency Christmas devotional was AMAZING!!! I always love watching it because it always puts you in the right spirit of Christmas. If you haven't had a chance to watch it you should!! The messages of spreading peace and gratitude and coming to the one true source of "light" were much needed to me personally! 

   My challenge to you all is to take time to slow down this Christmas season and show your love for our Savior by pausing to help and serve those around you just as the Savior would. I will be trying extra hard to go out of my way to do this right along side with you! :)  I received this sweet Christmas card from a dear sister in the ward back home and she said something that has really stuck with me: "Experience is greater than knowledge because it is something you feel and not necessarily know."  I know that as we "experience" the true spirit of Christmas by turning outward in service to others we will be blessed to come closer to our Lord, Savior, Brother and Friend Jesus Christ.  May we make this season the happiest one yet!!  :)

Much Love, 

~Sister McDonald.

Ponderize: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" Luke 2:14 

Quote: "The healing and strengthening power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement is for all of us who will ask." (Elder Oaks, Saturday Afternoon)

Kimber Mail 11-30-15: "Whistling While we Work!!"

   Serving with smiles and whistling while we work, this week is a time I won't forget. Even though the work was slow with everyone leaving for the holiday, there were so many opportunities to serve and we met so many sweet people!! We got to spend a lot of time at St. Andrews church helping prepare the thanksgiving dinner for those who wouldn't normally have one and it was a blast! We went tracting several times rain, wind or shine and met some awesome gems. It's amazing the amount of love you can have for someone you have just barely met.  I know that is just a fraction of the kind of love the Lord feels for each one of us. We also have been so greatly blessed to have been fed by members some of which were just passing through on vacation but still took the time to take us to dinner. And I can't forget my awesome Branch president and his wife inviting us over on Thanksgiving for a yummy huge meal and great company. It was a fabulous week and I am so greatly blessed. How thankful I am to have the life I have to live!!

   Yesterday I was reading President Monson's talk from April 2009, "Be of Good Cheer", and it made me reflect on the cheer I had had this past week and gave me the great start to another wonderful week as a servant of the Lord. He said "though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love our Heavenly Father and our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments.  There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us... Fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith!" No matter what kind of day or week or month we may be having; I know that as long as we keep being faithful and turn to the lord asking for the strength to overcome our weaknesses and accomplish his will, miracles will happen! Keep the faith. Chin up and know that you are loved. Have a wonderful week!! 

Love you all,

~Sister Kimber McDonald  

PS - the new Christmas video "A Savior is Born" is out!!! AHH it's so great guys! Check it out RIGHT. NOW. and share it!! Ready set GOOOOO -Christmas.Mormon.org  

Ponderize: D&C 61:36 "be of good cheer...for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you" 

Quote: "True disciples don't make excuses, they represent the Lord even when it's not 'convenient' " - Schwitzer (Sunday morning session)

 

3rd Month complete #missionnotes (re-post from 11-12-15)

Month #3 complete!  #missionnotes
(deleted in error & re-posted from 11-12-15)

Kimber Mail 11-23-15: "Cold weather but the Spirit is warming hearts!"

So winter is a knocking at our door! The winds are whooshing and yet we are still smiling doing the Lord's work! This has been a crazy week but a goodie! 

   So to start off we had transfers on Tuesday and I was so sad to see my "momma" Hansen leave but know she's going to be doing wonders in Ohio. (Yes oddly enough it's part of the mission haha!) My trainee and "daughter" (as we like to call it in mission lingo) is Sister Thorson. She's from Riverton, Utah and is really quiet but super legit and sweet!! She's got some good sass and "greenie fire" that's going to work miracles here in State College I just know it! She's the 4th out of 5 kids and has a twin brother serving in Kentucky!! She has a great testimony and I can't wait to see her grow. It's so weird that I was in her shoes just 3 months ago... Time is picking up speed. I've got some big shoes to fill as her trainer but I know the Lord's got my back!  :) 

   With Thanksgiving coming up in a few days, things I am grateful for have been constantly on my mind more than ever! Here are just a few things I'm grateful for:

• The random lady that brought me and Sister Thorson hot cocoa at forums because it was freezing cold and hot cocoa is the BOMB
• Gloria from Nigeria! After 20 doors of consistent rejection and doors being slammed and after a prayer to know where to go where someone would listen; this gem, Gloria answers and lets us in. We are able to share the Because He Lives video and the message of the restoration with her as well as leave her a Book of Mormon. #CantStopTestifying
• Sister Thorson's patience with me as I learn how to lead...ha,ha it's a work in progress
• The Savior and the message of His restored gospel that is the one sure rock and anchor in my life. I know that whatever kind of day I am having I can turn to my older brother, best friend, and savior and know that He is right there to pat me on the back, pick me up and say "come on Sister McDonald, we got this!!!" 
• Good food and money to buy food and members that feed us good food and ice cream that Bob from service gives us every week. Man I just love food!!!!
• YOU: yes you reading this. Because believe it or not you have impacted me in some way along my journey. Whether that was helping me get out here, helping me learn out here or helping by keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. YOU ROCK! Thank you for helping me❤️

I hope you all have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving and notice all the miracles around you each and every day! Love always, 

~Sister McDonald 

Ponderize: D&C 6:36 "look unto me in every thought; doubt not fear not." 

Quote: "It'll all work out I'll be what you want me to be" - Sis Marriott (Sat morning session) 

Kimber Mail 11-16-15: "I Think I Can!!!"

So everyone the moment you've been waiting for...! Well several moments I should say...ha ha! First some highlights from this week: *Drum Roll Pleaseeee* 

 -I hit my 3rd Click Day on the 12th (WHOO 3 MONTHS!) 

- I finished training: 12 weeks of learning, success and rough times make for a great start to the mission 

- Sister Hansen and I found an ACTUAL outhouse #WelcomeToPA 

- This weather has been so bipolar freezing cold and pouring rain one day to bright, warm and sunny the next. 

- While tracting we got to share the awesome "Because He Lives" video and testify to (probably about a hundred) people on the doorstep that Christ loves them - Even to the man that yelled from his balcony at us ha,ha good times! 

- We got to see a special preview of the new Christmas video: "A Savior is Born" (comes out the 29th of this month) IT WAS AWESOME! #MissionaryPerks you all got to check it out when it comes out. It'll change your life! 39 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS! 

LASTLY - TRANSFER CALLS: So I kinda got the feeling that I would be staying because a few weeks ago when we had interviews with President Johnson he asked if I was ready to take over the area (aka- be the senior comp and lead) and he laughed when I expressed how nervous I was but would do what the Lord needed...So Saturday morning while we are on our way to do service at our Branch President's house we get a call. From none other than PRESIDENT JOHNSON HIMSELF.. I was so confused because Sister Hansen said that normally transfer calls come at night right before bed. But didn't dwell on it until she handed the phone to me. President asked if I knew why he was calling and I said "well it is transfer day so..." He said I was exactly right and he was calling to tell me that Sister Hansen will be leaving and he was going to tell me who my new companion is. He said I was a very special case however...OH NO. Those words are never good. HA,HA! He said that he knew my companions name but hasn't met her yet. Alright everyone take a pause in the story. SO this transfer there are 3 new missionaries coming out. 2 Elders and 1 sister. 3!!! Quite a huge difference to the almost 30 that came out with me. Well if you haven't guessed by now - I am the ONE lucky sister in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Mission that gets to TRAIN this new sister coming out. Her name is Sister Thorson and she looks cute from her picture! So we will see :) State College I will be here for another 3 months ha,ha! 

I feel so crazy overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, excited, worried, and reallyyyyy inadequate. Out of all these well trained sisters in this mission - President and the Lord want ME to train this sister?! Oh boy..I hope I don't mess her up..But I know that if the Lord is going to ask me to do this then He's gotta give me the strength and help my weaknesses become strengths. So wish me luck!! I Love you all and appreciate the thoughts and prayers sent my way. They truly make a difference and hope you feel my prayers for you in return. Have a wonderful week all!

Love, 

~Sister Kimber McDonald 

Ponderize: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

Quote: "Be good in getting better! 'Why are you worried? I know you and I will provide!'  " - Clark (Sun Afternoon session) 

Kimber Mail 11-09-15: "Not a Fan but Doin' All I Can!"

  "Not a fan of what Sister McDonald", you ask? Lemme tell you! Well it's now week 12 - the last week of my training...WAHOO!!!   This last week (week 11) is where the trainee (me) gets to lead out the area (meaning you make all the decisions and navigate and take charge of lessons,) and the trainer (Sister Hansen,) acts like she is brand new to the area and can't help much. So... basically I'm not a fan of being the head honcho and leading! I tell ya what, it's a lot harder than one would expect.  Sister Hansen is a CHAMP. Even though this week was a toughie I have seen major growth in my leading abilities and confidence gained in leaps and bounds this week. Plus, we made it out alive, so hey! That's always good, right?! :P   The Lord seems to have a way of putting us in circumstances that try us and help us to stretch and grow. 

   We had Stake Conference this weekend and one of the people that spoke shared that "if you don't allow trials to break you, and drop to your knees, the spirit will 'school' you!" Time and time again I've learned so many things from the Spirit and been able to endure and turn my weakness into strengths with the Lord's help. If you are struggling or need help turning something to a strength please, fall on your knees and pour your heart out to our Heavenly Father. I know he will help you through patience to become strong and even better. 

   One thing I've seen grow a ton in me already is my testimony. Continuing to learn about my Savior and His plan for me, continually asking questions to God and listening for the answers has changed me.  I have never felt more happiness and peace in life!!  :)   I know that comes from truly knowing Jesus Christ and wanting to spread His love with all of His children all around me. Man it's awesome!!  Knowing that I can repent and keep working at being better and use his grace is everything. (Because he IS the difference needed to make up the gap where we fall short, as WE then have to do all we can!) This week as we went with the other sister missionaries to their investigator's Christian Bible study thing, it was a cool experience - but sad at the same time. The main speaker and audience expressed great fear about death and my heart couldn't help but ache. I am so grateful for the knowledge we have that death is not even close to the end!  :)   I am also beyond grateful for great leaders in the church called by God to be courageous and stand for the truth that is revealed to them. What a blessing, to be able to be a witness of the Lord's fully restored truths on the Earth today and to be able to stand boldly and support the great leaders, acting under the direction of the greatest examples and leaders ever - Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. I love this gospel and love that we are asked to just faithfully do our best, doing what they ask of us, and if we mess up then we have the wonderful gift of repentance and a new day!  Have a wonderful week friends and family and know that I'm praying for you each personally (yes I really am loving long prayers - for reals) and know the Lord is there to bless you if you reach out and ask Him to help. 

Weekly love, 

~Sister Kimber McDonald 

Ponderize: "I cry unto my God in faith and know that he will hear my cry!" 2nd Nephi 33:3 

Quote: "You are doing better than you think you are doing!" ~ Elder Holland (Sat Afternoon) 

Kimber Mail 11-02-15: "Teaching Testifying and Touchin' Hearts!"

Man I tell ya, this week was SO very filled with blessings. Well every week is...but there's something about humility that opens your eyes to recognize even more! So I'll just do a synopsis of something each day that touched my heart and strengthened my testimony. 

Tuesday (27): We had dinner with the Leavitt Family and they shared with us that we should always remember that none of our efforts go unnoticed by the Lord. Even a little smile or compliment could make someone's day! Earlier at Forums on campus I saw this guy who normally I'd be a little leery to talk to.  BUT I'm workin' for the Lord and He loves ALL (and is good at reminding me that ha,ha) so I go and smile and this guy just opens up about how he has a belief in Christ but he's struggling and needs direction. Well hey look at this! That's why I'm standing out here buddy!!:) I was able to sincerely share how coming to know my Savior even better from prayer and reading from the scriptures has changed my life. He smiled a huge smile and walked away reading the first pages of the Book that has changed my life. I love the Book of Mormon! 

Wednesday (28): I'm starting to read Jesus the Christ and I love it! I'm learning so much. Slowly but surely!! As I was reading I thought an interesting point was made that Jesus Christ was personally known by few and his fame came AFTER his death. I guess I really never pondered on that before. It made me realize that most of my "success" or "fruits" from my labors will be made known after my mission and years to come but all he asks is we give it our all! 

Thursday (29): We were able to teach 2 new people and I love teaching and being able to testify of these truths that have brought more happiness and peace than anything ever has or will. It's my favorite to see the light go on in their heads and realize we aren't just crazy but that what we are teaching can change their lives. The gospel is really simple, we just do our best and keep improving with the help of Christ! 

Friday (30): We were about to leave forums frustrated, cold and disappointed that today was a struggle. As soon as we were about to leave this guy runs up to me. (Normally when people do this they are either really happy or really angry with you). So he starts going off about how someone gave him a Book or Mormon earlier and how he thinks we are wrong. I think one of my biggest growths I've seen so far is being able to stand up firmly for this gospel because I love it with all my heart. I told him that if he wanted we could sit and talk but we aren't here to bash. The spirit softened his heart and he sat and listened for 20 minutes. We had a great talk about the restoration, the Book of Mormon, our main beliefs and I was able to just bear testimony to him. By the end it was cool to see him walk away with a different perspective and a better understanding which hopefully will mean to him actually reading the Book to see for himself. Testimony is the spirit's best friend!

Saturday (31): We were able to go to the Sekubu families' baptism (the Elders taught them) and they are straight from AFRICA. HOW COOL RIGHT?!?!:D This baptism was so special. The dad, Charles, was baptized first and afterwards was so overcome by the spirit he just stood there crying for a good 3 minutes. I love seeing this gospel change lives, mine included. Who you are, where you've come through or how "qualified" you think you are doesn't matter. To the Lord, ALL are welcomed and wanted and I know this gospel is for all. 

Sunday (1): Fast Sunday brought a great peace and comfort to top off the end of this great week. I know my Savior lives and loves me and you! He is constantly by our side, sometimes we are just too stubborn to turn to him. Let him lift you. Let him wipe your tears and comfort you when all seems lost. Let him listen when no one else seems to be listening. Let him be your best friend and pull the heavy load of life right along side you. Please remember just how much He loves you!! 

Much Love, 

~Sister McDonald.

Ponderize: "I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." ~ Ether 12:6 

Quote: "Come and talk to me and I'll help you through" ~ Elder Foster (sat afternoon) [Even though this was referring to parents and children, I like to also think of it was our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ]

Kimber Mail 10-26-15: "Destined for greatness!"

   Happy Monday everyone! Hope you have all had great weeks and been able to feel the Lord's hand in blessing you no matter what kind of week you may have had :) 

   This week I learned so many lessons. I guess the main one I'm seeing reoccur (which must mean I stink at it and need to really work on) is patience. Man has it been a week filled with patience and love or what?! Well this week started off rough we needed to find more people to teach so Sister Hansen and I set off Tracking. Even on exchanges (which were awesome). We knocked on so many doors. #PracticallyAPro. After 3+ hours of rejection we were finally able to give out a Book of Mormon. Now this may not seem like much and you may be thinking "wow Sister McDonald what is your life?!" But let me tell you, after a hard day, it was an extreme tender mercy of the Lord. I have come to really appreciate even these trying times because it's through the though times my testimony grows even stronger. I know that this gospel is the one way of sure peace in this chaotic world. Through the Book of Mormon I have come to not just know OF my savior but to really KNOW Him. And for that I am forever grateful.  I love getting in any portion of my testimony in the short moments at the door because any chance to testify of truth is the best!! 

   We were able to have President and Sister Johnson (Mission Pres and wife who ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST MAN I LOVE THEM:D) come and have one on one interviews with all of us in our zone. When I met with President Johnson he said something that really will stick with me. He said that just because our outward results aren't the same as other missionaries it doesn't mean we are failing. As long as we are doing what the Lord asks- to be obedient, to teach and preach to the best of our ability and work our hardest we are doing the right thing. We will be blessed. Those of you that know me know i'm a perfectionist and it's super hard for me to not see things work out perfectly right way. But, shortly after this meeting we returned home and were able to set up 4 lessons for the next day. Guys this is huge! More than I've ever taught in one day before! It was such a blessing and I truly have a testimony that when we stop comparing our results/ outcomes in life with those around us we see what the Lord has in store for us. We just have to keep being diligent in staying close to Him and working our best and hardest. He IS the difference and is ready to help us if we just reach out. May we all better reach out this week and personally reflect our own lives to see what He has in store for us. Have a wonderful and blessed week! 

Love, 

~Sister Kimber McDonald 

Ponderize: Moroni 10:32 "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ..." 

Quote: "Don't focus on what we can't do, instead focus on what we can do!" -Elder Stevenson (Sat Morning session) 

Kimber mail 10-19-15: "Let the Holy Spirit Guide!!!"

   Well this week has been a toughie because Tuesday mine and Sister Hansen's stomachs started hurting (along with a majority of the missionaries here in state college). We think some sort of stomach bug was going around (which is lovely because my stomach is already awesomeeee) but I'm feeling a lot better today! Should be a better week. I learned real fast being sick on the mission is no bueno!! For one your mom isn't here to make you feel better and two you don't wanna put a halt or slow down the missionary work - BUT resting up really did help. 

   So some quick experiences where I really saw the spirit working and helping this week: 

1) we are trying to be better about sharing the gospel on the bus (It's a major toughie!) so normally we will split up so we force ourselves to talk haha. Well Tuesday night going to institute I somehow kinda fell asleep...(i know bad missionary but no one was by me and I really wasn't feeling good) and all the sudden something doesn't feel right and the spirit is telling me to open my eyes. Turns out I missed the stop!! It's the weirdest feeling not having your companion right there. Plus downtown at night is sketch so I freaked out a bit. But I hurried and got off and frantically prayed and raced to find Sister Hansen. Our reunion was joyous I'll tell you what! 

2) At forums I prayed to know what to better say.  It was awesome to be talking to people and really feel like I should say something. with 2 people I met as we talked about things specific to them I was able to share my testimony and give them a Book of Mormon promising that if they read it it will help with ___ problem or whatever need may be because it has done that time and time again for me! 

3) I have noticed the spirit prompting me throughout times of teaching what to say or what not to say, who to talk to and when I need to immediately leave. Simply put the ultimate teacher is the spirit and when He speaks we NEED to hearken. To hearken as I learned in seminary years ago is to listen and promptly obey and I have seen times this week especially where I have and haven't promptly obeyed and I can tell you it's just better to obey first off!! 

   Hope you all have a great week and ask the spirit to prompt you and guide you and hearken!! 

~Love, Sister McDonald 

Ponderize: Alma 17: 31 "My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water" 

Quote: "If you are there for the Lord, He will be there for you!!" -Elder Hales (Saturday Afternoon) 

Kimber Mail 10-12-15: "Conversion the Continuing Cycle!"

There's your alliteration for the week haha:P   Hey, hope you all have had good weeks and are looking for miracles and the good each and every day because it's there!! What a blessing it is that no matter what kind of day we have, we always have tomorrow to "try a little harder to be a little better" as a dear former prophet, President Hinckley, once said. :) 

    This week I've seen many lives working hard on the path of conversion including my own. We had lessons with a former investigator (person that was taught by missionaries previously), a recent convert to the church, and a new investigator. It was beyond amazing to see them all in different places in life and their conversion but still working hard to come closer to Christ. That's the beautiful thing about this gospel! The fact that we believe in daily conversion (or turning toward Christ and trying to become more like Him) brings a hope and peace that nothing else compares to. This week as we met with our investigator, Adi (from Dubai - can't remember if I've mentioned him yet but if not just know that he is the sweetest and a jewel!) He exclaimed excitedly how reading from the scriptures brought a feeling of great joy! I know that as we strive each day to read from the scriptures and pour our souls out in gratitude and questions to the Lord in prayer that we will become more converted to Him and his gospel (or teachings) and feel a peace that is unlike any other. It is not enough to just have a testimony, we need to be working at being converted daily!! This week I will be striving to be more humble in the hope that I will be taught what I can do to be a better servant of the Lord. Sister Hansen and I were able to reread through many conference talks this week and one from Elder Bennett from the Priesthood session really has stuck with me. He said speaking of failure "we fail only if we fail to take another faithful step forward. We will not, we cannot, fail if we are faithfully yoked to the savior- He who has never failed us and will never fail us!" I know that we cannot fail if we endure on our path to daily conversion and if we trust in the Lord whole heartily we won't be left alone! 

     I'm going to start a new tradition of adding my "ponderize" scripture for the week and a quote from conference that I will be focusing on for the week so here we go!:) 

Ponderize: Alma 26:12 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things"

Quote: "There is enough that doesn't go right in life...folks that focus on all that is right- they are the happiest people I know!"- Pres. Uchtdorf (women's session) 

Love, Sister Kimber McDonald ❤️

2nd Month... done! #missionnotes

 

Month #2... done!  Smooooooth Sailing :) 

Kimber Mail 10-5-15: "Chirstmas came a little early this year!"

That's right who would've thought Christmas came early but it did folks, it really did!! In what way you may ask? Well in happiness, coldness and the gift of conference!! Such a great week!!

This week was filled with happiness as we served SO much this week. We were able to serve in the huge Pennsylvania tradition- Day of Caring on Thursday. We got to go to the Penn State basketball arena and had breakfast and then set out to serve at a local cemetery sprucing up the place! It was a blast! We also did our normal service at St. Andrews helping cook dinner for the community and sister Hansen and I showed our pro' knife skills by slicing our fingers (funny enough) at the same time. But we are good no worries! Ha ha :P Bob - one of the head chefs, bought us ice cream but told the Elders several time "it's just for the sisters!!!" #PaysToBeASister!

The weather has started to get super chilly so thankfully my momma's package with my warm clothes came just in time. Sister Hansen and I keep preaching even though the rain-rain won't go away! Today it's actually nice though, thankfully :) - also side note: how crazy is it that it's already October?! And guess what?! I'm half-way done with training wahooooo!

Conference was AWESOME!! So many awesome messages and truths. I think the emphasis on going back to the basics and holding on to the gospel truths no matter what comes was a fantastic reminder!! It makes me so happy to know that we are lead by a living prophet and apostles who are called of the Lord. When the 3 new apostles: Rasband, Renlund and Stevenson were called I just felt a wave of peace come over me and I know that they are called of God. I loved sister Marriott's talk about being patient with the Lord and ourselves and knowing it'll all work out!! I also loved Elder Hales talk about taking the time to personally reflect on our accomplishments and what we can do better and where we want to be in future years. It was sweet to see Elder Stanfill (came just a few weeks ago) and Elder Clark (former pres of

BYUI) speak and hear from them! :) I loved President Monson's talk about letting our light always shine. Prayers be with him as he is doing all he can to carry out the great work and help he does for the Lord! I love him so much!! Also I loved Brother Durrants talk about "ponderizing" and I'm so excited what comes of his challenges! Ahhh there were just so many great thoughts I just don't even know where to start!! I'm going to try to reflect on one favorite quote each week and try to better implement it in my daily life.

Have a great week everyone and keep reflecting and staying close to the lord!!  

~ Sister McDonald