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]