Wow this week has
been probably one of the most emotional weeks of my mission! I'm so sad this
transfer is coming to a close. It has probably been one of my favorite
transfers so far! I've learned, struggled, laughed and "woman-ed up" so
much these last 7 weeks- if I do say so myself! Weekly highlights for the win:
As a missionary, you're told not to focus on thinking
about what you are going to say but rather, just listen to who is
speaking. This is because the spirit should always be the ultimate
teacher, we are just his sidekicks. On Tuesday, we had a lesson with a
lady we've been working with to get back to church. Folks, let me tell
you, it was a POWERHOUSE lesson. Sister Roberts and I sat and listened as
she whipped out a paper of questions and angrily vented about her life
struggles and how she feels like she will not have a place in heaven. I
felt at that moment that Christ was sitting there with tears in his eyes
wanting her to know how much she is loved and that she DOES have a place.
With tears in my own eyes I turned to Sister Roberts who was tearing up as
well, she nodded as if to say we HAVE to tell her what we are feeling. And
the words came. We testified to her that no one, herself included, is a
lost cause. The atonement is real and can heal any wound, help overcome
any temptation and make all
right once more. I know this to be true. I especially know that Christ
knows us all personally and loves us more than we can comprehend. I love
reminding people of that! I tell you, his love is AMAZING. I feel so much
love for the people here and know that's just a fraction of what he really
feels. So if your feeling down or need reminded- Jesus Christ loves YOU!!
This week Elder Redd (in the other companionship of
missionaries in our ward and my District Leader)
got some tough news this week. He hurt his back pretty
bad a while ago and hurt it again recently making missionary work pretty
tough. He has decided that going home a transfer early and getting surgery
will be best. Coming out here I never thought I would make so many great
life long friends. It's hard to watch friends go through trials but it
just reminded me that the Lord really does know what he is doing. If you
are going through a trial, look for the tender mercies and keep
climbing-the end is in sight!
We got to do some great service this week! First on
exchanges we got to help the Compton's move. Talk about lots of stuff
cramped into a cute old farm house, building muscles and coming out with a
unique smell. After exchanging back sister Roberts goes "you smell
like cat". I know Sister Roberts... I know. Gotta love it. Haha! We
also got to decorate Easter cookies with Chris! I love the Ritzes they are
seriously like family. It's always a party with them. We had so much fun
decorating a whole table full of cookies - I got pretty creative mixing
colors with my fingers and staining my hands different colors!
Yesterday we had a great lesson with Mary Lou and
Grant. They are the cutest old couple and crack me up. We had an awesome
talk about values and how the prophet keeps us anchored to God's will. I
am so grateful to know that God loves us just as much as he loved the
people in biblical and Book of Mormon times to give us a prophet to keep
us fixed in this crazy changing world. I know Thomas S Monson carries the
mantle of "Prophet" and that he speaks for the Lord. I want to
invite you all to take the time to watch general conference this upcoming
weekend. Come with a question and listen for the answer. I promise you
will get an answer! Test it out :)
Sister Roberts got the news that she will be
transferred out to wheeling (taking momma Hansen's spot- but Hansen's an
STL now so I will still get to see her at the leadership meetings!!) I am
SO sad and kinda freaking out to lead the area but it'll be alright I know
the Lord thinks I can so he will help me through it. I hear my new
companion is funny and awesome so lets hope so! I am grateful that I got
to be with Sister Roberts for 7 weeks. She is such a great friend and I
love her dearly for the things she taught me and who she helped me to
become. She will be missed!
I love you all and am
so grateful for the support and love I get from you guys it carries me day-to-day - and that's a fact jack!
Love,
~Sister McDonald
Quote: "As we
make Christ the center of our lives, our fears will be replaced by the courage
of our convictions." ~ President Monson
Ponderize: "The
Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength
of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" ~ Psalms 27:1
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