Kimber Mail 1-11-2016: "Miracles! Miracles! Read all about 'em!"

   Hey howdy hey all! So this week, I decided to stop focusing on the bad and look for the miracles and there were SO many! It's been something I'm trying to work on and it's not always the easiest... so thanks for being patient with me and laughing along with me. Ok here we go people, miracles by the day:

   Tuesday (5th): We got to do service and pack up some people's home that are moving. Such a great kick start to the week (Thankfully the film crew of "Hoarders: Buried Alive" didn't have to make an appearance) 

   Wednesday (6th): We had a not so dandy lesson...in the which we were referred to as Satan..ha, ha good, good times! While this conversation was taking place I glanced at sweet Sister Thorson, whose mouth slightly hung open. My eye caught on her name tag and I saw the biggest words on the tag "Jesus Christ". Immediately I was filled with overwhelming love for this person that was speaking such kind words. I bore witness of Jesus Christ and just that He loves them. I know that it's all part of the experience and one day it'll all click.  :)  BUT... plus side, we both talked to awesome people on the bus.  The guy Sister Thorson talked to actually texted US first #MiracleCuzItRarelyHappens .

   Thursday (7th): We were tracting and as a lady was shutting her door, I saw a bag of garbage waiting to be taken out. Well, we live to serve so... naturally I reached down and told her we would love to take her trash out! Well she was astonished but agreed. Ha, ha only problem we couldn't find the dumpster.. finally after like 10 minutes we found one by an apartment complex. Hey more doors to knock! Yippee! So we knocked all the doors in the building... down to the last two doors. And this girl named Cayt answered. She is Buddhist but let us in! We got to talking and she said she had a Book of Mormon but hasn't read it. We were able to read about faith with her and leave her with a prayer and it was so awesome to see light spring to her eyes as we read.  Also that night, Sister Thorson and I stepped into the institute class thinking it was religion class... but actually it was Pathways' math. We found our math skills are a little rusty! 

   Friday (8th): After sass and sass and more sass on campus at forums I said a little prayer. It went a little something like this: "Heavenly Father, I'm cold, tired, sick of these sassers but lovely Children of yours and now I'm getting a little sassy. Please give me someone to talk to that really wants  to listen..."  Right then I was humbled and the first person I talked to was so kind and open to learning more!! *cue prayer of thanks and sorry for sass* Also at dinner I got the hottest hot sauce known to man (not a joke- their son is a chef and he made this 'dragon' hot sauce) in my EYE! So while the elders are giving a spiritual thought....I'm having a swollen eye and a waterfall running down my face! Good times... HA! Don't worry I'm good now!

   Saturday (9th): Today was like Disney Land. Sooo great! We got to have district meeting with President and Sister Johnson-whoop whoop! I love them so much. They are just like my own parents, it's so comforting. My favorite part as always was my one-on-one interview with President Johnson. In my interview we talked about how grateful I am for my "momma" Sister Hansen (who is training AGAIN! Like a champ... she's the best no big deal) and for my "daughter" Sister Thorson. Her sass and her faith keep me going! I know they will be friends for eternity  :)  it really touched my heart that President kept saying how I radiate light.. ha, ha, ha, not sure what that means but makes me feel special.  He said how I remind him a lot of Sister Johnson and just have a great capacity to love everyone and keep being positive even through the tough times. Such a great day. We also had an AWESOME lesson with a girl that took lessons from missionaries a year and a half ago! As we talked about families she started sobbing we just sat there until she composed herself and then she said how comforting and happy that made her feel. I love my family so much and am beyond grateful to know that death is not the end, we can be with our families forever! 

   Sunday (10th): Church and dinner with Loveday was oh so fabulous! We also got to watch the CES devotional by President and Sister Nelson. I loved the messages that were shared about making this year the best year yet and reaching our full potential as "Millennials".  It just gave me renewed determination to work even harder! 

   So if you made it through all that YOU are a champ and deserve a pat on the back and some cookies or something! But really guys, God is GREAT and he wants to bless us. Trying to see the good and miracles makes a difference. I know good things are headed your way. This week make an extra effort to thank the Lord in your prayers for the miracles he's blessed you with. 

Love,

~Sister McDonald  :) 

Ponderize: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" ~ John 11:25 (Inspired by my wonderful mother) 

Quote: "May we see all of our brothers and sisters the way God sees them, with love and compassion." ~ Elder Clark (Sunday Afternoon) 



Kimber Mail 1-4-2016: "Keep Moving Forward!"

Happy New Year everyone! :) Can you believe it's 2016?! SO CRAZY. 

   I hope you are well and this year brings blessings galore. If you are struggling, hey it's okay, I'm right there with ya! As a missionary there are good weeks and not so good weeks. This last week was one of those not so good weeks. I'm positive we will all have those weeks sometime during this next year. My advice, just like in the movie "Meet the Robinsons" is, "KEEP MOVING FORWARD!" Don't freak out or let yourself get in a rut. Just breathe. Rely on God. Eventually you will get past the rough spot and see that somehow there was at least some little lesson or good to come out of that. 

   A little while ago I was reading a talk by President Eyring from April 2012 entitled "Mountains to Climb". It was a great talk! He shared a story about how this lady was struggling for years with trial after trial but the thing that helped her endure and keep moving forward was repeating over and over "I know that my Redeemer lives!" As I have been reflecting on this last week, although it was a toughie, I noticed that the rays of happiness in the week came when I was bearing testimony of my savior. We had a really awesome testimony meeting at church yesterday and I think it will be one I never forget. As I took the bread and water I offered a silent prayer to help me see the good this week. My heart was filled with happiness, comfort and love as I reflected. I realized that even though at first glance it seemed rough and I was kind of a grumpy gus, that Heavenly Father blessed me with experiences to testify and smile as I spoke because I knew that what I was saying is so true. Even though I may not have the most eloquent testimony or ability to speak, I know that Jesus Christ lives and is there every step of the way. We are never truly alone. Now back to the awesome testimonies part! So every first sunday of the month members of the congregation have the opportunity to stand up and share how they have come to know different aspects of the gospel are true. We didn't have too many members there yesterday (all the college kids are gone) but after someone would get up to bear their testimony, they would choose a hymn for the congregation to sing. The spirit was SO powerful and it made me so happy to be reminded that no matter where we go or where we may be at in life- the gospel of Jesus Christ unites us all around the world!! And that is something to smile about! Here's to a week full of smiles:) 

Love,

~Sister Kimber McDonald 

Ponderize: "[Sister McDonald], I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" ~ 1 Nephi 20:10 

Quote: "Small efforts sustained over time can produce significant results." ~ Elder Durrant (Sun Afternoon) 



Kimber Mail 12-28-2015: "Who's that Crazy, Smiling Girl?!" (belated post)

   There's just something about being a full time servant of the Lord, especially around Christmas, that makes the season unforgettable for sure! This week I just couldn't wipe a smile off my face! It just gradually got bigger and bigger as the week progressed. Even the littlest things brought so much joy to me. Here are some highlights:

   - Sister Thorson and I went tracting and OYMing (knocking doors and opening our mouth to anyone who passed us by) and we didn't have too great of success BUT I did notice a few people walk away with a smile instead of a frown so hey, progress!! We saw this mother near her last straw with her rowdy, disheveled children and we walked up and talked to them and her kids asked for candy-canes. I think they thought we looked like Santa or something ;) ha, ha, but we had little chocolates to save the day! 

   - We had a great time celebrating Christmas together as missionaries with many families in the wards. We spent Christmas Eve with a less active member named Alice. She was a hoot!! I love that the Lord knows exactly where we all are on this journey of life and places people in our path for a reason. Alice may have thought she needed us to brighten the season but truly she put the cherry on top for us! 

   - I felt such overwhelming love from loved ones at home that sent cards, letters, presents and love and prayers my way. I'll be honest it was tough being away from family during Christmas but the Lord sure comforted me more than ever and you all helped to lift my spirits so thank you so much! I love and appreciate you all.  :) 

   - I GOT TO SEE MY FAMILYYYYYY!! :)  This really should've been first but, best for last right?  ;)  he, he! Guys, I don't think you can fully realize how HARD it is to be away from the people I love the most, geez Louise! I can't even fully put it into words myself. But seeing their sweet smiling faces and hearing about what's new and exciting to them.. And them letting me PA-ramble on... Seeing friends who mean the world to me... I was filled with the reassurance that I'm where I need to be. I know that Jesus Christ was born, lived and went through all He did so that when we face our hardest, best, lowest or any time in-between He is right there to comfort! We are NEVER alone. I am so grateful for the plan of happiness that we know because of the restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the very same things Christ taught when He was on the earth, all restored. I do not know everything but this much I do know- He loves me, He loves you, He cares about us and wants us to be happy, to find peace and achieve our full potential! He has never and will never leave us alone. This Christmas season I really truly realized that more than ever that when we put other's first, we are blessed beyond measure! May we continue to keep the spirit of CHRISTmas with us. I love you all! Have a happy and blessed new year! 

~Sister McDonald 

Ponderize: "yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength!" Alma 27:17 I hope to be even more diligent this week!:) 

Quote: " Are we doing what matters most? Press forward even amid affliction!" ~Elder Bednar (Sun Afternoon Session) 



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)