Kimber Mail 3-14-2016: "A Few of my Favorite Things."

   Tracting. Rambles. Service. Laughing. As the great Julie Andrews once sang "These are a few of my favorite things"!! Life can pass us by if we blink to fast and this week sure felt like it just flew by! We need to remember to stop and smell the roses and appreciate the important things in life! So here's me, smelling the little "roses" of my week-

   Tracting- Okay here's the deal- I seriously have grown to absolutely LOVE tracting. Call me crazy if you will but every time I've gone tracting with a prayer in my heart, I see miracles whether they be big or small, miracles none the less. This week at zone conference my District Leader, Elder Redd, gave his departing testimony and told us how tracting has changed his mission and that we shouldn't be afraid to tract. *Meanwhile I'm fist pumping the air in the back YES, YES, YES,* So tract even more than normal this week? I think YESSS! Here's just a few examples: 

    On exchanges with Sister Thompson (she trained Sister Campbell my MTC comp and is the sweetest girl you'll ever meet!) We went out to McDonald, PA - Whoa! Hold up... Yes folks there indeed is a city called MCDONALD. It was legit. We tracted and had some awesome long conversations about the gospel. I love that this gospel is for everyone- single, married, happy, sad, whether you know where your going or not! One thing I love about PA is when it's warm everyone and their dogs and cats and legit EVERYONE is outside. It's so nice!! Makes finding people easier ;). 

    Sister Roberts and I decided to go tracting even though it was rainy and super humid...joyous! Ha, ha, well we knock 4 doors in a row and let me tell you the spirit works wonders. A Jesus lover, Shy Guy, Previous Investigator, and Stressed Mom all were able to feel the joy of our message and accept a Book of Mormon and want us to come back! Like what?! So. Good. 

   Rambles-  The PA ramble never ceases to amaze me. EVERY time. How does one unload their whole life on anyone and everyone who they come in contact with? How does one go from church to cats to the beach to outer space? And all in one single breath!!! Ha, ha, jokes. But what I've really learned is to listen. Several times this week I have listened and the spirit will prompt me with something to say or a scripture to reign in the ramble and to help that specific person. Man it's taken 7 months to figure out something as simple as listening but it makes a difference!

   Service- My 12 year-old self would not be happy hearing this but... I've truly come to love doing service!!  It is one of my favorite things to do! Working side-by-side with hilarious people is the best. This week we swept out a leaky sewer spill in a basement, made cookies, helped the Elders at the food pantry because they hurt their backs and organized houses to get ready for people to move. It made me so happy! 

   Laughing- laughter makes the world go round and makes days brighter! Is there more to say? If you know me you know I love to laugh. I've had some good laughs so far out here but my abs have been especially sore this week from all the laughter. Two great experiences come to mind-

   We went to empty nesters family home evening last Monday. It was HILARIOUS.  Elderly people are a hoot! One man decided to teach us how he thought we should be drinking barley water and water with rocks in it. Oh man I guess you just had to be there but I was laughing so hard at the response from the other empty nesters. :)

   While following up with people we met a while ago this old man comes to the door and shows us his phone which clearly displays a text on the screen. He picks it up shouting "HELLO?!" Into it. Then says "girls I'm on the phone can't talk- HELLO? - AHH LOOK WHAT YOU DID. YOU MADE ME MISS THE CALL!" He got angrier when we asked if he wanted to talk about Jesus "NO!" Hahahahaha we were dying. That was by far one of the best lies I've heard yet! 

   Basically it was a great week and I'm grateful for this time to serve the Lord and his children here in good ol' PA! I cannot wait for Easter. I am so grateful to know that the Jesus Christ did in fact rise from the dead and that one day we as well as our loved one will also live again. There is so much more that awaits us! Death is not the end. The church has made another amazing video to share with friends and those who need uplifting. I encourage you all to watch it and share it with at least one person! :) 

<3 ~Sister McDonald

Ponderize: Luke 17:19 "thy faith hath made thee whole."  

Quote:  "Get on your knees and pray and then get on your feet and work!"~ Gordon B Hinckley

Easter video: FollowHim.mormon.org 



Kimber Mail 3-07-2016: "Let the Spirit Guide, friends."

   There's this awesome scripture that we as missionaries have on our minds often and it's a gem.  It's in the Doctrine and Covenants 42:14 and says "the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach." 

   Pretty straightforward and bold right? Well I've come to know for a fact this is 100% true. The Spirit is the ultimate teacher and we are more just like his side-kicks. I've had my fair share of lessons these last 7 months where the Spirit did the teaching and witnessing of truth and where the Spirit was absent and I really could not teach...there's a HUGE difference. I testify that the Spirit will never ever lead us astray. We just have to do like the scripture says by 1) praying and doing the things we need to do to keep the Spirit with us on the daily and 2) once we feel the impressions or promptings of the Spirit follow them! No matter how weird or out of our comfort zone what we are being asked to do may seem; once we recognize that thought or prompting is from the Holy Ghost, we need to listen. Here are just a few amazing examples from this week: 

   Sister George is an amazing woman and less active that has been struggling with many trials throughout her life. We felt like we should text her and have a spiritually uplifting "girls night" with her. Ha,ha! It turns out that's just what she needed. I mean who doesn't want some quality time with the best sisters in good ol' pixburg?! ;) We went to Taco Bell and to a baptism for the bishop's daughter and had a really good discussion after (all by the Spirit) about trials. Tears were shed, hugs were given and the Spirit was felt. 

   This week I got to go on exchanges with the Greensburg sisters: Sis. Penrod (came out with me) and Sis. Smith (from the State College days!) Man it was so awesome. They are spiritual power houses and miracles happened I tell you what! We felt like we should stop and talk to this one young guy that was with his dog on the road we were on. We got to share our testimonies and the Book of Mormon with him. Man I love sharing this Book with people. It is my favorite to testify that it truly has helped me come to know my Savior on a personal level and has helped me in every situation I've been in. We also were trying to follow up with people we've talked with before but no one would answer the door #StoryOfMyLife. Anywho, so I decide that we should tract around where we were at cuz 1) I felt super strongly that someone would listen in that complex and 2) I really do love tracting! Well Sister Penrod, Smith and I decide to tract the houses with cars out front. The 3rd or 4th house we knock a guy named Devin answers and we were able to teach him a little bit about the restoration of the gospel and of course- the Book of Mormon. He excitedly told us that he had already read part of it in South Carolina but hasn't been able to get one to finish it since. Well...*cue missionaries with copies of the Book of Mormons for days* ha,ha he was super kind and I'm excited to see what happens hopefully we can go back soon and his schedule will work out so he can learn more! 

   As a perk of having a leadership position (being an STL) we get to go to this awesome meeting once a month called MLC (missionary leadership council). Besides all the great food and friends I was reunited with and made, the spiritual feasting was a real deal! As I was reflecting on my notes the spirit reminded me of the simple truth that as we turn to Christ and see how he handled things then we are better able to handle the things/trials in our way and press forward! I know that whatever you may be going through at this time, as you turn to our Heavenly Father in prayer and open your "door" to let Christ in to help you you will be able to have the strength and the answers you need to keep going! You got this :)! 

Love you all! 

~Sister McDonald 

Ponderize: Acts 17:27 "That they should seek the Lord...he be not far from every one of us!

Quote: "Prayer, combined with fasting, will provide so that when we “call, … the Lord shall answer; … [and when we] cry, … he shall say, Here I am.” ~ Elder Stanfill, oct 2015 

Kimber Mail 2-29-2016: "Tornado's-a-coming!!"

Tornado's-a-coming!!

Ha, ha - jokes, no tornado is coming...but it sure feels like it's been a crazy whirlwind of week. I'm exhausted. But wow it's been one of the best weeks I've had in a while and for multiple reasons. Probably one of the biggest was that I got to see my mission "momma" SISTER HANSEN! But we will get to that in a bit so stay tuned ;)  I feel like so much has happened, so lets take it day-by-day, get ready for some laughs (maybe you just had to be there.. but I don't care I'm going to share anyways and if anything just picture me laughing and it'll probably make you laugh) and  of course some spiritual goodness too!! 

   Tues (23): I went on exchanges with Sis. Oliver, in Wexford. She has been out 14 months and is training like a pro right now. She's really quiet but super sweet and a spiritual giant. (She reminds me a lot of Natalie Hamer. ha, ha, ha.) She taught me: not to be afraid of silence (I still kinda struggle with that one). Who would've thought these PA ramblers would be silent?!? ha, ha, but it happened a few times. Specifically, one lesson we were teaching we would ask this man a question and he would turn to his dog and not answer it. We just sat waiting and it was so cool to see the spirit do his work! After like 5 minutes this man bore powerful testimony of living prophets and the comfort and help he's received from the Book of Mormon. It was sweet!! Sister Oliver also taught me to always show love. We really tried to tell everyone we talked with that they were loved because ITS TRUE!  It was amazing to see just how a little love can soften even the toughest hearts. Sometimes it's just a nice reminder. To you reading this: YOU ARE LOVED! :)
   Wed (24): HANSEN and MCDONALD REUNION! I cannot tell you just HOW excited I was to be reunited with Sister Hansen!!!!!!! AHH I LOVE THAT GIRL SO MUCH.  3 months away from each other is too long! She seriously has become one of my best friends and my family out here. Ahh... but really being companions with her for the day was just what I needed. She still is one stud, amazing missionary. I still don't get how she's so amazing at everything she does! Ha, ha, but it was a flash back to week 11 (where I was in charge) just with a car instead of walking and it went a lot better than week 11! Well for the most part ;) But she came Wednesday afternoon and stayed till Thursday afternoon and it was the best day(s) of the week! We got to teach Book of Mormon class. We were trying to do an object lesson about listening to the spirit and well...#fail. Ha, ha, ha, ha, we made Elder Redd be blind-folded and long story short- the people we had pretending to be the "adversary" and "spirit" to guide him started helping each other... but hey we eventually got there! Ha, ha, ha, it was hilarious!! 
   Thurs (25): When appointments fall through- what do you do? You tract, tract...just keep tracting, tracting, tracting! Ha, ha, and yes ladies and gentlemen we still got our tracting skills! Just like old times. Then we had a super awesome lunch hour at Chick-Fil-a, trip to the pet store and the most legit cheap store out here called 5 Below and got matching shirts 'cuz...we are best buds we got to show it off.  :P   Then we did a jam sesh to vocal point on the way to service. And we pulled out our muscles to move a heavy hide-a-bed couch up the hills of PA to the top of this family's drive way. Ha, ha, just kidding it wasn't too bad! And we topped it off by helping Sister Eichenmiller make temple cookies for Ward conference. Seriously how much better can the day get?! 
   Fri (26): Sister Roberts and I weekly planned all day....so much joy I can't explain it. Ha, ha, ;) But we had the funniest dinner with Giglotti family. They are an elderly couple that are hilarious! He went on and on about how good their water was. Which was true the water here isn't the greatest....but man it was a good ramble. But he did comment on my self confidence and how I hold myself "taller" than I really am. Which was nice because that's something I think I've really struggled with on the mission is being confident in myself. But hey bit by bit right :)  Then he is trying to get us to eat more- sister Roberts and I aren't the porkiest pigs on the farm... Well I tell him "no brother Giglotti, I am getting chubs, no more!" And he responds "no sister, it looks good on ya!" Like WHAT?! Ha, ha, so moral of the story bring out the salad...
   Sat (27): In the morning sister Roberts and I were tracting and no joke 3, count it, 3 people yelled from their window (the door is too far to walk to) that they couldn't hear me as I'm yelling to them who we are so they can hear ha, ha. But when sister Roberts talks in a normal tone they hear! Seriously cracked me up. We ended up at this less actives house talking to her outside and this HUGE shot rings-out and we freak out. She comforts us by saying "oh that's just the neighbors...they have a cannon!" HA, HA, HA, WELCOME TO PA!  Then for dinner we went to the Badalis and brother Badali gave us some insight into telling where people are from- it's all about the voice! He told Sister Roberts she has a Southern California squeaky voice and I had a deep Idahoan voice...whatever that means. Ha, ha, ha, to top off the events of the day we ended with a  Skype sesh with the Zone Leaders to prep for upcoming meetings which turned into a huge ice cream planning party as I pulled our ice-cream out and start eating it :P 
   Sun (28): So a while ago one of my best friends Mikalai (Sister Weibye now) wrote a weekly stating how Sunday was not a day of rest for us missionaries ha, ha, so true! I really felt that this week. We were running around crazy but reminding everyone of Christ's love so...good crazy. We had two sisters we haven't seen in a while come to church: Rose and Sister Emmett. It was hilarious because Sister Emmett walks in and tells everyone she sees that we are her daughters! Ha, ha, ha, ha. I'm glad I'm loved  :P  To top it all off we went and saw Sister George (a less active member we are working with). It was the COOLEST lesson. SHE was the one bearing testimony to us and it brought tears to my eyes because honestly that's what I want for the people out here is to tell me that they know God loves them. I feel his love for them but all I want to do is help them feel that for themselves so they can say "Sister McDonald, I testify that I have felt and know without a doubt that my Father in Heaven loves me." That is worth all the trials and bad days to me. 
   I want you all to know that I love my Heavenly Father so much and know for a fact that He loves you more than you can even know! So take the time to kneel down and vent to Him, ask to feel His love surround you, and you will. I promise. I've felt it many times and it is the thing that keeps me going!  :) 

Love,

~ Sister Kimber McDonald 

Ponderize: " the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith"~ 1 Nephi 1:20 
Quote: "God doesn't give us what we can handle, he helps us handle what we are given"~ Pres. Monson 



Kimber Mail 2-22-2016: "Family is FOREVERRR!"

   Wow, where to begin with this week?! It seemed to fly by with so many things happening. One "theme" kept popping up it seemed. Which is: families are indeed together forever! Being out here in Pennsylvania my eyes have been open to see that I have a lot more "family" than I realized. I also have seen this last week just how grateful I am for family and the knowledge that  if we live righteously we can be together in eternity! Here are just a few moments where this truth hit home this week:

   People we Teach are "Family": Sister Roberts and I have been doing a lot of less active work (members that haven't come in a long time to church) and between all the PA rambles (man people loveeeee  to talk) and sidetracks *squirrel!* with people, it's amazing to see people's testimony fire rekindled. One of our less actives bore testimony of the atonement and how it's given her strength to overcome so many health challenges. To see the desire to endure even more awaken in her was amazing. We had an exchange with the sisters in the Monogahlea area this week! WOO FIRST EXCHANGE AS AN STL! I was with Sister Welch who is a hoot we got along great!! We had lots of good laughs and funny experiences..(See sidetrack thing wearing off on me already...) But we taught one of the coolest less-actives ever! She teared-up in the lesson and firmly stated how she wanted to change her life and not be less-active anymore and how she felt so much love from the ward 'family' and her scriptures, that it helped her push through the trials! WHAT A GEM!   :D 

   The PPM (my mission) is "family": I love this mission so much. I love my Mission President and his wife, my fellow missionaries, the ward members.  Ahh... I am just very blessed and a little biased that this is truly the BEST mission  ;)

   This week we had a memorial for Sister Wells and it will be something that I always cherish. As a zone (big group of missionaries in surrounding area) all of the Elders and Sisters sang a medley of songs and I can't begin to explain the experience that it was. I know angels were singing with us! It was one of the most powerful moments I've experienced out here. 

   Family back home: I have truly felt so much love for my family, extended family and ward family as I am no where close to home anymore. The thoughts, prayers, random notes of love are what help me through the challenging, as well as the happy days. Thank you all for your support in any way you are able to lend it and helping, inspiring and showing the purest love to me. I love family SO much and am so grateful for you all and that's just the #StoryofMyLife

   So moral of the story- don't forget you're loved and remember to keep showing that love to those around you even if they 'deserve' it or not!

Love,

~Sister McDonald

Ponderize: "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good" Alma 37:37

Quote: "Tomorrow’s blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today." ~Pres Faust

 

 

Kimber Mail 02-15-2016: "Serving with love!"

"The Lord needs valiant servants,

To do his work in the latter day,

Who follow the teachings of Jesus

And serve his people in a loving way.

I will be his servant

And keep my cov'nants valiantly.

I'll stand for truth. I'll stand for right.

The Lord can depend on me."

I Will Be Valiant, Children's Song Book 

   Feel like you're going through the motions? Feel like no one loves you or is aware of you? Well dear friends I'm here to tell you that this week I have been reminded thousands of times that we are all precious and loved by our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They are more than aware of our situation and the challenges and blessings we all have right now are precisely what we need, to become who they need us to become! 

   This week was a tough one for the whole PPM (name of our mission). I'm sure many of you have already heard but just to catch everyone up to speed:  Tuesday on the way to transfers 4 sisters were hit by a bus, one died at the scene, two were pretty hurt but are out of the hospital and resting now and the other one is still in the hospital having surgeries for the internal problems and can't currently speak. My heart and prayers go out to these sisters and their families. It made me flash back to 7 months ago when me and two of my closest friends were involved in an accident and what a humbling experience that was. I have a firm testimony that Sister Wells is continuing being a valiant, strong missionary up in heaven. You and I are still here today meaning the Lord needs more from us! What are we doing with the life we have to live?  I want to ask you all to do two things: 

   1) Pray for the Wells family, and the other sisters that are recovering. I have seen in the short 6 months that I've been out that prayers are miracle workers. They all need them now more than ever

   2) Take the time right now to stop and reflect on what we could be doing more with our life. None of us know if today will be our last day on this earth. How can we more fully use the time we've been given for good? 

   Being asked to be an STL still freaks me out but at the same time I know it's what I am supposed to be doing right now. It's like the Lord kicked me in the pants or umm..I guess skirt...? Ha, ha, and said "Sister McDonald, it's fine that you don't feel qualified. Just love these girls, especially now when they need it most and I'll help you out like I always do!" And I have seen so much help this week.  I love the sisters I get to watch over so much! I feel extremely blessed to get to see my mission "momma" (Sister Hansen), my MTC companion (Sister Campbell) and Sister Smith (who I served with in State College)!!! We just need to get Sister Thorson up here and the 'fam' would be complete. ;)  There are so many other great Sisters that I can't wait to get to know and meet.  :) Thank you all for your love and support! Keep reaching out in love to those around you and I promise you will be blessed. 

   I know that this time here on Earth is the time to prepare to see God again. We need to continually be striving to be better than we were yesterday. I know that the atonement is real. Jesus Christ suffered for us and went through all that he did so that he could know how to perfectly help each of us individually. Turn to him. You are never too far gone. He loves you so much and is proud of the efforts you make to come closer to him. Keep up the great work!! 

Love,

~Sister Kimber McDonald 

 Ponderize: "Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren {and sisters}; and on, on to the victory!" ~ D&C 128:22

Quote: "What areas of my life do I want to strengthen so that I can strengthen others?"~ Elder Hales, Oct 2015 





Month #6 complete... #missionnotes

Month #6 Complete!  1/3 of journey accomplished!

Kimber Mail 02-08-2016: "You Ready For This?!"

This week feels like so much has happened guys...but here we go! Highlights of the week: 

   1) Forums was great this week- We were able to talk to this awesome guy Chris for like an hour. Sister Jarvis and Elder Calaway and I had an awesome discussion with him and were able to just bear testimony about the things we've come to know are true. It was one of the coolest experiences I've had in a while. The spirit was so strong as we testified of things we've come to know. He even came to church!! Also I ran into one of our investigators that said she isn't sure if she wants to meet anymore. The last time we taught her we left her with a pamphlet but when I saw her we were able to talk about the Book of Mormon. I shared how I personally have come to find answers from prayer and study of it. She said she would read it and that us talking already gave her a lot of peace. So awesome!  :) 

   2) We have been in a trio since Thursday. Our other Sister is Sister Chuah!! She's from Malaysia and is so cute!! She speaks great English, Mandarin and Malay! So sad I can't get to have more time with her but Sister Thorson is in good hands. Also it's going to be such a big help with all the Chinese speakers here. Such a blessing! 

   3) I got to go on exchanges to Lock Haven and it was so eventful! I met a legit witch?~?. We taught an awesome lesson to a less active lady and her son about repenting and turning to the Lord in faith. It was so amazing. I really know that the Lord knows what we are all going through and when we do all we can to follow Him, He ALWAYS helps us. We also met some sweet elderly ladies tracting ha, ha, ha, seriously the people of PA are my fav! 

   4) Well for those of you who are just tuning into my life or may have forgot then here's a brief update: I'm almost 6 months out and I'm working hard trying to bring souls to Christ here in State College! I was trained here by my favorite - Sister Hansen and then I trained my sassy amazing 'daughter' Sister Thorson. Now it's time for me to move to another area.  I'm a going to the city of Pittsburgh to be an STL (Sister Training Leader) - (think district leader duties for the Sisters). I'm freaking out, but it will be a good change and I know it'll help me a lot. So wish me luck! Ha, ha, I'm praying for you friends and family and hope you're all doing well. Keep smiling and loving life! 

Love always, 

~Sister McDonald

Ponderize: 2 corinthians 12:10 ~ "When I am weak, then I am strong"

Quote: "To Him {Heavenly Father}, our direction is ever more important than our speed."