Kimber mail 7-11-16: "But first....💁🏼"

   Hey Hey Hey!  Life is just dandy here in P3, it's always an adventure! Ha, ha.  J   Well this week was all over the board - crazinesssss!  But it was cool because we had some awesome "first experiences."  I'll give you a little run down of the week so you can see what I mean:

   Monday (4th): After P-day we had a dinner with the Elders in our Garage (so they would be allowed to eat with us 😜) in the pouring rain on our broken ironing board as a table.  We heard some fireworks but sadly didn't get to see any.  I was super bummed but hey there's always next year!!

   Tuesday (5th): We had 2 "light bulb" lessons (as I like to call them).  We visited Jen and Kompheak, who are both members but are going through some tough things right now.  I've come to learn that every day is our own personal conversion battle and we have to decide if we are going to let the Lord help us overcome our weaknesses or if we are going to keep going in circles.  As I said, both of these lessons happened to be like the light bulb finally turned on for them!  And what a cool first experience that was. I was reminded with this experience, that sometimes we are quick to just say what we think would be best but I know that when we listen and say what the spirit tells us to that the end result is far better than trying to do it on our own!

   Wednesday (6th): Well today was my first funeral of my mission.  Brother Wittkopp in our ward recently passed away.  We didn't get the chance to personally know him before he passed but we have become pretty close with his daughter Sherry, and wanted to do all we could to support and uplift her in a time like this!  So we showed up to the funeral home last night trying to figure out what we will do right?  So Sherry asks us if we could sing a song.....ugh no no no the struggles.   So we tell her we will.   Okay well flash back to today and so we sing  "Abide With Me."  Sweet sister wheeler played the piano for us and told us that we would do great and if anything just focus on letting our testimonies of what we would sing shine through.  Ha, ha I was like okay whatever that means...so we sang and bam I realized what she meant! It was super powerful because we just were able to try our best and sing what we know in our hearts J  #OneAndOnlyTime

   Thursday (7th): We had a party at Zone Training in Oakland all day #PartyingItUpInPitt. The Zone Leaders gave a training on the "How To Begin Teaching" section in chapter 10 of Preach My Gospel.  I love this section! It's full of awesome powerful points for us to use when we first come in contact with people so that they understand our purpose.  When Sister Hansen was training me we memorized all the points and I did the same thing with Sister Thorson when I was training her.  This really helped to have them fresh in my mind and the training was awesome because it reminded me to be better at looking over them!  At the end all of the Zone sang happy birthday to me and pulled out cupcakes...  that was a first! It was really sweet!!

   Friday (8th): What better way to celebrate your birthday than with lots of service?!  My first experience of a birthday on the mish! Ha, ha!   It was an awesome way to start off the day for sure.  I was on exchanges with a brand new sister, Sister Belnap, who is currently serving in Monogahela.  We went and helped some people in the ward move in and unpack and then went over to our Ward Mission Leader's house and pulled the majority of the jungle growing out of their drive-way for a little surprise when they got home that night from their vacay in Cali!  Then we exchanged back and had dinner with Sister Ramsell and she made DELISH roast and mashed potatoes and guys I had like half the bowl of potatoes. I really miss good mashed potatoes!  Then she brought out this huge cake and afterwards we went to the Ritzes for even more cake.  Wow, was I spoiled or what?! Ha, ha, ha!  Then when we got home I got to talk to my mission "mom" and "daughter" and Sister Roberts!!  It was the cherry on top!  Then Sister Taunima had a scavenger hunt for me to do before bed.  So epic!  It was a fabulous day- thank you to all who sent birthday wishes, cards, presents and love my way! I love you all so much😁😄

   Saturday (9th): Since our week was kind of thrown off with exchanges and Zone Training we spent most of our day weekly planning. But we had a bomb lesson with a less active member we've been working with.  It was another first (hopefully of many) "lightbulb experience" for this sister as she realized she's got to take a leap of faith to get out of the rut she's in! Boo-Ya! I love when things click for people!

   Sunday (10th): We had dinner with our bishop's family and it was superb!  The food was great, we laughed and lot and were so spiritually fed. Before we left we sang Bishop Snow our rendition of "Our Bishop" (Children’s Song Book pg. 135- adding his name in). Ha, ha it was really good if I do say so myself 💁🏼 .  Basically I am just so grateful for Bishop Snow. He is an AMAZING, top notch, one of a kind bishop that has helped the work and the ward so much. I am lucky to be in the ward and be at his aid!

   I am so grateful for all the awesome "first experiences" and lessons I was able to learn this week and for the blessings I am able to see each and every day. I know that you all can have awesome "first experiences" of planting seeds and touching hearts wherever you may be by just living up to the light within you.  Like President McKay once said "Every member is a missionary!" I love you all and know that our Heavenly Father does too! I know that if we ask for opportunities to plant seeds and work miracles he will provide  J 

~Sister McDonald

Ponderize: D&C 58:3-4

“Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."

Commitment: "Follow Christ daily and have the faith that he will help immediately" ~Elder Rasband

Month #11 Complete! #Missionnotes

Month #11 finished - Way to go!!  #Missionnotes

Kimber Mail 7-04-2016: "HAPPY 4th!!! 🎆🎉 "

   Happy 4th of July everyone! I hope you all have a fun day and eat some watermelon and hot dogs and fries and oh man basically all the good food for me. Oh and see some bomb fireworks too cuz who doesn't love some fireworks?! I hope you also take a moment to reflect on what freedoms you are thankful for J

   I am so grateful to be able to live in a country that respects religious freedom because, let’s be real if it didn't, I wouldn't be in Pittsburgh right now. This morning in my personal study time I reflected on how the Lord really knows what he is doing and his timing is absolutely perfect. I have seen that especially out here on my mission. It's never what I want but it's what I need. I know that the Lord knew that Sister Hansen would be the perfect trainer for me to instill in me that obedience brings blessings and to embrace my inner sass  ;) . I know that out of every sister that could have trained Sister Thorson, he chose me (still not completely sure why...) ha, ha but I do know that she has helped me and has helped to pull me through the good and bad and push me to be more humble and pray for challenges HA! He knew that in order to learn the ropes quickly for being the Pitt 3rd STL and learn how to lose myself in the work while making the most of every day, I would need Sister Roberts! Man do I love these three so, so much. They are such perfect examples of Christ-like love and enduring through thick and thin.  Sister Taunima too! We have had a roller coaster of a time and I'm grateful for all that she has been so patient with me and helped me grow a lot. I am so grateful that I can testify to anyone I see of the beliefs and knowledge that have blessed my life and brought me happiness and peace! And hey this year's birthday already tops last year...we just be rollin’ along enjoying life this time (pun intended) J what better way to celebrate than declaring the joy of the gospel!

   Sorry not much new other than just a thankful email - but hey gotta throw those in every now and then! Love you so, so much all - and am grateful for your love and support! Have an awesome week!

💕Sister McDonald

Ponderize: 2 Ne 2:25 "men are, that they might have joy."

Commitment: "draw closer to Christ and Heavenly Father and constantly remember the sacrament throughout the week" ~ Elder Renlund

Kimber Mail 6-27-2016: "Working hard and holdin' turtles 🐢

Hiiiiiii!!

   This week was just peachy! We had some awesome lessons, some gems show up to church and some fun adventures along the way. This week had its ups and downs (‘tis missionary life) but I learned an important lesson. It's important to work hard and do your best but it's also just as important to take in the little things and really realize the tender mercies in every day.  This past transfer our exchange theme for our sisters was all about tender mercies and I guess it's just really caught up to me and had an impact.  It truly is the little things in life that make the world go 'round J I want to share just a few tender mercies I saw this week:
   Monday: family night at the Z's complete with bonding, not-brownies, dominion, scriptures and laughs to spare.  I was reminded to enjoy the time I have with the gems around me!
   Tuesday: After cleaning a hoarder’s house we didn't plan time in our schedule to go back home for lunch but thankfully a lady in our ward that was with us took us out to lunch!  #inspired!
   Wednesday: our "golden" less-active member that we are trying to reactivate brought us flowers because "missionaries don't get enough appreciation!" - Sister Stutsman all!!
   Thursday: We went out to the horse ranch: 1) Sister Foster came so we could save miles on our car and 2) we got to feed horses and walk with them! (‘cuz we can't ride ‘em L)  but hey it was the coolest service!!
   Friday: having charity for hard hearted people it's amazing to see how the Lord sees everyone J
   Saturday: the Reyes family!!! Okay this family was like the VIPs of the week.  They fed us twice because our ward is being poopers right now for some reason and isn't feeding us a ton. But don't worry mom, the Reyes made sure to give us lots of food! Ha, ha, ha I just love food.  😆
   Sunday: our plans fell-through so we were just out tracting in the heat and 1) we found a turtle by a little pond and we held him for a bit and 2) the Relief Society President, Sister Greenway, asked if we could go visit some members who are in the hospital with her.  We were about to go home for dinner but felt like we needed to go for some reason. So we went and saw a couple members.  The last member we went to see was the lady who took us out to lunch earlier in the week  (see Tuesday's tender mercy.)   Anyway, this sister was in a really bad car accident and they had to tear her car apart and she has a fractured pelvis and ribs. It was a tender moment as I was able to talk to her and tell her that I knew pretty well how she was feeling (ribs-wise) and what she was going through - as I went through a pretty bad accident myself, a year ago next week. She isn't one to go out of her way to tell people she's hurting.  But I know when she realized that I also understood, it helped her to open up and let the healing happen on the inside too. The spirit was so strong as she smiled and nodded with tears in her eyes and asked us to sing for her.   As we sang count your many blessings the spirit washed over me, reminding me that even though this week was tough beans, I have many blessings to be thankful for.
   I love you all and invite you to count your blessings and see the hand of the Lord every day!

~Sister McDonald

 

Ponderize: "Blessings are upon the head of the just" ~ Prov. 10:6

Committment: "establish qualities of 1)selflessness 2)humility 3)service" ~ Elder Snow

 

 

Kimber Mail 6-20-2016: "DonTon + Spirit to the rescue!"

   Hey howdy hey all! Hope your week was just peachy! Ours was pretty good, just living the dream and having powerful moments along the way.

Here's some pretty powerful moments in the mission life this week.

There were so many but here's just the top 4:

   POWER IN SONG: This week we met with a less active that had something pretty bad happen to her and we were able to just listen and remind her that she is loved and Heavenly Father is always there. Sister Taunima and I were prompted to sing hymns with her to help her calm down and feel our Heavenly Father's love. Okay...so I'm not the biggest fan of singing and am not best of singers. Even though that was something I didn't want to do, I sang anyways.  Something I've learned being on the Lord's time is to stop being selfish, go out of my comfort zone and do what he would do to bring comfort. And hey if the spirit is telling me to sing then we will sing. Anyways, we sang a few songs and honestly it was one of the more powerful lessons. Music does bring the spirit in full force and it was something I will never forget.

   POWER IN PRAYER: Something that I absolutely love about serving in P3 is that I've gained so much "family" here. We are well taken care of and have gained some lasting friendships. Earlier on in the week we had a powerful family bonding experience with one of our families and were able to share things heart to heart and listen and vent and kneel in prayer together. Ahh I love kneeling prayers they bring so much power and strength which was much needed. Coolest experience!

   POWER IN FOLLOWING PROMPTINGS: Saturday we were helping the Zebroski's take stuff to goodwill and pack for their move to Utah. Sister T, momma Z and I were all in the car about ready to leave their house when this cute little black lady walks up and momma Z jumps out to talk to her. I get the thought to share a Book of Mormon with the lady and I kind of brush the thought off because my bag was in the house and I didn't have any on me (prepared I know). But as soon as I push the thought aside my eye catches on a book of mormon on the side pocket of the passenger door (by sister Taun). BAM! BOOK OF MORMON! So I tell sister Taunima to open her door and ask the lady if she likes to read. She does and the lady replies enthusiastically that she does!

So we jump out of the car and had a lesson right there with her. It was really powerful thanks to following a little prompting. Good ol'

Velma accepted the Book of Mormon and waved goodbye excited to hear from us this next week.

   POWER IN MY CALLING: There's a lot of things I guess I didn't realize would be tough about a mission... For example, transfers and constantly leaving good friends! But tis life! So we got transfer boards saturday night and....I'm staying at least one more transfer here in Pitt 3rd with Sister Taunima! (So keep sending mail this

way😜) But I am just reminded that the Lord knows what he's doing and there's a reason I'm still supposed to be here. People need me and I need them! This morning I was reading a talk from an ensign (church

magazine) from 1988. A part from it really stuck out to me that I want to share: "The best missionaries are not the ones who have had the greatest number of baptisms, or who have given the most discussions, or who know the most doctrine; the best missionaries are those who, when they have finished their missions, feel as though the Lord could put his hand on their shoulders and say, ‘My daughter, you have done all that I have commanded you to do. I am pleased with your labors.’”

   I still have a while left of my mission but this just really reminded me. I have a purpose right where I am and as I do my best and rely on the Lord, that is enough. The same goes for you wherever you may be in your life!

   I love you all and want to remind you that your Heavenly Father loves you more than you know! If you need a reminder of that Keep trying.

Keep smiling. Keep on keeping on! Also remember that you are amazing!

 

Till next week! 💕Sister McDonald

 

Ponderize: "Behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth" ~ Alma 56:46

Commitment: See others how the Lord sees them/ pray for charity ~ Elder Duncan

Kimber Mail 6-13-2016: "You Want A Chocolate Bar?🍫"

Hey Yinz! Hope you all had a good week!

   Things over here in PA are warming up....yayy...have I told you how much I love humidity? We aren't the best of friends...but working on it. Ha Ha! It was kinda an average week but a good one, don't get me wrong! It's always a good week when you're serving the Lord!  :)

   This week I was reminded of the awesomeness of the invitation we as missionaries extend to people daily. The introduction to the Book of Mormon says it best: "We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost."

   Throughout my mission thus far I've extended the invitation to read the Book of Mormon many multiple times to all sorts of different people.  Some choose to not open it and read and pray, while some do and deny the witness they receive and then some do and act on the truth they find.  Even just this week we met with someone that wouldn't even think about praying about it because they were already set to believe it wasn't true. We also met with a less-active member that actually texted us first saying that she knew she needed to fix her priorities and go back to the beginning to work on her testimony. She asked for a Book of Mormon and for us to come teach her. That was legit because that's the first time I've ever had a 'golden' less-active member like that!   Ha, ha, ha!

   Looking back over the times that I personally have taken on this challenge both before and during my mission; to read, ponder and pray and then to act, I've come to gain a powerful witness that God answers us when we are seeking truth every time. We just have to remember it's in His time. ;)  He loves us and doesn't want us to be lost or miss out on the greatest blessings of all eternity!! It's like asking someone who's sitting on the couch if they want a chocolate bar... of course the answer is yes! Then you tell them that it's waiting for them in the fridge and all they have to do is make the effort to get it.  Each path to that chocolate bar or "truth" may be different.  Some may have to climb down or up stairs, walk a long way or maybe some just have to walk a short distance but the point is no matter what there is a way to find and receive the truth.  It's as simple as reading and praying!

   When you put in that effort, if your heart is in the right place, you will always be rewarded and God will direct you. The beautiful thing about the gospel is that we keep on learning. Even if we have gained a witness of truth it doesn't hurt to pray again and strengthen that knowledge!

   So everyone you ready for a challenge? :) This week I want you to take on my friend Moroni's challenge, to read the Book of Mormon, ponder/think about if it truly does witness of Christ, pray to know if it's true and pay attention to the answer that will come. If you don't have a Book of Mormon feel free to go on mormon.org and order yourself a free (yes it's 100% free) paperback copy or you can go to your app store and download the Book of Mormon app. You don't have to read the whole book, you could read a chapter or a verse or however much suits your fancy. But I can promise you as a witness and servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ, he WILL answer your sincere prayers. I have come to know for myself that the Book of Mormon is a witness of Jesus Christ. It has brought me more happiness, peace and direction than anything else. It has gotten me through the toughest of days to know my Savior personally. I know He Lives. I know that the Book of Mormon along with the Bible testify of Christ and show us how to live our lives in such a way so that we can make it back home and one day and hear "well done thou good and faithful servant!"  May God bless you every day friends!

Love you :)

~ Sister McDonald

Ponderize: Matt 25:21 "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Commitment: Have meaningful prayers (be humble, follow the spirit, let the Lord change my heart) ~ Elder Stevenson

Month #10 complete! #missionnotes

Month #10 Complete!  #missionnotes