Month 17 Done!! #missionnotes

Month #17 is done!   On to month 18#   

Kimber Mail 01-16-2017: "A full heart💗"

   This week has been a roller coaster for sure!   I have no idea how to even put into words how I feel, my heart is full of emotion but I will attempt:

   Early on in the week some highlights include:

   One of our investigators starts throwing down about how she doesn't think Joseph Smith is a prophet....  Well, I throw down as well with testimony!  Not today Satan!!!   Seriously though, it's always the coolest when you just listen and the Spirit gives you the words to say.  I know that Joseph Smith really was a prophet and am so grateful he had courage to ask and keep asking and to hold to the truth he knew and to not give up but to endure in faith! 

   Monumental Moment in history!  Are you ready?!?! I  got to pull out my chef's hat 👩🍳  this week and learned how to make my favorite food from PA:  PEROGIES!!  So yinz better get excited when I bring back the skills to make some for ya!  Oh man it was so good. 

   We also had a really tough tragedy.  In the middle of the week, there was a tragic death of one of the recent converts in our ward, Dawn Booth.  We had spent a good amount of time with her and her family and it shook us up pretty good, not going to lie.  It was tough because as soon as we found out, all the rest of our plans for the week literally fell through.  🙈  We prayed hard and prayed lots and felt like we just needed to serve this ward and love this family to the best of our ability.  So we did!  We did so many heart attacks and one day just went around in our service clothes to those we felt needed extra love and help.  Every single time it was cool how the moms that answered the door with tear stained cheeks and tired eyes told us what good timing we had. Obviously the one that touched me the most and meant the very most to me was going to the Booths.  Joann (Dawn's mom) flung open the door saying "Girls I needed you just now, it's been a tough day!"  To be able to serve the broken hearted and lift as the Savior would is one of the greatest blessing and burdens of missionary work.  It's not easy to be strong but this week I was reminded of the power of the Atonement.  It really does enable us to do what lies in front of us.  As I was reading in Preach My Gospel this week about it a couple sentences stood out to me that I want to share with you:

   "While we are in mortality, we have experiences that bring us happiness. We also have experiences that bring us pain and sorrow... We are helpless without the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain.  All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." (P. 51-52 in PMG).  I know more than ever the power of the Atonement is real. We just have to get on our knees and plead to have that enabling aspect of it to be activated in our lives.  And guess what? Heavenly Father listens!  Always.  While I don't fully understand why things have to happen the way they do, I know that God knows.  It's all part of the big plan and that as President Monson once said "We may cry for the night, the joy will come in the morning."  The darkness and pain and sorrow won't last.  You know, sometimes, I think as we leave areas we think "alright. what did I do, who did I touch/help?"  This week I realized that if anything, I was sent here to be taught by Dawn, to learn from the Booth family what true strength is, to be reminded of actually doing my baptismal covenants- to "mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort" (Mosiah 18:10). This week has changed my perspective greatly and is something I will always look back on to see just how much I learned.

   Okay but speaking of transfers....... J 

   So. Saturday morning the phone starts ringing while Sis. Roper is in the shower and I see it's President.  I thought "early calls are for leadership!  WOO SISTER ROPER! There's no way I could be in a leadership position my last 6 weeks.  I'll just joke with PJ till she gets out of the bathroom."  President and I chatted about the week and how the Booths are doing.  He said "I bet you didn't expect a call from me Sister McDonald."  Me- "umm...well no. You know I have 6 weeks left right?"  He's like "Sadly, yes. But I have one question for you- have you ever trained in 6 weeks?!"  Me: WHAT?! NO! YOU KNOW I HAVEN'T DONE THAT PJ!"  Ha, ha well he laughed for a straight minute and then when he got himself together he said "It wasn’t  rhetorical!  So really I need you to train a Sister in 6 weeks." Oh my-lanta! Ha, ha, training for life should be my motto – and I'm super pumped.  I'm going back to the West Side of the mish to: MONONGAHELA! I  got to go there a couple times when I was an STL in Pitt and it is a gem of all gems.  Basically- did I tell you I'm pumped?!  I'm sad to leave New Bloom...wow I never thought I'd say that. And even more sad to leave Ropedaddy, but she's going to be training a new missionary and is going to kill it here. When we were doing our call-ins (reporting on our week) to our District Leader last night he's like "Sister McDonald your posterity (mission kids) is crazy awesome!  All of your daughters are leaders in the mission right now!" Ha, ha it was a really great compliment and honestly I know it's all the Lord.  I'm just beyond grateful that I was trained by the best- the one and only Alyssa Hansen everyone.  Also that I got the best daughters in the PPM!  Shout out to Sister Thorson, Jacobson, Roper and now Jackson!  If you would've told me the majority of my mission would be spent training I would've said no thanks! But I have been so humbled and grateful because the Lord has taught me that I can do hard things. So here's to a new adventure!  Mon-Valley here I come!

💕Sister McDonald 

New address is:

16 Eggers Ave 

Belle Vernon, PA 15012 

Kimber mail 1-9-2017: "The True Garbage 🗑"

   Sometimes there are some funny quotes from the rambles in testimony meeting. One of those such quotes came from one of the young men yesterday and went a little like this:

"Sometimes Satan makes me feel like garbage!  But he's the true garbage!  I ain't garbage!" Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha - true that!  Oh man, Sister Roper and I were dying - but it is so true.  We can all relate to that.  Some days Satan just works hard to make you feel like garbage.  I think he especially works hard on missionaries to make us feel less than a million bucks all the time.  This week was one of those weeks BUT we had some sweet miracles and were reminded that we are not garbage. 👊 

   Mostly I just want to tell yinz all about Thursday and Yesterday. 

   Thursday: Our area is hugeeeee!  We cover two counties and with our limited miles we don't get to the far out county a lot unless some gems take us and we spend like a whole day out there. So here's where the Ellis' come in.  They are my favorite!  They are practically the only active members in the far county and travel almost an hour to come to church, picking up people to bring every Sunday.  Anyway, they excitedly told us they wanted to come work with us Thursday!  They had prayed about people to visit and with our list of people we had prayed about to visit we were unstoppable!  We had tons of lessons and were on fire - thanks Spirit!  We were able to meet 3 less-active member ladies we've been trying to meet since we got here but have never been able to have success there.  One was so touched we remembered her and kept saying thanks for coming.  The next lady, Sister Lyons, told us how she wants her family to come to church and was able to open up about personal struggles keeping her from coming out but I'm super pumped to work with that family.  They have the cutest girls!  The last lady, was working at her nail salon and had customers but as soon as she saw us she stopped what she was doing, pulled up chairs, brought out snacks and said 'Sisters teach me about God!'  HA!   It was so good.

   We also were able to take the sacrament to a handful of people that have been sick or can't make it out to church.  I think this was one of my favorite parts of the day.  It was awesome to see the joy come to these wonderful sisters and brothers of mine as Brother Ellis blessed and carefully carried the single piece of bread and cup of water to them.  It was in these tiny houses that the spirit entered full force and reminded me the true importance of the sacrament.  Sometimes it's easy to take it for granted.  But it's for me, for you, the savior will come and help us partake of the blessings of the Atonement one by one.

   We were also able to go contact some others- one cool experience was a Bible referral we had received.  Earlier Sister Roper was saying how frustrating it was that we get these referrals but they just want their free book and won't listen to us.  I remember saying something to the extent of "well it's one step closer to finding the elect referral!"  So we went and met Amy.  She listened and seemed super humble - she took her Bible and Book of Mormon, thanked us and quickly shut the door.  Later that night after our dinner we got one of the greatest texts.  It was from Amy!  She told us that she appreciated us stopping by and had some questions for us and would like us to come back.  Booh ya!!!  We were so happy. So keep Amy in your prayers- we go back to visit her this week! 

   Sunday:  So basically this week was rough. Yesterday was just the last drop in the bucket so to speak.  I barely made it through church, had a few break downs but hey everyone's gotta cry now and then 😜  BUT the turning point was all thanks to the priesthood.  I LOVE THE THOMPSONS!  They are the Senior Couple we serve with.  They are like grandparents to us it's the best.  Well they noticed we were having a hard day and so Elder Thompson asked us if we'd like blessings.  After church he gave us some of the greatest comforting blessings.  He reminded me in my blessing that Heavenly Father has a deep love for me and is proud of the work I've done not only here in New Bloomfield but throughout my whole mission. He also reminded me that Christ loves me too and would've preformed the atonement if it was just me here on the earth.  These were both simple little statements but it was a much needed reminder.

   I know more than ever that the Savior and our Father in Heaven are aware of us. They know how to help us if we just ask.  I am so grateful for the priesthood power and know that it truly has been restored to the earth.  I know that we are never alone! 

   Here's to a great last week of training😎  Stay tuned for transfer info next week J

💗Sister McDonald 

Ponder: "..it is the love of God...it is the most desirable above all things" 1Ne 11:22

Commitment: "strengthen testimony of the Book of Mormon"~ Elder Stevenson

Kimber mail 1-2-2017: "Good Luck For 2017 - YES PLEASE! 🍀"

   So here in PA there's a tradition to have pork and sauerkraut to bring luck for the new year. I have never had so much sauerkraut in my life! Hahaha it was okay...my tummy isn't the happiest of campers since but maybe it's just getting used to feeling lucky or something like that?? HA! 

   But- Happy New Year!!! Okay wow, I just can't believe it's 2017! I seriously was laying in bed new years eve telling sister roper that I don't want 2017 to be here yet because that means I'm really near the end. :( Oh man. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!! Don't get me wrong I've had my fair share of rough days and this last year has probably been the toughest year of my life thus far. BUT It's also been the greatest year. A whole year to be a full time missionary! To be able to help as many people as I could to feel of Christ's love, to change, to really come to know Him. I don't think I can ever fully put into words just how much I've learned and changed this year and how grateful I am for that. There have been several times this year when I wanted to just crumple to the ground, cry and give up; after the 100th 'no' or seeing someone use their agency to walk away from the truth they know in their heart. But every time without fail I have literally felt like I'm being lifted up, given a hug or given the strength to take one more step. I know there were so many unseen angels, prayers and most of all, I know Christ was there every step of the way. I was watching the 'Christ Appears on the Road to Emmaus' Bible video this week and I had a great realization:   In this video, Christ is walking with two men along their journey, he teaches them, he cries with them, he listens to them and they don't even realize who he is! One of them is his own uncle!! Glancing back I was able to see the big picture. I know that Christ has been there through the tough rejections and through the moments that make it all worth it. I truly have come to know Him. I know that he lives! He has become my greatest friend and has been by my side every step of the way. He listens and loves me even when I mess up and a, a knucklehead. He cries with me and fills my heart with his pure love when I need it most. I am forever grateful for this opportunity I have to be a fully time servant of the Lord and to walk with Christ daily. This week I just want to share how I was actually able to accomplish my goals for once and share my new goals with ya too! 

   This past year's goals- 

   So a couple goals I set for myself were to keep a testimony journal and to read through my scriptures more intently to get deeper understanding. Check and check!  

- My testimony journal: so I decided to keep a journal and at the end of every month write down my testimony of one principle or doctrine that i felt like I was able to strengthen or come to know more truth about that month.  It was awesome! Being able to look back and reflect on what I've learned and see that my testimony has grown a TON is something I hope to look back on and keep up for the years to come. 

- More on point scripture study: This year I learned so much from the scriptures! I didn't finish the old and new testament but I read through the majority of them and will be finishing them up soon. Wow there's some good gems in there! I feel like there were so many parables I forgot about and learning straight from the prophets of old was cool. Thank goodness for the institute manual!😜 I also just finished the Book of Mormon for the 2nd time. I learned so much there too! I think overall my testimony of prophets truly being called of God and my testimony of Christ has been strengthened more than ever. I know that the prophets in the scriptures were chosen to be witnesses to write what the Lord needs us to know today! There have been countless times I have seen people and myself find answers through the scriptures. They truly are the word of God. I know we have a living prophet today and that President Monson really is the Lord's mouth piece. I know that all of these records bring us closer to Christ as we learn of his Character and who he is. Yesterday in church one of the sisters that was speaking asked the question "is my scripture study a ritual or a relationship?" I loved that! This year I have truly worked to make my scripture study a time of learning and coming to know Jesus Christ. It has made all the difference. 

   New goals-

   This year I am pumped to be able to be home and see friends and family again but I am sad to not be a full time servant. I set some goals to help me finish strong and to continue to keep learning and growing with my transition out of the field:

-"Stay on the steep end of learning curve": PJ gave this awesome training months ago about how the Lord intends for us to keep learning and keep on the steep end of that curve. It's good to stretch and grow!! I know my studies won't be the same but I hope to keep up a good habit of studying daily:)

-Keep focused on temple: IM SO PUMPED TO HAVE A TEMPLE CLOSE AGAIN! I have really come to appreciate and realize the importance of the temple. I think before my mission I took it for granted as it was so close. But I really want to make it a habit to go to the temple often like at least once a week. I also can't wait to see my meridian temple. It's kinda cool that just as I was leaving it was starting to go up and now it's almost dedicated!! I CANT WAIT!! 

   Okay basically I need to cut myself off there or I could go on and on all day haha. But I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me this year! Here's to a happy and blessed 2017!:) Also wish ropedaddy luck it's week 11😂👌🏾

Love Always, 

Sista McD 

Ponderize: "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us" - Luke 24:32

Commitment: "be valiant in testimony!" ~ Elder Cook  

Kimber mail 12-26-2016: "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! 🎄"

What's up yinz?!  Hope you all had a great Christmas!  Oh man this week was so good and it was the icing on the cake to be able to skype home.  I love my family so much! It was kind of bitter sweet that this was my last skype... CRAZINESS!  Shout out to the best fam for all the laughs and good stories it was much, much needed.  And how in the world did everyone get so big?! Ha, ha, I'm like, are you even my siblings?!  Also thanks to everyone that sent me Christmas stuff- I felt so loved and remembered so thanks a million. J

   Okay so this week some miracles went down:

   Caroling gems galore- it was so fun to go caroling all day with our district and really see how much it impacted some people. From so many laughs, to older ladies crying, to the man in the back shouting 'Encore! Encore! I don't care if I miss my dinner- keep singing!'  to countless whispered "thank you's" as tears glimmered in the eyes of our brothers and sisters as we hugged them goodbye. Caroling this Christmas is something I will never forget.  Also....I may or may not have had to use the bathroom in the woods after caroling all night and there are no bathrooms. L

   Sister Roper and I made it a point to try to get out and visit several of the widows or less actives who are older who don't have family at home or near, and read Christmas stories with them.  I'm so glad we did because the spirit of Christ entered these homes with full force and so many hearts were softened. 

   Christmas Eve we got to go to this awesome family- the Blazina's, for dinner.  It was pretty legit ‘cuz we got to eat on this fancy glass by candle light and the miracle of all miracles was that Sister Roper with her night blindness and me with my klutziness, didn't spill or break anything!!!!  Holla!  It was super fun though I love their family. Then their daughter Emily, took us to do our secret Santa for the Hurley fam.  Shout out to my Stoddart fam for the help there.  So this was the most intense thing!  We booked it (ran) through their creaky fence, past their guard dog and swooping under their windows.  I'm pretty sure I've never run so fast in all my life!  So yeah it was a big deal. 

   Christmas was also just amazing. We had a powerful Sacrament meeting and the speakers were, Emily, a girl that took us to do the secret Santa and is prepping for a mission - her testimony was so good, Sister Rudy- a less active member that we've been working with that is now active, her testimony of forgiveness and her testimony of the truth of the restored gospel was awesome!  It may have made me cry a little bit to hear it.  I just love when people that haven't been active for a while come back and have these grand-slam testimonies that they have built up again. Then we went to the Reisingers and had lunch and a nice Christmas nap #hallelujah - my favoriteeee!  Then we went to the Kretchmans and skyped and had a yummy dinner!  Pretty sure I ate the majority of the mashed potatoes. Ha, ha,  oops!  :P  And then we played games and had family scripture study and it was just a great day.  I'm so grateful that we are well taken care of out here! 

   Last but not least, we got special permission to go to the temple!!!  I LOVE THE TEMPLE!  The senior couple in the ward, the Thompsons, took us and the Ritzes (my P3 fam) came too! It was a trip I'll never forget being able to look around and admire the beauty of the Washington DC temple that great grandpa Fetzer helped with and to feel them so close.  I couldn't help but look around and think just how lucky I am to be helping people feel the very same joy I was feeling then and to be serving alongside some great missionaries.  I never would have thought coming out on a mission I would make so many great friendships and gain such awesome "family."  Sitting in the celestial room I couldn't stop smiling.  My cheeks - legit started hurting, but I couldn't stop the smiles.  How great to be sitting alongside some of my greatest friends whom I call family and to feel my family from the other side there as well.  I know the temple really is the Lord's house and that there are more people that have our backs than we realize. 

   I am so grateful for the ‘Light the World’ initiative and for the focus each day that helped to bring me and others closer to Christ.  I feel that I have come to know my Savior better than ever by trying harder to live every day in the way that He would.  If you guys haven't looked at day 25 for LTW it's okay, it's still up- check it out and make a goal for 2017 to do something to help you come closer to Christ.  I love my Savior and I love you all.  Thanks for being the lights that you are! J 

💗Sister McDonald 

Ponderize- "I trust in Christ" ~ Moroni 9:22 

Commitment- "Pray often and sincerely to stand as a witness of God"~ Neil A Anderson

Charity Attribute- See the big picture

KImber mail 12-21-2016: "PJ: One Dope Mission President"

   Ahh I just love being a missionary. One of my all-time favorite things is getting to have interviews with President Johnson.  “PJ” as we like to call him!  He started talking in district meeting about an email our district leader sent him that said "you are one dope mission president."  He's like "back in my day if someone called you a 'dope' it meant the drug or that you were stupid. So what are you guys saying?!"  He then looked it up in the dictionary and then read those same definitions and last read the adjective definition "very good- example: that suit is dope! Okay that's cool I guess..."  We were all dying. J   But yes he's a ‘dope’ Mission President!  Ha, ha, ha! Oh man my favorite thing though was that he walked into interviews all frazzled and his tie is over his shoulder I asked what happened and he's like 'Sister McDonald here we go again! I was preparing myself the whole ride over to deal with you. Let’s get the toughest one over with!'  Ha, ha, ha, ha I love his sass!  He listened as I rambled about my amazing mission 'family,' my family back home, my goals, freaking out that my time is ending, my success and struggles with the area. He listened and gave great advice and counsel and reminded me that I'm loved and doing great work.  He told me "You know there's lots of great missionaries in this mission but there's only one Sister McDonald."  I started laughing a bit and said 'PJ...There's legit two Sister McDonalds...." and he looked at me all serious and said "Yes, but there's only one Kimberlyn McDonald."  Right then I was reminded how grateful I am to have him as my Mission President. The Johnson's are just like second parents and I just love them! Not only that, but President Johnson is so Christ-like. Out of the 600+ missionaries he's has now it amazes me how he always manages to make you feel known and special. So it was a major highlight and a much needed reminder! 

   This week New Bloom was lit!  We had a great week full of little miracles.  I can honestly say it was one of the most humbling and amazing weeks.  Nothing crazy happened but my heart has definitely been softened which is the best! 🙌 ❤ 

   So some of my favorite ‘light-the-world’ days this week were: humility, compassion and song. I'll give ya some examples for each: 

   Compassion: So many of you know I'm a little stubborn and also that I love washing people's dishes - call me crazy but I do.  If you were to ask Sister Roper how many times this week I said "we're not leaving here until you let me wash your dishes" she would say too many!  Ha, ha, it was said in a loving, joking-way ...but seriously I did them.  We didn't leave until they were done and you may say 'Sister McDonald why?  That's silly!'  But ya-know if I can relieve someone's stress about doing dishes then I'm happy to help. J 

   We also were able to move some firewood, stop and offer to help some people and just lend a listening ear. We had an ice storm one night and the roads were bad so we decided to have our lessons on the phone. We even took it a step further and decided to call all the older members who are less active that haven't let us come visit and we actually were able to talk to a few of them FINALLY!  Just a simple thing like listening and hearing their testimonies was amazing! We talked about the influence of our mothers and it made me appreciate listening and learning from what they had to say. Oh man the ramble never gets old!

   Speaking of rambles, last experience and then I'll stop rambling ha, ha!  So we went to visit this member’s house to help them decorate but she had to take her husband to the doctor so we ended up talking to her mom who lives with them that's not a member.  She didn't waste any time telling us that she admired what we were doing but that she was firm in her 'dying' church.... ha, ha, sweet lady 😂  But we asked her if we could help her with some pillow cases she was making.  So we ended up jumping in and helping her. We had some great talks about faith and were able to share our testimonies and the Light the World video with her.  She even offered to say a prayer for us and it was so good! 40+ pillowcases, a box of chocolate, and lots of laughs later we left with a greater love for our new friend. Ah, I love how the Lord softens hearts. 

   Humility and Song: Okay so I'm pretty sure we did more caroling this week than I have in one week before!  It was cool cuz for most of it was with our whole district. We went at least once every day, sometimes twice!  Even though we weren't on American Idol or anything it was pretty legit.  It was humbling to see just how much the elderly people loved having us there.  It was so fun to hear them sing along!  But I'm pretty sure the part that was most humbling, that helped me to appreciate caroling more than ever, was after the singing, when we all went around and just sat and talked with the people. I LOVE OLD PEOPLE! They are hoots and they have some great stories. 

   This week I really learned that if we take time to slow down to smile, listen and love a little more than we already do, that the Savior can help us work miracles.  The pure love, light and joy that comes from doing what the Savior would no matter how much our backs ache, how cold our fingers are or how tired we may be is way better than anything else! I mean the Amish doughnuts someone introduced us too weren't bad either but ya know, J ha, ha jokes! But really I know that Christ lives and truly guides us with His light starting right where we are at. Something that stood out to me when I watched the Light the World video several times this week was that Christ always comes to our level to help us.  I know He is waiting to help us grow and progress and will if we will let him. I hope yinz have a Merry Christmas and make this last week of Light the World a great one! Make sure you do day 25 - it's a good one J! 

Love you! 

💕Sister McDonald 

Ponderize: "search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing" Moroni 7:19 

Commitment: "Act on promptings and repent" ~ Elder Cornish 

Charity Attribute: never faileth 

Kimber mail 12-12-2016: "You're a Water Bottle, Sneeze for Cheese and Answered Prayers"

   Hey hey mis amigos! How goes lighting the world?! Keep up the great work. Its not to late to get started if you haven't. Mormon.org has some great ideas if you need some ideas! Also please don't be afraid to share the #LightTheWorld with any of your peeps! Everyone needs it. You never know who's heart you can help touch J 

   This week Sister Roper and I had some powerful and fun experiences lighting the world. There was a ton that went on but I just want to share some of my favorite experiences from the week:

   1. At the beginning of the week I was trying to give a little pep talk to Sister Roper in studies and I attempted to use an analogy I made up and ended up saying 'You're a water bottle! Be proud of that!' Ha, ha, ha, ha, I honestly have no clue... and can't even remember what I was trying to get at but it did give us a good laugh and got us pumped to share the good news this week!

   2. We were out workin’ in the cold and felt like we should stop by this one family's house.  It was really cool because we ended up doing some family history with them and sharing the Light that way.  The dad also showed us their dog Scooby's cool trick- that's right, he sneezes for cheese. What a talent. I feel like that is something I should master.  ;)

   3. We decided for the 'sharing scriptures' day we would wrap up 6 Books of Mormon (‘cuz it was day 6) and follow the Spirit to drop them off.  It may sound crazy but it was a super cool experience even though it was freezing and rainy and foggy, the Lord helped us.  I don't know if the people we dropped them off to will read them or look at them - but you never know. Our testimonies may be just what they need right now or in the future! 

   4. We felt like we should go try a couple less active-members while we were out working this week, so we did. Both were powerful experiences: First, we visited with this sweet older lady. After the prayer she started going on about how the church took up so much of her life and how she doesn't see any blessings of us and told us that we were too young to understand anything. I really don't like when people say that, ugh!... I may not know everything, but I do know enough truth!!  So I prayed for charity and told her that we do know the gospel brings peace and more blessings that anything else could.  Sister Roper and I shared how we both have come to know of the truth of the restored gospel and the scriptures. The Spirit was strong.  Second, we were on our way home at night and Sis. Roper felt like we should stop and see this lady that lives close to us.  So we did and at first she and her family were all over the place - but as we showed them the video, peace filled the room and they couldn't stop expressing how much they loved it!  We left reminding them that they are loved and the Spirit was strong once again. 

   5. This last one is a combination of Saturday night and Sunday.  So Saturday, we had our ward Christmas party. We sat by this older lady, Sister Whisler, who I haven't really gotten to know that well, so I was excited.  She is always so cute and excited to be at church and even though she has a lot of physical problems and has some tremors, she always sings loud and proud.  I love it!!  She shared all about her family with us and how she loves the gospel because even though she's the only member in her family, the gospel is family too. I felt so much love for this dear sister it was awesome!  Well Sunday it snowed. She and the couple that brings her to church were on their way and got into an accident.  We rushed with the senior couple, the Thompsons, to the hospital to see her. She was just chilling in the ER with her church clothes on and her scriptures in hand.  When she saw us she got SO excited.  Her doctors had to calm her down.  But she motioned for us to come over and immediately grabbed my hand.  She kept saying how sad she was that she missed church and the choir - 'stinking snow plows!'  Ha, ha, ha and told us to tell her all that she missed.  She kept rubbing my arm and telling me that she loved me.  My heart melted.  She was one of the most selfless women I have met!  Who, instead of complaining about the pain she was in was enthralled with making sure we knew we were loved.  I heard the dreaded words fall out of my mouth "Sister Whisler, before we go we want to sing a song for you,"  WHAT?!   Ahhhh, here we go, ha, ha tis the season. ;)  I said a little prayer for the Lord to help us make it sound good.  We started singing away in a manger and it seemed like the bustle and stress of the ER died for a moment.  It was quiet.  Peace filled the little curtained room.  Sister Whisler managed to get all the strength she could to sing along. As we sang the last verse she sat there with the biggest smile on her face and tears came to my eyes "Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay. Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care. And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there."  At that moment I realized a different meaning to the Light the World for the day.  We are ALL God's children. Young or old. He is closer than we realize and when we turn outward in love like Sister Whisler taught me yesterday, miracles happen!

   I want to end by sharing my Light the World for today with you! Today is Day 12- Jesus Taught Others and So Can You!  So I'll try to keep this brief but today I want to pass down to you what my amazing grandparent and parents have taught me. 

   Grandma and Grandpa McDonald- They have such a great gift of turning outward and listening. Every time you see them or talk to them they just make you feel like the star and are always ready to listen to whatever you want to share. I love that they are so optimistic no matter the good or bad that comes their way. This is something that has really helped me throughout my mission and changed my life. Love you Grandma and Grandpa McD!!  :)

  Grandma and Grandpa Stoddart- They have pure charity and a gift to be able to make memories last. I love that they both are walking lights of what they believe and aren't afraid to remind anyone they see that they are loved. I've tried to emulate that example as I've been gone and I've seen wonderful things happen. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Stoddart! Love you both. :) 

   My Angel Mother- Her testimony of the gospel is undeniable. She sticks to her beliefs and does not waiver. I love that she is always there to make me laugh and to be patient with me. She is a great teacher it's quite the gift. As I've been on my mission I've tried to testify with the same emotion my mom has and it has changed me. I've also tried to be patient as I've been called on to lead and teach. Love you mommy :)

   The Best Dad EVER- Oh man I love my dad.  Anyone that knows him knows that he loves his Savior and that he walks the walk. Something that I've learned from my dad that has changed my world is the power of prayer. My dad is the greatest example of going straight to the source and talking it out through the good and bad with our Father in Heaven. This has changed the way I've been able to be a disciple for Him. Love you Daddio :) 

   I wish I had time to write out more but you get the gist. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve through this Christmas season. Time is flying and I am just realizing more and more each day how grateful I am to be a full-time servant of the Master.  I love my Savior.  I love you all! Have a wonderful week filled with light and cheer J 

Love, Sister McD.

Ponderize: "I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me....give me strength that I may burst the bands with which I am bound" ~ 1Ne 7:17 

Commitment: Pray as the savior taught ~ Elder Uceda 

Charity Attribute: bear, believe, hope and endure all things