Hello!

Querido Familia,

How are all of you? Great, I hope. I am. These weeks fly by at an absolutely ridiculous pace. I'm literally halfway through my stay at the MTC. I am so stoked to get out to Argentina. The MTC is awesome, and there is such a cool spirit here, but it's hard to not be jealous of the missionaries who are only here for two weeks. 

Guess who gave our Tuesday devotional? Elder Anderson! He gave an awesome, awesome talk. My favourite story he told was about when he was a mission president in France and his newer missionaries would come to him dejected and just not feeling it because of a lack of success. He said it was super hard for him and he wasn't sure how best to help them. As he was praying for guidance, he received and answer along the lines of, "If they want comfort and help, they will have to come to Me, not you." I loved that. May we always remember that in the dark times of our lives, our loving Saviour Jesus Christ is always ready to help us. He knows us perfectly and exactly. If we seek help from our peers or leaders, they can obviously try and many times succeed to an extent in helping you. But true healing can only come through Jesus Christ because He is the only one who suffered in Gethsemane for our lives. I hope every one who has a chance to read this can always remember that the Saviour loves us and is right there waiting for us to come to Him.

In other news which I may or may not have forgotten to share last week, Elder Mattinson and I were called as the new zone leaders here, which is exciting. It's a responsibility I am willing and excited to fulfill to the best of my ability. We got two new districts on Wednesday, so Elder Mattinson and I got to welcome them all in and get them settled and prepared for their stay here. It's weird how much experience three weeks can give you. These poor little missionaries were just like I was my first day. Elder Mattinson is the definition of some one who magnifies his calling. I have never seen some one so stoked to lead a bunch of new missionaries around on a tour of the MTC and explain every building in such great detail. He was doing the tour guide backwards walk-and-talk technique and every thing. Very impressive. But this is an exciting calling! 

OH! Funny story. So there's a missionary in my district named Elder Lewis whose claim to fame is that he can make you have a dream of his choosing by lulling you to sleep with his voice and then telling a story while you are asleep. Apparently he's done it to Elder Maycock (also in my district) but I can't take it seriously so I pretended to fall asleep and heard broke my arm in the "dream". (I was a knight fighting a dragon with Elder Elhert, who was also pretending to dream with me) As soon as Elder Elhert and I got our arms broken, we both started like thrashing a little bit because of the pain. Elder Lewis sure got excited at that. After we both woke up, we told him some of the details we remembered in our dreams and he interpreted them for us. Pretty amazing. I am a firm believer in his mastery of the dream world. 

I am way low on time but honestly this week went so quickly that I can't think of any thing else to say! Know that I love all of you dearly and words cannot express the joy I get when any of you send me letters. I know that this Gospel is real and that this is absolutely the true Chruch that Christ established him self two thousand years ago. I know that Joseph Smith saw our Loving Heavenly Father and His incredible Son and restored that church. I love my Saviour with all of my heart and need not say more than that!

MUCHO MUCHO MUCHO AMOR,

Elder McDonald

OKAY CRAZY STORY THE SISTER NEXT TO ELDER MATTINSON IS SISTER VERHOEF AND GUESS WHO HER COUSIN IS? ANNE. SHE'S IN MY ZONE! WE WERE BOTH LIKE SPEECHLESS WHEN WE MET EACH OTHER AND SHE WAS WAY STOKED WHEN I TOLD HER ABOUT MIA AND SHOWED HER A PICTURE OF HER.

HERMANA ESTRADA IS AWESOME. I PROMISE SHE IS NOT NEARLY AS AWKWARD AS THIS PICTURE MAKES HER LOOK.

Elder Langi and I (The homie. Taught me how to greet some one in Tongan)

Elder Kearns and I (Goofiest elder at the MTC)

New Zone leaders with old zone leaders

Elder Steiner and I (He could sing a song of the periodic table)

Week

Beloved family and friends!

I'm going to apologise in advance because I'm not super sure I can create a lengthy email for every one today. This week flew by so quickly that I don't even know what to do with my self.

Our Sunday devotional this week was given by Chad Lewis, who played for BYU and then later The Eagles if I remember correctly. My football knowledge often suffers. But he gave an incredible talk about loving where you serve and enduring to the end, because it sure is going to be worth it. He also spent a large chunk of time praising our incredible armed forces, which I'm sure many of you can guess made me really happy. He served in Taiwan (98.4% sure of that) Chinese speaking, which gave him some pretty gnarly opportunities in the NFL later. As you could probably imagine, there aren't very many Chinese speakers in the NFL, so he was recruited to be the Chinese spokesperson pretty much (I've sat for like two minutes trying to think of the word he used, because it wasn't spokesperson). My favourite story he told was when they had him be the Super Bowl announcer in Chinese and since he only knew missionary Chinese, he just kept saying "I testify that Tom Brady is throwing faithful passes!" We all died at that one. Any ways, he later got the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with some wounded warriors who had recently come back from being seriously maimed in the field. He talked about their incredible sacrifice and dedication to their country and to climbing that mountain. If a bunch of soldiers who just got their legs blown off can climb Kilimanjaro, I think I can deal with the hardships that can come from serving the Lord for these two years. How I love our Armed Forces and their dedication to a country they love and care about enough to die for. These soldiers have dealt with incredible injuries, but they are happy because they've borne them with the knowledge that they did their part to protect their country. If we can all apply that fierceness to our faith in Jesus Christ, imagine how much more joyful our lives would be! 

Oh, Sunday is also movie day at the MTC, and we watched Elder Holland's talk "Missions are Forever". That man is a kook. If you think he's intense during Conference, watch him when he speaks at the MTC. I don't understand how he can speak with such incredible power literally every time he speaks.

This week our teachers became our two practice investigators, which is pretty odd. But it is such an opportunity to grow in the Doctrine of our Saviour. Also, my teachers are so incredible. Hermana Estrada has such a kind heart and desire for us to learn, and Hermano Page blows us away with his testimony literally every night. They are both so awesome. Best teachers in the MTC. 

That's pretty much the extent of this week, but I want to bear testimony of how incredible this place is, and how much one can accomplish simply through faith. All things are done according to faith. All things. Peter walked on water not because Jesus wanted to show His apostles His power, but because Peter had such a strong faith in his Saviour at that moment, that he could literally go out and meet Him on the water. Only after his eyes left the Saviour and his mind drifted to the storm and the fear that it brought did he begin to sink. His faith wavered and thus so did his step. I've learned more Spanish in two and a half weeks here than I did in the three years worth I took in high school. I can say an understandable prayer in Spanish, I've memorised scripture in Spanish, and I teach lessons daily in Spanish. I struggle, but as I continue in my faith, I know that the Lord can and will continue to bless me with the Gift of Tongues.

I've been reading in Matthew a bit this week and every time I read of the Saviour's earthly ministry it blows my mind how much my love for Him grows. I love Jesus Christ, and I know that through Him, all things are possible according to our faith. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and read 3 Nephi! I promise that your love will grow as you better understand not only the Saviour's teachings, but the extent of His Atonement. Christ truly did suffer for our sins in Gethsemane. He suffered for every single pain and sorrow that we have felt or will ever feel. Christ literally loves us enough that he bled from every pore so that we could live with the Father He loves again. Christ knows us better than any one - better than we know our selves. Just come to Him and I promise he will comfort you as He always has. 

I love all of you so much! I really do. I have been blessed to be a part of all of your lives, and each and every one of you reading this has been an example to me in some way that has helped me grow to be more like my Saviour. Bless you all! I am praying for all of you.

Ciau!

Elder McDonald 

MY DISTRICT. left to right: Me, Elder Elhert, Elder Mattinson(my companion), Elder Lewis(dream weaver), Elder Prince, Elder Liddiard (literally smartest person I know) and Elder Maycock. 

Classroom. Can you guess why I like Hermano Page so much?

Elder Liddiard is killer at caligraphy. He wrote this on my mirror (It's hard to take pictures of mirror writing, okay. It says "A wild man hath come among us." - Moses 6:38.

How many cookies were eaten by four missionaries in one day.

Love

Hello! How I love you all! As Christ said in Third Nephi, "My joy is full." This week has been super gnarly, but in the absolute best of ways. So much has happened. First off, right after I emailed every one last week, I got to go to the Temple, which is a weekly P-day thing. I love that place! The Spirit and calm that exists with in the Lord's house is unmatched. I am stoked to go back today!

Spanish is going pretty well! I can say a simple prayer and bear simple testimony in Spanish by this point, which I think is pretty cool. The Lord knows what I'm trying to say, so it's important that I just put out the effort, eh? We've had lessons with our main mock church investigator Julio all week. Our first lesson was understandably pretty awful, and brought on an encouragement from Hermana Estrada (our morning Spanish teacher) to read Alma 26:27. What a verse that is! It was perfect. Hermana Estrada is awesome. However, as our knowledge of the language grew and our knowledge of Julio's needs grew, so did the quality of our lessons. Those mock lessons are a huge thing here. It brings such an opportunity to learn the doctrine in Spanish, but more so to understand that even when you're certifiably awful at speaking the language and attempting to say what you feel, the Spirit still resides in that classroom. Where truth is, so the Spirit is also. And I can testify that the testimonies we bear of Jesus Christ and His everlasting Gospel are true. I know with all of my heart that Christ is my Saviour and that The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of His Gospel. I promise that as we read that book, we will surely grow closer to our Heavenly Father and better understand the extent of His love for us. Just read it!

Sunday though! Potentially the highlight of this entire week. Church was obviously wonderful, but all new missionaries are instructed to watch Elder Bednar's talk entitled "The Character of Christ" on our first Sabbath at the MTC. That talk is literally the greatest. Like it is so incredible. I don't care who you are, please look it up and watch it! Elder Bednar spoke about how whenever the natural man would turn inward and think about him self (ie some thing bad happens to you and you turn inwards and mope/ask others for help and love) Christ would turn outward and worry about his brothers and sisters. One example for understanding (because I'm trusting all of you to watch it so you can see the other incredible things Elder Bednar said), as Christ was in the midst of more pain than any of us could bear during His crucifixion, he was not only asking the Father to forgive his killers, but he was ministering to the thieves dying beside him. Trying to bring them unto his Gospel as well. I'm gonna say it again: watch that talk if you haven't already. I hope every one can find it. If it doesn't increase your love for the Saviour and inspire you to better follow His example, I don't know what will. 

Oh, hey! I went to choir practice, which was way cool. The director is incredible. He is super smart and has a clever sense of humour as well. Also, We prepared a mind blowing arrangement of Joseph Smith's First Prayer. I may or may not have stolen a copy to use in the future. Got many chills from that performance. 

Honestly this is such a cool place. I can hardly comprehend how much I'm learning at this place. It's crazy! There's just a wonderful amount of Spiritual and language learning packed in to each week. And it's legitimately been one week. If we keep learning at this rate, by five weeks I don't think Spanish is going to be much to worry about (until I head over to Argentina and don't understand any thing.)

One more video to watch! Mountains to Climb. That's a Mormon Message I hadn't seen in a while and I forgot how killer it is. We all have had trials. Physical, mental, spiritual, it doesn't matter. Jesus Christ suffered every single one of them, and every single one we are ever going to experience. He loved us enough to kneel in Gethsemane and bleed from every pore as he atoned for our sins and our trials. I cannot say enough how much I love my Saviour. I promise that as we come unto Him with our trials, He will be there. Jesus is the Christ, and He is the Example. If we but try to love as He did, our Heavenly Father will bless us for it. I testify of these things in His name, even my eternal Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 

Much love to all of you! I hope all is well! It sure is here.

Warmest Wishes,

Elder McDonald

Temple Visit with my Companion

Super tall kid in my building. He's like 7'2"

Two Days In!

Family!

What a blessing it is to be where I am! There is such a joy that comes from serving in this Missionary Training Centre. The constant spirit that resides here is so important, and so incredible. As I walk the halls, I feel a constant joy and spirit in my heart and soul that I hope remains forever. I'm saying joy a lot, but I can really only stress the joy that comes simply from preparing to share our wonderful Saviour's gospel. And how I love my Saviour Jesus Christ! 

My companion, Elder Mattinson, is a great guy. Super passionate and super loving. When I walked in to my first class and met him, I thought he'd some how been here for weeks already. I dunno who his bishop is, but her had him doing splits with the Spanish missionaries and give his entire farewell talk in Spanish. So he's definitely on the ball. He's definitely helping me to work harder every day. Our Spanish classes are great. The teacher speaks zero English, and it's wonderful. I'm working hard, and i'm confident that the Lord will bless me to learn as I do so. After our first classes. we all gathered in one of the chapels and the MTC president and his wife spoke to us on the holiness of this place and the importance of just following the mission rules. It is just a blessing to be here, and to have such a spirit. As soon as I rounded that corner and entered the training centre, my fears and trepidation were calmed, and a spirit of joy and excitement overcame me. After our mass meeting, we split up in to smaller groups and went to different rooms with mock investigators. After geting an introduction from the investigators, microphones were passed around, and all were encouraged to listen to the Spirit and share what we thought would best help them come closer to Christ and His gospel. We were told to keep thoughts of charity and love in our answers. These first lessons created a perfect lesson in being sure we not only let the Spirit guide our answers, but to let It guide our answers to the needs of our investigators.

Yesterday was absolutely incredible. We met President and Sister Price near the end of the day, but I'm going to talk about it first because it was easily the highlight. What an absolute spirit they have around them. Both of them are just incredible people. President Price is so enthusiastic about his missionaries and this Gospel. Also, he is exclusively a hugger, which is wonderful. No handshakes, just an enormous hug as soon as he sees you. What a Christ-like example that sets! I could never believe that upon my first meeting with the Saviour He would walk up to me and shake my hand. No, I am fully confident a massive bear hug full of love would await me upon our first interaction. 

Sister Price is just incredible. Her spirit and enthusiasm easily matches President Price's. As soon as she stood to introduce her self, there was a tangible joy that filled my heart. Her introduction and thoughts moved me to tears on more than one occasion throughout. Compounded by the spirit already present at the MTC, she created an unstoppable force of joy and love. God bless the sisters of this church! What Christ-like love and peace they bring that some times our brothers cannot. President Price and his wife told us they are here to be our MTC parents, and not a thing could make me doubt that. I love them already. 

Again the MTC is incredible! It has been a whirlwind, but there is no place like it. Being here has only helped my testimony of Jesus Christ grow. And what a testimony of him I have! Jesus is the Christ. He is our absolute Saviour, and I love Him with all of my heart. This church is true! Christ's Gospel is real. I love and miss you guys, and can not wait to continue my service. 

Adios,

Elder McDonald

New Companion

President and Sister Price

Missionaries going to Buenos Aires with Elder McDonald

Elder McDonald's new home!

We are SO excited to hear about the adventures Jacob will have for the next 2 years! Missionaries LOVE to get mail. He will only have a limited amount of time to write letters, so don't feel bad if it takes him a while (or forever) to respond to individual emails/letters. I know he will be overjoyed to hear from everyone, though!

Here is his contact info:

Email: mcdonald.jacob@myldsmail.net

Address for the next 6 weeks:

MTC:

Elder Jacob Spencer McDonald

NOV17 ARG-BAW

2005 N. 900 E. UNIT 29

Provo, UT 84602

There is a also website called dearelder.com that delivers letters to missionaries for free to the MTC while they are there (6 weeks). You just type your letter,  put in the info in the MTC address, and they print and deliver them to their mailboxes! Easy peasy. 

After November 17th (it takes several weeks for mail to arrive, so you can start sending letters here fairly soon and he will get them when he gets to Argentina): 

Mission Office:

Elder Jacob Spencer McDonald

Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission

C.C. No. 92

1702 Ciudadela

Buenos Aires, Argentina

There is also a pouch service. This is nice because you don't have to use international stamps so it's cheaper. There are specific guidelines, though. It sounds complicated, but I think once you try it it won't be a big deal. You can only send postcards or one-page correspondences (no envelopes) written on one side of the page. Notebook or other light weight paper will not process through the USPS machines. Lay the letter blank side down. Fold the bottom of the letter about one-third of the way up the page and crease. Fold the top of the letter to the bottom of the first fold and crease. Secure the long side with two pieces of tape about one inch in from each end, but do not seal the ends. Write your name and complete return address in the top left corner. Affix first class postage in the top right corner. In the middle, write the missionary address:

Elder Jacob Spencer McDonald

Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission

POB 30150

Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0150