AHÍ VIENE EL AÑO NUEVO

BUEEEENAASSSSS. Did every one have a wonderful Christmas? I did. Mine was really good. It was a blessing to be able to see the smiling faces of my wonderful family and hear the joy in their voices. But it was also sad to be bullied by them for my difficulty in conversational English. Haha, kidding! It was sad to have to ask my companion like six times for help saying a certain word or phrase. But I consider it a mission reaching accomplishment. I always tell my self that I only have two years to speak Spanish, but I have English my whole life. So I might as well speak it as much as possible, right? It's been great. But seriously, what a blessing to see my happy family. Let me just tell you, hearing that my mom knows how to make empanadas was probably the best Christmas gift I got.

I'm so excited to head in to a new year in Argentina! It is weird to think that I will have spent an entire year in a foreign country in a few days. And to think of all the things I've learned here! A new language, a new culture and especially a new look on the things that are important in life. I can't think of a better place to have spent a year of my life than here, where the Lord sent me, and do what He wants me to do. I hope all during this last week of 2016 can meditate on the great things that have happened and the great things learned. Then store the good things in the memory bank and make great plans to be better and happier in 2017. Doesn't two thousand and seventeen just sound exciting! Exciting things are going to happen. Especially if we do some thing to make them happen! 

How can we make 2017 happier? How can we feel good about what we've done when we reach the end of it? How can we make 2017 happy for other people as well? There are a lot of options, but to be honest, the one that will always be the best is following Christ and his example. What ever we do, if we do it emulating what Christ would do, I am one hundred percent confident that whatever we do will bring joy to us and to others. There is soooo much to do in these days! But more specifically, there are so many people that need to be happier in these days. There is so much sadness that can be changed. All we have to do is try. In fact, all the Lord wants is for us to try our best. All of us know that none of us are perfect, but that's the road we're on! If we can keep our selves on the road, our Father has promised us all that He has. Make 2017 a year of help and joy! I hope all of you have a grand one, and all of you can be happy. I am!

Un abrazo,

Elder McDonald

Diego and Analia's baptism!

A rainy Christmas in Argentina.

The new district!

FELIZ NAVIDAD. CHA CHA CHA CHA CHA.

¡FELICIDADES! Is every one just stoked about Christmas? I hope so. I have nothing but happy memories from past Christmases. It is truly the great season of the year. I hope all are able to be with their families, and that those who can't know that they are loved and remembered. I always think as well of those in our Armed Forces that are away putting their lives at risk to keep our Heavenly-endowed rights safe and sound during the Christmas season. I'm away from my family as well, but could never say that I have the valor and strength that those blessed men and women have. Let us count our blessings we have from them, from our families, and especially from our dear Lord Jesus Christ. What an opportunity we're given to have the whole world think about Jesus when during the rest of the year they don't!

My friends Diego and Analia are going to be baptised this Friday, which is going to be a great Christmas present for me, but an even greater one for the Lord as He receives two more of His children back in to the fold. What growth I am blessed to see from my wonderful friends here in Argentina! The Lord blesses all of His children, and is working hard to help all of His Children come back to Him.

I know that I can't express the feelings of gratitude that I feel over this email, but I hope to at least help you all to be able to have your own feelings strengthened through mine. I love so dearly my Saviour Jesus Christ, and feel HIs love for me every day. I testify that He was born to save us from our sins, and I know it with out a doubt. He was born to love and to serve. He was born to show us the perfect example, to give us a perfect role model. I know it in my heart, and the greatest thing is that I'm here sharing how others can know it as I do! He lives today, and He loves us still. He has not abandoned us; in fact, He has blessed us with His living Church in these latter days and with a loving Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, called by Him and directed by Him. What a blessing I have to share this message with families this week, and for nearly a year more! And how sweet will it be to return to my family next year and next Christmas knowing I've done some thing good, and I've chosen the right path for these two years here. Count on Christ this Christmas. If you're alone, you can ask Him for help and He will comfort you. He's promised us over and over again that He will. 

Pleeeeaaase every one have a wonderful Christmas! Know that I am so grateful for all of my beautiful family and their prayers. Be happy, please!

Un abrazo gigante,

Elder McDonald

UN DOMINGO LINDO Y CALUROSO

BUEN DÍA AMIGOS. How are the United States doing? Things are getting more and more exciting around here as summer comes a long. More people to talk to in the street, more kids setting off firecrackers all day, and much more heat (My arms and upper neck are reaching "water polo tanness" levels. The rest of my body has already reached "ten hours of World of Warcraft a day" levels, due to my constant white shirt and pants outfit.)

Fun cultural anecdote on my mind. Yester-day, River and Boca (the rival football teams of Argentina) faced off in a Sunday game, which means EVERY ONE was watching it. Here football holds a place in the hearts of the people that can't really be compared with any thing in the States. It's really incredible. Any ways, here it's really easy to know if some one scores a goal. All you have to do is be some where where there are houses, and you'll be able to hear it. Every one yells the goals. Every one. Over in the US you'll get the really huge fans that yell during the Superbowl, but here it's just natural. Every few minutes Elder Winward and I got to hear a wonderful chorus of screaming voices, and I'm not being sarcastic in saying that it was wonderful. It's such a beautiful cultural phenomenon, and it unites the people so well. There were seven goals scored in the game, which means that we got a good amount of yelling. It made me smile every time we heard a goal.

Sunday morning at church was wonderful. We were blessed to have Diego and Analia come and have a great experience. Diego has been once with us, but this was the first time Analia has gotten to come, and it was such a blessing. Analia is Diego's mom (Diego is in his mid-twenties), and both of them have been so prepared by the Lord, and seeing their progress as they learn more about Christ's restored Gospel has been a huge blessing. It's an honour to be able to be the missionary to share such good news with them. It's such a joy to be able to share good news with every one! This mornign I read a really good talk from Elder Uchtdorf called "A Summer with Great-Aunt Rosa"           

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/a-summer-with-great-aunt-rose?lang=eng       

which was beautiful. It made me think a lot about the grand importance of being happy even when it's hard, and what can make us happy. It's alllllwaaayyys the Saviour and His Gospel. As we learn it, or hear it, or share it, joy is a guaranteed bonus. And imagine the joy that comes from living it! I have seen so much joy here, and felt so much joy here, and I know it's because I'm doing what I'm doing. It's not just because I'm on a two year trip to Argentina. It's because I'm here doing some thing incredibly important and I'm sharing the truth. I hope all of you know how blessed I have been by your prayers and support. I'm so grateful for my wonderful family and my wonderful Saviour and His example. His sacrifice is a gift to all of us, and His grace is sufficient for all men. 

Amor sin fin,

Elder McDonald

SEMANA DEL INFIERNO

¡BUENAS! How is the world doing? Today is the day to heal the sick! How's every one doing lighting the world? I can tell you all one thing for sure, Buenos Aires had plenty of physical light this week. Actually I think it had an excess of it. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were literally hotter than Superman's laser vision. I think there may have even been an increase in dead street dogs because of heat stroke. Was it really cold in California? I feel like it would make sense for it to have been completely the opposite. 

So it was a hot week. And we also had a great general conference on Sunday! President Robertson (Mission President) spoke about how we can better act on our faith, especially in this time. We're focusing a lot on growth right now. I'm sure that my dad who served in Brasil will remember that about twenty or thirty years ago the Church in South America exploded, and many people were brought to the knowledge of their Redeemer. We're working hard to help Christ's church grow rapidly again here in Argentina, South America, and the rest of the world. But that hard work needs to be hard work from all! Christ's Gospel is the most rewarding gift we can give this Christmas, and we even have the #LightTheWorld program to help us give lots of great Christlike gifts. As our dear friends The Beatles have told us, all we need is love. And if there's some thing that the world faults today, I think it's love. But what is real love? The pure love of Christ, charity, is what brings change, joy and peace. Unless we work hard to find that, show that, and share that, the light that the world needs won't be lit as it needs to be. I know, absolutely and with out a doubt that what I'm doing is right, and it's bringing light to those in need. I know that the Church I represent is Christ's, and I know that He guides it through a living prophet. I have felt of the truth that I share countless times, and I feel of it every day as I read the Book of Mormon hand in hand with the Bible. Nothing brings more joy than this! Share it!

MUUUUUCHO AMOR,

Elder McDonald

ILUMINÁ EL MUNDO

BUENAAASSSS. Yesterday I was forced out of the internet cafe early because it was some sort of holiday here. Some thing to do with The Malvinas (for every one who doesn't live in Argentina, I think they're called the Falklen Islands or some thing). Any ways, I'm here now, and I hope every one is well! 

This last week was quite nice. The wonderful Christmas Spirit is already beginning to work its magic! We've had wonderful opportunities to share the gospel this week, and we've also been able to talk to every one about the new Campaign, "Ilumina el Mundo"! I believe it's Light the World in English. And the video is wonderful. Every one needs to go to mormon.org (it's displayed right up at the front) and watch it as soon as you possibly can if you haven't seen it already. As a missionary, I invite a lot of people to follow the example of Jesus Chist, usually inviting them to follow his example and be baptised. That is an important example to follow, but not the only example we should follow. Christ's ENTIRE life was such a grand example for us, and his entire life was service. He came not into the world to be served of men, but to serve them, that video and the attached campaign give us that very invitation. To follow Christ's many examples of service and not only remember Christ this Christmas, but follow Him. Show the world that even though there are horrible things happening, there's still light to be brought. And it's so easy to do it this season. There's a calendar with suggestions for every day and every thing.

It has been so wonderful to begin to share this with Argentina this week. Many people here talk about how many complicated things are happening here and in the rest of the world, so it's been wonderful to be able to pull out our little cards and show them that they can do some thing about it! Your neighbourhood is your world to light! Do every thing you can to light it! 

There are so many great things happening in Argentina, in Buenos Aires, in Merlo and in Ferrari! I wish I had more time to talk about it all but it just flies by here. I hope all are well and I hope I can hear great stories of people helping to light the world. 

Un montón de amor,

Elder McDonald

Manos Mormonas que Ayudan

Missionaries at work

Baptism of Lucas and Rodrigo!

¿SEGUIRÁ EL EJEMPLO DE JESUCRISTO?

HEY. How is every one? This week was pretty great. Elder Winward is way smarter than me. I don't know why I keep getting companions that know so much about computers. What is the Lord trying to tell me? Haha, but in all seriousness, Elder Winward and I are making a good pair. I'm kind of a jump on my horse guns blazing person some times so it's good to have a cool and collected planner by my side. Heh heh. I always remember reading about my great grandpa's youth adventure stories of his horseback travels. It's great to have a spirit of adventure, and it makes being a fisher of men exciting. 

This week was pretty full of a lot of things! We have met wonderful people here and I'm excited to keep you all informed on their progress. It's great to feel the Spirit. I love being back in Marcos Paz! Yeah, I haven't left the city of Merlo for my entire mission (as of now I'm serving in the Argentina Buenos Aires Merlo mission), but it's good to be back close to my first area. I loved working in Villa Posse and that same love transfers over here to Ferrari. There are so many people to talk to! And it's so great to talk to people. The Donald Trump questions have only gotten deeper from here, and the general spirit towards him is that he hates people that aren't white and blonde, but all of the questions about if I'm scared to go back to the US can always end in testifying that there's no reason to be afraid when you follow Christ's teachings. "No temais..".  Be sure to think about all of the good things that are happening in the world before you think of the bad. And especially during this week of Thanksgiving! There are soooooooooo many things to be thankful for that my head could explode just thinking about all of them. I am thankful especially for my family and their incredible examples. Thanks to my dad for serving the Lord in Brasil and helping me have a latino spirit, thanks to my mom for teaching me my entire life so I can teach other people here! Thanks to all of my family and friends for praying and worrying and loving me! And all of the specific blessings I can break off of those broader ones are innumerable. I am especially grateful for loving Heavenly Parents that have provided me with this family that brings me such joy, and for a loving Saviour who has given me the opportunity to have this joy for eternity. There are so many things. Take a few minutes and think about all of the things you're grateful for! I LOVE AND ADORE YOU ALL. 

Elder McDonald

Happy with Skippy...

... Sad with out Sexy Hair.

DALE CALOR

¡ÉA! How is every one? Hopefully things are well. Elder Winward and I have had lots of questions this week. The other day we were on the bus and a woman leaned over to me and whispered, "Hey, so what do you think of Trump?" I just laughed a little and said that I really only know what my family tells me; I've been in Argentina for a year! People here don't understand that we are literally walking all day and have zero access to United States news sources. 

I think overall we can just remember with all of the craziness that happens all over the world that our Father in Heaven is still and always willing to bless us when we choose the right! Right? He has promised us all over the scriptures (I like to think speciacally of His promise to the American continents that as we keep the commandments, we will prosper!) that if we do as He asks, and do so with faith, He will make sure every thing goes well. May we remember that even if we're angry or devestated by bad decisions of other people that may affect us badly as well, we can always pray for them, and for us. That will help us feel love towards those who have messed up, and it will also help us receive more blessings from a kind and loving Father. As a missionary, I've learned that specific prayer has a lot of power. Instead of praying for our families, we can ask for specific blessings for specific people. Instead of praying for those that are sick or afflicted, think of people you know that are in such trouble, and pray for them by name. I feel your prayers and strength every day, and I hope that you can feel of mine. I love my Father, my Saviour, and all of you dearly. Keep your heads up unless you're bowing them in prayer!

DEMASIADO AMOR,

Elder McDonald

My First District!

The Zone

MATANDO CON ELDER WINWARD

BUEEEEEEN DÍA. This week it LITERALLY was so hot. I forgot a little bit during the winter how incredibly and abusively hot it gets here. These last three days were like a guitar solo from the devil himself. I don't know where that came from - maybe because they're playing AC/DC in the cyber cafe I'm in.

Elder Winward is getting his brand new shoes broken in here in Ferrari. We have been walking well around here. It's so fun to be able to show all of the wonders of Argentine hoods to some one so unfamiliar with the culture. Haha he was just as thrilled as I was about the quantity of dogs in the streets, I think. Hearing him talk about it was weird, since seeing dogs every where is some thing so normal at this point. What is going to happen to me when I come back? I've grown to love all of my canine friends so much here. 

This week we saw lots of great miracles - no surprise when you get an extra faith boost from a brand new missionary. There are so many wonderful people to share the Gospel with! We have got some really big things happening in the mission and some really big goals! This week we talked to sooooo many people in the streets. I'm grateful that the Lord has blessed me with such a love for getting to know people because there are lots of people to get to know, and there are especailly many people that the Lord is preparing the receive His Gospel. And in a few weeks we're going to be able to see a real great way that all of the world can start bringing more joy to each other. The Church has a new Christmas campaign that is going to start the 25 of November and I'm so excited for every one to see it. There is so much good work to be done with it, especially these days when more and more people talk about how dark the world is. There's light to be brung! 

Time is short as always but I love always being able to hear about the joyful things happening in the family. It makes me excited to get started every week looking for families who can have the same blessing I've received. There's nothing more important than this! I'm happy every week doing this and I get happier as the days go by. Elder Winward and I are going to bring light every day to Ferrari! Bring light every day to your neighbourhood too! I hope all is well up north. I love you all.

Elder McDonald

QUE. SORPRESA.

BUEN DÍA. Bueno. This week was filled with many things. I'm not going to beat around the bush. Story!

So, you all remember how last week I found out my new companion was Elder Santillan from Salta. Well, that's how it was on Sunday, and Monday, and Tuesday morning before transfers. Every one who was supposed to leave left for the offices, and I stayed in the chapel with the missionaries who weren't leaving their areas. I was just sitting and waiting for Elder Santillan to show up, eating cookies. And then I get a call from the Zone Leaders. They ask me if my companion is Elder Santillan. I say that it is. They say, "Well, they messed up. You're training. We called a remis (kind of like a taxi here) to come pick you up and you have to come to the offices now. I didn't even have my suit on! Just normal white shirt and tie and my dirty walk-all-day shoes. So the remis comes, I have to go to Ramos Mejia alone (I got lost a few times trying to direct the driver, I'll be honest), and wait for the new missionaries to come in. So I arrive to the offices in my normal missionary clothes and go sit down with the other missionaries who are training (all in suits) and just wait with my head spinning. We have a couple of meetings to prepare us to train new missionaries, the new missionaries come in, and I get Elder Winward, from Mapleton, Utah! Woo! I am surprised that my brain didn't erupt from my skull that day with every thing that happened with out warning. But there you have it! I'm training a new missionary, fresh from the jungles of the Provo MTC. It is a pretty exciting experience. Elder Winward's pretty great. He is way smarter than I am, so once he learns Spanish he is going to kill it over here. He does lots of computer stuff, which is way out of my jurisdiction, but we get along well and he is excited to get better at his Spanish every day. And he gets better every day! 

New missionaries have a lot of faith, and I am excited to see how the faith of Elder Winward helps us to bring this hopeful message to the people of Ferrari in greater ways! I am really excited for this transfer, and we've already seen miracles this week. We're going to see many miracles. I know prayer is powerful, and I know that if we trust in the Lord, and utilise that trust in our prayers, we'll see the results. I love good old Elder Winward already, and I'm excited and feel blessed to have been given the responsibility to help him become an incredible missionary of the Misión Buenos Aires Oeste. But I'm more excited to be able to watch as the Lord makes him an incredible servant, and as a part of the experience, makes me a more humble and prepared one as well. 

I love you all dearly and hope for joy this Halloween for all of you. This Halloween I'm dressing up as a missionary, I guess. 

AMOOOOR,

Elder McDonald

Photographic evidence of last week's duck eating adventure!

Jacob the Giant!

Baptism of Gonzalo! Woop!!!

My new pench mates! The one on the left is who I thought was going to be my comp, Elder Santillan, and the one on the right is my new comp, Elder Winward.

The puppy is from the people that live next door. It always finds a way to sneak in to the pench, so we took picures today when it happened again.

UN LATINO RECIBÍ

BUENAS. What's happening up north? Any thing exciting? Nice. Well, yesterday we got the calls about where every one would be going, and I'm staying in Ferrari! That's great news. This area is really great. I've enjoyed my time here a lot and there is still a lot of good work to be done here. Other news! My new companion's name is Elder Santillan! Elder Aparicio, the Colombian who lives with us knows him and told me he's from Salta, which is a northern province of Argentina. All I know about Salta is that they say words with two "r"s differently and they make really good empanadas. So I'm pretty excited from a culinary point of view. I am incredibly excited to be able to work with a native Spanish speaker again. It's been ages! To be honest, from a preaching the Gospel standpoint, it helps a lot, and makes teaching and understanding much more exciting.Plus I get to learn more about Argentine culture! Especially the differences between the North and the big city! Man, I'm just excited. Life is real good, right? This is a grand opportunity, eh?

This week was good. We ate a surprising amount of milanesa, which makes a week good pretty automatically. Mom, I hope you've found a good recipe and are practicing for a year from now. ;)

This morning I read a scripture in Moroni 6:9 that I really liked. And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.

The applications to missionary work are obvious, but it also made me think about our daily lives here on earth. Hard days always will come, but it's important always to remember that these hard days are meant to come, and that we're here on this earth to perform a labour. And we have to perform that labour with diligence. I thought we could apply it to any sort of responsibilty we are given, spiritual or temporal. Even though things are hard, people are imperfect and situations are imperfect, we have to work hard and diligently to do what we've been called to do, or complete with the responsibilty we have. It's exciting to know that if we do what we're doing well, there will always be a reward! Especailly when the reward is one promised by he Lord. Working hard is hard, and I'm always working on bieng better at it. But it pays off! 

I love you alllllllll and fell your prayers daily. I have to go but I'm grateful for every day and I'm grateful for my family! BE HAPPY.

AMOR DE ELDER MCDONALD.

Morning Futbol!

COMÍ UN PATO

¿COMO ANDAN? I hope all is well up north! Sounds like things are getting pretty heated given the closeness of a certain event in November. About presidents. This week was great down in Arge! Things are always happening here in Ferrari. This last Friday, I laughed a lot. Here's why:

Some time during the beginning of this week, Elder Salmon and I got to know a member of the church who isn't actively attending, and who is also completely crazy. But crazy in a really wonderful way where she's always laughing and talking which makes us laugh and just feel really good. Any ways, we were chatting in her front yard, which happens to be full of chickens and ducks. I commented on the amount of ducks she had, and half-jokingly asked if she eats them. She surprised us with a big old yes, and then surprised us more with the best offer I've received here. She said, "Yeah! I break their necks, and then a take all the feathers off, and then I cook them! You want me to cook you two some for lunch one day?" We obviously obliged, and listened with glee as she described the process of killing and preparing her ducks to be eaten. So we set up our lunch date, and to be honest, I kind of thought that she wasn't atually going to make us duck, given the fact that she is actually one hundred percent crazy. But sure enough, we arrived Friday to a big plate of roast duck and even a bowl of its innards cooked in vinagre. That may have been the greatest lunch I have ever had here. Not for the food as much as for the ambiance. She just killed us with her little comments and jokes. And to be honest, the duck was impressively delicious. Tip for those who want to eat it in the future: Ducks have really thick skin, so I would recommend not only removing the feathers but also removing the skin after cooking. Elder McDonald's food tip of the week!

Other than that, we had a pretty tranquilo week. Our friend Hector is doing really well, even though he couldn't come to church this week because for some reason Mother's Day in Argentina is in October. He always asks us great questions about what he's learning, and really has a desire to grwo closer to the Lord. He has trouble recognising his answers from the Spirit, and I don't think he's the only one. The Spirit speaks to all of us differently, given that we are all different! It's important that we work hard to understand how we can best recognise the Spirit in our lives - that's some thing that I'm working hard on too. But we have countless promises from the Lord that His Spirit is there to help us if we're looking. I love His name: the Comforter. He comforts those who have received Him, especially when no one else is around to do so. How can we keep the Spirit in our lives and keep his comfort? Read 1 Nepi 1:12 and 2 Nephi 32: 8 and 9. Through regular scripture reading and prayer, the Spirit is promised us. Look for It, and when received, don't forget the answer! I love you allllllllll and am so happy to hear that my family well. I'm so happy here. Argentina is beautiful, and those who live here are even more so. Be happy!

Becitos,

Elder McDonald

¿UN AÑOOOOO?

HELLO ALL. Weird news: this last Friday marked a year since I left the comfort of a California home and headed off on this beautiful adventure. That's pretty weird, right? I feel pretty weird, but I also feel really excited that I still have an entire year to work as hard as I can to share this wondrous message.  A year isn't very long, but there's a lot that can be done in a year. 

I hope every one knows that over this past year, I've felt the power of many prayers and much faith. I'm not going to say I don't feel like I've changed and become better, because I have. If nothing else, I can say with a surety that I know that my Redeemer lives, even Jesus Christ. He has not left me comfortless for one step I've taken in this country. And I can testify that He never will. He, along with our loving Father in Heaven, is always always ALWAYS there to lift us and show us the importance of finding joy in all things. But whether or not we feel the love of our Saviour and His help in our lives is our choice. If we aren't looking for it or keeping our selves open to it, we aren't going to feel it. That's just how it is. The Lord will never force us to believe in Him, for that is the adversary's way. He wants us to believe, and to follow and to love Him with all of our hearts (That is His greatest desire for us!), but only we can do that. No one else can do it for us. So when every thing bad happens in our lives, instead of letting your self wonder why God lets these things happen, wonder what you're doing to allow the Lord to pull you out of the hole you've fallen in to. 

I don't have a lot of time suddenly! But I have loved nothing more than being here in Argentina for nearly a year, growing, learning more about the wonderful people here, and sharing the message that I came here to share! This, what I share, is the Restored Gospel of Christ. Christ's Gospel is every one's necessity, no matter the culture or situation. 

I can't write about how much I love all of my family and all who have supported me 'round here. I feel a lot of love though! You'll just have to trust me on that.

Les amo a todos,

Elder McDonald

 We live in an apartment with out a back yard, so I had to improvise with the shirt burning... I just burned a piece. (For those who don't know: burning a shirt is the traditional way to mark the halfway point of a two year mission.)

Una foto Argentina. That's a big ol' milanesa sandwich with lots of mayonesa and chimi churri right there in my hands. 

PALABRAS DE AMOR; PALABRAS DEL SEÑOR

HELLO ALL OF MY FRIENDS. How is all? Man, what a week! More specifically, what a weekend! This weekend we got to watch our beloved Prophet. Apostles and Church leaders help us grow closer to the Saviour Jesus Christ through their inspired words of love. I adored what we heard this last weekend, and feel blessed to know that we have Christ's living Church on the earth today.

I'll be honest, as a missionary, it was hard for me to not enjoy Elder Oaks' talk above the rest. I completely forgot to bring my notes so as to expand further on his inspired words, but I hope all wrote down his 7 things that we can do to better participate in this most important work of sharing Christ's Gospel. I loved the power of his talk and the clarity with which he spoke. It was very easy to see that the focus on Saturday was very much pushed towards missionary work - the MTC choir even sang! There's a reason that it was such a prominent message this weekend, and we all should ponder why and what we can do to follow the Apostolic invitations we received. I loved Elder Oaks': Every member was invited to pray always for opportunities to share the Gospel, and Elder Anderson beforehand promised us that if we do so, the opportunities will come! All should remember that these are invitations from the Lord, and these are promises from the Lord given through his mouthpieces here on earth. I loved one of Elder Oaks' points about never judging who is ready to hear Christ's restored Gospel and who isn't. We never never never know, and our responsibility is to invite! If we invite faithfully and diligently, then we will know we are successful, no matter how many times rejected. How I loved those word!

Second, I really enjoyed President Nelson's talk on joy. It was visible and tangible the joy that he felt sharing his inspired words as well. His scriptural basis is one of my favourite scriptures. "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy." I testify of those words. I know with out any doubt that our Father in Heaven created us that we might be happy here and in the world to come. We can have joy here! The way has been placed before us, and the Way is Christ. Jesus Christ is joy, and I know that to be true as President Nelson clearly knew it. Seek for more joy every day. Share the Gospel in some way! That brings joy! Serve your fellow man in some way! That brings joy! And all of that makes us love our Father in Heaven even more, and feel more of His love. That brings joy! I love you all dearly, and all of you bring me joy and peace. 

Mil abrazos,

Elder McDonald

Una Semana de Limpieza

HOLA A TODOS. ¿Cómo andan? I hope every one had a wonderful week! The weather here continues to be completely bipolar. This week had beautiful days, kind of hot days, and really cold days. Fun right?

So, for over half of this week we had to work for like three hours a day to get our old pench clean and ready to be given back to the owner. So that was a fun experience filled with many cleaning supplies and whistling on my part. Elder Salmon told me after wards that he was glad we had the experience because it helped him realise that he enjoys teaching people much more than cleaning.. I was in agreement, but it was good to practice my mopping skills. 

Today we did a zone activity and tried having the Olympic games. It went really well unil the kick ball got kicked over the fence twice. After that we decided to just give up and played fútbol the rest of the time. Classic Argentine Plan "B" that always makes every one happy. Luckily, we now live across the street from the church, so every other day we've been playing football as our morning exercises, which is helping my legs/tree trunks be less clumsy. Elder Salmon has played his whole life, so he gives me a run for my money. 

Things are going really well over here in Ferrari! Life is great, isn't it? There are a lot of happy people here, and I love being in areas like this because these people have very little materially, yet such big hearts and such great joy and faith. Isn't it great to meet more people? I'm grateful for the people here and the love I feel from them, and I'm grateful to have had a family with a big heart and who has given me the things that I need. This week we've been focusing a lot on touching on the family better when we share our message or speak to people, because family has a very universal importance. I feel like I've talked a lot about family over the weeks, but it's difficult to stress enough the joy that comes from having a family built upon the rock that is Christ. Work hard to keep building, because if we build upon Christ's foundation, no wind or rain can destroy our work. 

Is every one riciculously excited for General Conference this weekend? I cannot contain my excitement, or how weirded out that I am because when we have conference I'll also have nearly a year down here in the South. But nothing makes me more excited than being able to sit down and listen to our living Prophet and Apostles speak with divine inspiration to the world. I'll leave all wit the same invitation President Robertson gave us: Go in to Conference with personal questions! We have been promised many times that as we listen to those inspired messages, our doubts and questions will be answered if we're willing to do what's necessary to receive the asnwers. Maybe your question won't be directly touched upon, but the Spirit will be there to touch all of us if we accept It. All are invited to watch the leaders of Christ's church speak, and I hope all have an opportunity to be touched by what is to be said.

How I love this special people and their hearts of gold. How I love my family, and all of you. 

¡Que tengan una semana bárbara!

Elder McDonald

Zone activity... with just us four because we had to leave early. Haha.

Alfajores.. muy ricos.

The complex! People here love using tarps! Haha, not many people have back yards here, so to make their huge front yards more private they like putting up tarps. It makes contacting houses even more difficult, not being able to see if any one came out or not. Hahaha.

My pench mates!

The baptism!

No Hay Ferraris En Ferrari...

¡BUUEEEEENNN DÍA! How is every one? Well? Fall is rolling in, huh? The weather here is literally ridiculous. This weekend was a blazer until Sunday rolled around and then it got cold again! It blows my mind how indecisive it is. But I arrived in Ferrari, and we had a pretty crazy week. 

My new companion is Elder Salmon, from.... ALABAMA! WOO. Exciting news. Sadly, he's lost much of his accent, but he's still got a good spirit of the good ol' South. He's got a big ol' family of ten as well! I'm excited to keep getting to know him and kill it in Ferrari together. Plus he's played futbol all his life, so I'm ready to get good! Probably not though. Ha.

So, when I arrived, I was informed that we would be moving in two days, which was exciting, seeing as the old pench was pretty awful. Now we live in a giant apartment complex. It makes me feel nice and Yankee living on the third floor and climbing the stairs every day. It's a nice pench, and once the other Elders here from an other area find their own, it wil be nice and spacious. So this week was pretty insane and hectic with all of the moving and organising and every thing that happened. We got to finish it with a baptism though, of a woman named Betty. It was a nice end to a crazy week. This area makes me really excited. There is so much potential and there are so many people to talk to and help here! It is very similar to Villa Posse, just huge. And I already love it and am excited to work with the members here and apply all of the things I've learned up to this point so Elder Salmon and I can destroy Ferrari and bring these wonderful news to all that we can. 

Honestly, so many things happened this week that it makes my brain spin trying to think of what to share with you all, but know that I'm happy and incredibly excited to work as hard as I can here. I am so grateful for all of the examples of hard work and perseverance that I've been given in my life, and every day I learn more and grow. That's why we're here! To learn more and to grow, so that in the end we can be prepared to meet our Father in Heaven and receive the inheritance He has prepared for us. Pray every day for opportunities to serve! Pray every day to find some one who needs your help, because there is always some one who needs it. I think the whole world right know is "passing through a difficult moment" as they say here, and I know that the whole world needs more love, and needs more charity, which is the pure love of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Strive to help some one every day, whether it be a quick kind word, or finding refugees that I'm sure are still arriving and in need of love and help. Even if every one says they don't want your help, it will always feel good to offer it! 

I loooove my family and I love all of you dearly. I love these wonderful people dearly here in Argentina and have family here too. 

Que Dios Les Bendiga,

Elder McDonald

ME VOYYYYY

BUENAS. What a week filled with miracles and exciting news! So, yesterday we got the calls, and I'm leaving Libertad! I wasn't too surprised, to be frank. But I'm going to an area called Ferrari! And what's more, it's right next to my first area, Villa Posse. Iwas literally so excited when I found out I was going to Ferrari. That zone is great, and Villa Posse right next door has many wonderful memories. Plus it has a sweet name. 

So, this Saturday, Elder McCollum and I went by a young man named Carlos we had met a few days before, and after searching a few minutes for the keys to his house, he let us right in. As we got to know him, we found out he has family and friends who are members of the Church, and had learned a bit about the Church. He goes to an Evangelical church and has kept strong in his faith in Christ through many difficulties in his family. As we spoke and as he told us about him self and his expereinces, it was clear that the Lord had been preparing him to receive the Gospel. And as we taught the message of the Restoration of Christ's Gospel to him, he sat and listened intently with his cute little baby in his lap. After explaining the Book of Mormon and the promise it contains so that we can know it's true, we asked him what it would mean for him if the Spirit tells him the Book of Mormon is true, and he said, "Well, I guess it would mean I'd have to change it up a bit!" He accepted the invitation to read and pray, and upon knowing it is true, told us he would of course be baptised by some one holding the Priesthood. 

Meeting Carlos was a beautiful lesson that the Lord is truly preparing the hearts of many of his children to receive the fulness of Christ's Gospel. I know that that's true, and I've seen it happen over and over again here and back home in the USA. I felt like I should mention that story to all and invite all to remember that the Lord loves all of His children dearly, and is preparing many of them to find joy in the Gospel. Keep that in mind always, and never stop looking. And never tell your self that some one you know would never accept to hear these good news - you never know who is prepared! Keep praying and keep looking for those that need your faith and the Lord's help through you! 

I love you all muuuuuchhooooo and am excited to let every one know how things go over in Ferrari! Be happy and choose the right!

Um abrazao,

Elder McDonald