¿TODO BIEN?

¡BUEEEENNN DIA A TODOS! How is every one? This week was pretty crazy, but still real great. Our friend Fabiola who was going to be baptised this last Saturday made a very surprising move to another area in order to be able to pursue a more secure way to return to Peru. So that was a surprise! But, we know that her desires were real and that the Lord never forgets His children, so I'm sure that she will be guided to the right path soon so as to be able to enter the gates of the Gospel of Christ. He knows and loves all his children!

This Friday, I got to cross "learn how to make empanadas" off my bucket list, which was relieving. And quite exciting. Turns out they're super easy to make! And turns out they're still incredibly delicious. I took plenty of pictures to guide all of you through the experience, so I hope you all enjoy them. Next on the list: Learn how to successfully cut a chicken correctly and make the batter in order to create a wondrous milanesa. Stay tuned!

I'll be competely honest: I'm having an intense bout of writer's block right now. I had some thing in my mind that I was going to say, but then it completely left me. This Sunday the Priesthood class was on refugees, and applying it to our selves even if there aren't any refugees from other countries coming in to our area (which there aren't in Argentina).It made me remember Elder Kearon's talk in general conference and the supreme importance of us comforting those that stand in need of comfort as Disciples of the Saviour. And I loved the application to daily life we came to in the class. The Lord has commanded us to succor those that need it, but He has also councelled us not to run faster than we are able. It may no be our responsibility to travel to war-torn countries and rescue refugees in crisis, but surely there are those right out side of our own house in crisis that need rescue. This morning I was reading the Book of Mormon in Mosiah, and came to the part where the people of Limhi were made to bear incredible burdens because of the Lamanites. It says this:

13 And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.

 14 And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.

Reading that made me think about how it's really during the most difficult times in our lives that we recognise and desire help from the Lord. Many times as human beings, we go through prosperous times and joy and peace, and we forget a little bit about Who gave us the prosperity. But as things begin heading downhill, and we are put under the bondage of sin, or depression, or sadness in general, we begin to recognise that with out our Father's blessings, there is no joy. And with out our Father by our side, true prosperity is difficult. There are so many people passing through moments of humility now, whether they be refugees escaping physical or spiritual wars. And we, as Disciples of Christ, have such an incredible opportunity to show our brothers and sisters that it is through humbling our selves to the Lord that we receive the things that we truly need. The difficult times are necessary, and with the help of a friend, a difficult time can quickly turn in to an increased love and appreciation for the love and Atonement of our Saviour Jesus Christ. May we all have the desires to follow the councel of King Benjamin and be willing to cry with those who cry and comfort those who stand in need of comfort, owever grave the situation may be.

I LOVE BEING HERE IN ARGENTINA, I LOVE THE FAMILIES HERE, I LOVE MY FAMILY THERE, AND I LOVE THIS WORK. I love my Jesus and His work and example. I hope all are well, happy and drinking high quality mate.

ABRAZOS,
Elder McDonald

Geronimo and his family

Geronimo

Geronimo's Baptism

Baptism

Making Empanadas

Meat

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

EAT!