MINI-MISIONERO Y SOMOS TRES DE VUELTA

HEYA! ¿Cómo están todos? Well, another week has passed! Crazy, right? Well, we had a fun surprise this Thursday when we got a mini-missionary. His name's Sebastian and he's a monster already. He's gonna be a great missionary - lots of passion for sharing the Gospel. He's eighteen, still finishing school, so he's going to put his papers in once he finishes. Caaaapo. We talked to like a bajillion people this week, and it felt so good. Talking to people is the beeeeest.

This week we found a great guy named Claver (Never have I heard that name, here or up north) who came to church with us this Sunday. Luckily it was fast and testimony meeting, and he said he loved it. He said he enjoyed how every one in the congregation got to participate, but what made me the most happy was how many people talked to him after the meeting and made him feel welcome. That's always such a score for me! I love it when people are nice to new people, wherever it may be! Being new is probably the most uncomfortable social thing ever, so when people are nice to you and laugh with you it's a life changer. THAT, I testify, THAT is half the reason people want to return to church the following week. Because they felt at home and comfortable. Yes, the Spirit is there, and they feel it and can often recognise that good feeling. But that good feeling often takes a big back seat if you go to church not knowing any one except for the weird kids who always wear white shirts and ties and no one talks to you. 

BE NICE AND LOVE EVERY ONE. The best way to feel loved is to love other people. Whoa. If we feel like no one loves us, but then we show some one who needs it some love, they'll love us and then we won't need it any more either. It's kind of like physics with the equal and opposite force, right? Haha, maybe not. I dropped physics, so no one can blame me for that if it didn't make sense. Any ways, I love all of you sooo much and I haven't met any one here that I don't love yet, so I'm feeling really good. Let us all follow our Saviour's grand loving example this week by showing our love to every one we can. We'll get love back - I promise.

DALE AMOR,

Élder McDonald

 

 

Sebastian!

 

 

 

FRIO.. Y CALOR DE VUELTA

BUEN DÍA! Hey, so I'm really sorry but some times the time escapes me and it means I don't get to send a really big email. But know that this week was really great!

Big news that doesn't really mean any thing for those that aren't missionaries! The entire missionary schedule changed! Mostly every one is excited because we now have two an a half extra hours of P-Day. If that's not good news I don't know what is. 

Elder Gygi and I are still getting lost a lot, but it's exciting! It gives us more opportunities to speak to every one and share with every one, since we have to ask for directions so much. This area is huge, but it has some great people. We're just meeting and meeting and meeting more people, because we don't know any one. It's awesome, because I really like meeting people! 

This week we met some really great people, but what really stood out to me is how many examples of people utilising their agency that I saw. I felt impressed to talk to multiple people this week, and as I met them, I understood why. They were all looking for just more! All of them were in some sort of situation where a need of spiritual alimentation (is that a word? Or is that Spanglish?) was necessary. But I then got to see them use their agency and choose to reject inspired invitations from my companion and I. Man, it's so sad! I wasn't mad, or annoyed. It's just sad. How does our Father in Heaven feel about us when we know we have to do some thing, or we know some thing is right, and we don't do it! I know He feels that sadness. And I know it's so much greater, because His love is perfect. But our Father in His perfection has also given us a perfect Plan where we can come back from that bad choice and make a right one later that will erase all of those bad ones. Repentance is so very possible, and the Lord's mercy is extended to all. Even though agency can make us sad, it is such a blessing when we think about all of the joy that comes from choosing the right and repenting. 

I love you all quite a lot, and I love every one here in Argentina quite a lot. 

¡Cuidense!

Elder McDonald

Investigators and Friends!

Lots of delicious empanadas!

Shaking Hands with Elder Stevenson!

QUE SEMANA MAS LOCA

BUENAS TARDES. Wow. what a week. This week has been intense. A lot fo stuff happened. First of all, I came to my area, was with two other missionaries for like two days, and then Elder Barrowes got flashed out and left Elder Gygi and I alone in the strange land of Paso del Rey. We're so lost. But it's always fun to do this. Paso's great.

I know there are a lot of people waiting for the Gospel here. I love the story of Peter and Cornelius in the book of Acts, chapter ten. To put things in to context, Elder Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared this story with us this morning when we had a special meeting with him. Which was incredible. But more on that later. Any ways, there's a man named Cornelius who received a sign that he needed to talk to Peter, and Peter also received a sign that he needed to preach the Gospel to Cornelius and his family. There are lots of people that we know that are being prepared, like Cornelius, to hear the Gospel from one who has the authority to preach it. And we have a great responsibility to be ready and willing to listen and follow the Spirit's promptings so that we can respond to the Lord's call and to the needs of our Cornelius. The Lord is preparing people now, for us specifically, but if we're not worthy and ready to answer His call, it makes it much more difficult for the truth to arrive. Can you imagine Peter neglecting to visit Cornelius because he thought he was too busy with his Apostolic duties? Let us find our Corneliuses?

Bueno, so Elder Stevenson had a special leadership meeting for the missions of Buenos Aires, and I got to go this morning. We had to wake up sooo early, but it was worth it afùl. What an incredible experience it was an always is to be able to listen and learn from an Apostle and Prophet of the Lord. Many things touched me, but what most called my attencion was the emphasis Elder Stevenson put on inviting and promising blessings, then testifying that what you teach is the truth. He told us we have the authority and the blessing to be able to promise other people blessings if they keep the commandments we teach them. And the blessings are great for obedience! I know that the choice to follow the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important choice. I know that the Church that I represent is Christ's, and I absolutely know that any one and every one who wishes to know for them selves can. God giveth liberally to those who ask, as James tells us, and I promise that any one who asks our Heavenly Father for answers will receive them. This Gospel blesses every aspect of our lives, and I know that making the choice to follow the Saviour is choosing blessings. Family relationships will be more fulfilling, and we'll feel better in every aspect. 

I know that the man that spoke with us this morning is called of God to be an Apostle of Christ's church. I know we are guided today by Apostles and by a living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, just as the Church was guided primitively in Christ's day. Christ lives, and so does His church, restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. It will bless all who take part, as it has blessed me. I looooooooooooove all of you and all of my family and am so content. Have a happy week.

Besos,

Elder McDonald

 

To go to the conference this morning, we went to a pench in Moreno that has roof top access and decided to take a few pictures together. Haha thought you'd like some of them.

 

 

Elders from El Salvador, Argentina, Brasil and Urugay.

 

 

 

 

 

SALGO POR FIN DE MERLO

HOOOLA BUEN DÍA.

Well, my time once again escaped me. But to keep things short, I'm leaving Ferrari. I've been here for a while, so I assumed it would be that way. I'm going to an area called Paso del Rey! Which is in the zone of Moreno. Which means I might actually, for the first time in my whole mission, be leaving the city of Merlo. We'll see though. I have loved my time in Ferrari so much. This ward is a monster, and I have met so many great people here, and had the pleasure of seeing Christ's restored Gospel change some great friends. I already have to go but I'm excited to let you all know what happens and I love every one of you and I love Argentina! 

Abrazos!

Elder McDonald

My sweeeet Boca track suit and polo shirrrrttt. 

My Boca calendar. Una Pasiòn.

We went to campo. 

Familia Villalba

Bueno, no tan caloroso

BUENAS TARDES. ¿Cómo anda la gente? Things are going really well! This week didn't have me crawling on my knees begging for a house with air conditioning, which is an automatic plus. We had some nice chilly wind during the last few nights. Oh, South America.

Things here are going really well! This week is the last week of the transfer, which means that next week I'll probably have news about some thing new! Let's be honest, I've already been here for like four months, so chances are I'm out. I wonder if I'll finally leave Merlo... Hm. 

This week we finally got to teach a family we met a few weeks ago. She's a single mom named Cecilia and has three kids. The oldest is twelve, and he's really smart. His name is Facundo. The second is eight, and he listened to us the whole time standing up on top of his bunk bed. His name is Estefano. The youngest is like a year an a half old, and my horrible weakness of never remembering names made me forget hers. It's hard to give her a personality, being but a babe. But I'm sure she's nice. Cecilia works for a member of the Church who sent us to her house, and she's been really receptive. I'm excited to see their progression. The Lord never stops blessing us if we do what's right! To be honest, he never stops blessing us, period. Us being here and alive is a huge blessing. But what's cool is that if we keep his commandments, He blesses us with more wonderful stuff than what we already have from Him. And He'll keep doing it if we keep doing it, until we arrive at the point where He receives us in to His glory. And that's the biggest blessing our Father can give us - all that He hath! 

I have zero time but I love all of you incredibly much and hope every one can always keep a fire of obedience strong in their hearts. It's worth it.

ABRAZOS Y BESITOS,

Elder McDonald

ADELANTE CON 2017

BUEN DÍA A TODOS. I hope every one had a wonderful new year's celebration. I celebrated the new year with a lot of sun rays beating upon me, which was nice. It kept my heart and the rest of my body nice and warm. 

It was incredibly hot last week. To be honest there were moments where I wasn't quite able to believe that it was so incredibly hot out side. But it was. And it will continue to be so. But more heat means more people out side to talk to! There are always good things to find. 

This week was good, like every week! I don't have any grand stories to tell, but on Sunday we were all blessed to be able to see Diego receive the Aaronic Priesthood. He is super excited and was incredibly excited to be able to take on the new responsibilities that come as a Priesthood holder. Analia, his mom, was equally excited, and I know that the family will be blessed incredibly having a Priesthood holder in the household. I know that I have been blessed always by having a faithful father who has been able to bless us with his hard work ad love. And who has blessed us in times of need and illness. And I'm grateful for a mother who has helped my dad magnify his Priesthood. We live in grand times! The Lord has blessed His children with His Priesthood to guide us and care for us, and all who are worthy and willing can be a blessing to their families as they exercise this great authority the Lord trusts us with. And what a blessing we have to be guided by a prophet, seer and revelator, Thomas S. Monson, who holds all the keys to the Priesthood available to man. How we have been blessed by his counsel, and how we will continue to be blessed as we heed his words. The Lord guides His Church today through a prophet, and our Prophet will never guide us down the wrong path, for it is the Lord Jesus Christ who guides us through him. 

The Lord has so much trust in us! It's a responsibility, but one that is joyful and one that excites me every time I leave my house to serve in my blessed calling as one of His representatives. I love my Saviour, and know He lives. Look to Him all year in 2017, and all year we will have great joy.

I LOVE ALL OF YOU.

Elder McDonald

Really incredibly good meat sandwich with empanadas. 

The streets of Buenos Aires.

Weird bug we found in the bathroom.

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!