Drew mail 8-26-19: "Miniature Milagros are still Milagros"

Hola de Uruguay! How are you all doing? I hope you are doing well and that you can feel of my love and gratitude for each of you! I can´t believe I am finally in Uruguay! Its such a beautiful country and I love it so much already! My first area where I am serving is called Cerro and is outside of the city and there's not really another way to describe it than to say ¨campo¨ (field). I love the people here so much and I know that this is exactly the place I need to be right now.  So I wanted to share some of the great blessings I have seen already in my time here.

First of all, traveling to Uruguay was a miracle (milagro) in and of itself. We had three separate flights and about 22 hours of travel time.  Our first was to go to Georgia where we would catch our international connection.  We only had one hour in-between flights so we needed our plane to be on time. The first thing was that our plane was delayed in leaving which made our group of missionaries nervous as to if we could catch the connection. But soon we left and were underway. As we were getting close to Georgia our pilot came on the speaker and said that due to bad weather we would be circling until we had permission to land.  Now at first I was not happy with this.  I was really nervous because I wanted to catch the flight to Uruguay, but I decided to say a prayer and stop worrying. It turns out that the pilot coming on the intercom was a blessing! The woman who was sitting next to me had put in head phones at the beginning of the flight and didn't speak to me, but I had prayed that if Heavenly Father would make a way I would open my mouth and speak to her. Of course, prayers are answered! So when the pilot came online this woman took out her headphones and I actually was able to talk with her for a moment. Soon enough we were able to land and as we were leaving the plane I offered this woman a Book of Mormon.  She politely declined, but I felt good knowing I had done everything I could.  More, I had hope because we still had time to catch our next flight. As we looked at the directory we realized however that our gate was at the farthest end of the airport and we would have to take the subway train to get there.  So we started to jog towards the train and just as we got to it the doors opened and we got on. MILAGROS! So we were able to make it to our plane and safely arrive in Uruguay on time.

Often times miracles are not great or overwhelming things, but come in small simple ways.  I have seen so many and I wish I could tell each one to you, but that would take too much time.  I have seen miracles in who was assigned as my trainer.  His name is Elder Letelier and he is from Chile, so yes he speaks only Spanish.  He has been such a wonderful example to me already of hard work and faith, and I know he is exactly who I need to be with right now. Further, I have come to know that Cerro is exactly where I need to be to start my mission.  It is remarkable to me that as we go out ¨contacting¨ or simply clapping at people's homes, hoping they will open to talk with us, I have prayed ¨Where do we need to go¨and have truly felt a pull to take a certain direction to a certain home.  Sometimes people answer, sometimes they don´t, but I know that there is a reason for us to go to that place.  

One last specific miracle I want to mention has to do with oranges.  On Saturday night I really started to want some oranges, but we didn't have any in our home, so I decided to just not think about it.  On Sunday I still wanted oranges, and after church we went contacting.  We felt impressed to go to a certain home and out in the yard was a man who was gardening.  As we talked with him for a moment, he welcomed us into his yard and gave us.... ORANGES! I know its kind of a silly story and something not really important, but this showed to me that Heavenly Father knows our desires and will take care of us in everything we need.  I didn't need oranges. I would have been just fine without them, but I believe Heavenly Father wanted to show me that he knows me and that He is there for me.  To me, this was a miracle. 

Yo sé que todos ustedes pueden ver milagros en vuestras vidas. Sé que fe, obediencia, y acción trae milagros.  Dios les ama mucho, y él quiere bendicir todas personas que venir a él.  Yo prometo que ustedes pueden recibir más luz en sus vidas mediante el evangelio de Jesucristo. Yo oro por todos ustedes cada día y les amo. Vamo arriba! 

(I know that all of you can see miracles in your lives.  I know that faith, obedience, and action bring miracles.  God loves you so much and He wants to bless all people that come unto Him.  I promise that you can receive more light in your life through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I pray for you all each day and love you!  Keep moving forward!)

--

-Elder McDonald

Drew mail 8-18-2019: "The Hand of God"

 This week has been a good one! I hope you are all doing well and know that I love you so much! Today has been pretty crazy as it is my last "P-day" (preparation day) in the MTC, but I wanted to write about how much I have learned this week. Our district decided that this week we would work on the attribute of hope and working on seeing the hand of God in our lives.

This has been a really cool experience and I’ve seen lots of blessings from it. So one specific experience was with Elizabeth, our last TRC amiga. We were going to teach her on Tuesday, and we were super excited because we were going to invite her to be baptized, but then it turned out that we taught a different person instead. After the lesson we were leaving and walking down the hallway and we ran into Elizabeth! We talked with her for a minute and found out she was super nervous about an English test she was going to have later that day. As we were talking I had the thought, we need to pray with her. So I asked if we could and she was so happy and said yes! It was just super amazing to be able to see Heavenly Father direct us so that we could run into her and then pray with her. I know the hand of God is real.

It isn’t always something big like that however, but it can be seen everyday. The hand of God is shown when someone says a kind word, or smiles at you, or whenever anything good happens. I have found this week that when we pray for hope and try to see the hand of God it’ll happen! I promise. Try it and you can see for yourself. You all are amazing! Keep trying your best and I know Jesus Christ will make up the difference. I love you all!

Elder McDonald

Drew mail 8-11-2019: "Heavenly Father makes a way."

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well, and know that I love you, and Heavenly Father loves you so much! I wanted to share a few thoughts and experiences I’ve had throughout this week about how I’ve seen that Heavenly Father makes a way for us to do all he asks us to.

So on Sunday my district decided that we would do an “English fast” and only speak Spanish from Sunday night to Monday night. At first I felt nervous and wondered if I would be able to actually do such a demanding thing, but then I decided to just do my very best and rely on the help of my Savior. As I went throughout the next 24 hours, I found that I was able to speak much more than I thought I could! I found excitement and desire to speak in Spanish and I know that these blessings were from Heavenly Father. Now, of course I said a few things in English, there’s no way that I can be perfect, but I know that I worked as hard as I could and received great help and happiness because of these efforts. I think that it is really important for us to just give our all, don’t beat ourselves up when we aren’t perfect, and keep trying. I know that when we do this Heavenly Father will magnify our efforts and help us to do more than we believed we could.

I’ve been really focusing on specific goals this week, and I’ve found that this has really helped me see that when we give our all to improve, Heavenly Father will give us opportunities to learn and grow, and then recognize his help. In personal study I read the talk by President Nelson called “Drawing the power of Jesus Christ into our lives”, and I think that a quote he said really establishes what I’m talking about. He said, “When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you ever have done before, then His power will flow into you.” I know each one of you can know and see this for yourselves.

So one more experience where I saw that Heavenly Father makes a way for us to help others was during one of our TRC lessons with Elizabeth. Elizabeth is simply amazing! She has so much desire to learn and develop her faith and has done all we’ve invited her to do.  During our first lesson we invited her to read the introduction of the Book of Mormon, and we were planning to go into our second lesson and talk more about the Book of Mormon, but right at the start we found out that her questions and what she was needing to hear were about the plan of salvation. So even though we had not prepared for that lesson, and we were a little unsure of ourselves, Elder Howe and I decided to just go forward and do our best talking about the plan of salvation.  We saw so many blessings and help in knowing what to say, and as we trusted in the direction of the Holy Ghost, a path was made clear one step at a time. At one point in the lesson, I had the thought to read Moses 1:39 with her and I know this was a prompting from the spirit. This experience was such a strong testimony to me that when we just give our all and try to be directed by the Holy Ghost, that direction will come.

Yo testifico que Dios tiene un plan por nosotros. Él puede guiarnos y enseñarnos para ayudar otras personas y cumplir su voluntad. El Espíritu Santo es real y podemos recibir paz, gozo, y conocimiento por medio de su influencia. Yo sé que Dios ama todos ustedes.

(I testify that God has a plan for us.  He can guide us and teach us so that we can help other people to fulfill his will.  The Holy Ghost is real and we can receive peace and joy and knowledge by way of his influence.  I know that God loves all of you.)

Quote of the week: “I’d ask them to do hard things because I loved them.”

Scripture of the week: D&C 122:7

Elder McDonald

Drew Mail 8-3-19 "God will guide our footsteps"

Hi everyone! This week has been another really a good one! I’ve learned lots and seen lots of blessings in my life each day. So to start out, during Sunday films we watched the talk “Christ: the light that shines indarkness” by sister Eubank.  I absolutely loved this talk, and if you haven’t heard it in a while go watch it! I know that as you do you will learn something that you need to hear. On Monday I was able to read the talk “Consider the blessings” by President Monson, and again this is one you should read. The thing I learned from this talk was that the Lord is in the small things and will bless and direct us as we look to him. We need to work to realize his hand in our lives, and I know that as we do, we will realize that he truthfully has a great role in our daily lives. 
One experience I had where I saw this was when Elder Howe and I were trying to prepare for a lesson with José.  We both were having different ideas and were trying to explain our viewpoints, but we were just getting frustrated. I realized what was happening and decided to say a quick prayer in my mind that I would understand his feelings and as soon as I did, my feelings changed and I saw him differently. We were able to put together a good lesson and feel united. 
During the Tuesday devotional sister Craig (General Young Women’s Presidency) explained further how the Lord directs us. She said “God can only guide your footsteps when you move your feet”.  Before our planning meeting could improve, I had to decide to pray and open my heart. I know it can be hard to move our feet at times, but I know God is there to direct us as we do.  
Something I’ve learned which has helped me learn to trust more in Heavenly Father is how I study. I absolutely love the time I have to study the scriptures, and I’ve found that when I am truly studying with a purpose it is so much better. I have learned to start with a prayer, read, ponder, and then pray again telling my Heavenly Father what I learned and asking any questions I have. Doing this has given more meaning to my study and has helped me see the hand of God more clearly throughout the day.

Alright, so the highlight of my week was when I was able to host the new missionaries arriving at the MTC on Wednesday. This was really such a neat experience and reinforced my testimony that God knows and loves each person individually. As I was able to help new missionaries receive their materials, drop off their suitcases in their residence, and get to their first class I felt so much happiness and peace.  Towards the end, it started to rain and even though it was cold and my clothes were damp I felt so warm and happy inside. I know that each of you can feel that too when you try to help others and take steps towards our Father in Heaven. So the last missionary I welcomed was really having a hard time leaving his family and was just struggling a lot with this change. I know that God had me help him specifically because I was able to help comfort and encourage him a little. I’m not saying this out of pride, but I’m trying to say that I know God puts specific people in specific places at specific times for a reason, and all we have to do is be ready and look for it. I know that everything happens for a reason. I know God loves each of you so much and has a plan for you.  Just keep doing your best and you’ll see growth and great blessings from Heavenly Father.

Quote of the week: “Don’t give up, keep moving forward, and know there is help ahead.”

Scripture of the week: James 1:5

Elder McDonald

#missionnotes Month #2 August 2019

#missionnotes month#2 -- Aug 2019

Drew Mail 7/27/2019 - "Even in hardship God is there."

Hello everyone! I’m so grateful to be able to write to you again and share some of the experiences I’ve had this week! So first of all, it is amazing to me how on Sunday there will be something that highlights the theme of the week, or a principle that I see continually throughout the week. I know each one of you can see this too as you pray and do your best to notice the little things that happen throughout your day. So on Sunday, we had ponder time, and during this time we get to go to a mural in one of the buildings and spend some time praying and studying it. This is really a neat experience and I love when we have time to do this. This week we were able to go and see a mural of Moses. In the mural he is standing on top of a craggy, dark, barren mountain that has lots of dead branches on it and seems like a desolate place. However, Moses is facing forward looking towards the bright sunset, and all above him are countless stars in the night sky. As I sat and pondered about the beauty of the painting, it came into my mind that we need to make sure we don’t get lost looking only at the weeds and barrenness of our current surroundings, but look up and forward and see the good and beauty that is all around us, because there is always good. As I went about my day on Sunday the hymn “How gentle Gods commands” came into my mind, and the line “come cast your burdens on the Lord” played over and over. I know that the Lord wants us to turn to him at all times, not only when we have difficulties, but I also know he is always there for us to strengthen and help us. I’ve seen that a lot this week as I’ve had lots of new challenges and tasks. 

So we finished the “basic core” pamphlet which has a few phrases and words which we’ve memorized, and on Monday we found out that we are now starting “intermediate core” which is literally a BOOK 😂. So I felt pretty overwhelmed when I realized how much I have to learn, but again I know Heavenly Father can and will help me as I do my best. 

Another challenge we had this week was our first TRC lesson, which is where we go and talk to a native speaker, some are members of the church, and some are not, and try to help them with their needs. So Elder Howe and I have been meeting with José Frías the past week and let me tell you it’s not been a cakewalk. The first time we met him, he was kind of reserved and he asked us right off the bat how he can know whether the thoughts and feelings he is having are from the Holy Ghost or himself. We were not ready for that, but we did our best and shared some scriptures with him, but it was pretty rough. The second visit went much better however, and I know that that’s another lesson we can learn: don’t give up when we have a difficult experience. Although I don’t understand everything he says, or can’t say everything I’m wanting to, I’m trying and I really believe that that is what is most important. We need to remember that God wants us to just do a little better each day than we did before.

Never give up, and keep looking to Jesus Christ when it seems like the way is dark or hard. 
Yo sé que Dios va a bendecirle por su fe y su esfuerzo. Yo sé que Dios lo ama.  (I know that God is going to bless you for your faith and your strength.  I know that God loves you. ) 

Elder McDonald

Drew Mail 7-20-19 (Pics)

Drew Mail 7-20-19 "The power of prayer is real people!"

One week down! I still can’t believe that! It has been such an amazing experience already, and I can’t wait to see how it gets better! Okay, so in my time here I have been amazed time and time again by the blessings the Lord has given to me. I have seen so many times that He will answer our prayers as we have faith in Him and then act. I want to share a few of the experiences I have had which have helped me gain this testimony. So first, during our Sunday devotional, the opening hymn we sang was “Sweet Hour of Prayer”. Now this was the first hymn I learned to play on the piano, and as we started to sing I was overwhelmed by feelings of love, and I felt that Heavenly Father had been hearing my prayers, He knew what I was experiencing, and wanted me to know that He loves and knows me. What a blessing this was, and it turns out that prayer has been a central part of my week! 

So the next thing I want to share is an activity we have done twice in our class. Our teacher has taken a “character” and we have had to get to know them and teach them a small lesson in Spanish. Now when I first found out we were doing this, I was really nervous. I practiced with Elder Howe, and quickly realized that it is really difficult to answer questions and speak entirely in Spanish. So before we went to meet with “Antonio,” who was really brother Dixon, I said a quick prayer, and just decided to do my best. It went really well actually, and I was able to ask questions to Antonio and get to know him, then testify towards the end! During the lesson I really felt a lot of love for Antonio, and I’m excited to feel that when I’m out in the field. So we did this activity a second time, this time with “Isaac” and again, I saw answers to prayer. As I just tried to focus on what his needs were and to see him as Heavenly Father did, words came into my mind that I should say. I am so grateful for these blessings which I have seen as I have put my faith in God, and prayed to Him. I have also been praying to see the blessings I have been given be fulfilled, and one being: when I was set apart as a missionary I was blessed to be anxiously engaged to study the Book of Mormon. I have had this desire to study it grow within me, and honestly there is no other word to describe this eagerness than an anxious engagement. Another answer to prayer has been my increased ability to learn. It is amazing to me the amount of phrases and words and scriptures we have had to memorize, and just as I have felt like I can’t do any more I have found help and ability beyond my own. The last answer to prayer I have had was really one which was incredible to me. About halfway through the day on Thursday, I noticed that the handkerchief my dad had given me, when I said goodbye to my family at the airport, was gone. I could not figure out where it was, and I didn’t have much time to look so throughout the rest of the day I just kept praying that I would find it. When we got back to our residency that night, I decided I’d better pray one more time. As soon as I stood up from my prayer I had the thought “look in your suitcase.”  At first I was like no, there’s no way it’s in there, but then I decided I might as well check. Sure enough when I opened my suitcase, there it was, sitting on top of everything else. I know prayers are answered. I know anyone can ask Heavenly Father, and He will answer. He loves and knows each one of us perfectly and will always be there for us. 

Dios siempre eschuca nuestras oraciones.  (God always hears our prayers)

-Elder McDonald

Scripture of the week: 1 Nephi 16:29

Quote of the week: “Dad, I want you to know I did my best”

(Drew's pics didn't make email this week but will post when they arrive!)  

*We did get to Skype with him today - what a treat! He's doing great!

Drew Mail 7-13-2019 "First Week at the MTC"

Hello everyone! 

I’m so excited to be able to write to you and share a little bit of what I’m experiencing as I go throughout my mission!  When I got to the airport in Boise I was pretty nervous about being the only one on the plane, but it turns out there were three other Elders with me! Elder Hansen, Elder Betcher, and Elder Hascall. They were all super nice and I’m glad I was able to be with other missionaries. As soon as we arrived at the MTC we were going through lines receiving our tags and packets of information, left our things in our residency hall and immediately went to our first class! I could not believe that we were already getting started and that first day we had a few meetings and I got my first companion, Elder Howe. Elder Howe is simply awesome, he has such a strong testimony, desire to be obedient, helps me have fun, and he knows a lot of Spanish so I am able to get help from him! As I have spent more time practicing and learning the language and I know that I am receiving help from Heavenly Father each day. Also I want to say thank you for to all the prayers you have given for me it is amazing and kind of hard to understand but I can feel so much love and strength coming from you all and I’m so grateful for you. The MTC really is an amazing place, it has taken some getting use to and I still have a long way to go, but I love the feelings here and know that this work is of God. It’s kind of funny because as I walk around I see so many elders in white shirts and ties and I think to myself “it’s the missionaries!” And then I remember that I am now a missionary :) .  On Thursday we met our Branch Presidency and they are wonderful! The president is President Rogers, and his counselors are Brother Hogann and Brother Holmes. So how the branch works is there are 3 districts and my district is made up of those in my same Spanish class. We have 6 companionships and only one of those are sisters. So far I have met 7 others who will be going with me to Uruguay including Elder Howe. The MTC campus is really big and we have the elders in our district all in one building but classes and the cafeteria are spread out so we get lots of walking in, which is good because the food here is really good and filling so I would gain lots of weight if I wasn’t careful. We are really taken care of here and it’s a wonderful place to be. Let me know what is going on in your lives and ask me any questions! Right now we really are just adjusting to this lifestyle and spending lots of time studying which is wonderful, but I’ll let you know as I have more experiences. Thank you again for your prayers and love, you are all wonderful. 

Yo se que la Iglesia de Jesucristo do los Santos de los Ultimos Dias es verdadera, y yo estoy agradecido por el amor de nuestro Padre Celestial. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen. 

-Elder McDonald

#missionnotes - Month #1 July 2019