September's Letters from Scotty

I have been neglecting this blog for much too long. School is in full-throttle, and I have been taking a couple of trips to AZ to see my youngest son, Jared. I am posting his latest letters here. They are all pretty short because he has a limited time in a public internet cafe.He loves his mission and is beginning to panic that he is running out of time. I miss him so much, but I know he is where he belongs right now.


Dear Mama,
I am happy you are doing well, this week has been so wonderful and so busy. I love my companion Elder Mosenthal so much, he is the greatest guy. We have been having such spiritual lessons as long as we are putting all our hearts into it. When Moroni talks of Charity and Love and how we must use all energy of heart in praying to the Father to get it. I realized I also really have to plan for these people with all energy of heart in order to get it as well.We are loving the mountains of Wellington 2. Even though we get pretty sweaty sometimes it feels good to be working hard. We have been so busy lately having almost no time in the evenings but it is making time like a dream. So I am really trying to up my journal keeping skills so I do not lose any moments. And I will try to take a lot of pictures.

I want you to tell Jared I am so proud of him. I want to write him a letter soon. In fact I want to write everyone. But I am not mighty with the pen.It is really fun leading these missionaries here in Freetown East, especially because the people I work with mainly is Elder Hovley and Elder Gherkins they are 2 wonderful guys to be around.This week we had one lesson with a brother named Lahai. He had been missing church a bit but he is a wonderful spirit. To teach him we took a recent convert brother Kelly with us to go teach him. And when brother Kelly was really urging Lahai to come to church, he replied he was missing church because of the rain. So brother Kelly pulled out 10000 Leones right there and gave it to him so he could go buy an umbrella. It was the coolest thing.

But this week is nice I love you mama,
Talk to you more next week.

Love your son,
Elder McDonald

September 23, 2013
Dear Mama,

I am happy you are having a good time in Arizona, I really am so proud of Jared, in fact you were supposed to tell me what school he is going to! I need to know.
Tell Aunt Holly I say hello as well.

I am very happy to read this letter today. I was telling Elder Gherkins today for almost an hour about the wonderful relationship I have with my Mother, and how there is never been a single argument or anything of the sort with us. I want to let you know you truly are the best mother.

This week has been an amazing week for me. This past Tuesday we had a Zone Conference with Elder Curtis of the 70. Before the Zone Conference he wanted to have a small council with all the Zone Leaders, so there was 6 of us, President/Sister Ostler and Elder/Sister Curtis. It was an experience to be with him. >

This week has been very spiritual, I have really tried to draw nigh unto the Lord and make my prayers much more meaningful and seek inspiration in all things. I have felt the Spirit almost constantly this week and have seen the inspiration flowing through my companion and myself. Thursday my companion and I sat down and just discussed a bunch of things while we were waiting for an investigator. And the next day we led a leadership training for some of the District Leaders and Sister Leaders in our zone. We gave them time to express any concerns or needs of their Districts and everything that came up was what my companion and I had discussed the week before. It was a very spiritual meeting and we all left having learned many new things. I truly have the greatest companion. We are learning so much together, and we have been working our tails off. We have been pushing ourselves to our limits in mind, heart and strength and I know that has to do with why Heavenly Father is so apparent in our lives. We had many people come to Church this week and it was a wonderful Sabbath.

I love Jared's talk and he did wonderfully, I do not think I will ever see it at least until I come home. We are preparing one young man(about 24) for baptism this week, Lahai. He is doing so wonderfully and he is a good friend. I am so happy in seeing his excitement. He was feeling very sick in Church yesterday but it was the day of his baptismal interview. I told him we could come to his house later that day. But he wanted to stay, he was falling asleep with his head against my shoulder in Sacrament meeting and then slept on my companions lap all through Elders Quorum.But I am so happy at the moment. I am loving Wellington and the people I am with and my companion. This Zone is great and I just want to help them a bit more before I leave Wellington.

Anyways, I love you Mama.
Love your son,
Elder McDonald

PS let me know what school Jared is now attending.


September 30, 2013

Dear Mama,
I am happy you are doing well. Do not stress too much. Do you remember what I said after the last time I shattered the car window?

I certainly am proud of Jared, but I feel a bit weird in this public cafe with so many shirtless pictures of him haha. He is getting big though, but he will never be able to beat me up. I will kung fu smash him.


Lately in the mission things are going so wonderfully. I love my companion so much he is the best. We are trying to do our best here in Wellington. We are really trying to stretch ourselves and do the best we can possibly can. But I am running out of time so I will type quick. Elder Gherkins is trying to distract me. But we have had a wonderful week. I am more excited for this week. We are going to town for our mission leadership council again. It will be very nice.
Lately I am really working on the sincerity of my prayers, how did you get your prayers so sincere? What do kind of things to you thank/ask/ tell him? Any advice or tips on how I can increase my own power of prayer?

Anyways I love you mama and I am proud of you.Love your son,
Elder McDonald

FOR TIMES OF TROUBLE...Spiritual Solace From The Psalms- Elder Jeffrey Holland

I had listened to a wonderful DVD of Elder Holland addressing a small group of people.  He answered their questions that were focused on the turbulent times we live in and drawing many answers from Psalms.  I shared many of the things I learned last night in my letter to him.  I am thankful that I was in tune to the promptings of the Spirit and was able to lift him in his times of trouble. 

He spoke about hearing the promptings of the spirit, and I felt that this was something Scotty might need to  hear right now.  This is what I wrote:

Hearing the Promptings of the Spirit, as shared by Elder Holland;  "Standard rule, If you follow a prompting as you get it, then you will get more of them, if you don't follow the prompting, you will have less of them.   The two extremes are -- you will be having them all the time, or you will have none at all."  Without knowing our daily circumstances, Elder Holland knows that if we will try to respond to that prompting, it is a message to God that we are listening and that we care. He counsels Stake Presidents when they are called to expect a flood of revelations, and to keep a 3x5 card or small notebook in their pocket, pen and paper by the bed, because they will receive these promptings at any hour of the day or night.  If it is not recorded at the moment received, it will be lost.  "Heaven will be watching to see what you will do with that."  He believes that God watches and asks Himself, "who's interested" and He will speak to those who are willing to listen.  He said President Monson is one long story of following the promptings of the Spirit. Sister Holland spoke about the New Testament, and shared her belief that Heavenly Father is always in us, all of the time.  We are usually doing far more good than we realize because He is always in us.  Believe in ourselves no matter how we feel that we are.  Her favorite passages is in the 8th chapter of Romans....if God is with us, who can be against us.  "We are all going to have our moments, but the course, the direction is absolutely clear that He is for us and blessing us, and EVERYTHING will work for our good."

 

Dear Mama,

I really enjoyed your letter today. It was an interesting time to have it come. This week has been a wonderful and the most busy week on mission so as well. This week we had an emergency transfer and my companion Elder Animba has gone to the other District for the next two weeks. And I took the other Elders companion, who happens to be my MTC companion Elder Narteh. Elder Animba and I are still the Zone Leaders, so since I am still in the ZL area it is like I almost a single Zone Leader. But I am actually really enjoying it. I feel happy keeping myself constantly busy and productive.

Elder Narteh and I have been having a good time. He is a sweet guy. I am also trying to figure out what to do with the area. I had hardly been there 2 weeks when Elder Animba left. So right now I truly have to rely on the Spirit constantly right now.

I am glad you enjoyed Arizona, but Mama, you know I know how you work to much. Anyways I have got to go. But mission is wonderful right now, we were sad to have 2 of our sisters finish their missions and go home. I will certainly miss them.

Anyways, love you Mama,

love your son,

Elder McDonald

When the Rain Comes Down...

Dear Mama,

I hope you are having a good time in Arizona. I am sure it is pretty stinking hot. Right now the weather is super nice here in Sierra Leone. We are in the heart of rain season, so it has been pouring on us hard lately. And Elder Nickle who just went home apparently theifed my umbrella, so I have just been putting my scriptures and small
things in a plastic bag and I go full out to soak. It is really nice. I even feel cold sometimes, so I have been making myself lots of ovaltine. Which is delicious and I do not know why you never gave me any before mom!

I am glad you got to see some of the family. I hope everyone is doing well. So this past week has been soooo busy. I came into this position and probably one of the busiest times in ever. On Tuesday we had to
transport over to Western Freetown so that we could attend the newly established Mission Leadership Council, we had the very first one. Where all the Zone Leaders and Assistants meet with President and Sister Ostler. We just discussed everything going on in the mission and he is making us missionaries a big part in what he does. It is very different from President Roggia. But it is really nice. It felt like King Arthur and his knights of the round table having a meeting in Camelot. So we are preparing for the flood of missionaries. But the biggest focus in the mission right now is, families. We are now all purely looking to find, teach and baptize families. If they are not in a family investigating the church or a part member family, we only teach you if you are real serious. So it is a twist for us here mainly because it is hard enough to find a nuclear family here. Let alone one all interested and willing to keep commitments. But we have already seen much proof that it is inspired and so we are doing
all that we can. And we are finding success. I am enjoying my time in Wellington 2 but I spent 2 days in other areas on exchanges. So we are almost always busy. But I love being busy. Anyways I hope all is well at home and I will let you know more next week.

I love you Mama,
Love your son,
Elder McDonald

PS you will see what I did with the pictures a bit later.
And in the next package you and Dad send, I really need some personal money.

No umbrella and loving it!

Scotty is behind the umbrella man, and Elder Hovley, his buddy, is to Scotty's left, the blonde, cute curly-haired one.  :-)

Commitment, Determination with a lot of Balance

I hope that every missionary is as happy as Scotty is on their mission.  I am amazed and so proud of his hard work and commitment to the people and his mission.  He has set such a great example for me, and has inspired me to be stronger in my faith, knowing that all things are blessings from our Heavenly Father, and that He is always aware of us and helps us in every step and every decision we make.  I hope to make Scotty as proud of me as I am of him.  

Dear Mama,

This week has been such a wonderful week, right now I am currently with Elder Gherkins, he  the new District Leader replacing me in Wellington 1. But Elder Baffoe-Appiah was transferred last minute so I am showing him the area and helping him out and next week I go to Wellington 2 as ZL.

But this last week has been so spiritual Elder Gherkins and I are so similar. But we are really focusing on the missionary work and it is so awesome. Every lesson we teach we are so unified that the Spirit just floods in. In fact even this past Saturday we taught one man named Aruna who lives FAR FAR up the mountain about a 30 minute hike to his house and then another 20 minutes to the church. But it was a wonderful lesson about the Restoration and he loved it. The next day he came to church. What is the most impressive is he only has one leg and came down and traveled on his crutches. But he loved church.

Next week I will be going to Elder Animba, I am still in the same apartment and I am excited to serve with him. He is a wonderful guy. But haha I guess you saw my companion and I toting the couch for one of our members. Luckily we are the exact same height.

Yes I can see that you see I have been called to another position, I was actually hoping to keep it a bit on the down low though hehe. I do not want to do anything for the glory of men at the moment. But do not worry that you posted it. But the last thing I want to look like is a bragger.

But mission is so amazing right now. I have been constantly feeling the spirit particularly through the unity we have at the moment.

That is surprising about Jared, but I know he will do well there. It will make him a bit more of a man. And at the rate he was going he might have become to attached and would have been a very homesick missionary. It will toughen him up a bit.

Just really stay close to Justin and the kids at the moment. Try to find activities to do with Justin. Like watch movies with him and such, even if you need to watch weird Sci-Fi movies. Hehe, but Mama I want you to know I am doing as much as I can to make you proud right now. And I am proud to have you as my Mama.

But I gotta go fill a survey so I love you Mama,

Love your son,

Elder McDonald

Elder McDonald and Elder Gherkins helping on move day

Scott and his companion Elder Gherkins were challenged by the Senior Couple to carry a piece of furniture on their heads since all the natives do it.

And Off they go!!!!

Notice the human transport is ahead of the vehicle transport

Elder McDonald Has Been Called to be a Zone Leader

This letter just came today, and what a surprise.  I called Gordon immediately but he would not answer his phone, so I continued until I could get him.  I told him to hurry and look at his email...and now that he has seen it, we can share it here.  We are so proud of him.  We  know that he has dedicated himself to his mission and this is proof of his efforts.  Who would have thought that our lazy teenager who took 45 minute showers and slept in till the afternoon.  He was the kid who was never in hurry for anything, even in his driving, his friends would say he drove like a grandma. Scotty has shown us what he was able to do all along, and that is to be a great leader.  His faith and dedication in his service to his Savior is growing stronger each day.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

SIERRA LEONE FREETOWN MISSION

 #181Pademba Rd., Belliar Park, Dwarzak Farm

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Email address: 537233@ldschurch.org

July 23, 2013

Dear  Sister Jensen:

           I am pleased to inform you that Elder McDonald  has been recently been called to be a Zone Leader in the Kissy Zone of the Mission. His primary responsibilities as a Zone Leader are to (1) not only do administrative work but to be the best example of how to find, teach and baptize regularly.  This will require him to be very well organized because in addition to the regular proselyting duties he is called to be a leader and senior administrator to the missionaries in the zone; (2) as a Zone Leader he shall teach all missionaries the principles of Preach My Gospel.  He should earnestly seek the spirit to guide him on how best to teach and inspire the missionaries during zone meetings, and in visits to district meetings and companionship exchanges; (3) he will also need to be the best example of any missionary in the zone in obeying the mission rules; (4) As a Zone Leader he will also interview baptismal candidates who have been taught by the district leaders in the zone. This is a sacred responsibility to be attended to with all diligence;  (5) responsible for all reporting in the Zone;  (6) Your son will work closely with local priesthood leaders and members in a friendly, cordial manner. Meet monthly with the District President in his zone. He needs to help the Church grow from centers of strength and help priesthood leaders to support him in this regard;  (7) He will need to lead with love and righteousness – apply Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-36 in his leadership style.  Look after the well being of missionaries in the zone.

He has been called as a Zone Leader because he is a great missionary and the Lord is pleased with his desire to serve and honor him. His exemplary conduct and selfless service as a missionary have qualified him for this important call. As Zone Leader he must make it a primary concern to set a Christ-like example of hard work for the missionaries that serve under him especially in his proselytizing labors.

You are also reminded that missionaries love to hear from both families and ward members. We encourage you to write often. It always gives the missionaries a lift to get a letter from home.  It is easy to send it through the church pouch by addressing it to him at the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission. He should have informed you of the newly created procedures regarding the pouch. All letters must be an individual sheet of paper folded into thirds, taped together, and having the address written on the outside of the paper in order for the letter to be sent. If not as described, they will return the letter back to you, due to certain restrictions put on the pouch system by the governments of the various countries to which the pouch is sent.   You can send a normal letter directly to us by addressing it to him at the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission, P.O. Box 263, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa.  We hold the mail here for them until someone goes to his area. Of course he may use email, which they are allowed to do in this mission.

Thank you for sharing him with us!   We are sure he will continue to be a great missionary! We do love our missionaries.  The Lord’s hand is on West Africa today.  This is a special mission. 

Sincerely,

David B. Ostler, President

Sierra Leone Freetown Mission

Long Warm Showers? Don't think so.

I thought I had better post this before I get his next letter tomorrow....so here it is.  He is truly growing leaps and bounds...becoming a man who is no longer afraid of a little work.  Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He sent Scotty to a 4th world country.  No cars or bicycles, and now I know that there is no hot water.  I can see he will come back with a greater appreciation for the simple things here, and will see many as unnecessary.

I love you and miss you sooooo much Scotty!

Dear Mama,

I am very happy to hear from you, I knew something went wrong when I did not receive your email last week, but I was not worried.

I am happy to hear you are having fun. I particularly like the story with you and the other Annette. That is wonderful. I am so happy you met her and I hope you are still becoming better friends.

I enjoyed everything about the Light of Christ, I want to go and study those scriptures more and learn more things to apply.

But it truly is seeing the Gospel click with the portion and spirit of Christ in the people. Our area is doing well right now, but we do not have a lot of people progressing. But we have some select very strong people. We have been teaching one man Brother Daniel he is about 27 and his sister Alberta. We started teaching them a few weeks back and they are awesome. They have always been Christian but they lost their faith in the churches they see around the world, particularly Daniel. But as we have been teaching them he has such an inquisitive mind. We have only taught them about the Restoration and Book of Mormon so far. Last week at Church he wrote down a question for me, "Are the Bible prophecies simply that of a clever human mind, or do they bear the hallmark of divine inspiration?" Yes it was a very interesting question we were able to help him with this past week. But yesterday was the second time they have come to church. Yesterday evening I received a text from him saying "I now know that your church is the true church. Every blessed Sunday I go to that church I learn new things." I replied " Yes it is, even we learn new things each Sunday." Then he said " I am now well prepared for my baptism on the 27th." I said "Awesome, it will be a truly wonderful day". Then he sent an awesome little picture of a tree  and said " As God waters His creation. May he also sprinkle His wondrous blessings over you as you continue to share his message to us." Haha it was so cool. I just told him we delight in nothing more than sharing the message with them.

So I am very excited for those two.

I cannot believe Austin is married, very nice for him. I hope it was a nice wedding.

I am glad the kids are doing well and spending time over there with you. I cannot wait to see them again.

Do not worry what you like mama, I will always love you, but maybe you can learn how to cook really well to make up for it just in case. 

I am not upset about Benji, this sounds like the best option for him. I know he will go to someone good. Tell Breck I would never be upset with him, he is one of my best buddies forever. Tell him to email me anyways I want to hear what is up!

Anyways I love you mama,

Love your son,
Elder McDonald

PS I had a revelation the other day, I learned why I am in this mission. It is because I always have to take cold showers, I would take to much time in a mission with warm showers.

New Mission President

Dear Mama,

This past week has gone very well.

I am growing more into home in Allentown, I am really enjoying the District. We have very fun loving guys.

We have found some sweet new investigators this week. We have been teaching and seeing them progress and you can see the light flood into their lives.

That is one thing I really love about the Gospel in our Church, it seems there is almost nothing left unanswered. I have been learning some new things lately that I have really enjoyed. I certainly have broken the goofy side of me out again. I really look to the life of Joseph Smith, how he would play with the children, wrestle in the garden and others felt that it was unfit for someone of his position. But Joseph Smith knew it was part of being a loving person. And who he was. 

In Wellington 1 Branch, we had change in our Branch Presidency, we have young more active presidency now. So I feel it is going to really help in the missionary work. It is certainly fun and stressful being in places where the church organization is not to strong yet. But we are trying to help Freetown East district become a stake. But as for now it is best under the mission president. Speaking of which President Roggia will be going home this week and we will be getting our new mission president, President Ostler.

I am looking forward to it. It will be an exciting event.

I hope all is well at home. I can see it is not perfect, but small small. I am sure it is so peaceful and quiet without Jared around. 

I am glad you are having fun with your friends mama, but always remember to never do anything I wouldn't approve of! Otherwise I will have to set a curfew for you. Or maybe have you put your nose against the wall.

How is your art going? When I come home I want to take some art classes.

I hope you continue to learn many things to share with me to help me to become a better missionary here in Sierra Leone. Sometimes I really do not like being in any sort of leadership position on mission because I wish I could truly devote all efforts to helping my investigators. And so I could relax more in the evening and discuss with Elders instead of worrying about preparing instructions. But I guess I still socialize every night anyways. But then I wont need to worry about falling behind on things.

But I hope you are doing wonderfully, and I am glad you are growing out your hair, and even try letting it go gray. Cause it wont be gray color, more of a "Silver Moonlight across the snow" color. It will look lovely.

But love you mama,

Love your son,
Elder McDonald