MY FIRST FULL WEEK

September 05, 2018

MY FIRST FULL WEEK

August 31, 2018
"What a long week!

I guess I'll start this email off with some exciting news: My departure was shortened by almost 2 weeks so I leave for the Philippines on Sept. 26th! Once I get there I will spend 12 days in the Manila MTC before I get out into the field. CRAZY!

I am really recognizing the gift of tongues here at the MTC. Something I didn't realize is that it is really hard to understand the language. Like all gifts, you need to exercise them in order to keep the gift of tongues and in doing so your gift is also strengthened. Something else I didn't realize was that I'm learning 2 languages here at the MTC: tagalog and the language of the Spirit.

I love my district so much. Especially my companion Elder Summerville. I didn't know what to think of him at first but he is great. He makes me laugh so much and I really need laughter in my life at this point. Send him an email please (dallin.summerville@myldsmail.net) and tell him "Thanks for being such a great companion to Elder McDonald."

On Sundays we go through 6 meetings it lasts all day. It was definitely a struggle to stay awake haha!

I've got a couple of nicknames from my district. They call me Elder Big Mac or Elder Big Mac Daddy. Sometimes Georgie. If you've ever read Of Mice and Men you'd understand why. My companion is big and sometimes isn't the smartest so they call him Lenny.

Exercise is my favorite. We play bump, spike ball, volleyball, and four square as a district. I hate the no diving rule though. I'm a competitive person and if I need to dive, I will haha. So I've gotten in trouble a couple times from the gym workers haha.

My language teachers have a different perspective on seeing us grow in the language and spiritually than me and my district. They said it really is a miracle that we've grown so much in just one week. I feel the love from all you guys and I appreciate that! The Church is true!

Love you all!
Elder McDonald