Mission Update: June 8, 2005
Hello!
Thank you to all those who have been replying to my updates. It is great to read your messages of encouragement and hear about your on goings. Thank you.
I have spent a lot of time pondering on who God is lately. Of course that process will always continue as I believe that the complete picture of who God is, is beyond our comprehension. As I have been thinking (and writing down my thoughts) I am coming to conclusions that bring peace and understanding. These conclusions are yet in their infancy, but have aided in my being able to understand my role. I think more people should step back and really think about the world around them and not stay in their narrow view of things.
We have been working hard mostly without any real success. Yesterday was a difficult day indeed. I find that out in the country there is a general feeling of not wanting to be bothered (after all…isn’t that why they live that far out in the first place?), some good did come out of it as far as visiting members and trying to help them.
I feel old. LOL. I received a wedding announcement of a friend of mine from Virginia (who not lives in Utah). That makes two (that I know of). It’s crazy…we’re growing up. It seems like just last week I was still in high school and marriage and the sort seemed so far off. I suppose time marches on.
The other night there were tornado warnings out west of us (the clouds were dark green). I tried to capture some pictures, but unfortunately the pictures didn’t do the storm justice. I am including the best one though. I’m also including pictures of a parade we had in conjunction with the local rodeo that took place this past weekend. Also, there is an old church building, which is now used as a house. It is the oldest building in town (105 years), and perhaps the oldest building in the county. I thought it was interesting, so I’m passing a picture along to you.
I wish you well. Thank you for your thoughts, messages, and prayers. I need them. 
God Bless,
- Elder Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Colorado Colorado Springs Mission
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12 responses so far
I love storms! All we get here are rainstorms that make lots of noise, nothing fun like it seems that you are experiencing. Im doing well, and you will be happy to know that i am not getting married and i feel too young to do so any time soon. Anyway, i just wanted to say hey and wish you luck for the remainder of your misson.
Mel
WHOA! NICE PHOTOGRAPH! I love the storm photograph–it looks like a painting, it’s so artistic the way the clouds blend, yet they still have a full range of distinct shades. Do you know how hard it is to take a picture like that? Of course, you’re familiar with photography, I can tell. I bet you didn’t even have a filter lense either. And then the palish house off to the right at the bottom, that really completes the picture. I’ll buy it from you! I suck at photography! lol! You should frame it, seriously!
Thia
Hi, this is Rebecca from the previous post’s comment.
I would be interested to hear more of your story but obviously when you are free and have time to do so, which could be in quite a while! lol. (I like your webpage too, very clever:-) Keep enjoying your mission and good luck!
Take care Joel.
Rebecca, 19, Scotland.
Joel,
That was a neat storm..we didn’t get much rain here but could see the dark clouds to the northeast..! Heard about the hail and heavy rain out your way. As always, best of luck to you! Keep in touch. Kathi
Hey McD- Even though it feels like you are working hard with no sucess, just remember the times that we had in the Forest… Tracting 6 hours on end and seeing almost nobody… but what came after was well worth the time that we thought we had just wasted… Because of the time we spent showing the Lord that we wanted to have sucess, he allowed miracles to take place in our lives, and also the lives of Liesa Baca and Ron Buchner.
As for feeling old… Well… I just got a wedding announcement from my trainer, so I know what you mean!
Keep up the good work bro, and keep the Canadian in line… I loved my 2 canadian companions!
Your Daddy, Rhett
Hey! Great to hear from you again. I’ve thought about you the last couple of a days. I hope things are going good for you. Keep in touch!
I’m glad you like the picture. Maybe I’ll get a copy sent out to you.
Hi. If you’ve not done so yet, take a moment a read my testimony at http://www.joel-junior.com/testimony.htm. That’s pretty much the whole story.
Housley…good to hear from you. I suppose that is one way of looking at it, but then again would those things have happened anyways? I suppose if we hadn’t done those six hours…I wouldn’t have a story to tell about it now would I. hehe. Take care.
P.S. When will I receive an announcement from my trainer?
Hey Joel,
im super excited… well anyway, ill talk to you later.
Yeah, this year has been a particularly difficult one… and i didnt want to face it. So i guess im trying to say that im sorry taht i havent talked to you, but to have talked to you would mean having to acknowledge where i was and still kindof am. Ive only recently been willing to do this. SO yeah, its great to hear that you are doing so well. Remember how i said that i always wanted to see london and go to england.. well i am going to england for a semester in the spring
Mel
That would be really nice of you if you could. I’m sorry I haven’t sent you a letter yet, I know it’s been a while. I’ve been helping my short, Korean mom with yard work, we’ve been upping the value of the house.
Lots of raking, soil, and mulch. Your website has been awesome. Ttl.
Thia
Well…life throws us curves at time (usually due to our own decisions). In any case, it is reallly good to hear from you. England sounds so exciting! I hope it will be as great as you want it to be. Ta ta!