In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

Wow, another week has passed here in Dodge. I can’t believe how fast time is flying. Transfers are next week! There is some talk of Elder Larson, my current companion, becoming the Kansas Zone Leader next transfer. That would mean, most likely, that he would be moved to serve in Garden City (about 40 minutes west) and I would stay here. We are really hoping to stay together at least one more transfer regardless of the “transfer chatter”.

Last Wednesday we were in Garden City the entire day so Elder Larson could interview a few people who were preparing for baptism. The interviews went well. We were also able to catch the last half of a college soccer game while we were there.

Last Sunday Elder Larson had the wonderful opportunity to baptize an eight year old. The members of the family are members but they asked Elder Larson to baptize their son. It was a pretty cool service.
We also spoke in church last Sunday. It was only Elder Larson and I speaking and we each had twenty minutes each. I had never spoken that long in church before and I was very worried about under preparing. We decided that since I was junior companion that I would speak first. I was afraid of only speaking for 5-10 minutes and leaving Elder Larson with a lot of time to fill. I prepared a lot. It turned out to be really great and lasted a total of about 35 minutes, leaving Elder Larson with 5 minutes. He ended up taking 10 minutes anyway. Besides my going way overtime, I thought it turned out pretty good. This was perhaps the first time that I walked away feeling like I said what I wanted to say, how I wanted to say it. Good stuff.

While I was speaking, a recent convert who hadn’t been to church in three weeks walked in, and her niece, who we’ve been teaching, came in with her two daughters. They sat down together in one of the central pews in the chapel. It was so great to see them there! The one who we’ve been teaching said that she would never come to church. We are hoping to get her to church this Sunday too.

Next week I will have about 9 1/2 months left as a full-time missionary. Single digits! It seems like just the other day I was celebrating having only one year left…that was almost five months ago! I don’t know what the next 9 1/2 months have in store for me. That’s the part of the mission that has caused the most anxiety. You never know what is in store. Every six weeks I could get a call telling me to pack my bags and go somewhere I’ve never been, with people I’ve never met, and start all over again. That’s perhaps the most frustrating part of the logistics of the mission. Every time I’m transferred it seems like I’m starting all over again.

My first companion in the field, Elder M. Rhett Horsley, is getting married December 17th. I would like to publicly congratulate him and his fiancé. Rhett actually visited Parker (my last zone) about two weeks after I left. Great timing…eh. Anyway, he’s going to start attending BYU Provo shortly after being married. My current companion, who has three months left as a missionary, also plans to be married this December. I guess that’s a good month.

I have found a few more foods that I really like since I’ve been on my mission, especially while serving here in Dodge City. I love Agua de Melon, Agua de Tamarindo, and Orchata. I’ve also developed a taste for Avocade Guacamole. How come I didn’t discover these things earlier!? Here in Dodge I have found real Mexican food! It’s way better than Taco Bell (though I still really like Chicken Supreme Gorditas). I hope to learn how to make a few dishes while I’m here. Yummy.

Well, I think that is about all for now. I hope you are doing well and would love to hear from you! Until next time… Vaya Con Dios Siempre!

God Bless,
- Elder Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Colorado Colorado Springs Mission

Well, another week has gone by. Another week less to count down.

Things continue to go well here in Dodge City. We have a new Ward Mission Leader and are working on a mission plan to get the Ward Missionaries working with the inactives in the ward. Should be good.

On Sunday there is going to be a baptism. It isn’t someone we taught, but the son of a member. The father asked Elder Larson to baptize him. The service is going to be in Spanish, which should be neat. I think I am going to be one of the witnesses so I have to learn how the baptismal prayer is said in Spanish. Fun stuff.

For all those who have written me…please forgive the delay in responding. I’ve been unorganized lately, but am correcting that. Expect to see some letters coming your way.

I hope all is going well with you and yours.

God Bless,
- Elder Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Colorado Colorado Springs Mission

Greetings from Dodge City!

In case you didn’t know, Dodge City is in a lot of old western movies and was the home of characters such as Doc Holliday and Wyat Erp. Fun stuff.

Things are going well out here. President Fotheringham, the Mission President, visited Dodge on Sunday. It is rare for the President to travel out to Dodge. He attended church here and met a few of the people and had lunch at a members house. We also were able to interview with him. It was a nice visit. Tuesday was Zone Conference in Garden City (about an hour away). We arrived Monday night and stayed in a mission apartment with about 10 other missionaries. Zone Conference was good. We got back late last night. Elder Larson and I are pretty tired though.

I found a new favorite program. XnView is image software that is free. It allows you to view, edit, and do many things with pictures. The best thing is the web galleries it creates for you. So…I may be loading some galleries on my site over the next month or so, if I can find the time to do so.

Thanks to all for emails, letters, prayers, and thoughts. They are much appreciated!

God Bless,
- Elder Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Colorado Colorado Springs Mission