In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

Wow, I can’t believe November is wrapping up. It seems like only yesterday that I was excited about its arrival.

Firstly this week I would like to apologize if my updates have been a bit on the dull side. I make an effort to write some interesting things, however, as with many things, I think I routinely fail in that effort. I’ll try to do better. Just be glad there will only be 34 more of these coming your way over the next 236 days.

Things are going well here in Dodge. I think we are getting settled with the new way of doing missionary work here (two companionships). Sharing the car has become less of s struggle.

My companion, Elder Adams, and I had a wonderful day last Friday. We took a trip down to Minneola, Fowler, Bloom (the smallest town I’ve ever been in), and then out to Montezuma. There was a request for a Book of Mormon and a request for a Finding Father in Christ DVD down in Minneola. We were able to deliver both of them and teach about the restoration. We then visited all the members in the four towns. There were six in all, but four don’t attend church anymore. It was one of those days where everything seemed to fall in place (that doesn’t happen very often). We also taught a great lesson that morning to a lady we tracted into a few blocks from our apartment.

Chelsey, who was baptized last Tuesday, was confirmed and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost this past Sunday at church. She is so excited about everything. She called Elder Larson on the mobile Saturday night and was upset because her new work schedule had her going in at 10:00a.m. Sunday. She said, “I have to be confirmed tomorrow and I need to take the sacrament!” She called in and told them she would not be in until 10:30. The last couple of weeks she had Sundays off. At least she was able to come for most of sacrament meeting.

Wow, it is Thanksgiving week. I hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving tomorrow. We have been invited to have dinner with a family out in Cimarron (Spanish for Cinnamon). They are a great family with very…um…energetic children. It should be fun. I’m looking forward to it.

I wish I could list all of the things that I was thankful for, but to do so would be futile. I have been blessed so much in my life and I am grateful for so many things that happened and the people who were and are in my life. If you get this update in your e-mail, then you be positive that you are someone I am thankful for. As the story goes, the pilgrims sat down to a feast with grateful hearts because they were blessed to be able to survive. I am grateful for everything and everyone who has aided in making me who I am, assisting me in doing what I needed/wanted to do, and kept/keeps me going even when I felt/feel like the world was/is crashing down on me. Thank you.