In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

Hello!!!!

Forgive me, this will be short as I don’t have that much time. The last few days have gone well and quickly. I’m currently living out of a suitcase with Elder Nielson and Elder Mulroney. I was only supposed to be with them a couple days, however I’ve been here since Thursday. I was supposed to go with the Assistants to the President, but that is not going to happen until sometime tomorrow. It’s been fun with these two missionaries. I don’t think I’ve ever played as much cards in my life, and I certainly have not walked as much as I have the last few days for a while. I’ve had a car for all but six months of my mission, so I am not used to walking everywhere. It’s been okay though. Good exercise I suppose.

Played some soccer and volleyball this afternoon. I had a pretty good time. Got a little sun. On the way home, we were rear-ended (we were with missionaries who had a car). It was raining a little and the guy looked away for a moment, then saw we were stopped, locked his brakes and slid right into us. Not fun. I don’t think anyone is going to be too sore from the impact. The car we were in was only two weeks old…an 06 Malibu. The bummer has a rather nasty dent, but other than that it seems to be okay.

I know there is more I want to right, but nothing else seems to be coming to me now. I suppose I will send a final mission update in a few days…this time from Virginia Beach.

I hope things are going well with you. I look forward to talking/seeing/being in more constant contact with you.

God Bless,

- Elder Joel

Welcome to the second to the last installment of “Mission Update” by Elder Joel McDonald…

Time is running short…very short. It’s sometimes difficult to believe that I will be going home next week. I’m looking forward to it.

Not too much to report. Had a wonderful dinner at the Westons on Friday. Got in a bit of trouble though for leaving our area without permission. Permission has always been a moot point though. Of course, getting in late didn’t help the situation either.

My service mission era is coming to an end. Thursday is Transfers, and things are changing (so we’ve been told by President). I tell you what…I can’t wait to have some bit of control over my life again. It’s been wonderful to work at both the Employment Resource Center and the Air Services Museum. A breath of reality I suppose you could say. I’ve enjoyed it. Not sure what President will have me doing the last six days of my mission. I’ll probably be bounced around a bit. This whole 30 days early things just doesn’t work too well…a transfer is longer than thirty days, so those going home a little early are sorta stuck in temporary limbo. It’s only six days though…I can handle it.

Thank you to all those who have been praying for my Grandmother. She is doing a little better now, at least she is comfortable and stabilized. She’s actually now in Virginia, and I hope to visit her soon after I get home.

I suppose that’s about it for now. One more of these updates to go and you’ll never hear from me again!!! Well…actually you will…but probably not in weekly e-mail form. I’ll discuss that a bit later.

Take Care!

- Elder Joel

Hello from Colorado,

17 days and counting. Received my official itinerary in the mail this week which tells me I’m leaving very early on the 14th of June and arriving back home that afternoon. Been getting organized for the move. I packed a box to send home (because not everything will fit in luggage…amazing what you acquire) which I’m sure it going to cost a small fortune to send (relative to my current budget). I’m looking forward to going back and establishing my life again.

Things have been going well out here. We are keeping busy at the employment office doing all sorts of things. Our first day there was very slow, so we didn’t know how we would enjoy our time there, but it has turned out to be pretty good. My companion has been working on one project for a week straight. I’m doing various tasks of the day. I built a nifty Excel spreadsheet to help manage the office. I think it turned out fairly well (even if it is the third build). The Museum opened its doors to the public on Friday. It didn’t open with as much bang as everyone had hoped. Hopefully the summer will bring people in. It is worthwhile to visit, but on the underwhelming side visually. I’ve been working on putting together an 8 page newsletter for them. This task has been difficult with my limited knowledge of the museum, and getting others to contribute hasn’t been easy. I hope to have it ready to go to the printers next Saturday. Maybe I’ll even get a copy before I leave.

My grandmother on my dad’s side is not doing well. She’s now back in the hospital. They are looking into having her moved to Fredericksburg Virginia (she’s currently in the Raleigh area of North Carolina). If she is moved up there, then she’ll be an hour closer to me (takes about 3 hours from Virginia Beach to Fredericksburg) which will make it a little easier to visit her. Please keep her in your prayers.

Many have asked what my plans are when I return home. Essentially, my plan is just to establish myself again with a job and car, enroll in college (Tidewater Community College), and so on. I have a business idea I want to try out that may be quite profitable. If it works, life will be a bit easier. If not, I’ll push through. The Lord will provide.

I want to express my deep gratitude for all those who have supported me as a missionary…many of whom won’t read this. Your financial/emotional/spiritual support has meant the world to me and always will whatever may come.

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the transition from Spring to Summer. May the Lord bless and protect you.

Greetings to all…

Found out today that my fly date back to Virginia is June 14th, which leaves me 24 days as a missionary. It’s been a long run and it’s definitely time.

My companion and I are now on a fixed volunteer schedule. We work Monday through Thursday are the Employement Center, which is right next door to the Mission Office. We are going to be working at the Air Services Museum Fridays and Saturdays. Not a bad schedule, but with the museum opening this Friday, I’m going to see if President will allow a couple more days over there this week.

I want to thank everyone who called and wrote in response to my last e-mail. Now I know my updates are being read, even if I don’t receive many responses.

It’s been pretty warm here lately and our apartment does not have air conditioning. There was a unit sitting in the closet which we install in the window, but it’s not blowing cold air…which is a bummer. Luckily it rained last night, so it was a little cooler. I miss winter.

I hope you are doing well. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. They do mean a lot to me. Until next time…

36-66 Days Left!

Happy Day After Mother’s Day to All Your Mothers Out There!

So yeah, I think I’ve missed two weeks of updates. I suppose with the weather being so nice, everyone was too busy doing yard work to write in and see if I was still alive. To answer: Yes, I am.

Had interviews with the Mission President last week. Having discussed some issues, he essentially changed my assignment from proselyting to service and talked about the possibility of an early release date. So, after some research on volunteer opportunities in Colorado Springs, I found an awesome one at the Air Services Museum which is slated to be open to the public on the 26th of this month. They need volunteers for all sorts of things. So far we’ve helped assemble displays, designed their newsletter (still in progress), and moved a ton of furniture. It’s been a good experience so far. Not sure if I’ll spend the rest of my time there. You can check out an article about the museum at http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4190/is_20051223/ai_n15962458. President is looking for things for us to do that are more involved with the church. With the early release, I could be returning home 30 days earlier, which would put my return somewhere around June 20th.

We’ll be spending our evenings tracking down and visiting less active member in the Ward. We also have a senior couple assigned to the ward as well focusing on less actives and part members and whomever we direct them to.

Well, that’s about all folks. I hope you are enjoying the weather. If you get a chance to come in for a drink of water or something, feel free to drop me a line. I would love to hear from you.