tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43026725862161341442024-03-13T06:16:57.722-07:00Meagen's MissionFollow Meagen on her mission to Ukraine!Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-7770101785051099552010-10-11T09:28:00.000-07:002010-10-11T09:29:46.156-07:00"Last Will and Testament"I always knew I wanted to serve a mission. It took me longer than I had anticipated to raise enough money and do all the paperwork that needed to be done so I could serve. By the time I finally got my call letter I was so very excited. I was ready and willing to go serve anywhere in the whole world! But if anyone asked me to name just one place that I did not want to go, I would respond, Ukraine. So when I opened my letter and read that I had been called to serve in the Ukraine Kyiv Mission, I thought it was a joke. Had there not been twenty plus people there, I would have broken down into tears. I thought that a mistake had been made, and I seriously considered saying "No" to the First Presidency. It took much prayer and pondering to realize that the Lord was testing my willingness to serve. Like Nephi, who was commanded to go and get the brass plates, a seemingly impossible task, but he knew that the Lord would prepare a way. So I did as he did and took a blind leap of faith, trusting that the Lord would help me. <br />Now that I am at the end of my mission and look back on all that has happened, I can't imagine serving anywhere else. My companions, my mission president and his wife, the members, and people I've met on the street have greatly enriched and strengthened my life as I am sure no other group of people could have. True, it has been extremely hard and I have felt more weak and worthless than ever before. But, as I have learned, that is a natural result of coming unto Christ. And it is ok, because now I know better how to improve myself. <br />The greatest lesson I have learned is that God lives and that He loves me. He wants to be involved in every step of my life and it is up to me to invite Him. I know that it is His greatest desire for us to be happy. He helps us know how to be happy through personal revelation from scripture study, prayer, and temple service. He blesses us when we follow His commandments. I know that He loves us so much that He suffered and died and was resurrected so that we may be clean and receive eternal life. I know that He appeared to the prophet, Joseph Smith and restored His church through him. I know that He leads and guides our church today through His living prophet Thomas S. Monson. I know that the Book of Mormon contains His words and we can feel His Spirit and come closer to Him as we study it. <br />I am so grateful that I put my trust in Him and served where He called me. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />10-11-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-10360387135361998412010-10-11T09:24:00.000-07:002010-10-11T09:28:25.372-07:00Last Week of the MissionWho knew that the last week of my mission would be the best week? I didn't, so I was pleasantly surprised to have it be that way. Last Tuesday we went to say goodbye to Sister Larisa. She is such a sweetheart, I will never forget her. Then we went into Kiev for a zone meeting. It was great; President Steinagel spoke a lot about what he did after his mission, which really helped me a lot. Afterward I went to the Temple for my last time here. I was so happy there and I got a strong feeling that the Lord is going to help me with whatever comes next in life. Thursday we were trapped inside all day due to some crazy remount in the kitchen, but I was able to fully go over Billa Tserkva with Sister Helelyan, so she knows more about what to do when she goes back. Friday we met with Anya, a sweet girl who has a desire to get baptized. Saturday we watched General Conference, then afterward went to Halina and Andre's wedding. It was so much fun! Never a dull moment! I was so glad I could be there. She was so happy. Sunday we watched General Conference and I sat by Halina during the Relief Society session. Yes, Halina and Andre were at church the day after their wedding! I have no fear of them falling away. Afterward we met with three of my favorite families in Ukraine. All of which included either an in-active member there, or an investigator. Why couldn't this have happened more often? It was very bittersweet to say goodbye to all of them, and to Ukraine as well. I hope to see everyone again and know that we will, if we all stay firm in the faith. I am still in denial that I am actually leaving, I think it will settle in somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />10-11-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-39232866584143166382010-10-04T09:30:00.000-07:002010-10-04T09:36:41.837-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCPmS3PtI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/7SZrpnZ44Yk/s1600/c13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCPmS3PtI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/7SZrpnZ44Yk/s320/c13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524230359924293330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCPSXXomI/AAAAAAAAAMI/qOVgKGCE9uI/s1600/c14.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCPSXXomI/AAAAAAAAAMI/qOVgKGCE9uI/s320/c14.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524230354574484066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCPKuZA2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/vZ1HbMGJVzc/s1600/c15.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCPKuZA2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/vZ1HbMGJVzc/s320/c15.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524230352523559778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCOgR6mzI/AAAAAAAAAL4/V-3OFYSKEUs/s1600/c16.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCOgR6mzI/AAAAAAAAAL4/V-3OFYSKEUs/s320/c16.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524230341129837362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCOTp8kLI/AAAAAAAAALw/2BhJISusfr0/s1600/c17.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TKoCOTp8kLI/AAAAAAAAALw/2BhJISusfr0/s320/c17.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524230337740968114" /></a>Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-46093577986751717692010-10-04T09:27:00.000-07:002010-10-04T16:11:57.036-07:00How many companions does it take to kill Sister Howell?Excuse the missionary slang. Because this is my last transfer I am "dying" as a missionary. I started out the transfer with Sister Clark in Odessa, then I came back to Billa with Sister Kovelenko. Last Saturday Sister Kovelenko went down to Odessa and Sister Helelyan and Sister Movesardian are with me now. On Wednesday, we will go Voskresinsky in Kiev (my first area) and on Saturday something else will happen. I don't know yet. The assistants like secrets. All I know is that I will be on a plane next Tuesday and I am trying not to think about that, while everyone else keeps reminding me. <br /> <br />Last week we were visiting Bobushka Anya. She is paralyzed on one half of her body and because of that, when she speaks, it is in hardly understandable Russian. Since I'm Ukrainian speaking I can only understand about 10% of what she says. So, she was in a very talkative mood that day and went on and on telling her life story. Occasionally she would stop and pause for understanding. I didn't want her to repeat herself ten times, so I said, "pravelno," which means: correct. Then she would keep on talking. Later, as Sister Kovelenko and I were walking to our next meeting I had her recap on what Anya said. She said that in her life she has had three major concussions and once, her son-in-law tried to inject her with something in order to kill her, so that he could sell her apartment. After her last close call with death, her daughter said that even the dead world will not accept her. What a horrible thing to say to a person! After a few seconds I said in shock, "I hope that was not one of the times when I said "pravelno"!" Sister Kovelenko was laughing so hard that I thought she would fall to the ground. But she told me that no, I had said pravelno after Anya said that the Lord must have an important purpose for her to keep her alive so many times. Wooah, I need to be more careful! <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />10-4-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-66209413572445234802010-09-27T10:06:00.000-07:002010-09-27T10:14:20.120-07:00DinnerLast Monday it was super cold outside, so I went and bought a new coat. I had to buy a new coat, because the ones I had I already donated to the mission. I already donated them thinking that it wouldn't get that cold until I leave. So I bought it and felt warm and cozy the rest of the day. Then I woke up on Tuesday and the weather was just fine! Then it kept getting warmer and warmer until I was back to wearing short sleeves. Well, I'm not hoping for colder weather again. So I'll just say that I bought the coat to wear when I am back home. I hope at least it will be cool enough to wear on the plane. <br /><br />We had a really great lesson last Wednesday with a member and her friend that came to the open house and cultural event. She loved all of it and wants her family (who have mostly passed away) to be together forever. She knows that she has to change some things in her life, she just needs to make the decision to do it and follow through. That is always the hard part. I just wish I could show her how much more happier she will be if she does follow God's plan.<br /><br />Last night I made some spaghetti and then right after we were done eating we went to visit a partially active family. We had a good spiritual thought where 4 of the 6 kids were present, then afterward they invited us to eat with them. At first I tried to refuse, saying that we just ate, but then, I didn't want to sound rude, so we gave in. It was Ukrainian pizza, complete with potatoes, tomatoes, onions and heaping wads of mayonnaise. I wasn't sure I could finish my slice, even though it did taste pretty good. Then they took my plate away and I was relieved that I had finished. And they came back with another slice. I tried to do the kind thing and hand it to the mother who still hadn't eaten, but she wouldn't have it and gave it back and told me to EAT! When my companion and I left the house I told her she would have to roll me home. I don't get fed very often on my mission, but when I do- it makes up for all the other times I haven't been fed!<br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />9-27-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-87349901654477594012010-09-20T19:46:00.000-07:002010-09-20T19:55:04.234-07:00Last transferI don't think I knew what "trunkie" really was until my last transfer. Instead of listing all the things that have made me want to scream, "are you kidding me?" I will just mention what happened last Friday. Sister Clark and I were going to the mission office to pick up our new mini missionaries. When we were walking past the temple, we found them there. Lena, Sister Clark's mini, Natasha, my mini, and Natasha's boyfriend. We all hugged and took pictures in front of the temple. Then Sister Clark and Lena went off to the mission office. Natasha's boyfriend came up to me and asked me if he could borrow her for a moment before we go. So they walked a little ways away and he proposed to her! Of course, she is super happy, but she is being very good about it. I think she might think it is forbidden to talk about guys and I'm letting her keep that opinion. <br />A miracle happened last Monday. Sister Clark and I were in Kiev, and I wanted to do some souvenir shopping for the last time. Even though I've been to the street that has tons of souvenirs several times, Sister Clark and I couldn't agree on how to get there. So we decided to ask someone. We stopped a young woman who wasn't sure how to get there herself, but she volunteered to take us there the best she could. On the way she asked us about why we were here and when we were explaining to her, she almost started crying. We asked if she would like to meet with the sisters in Kiev and she said that she would love to. I love moments like those! They make me so happy to be a missionary! <br />Back in Billa- it is super hard here! Being away for so long, none of our old investigators want to meet with us and trying to find new people is so hard. Yesterday we went with the district to sing hymns at Park Alexandria. We sang for maybe 20 minutes and a few people stopped, but we didn't get any contacts out of it. This morning we wanted to stop by a temple referral, but we got on the wrong marshutka which took us way out in the wrong direction. We will try again at the next opportunity. I just hope that something works out for us here. But Sister Larica certainly is happy that we are back! <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />9-20-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-44566544520197910232010-09-13T19:16:00.000-07:002010-09-13T19:29:40.096-07:00My crazy week in Odessa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TI7djV56QSI/AAAAAAAAALo/kOxgMUeneTk/s1600/c12.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TI7djV56QSI/AAAAAAAAALo/kOxgMUeneTk/s320/c12.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516590192820633890" /></a>Vika's Baptism<br /><br />I think this has been the craziest week of my mission! Monday I had a lovely preparation day in Odessa, which started off with me losing my fake tooth down the drain (so if I come home with a tooth missing, it is not because I was malnourished in Ukraine) I was pretty upset about it. But then we went to a Pinocchio Restaurant in the center of the city that reminded me so much of Disneyland that I almost cried. They even played actual music from Disneyland! Tuesday we had combined district meeting in the morning but other then that, it was a normal day, but at night we got a phone call from the office asking us if we were supposed to be on a train that night. We had not heard anything, but we did end up going to the train station early Wednesday morning to get tickets for that night to go to Kiev so we could make it to zone conference. On Wednesday night it was raining cats and dogs when we were on our way to the train station, on the way, we got a call from my district leader who asked if I knew that our district was going to go to the temple after zone conference. I had a mini panic attack because my recommend is still in Billa Serkva, and there was no way we could go there to get it. Luckily on Thursday morning I was able to squeeze a few minutes out of President Steinagel's schedule and get a recommend. Zone conference was amazing like always. I gave my final testimony that I was determined not to cry for, but did anyway. The temple was beautiful and I felt the spirit strongly confirm to me that everything was going to be ok. Friday Sister Clark and I went to get her HIV test so she can go to Bulgaria next week. Then we hopped back on a train again to make it back to Odessa to support Vika at her baptism. Saturday morning we went to check the water and it was...not warm. Then we went to Vika's and she asked about the temperature of the water and said she would not get baptized if the water was cold. We told her it wasn't too bad... Sister Clark and I were worried that she wouldn't like the water. But when the time came for the baptism, we were so busy we forgot about it and she was baptized before we knew it. Sunday she received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Later, in Relief Society she shared her testimony about how special the experience was for her and I knew that it was worth it to have gone back to Odessa. Because last night we were on a train again to Kiev, and here we are, going to pick up Sis. Clark's results today so she can go to Bulgaria tomorrow, and I can pick up my mini missionary and go to back to Billa finally! I have been more stressed and lost and confused this week than at any other time on my mission, but it was all worth it. I am definitely not having a boring last transfer. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />9-13-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-49638622637427338742010-09-06T11:09:00.000-07:002010-09-06T11:20:26.606-07:00Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvkg7q67I/AAAAAAAAALY/Xf_zSD56QMU/s1600/c3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvkg7q67I/AAAAAAAAALY/Xf_zSD56QMU/s320/c3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513865623147047858" /></a>Sister Pack came back!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvU0TOE6I/AAAAAAAAALQ/XlOkR5BTYew/s1600/c4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvU0TOE6I/AAAAAAAAALQ/XlOkR5BTYew/s320/c4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513865353468187554" /></a>Sveta in her costume<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvUXyfzfI/AAAAAAAAALI/aeHoMc1nRPM/s1600/c6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvUXyfzfI/AAAAAAAAALI/aeHoMc1nRPM/s320/c6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513865345814744562" /></a>Halina and her finace<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvT7LRm2I/AAAAAAAAALA/347Y1jko4cw/s1600/c9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvT7LRm2I/AAAAAAAAALA/347Y1jko4cw/s320/c9.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513865338134043490" /></a>At the sea<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUwqBgrSHI/AAAAAAAAALg/KvvWtCQ6sIM/s1600/c10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUwqBgrSHI/AAAAAAAAALg/KvvWtCQ6sIM/s320/c10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513866817303169138" /></a>Birthday lunch<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" /c11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TIUvS55W4LI/AAAAAAAAAKw/EGvd27m57OA/s320/c11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513865320610586802" /></a>EngliMeagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-77735478021935093982010-09-06T11:06:00.000-07:002010-09-06T11:08:47.478-07:00Odessa!So I'm in Odessa now. I never thought my whole mission long that I would ever get to see this place. Now that I have, I don't want to leave. It is just too beautiful. The people here are a bit crazy, but that makes it all the more fun! We met with a lady the other day who has been meeting the missionaries on and off for 16 years! She was supposed to get baptized on the fourth, but we didn't know about it and everything was not ready, so now her date is the eleventh of this month. I asked her why she wants to get baptized now and she didn't 16 years ago. She said that the things of the world were too tempting for her, but now she realizes that they are nothing. She can not find true happiness without the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though I won't stay here for much longer, and probably won't be here to support her on her baptismal day. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve here for a little while. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />9-6-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-53620456965149286122010-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:002010-08-30T18:16:32.628-07:00Mission Photo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/THxK9GEtnOI/AAAAAAAAAKg/dNGxyL-1gYU/s1600/c1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/THxK9GEtnOI/AAAAAAAAAKg/dNGxyL-1gYU/s320/c1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511362457457499362" /></a>Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-23223524920333936592010-08-30T16:34:00.000-07:002010-08-30T16:36:54.234-07:00Culture Celebration and Temple DedicationThis weekend was one of the best of my life. Saturday night was the culture celebration. I loved it so much. Everyone was there at a grand auditorium. There was a storyline that followed the religious history of Ukraine, and the part where LDS missionaries entered the country, the choir sang, "Hark all ye Nations" and all of the missionaries walked down and onto the stage, singing and waving all the way. At first I thought that it was silly and unnecessary, then when all 100+ were up there, people started standing up and clapping. I saw people with tears in their eyes and I realized how much missionary work means to these people. The church has only been here for a short time, so every single member has been taught by missionaries, and they love us as much and maybe even more than we love them. Then the spot light was shown on the the balcony where President Monson, President Uchtdorf and Elder Nelson were standing up for us, and they were clapping and had tears in their eyes as well. I cannot describe the emotion I felt at that moment to feel a part of such a marvelous and wonderful work. Then each country surrounding Ukraine performed for their country, each as fun and exciting as the next, the last was Ukraine and there was such a roar from the audience and I knew that I was serving in the best mission on earth! <br />The next day was the temple dedication. One of my favorite parts was just being able to laugh with our prophet. During the cornerstone ceremony he was laughing and just being himself. He very easily transitioned from the humor to the spirit with out any difficulty. They almost went hand in hand for him. I am thankful for his example of lightheartedness and his dedication to the Lord in carrying out His will among everyone throughout the world. This has been an experience I will never forget. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />8-30-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-48726746239720581612010-08-24T21:34:00.000-07:002010-08-24T21:42:08.259-07:00The Life-changing GospelThe temple open house is over. Visitors asked me when the next time the tours would be for the temple. I said there wouldn't be any more, that after the dedication, the temple would only be open for church members. They seemed very disappointed. Hopefully that will give them enough interest to meet with the missionaries and learn more about what the church is all about. Already so many people have been though and now want to be baptised. Hopefully it was not said in the spirit of the moment, but will be something that will stay with them for their lives and into eternity. For the entire two weeks of the dedication I have been looking forward into running into Halina, who was baptised last January in Voskresinsky. I knew she signed up to volunteer for six days, but, I didn't know when. It seemed that either she was there the hours that I wasn't or vice versa. Then, on my last day there, we were looking around for something random and Sister Garff comes up to me and she says that she saw Halina on her way out of the church and I better run in the rain to catch up to her. And I did. I finally caught up to her in the parking lot in front of the temple, and we were so happy to see each other. She was there with her fiance who was baptized last month - they are getting married in October, right before I go home. I sure hope that I can be there for their wedding. And next year, they will be sealed for eternity in the very temple that will be dedicated this week. I am so happy for her. After not having seen her since last January, I was pleasantly surprised to see how different a person she is inside and out. Having the Holy Spirit with a person really does change them from the natural man into the spiritual man. It is quite evident with her and other people that I have seen on my mission. Including missionaries. We come into the MTC all bright eyed and goofy- and at the end of our missions we have grown so much in the Spirit of Christ. Sister Garff and I were talking about that this morning. How just from serving a mission, how much better mothers we will be. Now that we have had experiences that have weighed us down, lifted us up, and made us stretch in ways that would have taken so much longer to do outside of a mission, if at all. I love this Gospel so much, I have no idea what I would do without it. <br /><br />-Meagen<br />8-23-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-52838858987885224332010-08-16T22:03:00.000-07:002010-08-16T22:06:36.845-07:00Back at the Temple AgainThis has been quite a week trying to go back and forth to Kiev as quick as possible so we can still have our lessons and help bring people to Christ. It is so unfortunate when people don't show up for lessons after running to get on the marshutka back to Bila. We did have a few interesting lessons though. One in particular was about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it started off so splendidly, then she had a non-related to the lesson question, and after that we couldn't get her to stop talking about how "God is one". I still have hope for her though. I know that she has felt the spirit in previous lessons, we just need to help her realize what that means. <br />Working in the cultural hall, it is interesting to meet people from all over Europe. Sometimes when people from Russian speaking countries speak to me and I respond, it takes me a second to realize that they don't understand Ukrainian! So I have to use my best Russian-sergic with them. <br />I love to hear people's stories about coming to see the temple. We were talking to some people who came from Belarus, and had ridden in a bus for over 14 hours. When they finally saw the temple on the horizon, they all were overcome with tears and celebration. There was also a man from England who is investigating the church and when he heard that there was an open house in Ukraine, he made special plans to come and see it. He even made his trip a bit longer than needed just in case he ran into any problems. He loved the temple so much that he spent all day at the site, going on the tour more than three times, and sitting in the cultural hall for a while just to take it all in. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime and I am so grateful to be apart of it. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />8-16-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-54710283378452758702010-08-09T15:20:00.000-07:002010-08-09T15:23:39.660-07:00Temple Open HouseLast Thursday we had just returned home from our morning walk-about, when we received a call from our district leader for us to get to Kiev- and to hurry like we had to be there thirty minutes ago. We had no idea what was going on. We knew that there was a special open house for the VIPs but we didn't think that they would need missionaries for that event. Because of the urgency of the call we called a taxi and got to Kiev in an hour and a half, to find that they needed us to replace sisters serving in the cultural hall who needed to go on a lunch break. I was kind of disappointed that it wasn't more exciting than that, oh well, I think eating is important too I guess, but I wanted to go in the temple! So we stayed in the cultural hall for the rest of that day and on Friday too. And on Saturday too. They just want us there to answer questions and help people if they ask for help. We are not allowed to hand out literature or to proselyte. The VIPs had a catered buffet, and when the temple opened for the public, they get a mini pie/cookie and a juice box. No one has asked me very much, usually they ask for a Book of Mormon, that we can not give them, only if they fill out on the comment card and request for one, then some time in the near future, missionaries in their area can deliver it to them. The most interesting question I received was from non-members who asked about polygamy. I simply replied that that was a long time ago and we do not practice it anymore. It has been fun to try to spot the Americans from the Ukrainians or the non-members from the members. And then try to find out if I'm right or not. Can you tell I get kinda bored? But I don't care because this is what I have been waiting for my entire mission! The temple open house and dedication! So if I get to be a part of it in just a little way, I am grateful. I will be working there every day this week except for today and Wednesday. So that is a two hour hot marshutka ride to and from every day. I was telling a visiting American couple this, and they were amazed, and said that I would be blessed. I can see the blessings already. Finally after our shift on Saturday, we waited around a little bit longer for our Billa Serkva branches to arrive so we could go on the temple tour with them. I am so glad we waited because along with some of them, my former companion, Sis. Visotska, and her son were on the tour with us, as were Lena, Ira, and Tonya from my first area. The temple was more beautiful than I had imagined. They had a hard time finding carpet in Ukraine, so most of the flooring is stone, there are so many hand painted details and classic Ukrainian hints in the design as well. For example, patterns of wheat on the walls, blue and yellow in the stained glass, and even a little bit of the Ukrainian cross stitch shown in a few places. My absolute favorite part of the tour (that was unexpected) were the member volunteers who stood at several places on the route of the tour so that people don't wander off. They stand so reverently with smiles on their faces and a sparkle in their eye. They nod their heads when you say diyakoyou (thank you) and I feel the spirit so strong from them. They love their temple so much and I am so, so happy for them. <br />Back to Billa! On Sunday a lady who had come to church with her member-friend last week came again and this time, without her friend. I sat by her during Sacrament Meeting and during one of the talks, where the member was reading from the Book of Mormon, she leaned over to me and asked, "Can I read that book?" Of course! Right after the meeting I ran and got her one and set up a meeting to tell her more about it tonight! Pray for her please!<br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />8-9-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-71559076522077132402010-08-02T20:15:00.000-07:002010-08-02T20:52:00.756-07:00Devine GuidanceLast Wednesday we were going to give a lesson on the Restoration. Without even thinking about it, I started leaning more to the Plan of Salvation, how God is our Loving Heavenly Father, how we lived with Him before this Earth, and how we are given families as a blessing to help us learn and grow. Sister Garff barely started teaching about prophets, when our investigator said that her husband passed away two years ago from heart complications. Then we were able to easily talk about Christ and His Resurrection and how we will all be resurrected and through Him, we can live together as families. I think that she felt the Spirit and she wants to learn more. Before I came to Billa tSerkva, the sisters had an English lesson with her seven year old daughter, then showed some clips from an info video on missionary work and the temple. The daughter said that she was interested, and the sisters thought that it was about family history work that she was interested in (when it probably was about the eternal nature of the family). How sad it would have been if we had only presented a pedigree chart and taught her daughter how to make a family tree. I'm thankful that we are led by God, and not by our own understanding. He helped us share the correct lesson that she needed to help her feel His love in her life. <br /><br />-Meagen<br />8-2-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-62652038625684942442010-07-26T18:08:00.000-07:002010-07-26T18:09:11.888-07:00Sister LaricaI really wanted to end my mission in Khmelnitsky, but having one visit with Babushka Larica in Billa tSerkva makes me very thankful for the opportunity to serve here. She has multiple sclerosis and is in so much pain, that you can tell by the way she rocks back and forth as she is talking with you, but you can not tell by the smile on her face and the words of peace and hope from her lips. How can I complain about the heat, or about a pain in my stomach- such temporary ills, when she has a permanent, deathly sickness of which she says, "If it happens, then it was God's will that it happen." When I first heard that I would have to help clean and wash and elderly lady, I was scared and apprehensive, but now that I have met the angel that she is, I will consider it a privilege until the end of my service. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />7-26-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-72234857557674704462010-07-19T12:45:00.000-07:002010-07-19T12:51:23.805-07:00Circle of LifeThis week I have had the song Circle of Life from the Lion King in my head as missionaries are leaving for home and new missionaries are coming in. I am being transferred out of Khmelnitsky- the city that I love. And have been saying a lot of goodbyes. Come Thursday I will be saying a lot of hellos as a new area welcomes me. I am very thankful for the opportunity that I have had to serve here and look forward for the memories that await me in my next area. I just hope that I have done something good that will remain with the people here, that I love. My cousin just had a baby boy, and my grandpa is facing a major life threatening operation. And the world goes round and round with endings and new beginnings, just like the circle of life. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />7-19-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-35112497224938543442010-07-14T10:22:00.000-07:002010-07-14T16:31:45.211-07:00This has not been a fun week for my legOn Tuesday night I got two insect bites on my ankle. Wednesday they hurt and there was a lot of red around them, so I put some tea tree oil on, hoping that they would get better. On Thursday my ankle was very red and swollen and the muscles on my ankle were very sore. By Thursday night I could barely walk. On Friday my entire ankle was bright red and still swollen. I bought hydro cortisone cream to see if that would do anything. Friday night I was inspecting it, fearing that I might have to go to the hospital if it didn't get better soon. Then somewhere in my mind I decided that the redness looked more like a sunburn than insect bites. Then it dawned on me. I remembered that Wednesday night as I slept while I was tossing and turning, I hit my ankle really hard on a metal bar near my bed. That was the cause of the soreness and swelling. Then I realized that I had been putting oil on my ankle for the past several days and it was a sunburn! Looking at the bites again, they didn't look bad at all! I had been the one to cause me so much pain! Of course I was relieved and mad at myself for not realizing this sooner. But I put some aloe-vera on the sunburn and started stretching out the ankle, and by Saturday morning I was playing basketball for sport's day with no problems. Later on, I was at a member's house doing service. Elder Demke was messing around with Sister Loubov's cats. He said he hates cats because one bit his brother when he was four, and has been scared of cats ever since. I said that I was scared of dogs- and my companion joined in and told how the night before I had run away from a dog that was barking at me. After the service project, my companion and I were walking down a quiet street and a dog walked up along side of us. I looked down at it, but thought nothing of it because wild dogs often follow us around. Then, out of nowhere, he leaned his head over and BIT ME! I let out a little scream of shock and two ladies nearby and I think even my companion laughed at me. At first I didn't think that he had broken the skin, but I went and stoped to examine more closely, and there was a little blood. We asked the ladies if he was their dog, and they said no. My companion is convinced otherwise. The dog was just sitting next to them in the shade, calm as ever like nothing had happened. I would have SHOT HIM with my camera, but I didn't have it with me. I called Sister Steinagel and followed her instructions on how to clean the bite. She made some calls and found out that there have been no rabies victims in Ukraine for the past two years, and before that, it was only from wild rodents like raccoons. So I'm not worried. I asked the elders for a blessing just to make sure. Plus, Sister Loubov said that it is a Ukrainian saying that if a girl gets bit by a dog, it means she will get married soon! That is a Ukrainian superstition that I'll agree with! <br />On a more spiritual note, we invited three people to get baptized this week. All of them said that they are not ready. I do agree that you should be ready before baptism, because it is serious, but how worth it, it will be if it is sooner rather then later. I was telling this to a church member yesterday and the thought came to my mind- what things does the Lord want me to do right now, that I am putting off for fear of not being ready. This is something I am still thinking about. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />7-12-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-27231298263004726002010-07-05T11:38:00.000-07:002010-07-05T11:42:21.481-07:00I love baptisms!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TDInMEh6rQI/AAAAAAAAAKY/OSkZdu8i0rE/s1600/b13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TDInMEh6rQI/AAAAAAAAAKY/OSkZdu8i0rE/s320/b13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490493984045968642" /></a><br />On Saturday, Oleksey and Nadia were baptized! They are the first married couple in Khmelnistsky to be baptized! We now have a family! They will be such a strength to this little branch.<br />From what I have heard, when Oleksey was only 12 years old, he saw a commercial for the Book of Mormon, ordered it, and read it all the way through and knew it was true. Somehow later on in life he became an Orthodox priest, and some time later, he left the priesthood. He married Nadia and they have the cutest little girl Nastia. They were searching the Internet and he remembered the Book of Mormon and wanted to read it again. They fasted and prayed for two months before ordering a copy. Elders Demke and Obring got a call from the office giving a name and address to deliver the book to. Then they all met, and the couple pretty much taught themselves. The Lord really does prepare people to receive the Restored Gospel. We have already planned a Relief Society activity with Nadia to get together and sew handkerchiefs for the temple dedication! <br />My brother Ryan was baptized on the same day! Thanks to missionaries who taught our ancestors generations ago. I wonder how many generations this family will bless?<br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />7-5-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-65322412139347895762010-06-29T11:37:00.000-07:002010-06-30T17:35:41.457-07:00I should have studied piano moreNew idea on how to get investigators to church--- transfer away Sister Murphy- the pianist for the branch and have me attempt to play the piano for Sunday. After that lovely experience I ran out as fast as I could to find someone from our little branch who could play! Luckily enough, we have been teaching someone who is a professional musician. She said she felt better about coming to church, because she was needed and had something to do, rather than to just sit and gawk at everything around her. When I called Elder Demke to tell him that I wasn't playing, I think he got a little offended. He said something like, "singing is a spiritual experience for me" and he did not want to play the piano. Then I told him that I was not going to play....because Tanya was going to play instead- I could hear the relief in his chuckle. So Tanya came and all was well. President Molonose was visiting from L'viv and shared a spiritual talk about his conversion and what it means to him today. I'm excited to meet with Tanya soon and hear what she has to say! <br />-Sister Howell<br />6-28-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-5888811577889385602010-06-22T10:15:00.000-07:002010-06-22T10:16:26.609-07:00<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/play/4d5463314d6a59324d544d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: River Park" src="http://www.smilebox.com/snap/4d5463314d6a59324d544d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=hallmark&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">Make a <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/slideshows/slideshow-software//?partner=hallmark" target="_blank">slideshow design</a></td></tr></table>Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-25011519131668205462010-06-22T09:45:00.000-07:002010-06-22T09:46:46.884-07:00Temple MiracleWe just had a wonderful zone conference in L'viv! President Steinagel shared with us some stories from his mission. And related it to how we can search for more. It was motivational. <br />Sister Steinagel shared story about the temple. The other Sunday, the new grass on the temple grounds was dying because of the heat, so workers had to work on Sunday to keep the grounds wet. The members of the church were concerned and started praying that everything would turn out ok. Just a few hours later, dark clouds rolled in and there was a torrential rainstorm for the rest of the day and into the night. Ever since then, the weather has been fairly cool and the grass is as green as can be. The Lord truly does answer our prayers. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />6-22-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-32194317544054793912010-06-14T20:03:00.000-07:002010-06-14T20:05:29.122-07:00I bought a kilo of strawberries today!It is now officially summer!<br />The temperature is 100 degrees outside with an almost 100% humidity, or so it feels. Wasn't Ukraine supposed to be cold?? Our apartment is a sauna. No air conditioning, and if we open a window for some air, a swarm of mosquitoes fly in and attack! I sleep with a fan on me all night- to breath and to keep the mosquitoes off me. But that's a mission for ya! I think I'll sweat off about 10 more pounds before the end of my mission. <br /> <br />The other day we had a lesson with a lady who we have been teaching for a while, but I think that just now she is beginning to understand. Sister Visotska brought a little wooden puzzle of the Plan of Salvation and our investigator was obsessed with the 3 kingdoms of glory. She kept saying over and over, "this is very interesting" at the end of the lesson she remarked that our church is on a higher level of Christianity. I never thought about that before, but I like it! <br /> <br />Yesterday at church the Thatchers came in to visit. One of our members had a question about temple clothing and asked for me to translate. The member speaks only Russian and Sister Thatcher speaks very very little Ukrainian. And somehow, they didn't really need me to communicate with each other. It was beautiful to see the bond of sisterhood stretch beyond languages. <br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />6-14-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-46787229580992370162010-06-08T22:07:00.000-07:002010-06-08T22:13:08.575-07:00Pictures!Me in Kmelnitsky <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iYhS-hXI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/FkDvkTfZmV4/s1600/a13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iYhS-hXI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/FkDvkTfZmV4/s320/a13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480637076183352690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iXvAQkKI/AAAAAAAAAKI/2LZgGQS2mWE/s1600/a14.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iXvAQkKI/AAAAAAAAAKI/2LZgGQS2mWE/s320/a14.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480637062683070626" /></a><br />Me and Sister Visotska <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iWpRC5gI/AAAAAAAAAKA/KwOaQgh4zac/s1600/a12.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iWpRC5gI/AAAAAAAAAKA/KwOaQgh4zac/s320/a12.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480637043962996226" /></a><br />The Temple <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iWCynthI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/HwtBJFB44dg/s1600/a11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iWCynthI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/HwtBJFB44dg/s320/a11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480637033634838034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iVdHMeJI/AAAAAAAAAJw/d4YqdovLaT0/s1600/a10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OPy_H5jtPoU/TA8iVdHMeJI/AAAAAAAAAJw/d4YqdovLaT0/s320/a10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480637023520585874" /></a>Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302672586216134144.post-56436873083098719832010-06-08T19:10:00.000-07:002010-06-08T19:14:22.637-07:00Meeting with Elder ScottWow, what a wonderful meeting with Elder Scott. I don't know what I was expecting to see when he walked in, maybe glowing, floating, like the images of the apostles in the orthodox churches. I know that is not real, but I was somewhat disappointed because when I saw him the first thought that popped into my head was, "he's a lot shorter than I thought. He's just a man." But then when I went up to shake his hand and looked into his eyes, I felt the spirit confirm to me that he is a true disciple of the Lord. I thought it was interesting that later in the day, he mentioned something like, "In and of myself I am nothing, but I have been called as one of the Lord's appointed."(not a direct quote) This experience helped me to realize my own divine appointing. I sometimes do feel like I am nothing and all that I do does not matter. But it does matter. I have been called of God to be His servant and through me, He can do great things! I just need to be willing to let Him!<br /> <br />Here is what President Steinagel wrote us in his e-mail (quotes from Elder Scott):<br /> <br />What were some things that you want to remember, and to apply in your work? Here are some which I want to do:<br />-Throughout the course of my life, I will diligently seek to learn by what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down the important things I learn, and I will do them.<br />-Today’s instruction will include how to have an increase in convert baptisms who are well retained as members of the church.<br />-Always seek the Spirit, particularly when you are going to invite someone, such as to be baptized. Don’t go alone.<br />-To have faith, we must act! Follow the Spirit, even if promptings aren’t consistent with your expectations.<br />-How can we remember Christ in all that we do? Study His life through the scriptures, and do what He would do.<br />-The yardstick the Lord will use to measure our mortal life will be the personal character we’ve created.<br />-“I learned about accepting the Lords will more through personal trials than anything else.”<br /><br />-Sister Howell<br />6-7-10Meagen McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04704794186147180575noreply@blogger.com0