Blog of Elder Hamish Macpherson

Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; (D&C 4)

I love that section. I’ve had it memorized since the first month of my mission. And you know, I’ve been thinking. In the Bible, when God made the earth, he simply called it “good.” An amazing feat — I would think — to organize an entire planet, and all that goes with it! However to Him it was just “good.” But when the gospel was restored to the earth, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, it wasn’t just good; but as we read, it was “marvelous.” That’s a much stronger adjective if you ask me! And I think there’s a lesson there. I think that shows us just how important the Restoration, and the subsequent preaching of the Gospel is to our Heavenly Father. And if it’s important to Him, it’s important to me. Especially for the last 24 months of my life.

My dear friends, the days have passed, the time is far spent, and my bags are packed. (Well almost.)

I feel great. (Or should I say, marvelous!) I’m excited to come home. I know it’s cold in Montreal. Really cold. Not very excited about that. Sacramento is having one of the warmest winters in years. Yesterday I biked around in the sunny, clear skies, enjoying the 70+ degree weather. Maybe that’s Sacramento’s way of saying goodbye. (Probably more like “You’re going to Canada? You’re crazy.”) Oh well. I’ll try to bring some with me on the plane.

“And it came to pass that I, [Elder Macpherson], began to be old; [...] wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away [...] like as it were unto me a dream, [...] And I, [Elder Macpherson], saw that I must soon go [home to Canada]; wherefore, I said unto my son [Elder Castillo; keep the faith. Work hard. Love others. Live with no alibis, and no regrets.]: And I told him the things which my [leaders] had commanded me, and he promised obedience unto the commands. And I make an end of my writing upon [this blog], which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren [and sisters] may read my words. Brethren, adieu.” (Adapted from Jacob 7:26-27)

Brothers and Sisters, my testimony is that God’s hand is in this work. Because it is his work. We the missionaries are just the tools. Rough instruments in the hand of the Master Designer. I’m so very far from being perfect myself. Still, I’m grateful that I’ve been able to further the work of God in my own little way. I know the work will continue, even when I leave. I have a testimony that God has allowed me to meet and bless the lives of some of hos dear children. I’m grateful for each individual that I have taught, especially when I’ve seen the light of the Gospel fill their life, and cast out fear, doubt, and darkness. These are friendships which will continue throughout the eternities. And not just the people I taught, but also the members with whom I have associated in each of my areas. I am grateful for them all.

It’s not goodbye, it’s “I’ll see you later.”

It’s not the end, it’s just the beginning.

“And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.”

Love,
Elder Macpherson

To all my dearest friends, loving family, kind associates, regular readers, and occasional browsers. Life is good here in the Foothills Ward, Sacramento North Stake, of the California Sacramento Mission. I’m happy. Yes happy, despite being reminded several times a day of my impending death. In the mission sense, of course, don’t panic. But yes, I am going to die here in the Foothills Ward. And Elder Castillo is killing me. Let me tell you, it’s an almost surreal feeling to think that your life, as you know it, is going to end in approximately 10 days.

My mind is full of questions, such as “What shall I do, whither shall I go, and wherewith shall I be clothed?” Okay, I think I know the answer to most of those. (“Stay busy”, “Go back to Canada”, “Um, ALL the clothes you have”) But another question is “How on earth am I going to fit all this STUFF into two 50lb. checked bags?” You see most Utah missionaries get lucky. They can send home a box or two of accumulated junk with families in their ward heading to Utah for General Conference, a family trip, a wedding, etc. But no one goes to Canada from California, much less Montreal. I’m out of luck! Ah well. I’ll figure it out. I always do, somehow.

I think I’m stressed out. I heard that talking in your sleep is a sign of stress. Elder Castillo says I talk in my sleep pretty often. Not really sure what it’s about. Probably missionary stuff. Speaking of sleep, here’s a fun fact; my bedsheets are pink. Why, you ask? Well because when I came to this area I accidentally left my bedsheets in Cordova, so a kind member we had had dinner with several weeks ago gave me some. And they’re pink! For what it’s worth they’re really comfortable. A nice knit. But uh, I probably won’t be sticking with pink when I get home. Why is that important? I don’t know. I have to make these posts long to boost my ego.

The weather here is bipolar right now. Some days it’s grey and cold, others it’s sunny and warm. We’ve also had some intensely thick fog in the morning the last few days. And sometimes at night. It’s eerie. Feels like a zombie movie. Hmm, you know maybe zombies stole Elder Castillo’s bike?

I went to the Temple this last Saturday with all the other missionaries going home with me. We went through a session with the Mission President and his wife. It was really nice! Got a great picture of our group after. I would have attached it, but I don’t have my camera with me at the moment. Normally we go the day before our departure, but the Temple is closed that week, so we did it early. Everyone is so trunky…

Speaking of which, here’s another thought; my first Monday home is Valentine’s day. Ha ha.
. . . I’m just saying . . .

Okay. Enough funny business.

There was a joint Stake Conference this last weekend. 67 stakes in Northern California watched a broadcast from Salt Lake City. Boyd K. Packer, and President Eyring spoke, along with a few other area authorities. I liked it a lot. Elder Packer’s talk was kind of hard to follow, but President Eyring spoke on believing and trusting in a modern-day prophet. He shared some special experiences that he had had, especially with the late President Gordon B. Hinckley. I always love his talks.

Jennifer is doing great. She was interviewed after Stake Conference. She’s excited for February 5th!

I’m excited for a lot of things. I’m scared of a few. I’m ready for one more week.

Till next week, sincerely yours,
Elder Hamish Macpherson

I went back to Cordova this last weekend for Laura’s baptism. It was nice, as always, to see some members in my last area — but it was especially awesome to see Laura get baptized! She bore an awesome testimony at the end, relating her conversion to the seed of faith mentioned in Alma 32. She’s a writer, so it was very poetic. The spirit was strong. Elder Evans and the other Elder McPherson had me do the half-time show, while Laura and her Grandfather (who baptized her) changed into dry clothes. I shared my testimony and talked about the Restoration. Cortnie was there too! I was glad to see her. And also happy to see her supporting the newest member of the Branch.

I guess that will probably be my last time back in Cordova as a missionary. I was originally going to go back on the 5th for Amanda’s baptism, but she moved it to the 19th… and I won’t be in this country then. Bummer. But hey, as long as she’s getting baptized I can’t complain. The work will go on without me!

We had more sun this week. It’s been warm, in the high 60s. Still cool at night. Lots of mosquitoes out for some reason; I got bit on one of my knuckles and it’s all irritated… nothing big though. No more bikes stolen! We’re careful to lock the door every night. Oh, and last week I bought a Ukelele at a music shop. (As if I really need more stuff to pack home eh?) It’s lots of fun to jam on though! I only know a handful of chords, but it’s pretty relaxing to play. Elder Brimhall, my apartment mate, has one too so we jam together.

The temple is closed the week I go home so all the departing missionaries are going with President Jardine this coming Saturday. My recommend expires this month so I’m getting it renewed just before.

Elder Castillo is doing well. He’s been teaching me all sorts of LA-lingo. And things about the Filipino culture. I’m still trying to help him with some small obedience issues, but it’ll all work out. He’s motivated and wants to be out here. Which is great!

Jennifer is doing awesome! Still set for her baptism on February 5th. Her and James had a great time at church on Sunday. James is glad to be coming back. Her baptism is going to be my last one out here in the mission field, on my last weekend. No better way to go out!

Till next week!

Love,
Elder Macpherson