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

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 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

We had a good week. A great week in fact. We taught Jennifer, the referral from last Sunday, and she accepted to be baptized on February 5th! It was fantastic. So Elder Castillo and I have a lot work ahead helping her prepare for that. It’s a miracle. We were really praying and working for one. I’m glad it finally came. I know there are more out there.

Otherwise things are a little slow. A little cold. And like the title suggests, we’ve had some opposition. You see, every night when we come in, we take our bikes inside and park them in our living room area, right next to the front door. Nothing special. But, we woke up Friday morning to find that Elder Castillo’s bike… was gone! Yup, someone came into our apartment in the night, took the bike, and left. Mine was still there, fortunately. I guess they only had time to take his. It seemed as though almost everything else in the apartment was untouched. (I mean it’s not like we have anything valuable in the open) — terrifying, right?

Well, we’re fine! Elder Castillos had insurance, he’ll have a new bike in a couple days. The police caught someone with a gun near our complex that night. But I guess our apartment wasn’t on the report… so according to them “no on was in our apartment” — *sigh* I’m just glad we’re all safe. We always lock our door… but I guess someone forgot that night. I was passed out in bed. I’ve been fighting a nasty cold the last few days. Mostly sinus congestion, headaches, and fatigue. Bleh! Better now though, just getting my voice back. I sound like I’m hitting puberty all over again.

Went on a blitz last night. I was paired up with Elder Marcheschi, from Ogden UT. He’s my “Grandson”, since I trained his trainer. He’s a solid missionary! We met this guy named Steven who started off our conversation with a bunch of anti-Mormon stuff. I cracked a big smile right away. I’ve come to love people like this guy. He was throwing all sorts of stuff at us. He knew a lot. Pretty impressive really. He was very passionate. “You can’t prove the Book of Mormon”, he says, “Cities in the Bible can be found today, but in the Book of Mormon… blah blah” … “You can’t trust feelings!” he said. But that got me thinking…

“Sir, are you Christian?”, I asked.
“I sure am.”
“Sir, how do you know that Jesus is the Christ?”
“Well, it’s clearly recorded in History that in the Roman empire two witnesses were used to establish historical fact… blah.. Josephus… blah… So Christ’s ministry was well known and recorded.”
“I agree. But that’s not my question. Clearly Christ existed, and walked, and taught, but how do YOU know that he is the Christ, the Son of God, and your Savior?”

He then tried to explain his testimony of Christ. But sadly, he missed the mark. His testimony was not based on any witness from God. It was based only on fact. Only on his limited knowledge.

It was fun talking with him though. I smiled the whole time. People like Steven used to scare me. Now I loooove it! Ah… the things I’ve learned on my mission, and the people I’ve met!

Well. Three more weeks, my friends. It’s impossible not to think about it. Everyone I talk to seems to bring it up at some point. Trunky! :X

There’s so much work to do! Till next time!

Love,
Elder Macpherson

That’s missionary work. But it applies to real life too. Better put that in the book of “What I Learned on My Mission.”

Anyway…

Elder Castillo and I had a good week. Last Sunday we met the Foothills Ward for the first time. It’s mostly “old people”, a few younger families, a couple youth, a small chapel. Feels like home. Ha ha. But who’s thinking about home? I love the Bishopric. Bishop Keele and his counselors are great guys! We share the building with the Tala’ofa Tongan Ward. They meet right after us. We’re at 9am, they’re at 1pm. Our ward loves missionaries too, although our members keep seeing the Sister Missionaries in the Tongan ward and they try and invite them over for dinner. “You have great elders!” they say. Besides, the Tongans wouldn’t be happy if we took their sisters. (Fact: You gain a lot of weight if you serve in a Polynesian ward)

The work is picking up. This week was a little rough at first. Still trying to get our heads around this area. We don’t a have a whole lot of solid people to teach, right now at least. Seems like everyone they were teaching before is either sick, or hard to contact. No worries though, we’re searching for people!

Yesterday we got a referral from the Bishop. A lady named Jennifer. I don’t want to jump the gun, but I think she’s an answer to our prayers. Her husband is a member but hasn’t been to church in a while, but they’ve been talking for sometime about coming back to Church. She’s interested. They just had a kid recently. Anyway, we have an appointment tonight, so I’m excited for that!

Well, this time next week I get to see my Aunt & Uncle Hallen out here. They’re taking me and my companion to breakfast. Can’t wait to see them!

Oh, and by the way, it’s COLD here.

Till next week,
Elder Macpherson

I can’t believe 2010 is past. My only full year as a missionary. And what a great year it was! My personal journals tell a story I will never forget. Many of the people, the places, and experiences of this year will forever be impressed upon my mind. Thank you everyone who made this year what it was.

Now for 2011.

So my new companion is Elder Alvin Castillo, from Los Angeles California (Area code 310, he says!) — his actual hometown is San Pedro, but it’s close enough to LA and not far from Long Beach. He’s a great kid, he’s short, he’s Filipino, and he’s as green as they come. These last few days in the Foothills Ward have been very interesting. We met the Bishop the first day; he’s a fantastic guy and seems very supportive and excited about missionary work. We also found out that a young girl the elders were teaching (before we got here) was getting baptized, that night! So we went to the baptismal service and met some more people from the ward. Elder Castillo got to see his first baptism as a missionary, on his first day!

I’m back on bike again! In the cold. Ah, I knew this was going to happen. Why couldn’t my last transfer be in the spring? Haha. Oh well, I’ll survive. So far it hasn’t rained too much. Just a little. But the temperature is dropping, and the wind can be bitter. It doesn’t help that I left my jacket in someone’s car when I was getting transferred. He won’t have it back to me until Monday, but that’s fine, I have a temporary one thanks to our kind Bishop. I also have some mittens to keep my hands warm, and a really awesome person I taught knitted me a scarf, back in my last area. It’s great :)

We’ve been busy. Elder Castillo is a literal blank slate, ready to be written on. And I’m the official scribe. In some ways it’s a blessing because he has no preconceived ideas of how things should work. But on the other hand, it means I now have the mammoth task of not only “training” him, but also teaching him what I learned in the Missionary Training Center (3 weeks of classes, all day), in a much much shorter period, and with much less resources. We don’t have the luxury of classrooms, teachers, and special training programs here. I have a copy of Preach My Gospel and the experience under my belt. It’s not much. I definitely feel inadequate. But I’m going to do my best, and pray that God will bless us with success. Elder Castillo is willing, and teachable. The other missionaries in the zone, and in my apartment, are helping too. Foothills Ward has a lot of potential. I think it’s all going to work out.

We live far away from all the other Elders. But, the North Sacramento Zone is awesome. There are lots of different languages up here. We have Hmong and Laotion speaking Elders, and Sisters in the Tongan ward.

We have a lot of work to do. I’m looking forward to Church tomorrow. I’m going to do my best to win the trust of this ward. We’re going to work our butts of this week.

Hope to hear from you all soon.

Till next time!

Love,
Elder Macpherson

By the way, just a reminder for those of you who get this update by email or on facebook, if you go to http://hami.sh/mission/ you’ll find that my parents have uploaded a few pictures that I’ve sent them (right hand column). I just wanted to say that, because I know that they’re not included in these messages, so some might be missing out.

Anyway, as I said, Christmas was great! I have so much Chocolate now it’s ridiculous. I’m sharing it with as many people as possible, because I really can’t eat it all myself. We had breakfast with the Stake President in the morning, and dinner with some members in the River Park ward later on. We had steak for dinner, and I couldn’t even finish mine. It was good though. I just don’t eat a lot, especially since we’re in a car. Obviously I’m burning a lot less fat, and so I don’t have as much of an appetite. I think people get disappointed when I don’t eat like it’s the only meal of the day. They seem to expect that of a missionary. Ha ha. On the flip side, some of the RMs here say I’ll really miss being fed a full meal, and often dessert, every night once I get home. They’re probably right.

Things have definitely slowed down this last week. It’s the holidays. A lot of the people we’re teaching are still on vacation. The weather is getting… drearier. More rain and clouds, less sun and warmth. It was neat though, because the other day we were driving east on Highway 50 to an appointment, and as we drove I found we were leaving the thick gray cloud cover behind us and coming into clear blue skies. The shining sun was a welcome change. It was really pretty. But hey, rain or shine, I’m going to work. “The time is far spent, there is little remaining!”

Now for the paragraph you’ve all been waiting for.

I got my transfer call last night… and I’m leaving! I guess that was my last call that really matters, because, well… we all know what he’ll say in the final one six weeks from now (that was set from day one.) But anyway, like I was saying; I’m leaving this area. President Jardine is transferring me to the Sacramento North Stake (aka. “North Sac”), Foothills Ward. My assignment? Training a brand new missionary. Which is really exciting! Even more so because when I say “brand new” I mean it in more than the usual way. You see this Elder isn’t coming from the Missionary Training Center. He’s coming directly to the mission field from his home. And I have to train him… from the ground up.

To be honest, I’m not sure why. My guess is that he is from somewhere in California but may not be a legal resident, per se. And so flying to Utah is out of the question. Hence the putting him right in the field. I’ve been told I’ll have a training plan to use for the first week, so I’ll update you all next time.

I’m sad to leave here. I love the area. I love the people that we’ve taught. I love the wards. I love Elder Evans (as much as he makes fun of me, haha). But, “I’ll go where you want me to go dear Lord.”

I think interesting times are ahead in the adventures of Elder Macpherson!

Till next time!

Love,
Elder Macpherson

Cortnie and Samantha’s baptism this Sunday was amazing. It took place immediately after church on Sunday. We pulled everyone out of class during the third hour and got them into the necessary white suits/clothing. Then we did some role-plays to make sure they knew what to do. Samantha’s boyfriend Will was there to baptize her. It was his first time. Our branch mission leader, Ashton, was ready to baptize Cortnie.

Friends and family began to arrive in large groups. President and Sister Jardine came too! When the baptismal service started we had to meet in the Chapel because the Relief Society room wasn’t big enough! The talks were great, short and sweet. When it came time we ushered everyone into the Cultural Hall where the Font was located. Samantha went first, and Will did a fine job. The spirit was so strong. There’s nothing like seeing someone you’ve taught and encouraged for months finally entering the water of baptism. Then came Cortnie! Her knees came up when Ashton tried to baptize her. But she didn’t know that, and so she ran out of the font after… audibly slipping on the wet bathroom floor! We called her back. She was just laughing. Ashton did it again, and this time she went all the way under. Done!

Once they changed into dry clothes, we came back to the Chapel, and they were both confirmed. Will confirmed Samantha, and I confirmed Cortnie. After which they both bore their testimonies! That was my favorite part. It always is. Because they tell their story, and I always learn something I didn’t previously know. I really just love hearing testimony. Especially of new converts, because it’s so real. You can see how they’ve changed. I think they see it more too when they speak it out loud.

Cortnie leaves for home in a few days, but she’ll be back before the new year starts. Samantha is back home now in the Bay Area for the holidays, and she won’t be back in Sacramento until the end of January. I said my farewells to her. If I get transferred after Christmas (as I’m anticipating) then I probably won’t see her for some time. But no worries. We’ll be in touch when I get home, as with all the great people I’ve met and taught on my mission. Thank goodness for facebook.

In other news, we’re teaching a girl named Amanda, and she came to church as well as the baptism! Her boyfriend is a member, and she’s been to church with him elsewhere several times. She loves how she feels at church, and when she reads the Book of Mormon. She’s already accepted baptism. She just needs to dive in and pick a date. I think she’s a little concerned about family opposition, but I know it’ll all work out.

In a similar boat, is a girl named Laura. She has member family; her dad is actually a less-active member, but her Mom doesn’t like religion much at all. Some of Laura’s uncles are also members. She spent several months with her uncle’s family in Arizona and now that she’s been back for a while she’s decided that she wants to get into Church more. She’s been to church a few times now, and has also accepted baptism!

Well we have a lot going for us. We’ve been blessed. Christmas is this week. I’m excited for that. It’s always fun to call home. On Thursday we’re meeting President & Sister Jardine in Elk Grove to get our Christmas packages and gifts that they’ve been holding at the office.

I want to thank friends and family for the wonderful cards I received this week. I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas!

Love,
Elder Macpherson

Here I am for another week of adventure, etc.

So Sacramento is coming alive! Fancy lights have covered the houses, those fake reindeer are in the yards, and cheesy Santa hats are everywhere. However, I must admit, it still feels so… weird without snow. It’s my second Winter, but It’s almost as if last year I was on “vacation” and that everything would be “back to normal” by this time, but here I am again, snow-less, in the balmy weather of December in Sac. But, hey whether I like it or not, I guess it’s official; Christmas time is here! And It’s the best time to be a missionary.

So last night while I was tracting with another missionary an old lady opened the door and said in a strange voice, “Jesus is the reason for the season!” And then she slammed her door shut. I guess I can thank her for 1) the nice reminder, and 2) a title for this entry. The latter especially… because I’m always trying to think of clever titles.

I love the work. Samantha and Cortnie’s Baptism is this Sunday. So we’re stoked about that. We took them on a Temple Tour that we did as a zone. So a bunch of missionaries brought people they were teaching as well. We got there and quickly realized that the usual tour guides… weren’t there. So, Elder Evans and I sort of… lead the tour ourselves. Haha. We’ve both seen the tour several times, so we knew enough (kind of) of how it was done. It was funny. Everyone seemed to enjoy it though.

We found some more great people to teach this last week. Almost all of them are YSAs. They’re all really promising too, so hopefully I’ll have more to talk about next time.

It’s finals week here at Sac State so a lot of the people we’re teaching, and many members of the Branch, are working hard as the semester comes to an end, giving way to a welcome winter break. It’s weird to think that I’ve been serving here in the Cordova stake for a whole “Semester” now. I imagine Church attendance is definitely going to be low in the next few weeks as many return to their families to celebrate Christmas and New Years.

I’m excited for the weeks ahead. I don’t think I’ll be writing again until Christmas day. I hope you all enjoy the coming weeks, hopefully with some good friends, food, and family.

Merry Christmas!

Love,
Elder Macpherson

Oscar’s two kids, Omari and Oscar Jr. got baptized this last weekend. It was great! The Primary sang a song, Elder Evans gave a talk, I did the baptizing, and there were lots of people there to support them. Oscar, their Dad, wants to be baptized too — he’s just got to work through some things to prepare.

Samantha is doing fantastic. She finally told her parents about her baptism. It didn’t go over so well with Mom (Dad’s sort of indifferent, I guess). Either way, it doesn’t sound like they’re coming to the baptism at this point. She’s doing well though, and is still commited to the 19th of December! Her boyfriend Will, his family, and many other friends will be there though. Will is preparing to baptize her in fact. The ward is also supporting her well. I’m so grateful for her faith and example.

Do you remember Cortnie? I know I mentioned her back when we met her in October. She’s 22 and going to school here. Like Samantha she’s been coming to church almost every week since we met her. We met with her several times, but eventually she told us, very firmly, that she would not get baptized! But she wouldn’t say why. And so we stopped meeting with her for about two weeks, just to give her some time. She continued to come to church, without us calling or texting. So recently we decided to meet with her again. She also decided she would tell us what was holding her back. We met at a members’s home. The lesson was powerful. There were things in her past that were still causing her grief and pain. We taught and testified of the Atonement, and it’s healing power. The Spirit was there. Two of her friends from church were there as well (Samantha and Cayla) — we helped her get past the “road block” and invited her to be baptized on the 19th as well, and she accepted! In fact she told us she had prayed about it, several times, and the answer was always “Yes.”

I’m so grateful for that experience, and to have met Cortnie. I’ve seen an undeniable change in her from the first time we met. I’ve seen the gospel bring more happiness and light into her life. I know she feels that too. It’s amazing to see that change of heart. I think of Ezekiel 36, where the Lord promises that our stony heart can be replaced with a fleshy one.The Spirit can do miraculous things!

We took Cortnie & Samantha to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional this last Sunday. They really enjoyed it. I hope everyone was able to catch it too.

It’s getting colder. And wetter. But it’s looking like a White Christmas for us!

Love,
Elder Macpherson