wanta stay here

Note:  This is our very last email from Russell as a missionary. He is responding to our last email.  I wrote him that we plan to return to Germany with him to visit.  He is not saying "Good-bye", only "Till we meet again."  He completes his mission tomorrow, Wed, Jan. 27, 2010.  He returns home Thursday, Jan. 28, at 10:00 pm.  We can hardly wait!

Yea, tomorrow we go to the temple in Frankfurt. I'm excited, it's been a long time since I've done a session.

I can't wait to visit. We've got about a million families that have offerred their homes to us. But I'm warning you now I've decided to do everything I can to do a study abroad here in germany. I just haven't had enough.
Anywho, I'll see you all in two days.

Elder McDonald

An invitation to Welcome him home!

"Finishing his mission"

We received a letter from President Ninow, Russell's mission president recently. It is the concluding report on our Elder's work as a missionary for the past two years. We would like to share the letter:

"As you son, Elder Russell Allen McDonald finishes his mission, Sister Ninow and I express our gratitude to you for the privilege we have had of serving our Heavenly Father with your son in the Germany Frankfurt Mission. During these last two years, he has deepened his love for the Gospel and has strengthened his faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He has gained a righ appreciation for the people here, their culture and their language and through study and dedication has learned the German language as well. He has been able to teach the doctrines of Christ and bear firm testimony of their truthfulness and by so doing, has been an instrument in the hands of the Lord.


During his mission, Elder McDonald had the opportunity to serve in the capacity of a District Leader. He demonstrated a great love of the people which is critical to the Lord's work here and he gave Christ-like service to those around him. We commend him for the service he has given to the Lord. He will be missed by many her in Germany and his influence will be felt for generations to come.


Elder McDonald's release date from the mission field is the 27th of January, 2010 and he will travel home the following day. The Lord has richly blessed your son and we are certain of His great and abiding love for him. He will continue to be an asset for good in our Heavenly Fathers' kingdom here upon earth. Sister Ninow and I love him and pray for the Lord's choicest blessings to be with him. We will always cherish our time of service together and hope that Elder McDonald will keep in touch from time to time as he progresses forward.


Again, I express my deep gratitude to you for your love, your support and for the sacrifice made while your son has faithfully served here in the Germany Frankfurt Mission.