Week 3 ( She titled this email: Cheese is Soo Good) (Isn't She Funny)

FAMILY!!!

I have so much to tell you but, as Sandra already has noticed t's getting late here.  We only have a few minutes. 

I'm sure you feel much anticipation about this last week.  So, I'll begin at the end and go backwards.  DObPE?    DObPE!   Today, we moved into our new apartment!  Finally.  We are own are own in our area right next to a CUpePMaPKeT!  It's not wal-mart, but it meets our needs.  Ukrainians have style.  Did I tell you that yet?  We have a darling apartment!  Most apartments are pretty ugly outside (Remember they were all built during the Soviet Union but, some major remodeling is going on in this country!  Including moral remodeling [some changes haven't been so good] and that is why we are here).  We are all moved and unpacked.  We have lots of wonderful Ukrainian groceries like RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING CHEESE and XlIb (bread) and MOlOKO (Milk).  They have the best cereal here.  I feel right at home.  Well, I just don't know half of the conversations around me or the ingredients in the food I'm eating and I cannot count my calories any more - but I'm getting used to that too.  

My companion was sick this morning.  We fasted yesterday.  So I called our doctor (Elder Goth from Canada) and he said she would be okay in a couple of hours.  She rested and I got to perform some fun service like laundry and unpacking!  I hope I don't ever get sick.  

We had another baptism on Saturday.  (I returned to KuiB (by a nighttime train ride) and made it back by 7:30 for a meeting, then off to work again).  I love my companion.  I really missed her and KuiB.  Don't get me wrong, Lyiv is Heaven.  It's the gorgeous city of my dreams.  Our apartment was pretty much a palace and someone got really creative in the corridor.  There were murals everywhere!  It was a wonderful branch. There were 2 branches and they were so much fun to work with.  They are a missionary branch!  I met some amazing members, but not too much work was done.  I'm so glad to get busy here.  To get started.  To build this ward that neighbors the construction of the most glorious building in Eastern Europe.  We work with the office elders.  These two elders are fabulous.  I'm sorry they are stuck in the office but, because they are there we have the best flyers and the best handouts.  We have everything we need.  We are planning some wonderful missionary activities for the ward. 

Did I tell you the mission goal?  We are going to double the number of baptisms!  I'm super excited about the work here.  I'm super excited about the people we are working with.  I'm learning slowly that there is no secret to missionary work.  There is no magic trick and no 7 steps to success.

The key is the Savior.  He is the "WAY"  the "More Excellent Way."  I'm going to try to focus my mission like His mission.  He didn't go crazy trying to tell everyone to "REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED"  (sometimes it's quite tempting, fortunately I can say that and no one understands me...)  But, He labored in love and service.  

Well.  I'm sorry that today was a crazy day for us and we didn't have much time to e-mail.  I love you!

I am so thankful for the simplicity of the Gospel.  I know that God loves us.  We are all brothers and sisters.  We are all unique.  So, I'm trying to find better approaches and open the hearts to this important message.

I still have to e-mail Pres. Steinagel...so...tata for now!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

CECTPA MURPHY!!

(I signed a lease today...and then the toilet stopped working!)

P.S. I plan on sending you some awesome UK stuff but, I have no time today so you might not get it for your birthdays.  I love you both!

Thanks for the package, $40 that's a little outrageous!  Sorry.  I hope the Lord blesses you lots!  Tons...maybe in babies!!!

The toilet doesn't like me, well I don't know what caused it to break.  Oh, we bought scented Toilet Paper today, crazy huh.  They have the worst TP and the best.  I'd rather go cheap but, why not have the experience once. So we spent like 260 gruven(?) on groceries today but, I think it's only like $30.  I don't quite understand the exchange rate quite yet.

The work is sometimes frustrating but. I'm trying to get over that.  What are some tips on having more fun and not being so serious.  Most of the time I'm happy but, I'm just a little to stiff...you know.

The greatest of love to Auntie Diane!  I received a letter from her and g-ma already!  Sweeties!

Oh something I forgot...the Assistants are also in our area but, because they are assistants they don't have much time for the standard missionary work.  So we are going to be working with their branch too.  So, Sister Movchanok and I are going to be super busy and working hard strengthening the members here.  We met with the branch president and his cute little family yesterday night.  I'm excited for the challenge.  I know the Lord has blessed me so much.  The members are really impressed with my language after only 3 weeks but, there is still so much work to be done.  I'm understanding more, well I assume I'm understanding, because I know maybe 70% of the words...

Funny story we were handing out materials (copies of the "Book of Mormon" free pictures, liahonas, church stuff, and of course free English lessons (In lviv) and I was talking with someone.  I thought he was talking about a man in the apartments close by who wanted to learn and get baptized, and of course I wanted to meet him.  However, He wanted me to marry a nice Ukrainian boy.  Although, that's great, I'm a missionary.  So,  I'll just let that appointment fall through for a few years or so.  The gospel is what brings true happiness.  I know that.  I know how important this time is and I'm trying to be devoted, dedicated, and strong.  I know that I need to serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength.  So, on that note,  I'm going to go.

We have some exciting things to get ready for!

LOVE YOU FOREVER...because families are eternal.

Love,

your sometimes not so very humble, not so very diligent, and certainly not perfect missionary Sister Murphy...
But, I have a perfect hope in the Atonement of Christ and I love my Savior.  Every day I will try to be better, live more worthy and repent and change for the better.

CECTPA  Murphy.

Week 2

Hello - adorable wonderful family!

Are you ready for this?

I don't think you are going to believe it....

So, be prepared to be overwhelmed...and then laugh...

So, I've been here for, well this is my second week.  We got a call on Wednesday, well let me start out by saying, remember my companion lived in Italy.  Italians have very strict visa permits for Ukrainians.   She is Ukranian.  Because she has been serving, she was not able to go to Italy to renew her permit of stay.  She didn't want to distract from the work so she didn't worry about it.  However, that means that after her mission she doesn't have a place to live.  Meanwhile, another sister had to go home.  Her mother has cancer and was going to have a major surgery.   Wed. we got a call saying: be prepared to transfer - we are going to see what we can work out.  We thought: interesting, Wonder when that will happen...  Thursday we get a call:  Tomorrow, Sister Murphy you are going to L'viv for a week!  Sister Movchanok - you will leave on Monday to go to Italy so you can renew your permit of stay.  Amazing.  So, on Friday, I met my new companion - Sister Belastky, who is also Ukranian.  We are in L'viv for the week.  It's been great.  L'viv is a beautiful city in the west of Ukraine AND GUESS WHAT.  Everyone...mostly everyone...speaks Ukrainian!  It's so beautiful.  I feel extremely blessed to be here, serving with another amazing sister.  The best news.  We had a baptism!  Youlia.  She is a 16 year old girl - beautiful and has a great faith and an amazing testimony.  She lives at home in a not so good family situation.  It's interesting.  She is the only one supporting her family and not one of them supports her decision to be baptized.  The branches here are full of life and are ready to get full of people!
But, I miss the people in Kyiv.  We found 3 amazing people last week.  (Remeber we had to start from zero.)

The first lady is Cveta - 29.  She wanted us to help her with English.  She speaks amazing English and she was really excited to speak with a native.  So we meet with her twice a week.  She wants to know more about us of course.  She is so curious and super smart.  She has kept all of the commitments we have given her.  We have also been teaching her in English...CRAZY?  Yes.  But, we, Sister Movchanok and I both feel that she will only progress and learn the importance of the message by teaching her in Ukrainian.
Another girl is Marina.  She is probably 23.  She has a beautiful little boy and a husband.  She has been searching for truth for a while.
Another family, in their 40s, has been coming to church for a while.  But, something is keeping them from meeting with the missionaries.  Fortunately, we are sisters - we are going to work to prepare them for baptism.

Well, I love life.  It's amazing how much I need to improve.  It's amazing that the Lord is showing me how I can be a good and effective missionary.  It is certainly difficult here.  But, as I learn the culture and the language that will only add more power to my abilities.  Can you believe how much the Lord helps us.  I've only been studying for 3 months. CRAZY.  I know I have a loving Heavenly Father.  He wants to bless His children and when we pray and work hard he will bless us.  What a blessing it is to be here now - helping to build up the kingdom.  Pres. Steinagel said the temple will be ready in a year.  Today, they finished putting on the third layer of granite, signifying the building up of zion.  We are here to help these people receive their temple blessing from their Heavenly Father.  I am thankful to serve in this beautiful country among these beautiful people.  Seriously, this country is fashionable, oh and the food.  AMAZING!  Well, I don't have much time.

Preach My Gospel is the way to go.  I love you.  I think you are the best!  Thank you for your happy e-mails.  They make me smile....

No one is perfect.  I keep having to remember that one talk in conference.  A lady wanted her husband to be better, so she said "Why can't you be more like Abraham?" and he replied, "Then you need to be more like Sarah.  So, I think as long as I do what I can to be better others will work on improving as well.  I've been suprised a few times by fellow missionaries.  But, life goes on, missionary work goes on.  I love you!  

I want to see a picture of your new puppy.  I can get pictures so, someone needs to show you how to do that.  It's kind of difficult.  I had a hard time trying to send sandra some today.  Hopefully she gets them and you can see them.  What perfect weather.  It's crazy hot here!   Well, it was in Kyiv.  L'viv is heaven!  Sometimes it just rains. Someone indefinitely borrowed my umbrella at the MTC so, I'm going to be looking for a nice Ukranian umbrella.

Oh! I forgot the word for umbrella, I should go look that one up again.

I never get tired of talking because unfortunatley, I don't talk enough.  I have a lot I still need to learn.  But, I'm trying to be patient and rely on the Lord. We walk everywhere, or take public transportation.  All Ukrainians do it.  We pack into these little bus like things.  It's great, especially on hot summer days!  Although, those who can afford it have cars, I was surprised at how many american cars are here. The history is so neat here.  

Sandra could you send me a few hair ties in a letter or something.
Um...other suggestions:  hand wipes...these marchutkas and metros...crowed with people.  I feel so dirty....

and maybe easy to bake brownies or cake mixes.  I don't want to waste time baking but, it's fun to bring stuff to the members.  I don't think I need anything else.  Seriosly, I am fine, great, excellent, fabulous.  (I'm sorry about all of the adjectives and adverbs...apparently the Ukrainian language isn't to frivolous with their words)  The Lord really does protect his Servants.  I love Him.  I'm still working on opening my mouth.  Being brave and being bold.  But, I need to also show my love and have fun with these people, beautiful children of God!   All right.  I'm going to go buy some yummy Ukranian fruit and veggies.

Can you believe it...I'm in L'viv.  It is paradise for Ukranian speaking missionaries.  AND I get one week of it!  Well, time's up.

You are the best!

Nakrishe!

LOVE YOU FOREVER!!

Sister Murphy!

 

Amy's last night with Sister Howell, her companion in America.

She already got to go to a baptism in Ukraine.  Her new companion is on the left and the elders in her district are in the back.

This is the backyard of her new apartment in Kyiv.

First e-mail from Ukraine

Friends!

Thank you for your letter.  I have been thinking: Wow, I'm a missionary?  NO WAY?  Seriously, when did that happen?  It's even more amazing now that I am here in Ukraine, surrounded by the people I have been called to serve.
What I'm in Ukraine...see...it's still happening.  CRAZY!  Can you imagine?  Well, you probably cannot unless you've been to Ukraine.  I'll try to set the scene for you.  By now, you've heard about our crazy night in New York.  I wasn't very happy.  But, I've made a transfer goal to be happy with every circumstance the Lord gives me, or I cause myself, or maybe even those unavoidable events that are "thrust upon us."  (what am I quoting there...I'm sorry if it's "Babylon")  So, I believe 100% we can find the good and even the better in every circumstance.  For example, as we waited in the airport the Next day I met a beautiful girl and her sister who just enjoyed talking to us.  She was extremely happy to show me pictures of her family and her other sister who was just married.  Speaking of pictures, can you send me a few pictures; maybe of us at your wedding, a few taken in Arkansas and Tahoe, and a few from school friends and family.  It's a great way to start lessons (I learned this from my wonderful companion) (oh and while you are at it can you also send one of the temple).  THANKS!  So, it's summer here.  It's hot and humid and I LOVE IT!  I hope you all know how weird I am - and if you need proof:  I LOVE TO SWEAT!  There is no lack of it here!  I love public transportation.  Ukrainians are amazing, wonderful, and I cannot understand them.  I'll get to that in a second.  First - public transportation.  It consists of little yellow boxes with wheels filled to the max with hot sweaty people.  You cannot beat it!  I'm excited for more embarrassing stories to happen but thus far include face planting into some man's harry chest, or tripping, or not balancing through the sudden random stops.  I'm clumsy.

So far I've been not to forward.  I think I've been holding myself back.  I'll get to that in a second too.

Next, my companion:  We didn't get to catch up on sleep.  I'm totally okay with that, who needs sleep?  (Although I have been 99% converted to the 8 hour theory, only because our brain works harder during the night.  I need my brain to work for me right now.)  So, we woke up the next night and had zone conference.  OH you don't even know which zone i'm in.   Well at this point I also didn't know, we were just all going to attend our first zone conf. together.  So, we go to the stake center (with the temple right next door) and meet other missionaries and more importantly my companion.  She is amazing.  We are twins!  (Well, people keep asking us if we are, and yesterday we both wore orange!)  I am serving in Kiev.  In the best area with the best ward, right next to the temple.  Unfortunately, she is also new to the area, so we don't have an apartment yet.  We are staying with the Bairds (senior missionaries who work in the office)  I'm not complaining.  They are wonderful and they have a beautiful apartment, it's just so far away. 

The only other problem I  have...Everyone speaks Russian.  A little hindrance to my study of the Ukrainian language.  WHICH is WHY:
Today, I've made a goal to be courageous.  I absolutely love it here.  I love the people, my companion, the humidity, heat, and sporadic rainstorms. I love walking forever to knock on a door that no one answers and I even love crowed marshutkas.  (How do you spell that?)  (Editor's note: I think she is referring to public transportation.)  But, I do not like that I cannot understand people.  So, I'm going to talk to everyone.  (That sounds scary to me, but it will help me with the language.)  That's what I imagined missionary work to be anyway - talking to everyone.  And I suppose, even in a language I understand, there is still miscommunication and interpretation.
So, I guess that is all you need to know.  I'm doing great.  I just need courage to start talking to people and then I'll be doing 10000 times better!

I hope you have a great day!  I know I can too.  It's all about my attitude, and I'm working on developing courage!

Okay now my companion, CECTPA MOVCHANYOK, was born in Ukraine.  Her mother was baptized when she was 13 and it took her 2 years to understand the truthfulness of the gospel.  Then her mother, sister and she moved to Italy.  So, I have a Ukrainian/Italian companion who is fluent in 4 languages.  Unfortunately English is one of them.  I wish I was forced to speak more Ukrainian.

But, she is great.  She loves to work and knows how to do it.  She is getting right to work in this area and dragging me along.  Fortunately, although I don't understand a thing that is happening, people should be able to understand me when I speak and respect me a little bit more b/c I'm speaking their national language.  Now, I just have to speak more.  Pray for me.  I know that is what I have to do to start understanding people, now I just have to do it.

Okay, now about our mission.  I TESTIFY and I KNOW that I am serving in the best mission in the world.  I know that this is true.  This is the greatest mission.  Right now.  We are raising the standard to these people.  Satan is working here like crazy, trying to destroy these people and filling them with misconceptions.  Unfortunately, they are used to that, communism and corrupt beliefs are all over the country.  But, we are going to baptize and teach!  During our Zone Conference Pres. Steinagel released a new goal to us.  We are going to double the baptisms as a mission.  We are doubling are faith and doubling are prayers--everything we can to bring the people the gospel.  I am consecrating my life to the Lord so. I'm going to be busy.  (I have a lot of work to do).  But, mostly it's going to be a challenge to really give up everything.  So, on that note, I should go get started!  I love you!!!  You are the best family in the world.  I know that's true.  I know that our reunion will be 200 trillion times better the harder I work here and the more focus I have here.  So encourage me.  Love you lots!!
 

p.s. yes I was discouraged at church, I understood maybe 10% of what was said.  It was sad.  Then we sat in a lesson and I understood, oh, I don't even know if I was trying.  It's all in Russian.  People don't know Ukrainian that well.  So, I'm going to learn Russian!

Important Instructions on sending Amy Letters: PLEASE READ!

MAIL & PACKAGES FROM HOME

 Instructions on how to send mail to Ukraine Kyiv Missionaries

Very Important— Do Not Put The Words  “Ukraine Kyiv Mission” on PACKAGES.  If you put “Ukraine Kyiv Mission” as part of the address, they think it is coming to a business and customs charges are so high that the package will be returned to you.   (Exception:  Pouch Mail – See Below)

 

When you mail Packages – KEEP THEM SMALL.  Along with all their own bags and books, missionaries must often carry the packages and letters on public transportation and then on foot to other missionaries, many who live in outlying areas.  It is better to send two small packages rather than one large one.  Put your Missionary’s first and last name on the package.

Do not require your missionary’s signature in order to pick up the package.

We find the U.S. Mail flat rate box or large padded envelopes work the best for packages.

Please be aware that packages sent through U.S. Mail to the addresses below should reflect a customs value of less than $99 – a higher value will be charged at least $100 customs fee.  Your missionary will have to pay this fee to obtain the package.  The Mission Office does not pay custom fees.  Please remember any package sent across U.S. borders is subject to possible opening and inspection by Customs.  When declaring items, be general and simple.  Examples:  “supplies,” “personal items” and “household items.”  You may be asked to list the items included—if so, list everything.  Do NOT bother to insure, as you could never collect over here.  Packages usually take several weeks to arrive.

We do not recommend Federal Express or DHL or other express services. 

 

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Use this address for ALL LETTERS AND PACKAGES :   

AMY MURPHY

vul. Yabluneva 1

s. Sofiivska Borshahivka

Kyevo-Svyatoshinskiy rayon

Kyivska oblast  08131

UKRAINE        

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POUCH  MAIL: 

The Church provides pouch mail service to countries where other mail service may not be reliable.  Each country regulates this service differently, and the Church must comply w/ these regulations in order to avoid finds and cessation of this service.  

Only postcards or letters that are single sheet, folded into 3 panels, and taped at the top only may be sent through the pouch service. (DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS BELOW)

Any mail/letters sent from home through the Church Pouch to your missionary must be a single sheet of  copy paper (notebook paper is too flimsy) folded in thirds with the open section up where the stamp is.  You can only use one sheet of paper.  Tape the open end at the top with one or two small pieces of tape.  Stamp and address as follows:  

The missionary’s name

Ukraine Kyiv Mission

P.O. Box 30150

Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150.  

(For Pouch Mail, using the name of the Mission is very important as all the missions have the same P.O. Box in Salt Lake City.)

(Please include your name & address in the top left corner.)

Instructions for making a 3-panel fold (basically it's like how you'd fold a business letter but if you are still confused read on):

1. Lay the blank side of the letter (single sheet) facing down w/ the writing facing you.
2. Fold the top of the letter about 1/3 of the way down & crease.
3. Fold the bottom of the letter to the top of the first fold and crease.
4. Use two pieces of tape or two sticker tabs on the top to secure it, not more than once inch from each side, but do not seal the ends.
5. Do not include any other items w/in the letter.
6. In the top left corner, write your name & address.
7. Affix a stamp in the top right corner.
8. In the middle, write the following:

Sister Amy Murphy

Ukraine Kyiv Mission

P.O. Box 30150

SLC, UT 84130-0150

Some families use “DearElder.com”  (A free service which uses the Pouch Mail.) (see side bar for instructions or email Sandy)

Email from Amy's Mission President

Greetings from Kyiv Ukraine!  Your wonderful missionary arrived here safe and sound after a plane delay.  After we picked up the Elders and Sisters we visited the St. Vladmir Statue.  Very near this site Elder Boyd K. Packer dedicated the land of Ukraine to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ on 12 September 1991.  (This happens to be Amy's mother's birthday!!!)

We also visited downtown Kyiv, ate at a Ukrainian Buffet and after orientation ate dinner with the new missionaries at the mission home.  Tomorrow is Zone Conference(a meeting for all the missionaries in the Mission), then your missionary will be on her way to her new area.  Sister Murphy will be serving with Sister Movchanyuk in Borshahivsky near the site of the new temple which is being constructed..

There is a letter from your missionary on its way to you to be sent Friday in the POUCH mail.  However, it may not reach you for about two weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at this Pouch address.

Ukraine Kiev Mission

P.O. Box 30150

Salt Lake City UT 84130

Sincerely,

President Lane O. Steinagel and Sister Jennefer Steinagel

Amy is in Ukraine!

This was taken in Kyiv, Ukraine at the site for the LDS Temple.  You can see the temple in the background.  It is scheduled to be completed towards the end of 2010 but any actual dates have not been announced by the church. If you'd like to learn more about LDS temples I'd recommend this great video by our church: 

Click HERE

The couple in the picture with her is the Ukraine Kiev Mission President Lane Orin Steinagel, 47 and his wife Jennefer Slade Steinagel.  They both grew up in Sacramento but reside in Provo, Utah and have voluntarily agreed to serve in Ukraine for 3 years guiding and teaching the missionaries w/o monetary compensation.

This is a digital rendering of what the temple will look like when completed.  It is beautiful!

According to LDSChurchTemples.com, "Though only recently introduced in 1991, the Church has grown steadily in this eastern European nation. At 8,500 members strong, the Church in Ukraine reached a milestone on May 30, 2004, when Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of organized the first stake (Our church is organized into regional units across the world called stakes and in each stake is broken down into wards) of seven wards in Kyiv. Elder Nelson blessed members to love their neighbors as Christ that many more stakes might be organized. He also encouraged them in their family history work in preparation for the temple.³

During a trip to Europe in 2002 that included the rededication of the Freiberg Germany Temple and dedication of The Hague Netherlands Temple, President Gordon B. Hinckley visited with the Ukrainian saints. 

The announcement of the temple came just a week prior to the dedication of Ukraine's first meetinghouse in Donetsk on June 28, 1998.⁵

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3. Shaun D. Stahle, "Kiev members revere historic moment," Church News 5 Jun. 2004: 6.
5. "A temple in Ukraine," Church News 8 Aug. 1998: 3.

This is another picture of the whole group who came from America w/ Amy.  Her companion, Sister Howell is on the right.  They both have been placed with other sisters who have been serving for a longer period of time and can provide more intensive language training and advice on sharing the message of the Savior with the Ukrainian people.  

Sister Murphy will be serving with Sister Movchanyuk in Borshahivsky near the site of the new temple which is being constructed.