Hello Grandma and Grandpa!
What a fine day it is, to read your wonderful letters.
Well, the temperature is still bearable here. I did get my coat shrunk. I'm pleased with it. But, I haven't worn it yet. And yes, we found hats and gloves. I don't know what I was thinking, but I found some cute green leather gloves. Can leather even be green? Well, they are warm and they will last the winter. But, I look like a ninja turtle when I wear them! So, I will have some turtle power. It's funny how many people here know about American culture. I taught my English class about Halloween. And we discussed costumes. I told them a few of my costumes and then asked what they would wear on Halloween. Here are a few of their responses: Superman, Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Spiderman, X-men, Freddy Cruger (this one took me a while to understand, then I realized it was another American character) and many more. I begged them for at least one Ukrainian idea, and in the end I had to suggest something.
OH...HOW AWFUL. They are doing construction in our Internet café, installing new windows, I think, and this drill is deafening. I'm glad I'm writing and not speaking.
So, yes. Everything is in order for winter. Ukrainians are wonderful. They never think I'm dressed warm enough. It hasn't been very cold. It's still fall. So, I'm not wearing a big coat. But, I'm warm. I layer. But, they fuss and fuss and say that I'm freezing. They just won't believe me, no matter what I say. I've heard rumors from the elders: it could be 60 degrees outside, but it's winter and the grandmas on the street will yell at you for not wearing a hat or a scarf or something if you are not dressed for winter.
Well, I have two beautiful branches I work with here. It almost broke my heart yesterday. Our first branch is called Ross after the river here. The president's wife was pregnant-already 9 months and expecting to deliver any day. Then this week they learned that she miscarried. He didn't want anyone to know. So, she is in the cello with her mother and he came to church to preside. There were only 4 Priesthood holders in the meeting. One conducted. 2 blessed the sacrament and the President passed. I was really touched. Every man present was a priesthood holder, and every priesthood holder present had an important part in the church service. They are great men. And there are also wonderful women in this branch. We went to Sunday school with them where the topic was missionary work. They talked about preparing and bout being member missionaries. They asked us for advice. They want to do everything they can to help us!
It is so amazing to see such small branches with so much dedication and testimony.
They are learning the hymns. I enjoy helping them with that.
We had an American Pancake night on Saturday and had 20 non-members come. It was fun! The Elders made pancakes. They were quite tasty. We had syrup too. We watched Legacy in Russian, had a spiritual message, and Elder Nuttal sang "This is The Christ" (in Russian).
However, this was a tough week for me.
Why? Because I know that The Church of Jesus Christ is true. I know there are many wonderful churches. I love all churches that preach Christ and help others have faith and improve their lives. Awesome!
But, how amazing is it that there has been a restoration. There is priesthood, and through that priesthood we can receive the ordinances of the gospel with authority from God. Baptism not just in the name of Christ but also with the power of Christ. Baptism by fire; receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost that comes only through the laying on of hands by those who have the authority - the authorization from Christ to administer.
The restoration of the gospel clarifies confusion. Takes away doubt about the nature of God and life after death, and so much more!
But, this week we meet with families and women who we wanted to share this wonderful message with and they couldn't accept it. That was hard.
I know that I am nothing. I would be empty if it wasn't for the gospel that fills me up with hope and peace. I tried to think about why someone would not actually be interested in this.
Then, why wouldn't someone at least try to understand? Is it a waste of time? It's either true or it isn't. So, why not figure it out.
I love to learn. I love understanding things and people, and there is so much that I don't know. But, I want to know. Where is the desire? What are people afraid of? It's either true or it isn't. If it isn't and they learn that then they can continue on with their lives. Maybe understanding of the history of a church will grow, what's lost? Did any inventor regret the 100 attempts to find the one way to their invention?
But, if it is true, and it is the one way...AWESOME! I don't know why there is only one way. But, Christ atoned for my sins; he made everything possible. As Elder Oaks said, “I'm not going to argue it out with Him.
Wow...that was a long rant.
I'm sorry. I just don't know why people aren't curious. Why they don't want to learn for themselves? What a blessing the gospel could be to their lives!
So, I am trying to learn how to be a better missionary- how to serve better, how to communicate better, how to love better, how to follow Christ better. Aren't we all missionaries?
Okay, I hope you are healthy. Don't get the swine flu. Wash your hands!
Send my love to everyone! I received an e-mail from Sister Postelwait! Really nice!
I hope you have a fun week! You are the best!
And don't lie. You are and better keep Sandra and Will in line! Good luck with genealogy. We are also trying to figure out how to use that here, but we only have one computer at church.
I love you.
Everything is well here. We have fabulous members working with us. We are going to work hard. And we are going to find those who want to know- who have that desire in their hearts.
Love,
Sister Murphy!
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