Women in the world are all the same: they think they are too fat and not pretty. Even here in Ukraine, where women are all models, they are always dieting and complaining about how they look.
Hello Grandpa and Grandma and Sandra and Will!
So, here I am one more week in Ukraine with two more weeks of this year. It's grown old hasn't it. 365 days really fly by. In Ukraine we say they swim by.
And yet, every day is precious. There is always so much to do.
Pray for me this week!
We still have to find someone who is ready to accept the glorious gospel this year!
So, don't worry about the helicopter in my stomach. I did eat some bad cheese the other day and threw up a few times on Thursday. It wasn’t the best day of my mission for sure. But, Friday was better!
I love being here. Realizing that God is with me has really helped me open up and change who I am. I'm bolder and it's easier to talk to people. My relationships are improving. When I think about them I really try to think about God being with us and about the fun we would have.
Well, I have some sad news: I sent some treats home last week, so that may be good. But the sad news: it was extremely stressing. Therefore, I don't know if I'll ever want to do it again. Seriously, we can complain about the American Post service all we want, but I don't think I will ever again! I love mail. I love packages. I LOVE to send things too, as many of know, but not while I'm in Ukraine. Okay? Okay...
I sent your package to your address so look for it and find it. Maybe it will still be interesting after passing through 2 custom authorities...
This week was TOUGH. But, I think it was because Heavenly Father wanted me to learn something and I did indeed! We worked and sacrificed and exhausted ourselves every day trying to share the marvelous message of the gospel. I doubted if anyone at all was searching to find truth and if they weren't searching for truth what could I do to help them realize that they are missing out. Many people are satisfied with their lives; with the knowledge they have. But, I know that they can have more: more happiness, peace and understanding.
If you have any ideas let me know because I'm still trying to figure that out. How do you share the gospel with people who don't know that they need it?
So, by Thursday night we were clueless almost hopeless...
So, by Friday Sister Nakasyawn and I had exhausted ourselves trying to find the elect. We were pretty discouraged and overwhelmed although we knew that these feelings wouldn't help us. We tried for weeks but every time we found someone who was ready...Satan fought back. So, Friday - I guess you can say we were desperate. Friday morning during planning we prayed several times to know the will of the Lord for us. Therefore, in our prayers we humbly told God that we had done all we could and then we asked what He wanted us to do. It was an amazing feeling to realize that there was absolutely nothing I could do but rely fully on Him and trust that He would bless us. And, He did. We both felt confident we needed to work with one family in one of our branches—an amazing woman who has a daughter who is inactive. She has health problems and hasn't been to church and really doesn't do much. She also has a daughter who is 8 years old who comes to church every Sunday with her grandma. (Aren't grandmas wonderful?) We set an appointment for the very next morning where we told them that Heavenly Father has a plan for them and it starts with baptism and continues to the temple where they can be sealed as a family. We'll meet with them tonight where we hope to help them decide when to celebrate the baptism for their daughter and then the father.
I've learned a lot this week about relying on God and I've learned to take literally the Ukrainian version of the hymn “Come, Come Ye Saints.” Instead of the phrase "All is well" as we sing in English, we sing "z Namu Boh" - "God is with us.” How true and how amazing! I've learned to take more seriously my calling as His representative. I try to think during every lesson - is this what He would say. As a representative He will be with me and I need to make sure He is there and is felt by those I am with.
I had many epiphanies this week. Mostly I've learned what it really means to be an instrument in His hands. He is the MUSICIAN and the MAKER and all I can do is be the best I can. Maybe I'm still (remember I played the clarinet...) a plastic horn, (Yamaha!!!) but He can make me better until one day I've developed into the best wooden instrument with silver plated keys - practically perfect! And while I progress, I may still only be a plastic horn, but even a professional can sound good on a plastic horn and God is the greatest musician so off course as I let him work through me I can sound beautifully.
I also like this hymn: well I only remember the 4th verse: "Fear not, I am with thee, so be not dismayed. For I am thy God and will STILL give the aid. I'll strengthen thee help thee and cause thee to stand. Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand."
Last Monday we were visiting a less-active family. Their father is an alcoholic. He came in kind of drunk and wasn't happy with the message we were sharing with him...
He left, came back in and confessed he wanted help. He was probably more drunk. He got on his knees and begged us to help him. We told us if he was serious, to come home from work in Kyiv the next day sober and meet us at church. He did. It was hard for him. He wasn't the happiest man in the world. I know it's going to be hard for him. But, he really needs help. So, we asked the elders to meet with him. But, I still want to help him. I'm thinking about doing something extreme. I don't know if I can do it, which makes it even more applicable. I'm thinking about giving up sweets or chocolate…something until the end of my mission. It will be a good excuse to turn down a piece of cake. “I'm sorry, I promised an alcoholic that I wouldn't eat sweets if he wouldn't drink.”
That's noble...
We'll see them Wednesday.
I had some really good cake on Saturday and we still have ice cream in the freezer.
Will that help you stop eating sweets too?
Today we are going to make an Armenian cake and party like two of the craziest sister missionaries that we are. Do you believe it's possible to have 3 lessons on our Preparation day? We are sure going to try!
Wish us luck!
I Love you. I'm excited for you and your adventures next week! Have fun in Arkansas!
What a wonderful time it is! As I was writing this morning I listened to the Christmas devotional! How fantastic it is to have prophets leading us today. Like the directors of an orchestra, they enrich our lives and instruct us how to "play" according to the "composers" ideas.
Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Murphy!
Oh: here is a blog assignment for all those who are reading this. Write back to me your answers!
"What blessings have you received from keeping a certain commandment?"
I’d also like any ideas for a fun game to play for my English students.
Finally: What did you do for Christmas?
p.s. I did get Dad's package! It was awesome! I was super excited and I also got a letter from dear elder!
He's the best!
p.p.s. I think I'll have to get married pretty quick after my mission...I'll never be able to say my last name right or spell it...
Merfi...
morphy
myourphy.
murfi....SHO TAKE?
(Pick one those are all the different ways to spell it over here)
P.p.p.s. my Ukrainian is horrible...but...the Lord is powerful! Together we make a great team!
Okay...love you
Again and always!
S.M
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