January 18 (to the Thompsons)

Hello,

It's a new week! I love every opportunity we have to try again: every Monday, every transfer and even every day. I'm thankful for the hope that we can have at the start of every beginning.

Merry Christmas! I love Christmas. I'm so glad Ukrainians celebrate it 2x. Anyways, Ukrainians are always celebrating something; the New Year, the old new year, now it is: Happy Ukrainian Election Day! They had elections yesterday. They had 18 candidates for president. So, yesterday they narrowed it down to 2. They'll vote again on the 7th of Feb. My mission has been just a big celebration. We are celebrating how wonderful our Heavenly Father is and how merciful He is. Are you celebrating? He has revealed His gospel again! How amazing, how wonderful, how exciting! He really loves us! And I really love you!

So, it's cold. It may be 10 degrees F. It's always hard to know exactly as we are in Celsius. But, it's going to get colder. Tomorrow we fear the worst—maybe -5 F. But, guess what - We are going to layer up like cabbages. Ukrainians eat so much cabbage! I'm eating a lot too!

Speaking of food, it's great. But, for the most part my companion and I cook for ourselves. So, we had grilled cheese sandwiches (that's pretty American). We also have a very wonderful senior couple here from Utah, Elder and Sister Thatcher. We have district meeting in their home and we always eat a wonderful American cooked meal when our meeting is done. They are the sweetest and happiest couple! She doesn't eat chocolate, but always buys m&ms for us and makes choc. brownies and cakes. She is so fabulous. She was a caterer before and the mother of 10 boys! One of her sons came out for a week and had a suitcase filled with American stuff; vanilla, flour, brown sugar, powered sugar, pasta,....on and on and on...everything that she needs to make the fluffiest brownies in Ukraine. (It’s impossible any other way!)

The bread is wonderful! We are always buying fresh fruits. The apples are juicy! The oranges are sweet and they have fabulous chocolate. I'm trying to learn about temperance, but it's hard. At least it's winter and I am too cold to let the temptation for ice cream be victorious. But, of course, I'm American; it will always and forever be in my heart!

Well, we have great members and they are growing! Many amazing things were said at church yesterday by Olya (a new member who gave her first talk) and Ann (discouraged and struggling - but found happiness through the service she was able to offer another branch member)! We are also planning some family finding activities and focusing on growing the branch with those who will build and strengthen the others. I love this little family of branch members here, but I know that they need more and they need it more from themselves and not from the missionaries! We love to serve them, but it will be great when they can start to function on their own - baby steps!

The greatest lesson I learned this week is that despite our difficulties - we have to endure it and learn from them and carry on. We had some disappointments with investigators and less actives but we are not giving up. We will keep finding and teaching and trying to help others remember and feel the love of God that we all need.

Keep sharing the gospel! Help Heavenly Father bless the lives of our brothers and sisters! We never know when they'll have the desire to learn more! But, don't get frustrated if they say no! Just, try again!

My companion is still wonderful. I need to work on telling her that more. She is staying focused although discouraged with the amount of time remaining. (Seeing all of the warnings, I'll just go ahead and tell you now; I don't want to go home.) I am thankful for the advice she has for me, she has offered a lot of comfort and guidance.

Well, there are many miracles happening - all of the time - but, still, I'm trying to recognize them more. I love Ukraine! I love Ukrainians! I love Ukrainian and Russian and I still have much to learn and much more to love!

I hope you are enjoying your Monday. I love you and your fabulous desires and examples of love! Be happy have fun and enjoy every second of your day!

Love always and forever and ever!!

Sister Murphy!