January 5

(This is a picture her mission took on Christmas. Amy's on the second row, on the left side, wearing green and black. Click it to view a larger picture.)

So,

Our e-mail service isn't that great. It closed out during my letter to President Steinagel so I had to re-write. Now, I only have a few minutes to talk to you. I'm sorry!

I didn't realize that our preparation day would be different this week. I hope I didn't worry you. Or did you just think Monday hadn't come yet?

We had zone conference yesterday! It was amazing! I went back to L'viv and we caroled and everything was perfect. We had a member of the Quorum of the 70's from Latvia come. They are an amazing family.

I learned something interesting . Do you know what gravity is?

Do you understand it? What is the law of gravity? Are there people who don't know what gravity is? Does it still affect them?

Yes!

So, does the gospel. Many people know the principles of the Gospel but not the fullness. Nor do they know how it works. That is why I'm here. Even though they don’t know it, it still affects them and I want them to know it so they can be able to live according to the law!

Well, I love you very much.

New Years Eve was wonderful. We did have a break. There are a lot of drunks out here so, we met as a district and ate and stayed quiet.

I love this opportunity to serve and grow! I love my companion and this area as I have all of the ones previous...well, two. I am thankful for the truth of the gospel, and it is amazing that I can be here in Ukraine helping others to see the light of the gospel. I know I can be better because we all have the potential to be like God, and I still have lessons to learn yet.

Sister Gay is wonderful! We have a lot to do here, but we know we will see baptisms this transfer! We still have a small amount of investigators but this week we plan on giving out one new baptismal date and renewing another!

I feel really united as a district as we are all striving to build the branch. It's amazing to see the members as they learn and grow. Sister Gay and I realized how amazing it was: the gospel is so new to them, but they are learning it and living it and loving it!

I feel confident in the work. It is amazing that we can serve our Heavenly Father and I know that He helps us. We had our missionary zone conference this last week. It really gave me confidence in the power of our mission and the amazing missionaries we have serving here.

I tend to be a little hard on myself. Do you have any advice on avoiding self-frustration and being happy despite personal weaknesses?

Well, that's about it! I am happy! I love this mission and especially this church and that I know it is true!

I hope this week I can show my gratitude through diligent work!

Love,

Sister M.