May 10, 2010

Her letter to Sandra:

(Editor’s note: I sent her a picture of my tummy, but I stuffed a pillow under my shirt. At this point in time the baby was as big as a bell pepper. Hopefully this will help in understanding her writing.)

Wow, what have you been eating? Your bell pepper can win a blue ribbon at a state fair. IT IS SO HUGE!

No, you are still adorable. Next time...a real picture! I had fun talking to you too. It doesn't make me happy to think about my leaving here.

Thank goodness I have a few more transfers left, but not very many. I am trying hard not to think about them. Alright...my head is spinning. I'm going to write Pres.

I didn't tell you but next week I'm going to Bulgaria to get my visa renewed.

I have one doctrinal question. How would you explain the difference in the Holy Ghost that an investigator feels at our church and any other church?

Well, I just want to say that I am glad this work is hard. If it were easy, I would not learn as much. I feel like I'm working as much as I can, and I'm trying to learn to be effective. However, sometimes the results can be kind of discouraging. So, I'm just trying to remain hopeful and learn more. It really is more of a test of faith and hope, but I know that the church is true and that is the only thing that matters! Although helping others to gain that testimony is what I really want, I am so grateful that I have accepted this truth and have been converted.

We are now working on converting Marina (our previous baptismal candidate). I do agree with what was discussed in conference about Satan's plans. Somehow he gets us tangled up, and I see Marina's confusion. But, she has a testimony, and I'm grateful for that. Our number one goal is still to find a family - so, we are trying to start with hers.

I have been converted 100% to finding families. All I want to do is find a family. I know that we need one here in our branch. I know it will take more work and more patience, but I feel the need. I know the church here needs the support of a family just as much as families need the church. So, that is where the work is here: trying to learn what we need to do to help a family come and accept the restored Gospel of Christ.

Sister Howell and I are learning together! But, we are having fun, of course! You probably know that I stress out too much, and that is something I am trying to work on. I think I just take things to serious. But, knowing that I need to have unity in my companionship helps me to try to be better and easier to work with.

Our little branch is struggling. But, I realized that it is our job to convert and "strengthen our brethren." That is going to be our focus as we meet with our investigators, less actives, and members. I love them very much, and I love this beautiful city. I pray that the gospel will begin to take root here and grow like the beautiful spring blossoms all over the city!

Well, have a great day!

Thank you for all you do

I love you!

Sister Murphy.

Her letter to the Thompsons:

Well, hello again!

Wasn't the phone call fun!

I hope you had fun! I did, and then we had to go to bed! Well, guess what else is happening? I forgot to tell you, next week I have to go to Bulgaria to renew my Visa. Craziness. So, now we are looking for a decent hospital to get our blood checked. Well, I just want you to know that a mission is like another life - because I am not living my normal life. I am really trying to forget myself and focus on the kingdom of God. I really want to be an instrument in the hands of God. I know that He has restored His kingdom on the Earth including modern day prophets so that we can continue to learn about Him and our purpose on earth. This knowledge is priceless. It is so important and right now it is all I want to do - to see someone accept it. I would be happy with just one - but even one is not enough. Every living creature needs to receive this truth and have the choice to accept it or not: The Whole World. We are all children of God; He loves us and He wants us all to be happy. Just like you want me to return back to you - He wants us to return back to Him. All 6 billion. Do you see how important this work is? It needs to go forward. It needs to be done, and I am thankful for the blessing to participate.

So, I'm trying! Well, I'm sorry this is so short. I had many errands I had to run! I hope you have a great day!

Keep up the good work!

I love you!

Sister Murphy!