Hello Family,
Thanks for the pictures. So, this week, I've really hit the language barrier. However, I've crossed over it. Now, I'm finding that I cannot spell or speak properly in English anymore. Oh, it's crazy! So, we stopped teaching English! Well, almost...we are going to Kiev this week! AHHH....the temple is open! And people are entering! We have had so much fun finding people to invite from all over the world! (that is just what happens when you are in L'viv).
I had the greatest compliment from a student. I'll try to express what he told me. He is probably in his late 40s. He has been coming to English for a few years and never really was interested in the gospel. Lately though, he has been asking us more and more questions. I've learned a lot about him. He is very healthy and doesn't smoke, drink, drink (green or black) tea or coffee. He doesn't even drink soda. Well, after I told my English class that this would be the last time, he stayed after to thank me. He said that he really enjoyed Sister Robinson and I and the chemistry we had - he said we were so happy and joyful that English was like a break from the real world - as if he was watching a movie. He said we were filled with light - something he had never seen before, and he came just to figure it out! He said it has been something he has been searching for his whole life. Well, Sister Robinson got transferred, and it has been hard to carry on without her, but I'm trying. We gave a pretty bold spiritual thought afterwards and told them if they didn't have a testimony of the Book of Mormon they should find out now. We gave them an assignment to read chapter 10 of Moroni and invited them to our baptism on Saturday. (WE HAD A BAPTISM ON SATURDAY!) And, he came! He brought me some candy (His favorite!) And I promised him that if he wants to learn how to receive the light in his life (the light that was evident in our members he met, and especially shining brightly in Slavic's face as he just entered into a covenant with God during the ordinance of baptism) that he should meet with the elders. He agreed! I'm excited for him! And I hope he will begin to the happiness that he can add to his life.
What else, we had a member take us to a bridal salon! It was probably the most amazing finding we had! We talked to four women - 2 future brides - or families- and one lady who saw the change in her friend who got baptized! It was fun. I never thought I would sit in a bridal salon as a missionary. My companion and I loved every second - we were surrounded by beautiful dresses and happy soon-to-be brides!
Another finding story. This week, I called almost all past investigators in our area book. It was pretty fun! We had one family invite us over. (Oh, there were more invites, but this one is the funniest). They have 6 kids (if that is rare for Americans, imagine how rare it is for an Ukrainian family). Well, we had time on Thursday and decided to go meet them. We had a good time trying to find a marshytka that would take us out there...and then were told we were on the wrong one. We talked to some nice people who gave us some bad directions and basically gave up on meeting them on Thursday. Saturday, take two. Finally, found the street and stopped by 3 different apartments and asked everyone on the street if they knew this family. They didn't, so I was afraid I wrote down the address wrong. I called the elders and asked them to find it for me and in the mean time we decided we'd walk to another house not far (well, that is what a man we talked to told us...maybe 10 minutes). After an hour later, we knocked on the door, talked to them about the temple and invited them to come! In the mean time the elders called back, and I had been off by 5 in house numbers. So, we had one hour and I was determined. My companion and I desperately walked back to a bus stop and took the first marshytka! We made it to their street and walked as fast as we could (we had only 30 minutes before our next meeting.) We knocked on the door - and once again - they had no idea where this family was! Heavens! We gave the father a call and he told us his address again. (The previous missionaries wrote down the name of the street wrong!) Well, sigh, what could we do but laugh and run! Our attempts to find them before Sunday were failed as well. But, Sunday came and we ended up having time in the evening. Once again being badly misdirected - and 4 marshytkas and tramvaus later (that is 8 tickets) we finally walked down the longest street in Ukraine. But, WE FOUND THEM! They are a beautiful family! They are happy and have very exuberrant, helpful, obedient, diligent, well-behaved children! I am excited to go back! Well, on our way home...we were once again misdirected and .... well, I told my companion that this was the longest week of my mission. I have no idea how many kilometers we walked this week - just to find this one family! (THey must be elect!)
We enjoyed it. We got home, closed our fast, and slept really really well!
Well, I am glad you had a great reunion!
I hope you have a great trip!
I love you all!
Thanks for all you do!
Have a great week! ANd pray that the temple will change the life of all those who enter. (So, basically pray that those who will enter will recognize the special feelings that are there!)
I love you
Love, Sister Murphy~!
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