October 19-letter to the Thompsons

Seriously?  11 pm...murder?  It's okay - it just means more time I can contact people and they cannot escape!  I'm excited!  Well, I guess that means we are going to the temple on Wednesday?  What did you decide?  I love you.

 

Tomorrow...well...really in like 2 days for me....it will just be literally the longest day of my life!  Sister Howell is much more lucky, she gets in in the afternoon, but she has a direct flight to San Fransisco from Germany.  Maybe I'll call you when I get to the airport.  Dobre?  I love you!  I cannot wait to give you a big hug!  You two are amazing!  Have a spectacular patient day!

 

So, my last day.

 

I'll tell you about my last week!  It was crazy!  But, wickedly righteous!  We had a great time together!  I paid for taxis so that we could still meet our goals - with the minus of 3 days!  And we did!  We had many lessons!  Amazing lessons!

 

My last lessons with these amazing people.  We packed it with messages of the Savior and his love for us.  We told one girl that she could quit smoking.  Another lady that by the power of the Book of Mormon she would gain a testimony of being baptized!  We told members to go to the temple, to be prepared for conference, and to always move forward.  We found new investigators and invited others to learn more.  We had a fantastic week.  Then, it didn't stop when I had to come to Kiev!  It was amazing.  I went to the temple!  There I was filled with the most magnificent peace and comfort from Heavenly Father.  I am so thankful for the temple.  It was so wonderful to see the members as well serving and the amazing senior missionaries were so helpful!  It was perfect!  There is such a thing as perfection - but it only happens in Heaven - and I am so grateful that we have a little part of Heaven in the temple!  I hugged many members that I still remembered from 1.5 years ago.  I love them!  I absolutely love them!  I was even more happy to see them actively serving - often in the temple.  So, we served and learned in the temple and as we were sitting in the celestial room - the Temple President and his wife came in.  We saw them every day while we were here for the open house and they had been helping us all the way through the temple that day.  They asked if we wanted to go to a sealing.  Um, no hesitation (partly because at first I didn't hear them) I said yes.  It was absoultely beautiful!  A nice young man and a beautiful girl were sealed together!  Filled with the happiness that comes from knowing that their marriage is eternal.  That they are covenanting not just together but with God!  And He will connect them with their ancestors and decendants for ever!

 

I am grateful that we have this covenant!  To always help one another and learn from one another!  I love you!  It's amazing!  Then, we watched conference!  I love conference!  I learned so much and Heavenly Father has really been thinking about me!  He thinks about all of us, but, I am grateful that I know that He has time for me too!  I don't want to always bother Him...because I know He has so many "sheep" He is herding - and I've already found the green pasture and am safely following the fences (not like that crazy cow that wanted out). 

 

Well, Sister Howell and I are pretty sure are letters are cheesy enough.  So, for fun...yesterday as we were leaving, walking past the temple going home after conference we see two girls walking towards us - one of them looks very familiar.  Then, I recognize her as a girl I taught in Xmelnetsky!  It was amazing - Valeria!  We took pictures at the temple and talked about life!  It was just a sweet tender mercy that just filled me hope with joy!  Love the Lord!

 

We also met with some great members here and old investigators and made lots of phone calls while we are here.  The Lord takes care of us and I know that He will continue to do so!  I pray that we will always search for His hands and His path and when we are actively searching - it is much easier for Him to lead us!  He wants us to follow Him but, He doesn't force us.  However, if we sincerly search - ask and ye shall find!  Know that's true.

Well, tangents are almost over...now you'll just have to listen to them (and I make even less sense when I ramble without a keyboard and a screen to stop me...so heaven help you!)

 

I'm still not perfect.

 

I'm still trying.

 

So, please forgive me when I make mistakes.

I'm probably better than a year and a half ago!

 

Love you lots

 

Sister Murphy

October 19-letter to sister

You are cool!

 

Way cool.  And probably enormous!  Well, you are probably super cute...and just feel huge.  I would.  I've seen some pregnant ladies.  Hey just so you know.  You being pregnant has given me a huge edge on contacting families.  So, thanks!  Part of the Lord's plan.  I just tell people that I'm going to be an Aunt in 2 months...1 month...3 weeks...1 week...maybe today.  Still don't know...and they are just like:  Awesome!  Families are great and I say - I know!  And they are so important.  and viola - we are talking about the gospel!  You little pregnant missionary you!

 

I'm in a good mood - only because God has blessed me so much.  I love my mission.  I was really dreading going home!  (You know that).  So, I began to pray to Heavenly Father that He would help me - and He has.  Not to mention that my last three days have been packed with spiritual blessings:  Friday - XPAM (temple); Saturday - Conference; Sunday - Conference.  = Inspriation.  I also love our Prophet!  I am so thankful that He reminded me to be grateful!  I am grateful and this mission has been absolutely the most thrilling, growing, miraculous experience of my life!  I can understand the frustration of Moroni when He couldn't express well His feeling for the Savior - It is impossible even in my native language.  My feeling for my mission are something I've felt over this past year and now that I have reflected on the time - I am even more so grateful for every second!  Unfortunately, I am very weak at expressing them.  So take a second and feel it!  Extreme happiness!  Isn't it just radiating!

 

Yes, that is the joy from the Savior!  Joy He wants us to experience always! 

 

I love you!

I am excited to be there - imagined or...by the will of God.  (I prayed for it...once...and then I realized that I was silly and told God to just be in charge...He knows best.)  Being on a mission we get so specific in our prayers - I've prayed for some pretty crazy things!  Like once we were trying to sleep and the night club underneath was partying - said a prayer...

or, for anti husbands of amazing women we were teaching...

 

Which, by the way have been answered!  I just called on Friday this amazing investigator from my first transfer!  She was golden!  And wanted to get baptized - and her husband wouldn't allow it.  She just divorced him - 2 weeks ago.  She is happy and feels like this is what God wanted her to do in her life.  She is positive that the Lord is directing her!  I am happy for her and hope she will come back to the realization that she had over a year ago. 

 

Well, like you said...I'll see you in probably a week.

are there tickets already?

 

crazy.

I love you!

 

and your crazy husband.

 

and your adorable little baby...she is perfect!  krim poopy diapers...

 

Love,

 

Sister murphy

October 4- letter to sister

President Steinegal said this word today, so I know I can use it.

Heck yes, I'm coming out.  And, I'm even secretly hoping that your baby is waiting and that she'll be late.    Well, I cannot believe there is only a week left.  CRAZY!

So, I'm not taking a p-day this week.  It's really not that crazy...because today we had a zone meeting and are supposed to take p-day tomorrow.  But, President told me that if I want to go to the temple I need to go into Kiev early - that's Thursday.  He told me that during our lunch, and I kind of panicked.  Literally...I couldn't finish eating...and started to cry.  I was surrounded by elders.  It was pretty awkward.  But, they are all really supportive.  I love this mission.  I love missions.  I love service.  So, yes, I will be able to serve in Kiev - but that means everything  I wanted to do here I have to do, in well, tonight and in two and half more days.  Then, I go to kiev, go to the temple - and watch conference in Ukrainian...and then...vce.

We've been having a great transfer.  Have been teaching many people and working with the members.  I love this work.  I love these branches.  I love this country.  It's my family!  And it's sad to think that I don't know when I will see them again.  

Well, I love you.

I bought you a scarf today...I don't know if there is anything you want me to bring home?  

I cannot probably fit an entry table into my suitcase...so you might just be better to look for that on craigslist. 

Well,

I love you,

Sister Murphy

ps  still haven't gotten over the panic..feel a little faint and like I might throw up.....  Yes, I was able to eat a whole pizza and ice cream- after the initial panic wore off...it was time to comfort food eat.  I might gain 10 more pounds in this last week!

Love you lots!

LSSTER M

October 4th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

zdem narodzhennya!  I hope you have the happiest day...besides the one you'll have in about a week...and you smile...and eat ice cream without sneezing!

Okay, so, yes....a week left.  But, I still have one more week to e-mail.

I have no idea what we are going to do when we get home.  What time am I "supposed" to get in?  I love you very much, and it will be wonderful to see you again!  How fun!  I appreciate all of your support.  If I didn't have you - wow, this would have been difficult!  Well, I owe it to you that I am here!  You rock!  So, thanks for teaching me so much!

Today, we had a great meeting with President Steinagel.  It was a zone meeting.  All of the elders in our zone came in, and we discussed the work and what we can do to be better.  It was super inspiring.  President Steinagel is a great leader!   I have learned so much from him.  

Something I really liked - he taught us the difference between a sin and a transgression.  Adam transgressed...people sin - a transgression is when we break God's law.  Sin is when we break God's will.  Adam transgressed - but it wasn't against God's will - to gain knowledge - to multiply and replenish the earth.
Another example - breaking the speed limit - It lifted a big burden off my back!  Probably not the wisest thing to tell a group of 20 year olds, but it was certainly funny and interesting to think about.  

We also, had an interesting weekend.  We had a great day yesterday at church.  The members gave such powerful testimonies.  I was so blessed to serve here where there are such valiant strong saints.  Can you believe how faithful these people are.  I am so amazed!  We've been trying so hard to find those who are ready to come back are searching for more; those who have the faith to join them!  How is the work going there.  I don't know what my plans are...but I do plan on serving in whatever capacities I can.  When are you planning on shipping me out to Sandra's?  Are you excited about being a g-ma again!  

So, things I need to do:

I need to get contacts...

I need to probably go to the dentist (especially if I don't want to end up like many of the people I serve - toothless)

I need to renew my licence.  

well, I also need to give some big hugs!!!

I love you bunches!

Love,

Sister murphy

p.s. last e-mail...I still have one more week left.  I better get one more!

Love you!

did you get my e-mail.  Can we go to the temple on Tuesday or wednesday?  Whenever would be best for you~

Love you!

Sister murphy