Ukrainian Weddings and other fun news

Hello Sandy & Will,

I'm glad I have two experienced and amazing people I can write to every week. So, I'm going to start with horrible favors.  Awful I know...

1^st I thought of something fun.  Google pictures of marshrutkas (маршрутка), crowed Ukrainian buses, for Grandma and Grandpa to see.  Oh, and maybe the temple so you can see the progress!

So here are the pics she requested.  These are all from the internet and supposedly are all from Kiev.  As you can see they cram a lot of people in them.  

(Editor's note: To read an article about the temple construction click HERE)

It looks amazing with the spire and Moroni.  Apparently customs did not want a spire of gold coming, so they had to change.  Wouldn't it be amazing to be an architecture that builds temples?  Yes.  It would.

How is the church in America?  How are the baptisms in Mountain Home?  In Russellville?

Tell Valerie I hope she’s doing well

Tell Sarah, AJ, and Amanda thanks for their letters!

Do you know the new mission address?  It's borshahivsky...or something like that in English.  (the mission office is actually were I serve)

Okay...

I would like some easy, practical but fun recipes and some amazing analogies to teach gospel principles.  Will how did you teach?  Share some of your geniusness with someone who needs it.  In fact, you can put this on the web site for suggestions and make it a fun activity.  You can ask everyone!  Your friends, etc.  How can I teach these people in simplicity and so they understand.  Diagrams I can use?  Mail them???  Whatever.  I love you!

Okay, new news.  Marina is going to have to wait.

Her child got sick.  Her husband doesn't approve, and she couldn't come to church on Sunday.  It's so sad.  I won't tell you everything because I want you to love all Ukrainian people as much as I do.  He just doesn't trust his wife.  He hid a web camera so he could see and hear us while we were there.  We asked the elders to come and give a blessing to their son and he got angry...

(That happened this morning.)

Today we went to see an "open-air" Ukrainian village museum.  It was nice.  We brought another lady with us.  We are teaching her English and the gospel.  She started to read the Book of Mormon.

So, this Saturday, no baptism, but their will be a wedding, my first Ukrainian wedding!  We went to help out ward members yesterday (it's quicker than yours.  They have one week to prepare, and it's going to be fun!)  I wish I could tell you all that they have planned.  She is a cute girl who just returned from Provo.  I guess her American boyfriend couldn't live without her.  He's coming here on Thursday to marry her!  (They have to do it civilly in Ukraine first.)

So, he's in for a big surprise.  Ukrainians are CRAZY FUN!  I'm totally going to have a Ukrainian reception!  They kidnap the bride, they do skits, they ask weird questions, they laugh, they eat, they sing. 

We've begun sister exchanges in the mission again.  It was interesting.  I served for 3 days Tues - Friday with Sister Ethington in Harkivsky two weeks ago.   (She is one transfer ahead of me.  We met in the MTC) Sister Ethington is learning Russian.  So, I heard 10x more Russian that week than I am used to!  Yay, I'm commencing my 3rd language.  I think I can probably offer a prayer in Russian!  (I'm not trying it yet)

It was rough.  I am so thankful for the experience I have gained from my companion - a very experienced and hard working missionary.  I had no idea how blessed I was, and HOW CLEAN my living quarters were!  Wow, it was fun though.  Their sinks didn't drain and their landlord left them a bunch of hmm...maybe a nicer word for junk would do...but, I cannot think of one. 

So, I came back and we got right to work again on Friday.  Busy weekend, busy Sabbath, and then we got a call a week ago.  We did exchanges again.  Except I was going  to Bila Sterkva (apparently it's paradise for Russian speaking missionaries).  I served with an Armenian companion, who only speaks Russian and Armenian!  YAY!  I got over the nervousness and was pretty excited.  Really! She is a very experienced missionary, so I did my best to communicate and learn from her!

It was nice, a beautiful area and people.  I learned a little bit of Armenian and a lot of Russian since she doesn't know Ukrainian.  We gave out two more baptismal dates!  Way fun!  Speaking of fun, the word in Ukrainian is Vescello and the word for wedding is Vescellya.  (see the connection - there is one!)

You have no idea how much having a vision of "finding" throughout the day has helped me.  I am excited to find more investigators.  I think it's reasonable to find someone every day of the week.  Why not?  We have almost 10 hours.  I love being challenged and I know I have a lot of improvement and work to do.  Everyday I am thankful for the people I serve and the area I serve in and my companion who has taught me so much.  But I want to be more effective in receiving referrals, inspiring members to be missionaries, and living and teaching by the power of the Spirit.

So, I'll try again this week!

With a better understanding on how to find!

This is an excerpt from a letter my mission president sent us:

"How vast, how broad, and how eternal are the things we’ve received, and which we offer to the world. The Book of Mormon is the book of greatest worth on the planet, and we give it away for free. The temple is the best built structure in the land, and people can enter without money and without price. What a testimony of God’s love for His children. "

Pres. Steinagel

Well, that's about all the time...we have an important lesson tonight.

I love you

Thanks for everything

I love popcorn...

We find out this weekend about transfers...

I know I can be better.  I have a lot of work to do.

Sister Murphy

Week 10:

Good Morning Family!

Happy Monday! Is it Monday? It's Monday here- Monday afternoon now! We have a busy day today.

Things are wonderful here. We have an amazing work to do here. The church is growing slowly here, but we are preparing to open the Kyiv temple in a year - which means lots of missionary work! Our goal is to double the baptisms! I'm super excited. I've only been out for 2 transfers but that is right when our mission started the goal. So far it's been miraculous - which is what happens when you do the work of the Lord! We have 2 weeks until our first baptism in this area! (We opened a new area for sisters - so we are very happy the Lord has blessed us to find this amazing woman!)

This week was different. Exchanges are interesting things! I learned quite a bit. But, I think most importantly, I learned how amazing my companion is! I am really thankful for the experiences I have had my first and second transfer and for the opportunity to serve with such an amazing missionary. And, she is a great cook!
This week also had its ups and downs. The highlight was re-reading chapter 4 in Second Nephi-maybe my favorite chapter. This time I read it - I realized that I don't need to "rejoice in sin." I think I was dwelling more on my weaknesses than on the opportunity to overcome them. So, I've committed myself to have a "rejoicing in righteousness" week as I try to do the right things.

I'm excited for this week and being more bold and finding more of the elect!

Funny news:

The Branch Pres. of Bila Tsterkva used to be in the mob. And he has a lot of his friends who were converted after him. Many who served jail time so they couldn’t get baptized!

Phew, the man with the really bad cologne just left. I can breathe now!!

I hope you have fun at the fair, and I hope you also tell people that there is a message they cannot find anywhere else about their relationship with God. He has given us this counsel to be prepared because he loves us! He loves us so He calls prophets to teach us. He loves us so He gives us scripture. He loves us so He reveals His gospel to us. Isn't it amazing that there are so many confused people out there and we are the only ones who have been blessed with the fullness? We are the only people who have the key to unlock the mysteries contained in the hearts of so many. Get lots of referrals for the missionaries. Tell people that they can learn about the teaching of our church. Tell them that we share this important message all over the world - even in Ukraine!!

So, I love you! I hope you are staying healthy. We are teaching 2 wonderful investigators. (We have more but these two are quickly progressing)
Marina is 26. She accepts most of the commitments we have given her. She loves to read the Book of Mormon and is excited to get baptized. Maybe you can pray for her husband in your prayers at home. Pray that we can meet with him and help him to soften his heart and develop this excitement his wife has for the gospel!

Natasha is probably 45-48. She is so much fun. We teach her English first. She is an active lady and is amazed that we are here as missionaries. She wants her son to be a missionary! After English we teach her the Gospel in Ukrainian. She prays at the end of our lessons and thanks God that we brought peace, light and joy in her life. She said she thinks about us before she does something and it helps her do right!!!

Our ward is amazing! The Angel Moroni will be added to the temple on Saturday at 2:00 pm. We are having a special presentation. I'm excited. We make American cookies, brownies, and banana bread at least once a week to share with our investigators and members who help us.

Oh, that's what I want some easy, good recipes. That would be easy to do. Maybe you can send me one with your next e-mail!

I'm getting your letters grandpa! Thanks for all the updates!

I love you both!

I haven't much time...and I still need to write to our Mission President!
I love you! I hope your smiles are bright and beautiful! Keep them polished!

Have a wonderful week!

I hope you are sleeping fine, and recovering from your crazy lives!

Love,

Sister Murphy

p.s. of course I'm waking up at 6:30. It's the getting into bed by 10:30 that's wearing me out. I try every day. I like to be an obedient missionary, a white handbook missionary, that means I sleep all the way until 6:30. No messing with these rules!

Okay, I was just trying to be pious. In most cases I'm up at 6:20.
My alarm clock broke...sad day...but thankfully it's routine enough. My body wants to live the laws too. My REM cycle is fully trained to pull out of deep sleep by 6 am and I'm "aware" until I finally just can't pretend to be asleep...and I worry that I'm late...so I get up to check the time, go potty, pray and make my bed. Then, I try to have a successful work out.

p.s.s. my pictures got deleted. I'm sorry!


YOU ARE THE BEST!

Week 9: Her adventures with restrooms

Dear Family,

 

There was a miracle that happened in Borshahivsky yesterday.  Ten of Heavenly Father's children found their way into His house of worship yesterday.  Amazing!  Four were brought by one wonderful lady who has the desire to share the gospel, two of which have been to sacrament previously.  We also had four investigators who joined us for their first time.  It was a beautiful sacrament meeting with beautiful testimonies of the restored gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ.  It was an exciting day!  Now, I hope to work hard and with the Spirit to see their understanding enlarge as they learn more about the love of our Heavenly Father and the Restoration of His church.

It's great to be a missionary!  I know I have lots of progress I can and NEED to make but, I am thankful for the potential and the opportunity to grow.  I know that I have potential to be like our Father in Heaven, and with each mistake I make or each time I fall short of perfection I can be encouraged (I love that word, and the word snuggled inside - courage - of which I need a lot more of!) by the love of our Savior.  I'm thankful that I can serve Him.  And with that, I know I can do better!

I need lots of help with fun things to do for all ages in teaching english.  It needs to be productive, so we actually help people and then we can get them interested in the gospel.  Do you have any  ideas?

Did I tell you there aren't public restrooms in Ukraine!  What an experience my first week here.
Also I love water.  Which generally means I have to go to the bathroom a lot.  (Like right now...)

My companions sister went to egypt this week with her husband.  We are looking at a few pictures.  They just did the resort stuff this trip (They saw the ruins a couple of years ago).
I want to take you to egypt!  After my mission...what do you say?  I bet your husband could find something to do!  I know you want to and I know you are thinking there is no way.  But, you just wait.

That's my dream.  Only for this hour on my prepartion day.  Every second after my dream is helping the amazing people here come closer to Christ.

YAY for the saving ordinances and principles of the Gospel!

Well, I will write another email later I have to find a restroom!

(She found a restroom and continued a few minutes later) :)

Oh, thank goodness!

I found one!  Well, I tried to explain to the lady and she was like what?  But, she showed me to the back room.  I was just like...I NEED TO GO TO THE TOILET!  She was fun.  And of course there a like 7 people waiting to use a computer!  What an adventure!  The nice lady who found me a toilet and who has a pretty skirt, let me get back on a computer that there is a line for!  She likes us!  She's going to get baptized, all because the crazy american had to pee!!!

So, basically, they have a porcelain square in the floor and you squat!  Rarely do you find toilet paper!  I've been in some nicer restrooms though!  And the worst, which is odd, was in an opera house!

Okay, now that I can breathe and think.

Can I tell you how much I love you?!? And how much I appreciate you!?!  

Our ward is a nice size.  It's one of the bigger ones in Ukraine.  Well, there is actually only one Stake in the entire Eastern Europe and it just happens to be in our mission.  There are probably only 4 wards...not sure yet.  We have the best though!  I love our nice little trip to church, and seeing the progress of the Temple - the House of the Lord.  Knowing that in some way, I can help prepare these people to enter.

So, September 1 in Ukraine is the first day of school.  It's a holiday here too!  It's so cute to see the kids dressed up for school (they were suits...even the little ones!)

 Grandma I hope you had fun at Relief Society and the fish was yummy.  I'm not supposed to eat fish.  Sad, but I can eat other things!
I love the mail you send me!  Thanks to grandpa and grandma I get a letter every week!  You two are the best!  I'm glad you are having lots of fun!  Have more!!  And in a year and a month or so we'll have a big party!

What do I want for christmas???  Not much, because I know it costs a lot to send stuff here.  I have everything I need here, so maybe some chocolate so I can compare the two!  What can I do for you? 

Oh, here is what I want: graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate!  I want to show Ukrainians what smores are!  Fun!!

Next week, I promise I'll send you pictures!  You are the best!

By the way more pictures please!

Tell AJ, thanks for his letter!  Congratulations on the amazing work in Russellville (they had 3 baptisms)

Also to the ward back home.  Grandpa said they had 3 baptisms as well!  WAY TO GO!  We are going to work that hard this week!

Pray for us & Pray for the people

Next week, I'll try to relieve my bladder before I write so I can send a few pictures!

I love you!

Have an interesting week and I'll read all about it next week.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Have you ever pickled tomatoes or mushrooms before?  Try it - they are yummy!  Small tomatoes (whole).  Let me know what you think about it next week!

Love you!

Sister Murphy!

Week 8: Merry Christmas! (Grandma says getting her emails are like Christmas presents so that's where she got the title from)

Wow,

Hello Grandma and Grandpa,

You eat out quite a bit!  I'm glad you are having fun!!  I have been eating well lately too!  By that I mean I eat lots of watermelon!  It's in season here and they are getting cheaper every week which means MORE WATERMELON!!!

Weird, we also talked about temple work in Church yesterday too!  (well I tried to understand...it was in Russian.)

May I suggest a very interesting chapter to read?  It's in Jeremiah 7:3-10.  It talks about how people think "ALL IS WELL IN ZION... we have a temple here."  In reality, they are not going to the temple or are going but for the wrong reasons.  The prophet Jeremiah is prophesing to the people of their wickedness and to repent.  He's also warning them that all is not well in Zion if they do not go to the temple.

I'm amazed at the people here.  Many of them are coming to the ward (at great distances) to research their genealogy.  It's so neat to see their Russian ancesteral trees on the  newfamilysearch.com  site.  They are super excited!  Have you been able to look at the website yet?  That should be your next adventure!  It gets complicated, but you two are the smartest people I know!

I'm glad you got my letter!!  Yay!  It took 2 weeks!  I wish I could send you more candy but, I thought you would at least like those!  I do too!  Congratulations to Jacob Maple on choosing to go on a mission! How exciting!  I wonder where he will go.  The more I'm out, the more I am getting excited about being a missionary.  But, in actuality I'm not very much different than I was before...(sad I know)

However, I do have a calling and authority to act in that calling.  I have rules I need to follow (that are wise and safe and help me to be a better missionary) but, I've learned that missionary work is not missionaries work.  It's the whole churches.  It's our responsibilty together.  The only difference is I am called - I am authorized to teach the gospel and prepare people for baptism.  The finding, testifying, and experiencing the amazing joy that comes with building the kindom of Zion on earth is for everyone!   Because I'm in Ukraine and don't know anyone, we often wander aimlesly among the thousands of people who live here.  It's a challenge to look into the faces of complete strangers and share with them a simple message that might interest them into salvation.  How much easier it is to touch the hearts of people I know and I can adapt the glorious message of the gospel to their needs.

So, I have come to the conclusion that missionary work is much easier for regular church members than it is for missionaries.  CRAZY!!  I know.  All you have to do is share the gospel with your friends, bring them and show them how amazing the gospel is and then assist the missionaries in their conversion.  If anything my mission has called me to repentance for not doing enough for the missionaries back home.  New missionaries (like my companion and I FOR MY FIRST area and assignment, we were both brand new to the area) have no idea where to go, who people are, who wants to help them, who they can serve, what they can do, who they can teach, sometimes they (I) might not know what to say.  I would think, that is a bit overwhelming (I CAN TESTIFY!!!  IT IS VERY OVERWHELMING!!)

So, I'll end that tangent for now.  But, I would (I'm learning this word in Ukrainian...so I'm using the english variant) EXHORT you (like Moroni says in chapter 10) to help your missionaries!!

Well, I got a little carried away!  But my companion and I have been contemplating on how we had no idea what our poor missionaries had to go through.

Is Sandra making stuff up on the blog?  Maybe it's the gift of twinship or something.  She knows everything.  I wrote her a funny story.  She should get a letter this week that you'll really like!!

Well, I love you!  I need to write to our Mission President!

I hope you have a fantastic day!

Love,  

Sister Murphy

(Letter to Sandra)

Hello again,

I just wanted to tell you that I am having much more fun and it's because I learned to not get frustrated!  My companion and I were not acting in unity.  

AND THEN,

I told her, and about 2 minutes into our conversation I realized that it doesn't matter if I say anthing at all in a lesson.  It doesn't matter what happens anywhere as long as the spirit was felt and someone's life was blessed.  I can simply  appreciate the miracle of being there!

So, we learned that I was frustrated because I didn't know what to say and when to say it.   She was frustrated because she didn't know where to go and when to go, and we were both trying to be too independent.  So, we have a new philosophy: WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET FRUSTRATED.   It's been better ever since.  SINCERELY!  We learned from the example of a missionary who has been serving a year and still has some horrible problems with the language.  He loves life and he isn't afraid to have fun.  He is fun!  And we both want to have fun too!

I'm sorry about your headaches...I think you are going through withdrawals, and they won't end until October of next year when I come home.  So, stop these phony treatments and write more to your sister the real source for your cure!
and eat a watermelon!
(not the whole thing...Will can probably eat half!)

I have been getting Will's letters, and they make me laugh.

Oh, what analogies can you give me for teaching simple gospel doctrine?

Think about it and as you think of one send it to me.  I'll be using them for a while so don't think this assignment expires!

I heard a good quote recently:  "Everyone already knows the gospel is true. They’ve just forgotten. Help them to remember. The Holy Ghost will do that. He will help them get through the amnesia and the deception."
 

We have an investigator - Her name is Marina and she knows the church is true!  She is getting baptized!


hahah quick thought...

I read a funny sentence in your letter: "church was ok today."

Well, church for 3 hours in SERGIC (1/2 russian & 1/2 ukrainian - which I still don't understand)  is always awesome.

It's also funny, because I'm a missionary people are afraid to meet with me because I'll make them do missionary work.  So, they walk away from me as I smile at them...

I hope this made you laugh and think.  Sure, maybe the talks weren't great, like yesterday I didn't understand why we were talking about her neighbors dead dog for 5 minutes but, I took the Sacrament and I renewed my covenants.  If everything else was horrible it was worth it!  

Oh, the other funny thing in combined rs and priesthood yesterday, the first half was on temple attendance and then the bishop addressed some things in russian, (my companion filled me in later..)

One funny thing he said: DON'T read from the ensigns during your talks!  We laughed about it.

Oh, dear,

and so...it's been a week!!

Keep me informed!

I have to buy a new watch!

Thanks for all you do.

Thanks for being so special.

Thanks for being you!

And thanks for your righteousness and example!

I love you!!

Love,

Cectpa murphy!

Week 7

Subject: Miracles - chodo!!!

Do you know the children's "Primary" song they sing to all of their visitor's who come to church on Sunday?  It's called the "Hello Song" (I think).  Usually it ends up in a competition between the boys and the girls on who can sing (or scream) "Hello" the loudest.  Well, I'm singing it to you today...this Monday afternoon in Kiev!

Hello family!

So, first (because it's today) cause to rejoice.  Today is Independence day!  My companion and I have a lot to do though so we will miss the parade in the center of town.  We've heard from most Ukrainians that it's a tourist trap anyway.  They celebrate tonight with lots of fireworks (we heard a lot on Saturday night too).  I think this country is still uniting and trying to find some pride.  They can do it!!  It's beautiful!

Secondly, you can rejoice with me.  We are preparing Marina for baptism!  She is a beautiful lady - 28 years old.  She has an adorable 4-5 year old boy, and a really awesome husband.  However, her husband is a little hardened against religion.  (They don't call it agnostic but I think it's safe to say that's what he is.)  We haven't met with him yet and of course he doesn't like that His wife meets with us.  They are a beautiful family though.  His brother was baptized into a church years ago and never wanted to see their family again.  So, he is probably afraid of loosing his relationship with his wife.  We have a plan though!  For sure the only thing we want is for their family to be stronger.

We are working with Natasha too!  She's awesome - we are kindred spirits!  She just got back from hiking in the Carpathians!  This week we will help her prepare for Baptism too!  She has a 20 year old son and she works all the time to provide for them!  He is going on a 10 day kayaking trip this week!  How fun!

Well, 6 weeks are over.  Crazy.  Now, we evaluate our goals and set new ones.  In 6 weeks 23 people added to the truth they already had about life and found the fullness!  The truth of the fullness of the gospel!   I am thankful for the knowledge of our Savior and of the Gospel.  How wonderful it is.  How simple it is and yet there are so many who are afraid to discover it.

I want to do all I can to be better - a better teacher, a better missionary - so that I can be a better example and lead others to Christ.

Saturday we had a fun service activity!  We served a beautiful family who live out in the country.  Homes here need a lot of work.  This family spent a few years studying in America (BYU-I!!!) and I think they are trying to Americanize their home!  We varnished a beautiful fence while other members mowed and digged and cut and well I really have no idea what was going on around me.

We've had a watermelon a week this month!!  It's been lovely!!  My companion can even beat the elders in a seed spitting contest.  (Except Elder Rayburn.  We just don't let him compete.  He has to be some reigning champion in Kentuky.)

Oh, Elder Rayburn, Have I told you about him yet?  He has been a member of the church for 2 years.  He was studying cello (music) when his cello professor somehow introduced him to the church!  His professor baptized him and one year later he decided to postpone the 2 years left he had of college to serve a mission.  We serve with him and Elder Miller in Borshahivsky.  Elder Miller is from Las Vegas and he learned Russian.  

Oh, I meant to tell you.  I got grandpa's letter  last week.  It was wonderful!!!  Thanks grandpa and grandma for your wonderful examples!  I love you.  Thanks for always working and never relaxing.  This week was a tough one, but only because Satan is trying really hard to discourage us and keep us from blessing the lives of God's children and bringing them to Christ.


Hmm, what do I need!  Well, I am thankful for all I have!  I want more pictures but, I can still serve without them!  I love you lots. 

Week 6: First her email to her sister and then an email to the Thompsons

Dear Sister,

Thank you for rambling!  I loved it.  I thank Heavenly Father for you every day and Will too! What a fun adventure in Yellowstone!  How neat!  Maybe President Obama will come to Ukraine for some foreign affairs stuff.  I know they are getting ready for an election here.  There are these tents set up all over Kiev with kids handing out these articles about one man.  We walk by them all the time and of course they want us to take them.  I always feel bad.  We hand out "FREE ENGLISH" flyers and I get frustrated at people who won't take them.  It's free and it's something they might be interested in, or know someone...and well...that's a whole other tanget.  So, I'm sure they think the same things when I walk by.  Except, I'm an American and cannot vote in their elections, and I'm a missionary trying to be absolutely unbiased and refrain from all political debates as a representative of the Church.  

So, I don't think I'll have time to send pictures this week.  But, next week I'll dedicate more time.  Good?  

Somehow the Lord blessed me, I had enough $ all week!  

Sister Morton, she has been here for 12 weeks already, has twin brothers who married twin sisters and they both had children who are only three months apart...twice! 

I'm glad your birthday was fun!! I'm glad you got to eat at Applebee's.  On our preparation day (Monday before our birthday) We went to TGIF's.  It was okay and of course expensive.  But, it was fun.  

Um,the candy, at least try some of it and let know what you think.  It would be nice if you can send it to g-ma, dad and others.   My favorite is the lobster one that says Pachku, which means on all fours...??? weird!  It has a chocolate center!

Last week's e-mail was a dissaster.  I had a ridiculously long e-mail about our ward "potluck."  It was an amazing experience! 

I am happy.  I hope this has been the most difficult transfer because if that is true, I'm super excited for the rest!  But, yes, it has been difficult.  Odnak (HOWEVER) Life was not easy for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and that gives me hope.  I'm trying to be happy -always.  That is my mission goal.  Look above the challenges and have hope AND BE POSITIVE.  Yes, it's frustrating, sitting through a lesson in Russian and maybe understanding 10% then listening to people speak Ukrainian and also only understanding 20%. But, I have been blessed so much.  I will be patient with my abilities and trust that it is enough for now.

My mind has been enlighted on missionary work...so on that note...ah, note, I miss the clarinet!  I love you!
Love your sister!!

CECTPA MURPHY!

Grandma  Grandpa!!!


Alright, new missionary in the ward!!!  I have lots of advice for you and the ward to make his life easier!

I love you lots!  Life is  good.  My birthday was a missionary birthday: complete with 3 cancelled appointments (we by no means wanted them cancelled!),  3 stop-bys - all wrong addressess from the ward-roster, and a not so happily ending contact in the park.  But, I had cake and ice-cream on my companion's birthday, plenty!!  We also bought a nice ice-cream treat in the middle of the day.  My spirits were up.  I enjoyed the experiences!

Food, well, we had one member invite us over.  She has been inactive for awhile, and recently returned.  We visited her and helped her have courage to bear her testimony in church.  She made us noodles and a "salad" and some meat I think it was chicken cooked in egg.  It was good.  When we visit, we normally have a cup of "tea" - herbal stuff, that's tasty, and sometimes Pechevo (Cookies but, not like chocolate chip cookies they are tea cookies and not like scones either.  They are purchased - not made) 

Everything is pretty good here.  I'm not supposed to eat fish and that's sad.  It's fruit season right now!  Yes, we do cook and fortunately my companion is practically Italian.  Her mom can also send packages on a bus (Really cheap from Itally) with Italian noodles and NUTELLA!! (THIS AMAZING Hazelnut chocolate spread) and Amazing Italian cheese.  So, we have been eating a lot of pasta salads and noodles.  She enjoys cooking.  I would rather eat something fast but sacrifice for the sake of having a good relationship and the fact that I'm still young, I'll learn from her for now!

My favorite food is Vareneky.  It is, well imagine raviolli noodles almost but, instead of sauce and meat inside it's mashed potatoes!  It's genious!  They actually have all kinds of vareneky- chicken, pork, whatever.  But I'm not eating much meat here.  Borsh is also really good.  It's a great soup.  They have a great cream here it's called smetana.  They put it in almost everything.  I don't know how to describe it.  It's like a thick cream, like sour cream but sweeter or maybe milkier.  So, they put that in borsh and on vareneky and on bread and in desserts.  It's crazy!  Speaking of dessert, ice cream is great here!  And they have a cherry vareneky that is just great with smetana and sugar!  I also love this sweet cheese thing with raisins also with a spoonfull of smitana!  Well, other than that, we've eaten a lot of fried eggplant and cheese and bread.

This week is the end of the transfer so our Russian speaking missionaries come!  I think there are 7 and one is from Fayetteville.  I met him in the MTC.  I'm excited, people here have never met anyone from Arkansas!  I probably won't see him much since he is Russian speaking- but we plan to represent!

Congratulations on the quilts!  A lady in the ward here is an excellent seamstress.  I tried and with some help from my companion, I suggested that we have a sewing night and make a quilt.  She said she'd see what she can get together.  I'm excited about working with the ward and gaining the trust of the members.  I do love them.  I never want to leave.  But, I'll go where the Lord wants me to go and love more Ukrainians!

Love,

Cectpa Murphy!

Week 5

This picture was taken when she was in Lviv for a few days while her companion was renewing her Visa.

Dear Sister!

You are so wonderful and I love hearing from you.  I want to see pictures!  I absolutely love that part in the book of the Chronicles of Narnia too!  I used it a lot in lessons and I'm pretty sure I made you read it before.  I love CS Lewis too.  My companion has Chronicles of Narnia in Russian (the movie) and we've shown the scene of Aslan's sacrafice to families to explain the atonement.  So many people don't understand the Atonement and why we need it. Repentance is also difficult to understand.  We cannot do anything by ourselves.  Christ is the only one who can really free us.  I just love the analogy!  

TREMENDOUS THANKS FOR THE PICTURES YOU SENT and an ENORMOUS thanks for the awesome package.  I cannot believe it was $40.  NEVER SEND ME ANYTHING AGAIN, unless it's a little note that costs only $1, which is what postage is probably now anyway.  Ridiculous.  So thanks.  We'll put the brownies into some good use for our members.  They will be our blessing brownies.  You rock, your husband rocks!   

Remember there isn't any perfect way to do missionary work.  Christ was rejected and many people misunderstood Him too.


This pictures is me with two pink elephants in my hands!  They are Italian elephants, one named Buon and the other named CompLeanno.   Their Italian names mean:  GOOD BIRTHDAY!!  So, I hope both you and Will are having a good birthday!

OH, by the way.  I also sent you a crazy package.  It wasn't going to be crazy except I didn't understand a word and my companion wanted me to "grow."  So, I sent you a little package, what she took from me.  Unfortunatley she didn't understand that I had other things I wanted to put in there and I didn't realize I had to explain that I had more stuff to send.  SO, I'm sorry.  But, I hope you like it.  I also didn't get to send you a note.  So, next time.  It cost 111 gruven.  Which probably is about 18 dollars so really not that expensive for Americans.  Although, here that's still a lot of money.  (We are supposed to budget for 300 a week).  Crazy experience it was.  Well I love you.  It's the week of our DEN HePOZEHHR!  Happy Birthday to us all!

Love CECTPA MURPHY!

Week 4

Yay,
Happy Anniversary Sandy and Will!
Exciting...[ps there is no word (clovo) for the word excite in Ukrainian so, if I use it a lot it's probably because I'm going through withdrawls] I tell people about you a lot and I was excited to say today My sister and her husband have been married for a year. (I totally learned that just for you!) (ale [but] I did not learn the clovo [word] for anniversary next year! (or next month for g-ma and g-pa)

So, I have a couple of favors to ask of you. First, funny story. You know how mission presidents always know what is going on with the missionaries in the mission? In my last interview with President Steinagel, he told me their secret. They google their own names and find their missionaries blogs. Pravda(true)! For example, the other day Pres. Steinagel was looking for a document. He googled his name and found for some particularly odd reason my mission blog created and updated by none other than my favorite and most amazing twin sister. He informed me that you have a picture marked incorrectly. I know I am wearing a green vest surrounded by probably 4 elders and my companion and Ulia (bapstism day). This is in Lviv, and not with my "new companion" Sister Movchanyk. However, I am standing with Elder Allan, Elder Ward, Elder Prowitt, Elder Fulton, and Sister Belatska (my companion for a week). If I sent you a picture of Sister Movchanyk and I, you would probably say: "wow, they look a like!". Everytime I tell someone I have a twin sister they want to know if it's Sister Movchanyk.

Thank you for your inspiring e-mails and yes letters (from my amazing family and friends!)
I am very happy that I can be here, now - at this amazing time. Every time I see the temple I'm reminded of the urgency in using the short amount of time given me to find the elect and lead them to Christ. So, this week I learned to stop feeling frustrated with my abilities and focus instead on having Christ's image reflected in my countenance. I hope that I can create curiosity in those who are lost beside me and that they can sense that I'm there for an important reason. I know I have hundreds of opportunities to improve and I hope each day I will be successful in becoming myself more like Christ so that I can be more effective as a missionary for Him.

Sister Mitchell actually put this thought into my head with her wonderful letter and testimony! We are all missionaries. However, I have the opportunity to work full-time for the Lord, not just some of time. So, every second counts. I think I told you last week about one of my favorite scriptures in Ether 12:11. "Through Faith was the Law of Moses given, but through Jesus Christ, God gave us a MORE EXCELLENT WAY....". I can always do more, I can always be better. But, the most important thing to remember is that the best way is Christ's way. If I am focusing on Him, He will make up for all of my weaknesses. This week I was focusing on just being ridicoulsly happy, to generate curiousity. Then, I received Tamara's letter that reminded me how important it is to reflect Christ. To have His image in our countenances. So, I do have a lot of work to do; in myself and helping others find Christ's true gospel too. We didn't have such great success last week, but this week we are going to work hard and bring the elect to Christ. We are planning a big "Potluck" on Sunday for the Ward. (New for Ukrainians...!!) We are going to get them excited about missionary work. It is through them that we can find the elect. There is a temple being built here, right next door to the very church we meet in. I walk by it at least 4 days a week. This will be the House of God, This will bless the lives of the members and all people living here. We have one year. What a blessing it is to find those people now, who will be prepared in one year (after their baptisms) to enter the House of the Lord. I'm EXCITED!

So, we cleaned a park on Saturday. They don't have a lot of trashcans in Ukraine, not as rare as public restrooms, but, litter is everywhere. So, people were curious and many of them liked the idea. We baked chocolate cookies for those who helped us. That was fun...American food! (And they enjoyed it) It's also morning, we haven't done our shopping yet and my mouth is watering thinking about the fresh produce we walk by. It's everywhere! Fruit trees are everywhere!
Next week we are also going to have a Pancake night! (Pancakes are also not a Ukrainian staple) So, the other favor, you know the pink cookbook you have, how about those syrup recipes. Are they easy?

Well, that is about it for time. I love you. I love life here. I love serving the Lord. I hope I can become better; a more effective missionary always choosing the more excellent way of Christ! I know it takes love and boldness together. I know this is important for all people on the earth to know Heavenly Father's plan for us and what we must do to receive His grace and mercy. The Gospel is the Way. Repentance and Baptism are the beginning ordiances. Then we continue, every day becoming more like Him, reaching our Potential. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father. I am thankful for my family. Familes are central to our Father's plan because it is through them we can experience the love that He has for us. Just imagine how much you love your family. I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of Him, this is all possible. What a sacrifice He gave and how it has blessed me- I still cannot imagine.

I'm excited for this week. To see the changes the Gospel of Jesus Christ can bring into the lives of the people of Ukraine. I was reading in 2 Nephi 29 about Satan. One verse says that he works carefully (In Ukrainian it says diligently) leading people to hell. Which means, we have to work dilligently and carefully to bring them back. We can be smarter and work harder. We HAVE to WORK HARDER and SMARTER. This is Salvation!
Well, I love you. I'm going to see if I can send some pictures.
I hope you have a wonderful day!

Oh, Grandma and Granpa, thanks for your wonderful letters and e-mails! You two are wonderful! Blackberries - I can just imagine all the pies. Stay cool!!

Love,

Sister Murphy

Week 3 ( She titled this email: Cheese is Soo Good) (Isn't She Funny)

FAMILY!!!

I have so much to tell you but, as Sandra already has noticed t's getting late here.  We only have a few minutes. 

I'm sure you feel much anticipation about this last week.  So, I'll begin at the end and go backwards.  DObPE?    DObPE!   Today, we moved into our new apartment!  Finally.  We are own are own in our area right next to a CUpePMaPKeT!  It's not wal-mart, but it meets our needs.  Ukrainians have style.  Did I tell you that yet?  We have a darling apartment!  Most apartments are pretty ugly outside (Remember they were all built during the Soviet Union but, some major remodeling is going on in this country!  Including moral remodeling [some changes haven't been so good] and that is why we are here).  We are all moved and unpacked.  We have lots of wonderful Ukrainian groceries like RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING CHEESE and XlIb (bread) and MOlOKO (Milk).  They have the best cereal here.  I feel right at home.  Well, I just don't know half of the conversations around me or the ingredients in the food I'm eating and I cannot count my calories any more - but I'm getting used to that too.  

My companion was sick this morning.  We fasted yesterday.  So I called our doctor (Elder Goth from Canada) and he said she would be okay in a couple of hours.  She rested and I got to perform some fun service like laundry and unpacking!  I hope I don't ever get sick.  

We had another baptism on Saturday.  (I returned to KuiB (by a nighttime train ride) and made it back by 7:30 for a meeting, then off to work again).  I love my companion.  I really missed her and KuiB.  Don't get me wrong, Lyiv is Heaven.  It's the gorgeous city of my dreams.  Our apartment was pretty much a palace and someone got really creative in the corridor.  There were murals everywhere!  It was a wonderful branch. There were 2 branches and they were so much fun to work with.  They are a missionary branch!  I met some amazing members, but not too much work was done.  I'm so glad to get busy here.  To get started.  To build this ward that neighbors the construction of the most glorious building in Eastern Europe.  We work with the office elders.  These two elders are fabulous.  I'm sorry they are stuck in the office but, because they are there we have the best flyers and the best handouts.  We have everything we need.  We are planning some wonderful missionary activities for the ward. 

Did I tell you the mission goal?  We are going to double the number of baptisms!  I'm super excited about the work here.  I'm super excited about the people we are working with.  I'm learning slowly that there is no secret to missionary work.  There is no magic trick and no 7 steps to success.

The key is the Savior.  He is the "WAY"  the "More Excellent Way."  I'm going to try to focus my mission like His mission.  He didn't go crazy trying to tell everyone to "REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED"  (sometimes it's quite tempting, fortunately I can say that and no one understands me...)  But, He labored in love and service.  

Well.  I'm sorry that today was a crazy day for us and we didn't have much time to e-mail.  I love you!

I am so thankful for the simplicity of the Gospel.  I know that God loves us.  We are all brothers and sisters.  We are all unique.  So, I'm trying to find better approaches and open the hearts to this important message.

I still have to e-mail Pres. Steinagel...so...tata for now!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

CECTPA MURPHY!!

(I signed a lease today...and then the toilet stopped working!)

P.S. I plan on sending you some awesome UK stuff but, I have no time today so you might not get it for your birthdays.  I love you both!

Thanks for the package, $40 that's a little outrageous!  Sorry.  I hope the Lord blesses you lots!  Tons...maybe in babies!!!

The toilet doesn't like me, well I don't know what caused it to break.  Oh, we bought scented Toilet Paper today, crazy huh.  They have the worst TP and the best.  I'd rather go cheap but, why not have the experience once. So we spent like 260 gruven(?) on groceries today but, I think it's only like $30.  I don't quite understand the exchange rate quite yet.

The work is sometimes frustrating but. I'm trying to get over that.  What are some tips on having more fun and not being so serious.  Most of the time I'm happy but, I'm just a little to stiff...you know.

The greatest of love to Auntie Diane!  I received a letter from her and g-ma already!  Sweeties!

Oh something I forgot...the Assistants are also in our area but, because they are assistants they don't have much time for the standard missionary work.  So we are going to be working with their branch too.  So, Sister Movchanok and I are going to be super busy and working hard strengthening the members here.  We met with the branch president and his cute little family yesterday night.  I'm excited for the challenge.  I know the Lord has blessed me so much.  The members are really impressed with my language after only 3 weeks but, there is still so much work to be done.  I'm understanding more, well I assume I'm understanding, because I know maybe 70% of the words...

Funny story we were handing out materials (copies of the "Book of Mormon" free pictures, liahonas, church stuff, and of course free English lessons (In lviv) and I was talking with someone.  I thought he was talking about a man in the apartments close by who wanted to learn and get baptized, and of course I wanted to meet him.  However, He wanted me to marry a nice Ukrainian boy.  Although, that's great, I'm a missionary.  So,  I'll just let that appointment fall through for a few years or so.  The gospel is what brings true happiness.  I know that.  I know how important this time is and I'm trying to be devoted, dedicated, and strong.  I know that I need to serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength.  So, on that note,  I'm going to go.

We have some exciting things to get ready for!

LOVE YOU FOREVER...because families are eternal.

Love,

your sometimes not so very humble, not so very diligent, and certainly not perfect missionary Sister Murphy...
But, I have a perfect hope in the Atonement of Christ and I love my Savior.  Every day I will try to be better, live more worthy and repent and change for the better.

CECTPA  Murphy.

Week 2

Hello - adorable wonderful family!

Are you ready for this?

I don't think you are going to believe it....

So, be prepared to be overwhelmed...and then laugh...

So, I've been here for, well this is my second week.  We got a call on Wednesday, well let me start out by saying, remember my companion lived in Italy.  Italians have very strict visa permits for Ukrainians.   She is Ukranian.  Because she has been serving, she was not able to go to Italy to renew her permit of stay.  She didn't want to distract from the work so she didn't worry about it.  However, that means that after her mission she doesn't have a place to live.  Meanwhile, another sister had to go home.  Her mother has cancer and was going to have a major surgery.   Wed. we got a call saying: be prepared to transfer - we are going to see what we can work out.  We thought: interesting, Wonder when that will happen...  Thursday we get a call:  Tomorrow, Sister Murphy you are going to L'viv for a week!  Sister Movchanok - you will leave on Monday to go to Italy so you can renew your permit of stay.  Amazing.  So, on Friday, I met my new companion - Sister Belastky, who is also Ukranian.  We are in L'viv for the week.  It's been great.  L'viv is a beautiful city in the west of Ukraine AND GUESS WHAT.  Everyone...mostly everyone...speaks Ukrainian!  It's so beautiful.  I feel extremely blessed to be here, serving with another amazing sister.  The best news.  We had a baptism!  Youlia.  She is a 16 year old girl - beautiful and has a great faith and an amazing testimony.  She lives at home in a not so good family situation.  It's interesting.  She is the only one supporting her family and not one of them supports her decision to be baptized.  The branches here are full of life and are ready to get full of people!
But, I miss the people in Kyiv.  We found 3 amazing people last week.  (Remeber we had to start from zero.)

The first lady is Cveta - 29.  She wanted us to help her with English.  She speaks amazing English and she was really excited to speak with a native.  So we meet with her twice a week.  She wants to know more about us of course.  She is so curious and super smart.  She has kept all of the commitments we have given her.  We have also been teaching her in English...CRAZY?  Yes.  But, we, Sister Movchanok and I both feel that she will only progress and learn the importance of the message by teaching her in Ukrainian.
Another girl is Marina.  She is probably 23.  She has a beautiful little boy and a husband.  She has been searching for truth for a while.
Another family, in their 40s, has been coming to church for a while.  But, something is keeping them from meeting with the missionaries.  Fortunately, we are sisters - we are going to work to prepare them for baptism.

Well, I love life.  It's amazing how much I need to improve.  It's amazing that the Lord is showing me how I can be a good and effective missionary.  It is certainly difficult here.  But, as I learn the culture and the language that will only add more power to my abilities.  Can you believe how much the Lord helps us.  I've only been studying for 3 months. CRAZY.  I know I have a loving Heavenly Father.  He wants to bless His children and when we pray and work hard he will bless us.  What a blessing it is to be here now - helping to build up the kingdom.  Pres. Steinagel said the temple will be ready in a year.  Today, they finished putting on the third layer of granite, signifying the building up of zion.  We are here to help these people receive their temple blessing from their Heavenly Father.  I am thankful to serve in this beautiful country among these beautiful people.  Seriously, this country is fashionable, oh and the food.  AMAZING!  Well, I don't have much time.

Preach My Gospel is the way to go.  I love you.  I think you are the best!  Thank you for your happy e-mails.  They make me smile....

No one is perfect.  I keep having to remember that one talk in conference.  A lady wanted her husband to be better, so she said "Why can't you be more like Abraham?" and he replied, "Then you need to be more like Sarah.  So, I think as long as I do what I can to be better others will work on improving as well.  I've been suprised a few times by fellow missionaries.  But, life goes on, missionary work goes on.  I love you!  

I want to see a picture of your new puppy.  I can get pictures so, someone needs to show you how to do that.  It's kind of difficult.  I had a hard time trying to send sandra some today.  Hopefully she gets them and you can see them.  What perfect weather.  It's crazy hot here!   Well, it was in Kyiv.  L'viv is heaven!  Sometimes it just rains. Someone indefinitely borrowed my umbrella at the MTC so, I'm going to be looking for a nice Ukranian umbrella.

Oh! I forgot the word for umbrella, I should go look that one up again.

I never get tired of talking because unfortunatley, I don't talk enough.  I have a lot I still need to learn.  But, I'm trying to be patient and rely on the Lord. We walk everywhere, or take public transportation.  All Ukrainians do it.  We pack into these little bus like things.  It's great, especially on hot summer days!  Although, those who can afford it have cars, I was surprised at how many american cars are here. The history is so neat here.  

Sandra could you send me a few hair ties in a letter or something.
Um...other suggestions:  hand wipes...these marchutkas and metros...crowed with people.  I feel so dirty....

and maybe easy to bake brownies or cake mixes.  I don't want to waste time baking but, it's fun to bring stuff to the members.  I don't think I need anything else.  Seriosly, I am fine, great, excellent, fabulous.  (I'm sorry about all of the adjectives and adverbs...apparently the Ukrainian language isn't to frivolous with their words)  The Lord really does protect his Servants.  I love Him.  I'm still working on opening my mouth.  Being brave and being bold.  But, I need to also show my love and have fun with these people, beautiful children of God!   All right.  I'm going to go buy some yummy Ukranian fruit and veggies.

Can you believe it...I'm in L'viv.  It is paradise for Ukranian speaking missionaries.  AND I get one week of it!  Well, time's up.

You are the best!

Nakrishe!

LOVE YOU FOREVER!!

Sister Murphy!

 

Amy's last night with Sister Howell, her companion in America.

She already got to go to a baptism in Ukraine.  Her new companion is on the left and the elders in her district are in the back.

This is the backyard of her new apartment in Kyiv.

First e-mail from Ukraine

Friends!

Thank you for your letter.  I have been thinking: Wow, I'm a missionary?  NO WAY?  Seriously, when did that happen?  It's even more amazing now that I am here in Ukraine, surrounded by the people I have been called to serve.
What I'm in Ukraine...see...it's still happening.  CRAZY!  Can you imagine?  Well, you probably cannot unless you've been to Ukraine.  I'll try to set the scene for you.  By now, you've heard about our crazy night in New York.  I wasn't very happy.  But, I've made a transfer goal to be happy with every circumstance the Lord gives me, or I cause myself, or maybe even those unavoidable events that are "thrust upon us."  (what am I quoting there...I'm sorry if it's "Babylon")  So, I believe 100% we can find the good and even the better in every circumstance.  For example, as we waited in the airport the Next day I met a beautiful girl and her sister who just enjoyed talking to us.  She was extremely happy to show me pictures of her family and her other sister who was just married.  Speaking of pictures, can you send me a few pictures; maybe of us at your wedding, a few taken in Arkansas and Tahoe, and a few from school friends and family.  It's a great way to start lessons (I learned this from my wonderful companion) (oh and while you are at it can you also send one of the temple).  THANKS!  So, it's summer here.  It's hot and humid and I LOVE IT!  I hope you all know how weird I am - and if you need proof:  I LOVE TO SWEAT!  There is no lack of it here!  I love public transportation.  Ukrainians are amazing, wonderful, and I cannot understand them.  I'll get to that in a second.  First - public transportation.  It consists of little yellow boxes with wheels filled to the max with hot sweaty people.  You cannot beat it!  I'm excited for more embarrassing stories to happen but thus far include face planting into some man's harry chest, or tripping, or not balancing through the sudden random stops.  I'm clumsy.

So far I've been not to forward.  I think I've been holding myself back.  I'll get to that in a second too.

Next, my companion:  We didn't get to catch up on sleep.  I'm totally okay with that, who needs sleep?  (Although I have been 99% converted to the 8 hour theory, only because our brain works harder during the night.  I need my brain to work for me right now.)  So, we woke up the next night and had zone conference.  OH you don't even know which zone i'm in.   Well at this point I also didn't know, we were just all going to attend our first zone conf. together.  So, we go to the stake center (with the temple right next door) and meet other missionaries and more importantly my companion.  She is amazing.  We are twins!  (Well, people keep asking us if we are, and yesterday we both wore orange!)  I am serving in Kiev.  In the best area with the best ward, right next to the temple.  Unfortunately, she is also new to the area, so we don't have an apartment yet.  We are staying with the Bairds (senior missionaries who work in the office)  I'm not complaining.  They are wonderful and they have a beautiful apartment, it's just so far away. 

The only other problem I  have...Everyone speaks Russian.  A little hindrance to my study of the Ukrainian language.  WHICH is WHY:
Today, I've made a goal to be courageous.  I absolutely love it here.  I love the people, my companion, the humidity, heat, and sporadic rainstorms. I love walking forever to knock on a door that no one answers and I even love crowed marshutkas.  (How do you spell that?)  (Editor's note: I think she is referring to public transportation.)  But, I do not like that I cannot understand people.  So, I'm going to talk to everyone.  (That sounds scary to me, but it will help me with the language.)  That's what I imagined missionary work to be anyway - talking to everyone.  And I suppose, even in a language I understand, there is still miscommunication and interpretation.
So, I guess that is all you need to know.  I'm doing great.  I just need courage to start talking to people and then I'll be doing 10000 times better!

I hope you have a great day!  I know I can too.  It's all about my attitude, and I'm working on developing courage!

Okay now my companion, CECTPA MOVCHANYOK, was born in Ukraine.  Her mother was baptized when she was 13 and it took her 2 years to understand the truthfulness of the gospel.  Then her mother, sister and she moved to Italy.  So, I have a Ukrainian/Italian companion who is fluent in 4 languages.  Unfortunately English is one of them.  I wish I was forced to speak more Ukrainian.

But, she is great.  She loves to work and knows how to do it.  She is getting right to work in this area and dragging me along.  Fortunately, although I don't understand a thing that is happening, people should be able to understand me when I speak and respect me a little bit more b/c I'm speaking their national language.  Now, I just have to speak more.  Pray for me.  I know that is what I have to do to start understanding people, now I just have to do it.

Okay, now about our mission.  I TESTIFY and I KNOW that I am serving in the best mission in the world.  I know that this is true.  This is the greatest mission.  Right now.  We are raising the standard to these people.  Satan is working here like crazy, trying to destroy these people and filling them with misconceptions.  Unfortunately, they are used to that, communism and corrupt beliefs are all over the country.  But, we are going to baptize and teach!  During our Zone Conference Pres. Steinagel released a new goal to us.  We are going to double the baptisms as a mission.  We are doubling are faith and doubling are prayers--everything we can to bring the people the gospel.  I am consecrating my life to the Lord so. I'm going to be busy.  (I have a lot of work to do).  But, mostly it's going to be a challenge to really give up everything.  So, on that note, I should go get started!  I love you!!!  You are the best family in the world.  I know that's true.  I know that our reunion will be 200 trillion times better the harder I work here and the more focus I have here.  So encourage me.  Love you lots!!
 

p.s. yes I was discouraged at church, I understood maybe 10% of what was said.  It was sad.  Then we sat in a lesson and I understood, oh, I don't even know if I was trying.  It's all in Russian.  People don't know Ukrainian that well.  So, I'm going to learn Russian!

Important Instructions on sending Amy Letters: PLEASE READ!

MAIL & PACKAGES FROM HOME

 Instructions on how to send mail to Ukraine Kyiv Missionaries

Very Important— Do Not Put The Words  “Ukraine Kyiv Mission” on PACKAGES.  If you put “Ukraine Kyiv Mission” as part of the address, they think it is coming to a business and customs charges are so high that the package will be returned to you.   (Exception:  Pouch Mail – See Below)

 

When you mail Packages – KEEP THEM SMALL.  Along with all their own bags and books, missionaries must often carry the packages and letters on public transportation and then on foot to other missionaries, many who live in outlying areas.  It is better to send two small packages rather than one large one.  Put your Missionary’s first and last name on the package.

Do not require your missionary’s signature in order to pick up the package.

We find the U.S. Mail flat rate box or large padded envelopes work the best for packages.

Please be aware that packages sent through U.S. Mail to the addresses below should reflect a customs value of less than $99 – a higher value will be charged at least $100 customs fee.  Your missionary will have to pay this fee to obtain the package.  The Mission Office does not pay custom fees.  Please remember any package sent across U.S. borders is subject to possible opening and inspection by Customs.  When declaring items, be general and simple.  Examples:  “supplies,” “personal items” and “household items.”  You may be asked to list the items included—if so, list everything.  Do NOT bother to insure, as you could never collect over here.  Packages usually take several weeks to arrive.

We do not recommend Federal Express or DHL or other express services. 

 

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Use this address for ALL LETTERS AND PACKAGES :   

AMY MURPHY

vul. Yabluneva 1

s. Sofiivska Borshahivka

Kyevo-Svyatoshinskiy rayon

Kyivska oblast  08131

UKRAINE        

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POUCH  MAIL: 

The Church provides pouch mail service to countries where other mail service may not be reliable.  Each country regulates this service differently, and the Church must comply w/ these regulations in order to avoid finds and cessation of this service.  

Only postcards or letters that are single sheet, folded into 3 panels, and taped at the top only may be sent through the pouch service. (DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS BELOW)

Any mail/letters sent from home through the Church Pouch to your missionary must be a single sheet of  copy paper (notebook paper is too flimsy) folded in thirds with the open section up where the stamp is.  You can only use one sheet of paper.  Tape the open end at the top with one or two small pieces of tape.  Stamp and address as follows:  

The missionary’s name

Ukraine Kyiv Mission

P.O. Box 30150

Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150.  

(For Pouch Mail, using the name of the Mission is very important as all the missions have the same P.O. Box in Salt Lake City.)

(Please include your name & address in the top left corner.)

Instructions for making a 3-panel fold (basically it's like how you'd fold a business letter but if you are still confused read on):

1. Lay the blank side of the letter (single sheet) facing down w/ the writing facing you.
2. Fold the top of the letter about 1/3 of the way down & crease.
3. Fold the bottom of the letter to the top of the first fold and crease.
4. Use two pieces of tape or two sticker tabs on the top to secure it, not more than once inch from each side, but do not seal the ends.
5. Do not include any other items w/in the letter.
6. In the top left corner, write your name & address.
7. Affix a stamp in the top right corner.
8. In the middle, write the following:

Sister Amy Murphy

Ukraine Kyiv Mission

P.O. Box 30150

SLC, UT 84130-0150

Some families use “DearElder.com”  (A free service which uses the Pouch Mail.) (see side bar for instructions or email Sandy)

Email from Amy's Mission President

Greetings from Kyiv Ukraine!  Your wonderful missionary arrived here safe and sound after a plane delay.  After we picked up the Elders and Sisters we visited the St. Vladmir Statue.  Very near this site Elder Boyd K. Packer dedicated the land of Ukraine to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ on 12 September 1991.  (This happens to be Amy's mother's birthday!!!)

We also visited downtown Kyiv, ate at a Ukrainian Buffet and after orientation ate dinner with the new missionaries at the mission home.  Tomorrow is Zone Conference(a meeting for all the missionaries in the Mission), then your missionary will be on her way to her new area.  Sister Murphy will be serving with Sister Movchanyuk in Borshahivsky near the site of the new temple which is being constructed..

There is a letter from your missionary on its way to you to be sent Friday in the POUCH mail.  However, it may not reach you for about two weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at this Pouch address.

Ukraine Kiev Mission

P.O. Box 30150

Salt Lake City UT 84130

Sincerely,

President Lane O. Steinagel and Sister Jennefer Steinagel

Amy is in Ukraine!

This was taken in Kyiv, Ukraine at the site for the LDS Temple.  You can see the temple in the background.  It is scheduled to be completed towards the end of 2010 but any actual dates have not been announced by the church. If you'd like to learn more about LDS temples I'd recommend this great video by our church: 

Click HERE

The couple in the picture with her is the Ukraine Kiev Mission President Lane Orin Steinagel, 47 and his wife Jennefer Slade Steinagel.  They both grew up in Sacramento but reside in Provo, Utah and have voluntarily agreed to serve in Ukraine for 3 years guiding and teaching the missionaries w/o monetary compensation.

This is a digital rendering of what the temple will look like when completed.  It is beautiful!

According to LDSChurchTemples.com, "Though only recently introduced in 1991, the Church has grown steadily in this eastern European nation. At 8,500 members strong, the Church in Ukraine reached a milestone on May 30, 2004, when Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of organized the first stake (Our church is organized into regional units across the world called stakes and in each stake is broken down into wards) of seven wards in Kyiv. Elder Nelson blessed members to love their neighbors as Christ that many more stakes might be organized. He also encouraged them in their family history work in preparation for the temple.³

During a trip to Europe in 2002 that included the rededication of the Freiberg Germany Temple and dedication of The Hague Netherlands Temple, President Gordon B. Hinckley visited with the Ukrainian saints. 

The announcement of the temple came just a week prior to the dedication of Ukraine's first meetinghouse in Donetsk on June 28, 1998.⁵

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3. Shaun D. Stahle, "Kiev members revere historic moment," Church News 5 Jun. 2004: 6.
5. "A temple in Ukraine," Church News 8 Aug. 1998: 3.

This is another picture of the whole group who came from America w/ Amy.  Her companion, Sister Howell is on the right.  They both have been placed with other sisters who have been serving for a longer period of time and can provide more intensive language training and advice on sharing the message of the Savior with the Ukrainian people.  

Sister Murphy will be serving with Sister Movchanyuk in Borshahivsky near the site of the new temple which is being constructed.