December 7: Second Email

I have a little more time to write:

 

How is life there?  Is everyone happy?

I hope so!  If not, do it right now.  Be happy.  It can be difficult.  Well, it is when you have to choose, but choose to be happy!

So, this last week I learned a lot!

On Sunday, I said that our Missionary Coordination Meeting was difficult and Sister Nakashyawn and I felt horrible.  Then Monday (p-day) after writing you and shopping at the market, we met our Missionary Coordination Leader and Liza (his 8 year old daughter).  His father passed away.  It was so sad.  We didn't know what we could do.

 

Then we had district meeting on Tuesday (another strange miracle...normally they occur on Wed.) where we discussed what we could do.  We decided in a last minute spur decision (after our meeting) to try to find him.  We knew the funeral would be that day.  So, we called everyone in our branches.  Now the miracle...only Sister Nakashyawn and I knew about it.  Crazy!  Each call led us closer to their apartment until finally we had to call missionaries who served here.  We were closer and then we saw a large group of people carrying flowers and a brass quartet.  This was my first Ukrainian funeral.  It was beautiful.  I won't describe it because it isn't one of the happiest ceremonies in the world.  But, it was a long day.  I am so grateful for the plan of salvation.  I KNOW that we will see our loved ones after death.  I know that there is a God.  I know salvation is possible and we can achieve happiness.  How do I know this—because of faith.  Many people do not understand this word.  Faith is spiritual knowledge.  It isn't something you can see but it is something you feel.  I have opened my heart, I have desired, and I have tested my faith in order to know.  Our faith can be strengthened by the power of the Spirit of God.  By this same Spirit and feeling I have come to know that the Book of Mormon is true and that God has restored His gospel in the fullness.  Because He loves us, He wants to help us.  He helps us through directing us through prophets.  Because I know that this is true I have chosen to represent Him and share this amazing wonderful news with the world.  I know that He chose me to serve in this wonderful country amidst these wonderful people.  I am excited to share with them evidence of God's love on Earth again.  We can hold it in our hands and analyze it ourselves as we read the words of the Book of Mormon.

I wish I could express myself better, especially in Ukrainian, but in my weaknesses the Lord can do great things.

We have a lot to learn during this life, and the gospel is what we need to have success and  happiness!  It's a blessing and a wonder for sure!  But, it's true and it's wonderful!

This week we had an exchange!  I served with Sister Movchanyuk again in my first area for a day!  It was so much fun.  The temple is progressing so fast!  They are laying the landscape and removing the scaffolding.  It's beautiful!

President Steinagel said that the temple is literally directing the people of Ukraine as they already use it for directions!  (It's on I guess what you would call an interstate around the city, a crazy busy street!)

The exchange was fun.  We did service in the morning.  People in Ukraine wallpaper everything.  (EVEN THE CEILINGS!  So, we wallpapered a former investigator's house (what if I didn't put the word house?  Would you have understood?  HAHA!  I almost forgot!).  She has a large family and no money.  So, the ward bought us the supplies and we spent a few hours in the morning gluing!  It was fun.  One of her beautiful girls was watching Madagascar, so we sang with her "I Like to move it move it...I like to move it move it...I like to move it move it...MOVE IT!"  That's one movie I'm going to have to buy in Russian!  Their father is in America.

They also had a gazillion cats...kittens and they were crazy!  It was fun trying to lay out wallpaper with goofy spunky kittens flying around all over!

My amazing trainer is an excellent cook, so we had some tasty pumpkin pasta!  You'll have to try that sometime.

Then we attended a baptism and I saw some former investigators, some of them progressing others not.  She is an amazing missionary!

Well, how are the Christmas preparations coming?  I hope swell!

I love you all!  I hope the season of Christmas is in your Hearts and you feel the Love of and for the Lord!

What are your Christmas plans?  I love Christmas and I'm trying to make the most out of it here, teaching my English classes Christmas carols and playing Christmas music for church.  It's actually celebrated here in January and they have 2 celebrations!  But, We have some fun service we are doing on the 25th.  We helped some women here make blankets for a women's psychological center and we are going to sing and deliver them on Christmas day.  This is what I want for Christmas: a picture of the family.

If you can!  Have you been doing any ancestry research?

Well, our time is almost up!  So, I love you.  I hope you are having a great day!  

Have a wonderful week!

 

Love,

 

Sister Murphy

 

P.s. Sandra and will, I'm glad you are having fun root beering it up and gingerbreading men!

December 7: First Email

Hello Family,

I am great!  I was reading a conference talk and found comfort from a hymn!  I can't remember the title, I just know the fourth verse, “The weight of your calling, Satan perfectly knows.”  So, I know that Satan is evil and anything bad or sad comes from him.  He really wants me to be discouraged and I'm trying my best to not let him win.  I learned this week that Heavenly Father knows my abilities, knows my potential and knows my progress.  He is happy as long as I am trying my best no matter how many times I fall.  (Like any awesome parent would).  I certainly hope I progress a lot and fast, but I just need to be patient with my self and in the mean time teach people what they need to do to receive salvation!

So, I guess I'm still trying, trying to focus on baptisms and everything that leads to it.  It is overwhelming.  It is difficult, but it can be fun and I love it!

We are trying to do our best with the branches.  The Pettys help out a great deal and we are working on coordinating together.  It's amazing to know that God's gospel is perfect and we just need to apply it line upon line until we are living it in full.

I love Sister Nakashyawn and although we think one of us might be transferred (which would be horrible) we are super grateful for the opportunity to serve together!

I also enjoyed our exchange this week.  Sister Movchanyuk is the best missionary I know (I am not biased).  It was wonderful to be reminded again of easy things I can do to be a better missionary.   I hope I can be a better companion.

We have super high expectations this week!!!

We've been really busy here.  It's demanding and overwhelming but it can be fun and I love it!  I'm so thankful for the opportunity to serve here in this wonderful country and these wonderful people.  I love the gospel.  I know this is the most important work on Earth: the salvation of the Children of God—our brothers and sisters.  It's important in all we do to live the gospel and apply its principles.  We are not perfect but they help us to be better.  We cannot do everything but God loves our efforts as we try.  I'm thankful for the wonderful examples in my life and your amazing testimony.

I'm glad you got the package!  (It took about 2 weeks, maybe 2.5.) YAY FOR EVERYTHING!  I hope you really liked the tie. 

Oh and I'm pretty sure the 500 gruven I sent is fake!  If it isn't, opps.  Have fun with it.  It isn't worth much, maybe about $50.

So, whom do I need to write?  Who wants letters?  I want to write, but the day goes so fast!  No snow yet, but it's getting colder. I'm sure it will be here soon.

Thanks for thinking of me, but don't go to crazy.  Diane's package took 4 months to get here and you don't need to send anything heavy.  What am I supposed to do with all my favorite American candy from Dianne?  Sandy and Will when are you starting your no sweets diet?

I'll do my best!  Okay.  I'm pretty weak, but I do need to develop!

Well, I need to develop a lot!

We are enjoying everything though.  It was fun for my Armenian companion and Ukrainian friends to try American Twizzlers (my favorite!!!) and Reeces Pieces (also the best candy on earth!!) and everything!   We are going to have a birthday party soon or maybe a baptism party!  That will be fantastic!  

So, nothing special, but it will be the best package in the world if it has a hand-written letter from my you guys!

Go Vikings!

So, you are calling on Christmas morning? If it's at 4 here in the afternoon that means it will be after our surprise ward party that I'm not supposed to know about.

Okay, I talked with Sister Nakashyawn and we think it would be better to call in the evening here around 7-7:30.  That way we can be home and still have time for a few appointments that day.  Hatarsho?  (That's Russian for Okay?)

So maybe like 11 your time...

Did you really like the tie?  I hope so.  It sounded like a fantastic birthday!  I love that you are giving all the primary children teddy bears.  Where did you get all the bears?  You all are so wonderful!  I love that ward!  I love everyone there.  I hope they all know that!  I'm excited for the Pieffers!  What a glorious thing is a baptism.  We are working hard, trying to figure out how to be good missionaries and how to help people understand salvation!

What a wonderful day!  I hope the ham is as tasty as all of your hams have been!  Thank you for your prayers... I need them.  Missions are difficult.  The hymn that says, "the weight of our calling, satin perfectly knows."  He's working hard on all of us, trying to discourage us.  But, we have to have faith and trust God who also knows our potential.  He knows when we are trying.  He wants to help us.  He knows it is an experience for us; He doesn't expect us to master everything, especially now, but we are here to do the best we can!

Oh, maybe you can send something small for my companion.  If you are sending food then we will share that.  You could send pudding or jello.  That is light right and not so unhealthy!  I made jello for Thanksgiving, but it was really weird.  We have one more pack we'll experiment again.

Thank you for the pioneer comment.  Ukraine is filled with modern day Mormon pioneers, trying to change their way of living to adhere to the standards of God.  Even welfare is new and very difficult here, but they know that it is what God wants, and they are going to start trying!  Yay, I'm glad Sandra will be there!  How fun!

The helicopter disease treatment is EXPENSIVE (well, according to a missionary's small budget: 400 gruven, so maybe $40)  But our missionary doctor and nurse, the Goths, said that it isn't a big deal and to wait until I get home.  So I will.  I don't want to affect my missionary work and I don't have any gross symptoms.

Well, I love you both!   You two are the greatest!

Keep enjoying life!  That's a commandment you know!

Oh, keep me informed on the Vikings Grandpa!

Have a great week!

 

Love,

 

Sister Murphy!

 

November 30

Good Afternoon,

It's afternoon in White Church anyways,

(Bila tSterkva sounds much better) – (That is where she is living now)

I'm kind of tired today.  I've been reading 2 Nephi 4 a lot and I really love Nephi.

How are you?  I am trying to be better, tying to be like Nephi and rejoicing and trusting in God so that Satan doesn't have power over me.  But, it is difficult.  I am also frustrated because of my iniquities and the only thing I can do is be better.

So, I know the things I need to change. I know the Lord blesses us, and I know that Christ made it all possible.  I am very thankful for this opportunity to serve God.  I know the challenge is to do what matters.  So many times I distract myself by doing things that I think are good, but if I really thought about it I would see that it might not be the best.  (Like Elder Oaks talked about).  Therefore, I am still trying to focus on tuning into the Spirit.  As a musician- that phrase has a simple significance.  It means I have to move something - change something in what I do to blend into the correct "path" of the pitch.

I know I'm growing and I'm thankful for the Love of the Lord and His endless opportunities to try again.

Oh, by the way, yesterday, Church was much better.  The active members here really do so much and they try so hard.  They just need more help! That's why we are here.

We are having a sister’s exchange!  We are excited.  I'm looking forward to the opportunity to serve with Sister Movchanuyk again.  She has taught me a lot and can help me progress more! Hooray!  That's a great mozshluvict indeed!

Thanks for the pictures!  You are beautiful, the horses are fun, your Christmas tree is fabulous, and your tomato soup is smachno!  You are a culinary designer!  (I loved the love!)

So, I'm glad you enjoyed your week!  I hope you enjoy this one.  As to our week, well...it was a typical missionary week.  I won't tell you the highlights or the lows because this week was packed.

Oh, I will tell you that I have a disease in my stomach called helicobacter pylori infection...like a helicopter!  So I just need to eat healthy and try to not eat sweets, something dyzhe tyazshko as a missionary.  People always want to give you cookies and tea and we always want to make banana bread.  Also difficult when your companions favorite foods are potatoes and white bread and we reward ourselves with ice cream when we reach our referral goals and when she had a birthday this month and received 200 trillion boxes of chocolates.

 

So, we dropped all of our investigators last week.  Crazy!  Yes, we decided that we were working to hard on trying to make them have desire, when in a town of 300,000 people you can easily find someone who has the desire on their own.  So, we did.  Her name is Nelly.  She is Baptist, divorced, has three amazing priesthood age sons, loves English, is a certified literature teacher (cannot find work now), and her parents own green houses.  She loves the Lord and loves to discuss the gospel and came to church on Sunday!  We have been trying for 6 weeks to get investigators to come to church and yesterday we had 3!  Our previous weeks were just random visitors.  We can get them to come for a lunch or something…

THE SACRAMENT IS SO IMPORTANT!!  I get to take it 2x every week.  What a great blessing.  And I needed it yesterday.  I said something not very nice out of frustration to our Missionary Coordinating Leader during our MCM after our first branch and before our second.

That's life...I'm trying to repent and have faith in the Atonement always.  I love the Gospel.  I love to serve.  I am learning how to be a teacher; it's the best education I've received, trying to apply what I know, trying to teach boldly and courageously, trying to do what is important, trying to love.

Oh, the Internet club is so fun!  The kids know we are American.  The guys all play the same video games.  They try to talk to us, and they think that we don't understand.  Well they are partly right (I don't understand)

 

WE had a nice thanksgiving district meeting.  The elders did a good job.  I made some kind of apple thing…tasty and Ukrainian Jello...HILARIOUS!  The Elders managed some tasty potatoes and a roast.  I also made some descent southern dressing!   Pretty nice, huh?!  We nayiluc.....ate a lot!  (We also brought corn and an Armenian desert, lots of juices...of course.  We blew out a fuse and broke a vase, all trying to fit in the tiniest kitchen!  It was great fun, and it all happened in an hour!  (We are obedient!!)  Oh, that was also the day we taught Nelly!  I am very grateful for that!

I know the church is true.  I know that God wants us to be happy.  He is happy when we are happy, so He does what He can to help us, including giving us instructions.  That is where I come in, sharing this happiness with others so that they can find the whole recipe to happiness.  I've decided the Gospel is like Thanksgiving dinner.  It's good if you just have potatoes and corn and dressing and you can make do with any kind of meat.  But, it's better with cranberries and pumpkin pie and apple pies and ice cream, a vegetable tray and gravy.  And it's the best when you have a real turkey.  That's what the restored gospel adds.  It's the ingredients and the recipe...it's all there.

It's the true feast.

And guess what...we can enjoy it every day.

Well, I wish I could tell you about everything about my amazing companion and my fun district.

I love you all,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!

Have a happy day. 

Be like Nephi!  Rejoice in the goodness of God.  Choose to be happy and don't let Satan have power over you!

We have a lot to do!

So, It's time to devote my time, labor, and energy to the Lord!

Pray that I can serve with my whole heart, mind, might, and strength!

 

Love,

Sister Murphy

November 23

You are the BEST!  YOU ALL ARE THE BEST!

I was sad yesterday night thinking about Thanksgiving and not having any idea how to make something yummy and then this morning YOU ALL THOUGHT OF ME and searched for recipes.

I am super blessed!

YAY!  HOORAY!

Ha…snow...I cannot wait till I know what life is like in Idaho, but it hasn't been that bad here not even any snow yet.  CRAZY!

Did I tell you the women here are supermodels?  They always have the perfect shoes and I cannot wait to see what they will wear when it snows (right now the majority are wearing boots with stiletto heels!!)

YAY!  HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Have a wonderful day.  I am happy and thankful for your wonderful lives and I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Unfortunately, it is an American holiday, and my district has selected to do different things.  Well, Sister Nakashyan and I have decided to not celebrate.  Well, tonight we are going to have a VELUKEE CIMENEE VECHAR (extreme family evening!)

We are going to make jello salad or something and an apple pie, well that is what we will call it and pray that it tastes good and looks pretty.

We are going to talk about how we are thankful for the Atonement of Christ and the Book of Mormon.  Aren't they two of the greatest blessings we have in our lives?

I am extremely thankful for them.

It's so frustrating that people don't want to read the Book of Mormon.  It is a testament about Christ.  We can learn more about Him!  How exciting!

Well, I promise I will never make fun of any place you live in now that I've seen what life is like outside of America.  You have water, & you can drink from your faucet!  You have an amazing toilet, hot water, & fabulous mixer that I got you!!!  An oven!  Can openers!  Hmmm, I could go on...

Be thankful for that!

Honestly, you can live bez (W/o) a can opener...

If you could send this to Shawn’s girlfriend:  Tell her it’s a great idea.  Shawn: I love you.  I always share the picture of you and us with my mom at your wedding.  People always ask: "Is he a good guy?"  And I reply:  "OF COURSE!”

A memory: I remember my birthday.  You bought us all bikes and then we went on a nice relaxing bike ride.  I remember another day, we went to play basketball across the street.  It was fun, hot and sweaty!  I remember gigantic misquotes at a softball game! I remember chocolate milk shakes and hamburgers.  I remember being happy and laughing and crying because you tickled me so hard!  I love you and I hope you have the best year ever!

So, I'll congratulate you the traditional Ukrainian way:

Today's your birthday?  I congratulate you on the day of your birth!  I wish for you that you have happiness in the following year.  That you have success in your work and in your family!  I hope that you, Shannon and Liam create many happy memories, laugh lots and play a lot of golf!  I hope that you enjoy this next year and that it is the best!

Love, Sister Amy Murphy

Okay, so I am healthy.  Yesterday we taught a women who was poisoned once.  She didn't have a fridge, so now she doesn't eat anything but to live.  SELF-DISCIPLINE...she weighs like 43 kg...that's tiny.  She is a music teacher & was a au puar (???nanny)  in Norway!

She practically speaks English better than I do!

I want to be self-disciplined & give up sweets, but that will be after my mission when I've eaten every Ukrainian cookie and candy I can try!  Is that horrible?  Maybe that is why I'm paranoid about diabetes.  Well we went Tuesday...I gave blood and went back Saturday, gave more blood and we go back Wednesday.  I think everything is going to be okay.  He found bacteria in my stomach.  Our nurse said she felt peace when she decided to test me and thinks that this minor problem is something the Lord wanted for me!  I love Heavenly Father. He always wants to help us be happy!

Kay.  Do you know the history for the word O.K.?  It's some crazy king who was illiterate...

oh...and who was the pres. of France during ww2?

Okay, well...I don't have much time, but I want to tell you about yesterday.

Last night after church we met a teacher named Anna.  She is atheist.  We talked for about an hour in English about lives and things and then we asked if we could share with her our message, what we want to share with people.  Well, as we did I felt so amazed that I could be here in this country were 20 years earlier people were discriminated against if they believed in God.  I realized how amazing it is that Joseph Smith saw God.  That kind of puts an end to that question doesn't it.  God does exist.  He appears to His prophets.  He loves us.  He wants us all to know and feel His love.  I love this country and the amazing things happening here.  I am excited to be here.

I hope you have a happy thanksgiving.

We will eat something as a district on Thursday, and I will try to make potatoes, but we have been asked to do what we are called to do: CRY REPENTANCE TO THE WORLD!

I love you! 

Have a great day and especially be thankful for the Gospel!

Love,

 

Sister Murphy

November 16

Pruvit...

So, apparently that is a Russian word...made Ukrainian...and I was taught that it was slang...It's like Hey...

So, HEY!

Thanks for your e-mail.  Unfortunately I didn't get an e-mail from Grandma and grandpa this week.  But, I did receive a few cute little notes from Dear Elder.

Well, I'll take the time to reply to your e-mail...

I’m sick w/ something.  I’m trying to be healthy and I drink a lot of water. I have to go to the bathroom a lot. We actually have appointments all the time and despite the decline in facilities, (I don't think Ukraine is a first-world country) I'll go when I have to, even if that means in a bucket or a hole in the floor of an outhouse.   Did I tell you about the time with Sister Movchanuok?  That day all of our appointments fell through, including our Missionary Coordination Meeting.  I had to go to the bathroom, so we contacted a complete stranger for the use of their toilet.  It was dire.  

I told Will that tomorrow my companion and I are going to the American Medical Center and while I am there I'll do some kind of test.  Our nurse wasn't really concerned, but she is a nurse.  She can look at someone with a beam hanging out of his or her head and say: "Everything is going to be alright."  But, she's right.  I do need to take better care of my body.

Preach My Gospel (the missionary training book) actually mentions some habits that we can try to give up as we help others deal with addictions.  It talks about adjusting glasses and over-eating, so I try and TRY and try again.

 Will's last e-mail talked about sin and I know that anything that makes me feel guilty after is a sin.  So no matter how insignificant it is I need to control it.

Now I understand it actually has to do with our happiness.  Crazy...

Something funny, one of my English students (Kolya) is here!  He is 12.

Good luck with teaching!  You are such a kind person!  I am so thankful for you.  So, I am so in love with my mission.  I know I'm not perfect, but it is just amazing to think about being here.

Last week I experienced the joy it talks about in Doctrine & Covenants 10.  I thought about the changes evident in the people we are teaching.  If I do all I can, and do it right, with the Spirit, I can do more than improve the lives of my friends but see them accept and receive salvation!

So, I don't know anything about America or Obama. I hope things are going ok. 

Don't send me anything but recipes: like mashed potatoes or pie crusts, pumpkin pie, apple pie, chocolate cream pie...

I simply want recipes, through e-mail, so I can write, and then we can celebrate.

I was thinking about our branches.  The church is so new here.  The members are so young, and there is very little priesthood.  I wanted to have a "thanksgiving" night and talk about the blessing of the Book of Mormon and how thankful we are for the scriptures and encourage them to read every day.  Therefore, I wanted to make pumpkin or apple pies and maybe mashed potatoes and, who knows, stuffing?  Something easy.  We had zone conference on Friday and our amazing Sister Steinegal (Pres.'s wife) made a delicious lunch/dinner for us.  (I'm still in the Kyiv west zone, but both Kyiv zones were there).  (The mission is split up into zones and districts and then by companions.) We had dressing, cranberries, and all kinds of pies.  She had the Senior missionaries help us.  It's so amazing to see the couples here.  We have accountants, (they work in the office & go home this transfer.  It’s so sad.) legal missionaries, Humanitarian missionaries, doctors, and I don't remember the other 2 assignments.

EASY and CHEAP recipes...DOBRE?

You’re probably right about the I-pod and no CD/s.  I don't have a CD player.  I just want to listen to talks.  I have conference, but it only works on a DVD player.  So, maybe I'll buy a little one.  It helps in the work, not very many people have DVD players, so when we want to show films; it's a little difficult.

Well, I know that being physically healthy is important, so good luck on your diet!  I'd do it too, but the Petties made us cookies, and I'm going to want to eat them...PEANUT BUTTER!!  (That is a luxury!) And M&Ms! (another expense!)

Well, I'm going to e-mail President, and then with the remaining time I'll tell you about life & about our amazing goals and people we are working with!

Pray for a baptism...Pray for miracles...pray that I will be worthy and obedient and pray that I will do all that I can to meet and teach with the Spirit all day, every day!

I love you!

We are working with 4 amazing people from English: Ulia, Masha, Ulia, Yana, all 19-22.  Beautiful girls.  I love them.  I hope that they will trust me as we share with them the good news of the restoration.  It's true. God calls prophets because he loves us.  He loves us.  We are His children and of course He will speak to us.  How has He spoken to us in the past?  Through prophets!  Today, there are prophets again.

So real quick...

It's pretty amazing to think about the unity in our mission.  Every companionship will try to have at least one baptism this transfer.  That's exciting.  I love goals, and I love high goals.  This week was an exciting week.  One night after a lesson with an amazing girl we found through English, I thought about the good things changing in her life.  I was so happy to see that she was growing and learning more about the plan of our Heavenly Father.  Exceedingly Happy…and that happiness made me want more for her— Salvation!  Of course I prayed for her, but, during that prayer, I thought about Heavenly Father and how much He loves His children.  He really will do everything He can for us…the people I meet on the street, in my English class, sitting next to me on marshutkas.  So, it's really up to me.  If I do absolutely everything I can, then I can work with Heavenly Father as He does all that He knows needs to be done.  So, this week and this transfer I am focusing on doing all I can: doing more every day so that I can help those who are loved by our Heavenly Father.

Our district stayed the same, just a new elder to replace Elder Miller (he's younger than I am!!).

Our New district Leader is Elder Hamilton.  It's a great district.

He received a package (little one) and apparently customs is going crazy.  The economy is really bad here too, except 200x the corruption and I wouldn't be surprised if they just opened up his parcel to see what they could sell.  I don't know, that is just my negativity and suspicion.  Luckily it was just candy...

Remember the Christ stickers...use them! 

Well, boys all over the world love video games and there are only so many computers, so I guess I'll aid in the addiction and turn my computer over!

I love you,

Have a fantastic week.

Love,

Sister Murphy

November 9: letter to family

Hi Sister,

I really don't know what to say except I love being a missionary.  We have some amazing people we are working with, and I know we need to do a lot more to be worthy to lead them to Christ.  It's amazing at how easy it is for people to love. 

Thank you for pictures!  You two our cute.  One of our investigators is with us this week, so I showed them to her!  Her name is Yana.  She, is our new best friend.   She wants to be with us so much she could be our companion!  And, maybe in one year, after she is baptised, she will go on a mission.  It's amazing to see the gospel change her life!  Unfortunately, members keep saying horrible things about the Provoslovnic church which doesn't not help our efforts in creating friendships or trust between them.  But, she is forgiving and I hope things will go better this week as we talk about baptism!  (Oh, she is one of the blessing from swine flu!!)

Well, I love new weeks and new opportunities to grow, be better and share the gospel!

I'm trying not to get frustrated, but I can see how marriage is tough.  I love my companion, but it's hard to serve her all the time.  Well, it just means I'm not yet selfless and I still have a long way to go.

I also love your e-mails.  Every week I find something inspiring I can apply in my life.  So, thanks.

Oh, there is a guy, an eternal investigator of the elders.  His name is Sasha.  He speaks english, is 25, and wants to know more about studying in America.  I couldn't talk to him about it b/c I am a missionary, but here is his e-mail....I told him you had some Ukrainians in your apartments and they could give him some info.  Is it okay for you to pass on his e-mail?

So, Nactya was sick, and her mother is afraid of the swine flu.  So she wouldn't let her out after she recovered. But, maybe this week.  She really wants to meet with us!

Sister Vira is fine, a really sweet lady.  We went to visit her and she feed us green borscht.  Tonight we are celebrating my companions b-day at church and we have a lot to do today.  It's crazy.  But, we have a lot of help.  Yana is going to be with us all day!  I love this girl.  Her mother passed away when she was little.  Her father is pretty awful, like a lot of men here.  (Alcohol doesn't help.)  Recently her Aunt had a stroke so she spends a lot of time at her apartment taking care of her.  We visited them last week; it was sweet!  Yana doesn't want to know about religion.  But, I said that is what we do.  She loves us and wants to be with us.  We want to share with her the gospel.  It's been incredible to see her desire grow and the small things she has been applying in her life as she learns.

How did Dan feel about his call.  How exciting!

I should stop eating sweets too.  
I love you both.  I love being a missionary.  I know I am not perfect and I could be much better.  I don't want to stop the progress of the work here because of my iniquities, so I repent and try again.

Well, it's crazy late, and we have much to do,

Love,

Sister Murphy

Hello Grandma and Grandpa!

No, I'm not sick and no one I know is, but the goverment here closed all of the schools for three weeks, so we have students to teach!

One quick request: don't give anyone else my e-mail address.  I don't have time to read 10 e-mails every week.  As much as I love everyone; I love you best!  The church requests that we only give our e-mail addresses to our families.

So, keep it on the down low!

You have been busy!  Way to go!  and smiling!  This is the best time of year.  It goes by fast.  It starts with g-ma's birthday and then Thanksgiving, Grandpa's birthday, Christmas, New year, and THEN this year will be Ukrainian Christmas!  They celebrate it on the 5th or 6th!  Cool!

Well, now that I am away from the office I don't receive mail very often.  Remeber my first transfer I worked in the same area.  Actually the mission office was in the back of the ward building, so every time I went to church I could go to the office.  We also had district meeting there once a week, and so I received mail every week. Now it's about every 3 weeks, and no I haven't been receiving much mail.

That's okay though.  I didn't come on a mission to receive mail.

What can I tell you this week.  Oh, transfer information.  I will be staying here for 6 more weeks with my Armenian companion who speaks Russian!  I'm learning a lot, but I still have much progress I need to make.  We serve 2 branches- very small.  Now that the "virus" is out people here are afraid to go anywhere.  So, on Sunday our first branch had about 20 people, plus 4 missionaries and our 2nd branch had about 25.
What awesome weather!  We also had a few nice days this week.  We were tricked and sweating as we rushed around all day in our wool coats, leather gloves, scarfs and hats.

Um: Christmas: haven't I already listed a few ideas?  Other than that, how about a few cans of canned pumpkin.  We want pumpkin pie.

and recipes: but don't send through the mail any recipe books.  I don't have enough room in my luggage.  E-mail me a few easy quick suggestions...
You can do that!

Like apple pie,  pumpkin pie, and a tasty crust...

We only have a few weeks until Novemeber and we want to have a little American Thanksgiving celebration, so we need apple pie!

Well, Friday was my companions birthday.  So, I made her a cake and we had a surprise b-day party after English class.  Really fun.  Today, we are having a ward party!  So, we have a lot to prepare for.  I'm sorry I don't have much time.  I love you!

I love being here.  I have much I need to change and be better and I'm thankful for the love of a Perfect Savior who gives me the strength, inspiration, example and way to do it.
I'm also thankful for you!

I love you,

Sister Murphy!

Letter to Family (Nov 2nd)

Hello Family,

So, I spent some time reading some conference talks and I don't have much time to write today.  I'm sorry.  But, I want to tell you about this week.  Our mission is having a dedication week.  Which means if we haven't been doing everything we could be doing, we are going to now.  And because I am not perfect of course I have a lot to change.  It's been a trial of a transfer.  We have this mission goal: 100 baptisms.  We are all excited for it.  Of course there are 100 elect people who want to know truth.  We just have to find them.  

This week I want more than anything else to receive the blessing of our Heavenly Father.  And I know that in order to receive blessing I need to be worthy - obedient and diligent.  Right now the blessing I desire most and have been praying for is to find the elect, someone who is searching for God's truth.  But, this morning as I read my e-mails I learned that I won't know who wants to know or who wants the help until I invite them.  So, I will be bolder this week in extending clearer invitations explaining what the Gospel is.  I am excited for this dedication week.  I know that the more I give up the more Christ can really take control of my life and help me to be the witness that He needs me to be.  

It's been hard.  Satan has a plan too...

So, here is a miracle story. Friday morning we got on a Marshutka to go to church.  I sat next to a girl and gave her an English advertisement.  I asked her if she was studying English and told her I was from America.  We talked about her life and what she was doing in scool, after school, what she wants to do, etc.  I asked her if she went to church and other questions.  She gave me her number.  Well, at our stop I said good-bye, got off and started talking to my companion about this awesome girl!  She wants to study in America after college…hmm...I know a few good American universities where she can be surrounded by students with strong faith in the gospel.  We were enjoying planning out her future and her baptism when all of a sudden there was a tap on my shoulder.

Nacstya, got out of the "van" and ran after us!  She came with us to church where we met another girl from English and sang church hymns about Christ and the Restoration!  We had a fun afternoon.  Oh it was Halloween!  It was cool.  We will meet with her this afternoon as well...to invite her to come unto Christ!

Oh, here is our 2nd chydo:

Our first branch had their meetings and I stepped into Relief Society pretty much on time for the closing prayer.  Our senior missionaries were in town this Sunday (they come every other Sunday) so I wanted to see if I could help Sister Petty understand what they were talking about.  (Or if we would both just pretend to understand!)  J

Sister Vira (which means faith...so her name is faith), stood up to say the closing prayer.  However, in the middle of the prayer she began to have what we think was a stroke.  The elders were all waiting outside in our chapel for a baptism at 1.  I quickly asked them to come and give her a blessing.  We sat her down and the Elders anointed.  They said that she was shaking until they finished.  But, she was okay after the prayer.  We were all fasting for missionary work, and although she didn't want to, we begged her to eat something and drink some water.  I'm sorry it's not the clearest story, but the elders are distracting me.  Well it's not distracting; they are telling me about their other miracles this week.  We are discussing our plans for the day and our investigators.  I have an awesome district!  Elder Miller is going home next week.  Crazy!

Swine Flu...

So, grandma keeps telling me about the crisis over there.  Well, this week I learned about the crisis we have here!

Our branch was going to the temple this weekend, but Ukraine has advised or maybe just closed the country so that people are not to go out of the country.  About 40 people have died, so no one from Ukraine can go to the temple for a few months.  We have faith.  We know that it is just another test for us to do the work.

I love you.

I want to be the best missionary I can.

I have so many things I want to tell you.  But there’s never enough time.

Pray for us.  Be happy!

Live the Gospel!

Love,

 

Sister Murphy

Letter to Siblings (October 26)

Hello,

You are an amazing brother!  I love you!  I think it's cool you are in beautiful VA.  Shawn lives there, you know?  So, yes, I just killed a spider with a post-it-note filled with important Ukrainian words like butterfly and cup/saucer.  So, here I am in an Internet club in the middle of Ukraine surrounded by people who speak Russian, checking facebook, and playing Internet games with castles and guns and stuff.  Not very many people have computers here.  So, we all get to hang out (well we do on Monday mornings) together to connect with the world.  You are inspiring.  You are living a life not really your own.  Friends change, no permanent place to sleep.  It's always different.  So, that's inspiring.  And I understand; every six week I find out if I'm being transferred.  What are you doing to stay busy?

I love you lots!

Love,

Sister Murphy!

 

Sister,

 

I received a lot of e-mails about elders today.

No, I didn't get Diane's package, but I have not lost hope.  Remember we changed mission addresses, so I'm pretty sure she sent it to our old office.  The church still owns it, so it could be on its way.  Advice: Put pictures of Christ or find some catholic pictures or icons and put them on the box.  That is what Dear Elder does...remember this country is very Provaslovnic.  The mission office is where my mail goes.  I don't think it will change for a few years.  So no matter where I go, the mail always goes there.  The only thing that changes with this transfer is now I will not receive mail every week.

Oh, I love places that have bathrooms.  No matter how unsanitary they are.

In other news,

I have lots of phlegm on my vocal chords, making it difficult for my um...hmm... I forgot what they are called...to vibrate.   Therefore, my voice actually sounds like a Russian man!  If people can hear me they might not actually think I'm American and just think I'm illiterate.  

Although my grammar is getting better, I still have a lot of work to do.  And I'm sad that the Elder's I'm going home with have had a whole extra year.  My goal is to get to their level...Fast.

 

Today we are going to prepare for next or next, next week's activity: an Armenian night with my companion.  It's her Birthday on the 6th.

 

We are having a branch missionary fast on Sunday.

 

There are some beautiful girls from English Practice who are so much fun.  We’ve been talking with them about the gospel.  Whoa...speaking of which...how random.  Yana just texted us.  She said: "Hi, my girls! :)!  I miss you!  Sister Merfy, how's your throat?"  Isn't she the best!

Thanks for thinking of me.  This past week was tough.  It was like hitting a wall.  I'm so thankful that I have a testimony of the Gospel.  I just don't understand why anyone else doesn't have the desire to know or to find out.  Well, I guess I should say the people we met with this week. We didn't find any new investigators.  I learned that Satan will want us to waste our time by working with those who aren't elect.  So, we've planned better this week and haven't given up.  I know that this is an opportunity to grow and stretch.  I'm thankful for the Savior and His help.  I know that we don't have to do it alone and He will help us this week and every day.  I have high expectations for this week, but I do know that it starts with me and my worthiness and preparation.

My companion and I argued 2 times, but we forgave and understand now.  It's hard.  But, I love her.  We do have lots of fun together.  I wish I could have more fun in lessons, but they are mostly in Russian, and I only understand the serious stuff not the life stuff.  I promise she is wonderful.  She is happy and sweet and full of love!  We just differ in how we think missionary work should be done.  Although, we figured it out!

 

Well, there is a strange man standing behind me.  I think he wants my computer!  So, I better write President!

Today we are going to explore a park before it gets too cold!

 

Love,

 

Sis

Letter to Grandparents (October 26)

Hello Grandma and Grandpa!

What a fine day it is, to read your wonderful letters.

Well, the temperature is still bearable here.  I did get my coat shrunk.  I'm pleased with it.  But, I haven't worn it yet.  And yes, we found hats and gloves.  I don't know what I was thinking, but I found some cute green leather gloves.  Can leather even be green?  Well, they are warm and they will last the winter.  But, I look like a ninja turtle when I wear them!  So, I will have some turtle power.  It's funny how many people here know about American culture.  I taught my English class about Halloween.  And we discussed costumes.  I told them a few of my costumes and then asked what they would wear on Halloween.  Here are a few of their responses:  Superman, Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Spiderman, X-men, Freddy Cruger (this one took me a while to understand, then I realized it was another American character) and many more.  I begged them for at least one Ukrainian idea, and in the end I had to suggest something.

OH...HOW AWFUL.  They are doing construction in our Internet café, installing new windows, I think, and this drill is deafening.  I'm glad I'm writing and not speaking.

So, yes.  Everything is in order for winter.  Ukrainians are wonderful.  They never think I'm dressed warm enough.  It hasn't been very cold.  It's still fall.  So, I'm not wearing a big coat.  But, I'm warm.  I layer.  But, they fuss and fuss and say that I'm freezing.  They just won't believe me, no matter what I say.  I've heard rumors from the elders:  it could be 60 degrees outside, but it's winter and the grandmas on the street will yell at you for not wearing a hat or a scarf or something if you are not dressed for winter.

Well, I have two beautiful branches I work with here.  It almost broke my heart yesterday.  Our first branch is called Ross after the river here.  The president's wife was pregnant-already 9 months and expecting to deliver any day.  Then this week they learned that she miscarried.  He didn't want anyone to know.  So, she is in the cello with her mother and he came to church to preside.  There were only 4 Priesthood holders in the meeting. One conducted.  2 blessed the sacrament and the President passed.  I was really touched.  Every man present was a priesthood holder, and every priesthood holder present had an important part in the church service.  They are great men.  And there are also wonderful women in this branch.  We went to Sunday school with them where the topic was missionary work.  They talked about preparing and bout being member missionaries.  They asked us for advice.  They want to do everything they can to help us!

It is so amazing to see such small branches with so much dedication and testimony.

They are learning the hymns.  I enjoy helping them with that.

We had an American Pancake night on Saturday and had 20 non-members come.  It was fun!  The Elders made pancakes.  They were quite tasty.  We had syrup too.  We watched Legacy in Russian, had a spiritual message, and Elder Nuttal sang "This is The Christ" (in Russian).

However, this was a tough week for me.

Why?  Because I know that The Church of Jesus Christ is true.  I know there are many wonderful churches.  I love all churches that preach Christ and help others have faith and improve their lives.  Awesome!

But, how amazing is it that there has been a restoration.  There is priesthood, and through that priesthood we can receive the ordinances of the gospel with authority from God.  Baptism not just in the name of Christ but also with the power of Christ.  Baptism by fire; receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost that comes only through the laying on of hands by those who have the authority - the authorization from Christ to administer.

The restoration of the gospel clarifies confusion.  Takes away doubt about the nature of God and life after death, and so much more!

But, this week we meet with families and women who we wanted to share this wonderful message with and they couldn't accept it.  That was hard.

 

I know that I am nothing.  I would be empty if it wasn't for the gospel that fills me up with hope and peace.  I tried to think about why someone would not actually be interested in this.

Then, why wouldn't someone at least try to understand?  Is it a waste of time?  It's either true or it isn't.  So, why not figure it out.

 

I love to learn.  I love understanding things and people, and there is so much that I don't know.  But, I want to know.  Where is the desire?  What are people afraid of?  It's either true or it isn't.  If it isn't and they learn that then they can continue on with their lives.  Maybe understanding of the history of a church will grow, what's lost?  Did any inventor regret the 100 attempts to find the one way to their invention?

 

But, if it is true, and it is the one way...AWESOME!   I don't know why there is only one way.  But, Christ atoned for my sins; he made everything possible.  As Elder Oaks said, “I'm not going to argue it out with Him.

Wow...that was a long rant.

 

I'm sorry.  I just don't know why people aren't curious.  Why they don't want to learn for themselves? What a blessing the gospel could be to their lives!

So, I am trying to learn how to be a better missionary- how to serve better, how to communicate better, how to love better, how to follow Christ better. Aren't we all missionaries?

Okay, I hope you are healthy.  Don't get the swine flu.  Wash your hands!

Send my love to everyone!  I received an e-mail from Sister Postelwait!  Really nice!

I hope you have a fun week!  You are the best!

And don't lie.  You are and better keep Sandra and Will in line!  Good luck with genealogy.  We are also trying to figure out how to use that here, but we only have one computer at church.

I love you.

Everything is well here.  We have fabulous members working with us.  We are going to work hard.  And we are going to find those who want to know- who have that desire in their hearts.

Love,

Sister Murphy!