April 26: Letter to Thompsons

Hello Grandma and Grandpa,

Happy Spring! Did I tell you about the apricot tree outside my window? Did I tell you that it really looks like popcorn? Well, soon we will have apricots, and I'm excited! Did you here about the temple? We finally have a date, and my birthday will be right in the middle of it! Yesterday, one of my favorite people in Khelmnitsky said she would get baptized! Her name is Marina, and I absolutley love her. Oh, she has a twin sister! And she is an amazing artist. She is probably 21. She wants to serve a mission and get married in the temple and partake of all of the wonderful blessings the gospel has to offer. Don't you love this church? Where else can you have confidence in marriage, hear the words of a prophet and see the evidence so clearly that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! This week has been full of miracles and blessings, and I am so full of love and gratitude!

Well, this was the fastest 6 weeks of my mission, probably because I have had 4 companions and have worked in two different cities. On Thursday I will receive a new companion. Change is always interesting. But, I am so happy that I am staying in this fantastic city with these fantastic people. I love it!

What was your theme from conference? Please share my love with Joyce and Kevin and thank them for their wonderful examples and just that they are who they are! They are super! I am sure you ate well.

Do you have any questions? I love you. The food is great. My Companion made green borsh. It was smachno. (delicious!) Don't think that we are fed here. We only have maybe 10 active members. However, most people (if we visit them in their home it's rare) will brew some tea and we'll eat cookie biscuits or crackers. I love tea! Crazy how much can change in one year. We have one amazing investigator who always prepares us some homemade cream and we eat it with chocolate. Everyone here has a cottage home. It's potato planting time, so we'll be doing a lot of serving.

Hey, I'm a celebrity now! I gave an interview during a service project. It was higly intimidating, but now I am the face of the church here in Kmelnetsky! Okay, it really wasn't that big of a deal, but it was fun!

Well, I'm out of time...I love you!

Sister Murphy!

April 26

Well, we came to the nice Internet club today and got a really horrible keyboard. Keyboards really do play a trick in the Internet experience.

So, I'm going to do my best to enjoy typing as much as I can about my wonderful life in Ukraine!

What a marvelous week we had and I am super excited to tell you about it! Marina is finally ready to get baptized! She had been coming to church on and off since the winter. We began meeting with her at the start of this transfer and immediately tried to understand why she had not accepted baptism. Yesterday, she explained that she knows that this church is true, and she wants to get baptized, but she is afraid of giving up her culture and traditions of her family, which are a part of her life. She said that she always feels a great deal of love in the church she was baptized in as a child (Provoslavnic). We again explained the importance of baptism and how as a Ukrainian she can always reverence and respect the culture and traditions of her past. She agreed to trust us and put her faith to the test! Well, I am of course super happy, but I am also very worried. I feel like we are carrying something super precious and valuable through the rough winds and waves of a storm. But, I know that it is the most important thing she can do right now, and I am trying to do everything to help her believe that. I am amazed at her courage, at the courage of all people who agree to come to the church without support from their family. So, that will be our next step: meeting with her family - we will start with her twin sister!

Another miracle happened yesterday! Sister Larisa came to church! She left the runok where she works and came to sacrament! She left quickly, but we ran after her and gave her a big hug! It was incredible to see her there!

I am so thankful for the blessings of serving a mission. We can dedicate our lives to the Lord! I am thankful for the growth that I am making and for the forgiveness that is always constantly available!

I am also thankful for my companions I have had this transfer! I am so amazed at the testimony and sacrifice of these girls I've served with! I love them! I really feel blessed for what they were able to do here in Kmelnetsky! And, now Marina has two great friends who can support and help her! Plus, I've grown in character, and they've helped me tons in speaking Ukrainian!

Oh, another interesting event in our week. Our branch had a helping hands project on Tuesday. We cleaned up a beautiful park in the city. Somehow it happened that there was a camera crew, and they were very interested in the 5 crazy Americans and 1 beautiful Ukrainian who were cleaning up a park in white vests. So, they asked me to give an interview. I know I wasn't the best pick -especially in speaking the language - but it was certainly a fun experience! It sparked some pride in the members’ eyes and they planted some good missionary seeds! Hopefully there will be some harvesting soon!

Well, we still have lots of work to do! But, it's fun!

Thanks for all your support!

Wow, there really is something in your stomach....BABY!

Are those its head and arms? Oh my! How exciting! I bet you were ecstatic when you finally saw! How fun.

Cute baby!

What is his name?

I wasn't born in Idaho, but I will still be a potato farmer! It's garden time and Ukrainians all have gardens and lots of cream from their happy little cows!

Moo...

Please tell Will that the cows here don't have wings, only the ducks and chickens that flock around in their yards.

Yummy!

I love corn bread and I miss chili! I don't like meat either, and everyone thinks I am a vegetarian.

Beans are a pain to cook aren't they! You should wash them overnight and then viola! THE EMPEROR HAS NEW CLOTHES! (Ask Sarah if she remembers...)

Well, we aren't allowed to drink the water. Maybe I drank some in the shower. The toilets I use every day would make you squirm. I have loads of diseases. One already has a name...Ivan....

I LOVE YOU AND YOUR AVOCADO!

I want an avocado now!

Love you!

Sis!

April 19

Oh Grandma and Grandpa!

Guess what: a wonderful surprise to open up my e-mail and I received all three e-mails!

Thanks! I love you and don't fear, you are doing it, and it's working! You are a professional! I LOVE YOU BOTH! Whom will you write after I get home?

I am imagining the beauty that is surrounding you! Well guess what, I have a beautiful apricot tree outside my window! It really does look like popcorn! Every time I look out my window, I begin to sing about popcorn popping on my apricot tree.

It is beautiful. Yesterday, I had a devotional with our women members! It was way fun and they loved the popcorn! It still isn't an Ukrainian food, but I'm not only converting spiritually, they are also learning to love popcorn like I do!

Well, I want to see a picture of the two of you with grandma sporting her new glasses! What a beautiful couple you are! Make sure to take a few pictures of your garden! Oh, you can take the picture of you standing in your gardens!

Thank you for serving in the church! It's such a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow, that is why we go to church isn't it! It's another blessing added to the sacrament. I don't try to explain it in any other way than we have an opportunity to learn and grow. Who can afford to miss that? Who would miss their opportunity? It's like skipping class - you miss out on so much information and discussion.

Well, this week was great and hard and great again-like every day! Some people progress, and I felt so blessed and happy to be apart of it. Then others fall, and I get sad. I can imagine Heavenly Father is the same way, and I know I made Him sad a few times this week. But, today I want to make Him happy. What fun! Well, We have some amazing people we are working with. Some fun women and some interesting families! I love Ukrainians! They are so generous, and their hearts are so full of service and love! What a blessing it is to be here!

I love it!

I love the gospel! I love this city! I love our Savior, our Prophet, and our church! The church is true, and it is growing! We all need to grow with it!

Have a great day!

Love,

Sister Murphy

Hey Sis,

Great talk!

Thanks for sending it. I only had time to skim it, but next week I'll print it out and really savor it! You are wonderful! Isn't it great that we are both learning the same thing! Well, My companion is wonderful. She is 25 now! She has been a member for a year and has a strong testimony and a fun spirit! I am trying to stay as happy as her.

Which makes me want to tell you, DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF, your belly or anything. You are adorable. Didn't you read the inspired prophecy by Nephi? DELIGHT IN THE FATNESS

Uh.oh...I'm going to have to use the stinky toilet today....

Oh, heavens.

I hope your little lemon is nice and snuggly. What updates do you have for this week? Any embarrassing stories?

Okay, I love you!

Ukrainians are so funny. We are like a big family, using the same smelly toilet that is actually closed. I tried to wash my hands, even if it meant cold water and no soap.

Sorry for worrying you about my new lack of hygiene as I adapt to my new culture. If you only new how bad it really was; I bet Will can.

Have a great day!

S. Murphy

April 12: Letter to Family

Hello Family!

How are you? How is your fabulous week going? Guess what: it took a whole week but we found another mini-missionary who can serve with me for 2 more weeks! Hooray! I am so happy. She came to L'viv on Saturday, and after a quick dinner, we took a taxi to the train station. We found the next available train, which was at 1 in the morning and bought the tickets! After trying to board the wrong train with some new friends who spoke English, we waited until another stealthy train rolled down the tracks, but it went right passed us. We thought we were smarter than the train and neglected to board, convinced that it wasn't our train. In the nick of time, we realized our mistake and jumped on! No, it wasn't a big deal - we had plenty of time. But, I felt like giving you something intriguing to read today! So, I spiced it up a bit.

Something else spicy:

When I was in L'viv, I learned that it is culturally acceptable to urinate in public. Well, at least for grandmas and men. I think here In Ukraine g-mas can do pretty much whatever they want. Seriously though, we were waiting for a bus, and across the street (a very public and busy street in the middle of the city...an enormous city), a grandma just stopped and well...I don't know how to describe it. But, I will say it happens more than I write home about it. This was just a funny g-ma, and I had to write home about her.

So, I am back in Kmelnetsky, and I am very thankful! Of course I love L'viv and the sisters there (I could write an e-mail just how wonderful they are), but there is just something special about this place. I know there is work that needs to be done here, and I am thankful that I can try to live worthy of it and do it. I loved conference. I loved the emphasis on families. It helped me realize and focus more on the importance of families. I know that the gospel is for families, but I think I've been kind of lazy and just teaching those who will listen. This week and hopefully for the remainder of my mission I am going to focus and work more at trying to find families. Therefore, I am super grateful for a wonderful conference with advice for families! I think I used that word in every sentence, but I know that the church (especially here) needs families just as they need the church. The gospel blesses families! Look at how it had blessed us!

Sister Baltkova is great! She is fun and a hard worker! I am super excited to serve with her and the branch also loves her! (It's her birthday on Wednesday, also!) We are going to celebrate! She was baptized a year ago! She is wonderful and a wonderful missionary. We are having so much fun together! Her mother was just baptized last week and she has a super strong testimony of the gospel! She is also an excellent worker! I’m super excited for these next few weeks!

I am very grateful for my testimony! I love this church and the opportunity to help others understand more about our purpose and about our Heavenly Father's plan for us! It's perfect and wonderful!

Oh, get this...there is an elder in L'viv - Elder Munzer. His sister served with Jina in Ireland! Ask her about it! We had lots of fun in L'viv. I wasn't the most cheerful person because I essentially was bitter and wanted to be here. Thankfully dreams really do come true, and we got back Sunday morning!

Well, they didn't understand me when I asked for time at internet, so I only have 10 minutes left. But, I love you! I am thankful for all you do for me.

E-mail is working great! I love you all more than I can write in a 30 min. long e-mail.

But, I DO LOVE YOU!

Please share my love with the ward and have a great conference!

I love you!

Sister Murphy

p.s. Sandra, did the part about your poor baby swimming around in her (I only say her because it's better than it and baby in Uk. takes feminine but I really wanted to write him, although I don't want to control fate therefore I reasoned it out in my mind) urine? I was a little grossed out. Don't get fat. Resist. Eat more pickles and NO ICE CREAM! Don't let being pregnant be an excuse. And when I'm pregnant, after I'm all grown up and stuff, you can give me the same advice.

Thanks for the little message from Sarah, I already knew about her work but I'm glad things haven't changed.

In L'viv there were a lot of twins, and it made me miss walking with you and being cute and identical.

I want you to now that you are the best sister in the world. Thanks for everything. Don't ever be discouraged. I'm happy now that I'm back. I regret being discouraged, and I am thankful for everything the Lord does for me. L'viv was great. Had great food and great fun! Missionaries there are wonderful. We even went running once!

It was so fun!

Oh, I really liked your hubbies e-mail. Know that mission is great I have a lot to do, and I will always think of you!

Love,

Sis. M.

April 5: Sister

Hello Sister,

I found some encouragement today during personal study. I can do this. I read chapter 105 of D&C about the chastisement of the saints and Zion's camp and also D&C 95 v. 1. Heavenly Father loves me. I felt His love last night after praying. Sometimes I have to learn to be better before I can fight for Zion, so I hope I can. Heavenly Father chastens those He loves. So, I am going to accept and improve just like it was a lesson I was learning from Grandma and Grandpa. It's not easy for them to see us cry...but...they know that I need correction. So, I try to change, learn, and keep the commandments.

It's still hard though.

The taxi drive was an experience of a lifetime, but seriously, I love my companion. It was a great taxi ride and it will be a great memory.

Well, you are pregnant! Here, I have some advice for you: EAT! PEE! AND SLEEP!

Okay, I'll just say: be healthy. But, you know that. I cannot say I'm trying. This morning Sister Garf made cinnamon rolls with glaze that you could taste the sugar. I glazed it down, and my arteries will be very slick and probably sticky for the next few days. Oh, well!

Uh-oh...are you craving a cinnamon roll now? I'm debating on deleting that paragraph for the sake of you and your little lemon's health, but that's my life. EAT SOME PICKLES. They have hardly any calories. You can eat as many as you want, and eat some mustard, also calorie free. Well, anything with vinegar. I'm sorry...are you going to throw up now?

I do love the name Mariana, but she didn't get baptized. She kind of dropped of the face of the earth. But, keep a journal of names. That way you can play ennie, minnie, moe; or when you and Will still haven't decided and you are both passed out from an intense labor I can decide. Are you going to do it natural?

Thanks for sharing with me your fav. of Conference. Elder Holland is so bold and so powerful. The last few conferences He has just been storming! I love Him! All of our prophets and apostles are so absolutely fabulous!

Okay, I have about 10 min. and I still have to think about what I'm going to write Pres. I love you.

Don't be concerned. I think I can do hard things. I hope I can survive this transfer and learn and grow so that I will be worthy to serve the Lord.

I love you!

Love,

Sister Murphy

April 5: Thompsons

Hello and Happy Easter Grandma and Grandpa!

I love you! How was your Easter? Flowers must be beautiful and I sure miss the dogwoods. I see them when we show the Restoration video and I am reminded of our lovely home and the beautiful trees that dot the south-glorious creations of our Heavenly Father. Well, I have a lot to update you on. It was a crazy weekend. I hope you are reading these e-mails slowly so you can understand.

I was serving with a mini-missionary, not a full-time missionary, a regular Ukrainian girl who was baptized 4 - 5 months ago. She is 21. (You have to be 18 to serve a mini mission) Well, it is basically to help the sisters here serve in more areas. They serve anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on there schedule. She could only do 2 weeks. Which was supposed to be today. We had a great time! She is a wonderful, amazing person! I love her very much. On Friday, she got a call from her grandma telling her she had to return home. Her mother is living in New York right now, working for a few months, so she had to go to her mother's house to protect a few things. I don't know the story; I just know it was really urgent. I called our leaders and asked what I should do. I needed a companion. We tried to decide, but it was rather urgent. Due to the haste, they sent me to Lviv where I am now serving in a trio.

It’s hard, and I'm trying to enjoy this change. I love L'viv. This is my third random visit to this city. It seems my fate to end up here. My goal is to just serve where I am and to love it and just do what I can. My heart is in Xmelnetsky with the people I was working with there though.

So, now we are searching for a companion, who will also be a mini-missionary. Or I'll just stay here, living out of a suitcase that I had approximately 20 min. to pack while trying to prepare a cake for our Relief Society birthday, buying other refreshments, finding someone else to share the history of Relief Society, finding a teacher for primary, and paying rent. Then, we had a challenge of which transportation to take. We could have gone by train, bus, autobus, or taxi. We tried all 4 options only to be disappointed with the results of all of them. In the end, we took a taxi. Defiantly the more expensive, but it was worth the drive. The peace to Sister Yarova and the beautiful Ukrainian countryside were nice. It was also Saturday, the day before the Resurrection where Ukrainians take baskets of food and Pascka (it's their traditional Easter bread/cake) to the church to get blessed by the priest. It was so beautiful to see people walking all throughout the country to the churches carrying little baskets with small-embroidered towels covering their food. Ukrainians are beautiful. So, I spent Easter in L'viv! We had a nice lunch after our fast and then handed out "Living Christ" brochures in the cities center where thousands of people were just walking around! It was such a great afternoon. Now, today I get to experience a western Ukrainian tradition. I haven't heard the name yet, but it’s basically the day after Easter when everyone gets soaking wet. We have a branch activity where we were warned without the possibility or ability to take defense. I'm probably going to be soaking wet all day today! I'm glad I get to experience so much tradition during this craziness. I heard that people just dump out water from the balconies and just splash any innocent bystander walking on the street. Also, complete strangers will drench you in water as you pass by without warning or pretense.

Well, that is my news. We had a great Easter party in Xmelnetsky before I left. It was so much fun. We actually had an Easter egg hunt and dyed a few eggs and played lots of games. It was a great turnout. Then on Sunday our numbers dwindled to 13 again—4 of them were elders.

Well, I love you! I am thankful to serve wherever God needs me I just hope that I can learn and be better and not waste any opportunities.

I know the church is true. We will get to watch conference this next week. I'm excited to hear what council we are given. I am thankful to have a prophet and I'm glad that I know that he was called by God. He is his mouthpiece. I love to study the words they speak to us. I love the Lord. I love the Church. I love the prophets and apostles. I love the scriptures! I am so thankful for the power of prayer and the gift of the Holy Ghost. The gospel is such an amazing blessing and I just wish it were easier for people to see and accept it. It is for everyone. But, for now we will just try to find those who are ready.

Well, I have much to learn and many ways to grow...so...I should probably start figuring out what's next!

I love you!

Please pray for me!

Sister Murphy

Sister's Conference

March 29 (Thompson's Email)

Good Morning!

How are you? It's so good to hear from you this morning! My computer is being very silly. Well, I am going to try to type this e-mail, but I have know idea what is going to happen. I cannot really see the screen. I hope it works. My branch has about 40 members and maybe about 5-10 are active. Yesterday there were more missionaries at church again then there were members.

May is called grass! Because it is the month when the grass turns really green and yellow and the fields are just radiant! It is getting warm! I'm happy! I will probably throw my boots away. They barely made it, but, alas, I don't need to wear them anymore! Way to go with your temple work! Way to be a savior on mount zion for those who have been waiting for years. I will pray, as well, that they will accept your service for them! Thank you for your diligence and your efforts to find them! My companion is from Ukraine! From Lviv! She is a recent convert! She has been a member of the church for 4 months! She is wonderful!

They are still not releasing any concrete dates for the temple, but we think it will be dedicated in August, September or October. What another blessing! I will be here in this great country when they dedicate their first temple! Right now they take a bus to Germany. It's about a 1.5 day to drive there, a big sacrafice of money. They stay there for a week and just visit the temple constantly! They can only go about once a year.

Well, I love you! Tell everyone hello and I love you and give some hugs! I am very thankful for this opportunity to serve the Lord. I love this work. I know that the church is true. I know we have to do everything we can stay strong and serve others. Then we also will find happiness greater than we could ever create on our own! I am thankful for this knowledge. I am thankful for my testimony. I am thankful for you and your wonderful lives and examples encouragement and love!

You are the best! Have a great day!

Have you ever though about fellowshiping a lass-active?

I have a strong testimony of visiting teaching and home teaching now. I am trying to help our branch...figure it out!

Love you!

Have a great week, a wonderful week!

Love sister Murphy

March 29 (Sandra's Email)

Hey Will & Sandra,

What fun it sounds like you are having!

About 80% of the people I meet with are Russian or Ukrainian Orthodox. There are still many Catholics, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, 7th day Adventist, Baptist, and Tak Dali, down to protestants; and well they are now drowned in all sorts of doctrine.

Your video sounds a little um...crazy!

Good job on your spring project you smarty pants! Way to go!

And, good job just living a beautiful and fabulous life! I love you!

Washington! How fun! I love trips. Well, that was before my mission. Now, I just get worn out. I hope you have fun!

I'm doing better. I just have to remember that it doesn't matter what I don't know. I'm doing my best. Pres. Steinagel sent me a nice e-mail this morning. I hope I can be better. Being a missionary is hard, especially now that I am with a mini-missionary. It's hard to plan lessons and make sure we are focusing on commitments to help them come unto Christ. There is a difference between a Spiritual thought and helping someone to feel the Spirit and have the desire to Come unto Christ. I have the best companion! She is so willing to just do the work and trusts me even though I have no idea what to do! She suffers through my grammatically incorrect and basic language. I'm trying to have more fun. We had a great week together! We were busy and even had zone conference! Well, we invited 2 people to get baptized. The funny thing is that they have testimonies of the church. One even knows the Book of Mormon is true but she doesn't want to get baptized. So, that's what we are working with this week! We are also celebrating Easter! This week our goal is going to visit with our in-actives. I want to see at least 2 return. I am learning patience. I am learning charity. Well, I'm wondering if Christ is as confused as I am. It's Him they are rejecting. What can I do to help them see that?

Ooo...a computer with English spell-check! Oh, I'm so blessed today!

Do you understand how new the church is here. Everyone! EVERY MEMBER I talk with is a convert. I love to ask them about their stories. What helped them? How did they receive a testimony? What were their lives before? I've seen so many people whose lives have changed. They are amazing members of the church now. I love them. I want to help them. This week we are going to have a great Easter activity. We are also going to celebrate the Relief Society's b-day, and then have a special fast Sunday! I love the scripture that says that Christ's hand is stretched out still. Despite what we do, our sins or our own personal rejection of Christ, His hand is always stretched out to us. He loves us. He wants us to return to Him. Daily!

So, for now, you have had a gummy bear and now a lime in your tummy. Do you realize that all of your analogies have been food related? Is that what you think of your baby? At least the lime is a living thing! I'm just giving you a hard time. I cannot think of any other thing that makes more sense then a gummy bear or a lime.

Keep up the updates!

I love you!

I have a great new district! Still serving in the best tiniest branch in Ukraine. I hope I will be blessed to see something change for the better here...while I'm here!

I will get a new companion on Tuesday...she too...will probably be a mini-missionary. Hopefully she will be as fun as Sister Yarova and as patient with me!

I love you!

Love,

Sister Murphy

March 22 (Sandra's Email)

Hey Sis,

I really liked your e-mail!

Well, I love Kmelnitksy. I am so glad to be back. These past few days have been wonderful! Sister Yarova is my new companion and she is absolutley amazing! She is a wonderful missionary and I enjoy her happiness and her testimony. It fascinates me that she has only been a member of the church for 4 months. I really see the power she has and I honestly believe that she will be a powerful instrument in building the branch and bringing back the lost sheep! I'm trying to do all I can to make sure it happens and we only have 2 more weeks.

I love the members here. It really is amazing to see the difference in diligent scripture study and see the strength it gives to those who are taking the gospel seriously. They really let it change their lives. However, there are those who haven't really grasped on to the iron rod. It's really enlightening to actually see the truth first hand of Lehi's dream.

Well, our members are doing what we can and we have three investigators. The members are doing a great job in helping us teach them the importance of the church.

Here is our Kmelnetsky miracle: We had in investigator who has been to church off and on for a few years. Sister Gay and I also taught her a few lessons and continued to prompt her to pray. However, after a few lessons we felt that she wasn't ready. While I was in L'viv this past week, President Andre and Sister Lena met her in the park. According to them, they talked for a few hours about the church where they then decided they would fast and pray so that she can learn for herself if the church is true and if she needs to get baptized. They began their fast the day we returned! We plan on meeting with her tonight and talking about living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I wish I could share with you all of the miracles that are happening here! I love this work! I love that it's true! I'm excited to share it with the people of Ukraine!

I'll tell you all about my life now! Are you ready! It's crazy. On Thursday night we took a train with a wonderful convert from L'viv. Her name is Inna and she has been a member of the church for 4 months! How incredible! And she is! Well, on Friday morning we found out we would be companions for the next 2 weeks! Yay! She is a wonderful missionary! I absolutely love her! Can you imagine being a member of the church for 4 months and serving a two week mission.

So, we are getting to work. It's difficult. I don't feel ready, but I'm going to do what I can. She has a strong testimony and it helps so much!

I am very confident that we are going to see a lot of success this transfer! I'm super excited! We have three women we want to be baptized! This branch needs it. We also have our elect little girls. We had Ira sing in sacrament yestreday! It was beautiful. She sang "I am a child of God." It wasn't perfect and there wasn't the biggest audience, but the words were true and she believes them. I don't know if I will be able to see her get baptised or not. I'm not sure what will happen without parental support and being so young.

What else? My new companion is Ukrainian, so that means I have to speak 100%. It's tough. She doesn't always understand me, and I still have horrible grammar. I want to be more fun so she has fun.

How can I contact people...

I need some ideas.

I have faith in you. I'm excited for you! It's God's plan. It's what He wants and that is all that matters. Okay, this morning I studied 2 Nephi where Nephi prays for his brothers, and instead of receiving the answer he prayed for (probably for them to soften their hearts), the Lord commanded Him to take his family again into the wilderness, once they were just getting established. They get established, and we learn how smart Nephi is. He knows so much about iron and wood and this one small verse tells about how he is preparing his people. It's crazy. I wondered. where did he learn all of this. Well, As I pondered I remembered the year He spent building the boat. I think it's like 1 nephi 17:45-48 or something where He testifies to his brothers that the Lord can do all things even build a boat. But, unlike the Liahona, which was just there...Nephi spent a good year or two building the boat...learning and being frustrated by failure and mocked by his brethren. He needed that experience. yes, the Lord helped him and yes the Lord could have just given Him a boat, but he need that training to prepare him for his future where he would need that knowledge of iron and wood and so forth. It was great. How many times do we think...Lord please...can you do this. I need it. And then we instead are instructed and molded where we can learn and grow and receive the knowledge that will bless us in our futures. welll, I think that is it.

I have to go eat a great lunch with my district. There were 10 missionaries at church yesterday. 2 of them leave this week to serve in their other area, Moldova. can you imagaine being called to serve in 2 missions? These elect elders are!

(The other two were senior missionaries setting apart new elders for the branch pres. and so forth)

Hey, Katherine wrote me! And Brian T. and Aj. But, overall, I don't get many letters...

Your the best...

Sorry this is so random...just a hurried letter to my favorite people on the earth!

Thanks for everything!

I love you!

I pray for you...and I'm thankful to be here!

I feel so blessed!

Love,

Sister Murphy

March 22 (Thompson's Email)

Dear Family,

Ukrainian is one of the few languages where they don't use the Roman calendar names, and their month for April means flowers! Lovely huh!

Guess what: Spring came yesterday! I am enjoying it with every breath and step I take. In one day - it went from freezing to breathing. It didn't even take me a day to get rid of my winter "Palto" (coat). So, now, I'm just trying to stay clear of the wind.

I'm certainly happy!

Thank you for your wonderful e-mail! It was so good to hear from you! Don't worry! I've been getting most of your e-mails, and I get collections of dear elders with your letters every other month or so. So, I'm staying informed! Thank you for your diligence.

You taught Sunday School? Well, that's fun! I've been doing a lot of teaching too. I taught primary again and did sharing time. I'm trying to get help ,and last week, when I was out of town, I had a miracle. Lena, a wonderful girl who doesn't come to church, taught, but now she isn't answering her phone again. So, I just keep trying. I love our children. I love this branch and I am super glad to be back in my beautiful city! (Even if L'viv is one of the most historic cities in the world)

Congratulations on the new family! That is one manner in which to grow the ward, but way to go to those elders! They must have some help. It's really hard to get people to come to church, but I'm glad they are seeing success! Offer your help to them! I promise you'll love it, even if it's only because you can pretend that you are serving with me!

With the change in weather and the amazing grandmas who shovel the sidewalks for the city, the snow is almost all gone! Isn't it wonderufl! So, Maybe even sooner I can get rid of my boots too! Oh, heavenly day!

Conference! I love conference. I love our prophet and apostles. What a blessing to have men called of God. Really, they have His power and they speak with Him and receive inspiration from Him! That's great, and that is why we have the church today! You'll know before me all about the news of the church and the wondreful counsel they give us, so share it with me. I won't get to watch it for a few more weeks, and it will probably be in Ukrainian. Therefore, I'm going to have to listen really closely.

You are really doing some great things! What a blessing it is to be finding all of these amazing people to receive the ordinances of salvation. Isn't it a miracle that we can do this! What a blessing the restored gospel is. I saw our temple again. It's so beautiful and everytime I see it, I get more excited. It will be ready soon! Yes, I did get the package! Thank you! Socks and gloves and all! Loved it! It was wonderful. I'm still eating and wearing and popping! I love popcorn! I did find some here, but hey, now I have a nice collection and I can eat it whenever I want! Which is always...I just have to make do without a microwave.

Well, in the same manner. God loves you for supporting me and preparing me all my life to serve Him. It really is a great blessing, and I feel so priviledged to be here. This is a blessed country. This is a blessed time to be here. I will be here when the Prophet comes! Who would have thought? Of all the times I could have gone...the places...here I am...preparing people and myself to meet the prophet and receive the blessing and power the Lord promises us from the building of temples.

A rose garden! How beautiful. You will have to take pictures! You two are strong, brave, powerful, diligent, and courageous. Thank you for your noble examples and your compassion. I love you. I honestly do! Thanks for your concern. You two are angels! I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father gave me you and all my family! I love you. Well, I wil l write to Sandra and tell her more about my new companion and what's going on in my life. You can read about it on the blog?

Okay, Got lots to do...of course...life never ends!

Like Nephi, he was either travelling in the wilderness, taking care of his family, teaching his lazy brothers, building boats or cities, making weapons, and defending his family. He is a great man. I don't think he ever rested - maybe that is why he was such a mighty man!

Well, I'm thankful for Mondays!

I'm still learning to be like Nehpi!

I love you,

Have a great day!

Sister Murphy

March 15 (Sister)

Sis,

You are pregnant? That is crazy. I cannot believe it, but faith without works is dead. Do try to be healthy! You are growing, and there is a little gummy bear baby inside your tummy!

CRAZY!

Alright, so I still don't have new companions. The sisters left a week before transfers so I've been on an exchange with sister Garf from Michigian in Lviv. I'm back for one more week. I love the members out here. They still remember me and I'm excited to serve them for another week. We've been busy. This area is on fire, unlike Kmelnetsky. My heart is heavy with the work and I'm missing it every second. Of course I want to be there but at the same time I love being a part of the success that is here in this beautiful Ukrainian city.

I don't eat meat on my mission, for the most part. I'm not a vege. I have eaten meat, but people are so accomadating I can get away with out it. It's not bad, now I just need to give up the sweets.

Okay, I'm super excited for you! How fun. A gummy bear in your stomach. Maybe you should eat some and they could be friends! Hanging out down there.
And don't you forget...I'll be home at the latest in November (If President will let me stay...maybe you should tell him...) So, I can do the baby sitting. When does Will graduate?

How tired I am, but it's p-day and I'm going to prepare by resting. Guess what, I'm learning Ukrainian AND RUSSIAN! What a blessing. Being in L'viv has even these few short days has helped me learn a lot. I'm not hearing Russian at all, so it's a plethora of language learning! It's great. And I'm learning more grammar. It will be a blessing to take back with me to Xmel. I'm sorry I keep spelling all of the cities wrong. I don't know how to spell them in English.
What's something fun I can tell you....hmmm...well, it really stinks to be out of my area for a week. I feel like it's falling apart.

But, on another note. I'll tell you about the amazing fun people in L'viv. There is one girl we are teaching. She is 18. She had some tragic things happen to her earlier in her life, and well, she has found the gospel! She is coming to church and we want to ask her to come unto Christ. To walk the path and the only path that He has shown. To follow Him and in turn walk with Him to Eternal Life with our Heavenly Father.

I got a fun letter from Brian Tippets and Katherine. Send them my love. I might have time to write them today.


Sister Gay is home. Find her on facebook and find her a boyfriend. Helping people earn salvation in the Kingdom of God is a pretty nice satisfaction to achieve in one's lifetime. Are you in? :) jk

Well, I love you. I read 2 Nephi 21 today and I thought the relationship between Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is really significant. Do you think God was talking to Christ in the pre-mortal life explaining to Him His mission. And Christ at first didn't understand the success, they would reject Him. Well, then God explained more about His purpose and what would happen. I really liked It. I also love the verse where Christ says He will never forget us. Thanks for sharing with me your thoughts on the hymn. I love John 17:3...I love sharing that verse. It's so true. We are here to learn to be like God. That's in the bible. We have the potential given to us by Christ! I liked the significance with the hymn and I wrote down the other verses to read later. What a fun sacrament meeting. You've been talking about your ward conductor a lot. Well, I love you! You are the best. You little gummy-bear baby is adorable too. What color is he? Can I make him a boy? I love little boys. Does Will want a little boy?


Okay...I should send...it's winding...but...I'll continue to ramble...but...if you don't get it...then...it will just be rambling!

You are the best.

hello little baby!

You are not so invisible now. You are the size of a green gummy bear.

Well, Have a great Week!

Well, we are going to exit our little snow globe and play in the snow!

love,

S. M.

March 15 (Grandparents)

Hello G-ma and G-pa,

I hope you had a great week last week. You said you were going to Branson. That is really fun. I did not receive a letter from Vonnie, but maybe in 6 weeks. I don't get mail every day. I get it every 6 weeks. Remember, I explained about transfers. I'm not in Kyiv. But, that is where you mail our letters. When I or someone in my district goes to Kiev we get our mail. That happens when a companion is transfered or for some other minor reasons. We try to stay focused and always stay in our areas. Making trips seems to me like a waste of time. I don't like travelling because it takes so much time away from the work.

It took us 7 hours to get to Kiev last week. We left Tuesday afternoon and got in in the evening. It was on an old train. We both napped for a few minutes read from Preach My Gospel and wrote in our journals. Time went slowly. I helped Sister Gay get ready for her last transfer (being realeased as a missionary) and it was hard to just sit on a train and think about what would happen when I return to Kmelnetsky without her. She is a wonderful missionary. Then, I spent a day in Kiev with some other wonderful sisters. We taught lessons and had a great time. Then, I had to go with Sister Gay, and I saw all my previous companions who were going home. It was tough. These sisters are great missionaries, and it just so happened I served with 3 of the 4 of them. So, I had to say goodbye and think about how we could continue the work without them. Then, I spent the evening with Sister Howell in my first area (Borshahivsky). It was great! I saw members and old investigators and I could speak with them and understand them and it was exciting to hear about their lives. I love that ward with all my heart. It contrasts greatly with the other areas I've served following. Then, Sister Garf came back, and we rode on a train for 8 hours to L'viv (this time it was a new train and I felt so much better. It was comfy!). Remember I was there my second week in the mission. I love the city! I love the members out here. They are great members with strong testimonies and are doing all they can to share the gospel. They have some amazing investigators and I'm excited for this area. I've enjoyed being here with Sister Garf teaching and just doing what I came here to do. I am so thankful for missions! I love them! However, I do miss Kmelnetsky. I've been trying to stay in touch with the members and I really miss them. I want to do all I can to see them grow into a strong branch. I know that the members in Kmelnetsky are elect and they have a great role to play in building the kingdom of God. I hope that I can help them and strengthen them. Well, I cannot really tell you much about my area, but we have a few baptismal dates we are going to try to give out in L'viv this week. This area is being blessed with people who are anxious to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan He has prepared for us.

I love this work. I know that it is a blessing to assist Heavenly Father. I know that He strenthens me and helps me. I love that I'm learning truth and growing as a teacher and helping others. I love that I have a testimony of the gospel! What a blessing!

Actually, I think when I get back to Xmelnetsky I will be serving with a recent convert from L'viv. Her name is Inna. She was baptized in November. She will serve a mini mission with a missionary (I hope me!) for about 6 weeks (that's one transfer!) She is learning so much. Yesterday she taught in Relief Society, but that is just my hope. I really have no idea. The mission is getting 2 more missionaries with the possiblity of 1 more. So, we need mini missionaries to serve so we can stay in our areas. They are great blessings to us, allowing us to work in more areas and increasing the mission force!

I saw the temple! The have all of the trees planted. It is looking great. I'm excited. We really don't know the dates yet, but we are getting more and more focused on helping people get ready for it. It can be overwhelming when the message just doesn't sink in.

Well, the weather here is ... still winter. It's snowing constantly in L'viv and when I'm inside I feel Like I'm in a snow globe. It's beautiful. When we are outside; I have to eat a lot of snow!! Good job with the geneology! How is the Gps?

I do love Joyce, and I have so much respect for her. When I talk about my family I always talk about her and Kevin and what great examples they are. They are a great couple and great people! How is Jina? I miss her and I'm so curious on what she is doing. Remember that I have no idea what is happening out there...

Well, On Wednesday night we are going back to Kiev...That's another 8 hours. We get in at 7 in the morning, and then we travel for the station to the other side of the city through the metro (the subway) and busses crowed with people. I was going to tell you about the metro. Last week when we got on - wow- it was so crowed. It was rush hour. Kiev is a big city. The first time I experienced rush hour...well, it is something that cannot be explained. You are literally packed, shoving, and glued together in one massive crowd of people, shuffling your feet b/c there is no room to talk. We are crowded more than sardines...I promise. You cannot even realize. I don't even know if my feet were touching the floor. The crowd is just kind of pushed forward to the escalotor where one by one or two by two we spread ourselves out. I was highly humored. It was hilarious. This last time, we shoved ourselves in one of the most crowded subways. Again I was smooshed in between strangers back to back front to front side to side. There wasn't space to move or lift a finger, all just sharing an experience. So, for now, I don't miss serving in Kiev and the crowds. But, I do return on Thursday morning only to go back to Kmelnetsky Thursday night. (another 7 hour train ride). But, I'll have my new companion and we'll get busy right away Friday morning planning studying and trying to help others come to Christ through the Restored Gospel!

Well, that's my life, but I love every second of it. I feel so blessed to serve the Lord. Although it isn't easy, it is worth every challenge and sacrifice. Because of these challenges I am learning and growing so much. OF course, I still have many rough edges that need to be smoothed and many things that I need to change, but I am learning and growing every day. I love this Church. I know that it is true. I love every opportunity that I can testify that to someone. I love the people who listen and I love the people who believe it too! I know God lives. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior. They have a perfect plan and it is through the Restored Gospel that we can learn more fully what this plan entails. I am thankful for Pres. Monson. What a blessing to have a PROPHET, a real man who is called by God to share with the people of the Earth God's counsel.

I read 1 Nephi 21 this morning and was so impressed with the relationship that the Savior had with His Father. We all can have that. If we do what He asks. Yes, we will be rejected like the Savior, there will be times when we feel that our work is "in vain", but through God - in which all things are possible - we will be made lights unto His children. I love you!

Have a great day!

Love,

Sister Murphy

March 8, 2010

Hello Sandy and baby,

I hope when you come little baby that Sandra will make sure to throw away your diapers so that no stray dogs will eat them. It's not very pretty to walk out of your apartment first thing Monday morning and find two dogs enjoying a nice diaper. Cmachno? Well, Hello! How are you.

Today is almost surreal. It seems crazy that so many of our amazing sisters are leaving this week. All of my past companions actually. I am very grateful for how much I've learned and grown from each of them. I love Sister Gay. She has taught me so much.

I was talking with my her, sharing my fears about being the leader of this area next transfer, and I told her I don't feel good enough. As I thought about it and my weaknesses, Heavenly Father helped me understand that it doesn't matter. Despite the truthfullness in that sentence - that is why we have a Savior. Maybe we can never be good enough, but He loves us and has made it possible. He does make our weaknesses become strengths and looking back at my mission I've seen how much I've grown. I have more hope and I feel more strength and power that He really can use me for anything. I remembered some of the difficult challenges I've already faced on my mission and I saw that success really was working it's way out from them. But, I also love that through knowledge, I also know that I am growing and can continue to improve. I know I'll need that especially as a missionary. I'm trying and I'm trying to enjoy every second. Therefore, Sandra, whenever you feel discouraged or negative or overwhelmed with feelings of despair...KNOW THIS: That you are, You really are, You are everything you need to be and you need to commit that to memory. Apply that principle in your heart. Christ will make up the rest. Yes, you are righteous and you crave more but that is the blessing of the spirit. To seek for more seek for the better and even the best. But, don't let that gift take away the joy and satisfaction that comes with who you are. You are going to learn and grow...just as I will learn these languages and how to communicate with people. I will change until one day I can be satisfied with who I've become. But, I do need to enjoy who I am now!

I'm trying.

So, let me tell you about the next crazy 10 days I have ahead of me. Tomorrow I am going to Kyiv with Sister Gay (Did you get my letter by the way. I have a role for you to play in her next transfer!). We are going to visit a few of her old companions before her last day, Wednesday...it's so depressing. I'll spend a few days in Kyiv again in the center of the city serving with Sister Alleto and a mini missionary from Odessa. (They are 100% Russian speaking again!) Then on Friday (maybe Thurs.) I'll return to Lyiv (out west) with sister Garf (from Michigan). I'll serve with her for a week (until the end of this transfer). So, next week I'll write you from L'viv. I'm going to heavily miss my area. I love our tiny little branch and our struggle to find the elect. So, I'll be spread across two areas these next two weeks with only a phone to keep in contact with the greatest Ukrainians in this country. Then, on Thursday we'll return and I'll find out who my new companion is. It could be any one, maybe it will be a Ukrainian speaking companion! But, if it isn't - I'm totally satisfied with learning Russian. I've decided I'm not going to wait. I'm going to seperate the sergic I have in my head and figure out what Russian really is. But, Ukrainian will still be my focus of course.

O, what else...Yesterday, we had a branch break the fast. We, as missionaries, wanted to present the ward members with a gift of love. We made borsch (I should say Elder Stapleton and Elder cross did. We made the cabbage and beet salad, lemon bars. We got out easy, but we did plan the entire thing). Our zone leader brought the bread and drinks.

We did all we could to get as many members to come. I think our attendance doubled! It was great to even see the desire and willingness to help return to some of the members. We as missionaries wanted to encourage our members and help rekindle their testimonies. We had a very spiritual packed devotional telling them that they are noble; they are selected by the Lord to lead the way and hold the Light to the people of this city. They are like the pioneers who suffered much and were a small force, but we showed them the video of the growth of the church by stakes. The spirt was strong as the missionaries testified that we love them and that we have faith in them and that the Lord has picked them to help this city receive the gospel and prepare for the temple.

I love these members. We now have 4 endowed members in our branch. The two just returned this week and I really see the light in their eyes. They feel so blessed and they are on fire. They changed so much in that week long visit to the Lord's house. We also did all we could to get as many members there. We were afraid our branch was dying, but though our efforts, it was packed with members. We had maybe 15 members! It certainly is far greater than just the 7 we had last week. I'm so happy. And of course primary was booming. I hope to see us expand from our little room. Yesterday might have just been the happiest day of my mission; stressful, but to actually see the desire and willingness to help return to these members; it was priceless. There is still more work to be done. We have more to do of course. And I am excited that I can stay here to help get it done. I want to work hard. I know I can improve the way I work.

What else...Oh. Happy women's day. It's a great holiday here in Ukraine. Do you know that Ukrainians have like a major holiday every month, sometimes 2. They love to celebrate. Well, I love them and I am so happy to be among them and to help them come unto Christ. We are still working, trying to find, trying to teach and trying to explain the importance of the gospel. I wish I could tell you about every one of them. Kate, she is a 16 year old girl. She is praying to know if the church is true and we are trying to help her share this message with her family...who it was meant for. Lidia, an older lady who has been prepared for the gospel, knows the doctrines and now we have to help her understand that this was preparation for her to accept the gospel. Lera, also a 16 year old tennis player, Shenya - an older lady...she is a reporter...funny lady.

Alright, I need a potty break...how about you...preggo?

Love you,

Sister Murphy

March 1, 2010 (Grandparent's letter)

Hello Grandma and Grandpa!

I love you. Yes, I ran out of time last week setting up this new e-mail and trying to find sandra's address and trying to find out new passwords. Sometimes I don't follow technology really well either, but it's a new week! Guess what! I received my package yesterday! Hooray! It had been inspected by customs, but I'm pretty sure by the amount of stuff and how it barely fit in the box that it was all there!

Thank you. I ate so much chocolate yesterday; it wasn't healthy, but thanks! So, you probably shouldn't send me chocolate again. I eat enough Ukrainian choc. as it is. You are very kind! I don't think Sister Gay likes popcorn, but we might try popping a bag tonight, maybe we'll bring some to FHE. Yes, I'm excited for Sandra and Will. Yay for spring! Happy Spring today! I love spring!

So, I told you I was called to be primary president in our branch right. Well, did I tell you that I'm the only person serving in primary? I have one teacher that is avoiding our calls and works on the days when we stop by with cookies or banana bread, unfortunately. My first sunday wasn't too dificult. I had one 11 year old boy. (The challenge is making sure he understands me - but we had fun!) Every Sunday since then we've been growing. It can be overwhelming trying to keep the attention of 6 - 13 year olds for 2 hours amidst lessons and trying to teach a song (the same one every Sunday) and some sort of activty and snack. But, yesterday we had two girls come again and they learned to pray using their own words. That was some sort of happiness I hope I will always feel. I am so thankful I could have a part in that. I love these children so much and I hope they will always be blessed to have a testimony of Jesus Christ and come to learn where they can learn the fullness of His doctrine. I know the gospel is true. This morning I studied about the pioneers of the church. I read about what they suffered and how they sacraficed their possessions, relationships, and lifestyles to hearken to a Prophet of God. They never could imagine what their sacrafices would grow into, but here I am in Ukraine. There is a temple of God being built, and there are still others who are sacrificing to become a part of God's kingdom on Earth.

I'm excited for your gift. My companion and I were curious. I'm not at all disappointed that it isn't an elephant. Besides, an elephant would probably eat a lot and well, I hear people adapt to become like their friends. :)

So, at this point in my life...I'll put on hold the elephant idea....maybe a nice little piglet would be okay though.

Well, I will send a few lines to my cute little sister and her invisible baby.

I love you! I'm thankful for you.

Send my love to the ward and tell them thanks for thinking of me! You have a new large family! Wow, I hope they realize what a great ward it is. Tell Tamara and Sister Postelwait thanks for their wonderful examples and beautiful large hearts! Give the Drakes and the Darracqs big hugs!

Of course I think about you always!

OH, the temlpe: It's going so fast! I feel so blessed that I can be here for it. It is an amazing blessing bestowed from Heavenly Father to be apart of it. Pres. Steinegel said: "They just removed the scaffolding off the third side of the temple, and now the snow is rapidly melting, so the last of the work can be done. We have so much to do to prepare everyone"

It's true. We are working hard to be ready! I hope I can be lucky enough to be one of the sisters selected to work there during the open houses and dedication. I will feel so blessedly happy to see the members I've meet coming to see the Lord's house in their part of the vineyard. I hope I can help prepare them! I hope I can be prepared myself!

I love you!

Have a great day!

March 1, 2010 (Sister's letter)

This is a picture of her district.

(Editor's Note: Sorry I have been behind in posting her emails. Many of her emails have been personal and have also made reference to my pregnancy. The word is out now and so are her emails. Enjoy!)

Hello,

Happy first day of spring! I love the symbolism of Spring and I certainly love the promises of warm weather. Well, we are concerned for our branch, but as a district we are trying a new plan this week. We have decided to try to get the members to be responsible for all of the lessons. We will of course help them to prepare and give them ideas, but this is their opportunity to grow and be responsible. We hope that this will help to reactivate and recharge those who rarely come. However, we are seeing success in primary! We only have one active boy in the ward preparing to advance to the Aaronic Priesthood. Since the beginning of this transfer our primary attendance has been growing! These children are wonderful. Two of them learned to pray yesterday using their own words. They already know how important it is to come to church; they are patient and learning doctrine that is so familiar to them. If only their parents would support them and follow their examples.

Well, we have faith in seeing a big change here. We love our branch and the members. Two of them just returned last night from the temple and we know that Heavenly Father has promised them great power. We want to do all we can to reactivate, retain, and to find! I'm thankful for the tools Heavenly Father has given us to help us do this. I know they are inspired and if followed the church will go forth here in this amazing city.

My companion is wonderful. It's an opportunity to serve with her. She is a little scared about going home. But, today is Prep-day and she is preparing a plan to help achieve worthwhile goals to help her continue to grow after her mission and continue to help build the kingdom. She is inspiring. I've learned so much from her through her counsel and listening to her teach others. She is an excellent teacher.

We are still searching for families. This past week we found many great potentials and plan on turning them into investigators this week. We found one elect lady on Saturday. She was a former investigator. She has been inspired by the Lord and has a testimony of the Book of Mormon. We believe that she will continue to progress and we are excited for this time in Ukraine! I'm so thankful that I can participate! I love this work!

I'm excited for you. What a great joy! What a cute little happy miracle! So, I'm learning to love. I think you should try it too. I'm glad I sound happy and chipper, but I'll confess there are hard days. I am now trying to love everyone, first my companion. When from the second I wake up If there is something that annoys me, (which there rarely is) I just open my heart in love and say I love her, that doesn't matter. During a lesson, if I feel I cannot express my self right or something else goes wrong I remember that I love this person or I need to learn too, like Christ loves me, and then it changes me. I want to be better. I smile and I'm happy to be here.

So, try it!

My copmaion is going, and I'll return here with someone else. I'm sad. I'll hope to return fast. This is our last week together. Wow!

Well, I love you!

Have a great week!

Sister Murphy