Thompson's Letter on May 24

Hello Grandma and Grandpa!

Good morning!

How are you? The anniversary party looks extremely fun! I'm excited for you and extremely bitter that I cannot be there. Just take a lot of pictures and please don't leave me out! Joyce and Kevin are angles! I hope that it will be fun without me!! (I'm sure it will be great. I only wish that I was there to help out.)

Well, Goodness...I'm practically in tears! I love you both, and I'm super happy that I have two amazing grandparents...well...4! And I'm also thankful for Joyce! That woman is a super star, and her husband is the kindest man I've ever met! I love them so much! And yes, I received a very special card from them! As for a package, is that what you meant? A letter? If it really is a package, you don't have to ask me every week because it could be awhile.

Well,

The excitement continues as we prepare to meet Elder Scott and finally for the open house of our beautiful temple and the coming of our Prophet. How fun!

I'll tell you what I learned this week with Sister Howell. I've been praying to find people, of course, who are ready to accept the gospel, and I've been doing all that I can to learn how to contact and recognize who they are. However, this week I had the feeling that I should be praying that the people in Ukraine and especially in this city recognize for themselves that they can and should be seeking for truth. We've had some good experiences!

Yesterday, we had a bookstand in the park, and we had many conversations with some very religious people. In fact, one lady in a red sweater came and started asking us questions without accepting anything. We tried testifying to her, however, she was reluctant to leave and soon a curious young man approached us. He also began a conversation. Even with this woman as a distraction, we were able to leave this man with the desire to want to learn more, and he left us with his phone number! It was a miracle!

Well, Things are great here! We are happy to be back and working! Sister Howell and I are happy to serve in this beautiful city together with our great district and our beautiful branch!

Thank you for your sweet testimony! I love this church. I love the priesthood. I love that God's power is on the earth! I love that we are so blessed with this knowledge. Only 12 million know, and only about 6 million are tithe payers and worthy to partake of the blessings of the temple. How many billions of people live on the earth? Well, we are trying slowly to increase those odds. Sister Howell and I are having fun doing it! Missionary work is such a blessing. I'm trying never to complain and be like the pioneers. I'm trying not to take my blessings for granted. I love you! I love the gospel the truth the happiness and everything that comes with it. I love this wonderful city I am serving in and the small members who have such large testimonies. They are my best friends! Well, I'll give you an update if there is more time! But, You TWO ARE AMAZING! Thanks for everything! Thanks for your support!

You are the best!

Love,

Sister Murphy

Sandra's Letter on May 24

(I think these are from her trip to Bulgaria. A few missionaries had to go to renew their Visas. The top one is with her companion, Sister Howell. They were companions in the MTC together, so they are really enjoying being back together. The bottom picture is with two other guys that they were in the MTC with. They met up with them on the way to Bulgaria, I believe.)

Hello!

I wish I could tell you all of the little details of my life!

Bulgaria...Oh, Bulgaria. This week was a long week - I had to check my planner to really see if I went to Bulgaria. But, the week was fun and enlightening - even with the random travels in between! Was Bulgaria really this week? I've decided I should be more creative in writing you.

So, This week:

We met with a wonderful lady - a journalist. We've been sharing with her the gospel and helping her speak English. She is a fabulous woman! We met her on Monday outside when she was interviewing a cute little violinist. Sister Howell and I decided to dodge in and out of the skater boys and gawking girls and take some photos of the beautiful governmental square while we waited for her to finish up her interview. (If we were in the States, there would have certainly not been such an obstacle course). She took us to a cute cafe where she spoke in English to everyone and made us translate for her! Everyone thought she was crazy, but she is just a reporter! Then we had a fabulous FHE with our branch! It came down to a nail bitter finish between two teams: Sister Howell and Tatyana against Lena and me! The word was ant. I lost.

On Tuesday we were awoken by the sweet ring of Nearer My God to Thee …at midnight...called a taxi...and in our sleepiness forgot our cell phone. Opps. The craziness of the trip was only just beginning. When we found our "coupet" (Don't know the word in English...it's basically a room on a train with 4 beds), much to our surprise and dismay there was a snoring man sleeping on the top. Fortunately, he woke up, muttered a few things and the best part...put his pants back on, climbed down, and kindly left our coupet in almost the same condition he found it in - just stinkier and staler. However, we were both disgusted - especially since he didn't even have sheets...he was straight out lying on a mattress and using a blanket. (In his honor we have attributed a name to these wool train blankets). However, that is life; we even succumbed to using blankets later on in our journey when it was just to cold to hold out any longer. We met some nice boys on the train the next morning that let us borrow their phone so we could call the elders meeting us in Kiev. We had some more encounters with the coupet phantom (I've decided he must be a train bum). And then our train was also way late getting into Kiev, which caused us to be frightfully afraid that we had bought the wrong tickets. However, after our adventures with a Russian speaking stewardess and just a little bit of patience we made it back to Kiev where we re-united with Elder's Hill and Behunin and found a van that was going to the airport.

We met two other elders from the Dniper mission (they were also in the MTC with us so it was fun)

We flew to Austria! I spoke German, well, what little I remembered (practically nothing and was probably smothered in Ukrainian). Spoke English. Spoke Ukrainian. Spoke Russian.

We met a lot of Sweeds! They were flying with us to Bulgaria, and they were just so beautiful I couldn't help talking to them. It was a group of retired people traveling to Sophia to make a boat trip. There were at least a hundred. There were many who spoke English, and it was a fun trip.

We had a fun experience at security. First E. Hill lost some expensive after-shave in Kiev.

On our way back (keep in mind we had already gone through security 2 times), Elder Macintosh lost duck tape (weird I know, but he had a wart) J

Then, after one more security stop, Elder Behunin lost about an ounce of mouthwash, and I lost a comb.

That just makes the journey more memorable! What else...Bulgaria is beautiful! We had lots of fun! I tried speaking Russian, but I'm no good. I'll learn though! We ate a lot! We found Oreos and nachos and Chinese food! Also Bulgarian cheese! YUM!

We came back on Friday, and went back to work! I was so happy to be back! So what did we do? We met 2 amazing girls and answered lots of questions!

Yesterday, we had church. Sister Larica came! It made me so happy to see her. She had some good questions for me, and I was thankful for her advice and opinions. We then ended the week with a bookstand! (A bookstand is a way of contacting people. We use a clothes drying rack and cover it with a table cloth and talk to people who walk by. We stack it with Knuha Mormona and other brochures about the church.) It was so fun. Also, lots of very opinionated people...but there is always the one that makes it all worth it. Plus we ended the night with breakfast burritos!

Well, I wish I could tell you the whole story!

I love you very much! I hope you know how much fun I am having. I strongly I know that this church is true. How thankful I am that we have a prophet, and how excited I am that He will be here soon! I know that Christ lives. I know that God loves us. I know that there is a purpose to our life on earth and there are answers in the gospel!

I love learning!

I love you!

Live!

Love

and have a baby!

Sister Murphy!

Thompson's letter on May 17

Well,

This week I needed an aids test, because we are going to Bulgaria tomorrow! So, we had a great time finding this little clinic. Amidst rumors and fears of all facilities here, we elected to get it done in our little city. Well, it was a great staff! We had so much fun answering their questions concerning two random Americans in their little clinic. They loved us! I loved them! Sister Howell was just relieved to know that she didn't have aids and that we didn't have to go back. They were fun.

Here is a little side note: We got caught in a few spring rainstorms, down pours actually. Quite fun. However, we did see an interesting site. No, it wasn't a flying cow like Will probably hopes, but rather a kid seeking protection from the rain in a gas mask. Had a nice little laugh about that. And then we decided we should probably buy at least an umbrella. Still searching. Maybe the gas masks will be easier to find.

Another story that happened on a rainy day. I called an amazing lady who is a librarian. We talked about books and I told her that it was a dream of mind to be a librarian (did you know that about me?), and of course, it thrilled her! She invited us to visit her at her work. In the hustle of other appointments and phone calls, I forgot to grab her record. But, I felt pretty confident I knew the address and the library (There are about 12 in this literary city). However, there are two streets - cvobodna and cvobodu...and they both have libraries. Well, we commenced our journey. Asked the first lady at the library if her name was Tanya - it was of course (being led by the spirit) - but she didn't remember us. We had a great conversation anyways and then she said that there were about 7 other Tanya's in the library! HOLY COW! Well, all I could say is that she has a 7-year-old son and speaks a little bit of English. So, we had a hunt for Tanya's! When all the leads there turned up empty, we decided to check out the other library. We ran through the rain through center, grabbed a snack, and peaked in. This was a children's library. Inquired again for Tanya (certainly it couldn't have been that difficult...we just talked on the phone about 2 hours ago.) (Although, I'm beginning to recognize that amnesia is a common side effect of speaking with Mormon missionaries). It was really cute and quaint. However, The same...3 more Tanya's and not one of them remembered us. We had fun - we went on a tour - they were very proud of their cute little library! Well, In the end, I went back to church and found out...we called Irena! OPPS. So, we called and got everything straightened out. She still wants to meet!

Well, I had to write a little note in Ukrainian with a few pictures of service our branch did. So, I don't have much time.

I gave a talk in Sacrament yesterday. Life is busy. Going to Kiev tonight and then flying to Bulgaria for a few days. I love you lots!

Thanks for all your support!

Keep up the good work!

You are all amazing!

Love,

Sister Murphy

Sandra's Letter on May 17

(The pictures are from a service project they did. They cleaned up a park. She referred to it in her email on April 26th. They attracted the media, and Amy was even interviewed.)

Well, time has gone by so fast! I look back and see how much I've grown, and then I realize those were just baby steps. I've been in Khmelnetsky for a few months, and I love it! I am so happy here. But, I want this branch to grow so much - spiritually and in numbers. I like that I have been able to form relationships with many of the members and the less actives, but I am sad that it has been moving so slowly. I know we are trying, and we are enjoying every effort.

This has been an interesting week! We have really been focusing on finding families, and I hope that the disruption of Bulgaria won't stop the progress we've made with a few potentials we met with this week. We will have to wait until Friday to meet with them again, but I hope we left them with something powerful to think about and that they will have the desire to learn more!

We had a spiritual meeting yesterday! I loved attending Relief Society listening to each of the sisters bear their testimony about the scriptures and how they have been blessed through reading them. Sister Tatyana is our new Relief Society president. She taught the lesson! Valya, Lobov, Lena and even Ann all participated, and I think we all were very happy we could go to church together!

Ann is having a hard time, but Sister Lobov, yesterday, took charge to help her become a more active part in the work of the branch so that we can continue to help her.

Sister Howell and I are doing great. It is been really nice serving with her! I love sharing our experiences and really being able to see the areas where we have improved from when we first met and other areas which evidently still need work.

We are planning a productive week to Bulgaria and hopefully a great return with finding families!

We are making friends with our computer girl!

I love how awesome and beautiful you are!

Thanks for being the most amazing person in my life!

Grandpa told me about how they moved the electric line and it made me laugh!

Have fun!

Tell me more and I'll try next week to have loads of time to share all info about whom I am working with!

I have 2 amazing musicians. Tanya and Evgenia. They are so talented and actresses with great personalities. They are a mother and daughter! Really fun. They are slowly accepting the gospel!

Have a great day!

Sister M

May 10, 2010

Her letter to Sandra:

(Editor’s note: I sent her a picture of my tummy, but I stuffed a pillow under my shirt. At this point in time the baby was as big as a bell pepper. Hopefully this will help in understanding her writing.)

Wow, what have you been eating? Your bell pepper can win a blue ribbon at a state fair. IT IS SO HUGE!

No, you are still adorable. Next time...a real picture! I had fun talking to you too. It doesn't make me happy to think about my leaving here.

Thank goodness I have a few more transfers left, but not very many. I am trying hard not to think about them. Alright...my head is spinning. I'm going to write Pres.

I didn't tell you but next week I'm going to Bulgaria to get my visa renewed.

I have one doctrinal question. How would you explain the difference in the Holy Ghost that an investigator feels at our church and any other church?

Well, I just want to say that I am glad this work is hard. If it were easy, I would not learn as much. I feel like I'm working as much as I can, and I'm trying to learn to be effective. However, sometimes the results can be kind of discouraging. So, I'm just trying to remain hopeful and learn more. It really is more of a test of faith and hope, but I know that the church is true and that is the only thing that matters! Although helping others to gain that testimony is what I really want, I am so grateful that I have accepted this truth and have been converted.

We are now working on converting Marina (our previous baptismal candidate). I do agree with what was discussed in conference about Satan's plans. Somehow he gets us tangled up, and I see Marina's confusion. But, she has a testimony, and I'm grateful for that. Our number one goal is still to find a family - so, we are trying to start with hers.

I have been converted 100% to finding families. All I want to do is find a family. I know that we need one here in our branch. I know it will take more work and more patience, but I feel the need. I know the church here needs the support of a family just as much as families need the church. So, that is where the work is here: trying to learn what we need to do to help a family come and accept the restored Gospel of Christ.

Sister Howell and I are learning together! But, we are having fun, of course! You probably know that I stress out too much, and that is something I am trying to work on. I think I just take things to serious. But, knowing that I need to have unity in my companionship helps me to try to be better and easier to work with.

Our little branch is struggling. But, I realized that it is our job to convert and "strengthen our brethren." That is going to be our focus as we meet with our investigators, less actives, and members. I love them very much, and I love this beautiful city. I pray that the gospel will begin to take root here and grow like the beautiful spring blossoms all over the city!

Well, have a great day!

Thank you for all you do

I love you!

Sister Murphy.

Her letter to the Thompsons:

Well, hello again!

Wasn't the phone call fun!

I hope you had fun! I did, and then we had to go to bed! Well, guess what else is happening? I forgot to tell you, next week I have to go to Bulgaria to renew my Visa. Craziness. So, now we are looking for a decent hospital to get our blood checked. Well, I just want you to know that a mission is like another life - because I am not living my normal life. I am really trying to forget myself and focus on the kingdom of God. I really want to be an instrument in the hands of God. I know that He has restored His kingdom on the Earth including modern day prophets so that we can continue to learn about Him and our purpose on earth. This knowledge is priceless. It is so important and right now it is all I want to do - to see someone accept it. I would be happy with just one - but even one is not enough. Every living creature needs to receive this truth and have the choice to accept it or not: The Whole World. We are all children of God; He loves us and He wants us all to be happy. Just like you want me to return back to you - He wants us to return back to Him. All 6 billion. Do you see how important this work is? It needs to go forward. It needs to be done, and I am thankful for the blessing to participate.

So, I'm trying! Well, I'm sorry this is so short. I had many errands I had to run! I hope you have a great day!

Keep up the good work!

I love you!

Sister Murphy!

May 3 2010

Happy Monday morning to my fabulous, hard-working family!

Do you know I love you? Do you know how thankful I am for you? I am excited that you will call on Monday. Is everything all set up? My companions parents are calling us at 5 and 6 our time, so if you just want to call at 1:30 that would be about 9:30 here and that means we would have everything all ready for the next day! Well, Guess what! I have a new companion again, but she is not that new. It's Sister Howell again! Can you believe it! So, here we are in Ukraine walking around together trying to help others.

This morning we had an emergency, and we had to visit a member who is only a few years older than us. As we were preparing, I just thought how blessed I am. Maybe we don't feel it. But, we have all that we need. I have two amazing grandparents who have given me so much. And what's more: We have the gospel of Christ. How amazing is that? Think about how many people in the world have no idea or don't want to have the idea. Crazy...we do. I know Heavenly Father loves all of His children, but He must be pleased with us. I am thankful for that.

I'm still realizing everyday that I have no idea how to do missionary work, but I love it. I love trying to do what I can when it all comes down to just relying on Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost. With Him, all things are possible.

Well, here is something that made me laugh like crazy. We visited an investigator, and during the visit, the mother walks in and presents us with a beautiful shiny silvery salty fish! I've never received such an interesting gift before. Well, I was "tickled pink"! Sister Howell doesn't like fish, so I sadly, but with joy, gave it to an amazing women in our branch who we saw the next day. She was very gilled- I mean thrilled! It is apparently a delicacy.

Well, This week was typical. I absolutely love this beautiful city. It's spring and there are tulips on every corner and blossoming trees everywhere. It's gorgeous. We got caught in a horrendous down pour yesterday! We were almost forced to eat the worst thing I have ever seen or smelled in my life. It's some sort of meat jello. I'm glad we weaseled our way out of that one! I'm trying to put all my effort in. Some days are hard: the days when it appears like nothing is happening. Why do people choose to reject the truth? Pride? Probably.

Did you hear: In 6 weeks Elder Scott will be speaking with the missionaries! (Another evidence of my many blessings.) I love this work. I am thankful that I can serve! I love missionaries; I love those I serve with. I still have a long way to go in becoming the person I should be, but I am thankful for a loving and forgiving Heavenly Father. What an opportunity and privilege it is to be like Him! So, I'll keep trying and learning and applying.

So, make sure the phone card is for east Europe and be careful...I'll be on a cell-phone, so it might cost more than you think. I'm sorry. I wish there was an easier way. But, hey, it will be fun!

Please tell Brother and Sister Roberts hello and pass them a big hug and a thanks! They are wonderful! Everyone there is wonderful! I love that ward, and I am so impressed with their diligence and with your diligence! Keep up the work. Salvation is just as important for those who have passed as those who are still living! Thank you, and Thanks to Sister Hall for her compassion and dedication! What great women you are! Have you ever eaten fried green tomatoes? How do you prepare them? They are smachno!

I've decided that I must be President’s favorite missionary. No, it's not pride, but I keep serving in the best places and with the best companions! Maybe he doesn’t have favorites, but I do feel very blessed, and when I continue to count my blessings, I realize how fortunate I am! I am a member of the true church of God. I was born in a wonderful country and raised by my grandparents - two amazing people. It makes me wonder why it is so difficult for others to accept.

Marina, our investigator amazes me every day. I absolutely love her and I want her to be able to partake of the blessings of the gospel. However, her family is dead set against it. This week we want to focus on increasing her faith and trust in God. Right now she is afraid to speak more about it. But, she is at least 21 and well - it's salvation. That's pretty important, and she can show them how important it really is. I know that God doesn't give us any commandment that we are unable to do, and therefore I know that she can and must get baptized.

Well, our branch has a mission plan! Hooray! We discussed it yesterday. They are also realizing the need of finding a family and I'm happy to support them in their efforts. I am working on better contacting and trying to be less like a Jehovah's Witness. (Is that okay that I wrote that?) Not to be offensive, I think it is just an easy routine to get into - handing out brochures and asking people to read them. But, it's not interesting. Last week we had a miracle as we were waiting for an investigator at their home. We found a family! They almost landed right into our hands - miraculously! We just had a great conversation! They knew we were missionaries, but they also learned that we were normal people facing the same challenges as they do. At the end they even gave us a number! We really enjoyed communicating with one another!

This branch is great! I love this work and I am so thankful for the blessings of serving! Thanks for all your help and support! I am thankful every day for the growth and the learning that is happening in my own life - what a blessing!

I love you; I hug you! I am thankful for all you do!

Grandpa you are the master mind...Keep on it and good luck. You two are such hard workers! Thank you for your examples!

I love you!

Love,

Sister Murphy

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