June 14: letter to the Thompsons

Grandma and Grandpa!

Where do the days go?  Can you tell me next week?  It's something I've always wondered.  They don't just disappear do they...after all that was done in just one day?  Well, it certainly has been a long week!  I don't have much time.  So, I want to tell you:

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!  I love you!

Oh, guess what, I received the most amazing package from Joyce.  It's going to take me a whole month to get through all of the amazing stuff she sent!  I am glad I have a companion!  So, we have a new goal!  50 baptisms 'til the opening of the temple!   Amazing, huh!  I'm excited about that.  So, my companion and I are going to make brownies for all of the elders in our zone!  That means every week, when our zone leaders go on their exchanges in the other cities they can take them with them!  They are baptism brownies!  We want everyone to feel unified and excited.  We are the only sisters in this zone, and we don't have a senior couple either. It's up to sister Robinson and I!  We are excited.  We have some amazing missionaries here!  What a fun week!  You wrote this quite early this morning or just really late last night!  Thanks for thinking of me!

We just bought a bunch of strawberries from one of our branch presidents!  I'm excited.  Did I tell you, I have two branches now!  They are wonderful and fun!  Yummy...blueberries...

I don't have much time.  But, I think you are the greatest and the most fun. 

3 sets of Jehovah’s witnesses contacted us this week!  They are such amazing people and I have so much respect for them.  They really know so much truth.  Some of them probably know more truth than our members.  HOWEVER, we have the authority.  Isn't it great to know that God has called a prophet on the Earth?  TODAY!  What a blessing.  It is great to have truth.  But, it is even better to have authority!  Hey, I'm going to see the prophet in a few months.  CRAZY!  I'm excited!   We have a lot of work to do to be able to qualify for the blessing He has bestowed upon us.  We have to be better so we can represent the truth that we have!  It is a huge commitment and responsibility, but what a huge endowment we have already received!

Well, enjoy the heat.

IT IS HOT HERE!

Whoa,

I am in L'viv and I love it.  The food is excellent.  Especially Elder Rayburn (He is basically the chef in the mission, and he is now my district leader!)  That means I'm eating well!

He made Borsh and chicken and rice for our district last week.  The Lord loves me even in his bestowal of strange gifts!

I love the Lord for all He has given me!

I love you for you were also a blessing given from the Lord!

Love you lots,

Sister Murphy

June 14: letter to Sandra

I just have to tell you it still seems unreal that I am actually in L'viv.  I am super excited for this transfer, well, for everything!  I have an amazing companion!  She is beautiful and fun, and she speaks Ukrainian better than I do!  We are planning on baptizing, and we are planning on working as hard as we can to strengthen these wonderful people who live in this fabulously beautiful city!  We had a great lesson this week. (well, not just one....) It started with Pres. Molonos asking our investigator if she was progressing.  Well, during our lesson - she asked us if we wanted her to get baptized.  Strangely enough, I've never been asked that before, and Sister Robinson and I almost jumped out of our seats with excitement as we explained our feelings to her.  She is a beautiful lady.  She still has some concerns, but we are praying for her and planning for her miraculous change!  I love baptism too!

It seems strange to be all the way out here...almost another country...they all speak a different language too!  чистий Ukrainian! I feel so blessed; my whole mission I have been rewarded with blessings, and I am just amazed at the mercy of the Lord.  Well, this week (after being contacted by 4 Jehovah's Witnesses) my appreciation of the restoration has grown even more.  What a great blessing!  I am thankful for the Prophet Joseph Smith, for the Book of Mormon, and for the Priesthood.  I am especially grateful that I have a testimony of the gospel.  So, thankful that I want to share it with anyone!  Well, those who will accept it and partake of the amazing blessings available; the blessings God wants all of His children to have!

I have a great district!  I don't know what to say about them.

Things are great and busy, and I'm just trying to learn the will of the Lord for me!  Missionary Work is the greatest!

It sounds like you had a fun week.

Maybe I'll run a marathon with Will next year.

What think you?

How are you?

I hope you are happy and not stressed.  How many weeks is a pregnancy?  What craziness.  Thank you for doing all of the hard things before me!

I love you. You can lead me in my life when I get back!

I just wish there was more time in a P-day.  I would write everyone who has a special spot in my heart, everyone that lives in the great city of Russellville and Mountain Home.  Can you sacrifice a few minutes for me and do that?  I love you!

I love them, and it hurts my heart not to be able to thank them!

So, I live vicariously through you!

I cry every time I don't get to tell you how dear you are too me.  You are so amazing!

I'm excited to have a niece!

Love you lots!

Have a great day!

June 7: Letter to Thompsons

Oh, Grandpa, how do you let Grandma ramble on like that?  She is a little excited to see me I think, so excited she is already planning my wedding.  STOP HER PLEASE!!! 

No, your letter was extremely hilarious.  You two are too fun.  I love and miss you too!  And of course, when you have had such success in marriage, you of course want to help others!  So, I appreciate it!

Do you know how blessed I am?  We got to go to the temple yesterday.  Oh, we also had an exchange again, and I had an opportunity to serve with a beautiful Ukrainian, Sveta Likova.  She is an angel.  We taught a wonderful lesson to a lady name Olya!  We talked about miracles and how it was a miracle that we have the church with us today!  It was so powerful.  I shared with her a few miracles that have happened in my life, and then she realized she has seen some miracles too.  Sister Likova testified of the blessings she has received while she has been on her mission for 6 weeks (she is a mini-missionary), and it was so powerful!  i love this church.  I love my family.

The other exciting news: I'm serving in two branches!  Real branches in a real church owned building!   AND IT"S BEAUTIFULLY situated in the center of the loveliest city in Ukraine!  Guess what:  Sister Murphy is in L'viv!  I also have a great companion!  Sister Robinson.  She is a beautiful California girl who is speaking Ukrainian gracefully, and she has only been here for 3 months.  I just cannot wait to see what L'viv will do for me.  Oh, by the way, L'viv is patriotic:  THEY SPEAK UKRANIAN with pride and with ease.  I'm hoping it won't take to long for the sergic to get out of me. 

Oh, and yes.  I know the Ukrainian speaking elder!  Elder Prawitt!  He is a great elder!  It was sad to see him go home, but he continued his mission.

Yes, I got two lovely packages!  Joyce and Kevin are so wonderful!  They spoiled me and my sweet loving companion who loves sweets!  We are excited!  I also got a cute little package from my friends Shawna and Brad.  She is also pregnant and is having a baby.  She served her mission on Temple Square!  She also sent some awesome pictures of her wedding! 

Oh my goodness:  I just sat at the feet of an apostle!  Elder Scott visited us on Saturday.  It was an amazing blessing, and I am serving in the best mission in the world!  He shared with us some very spiritual experiences, and I felt so uplifted!  I know that he is an apostle of the Lord.  He has a great calling, and the Lord supports him!  He serves with 11 other ordained men of God who support the Prophet of God.  What a miracle!  What a miracle to have God's power on the earth today.  I believe in miracles!  I know that God loves us.  I know it is miraculous to have the church restored on the earth today!  It is miraculous that we know this truth.  Thank you!  Thank you grandma and grandpa for listening and changing your lives.  Thank you for preparing yourselves for this glorious truth!  I am excited to attribute this blessing to you to the people I teach!  You are wonderful! 

My license will expire on my birthday.  Oh well, I don't have a car anymore. That was another miracle.  The bug was smashed by a tree.  How ironic.  And yet, miraculous!  What an amazing blessing to be able to pay for my mission! 

Well, I might pick some strawberries for our branch president.  I have had some good teachers and some rewarding experiences!  I am so thankful for Sister Hall and your service!  She is an amazing woman isn't she!  Well, there are so many amazing women back home!  I miss you all!  I love you all, and I'm thankful for every single influence you have had in my life.  The word for influence in Ukrainian is closely connected to the word fruit...or the fruit of a tree.  I see that.  How these amazing women have helped me to grow and bring forth fruit.  I am eternally indebted!  I could start a list, but it would include everyone in the ward so....Here is my thank you: 

_______________,

(insert name here)

Thank you for the wonderful influence you have had on my life.  I appreciate your example and your love!  You are an amazing woman, and you have done so much for me and no doubt millions of others!  You are wonderful!  I love you!

Love,

Sister Murphy

Well, I hope you have a great day!

Love,

Sister Murphy

p.s.  as much as I love you...I am not counting down the days...HOweVER!  I am counting down the days until our temple is dedicated and the Prophet comes...we have 12 weeks!  MIRACULOUS!

June 7: Letter to Sandra

Good Monday Afternoon here in L'viv, Ukraine.  I received a transfer!  AGAIN!  But, guess what.  It's not really a transfer.  I'm back where I've soaked my toes in already.  It was great to go to church yesterday and see the people I already love and know that I can serve them continually!  It was extremely rewarding!  I feel so blessed that I already know these great members!  And also the missionaries I'm serving with.  I've already served with all but one! 

I love my mission!  I love every part of it!  We just did our transfer planning yesterday, and we are burning with the desire to baptize a family here in L'viv.  I am thankful for the preparation that I have had in my mission serving in small branches where I have learned the significance of finding families in our work.  I love looking back and seeing how every area has prepared me and taught me something to use in the work!

I am super excited to be back in L'viv.  I love that I already know and love the people here!  It was so fun to go to my "new" area and be welcomed back with hugs and smiles from the amazing members here.  I was just inspired during the relief society meetings I attended with the testimony and capabilities of these strong women.  They are learning and applying the gospel in their lives!  It was fun, and I am so excited to be here!

However, I do miss Kmelnetsky.  I learned so much there, and I really learned how to love!  Sister Howell and I had a great last week together!  We were sure busy, but it was amazing!  There were many miracles again!  INCLUDING, a week ago on Sunday Sister Howell and I were trying to do a stop-by from the area book.  At the stop, we asked a nice lady if she knew what Marshutka to take.  Well, she not only knew, she was going to the same street.  So, we talked and rode together.  When we got to our stop, she exited with us, showed us where she lived, and began a thirty-minute search for this address.  We just had a great time talking with her, and she agreed to meet with us again!  She is a beautiful lady.  I really felt the sweetness of her spirit.  We met with her later on in the week and had the most comfortable lesson discussing how she was lead to us to help her answer the prayers she has been offering to Heavenly Father!  I am continuing to pray for her! 

Then, yesterday Sister Robinson, my new companion, and I visited a member in the hospital.  We had a great opportunity to talk with a nurse in the hallway who had many questions!  Then, during the lessons there were three other sweet ladies who listened and were very grateful for the scriptures and prayer we shared with them!  Our member walked us back and said she was going to enjoy answering all their questions about the church!  The church is rolling forth here in L'viv!

I am excited to serve with Sister Robinson!  She is so amazingly happy and fun!  We are confident in seeing success as we work hard together, and we are planning on working with all our heart, might, mind, and strength!

And, just so you know...I have no problems about staying another transfer.  Well, that would be my desire!  But, I have heard...that the next part of life is far more rewarding...so, I'll try not to be too disappointed. 

I'm glad you had fun at the play!  Oh, L'viv has a beautiful opera house!  Super excited!  I liked the story of the play...I'm interested!

Oh, there are some crazy missionaries here in L'viv!  I'm excited!

uh-oh...I got the blink.  I have 2 minutes left.  Where does all the time go?  Can you believe I’m in L’viv again!  It's so fun! 

Well, I love you.  I wanted to write a lot of other people today...unfortunately...no time.

sho she...

I love you!

Hello baby girl.  I bought you a cute shirt...from Ukraine!

Have a great day!

Sister Murphy

Letter to Thompson's: May 31

Hello Grandma and Grandpa~

How are you two doing this week? Sounds like you are doing wonderful, and it sounds like you'll be going to the temple soon! How exciting. I hope you are planning to take me to the temple when I get back. It's been about a year since I've gone. However, I have been blessed! And maybe listening to an apostle this week will be just as enlightening! I'm super excited. We have been blessed with such an opportunity! And I love how much we are trying to do to prepare. This week was actually a tough week. We met with a lot of (I know this doesn't sound nice, but I'm going to just say it) weird people. However, we still saw miracles and I'm praying that everyday my eyes will be more spiritually open so that I can see even more!

Here is one.

There was one lady who called us - her name is Lilia. She is a really fun woman and was interested in learning English. We met with her and had a really fun meeting. Unfortunately, she had her own opinions about the church and many negative remarks. But, we wanted to serve so we decided to go back. She is a seamstress, and we had a lot of fun looking at her beautiful work! She even said she would sew my wedding dress...if I married a Ukrainian... The next week we went back and there was another lady sewing. She had a few questions, and we answered them as best as we could without offending Lilia, but we mostly just laughed and talked about sewing.

Then, we sat down for tea and cookies. Okcana, her friend who is very relaxed, just sits down and tells us about her life in Italy where she worked about 3 years earlier. There, she met with elders who gave her a Book of Mormon! She had many visits with them and the members in Italy. It was really exciting to see how she was put in our path! Miraculous! We even walked to the bus stop and rode the bus together part of the way home. She is a single mother of 2 and is really busy, but we are praying and planning on meeting with her and Lilia again this week.

Well, despite the craziness of this week, we did meet a lot of nice people!

I'm really trying to help this branch grow. They are so elect, but there are so few.

Hey you are having another great-grand baby!

How fun!

How are your anniversary plans going!

Oh, other news...I might be getting transferred this week. I'm so sad. But, because of the important visit, Pres. wants to keep us focused, and we aren't going to find out information until the day before. So, I'm trying not to worry about it. However, I don't know if I should say goodbye or not. I love this city so much! I love the members, my investigators, and all of the familiar faces I see on the street every day. How sad!

Well, Here is another fun story. This week went fast, but everyday we saw some miracles! It started on Monday! Sister Howell received such a strange prompting to take a picture with a snake. Last Monday, after writing you, there was a horrible rainstorm, so after running through the city, we tried to find a dry place to eat. (We were literally running in a rainstorm, soaking wet, actually better to say trying to find some place to eat were we could dry off.) After lunch, Sister Howell had a weird "prompting" to take a picture with a snake.

For real: an anaconda. Well, as we stared at the snake for about 30 minutes, we decided to do it. Well, she decided to do it. I opted for the lighter and less deathlier frightening version of the parrot. In the process, we met 2 really fun men with families, and one of them was super excited to meet with us again. AND WE DID - On Saturday! Yulia, his girlfriend even promised to come to church. (She didn't come, but we have a lot of hope for them!) She also has an interesting obsession with animals - weird animals - she has a nice collection of Madagascar hissing cockroaches ... She also has a 7-year-old son (He'll be 8 in October)! When we first met with them, they didn't even wait for a second. We sat down and they asked: "So, tell us about your church." They aren't married, but they are preparing, and of course, we'll help.

Sho She? Well, hmmm...I love you! I'm proud of you and I think you are wonderful! I hope you are happy and enjoying every second of your day. I'm trying to do the same.

I love the Gospel of Christ. I love that it has been restored in its fullness and that we can really receive salvation through faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism by authority and immersion, and receiving the sanctifying gift of the Holy Ghost. I love the Gospel and that it teaches what we need to do to return to Our Heavenly Father. Never give up. Always Press Forward, Steadfast and Firm, living the Gospel every day and every day our lives will be changed and we will become closer and closer to a perfect understanding of Our Savior and Our Father.

I'm not the best...you are!

Love you both...BUNCHES!

XOXOXO!

Love,

Sister Murphy

Letter to Sister: May 31

Yay! It’s a girl!

I am totally going to buy her something cute from Ukraine!

I love her already. What's her name?

I'm supper happy! Way to go!

Well, I have a couple minutes, and I wanted to write dad and send you pictures, but I don’t think I have time for either.

So, how are you? I am super excited for this weekend! What an amazing blessing! We get to hear from an apostle!

I'm praying that everyday my eyes will be more spiritually open so that I can see the miracles of the Lord even more!

I love this branch and the wonderful members. I love this city, and I love my companion! The elders I serve with are probably the best in the mission! It’s a privilege to serve here! That's another miracle!

Well, I love this work. I am grateful that I can be apart of it! I know that it is true. I am thankful for the blessings of serving the Lord. It is amazing. Thanks for all that you do!

I'm trying to be happy always. I hope you are having fun. I'm trying to have more and it's easier with a fun companion!

Oh, no time to write dad. Send him a big congrats and my love!

I love you

Love me!

Love God!

First!

Okya, 60 seconds, it's the rush....

You are the best. You are adorable and you are going to be a cute mother!

I love you lots!

Love,

Sister M!

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