Letter to Family (January 25)

Hello Family!

Wow, so the Vikings must have had a decent year! Maybe if I were more diligent they would have gone all the way! J So, I'll work hard this year, in the freezing weather. IT"S COLD! I think it’s worse than MN. I don't know how you live/d in MN. How cold does it get? Yesterday morning and last night it was about -30 deg. Celsius. That is, according to our cell-phone converter, -20 F.! I love dressing warm. As the days go on my closet gets emptier and emptier as I, myself, become more of a walking closet. And yes, I'm being funny, but I'm also pretty much a walking closet.

So, this week was a long week, not just because of the cold. We were busy. We had an exchange with some amazing sisters serving in L'viv. We also had lots of lessons to organize and many that fell through and when that happens all kinds of adventures begin.

So, do you remember what it feels like to have your nose hairs freeze? It's pretty refreshing! During the winter, we've been ageing fast with dry skin and yes even gray hair! For some strange reason my hair turns white in the cold. It thaws out again really fast, but it is certainly a strange occurrence. Actually, every morning I love stepping outside! But, really don't worry about me. The sun is back out again and I don't think winter will be much longer. I do love the sunshine! (and I cannot wait to sweat again!)

So, tell me about the missionary work in your areas. What has been happening? Why is the ward growing? I want to know! So, I don't know when my next move is, everything is based on a 6 week basis. This is my 5th week here and I love it. If I've ever loved a place, it would be here with our tiny little branch of new members in the church. They are growing and need a lot of support. Sometimes I wonder if I can do it. But, I love the opportunity to serve. They are really needy when it comes to the missionaries (as in the branch would probably not run with out us...) but we are going to change that! The next week we will be in Kiev for a sister's conference - that should be a great time. Many sisters (4-5 and that is about half of the sister's here) are going home in 7 weeks, so we are going to hear from their inspiring stories. My companion is one of them. Actually most of the companions I have had are speaking: Sister Movchanyuk, Sister Baletska, Sister Nakashyan, Sister Gay, and Sister Pack. I've pretty much served with all of them! Awesome! How blessed am I! (I only served with Sister Pack for a day and Sister Baletska for only a week).

Well, don't worry about the package. I'll be at the office next week and I'll let you know if I get it. Okay! I love you and I'm thankful for all you do for me.

Speaking of which...

WHY ON EARTH did you decide to open your hearts and let two 19-year old boys into your home and teach you. What created the desire? What happened? What did they say?

Please tell me that in your next letter...

I am so grateful that you did! You two are amazing!

I love you and I'm glad Heavenly Father allowed me to be apart of your family where I could learn from two special people with strong faith in Him!

Have a great day!

Love,

Sister M!

January 25: Letter to her Sister

Dear Sister!

So, as we were trying to find a good scripture to share in our FHE tonight I read 2 Nephi 9:51

Read from the part where it says Hearken. It really lightened up our mood this morning! We enjoy the scriptures, especially after yesterday. We had kind of a tragic day yesterday. I don't think I can write about it. Therefore, I'll tell you about one of our new members I didn't get to write about last week. She is the best! She loves to jump in the river 2x every day in her swimsuit. Isn't she brave! She asks us to join her, but the most we can do is accompany her on the journey and share a nice bar of dark chocolate as we adventure back.

Can I ask a couple of favors? Can you ask those who write me to bear more testimony in their letters? I gave a talk in our little branch yesterday about relationships in our family and I based it from Elder Bednar's talk. I learned a lot! I love how he counsels us to testify to our families. Let's do that!

Congrats on reading a great novel! When I get home, let's read some Russian literature: War and Peace, Anna Karinina, Leo Tolstoy! I love puzzles too! I think I'm going to make a restoration puzzle! Keep up the service!

So, there is really so much that happens in a week. It's great, and then I also know that there is more that I can do. Sometime this last week we had a wonderful exchange. It was great to work with Sister Pack for a day. She is an amazing and patient missionary, I could go on with adjectives like powerful and spiritual and very aware, but then I think about all the other sisters I have served with and they are all just great! Missions are the best opportunities, and I'm starting to realize how much I am learning. I hope that I will always make time to study the gospel and to serve others throughout my life.

Sister Gay is just fabulous and the work is picking up here! We are excited about that! We are still praying for miracles and are working to try to strengthen our new members. They are beautiful women and it's just great to see them grow in the gospel.

I know I still have much to learn and I'm trying my best not to feel overwhelmed! It's a great privilege to be here and I'm thankful and I love it!

We had wonderful attendance in our branch yesterday, and all of the members stayed for the entire service! They had great comments and we were all spiritually edified!

I wish I had some amazing exciting stories to tell you. But, it's all about the work and how amazing and miraculous it is. We are strengthening the members - the pioneers of Eastern Europe, preparing them to make amazing covenants with the Lord - soon! I'm not converting thousands, but we are fighting and we are trying to serve with all our might hearts and strength.

I am so thankful to be here. To see how important the gospel is and what a miracle it is that I have it. It's only right to serve God and I want to do that all my life. I want to extend my mission. I don't know how long it will be, but I love being here and doing this work.

I know this church is true. I love it! I love My Savior! I love the Book Of Mormon. I love the love of God!

I hope you have a great week!

Do you have any interesting conversion stories? Why do people join the church? It's true!

How do they find out about it?

Thanks for all you do!

Love,

Sister Murphy

January 18 (to the Thompsons)

Hello,

It's a new week! I love every opportunity we have to try again: every Monday, every transfer and even every day. I'm thankful for the hope that we can have at the start of every beginning.

Merry Christmas! I love Christmas. I'm so glad Ukrainians celebrate it 2x. Anyways, Ukrainians are always celebrating something; the New Year, the old new year, now it is: Happy Ukrainian Election Day! They had elections yesterday. They had 18 candidates for president. So, yesterday they narrowed it down to 2. They'll vote again on the 7th of Feb. My mission has been just a big celebration. We are celebrating how wonderful our Heavenly Father is and how merciful He is. Are you celebrating? He has revealed His gospel again! How amazing, how wonderful, how exciting! He really loves us! And I really love you!

So, it's cold. It may be 10 degrees F. It's always hard to know exactly as we are in Celsius. But, it's going to get colder. Tomorrow we fear the worst—maybe -5 F. But, guess what - We are going to layer up like cabbages. Ukrainians eat so much cabbage! I'm eating a lot too!

Speaking of food, it's great. But, for the most part my companion and I cook for ourselves. So, we had grilled cheese sandwiches (that's pretty American). We also have a very wonderful senior couple here from Utah, Elder and Sister Thatcher. We have district meeting in their home and we always eat a wonderful American cooked meal when our meeting is done. They are the sweetest and happiest couple! She doesn't eat chocolate, but always buys m&ms for us and makes choc. brownies and cakes. She is so fabulous. She was a caterer before and the mother of 10 boys! One of her sons came out for a week and had a suitcase filled with American stuff; vanilla, flour, brown sugar, powered sugar, pasta,....on and on and on...everything that she needs to make the fluffiest brownies in Ukraine. (It’s impossible any other way!)

The bread is wonderful! We are always buying fresh fruits. The apples are juicy! The oranges are sweet and they have fabulous chocolate. I'm trying to learn about temperance, but it's hard. At least it's winter and I am too cold to let the temptation for ice cream be victorious. But, of course, I'm American; it will always and forever be in my heart!

Well, we have great members and they are growing! Many amazing things were said at church yesterday by Olya (a new member who gave her first talk) and Ann (discouraged and struggling - but found happiness through the service she was able to offer another branch member)! We are also planning some family finding activities and focusing on growing the branch with those who will build and strengthen the others. I love this little family of branch members here, but I know that they need more and they need it more from themselves and not from the missionaries! We love to serve them, but it will be great when they can start to function on their own - baby steps!

The greatest lesson I learned this week is that despite our difficulties - we have to endure it and learn from them and carry on. We had some disappointments with investigators and less actives but we are not giving up. We will keep finding and teaching and trying to help others remember and feel the love of God that we all need.

Keep sharing the gospel! Help Heavenly Father bless the lives of our brothers and sisters! We never know when they'll have the desire to learn more! But, don't get frustrated if they say no! Just, try again!

My companion is still wonderful. I need to work on telling her that more. She is staying focused although discouraged with the amount of time remaining. (Seeing all of the warnings, I'll just go ahead and tell you now; I don't want to go home.) I am thankful for the advice she has for me, she has offered a lot of comfort and guidance.

Well, there are many miracles happening - all of the time - but, still, I'm trying to recognize them more. I love Ukraine! I love Ukrainians! I love Ukrainian and Russian and I still have much to learn and much more to love!

I hope you are enjoying your Monday. I love you and your fabulous desires and examples of love! Be happy have fun and enjoy every second of your day!

Love always and forever and ever!!

Sister Murphy!

January 18 (To her sis)

Brat ee sestra Taulor, 

Your last name would be hard to say for Ukrainians.  Isn't it interesting that brother and sister are so close!   That's about it though.  So, guess what.  I can officially say I'm learning two languages.  I’m still only studying to speak one, but I have to understand so much Russian, It's a challenge.  Comprehension only reaches to teaching the gospel though when it comes to Russian.

Well, I'm working on not getting frustrated.  I just have such high expectations and I'm not going to lower them, I'm just going to lift my spirits and endure despite the conflicts, heartbreaks, disappointments, and mistakes.  Some funny stories happened this week.  One recent convert, Svetya, is great.  She is so graceful.  She is also hard to meet with now that she finally found a really busy job taking care of an ailing woman.  So, we did what we could and spent an hour walking with her to the river where she proceeds to undress until she is standing in the middle of a white wilderness on the banks of the river in her bare feet and a bikini.  She then proceeds to climb down a ladder into a hole that has been cut out of the ice so that she can jump in and out of the freezing water.  It's healthy I guess.  Weird, but we love this lady!

 

Well, I don't know what pictures you were talking about.  I'm sorry for not describing them.  They were probably from Bila Tserkva. I think I sent some of us ice skating with some investigators: Ulia and Natasha.

 

The necklace, I'm glad you like it!  Honestly, (Ukrainians are very honest. It's great, even when they tell us they really aren't interested.  We know we aren't just wasting our time and we can go find the elect.

 

Honestly, the necklace, well, I didn't really like it (maybe if I wasn't a missionary).  It was a gift.  Do you remember our birthday?  Well, it was not the best week in my mission.  But, Sister Mov. also had a b-day, and we were visiting a really nice lady who loved sister Mov. because she lived in Italy too!  So, she wanted to give her some cake and tea and some cute Italian souvenirs or something.  Well, Sister Mov. said my birthday was soon and she was like, oh, here is a necklace and viola!  Merry Christmas!

 

Hmm...

 

okay...

 

next e-mail!

 

Love you!

January 11 (To her sister)

Dear sis,

You night owl!

I love you! You are the best. I'm learning, very slowly, how to be happy AND to SHOW IT! SING ALL THE TIME! Like elf! He's a good example! He is like Santa's missionary. Therefore I am learning from him as I strive to serve the Lord. That is what kind of missionary I want to be. Well, I did make maple syrup yesterday, and we have a lot left over. I even used it in our sweet and sour sauce! Wow, I'm really turning into elf. Is that horrible? (The words are helpless; the truth is coming out. I am crazier than people ever thought)

So, time goes so quickly, even time to type to you. So, I'm trying to write the best experiences. Ukrainians are the most sincere and friendly people I know. Maybe that's because it's so easy to become friends with them. I love them. I love meeting them, inviting them to activities, eating with them. Speaking of eating; we ate at the cutest little restaurant today.

We have a wonderful apartment. It's been in the mission for a year or more, and the elders have been kind to it. Well, we were kinder after they left (cleaning up after their messes…Oh the HEAVENS rejoiced in our cleanliness! Every Monday morning they smile at our efforts!) But, anyways, one elder ended the mission here and was a dirt bike racer. I hear he was pretty famous and somehow (I also heard against his own best wishes) he was entered into a meet the day after he returned. So, he bought an exercise bike to train. (I was told by very reliable sources that he was very diligent, he just ate quick lunches and had really efficient exercises in the morning. Language hour was probably a little sweaty, tacozh. I've been doing some aerobics. I got some good sit-ups from Sis. Mitchell (our trio at the end of the MTC), and I'm trying to be diligent. Way to go. I think you need to get out the art stuff ASAP! And then teach me when I get home. You crazy girl. Don't be discouraged by what you aren't doing. Be amazed at how much you have done. I'm learning that. I'm looking at all the goals we set, rarely achievable, but we've done so much.

Okay, I love you!

Be happy have a great day!

Love You!

January 11 (To the Thompsons)

Grandma - you are crazy!  But, I absolutely love you!

I love you both and I am so thankful for you!  Isn't the gospel amazing!  Sure, we slip and fall sometimes, but it helps us heal and progress until we can stand up again and serve others!  Look at all the two of you do!  It's great and that is what life is about.  "When you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" Matt. 25:40.  It really doesn't matter what we do.  I had this dream of changing the world.  Well, I cannot do that.  But, every little thing I do is something that Christ appreciates.  So, keep on keeping on.  Keep on doing and serving and just be a little more careful!

Grandpa, you picked a strong woman!  And of course, all women are crazy, but she has the biggest heart!  I cannot decide if you tried to convince her to return home or not you probably know her too well!  Alas, she continued on her journey.  I love you too!

Thank you so much for your e-mails!  Time really flies by!  It is unbelievable.  So, when I do take a second to think about what has happened I am excited!  I am learning so much and hopefully I'm recording most of it so I can remember and apply and relearn for the rest of my life.  God's plan is wonderful and simple but I'm still learning the facts and the applications.  So, this week might was great!  Mostly because I was able to serve my companion and that was fun!  Sister Gay (from north Idaho) was sick this last week. So, I had an amazing time trying to serve her in any way I could.   (I hope she enjoyed it too!)  She is really wonderful so I enjoyed every second!  Plus, I learned how to make vegetable soup.  Well, I was forced to do a lot of experimenting in the kitchen.  And, I think that is part of the blessing of our call - everything tastes good (or edible) or maybe I just burnt my taste buds...the soup was EXTREMELY HOT!  We also enjoyed sweet and sour sauce with our left over corn, pineapple and rice.  Other than that, you really do not want to know what we ate this last week!  Oh, When your companion is sick...and you are in Ukraine!

 

Last week I decided to just stretch myself and enjoy every second.  Of course there is room for improvement but breaking up the days into smaller sections really helped.

I am not the most interesting person but I'm learning to talk to people and just be excited about whatever is happening.  I'm growing in every area and I'm thankful for the opportunity to see that.  I'm learning to love more and more the people I am serving and the people I serve with.  This is a great city with amazing investigators and the best members!  And there are amazing missionaries serving here!  (this is the best mission, so that's expected!)

 

It was a fun week.  I feel so blessed and I am growing so much!  I feel like I've made a lot of progress in the language (Still have millions of miles to go!)  I am so thankful to be here.  I am in the happiest place of my mission!  (and they have all been the extremely wonderful!)  I love the Lord so much!

 

My companion is almost well!  But, today we will rest and we both know she will recover completely!  She is wonderful and I'm trying to learn as much as I can from her.  I am thankful for her knowledge and understanding of missionary work and her desire to work hard!

Well, there is not much to say about our investigators  - we were unable to meet with them this week.  But, we did meet with Pres. Andre's daughter and we are hoping to help her grandmother soften her heart and allow her to be baptized.  (I love grandmas!)

Our branch is wonderful.  Of course it has room for growth and I see it happening.  The members have the desire to share the gospel.  They have the desire to learn it.  We just need to strengthen them and retain them.

Well, I am enjoying the wicked weather of Ukraine.  I fell down yesterday walking to church.  It was an adventure.  It warmed up for the layer of slush to melt and we had a nice drizzle; EVERYTHING WAS SLIPPERY and wet.  When I got to church I did my best to hide my wet skirt from the motherly Ukrainians in our branch as I conducted the music!  (I was successful!)  Our branch is so young!  I'm excited to be here and to see the members grow in the gospel. Today I was studying about how we can help new members.  Who are the new members in your wards?  How can you help them?  Do you know how difficult it is?  Wow, it's crazy.  Read chapter 13 (I think) of "Preach My Gospel" and see what Pres. Hinckley had to say.  They have their first native branch President (Pres. Steinagel was here yesterday and re-organized the branch.)   We have two incredible senior missionaries here who have been serving amazingly.  I've been helping sister Thatcher in the primary, translating and having fun with our little class!  She is always so prepared and doing so well at preparing this small future generation to be strong and faithful!

Have a great week!  Stay warm and have fun!

It's so warm here!!!  I'm glad it's in Celsius and I really have no idea what it is.  I'm just glad I'm not in North Dakota!  -50...how do they live like that?  Crazy?

How are the Vikings doing?

Have a great day and a great dinner tonight!

 

Love,

 

Sister Murphy

January 5

(This is a picture her mission took on Christmas. Amy's on the second row, on the left side, wearing green and black. Click it to view a larger picture.)

So,

Our e-mail service isn't that great. It closed out during my letter to President Steinagel so I had to re-write. Now, I only have a few minutes to talk to you. I'm sorry!

I didn't realize that our preparation day would be different this week. I hope I didn't worry you. Or did you just think Monday hadn't come yet?

We had zone conference yesterday! It was amazing! I went back to L'viv and we caroled and everything was perfect. We had a member of the Quorum of the 70's from Latvia come. They are an amazing family.

I learned something interesting . Do you know what gravity is?

Do you understand it? What is the law of gravity? Are there people who don't know what gravity is? Does it still affect them?

Yes!

So, does the gospel. Many people know the principles of the Gospel but not the fullness. Nor do they know how it works. That is why I'm here. Even though they don’t know it, it still affects them and I want them to know it so they can be able to live according to the law!

Well, I love you very much.

New Years Eve was wonderful. We did have a break. There are a lot of drunks out here so, we met as a district and ate and stayed quiet.

I love this opportunity to serve and grow! I love my companion and this area as I have all of the ones previous...well, two. I am thankful for the truth of the gospel, and it is amazing that I can be here in Ukraine helping others to see the light of the gospel. I know I can be better because we all have the potential to be like God, and I still have lessons to learn yet.

Sister Gay is wonderful! We have a lot to do here, but we know we will see baptisms this transfer! We still have a small amount of investigators but this week we plan on giving out one new baptismal date and renewing another!

I feel really united as a district as we are all striving to build the branch. It's amazing to see the members as they learn and grow. Sister Gay and I realized how amazing it was: the gospel is so new to them, but they are learning it and living it and loving it!

I feel confident in the work. It is amazing that we can serve our Heavenly Father and I know that He helps us. We had our missionary zone conference this last week. It really gave me confidence in the power of our mission and the amazing missionaries we have serving here.

I tend to be a little hard on myself. Do you have any advice on avoiding self-frustration and being happy despite personal weaknesses?

Well, that's about it! I am happy! I love this mission and especially this church and that I know it is true!

I hope this week I can show my gratitude through diligent work!

Love,

Sister M.

Dec 28

So, did you know that I get 2 Christmases this year?!?

It was a great Christmas Eve and I still have one more!

Most Ukrainians still celebrate Christmas on the 7 of January! What an amazing opportunity it is to remember Christ always. That is what a mission has shown me. The true spirit of Christmas is eternal. It's about loving others and loving them enough to want them all to have salvation. Being bold enough to knock on random doors, not knowing who will answer but that they are children of God. Maybe they want to know how they can know our Savior better. That is what we did just yesterday. And we found a woman named Ruslana. She is a younger woman who speaks English, but she wants to know why we - two Americans - are sharing a Christmas message.

Merry Christmas! I am excited for this time of year - when people's hearts are searching for change. They realize that another year just passed and they are wondering what will happen in the next. Well, I think they should know that they can have the best year of their lives in 2010! That is the message we are sharing and I'm excited to share it with everyone!

It was nice to hear your voices again! I love you both. That 30 min. goes fast doesn't it! Next time you'll have to write down some questions you want to ask.

Don't remind me. Only 10 months! That is about 300 days. Anyways, maybe I'll get the package at zone conference. That's on Monday. I'm more west now! I am in a beautiful city. I feel so fortunate! I have had wonderful companions and I've seen every city (but Odessa) that a sister can serve in! Kyiv, Lviv, Bila Tserkva, and Xhmelnitski! And, I've been with so many Russian speakers I might have a chance to serve in Odessa! No, I still need to work on Ukrainian.

I don't understand why I was feeling apprehensive about this transfer, but now I know that I just need to trust God with everything! I would say that I've finally learned that lesson, but it is one I thought I learned years ago and even just last transfer.

I am doing great; trying to apply all of the lessons I've learned thus far on my mission and continue to grow. I feel that I've learned so much but I know that I still don't know anything! So, I must always press forward.

Sister Gay is a wonderful missionary! She is a good teacher and I know that this will be a great transfer! I am excited to work with her and learn from her and grow together!

I didn't realize how much more relaxing it could be to have an American companion: one who understands the songs I sing, or the books I talk about, or even the weird things I say. She is a wonderful missionary and I love her already! I am super excited for this transfer. She is from Idaho (we all know how wonderful Idahoans are ... right Will?). She has 2 transfers left (12 weeks) and we hope to spend them both together. She opened this area for sisters last transfer (6 weeks ago). So, it is still relatively new. We serve with 6 other missionaries; therefore, our branch is half missionaries. Our branch president is Elder Thatcher. He is a senior missionary - a retired PE teacher from California. His wife is a mother of 10 boys (YES 10 Boys) and she hasn't eaten chocolate in 30 years. She is my hero! (Back then, it was thought that chocolate was like smoking and you shouldn't use it when you are pregnant.) Therefore, she stopped, but, get this, she is an excellent fudge maker, always has a bowl of M&Ms and has the best brownie recipe I've ever tasted. She was a caterer! Talk about self-discipline! So, I might be spoiled this transfer with couple missionaries who love us and can cook!

I love this city! I love the people and I love our small branch! We have one investigator who has a testimony of the church and wants to change her life. We are trying to help her find a job so she doesn't have to work on Sundays. Other than that, I still need to meet with other investigators and of course find a family who wants to be stronger.

I love this church. I love the scriptures. I love Prophets!

Read the follow the prophet section in PMG chapter 3 lessson 4.

Happy New Year!

Thank you so much for everything I love you!

Way to go on your family history!

Good luck this week.

I wish you the best New Year!

Love,

Sister Murphy!

Dec 21: Email to the Thompsons

Hello Grandma and Grandpa,

 

Pass my thanks to Kevin.  I got their message and It was very inspiring!  They are a remarkable family!

How funny: Shawn e-mailed me and he and a friend drove to the football game!  How did the Vikings do?

What made the Christmas program so good?

How Sad.  Sister Edwards was a beautiful lady!

Don't worry, I'll be home for Christmas next year and we'll make all kinds of crazy holiday treats!

Well, tell me some of the blessings you've seen!

I have a question.

Why did you accept the gospel?

Why did you let a couple of 19-year-old boys into your home?

Way to go!  You are doing more for the salvation of souls than I am!  Genealogy is so important!

I love you guys!

So, this week we are going to try to remember Christ more than anything.  I am so thankful for His life.  I wish I could always remember Him in everything I do, after all, isn't that one of the covenants we make every Sunday.

And truly, we are sharing a special message about Christ.  Pray that I can find an interesting way to share it so hearts will be filled with desire.

I know that Christ has restored His church.  That He, through the small and simple means of a young man named Joseph, reached out again to the children of God to share with us the fullness of His gospel.  He loves us just as He loved His children in times of the Old Testament.  He is concerned for us and only through Him we can find peace and help with the problems created in our times.  So, when the world was prepared and one heart was ready and willing, he began to establish His kingdom on Earth again.  Through revelations and scripture and the restoring of His priesthood - the power of God - we can find once more the Church of Jesus Christ in these Latter-Days, including a prophet.  God loves us individually and collectively and will communicate with us personally and as a generation living on the earth through a prophet.

 

I hope you have the best Christmas...find someone to serve!  Remember Christ!

I love the snow.

It's fun to play in, and my companion and I take every opportunity.

Here is a funny story.  We had one busy day with 5 lessons, and we were running all over the city.  Our last appointment ended and we were just a little late, so we had to go to another bus stop.  This was Wednesday and we were receiving snow all day Tuesday night and Wednesday so by the end of the day everything was beautiful and white.  As we left Love's apartment...(lybov's) we started running in the purity of fresh snow.  The evening was beautiful and we couldn't resist going crazy!  As we were having fun we noticed a trolley bus coming and we ran as fast as we could with our heavy boots in the deep snow to the stop.  We got on just in time, paid the fare and sat down enjoying the fresh winter air that was all around us!  The windows were all iced over, and we were excited to go home and enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa or mint tea.  We made a few phone calls so that planning our next day would be easy!

However, as we rolled along we scratched through the ice to see if we knew where we were going... 

Unfortunately, we were just riding a long on a nice adventure to the end of town.  Opps...we realized our mistake to late and at the end of the route we got off and waited for a marshutka to take us back.  Another interesting tale to the night, we piled into the marshutka and had a seat.  We had about a 30-minute ride in front of us.  Imagine a big white van, maybe enough seats for 22 people, and anyone who can stand.  Well the seats were all full in about 10 minutes and our last 20 minutes we just kept cramming people in!  It was hilarious!  That is the adventure of public transportation in Ukraine.

I love you!

Okay, time to go...

Happy imaginations...

Merry Christmas!

Love,

 

Sister Merphy

Dec 21: Email to Sandra & Will

Merry Christmas,

So, how are you?

I'm a little bummed, I'm getting transferred on Christmas eve.  So, I have no idea where I'll be & with whom and when I'll hear from you!  I'm leaving all our exciting Christmas activities behind too!  We were helping our branches plan many exciting things.  I am worried that they won't have a pianist…how unfortunate.

But, I'm trying to be like a child.  What would a kid do?

Heck yes...I'm going to have another adventure!

Should be fun!!

I am very thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve in Bila Tserkva and with Sister Nakashyawn.  I learned many valuable lessons.  I am thankful that I can say I'm growing and trying to improve and I'm grateful that I can serve Heavenly Father - It's inspiring!  I wish I could say that more had happened in Bila these last two transfers...

But, I have hope in the future for these branches.  Through the next couple of weeks one family will find the help that they have been looking for as they change their lives to accept the gospel!  And that's exciting!

I'm still a young missionary, maybe not a greenie anymore though.  I've been here for 5-6 months.  Do you know that my mission is half way over?  Isn't that awful?

So, I didn't know you were driving to Arkansas...crazy!

How is winter treating you?  We had our first snow this past week and it got cold really fast!  There isn't anything really on the ground and I remember what cold really is!  So, I'm grateful for that knowledge to remind me how warm I really am!

Ukraine is wonderful!  It's a little strange to think that Christmas is next week in America.  I love Christmas and I'm trying to be as more spirited than ever.  I'm just a little early here but that's okay.

Good luck!  Why did you loose power?

When is Dan going to the MTC?   Where is he going again?

I really had an awesome district here!  So, I'm hoping the best for each missionary I served with.  It was fun.

Before we leave we wanted to have Christmas for a few families who are struggling in our branches.  I took a little money out of my personal fund to buy some nice gifts for some of the girls who have horrible families.  I'm going to miss them.  They are beautiful like all Ukrainians.  I've seen lots of poverty in Bila.

I now need to pack and prepare.  I'm going to try to have fun and enjoy every second of it though!

I also want to make cookies for the ward members, but I don't think we'll have time.

 

Missionary work can be frustrating.  I've been in Ukraine for 5-6 months.  I know that people need the gospel.  The field is white. So, I'm trying to stay positive and confident that somebody will accept it.  I'm always asking what more can I do and I'm doing everything I can to stay positive.  But, now it's the end of the year.  Our mission had a goal of 100 baptisms.  I was confident that we would have 1 baptism.   Time passed and nothing happened.  I know that I'm not perfect; I just hope that I did what I was supposed to.

I know I need to change.  I've learned a lot.  I am grateful for this next transfer and that I can start again.  I hope to have stronger relationships with ward members and people.  I really want to be like a child.

I was reading about Joseph Smith and something caught my attention.  After the first vision, he felt sorrow for his follies of youth, I don't remember how it was worded...His child jolly...

 

Well, that is what Satan wants; he wants us to be serious and unexpressive.  That would have been his plan...

But, would Joseph Smith been able to do all he did with out his child like energy and enthusiasm for life?

That is something I am now trying to incorporate now into my life, that enthusiasm for life and for people.

Well, I am still sending out letters for Christmas, so I need to continue on...

Good luck, Merry Christmas...

I love you!

Be safe and HAVE FUN!  Like the Prophet Joseph!

Sister Murphy

December 14 (Read to the very end, she's given everyone an assignment!)

Women in the world are all the same: they think they are too fat and not pretty.  Even here in Ukraine, where women are all models, they are always dieting and complaining about how they look.

 

Hello Grandpa and Grandma and Sandra and Will!

So, here I am one more week in Ukraine with two more weeks of this year.  It's grown old hasn't it.  365 days really fly by.  In Ukraine we say they swim by.

And yet, every day is precious.  There is always so much to do.

Pray for me this week!

We still have to find someone who is ready to accept the glorious gospel this year!

So, don't worry about the helicopter in my stomach.  I did eat some bad cheese the other day and threw up a few times on Thursday.  It wasn’t the best day of my mission for sure.  But, Friday was better!

I love being here.  Realizing that God is with me has really helped me open up and change who I am.  I'm bolder and it's easier to talk to people.  My relationships are improving.  When I think about them I really try to think about God being with us and about the fun we would have.

Well, I have some sad news:  I sent some treats home last week, so that may be good.  But the sad news: it was extremely stressing.  Therefore, I don't know if I'll ever want to do it again.  Seriously, we can complain about the American Post service all we want, but I don't think I will ever again!  I love mail.  I love packages.  I LOVE to send things too, as many of know, but not while I'm in Ukraine.  Okay?  Okay...

I sent your package to your address so look for it and find it.  Maybe it will still be interesting after passing through 2 custom authorities...

This week was TOUGH.  But, I think it was because Heavenly Father wanted me to learn something and I did indeed!  We worked and sacrificed and exhausted ourselves every day trying to share the marvelous message of the gospel.  I doubted if anyone at all was searching to find truth and if they weren't searching for truth what could I do to help them realize that they are missing out.  Many people are satisfied with their lives; with the knowledge they have.  But, I know that they can have more: more happiness, peace and understanding.

If you have any ideas let me know because I'm still trying to figure that out.  How do you share the gospel with people who don't know that they need it?

So, by Thursday night we were clueless almost hopeless...

So, by Friday Sister Nakasyawn and I had exhausted ourselves trying to find the elect.  We were pretty discouraged and overwhelmed although we knew that these feelings wouldn't help us.  We tried for weeks but every time we found someone who was ready...Satan fought back.  So, Friday - I guess you can say we were desperate.  Friday morning during planning we prayed several times to know the will of the Lord for us.  Therefore, in our prayers we humbly told God that we had done all we could and then we asked what He wanted us to do.  It was an amazing feeling to realize that there was absolutely nothing I could do but rely fully on Him and trust that He would bless us.  And, He did.  We both felt confident we needed to work with one family in one of our branches—an amazing woman who has a daughter who is inactive.  She has health problems and hasn't been to church and really doesn't do much.  She also has a daughter who is 8 years old who comes to church every Sunday with her grandma.  (Aren't grandmas wonderful?)  We set an appointment for the very next morning where we told them that Heavenly Father has a plan for them and it starts with baptism and continues to the temple where they can be sealed as a family.  We'll meet with them tonight where we hope to help them decide when to celebrate the baptism for their daughter and then the father.

I've learned a lot this week about relying on God and I've learned to take literally the Ukrainian version of the hymn “Come, Come Ye Saints.”  Instead of the phrase "All is well" as we sing in English, we sing "z Namu Boh" - "God is with us.”  How true and how amazing! I've learned to take more seriously my calling as His representative.   I try to think during every lesson - is this what He would say.  As a representative He will be with me and I need to make sure He is there and is felt by those I am with.

I had many epiphanies this week.  Mostly I've learned what it really means to be an instrument in His hands.  He is the MUSICIAN and the MAKER and all I can do is be the best I can.  Maybe I'm still (remember I played the clarinet...) a plastic horn, (Yamaha!!!)  but He can make me better until one day I've developed into the best wooden instrument with silver plated keys - practically perfect! And while I progress, I may still only be a plastic horn, but even a professional can sound good on a plastic horn and God is the greatest musician so off course as I let him work through me I can sound beautifully.

I also like this hymn:  well I only remember the 4th verse:  "Fear not, I am with thee, so be not dismayed.  For I am thy God and will STILL give the aid.  I'll strengthen thee help thee and cause thee to stand.  Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand."

Last Monday we were visiting a less-active family.  Their father is an alcoholic.  He came in kind of drunk and wasn't happy with the message we were sharing with him...

He left, came back in and confessed he wanted help.  He was probably more drunk.  He got on his knees and begged us to help him.  We told us if he was serious, to come home from work in Kyiv the next day sober and meet us at church.  He did.  It was hard for him.  He wasn't the happiest man in the world.  I know it's going to be hard for him.  But, he really needs help.  So, we asked the elders to meet with him.  But, I still want to help him.  I'm thinking about doing something extreme.  I don't know if I can do it, which makes it even more applicable.  I'm thinking about giving up sweets or chocolate…something until the end of my mission.  It will be a good excuse to turn down a piece of cake.  “I'm sorry, I promised an alcoholic that I wouldn't eat sweets if he wouldn't drink.”

That's noble...

We'll see them Wednesday.

I had some really good cake on Saturday and we still have ice cream in the freezer.

Will that help you stop eating sweets too?

Today we are going to make an Armenian cake and party like two of the craziest sister missionaries that we are.  Do you believe it's possible to have 3 lessons on our Preparation day?  We are sure going to try!

Wish us luck!

I Love you.  I'm excited for you and your adventures next week!  Have fun in Arkansas!

What a wonderful time it is!  As I was writing this morning I listened to the Christmas devotional!  How fantastic it is to have prophets leading us today.  Like the directors of an orchestra, they enrich our lives and instruct us how to "play" according to the "composers" ideas.  

Have a great week!

Love,

 

Sister Murphy!

Oh: here is a blog assignment for all those who are reading this.  Write back to me your answers! 

"What blessings have you received from keeping a certain commandment?"

I’d also like any ideas for a fun game to play for my English students.

Finally: What did you do for Christmas?

 

p.s. I did get Dad's package!  It was awesome!  I was super excited and I also got a letter from dear elder!

He's the best!

 

p.p.s. I think I'll have to get married pretty quick after my mission...I'll never be able to say my last name right or spell it... 

Merfi...

morphy

myourphy.

murfi....SHO TAKE?

(Pick one those are all the different ways to spell it over here)

P.p.p.s. my Ukrainian is horrible...but...the Lord is powerful!  Together we make a great team!

Okay...love you

Again and always!

S.M