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

Sister's Conference

March 29 (Thompson's Email)

Good Morning!

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

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

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

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

You are the best! Have a great day!

Have you ever though about fellowshiping a lass-active?

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

Love you!

Have a great week, a wonderful week!

Love sister Murphy

March 29 (Sandra's Email)

Hey Will & Sandra,

What fun it sounds like you are having!

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

Your video sounds a little um...crazy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep up the updates!

I love you!

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

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

I love you!

Love,

Sister Murphy

March 22 (Sandra's Email)

Hey Sis,

I really liked your e-mail!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can I contact people...

I need some ideas.

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

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

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

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

Your the best...

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

Thanks for everything!

I love you!

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

I feel so blessed!

Love,

Sister Murphy

March 22 (Thompson's Email)

Dear Family,

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

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

I'm certainly happy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, I'm thankful for Mondays!

I'm still learning to be like Nehpi!

I love you,

Have a great day!

Sister Murphy

March 15 (Sister)

Sis,

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

CRAZY!

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

You are the best.

hello little baby!

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

Well, Have a great Week!

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

love,

S. M.