Hi grandma and grandpa!
I love you both!
So, this morning Elder Rayburn called us and said that we had to set some goals to have a productive week! It was during companionship study, so Sister Robinson and I started thinking. We definitely want this to be a good week. I definitely want to see someone agree to be baptized this week. We had a great planning session on Friday, and I feel like we received inspiration from some of the most random and interesting sources. But, we have a new plan and I'm excited!
Sister Robinson and I had a great transfer together. I am so sad that it is ending. I learned a lot from her and we learned together to be more bold as we find and teach our brothers and sisters about the restored gospel. Saturday we had such a lesson! This week was busy! I, however, want to know how to have more productive weeks. I guess I feel like we did a lot, but I don't know if it really got a lot done.
I guess I'll just keep trying this week. I hope I can handle L'viv without Sister Robinson. She is a great missionary and has helped many people in this great city!
I am excited to serve the Lord. I love this work! I love L'viv!
So, this week was long and crazy! We ate well! We made a quische, bought a huge watermelon, and ate lots of peaches, plums (yellow and purple), blueberries, apricots, and nectarines! Can you see how spoiled I am! We also had a farewell for Elder Rayburn. He is a music major from Kentucky, and we served together in my fist transfer and his last! He was my district leader and a great elder. Lots of work this week! But, I love it! Are you going to send me some pictures of you and your cute little puppies? I hope you have a great trip to Idaho! You are great and strong! I love you both!
So, I have an amazing branch president. He made us chili a couple of weeks ago! IT was hilarious. I went into their tiny kitchen to do dishes and immediately started sweating. I thought I was having an allergic reaction. But, He just used WAY to much chili pepper.
Well, I don't have much time today, but I love you!
You two are amazing and I am excited for your adventures! Keep up the amazing work you are doing and I'll look forward to hearing all about your miraculous deeds!
Love you lots!
Sister Murphy
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July 19: Sandra's letter
I love the Lord and His gospel like you do! I have a new favorite hymn.
Well, I have a new favorite hymn! It is hymn 36 in Ukrainian. I remembered what it is called in English this morning: "How Firm a Foundation!" I love the 3rd verse.
"Fear not, I am with thee
so be not dismayed,
for I am your God and will still give the aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand
upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand."
That's what I can remember anyways! Isn't it beautiful. I then looked up the scripture in Isaiah 41:10 (I think that is the correct reference) and had a fun time reading this and other similar verses! I love the scriptures. I love our Heavenly Father and His continuous support and love for us! Other verses: I read D&C 68:6. Heavenly Father wants us to be of good cheer! Why? Because, as I learned in Matthew 9:2 and Ivan (John) 16:33, Christ has atoned for us! Christ has overcome the world for us! He will forgive us of our sins - like he healed the man with palsy. He will heal us! That is something to rejoice about!
This morning during companionship study, Sister Robinson shared with me her study from this morning from the Book of Morning. As she talked about the things she learned from the Book of Mormon there was a verse we both found significant. It was in 2 Nephi 28 or 29. It says that the Lord will command the Children of Judah to write and the children of Nephi...and other lost tribes. I realized just how special the Book of Mormon is. It is one of the first records that we have received! It was found! (of course there was much inspiration and divine intervention - but why should there not be? - it is the work of the Lord!)
I don't understand how hard it is for the world to accept a book? The Lord is so perfect and so vast. He cares for the whole world! He has always reached out.
I write about the special moments in my life that are sacred for me. Is it a wonder that they did anciently as well? Wouldn't it be a blessing to find more of those records? Well, we have one - the bible! And, that was miraculously preserved! But, could it possibly be all? I don't know how many pages are in the English bible, and someone may be offend when I say that even 5000 pages are not enough to tell me about my Father in Heaven. (Is this embarrassing: Jane Austen's collected works might exceed that of the bible (disclaimer: I have not read anything by Jane Austen in over a year; therefore, I am no longer an expert) (Oh, and the word expert probably would be better stated as obsessed) However, I also understand the fact that if God was going to give us only 5 pages to tell us about Him - then, that is enough. But, I know that He loves us! I would be happy with five! Although, I am ever so very grateful for the perfect love of God and Jesus Christ. They reach out to us! They want us to enjoy our lives and they want us to enjoy it so that we can return to Him! He wants to help us! To help us we have received more! More of everything! And that means more knowledge. The Book of Mormon just isn't a book. It is truly another testament of Jesus Christ! It is a record sacredly preserved and directed by the Lord to bless our lives! I have read it many times and I know that it is true!
Well, that was a fun tangent! Those are just my thoughts this morning! I love this gospel! Even when it is hard for people to understand. And even when they understand, but don't want to change! Well, that is also frustrating!
So, what do you want to know about Ukraine this week?
Here is the latest in my life. My beautiful companion Sister Robinson received a transfer. I'm sad. (how do you spell bummed for future reference...and where in the world did that word come from?)
I didn't think they would, since we will be going back to Kiev in 3 weeks again anyways. However, We are going to Kiev on Wednesday. It will be an all night train! We have a lot of work to do. We are still trying to find those who are willing to change their life and accept the gospel! I am always reminded of the rich man who asked God how to enter Heaven. His life wasn't bad. Apparently he was living the law. But, there was more that could have helped him really come unto Christ! He wasn't ready for it. It is quite sad and frustrating when those we are working with just aren't ready to really come unto Christ. They are grateful for the new understanding we have given them, but that was enough.
Enough?
There is never enough!
So, we keep working and keep trying!
We have a temple! It is beautiful! I am excited to see it again this week!
Oh, I have a birthday soon! Crazy. I am so old. I feel even older when Sister Robinson complains about her birthday! She will be 22. Is it a big package? It is probably going to be expensive. Hmmm, it should be fine...I might even get it for my birthday. If you have a good relationship with customs! Put some Christ stickers on the outside, and say that it is missionary supplies. Hey, I don't want sweets. Well, I'd love them, but I don't need them. However, you could send me wheat thins - or something cute!
Congratulations to Will! I hope you have a fantastic graduation! And have a fun trip with g-ma and g-pa!
I love you both!
Chili, that is to long of a story! But, it is funny. Maybe I'll tell the g's in my e-mail to them!
Love you both!
Sandra you are amazing! You are beautiful! Have you watched those videos on the church website? There is a new one from Elder Uchtdorf! I love it! I am also trying to figure out my true identity and see the true beauty of myself! I love that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father!
I love you!
I love your baby! Have a great day!
Love,
Sister Murphy!
Well, I have a new favorite hymn! It is hymn 36 in Ukrainian. I remembered what it is called in English this morning: "How Firm a Foundation!" I love the 3rd verse.
"Fear not, I am with thee
so be not dismayed,
for I am your God and will still give the aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand
upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand."
That's what I can remember anyways! Isn't it beautiful. I then looked up the scripture in Isaiah 41:10 (I think that is the correct reference) and had a fun time reading this and other similar verses! I love the scriptures. I love our Heavenly Father and His continuous support and love for us! Other verses: I read D&C 68:6. Heavenly Father wants us to be of good cheer! Why? Because, as I learned in Matthew 9:2 and Ivan (John) 16:33, Christ has atoned for us! Christ has overcome the world for us! He will forgive us of our sins - like he healed the man with palsy. He will heal us! That is something to rejoice about!
This morning during companionship study, Sister Robinson shared with me her study from this morning from the Book of Morning. As she talked about the things she learned from the Book of Mormon there was a verse we both found significant. It was in 2 Nephi 28 or 29. It says that the Lord will command the Children of Judah to write and the children of Nephi...and other lost tribes. I realized just how special the Book of Mormon is. It is one of the first records that we have received! It was found! (of course there was much inspiration and divine intervention - but why should there not be? - it is the work of the Lord!)
I don't understand how hard it is for the world to accept a book? The Lord is so perfect and so vast. He cares for the whole world! He has always reached out.
I write about the special moments in my life that are sacred for me. Is it a wonder that they did anciently as well? Wouldn't it be a blessing to find more of those records? Well, we have one - the bible! And, that was miraculously preserved! But, could it possibly be all? I don't know how many pages are in the English bible, and someone may be offend when I say that even 5000 pages are not enough to tell me about my Father in Heaven. (Is this embarrassing: Jane Austen's collected works might exceed that of the bible (disclaimer: I have not read anything by Jane Austen in over a year; therefore, I am no longer an expert) (Oh, and the word expert probably would be better stated as obsessed) However, I also understand the fact that if God was going to give us only 5 pages to tell us about Him - then, that is enough. But, I know that He loves us! I would be happy with five! Although, I am ever so very grateful for the perfect love of God and Jesus Christ. They reach out to us! They want us to enjoy our lives and they want us to enjoy it so that we can return to Him! He wants to help us! To help us we have received more! More of everything! And that means more knowledge. The Book of Mormon just isn't a book. It is truly another testament of Jesus Christ! It is a record sacredly preserved and directed by the Lord to bless our lives! I have read it many times and I know that it is true!
Well, that was a fun tangent! Those are just my thoughts this morning! I love this gospel! Even when it is hard for people to understand. And even when they understand, but don't want to change! Well, that is also frustrating!
So, what do you want to know about Ukraine this week?
Here is the latest in my life. My beautiful companion Sister Robinson received a transfer. I'm sad. (how do you spell bummed for future reference...and where in the world did that word come from?)
I didn't think they would, since we will be going back to Kiev in 3 weeks again anyways. However, We are going to Kiev on Wednesday. It will be an all night train! We have a lot of work to do. We are still trying to find those who are willing to change their life and accept the gospel! I am always reminded of the rich man who asked God how to enter Heaven. His life wasn't bad. Apparently he was living the law. But, there was more that could have helped him really come unto Christ! He wasn't ready for it. It is quite sad and frustrating when those we are working with just aren't ready to really come unto Christ. They are grateful for the new understanding we have given them, but that was enough.
Enough?
There is never enough!
So, we keep working and keep trying!
We have a temple! It is beautiful! I am excited to see it again this week!
Oh, I have a birthday soon! Crazy. I am so old. I feel even older when Sister Robinson complains about her birthday! She will be 22. Is it a big package? It is probably going to be expensive. Hmmm, it should be fine...I might even get it for my birthday. If you have a good relationship with customs! Put some Christ stickers on the outside, and say that it is missionary supplies. Hey, I don't want sweets. Well, I'd love them, but I don't need them. However, you could send me wheat thins - or something cute!
Congratulations to Will! I hope you have a fantastic graduation! And have a fun trip with g-ma and g-pa!
I love you both!
Chili, that is to long of a story! But, it is funny. Maybe I'll tell the g's in my e-mail to them!
Love you both!
Sandra you are amazing! You are beautiful! Have you watched those videos on the church website? There is a new one from Elder Uchtdorf! I love it! I am also trying to figure out my true identity and see the true beauty of myself! I love that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father!
I love you!
I love your baby! Have a great day!
Love,
Sister Murphy!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
July 12
Well, Good morning!
What a wonderful way to start a perfect week of missionary work! Hearing from my amazing family! I love you all! I'm excited for your week of travels! It's been a great week! Filled with all kinds of interesting stories...from re-writing songs about missionary work as a district and companionship...asking thoughtful questions to complete strangers...getting caught in the rain...and singing "Baptize me in the Ocean...in the sea...in the warm baths of a spa...just baptize me with authority!" (to the tune of my bonnie lies over the ocean!) BAPTIZE is what we are working on! We don't have much time. THE PROPHET! He is coming! I just look at these men of God and I am so thankful for there unwariness and dedication to the Lord. They are doing all they can to serve! Me too! Well, I'm trying!
So, we also had a missionary activity after our last branch yesterday. There were a few who stayed and a few less who were inspired, but, I know that the gospel is true! So, when the missionaries ask you who do you know....NEVER EVER say no one...NEVER EVER say...we've already talked with everyone. Because, out of all the finding that we are doing as missionaries the only time we have success is when it is with the help of the members. Well, in Ukraine...it is a whole other country! You know that right! It is for sure different than America...but...the principles are still the same! The gospel is true no matter where it is placed! Great news!
Sorry this is so sporadic...I'm actually exhausted! We worked hard but with all our efforts this week...
well, I'll just simplify a lesson I've learned a few times during my lesson! When you put in everything...the Lord blesses you! Even if it isn't what you had been working on.
So, this week I felt like I called every interested person (Former, Recent, and those we just met).
We scheduled lessons with anyone anywhere!
We planned to find!
And, We planned to be bold and to baptize!
Well, we did our part! I am thankful for the energy and the help of the Lord. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for all those who are choosing WRONGLY we all have are agency. (on a side note, I also make a lot of wrong choices...and make unwise use of the great gift of agency...however, I have chosen to learn about the Lord's Gospel and have CHOSEN for my OWN FREE WILL to follow it! and be blessed!!!!)
Does that sound a little exasperated. Well, we had great things happen! We learned there are still 100,000 (that is a statistic I got from Will) we need to talk with! And that we have to keep working and never stopping!
Sister Robinson and I had a pretty fun and bold week deciding who was close and telling them...boldly...that this is what they had to do...to be happy! I know I am just a 23 year old girl...and it might seem silly to trust me...but...I am actually a representative of Christ. This is His message to them...it's not from me at all. I did nothing. I did not create it. I'm even embarrassed that I have to be the one to share it...I am not that eloquent...I'm feeling more and more like a Moses and less and less like an Aaron every day.
But, I want to help the Lord. I want to serve the Lord, and I'll be an instrument in His hands to share His message.
However, I have some good endings! Well, Sunday finally came and we had tried every lead...and were pretty much relying on the Lord for success (as in investigators actually coming to church). They all pretty much said no. I sat down next to my past companion (Inna - Sister Yarova) and talked about her week and her really cute orange skirt! No investigators. (Insert sad face here)
But, I love Inna! She is such an amazing girl! (She also gave her first talk yesterday about the scriptures!)
Well, I go up to direct the music and in walks a member with three strangers. (Insert a look of bewilderment and shock and a HUGE smiley face)
The song ends and I begin to return to my seat when brat Volodimir grabs me and tells me to make friends! Well, I happily sit down and try not to be too disruptive...
Basically, to make long storry short - two of the three are not members! One is a beautiful mother who wants to learn all about the gospel! They were found through a member in North Carolina (He is actually from L'viv and was visiting this week...but now lives in America....He found the church in New Mexico on an Indian Reservation! He was at a stop and found "Another Testament of Jesus Christ!") Well, he was later baptized in Las Vegas...and loves the church and has the most solid testimony I've ever seen! He is just so certain that the church is true...he came back to Ukraine and just radiated the gospel so much he found 2 people to bring to church with him! So, they came! I was just floored. The women's name is Kristina and I have never met someone as curious and willing to meet as her! She has a beautiful 10 mo. old baby and is going through a divorce. She is beautiful and I don't even care how many times I tell you!
Well, what a miracle!
THEN, we went to visit a less active member who just makes me humble! She is an angel. She has a broken arm and the doctor's don't know how to set it. She's had it for at least a year.
Well, we were reading the scripture in Romans about nothing can tear us away from the love of God and she told me that only we ourselves do it. And I thought about how profound that was. How many times do I doubt or let unbelief take over and forget to rely on the perfect love of the Savior?
Well, I love you! I am so thankful for you!
You are amazing!
I hope you have a great trip!
Give sandy and will a big hug for me...but don't squeeze sandra too hard...we don't want anything to pop out too early!
Love you!
Love,
Sister Murphy
What a wonderful way to start a perfect week of missionary work! Hearing from my amazing family! I love you all! I'm excited for your week of travels! It's been a great week! Filled with all kinds of interesting stories...from re-writing songs about missionary work as a district and companionship...asking thoughtful questions to complete strangers...getting caught in the rain...and singing "Baptize me in the Ocean...in the sea...in the warm baths of a spa...just baptize me with authority!" (to the tune of my bonnie lies over the ocean!) BAPTIZE is what we are working on! We don't have much time. THE PROPHET! He is coming! I just look at these men of God and I am so thankful for there unwariness and dedication to the Lord. They are doing all they can to serve! Me too! Well, I'm trying!
So, we also had a missionary activity after our last branch yesterday. There were a few who stayed and a few less who were inspired, but, I know that the gospel is true! So, when the missionaries ask you who do you know....NEVER EVER say no one...NEVER EVER say...we've already talked with everyone. Because, out of all the finding that we are doing as missionaries the only time we have success is when it is with the help of the members. Well, in Ukraine...it is a whole other country! You know that right! It is for sure different than America...but...the principles are still the same! The gospel is true no matter where it is placed! Great news!
Sorry this is so sporadic...I'm actually exhausted! We worked hard but with all our efforts this week...
well, I'll just simplify a lesson I've learned a few times during my lesson! When you put in everything...the Lord blesses you! Even if it isn't what you had been working on.
So, this week I felt like I called every interested person (Former, Recent, and those we just met).
We scheduled lessons with anyone anywhere!
We planned to find!
And, We planned to be bold and to baptize!
Well, we did our part! I am thankful for the energy and the help of the Lord. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for all those who are choosing WRONGLY we all have are agency. (on a side note, I also make a lot of wrong choices...and make unwise use of the great gift of agency...however, I have chosen to learn about the Lord's Gospel and have CHOSEN for my OWN FREE WILL to follow it! and be blessed!!!!)
Does that sound a little exasperated. Well, we had great things happen! We learned there are still 100,000 (that is a statistic I got from Will) we need to talk with! And that we have to keep working and never stopping!
Sister Robinson and I had a pretty fun and bold week deciding who was close and telling them...boldly...that this is what they had to do...to be happy! I know I am just a 23 year old girl...and it might seem silly to trust me...but...I am actually a representative of Christ. This is His message to them...it's not from me at all. I did nothing. I did not create it. I'm even embarrassed that I have to be the one to share it...I am not that eloquent...I'm feeling more and more like a Moses and less and less like an Aaron every day.
But, I want to help the Lord. I want to serve the Lord, and I'll be an instrument in His hands to share His message.
However, I have some good endings! Well, Sunday finally came and we had tried every lead...and were pretty much relying on the Lord for success (as in investigators actually coming to church). They all pretty much said no. I sat down next to my past companion (Inna - Sister Yarova) and talked about her week and her really cute orange skirt! No investigators. (Insert sad face here)
But, I love Inna! She is such an amazing girl! (She also gave her first talk yesterday about the scriptures!)
Well, I go up to direct the music and in walks a member with three strangers. (Insert a look of bewilderment and shock and a HUGE smiley face)
The song ends and I begin to return to my seat when brat Volodimir grabs me and tells me to make friends! Well, I happily sit down and try not to be too disruptive...
Basically, to make long storry short - two of the three are not members! One is a beautiful mother who wants to learn all about the gospel! They were found through a member in North Carolina (He is actually from L'viv and was visiting this week...but now lives in America....He found the church in New Mexico on an Indian Reservation! He was at a stop and found "Another Testament of Jesus Christ!") Well, he was later baptized in Las Vegas...and loves the church and has the most solid testimony I've ever seen! He is just so certain that the church is true...he came back to Ukraine and just radiated the gospel so much he found 2 people to bring to church with him! So, they came! I was just floored. The women's name is Kristina and I have never met someone as curious and willing to meet as her! She has a beautiful 10 mo. old baby and is going through a divorce. She is beautiful and I don't even care how many times I tell you!
Well, what a miracle!
THEN, we went to visit a less active member who just makes me humble! She is an angel. She has a broken arm and the doctor's don't know how to set it. She's had it for at least a year.
Well, we were reading the scripture in Romans about nothing can tear us away from the love of God and she told me that only we ourselves do it. And I thought about how profound that was. How many times do I doubt or let unbelief take over and forget to rely on the perfect love of the Savior?
Well, I love you! I am so thankful for you!
You are amazing!
I hope you have a great trip!
Give sandy and will a big hug for me...but don't squeeze sandra too hard...we don't want anything to pop out too early!
Love you!
Love,
Sister Murphy
Monday, July 5, 2010
July 5: Letter to Sandra
(Some pictures of the Ukrainian temple. Scroll down to see more.)
Well,
I spent some time on G-ma's letter! So, I don't have much time. Aren't emotions crazy and fun? I look back at this last week, and well, it was just up and down! But, every Monday it starts back on top! It's great. We've been eating some fun foods: whole grains and fresh fruit, stir fry, and burnt apple pie (that was our fault. Elder Rayburn made it, but it didn't finish cooking. So, we brought it home, and well...we have the worst oven. It can take five minutes...you never know...from being raw...to black! Can you imagine?) Speaking of food. I am hungry now!
So, I love working with Sister Robinson. She is wonderful and is just an amazing example for me! I want to be a much better companion! I also love how positive we are; we are not giving up, and everyday we talk about baptism - who can get baptized, talk about it with investigators and members, and the time we have left for it to happen. We are especially excited to see a family get baptized. I love baptism, and I love this goal. I love it because it is the only way, and the way leads right to the temple! It is about making covenants with God and progressing to possess all that He has for us!
Oh, Sister Robinson and I have a new goal: we do not want to teach in the church this week. But if we do, there will be a member present during the lesson! We have some memers who are ready to support us this week, and we have a few investigators who have already invited us to meet their families! I am super excited!
Well, yesterday we had a lesson with the family that found the gospel through a cімя declaration. They are an amazing family! We then decided to do a stop-by of a less active. We didn't know anything about her and were a little hesitant to attempt a visit at the end of the day. Well, there were a few "bumps in the road", but we didn't give up and continued the 45 minute walk down the most beautiful road in L'viv and were completely surprised to find Sister Bogdana. She said it might have been a year since the missionaries had visited her. We didn't have much time, but we talked to her about our new goal and shared with her a message about faith. She was overwhelmed to tears. It made me so grateful for this work and for humble people who try to live the gospel depsite their trials. She has health problems and cannot sit down. However, she has been a member of the church for 4 years and is also reading the Book of Mormon for the 4th time. She studies and ponders and wants to come to church! We want to help her - and to help her share the gospel!
I wish I could tell you all of the amazing things that are happening in L'viv! I love serving the Lord!
We are working are hardest and no not seeing many fruits. But, I am not giving up. We have 3 weeks until the sisters go to Kiev to do the open house, and that means we need to find someone who is serious this week! I want to just talk to everyone until I find the one!
How are you and your little family doing?
Families are perfect. They need the gospel. Don't you! Doesn't it bless your life? Doesn't it strengthen your family! I know it does!
I think you are doing a great job at living life! I like how much fun you had this week and still the diligence you manifested! I know you are not perfect, but just for my sake, don't think about what you didn't do right this week and just be grateful that you have the right knowledge to act and be better always! You are strong and the Lord will continue to strenthen us!
I am also trying to not be too distracted my my weaknesses and just keep going! I hope that I am giving Him my all!
Grandma is amazing! 500 dollars should be more than enough...I hope...that's like...well...I'll buy you some souviners...(LATER...not now)...
Thank you so much.
and...well, I don't like talking about home. It makes me sad, but I guess it does make me work harder when I realize how quick it will go. I want to get so much done.
The work here is hard and I want to SEE the fruits, all the way to the temple. SO, I'll try to just work harder!
Oh, my body is missing you: I too pee like 100 times a day, my back hurts, and well I'm doing everything I can to loose weight. I also get small headaches, but I just have to drink more water (AND THEN I HAVE TO PEE EVEN MORE. It's ridiculous.)
Well, I want to write to a few old investigators!
I love you!
Love,
Sister Murphy
July 5: Letter to Thompsons
(The Ukrainian Temple)
We had a great week of it! We taught our English class all about American history and sang God Bless America and the National Anthem. Sister Robinson and I definitely thought it was interesting!
Then we had a party on Saturday. We had a few disappointments, but overall it was a big success! Especially the Apple pies Elder Rayburn made! We also made some cmachno choc. chip cookies! It was fun, and we sang for the members. We reminded them of the significance of the revolution and the restoration. They were all really grateful! Just think about it. This is God's work. He directs it. He even creates new countries to establish and lay the foundation of his work. That is why we celebrated with them!
Well, it was an interesting week!
We have two branches here in L'viv. They are great! We have some really supportive members whom I already love so much. I love being united and serving them! I want to do more! On Friday we are doing sister exchanges with the members. We alternate between the branches. It has been really fun! Last Friday, I went with the branch President's wife. It was an unforgettable experience! She is a character and absolutely beautiful! Well, I'll just say, I learned a lot about myself and a lot about her!
The next day at our celebration of Independance, she just made me laugh with her competitive spirit. We played red-rover...until she ran across and flew back as if launched from a sling shot as she attempted to break the bond between her husband (the Branch Pres.) and Elder Rayburn. She didn't fall...her husband caught her...how? I cannot explain. So, then we switched to duck duck goose - katchka katchka hydza! That was the most hilarious moment of my mission. We have some films that hopefully caught the insanity!
Well, on Wednesday we ate our first watermelon! We were having a book stand, and I wasn't to thrilled. People were not being very nice to me. So, our Branch Mission Leader went to buy us some treats! I was so thankful! He bought us each a lovely peach, and then we split a small watermelon! LOVE LIFE!
Our other branch president is just as wonderful. He is a busy man, and he has lots of energy! His wife and baby are even more wonderful! He works about 4 different jobs and even drives to Poland and back w/o sleep! He always worries about us and makes sure to find us the best deals on fresh fruit in the city! Thanks to him we've had some of the best strawberries and cherries of the summer! Wow, it is summer! CRAZY!
The weather changes as often as I crave ice cream. :) (However, I am learning to be temperate, unlike the weather!) It makes life interesting that is for sure. I now cordinate to my umbrella when I get dressed in the morning. It can shower, storm, drizzle, and burn an innocent missionary on the walk to the apartment all in one day.
Today we are going to go as a district to a beautiful park in the center of the city and eat some nice bread and maybe write a letter to you!
I appreciate your thoughts and your love! I love you very much!
never has a missionary had more support than I have!
I wish I could share with you everything! But, time does not allow it!
So, take all the love you can but know that I'm sharing it with all of the Ukrainians in L'viv!
I love you!
Love,
Sister Murphy
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28: Letter to Thompsons
Hello Grandma and Grandpa!
I love you lots!
I am excited for a great week: eating berries and going to the temple to participate in the greatest work on the earth! How blessed we are! I love this church! I love you and your diligence and obedience! You two are amazing! We have had lots of rain, and it's cooled down a lot! Sometimes it is hard for me to believe that it is already...well…almost July! WE are going to have a fun party for the members and our investigators on Saturday! I'm excited! We are going to make some fun flagged desserts and play some fun American games! Also, during our English lessons we are teaching American history! It is so inspiring. I feel the spirit so strong as I talk about the inspired men and women of the revolution!
I love American history and how blessed we are!
I love this church and that through the events led by the Lord, He could again establish His kingdom once more on the earth!
How fun and how great is the work of the Lord!
O, tell Sister Cubr HellO!
And you are going to Idaho? How crazy! Have fun! I'm excited for you! What are you going to do? And then the reunion! OOooo....lucky! What a fun summer you have planned! This is so great! Are you going to write me? I cannot wait to here about your travels and your visits!
Well, did you know that during the open house I will be a temple sister, giving tours and teaching all about the house of the Lord! Sounds exciting! I'll forward Sandra our newsletter with some great pictures of the temple! You can see how beautiful!
Well, I am excited about the work here in L'viv. This week we did a stop by before one of our lessons and had a great conversation with an old investigator. She was very grateful for the missionaries that spent time with her. Although she was not searching to change, she gave us some referrals!
We are going though our area book and have some great exciting goals - this week we are going to find our next baptism! So, we shall do it!
I love Sister Robinson. She is an amazing and smart missionary! I am learning so much from her and from all of these great people I serve with and have the opportunity to serve. I am learning that although I am weak, I am stronger with the gospel and from the power of Christ. I love L'viv! I love the strength of the members and their willingness to come with us.
Yesterday, I saw two beautiful ladies standing together. It was actually miraculous: We missed our stop. Therefore, we got off on theirs! They were standing and happily waiting for their marshytka. I asked them for a little bit of help - and we spent the next five minutes talking! One was a widow with two teenage boys. The other was an 87-year-old grandma! They were so happy and so interested in us! It was refreshing to see how the Lord led us right to them, and we didn't even know it. I am also grateful for impatient and "hard of hearing" Marshytka drivers who can also act as instruments in the hands of the Lord!
Then, on that same Marshytka, I sat next to an extremely nice woman who loved to visit all of the different churches in L'viv. She even offered to take me a tour of her favorites. I asked her if she had ever been to ours. Her 11 year old daughter was excited about visiting another church. I decided to ask her why she thought there were so many churches on the earth. Her daughter was stunned. She thought seriously about it and said, I don't think I am going to be able to sleep tonight! So, I gave her a Joseph Smith pamphlet and told her the answer was in there! She was charming!
Well, I hope you have a great day!
I don't have much time...
But, I love you!
Love,
Sister Murphy
June 28: Letter to Sandra
I LOVE YOU!
I decided to write you today and tell you some funny things that will make you laugh.
Our district sang during zone conference. It was fun. I was sick, and they made a lot of adaptations for me! Unified! We took it down a step, and my companion and I sang the alto line (more or less!) We sang "Dear to the Heart of the Shepard!" It was beautiful, but that's because we had a fantastic accompanist. (We stole him from another district!)
Just random sights in L'viv:
I love L'viv! I woke up this morning and the city was under a beautiful fog. It was breathtaking! This city was built mostly by the Austrians and Polish and has the most beautiful architecture I've ever seen. I love the balconies, and I love visiting the members and seeing new parts of the city and their spectacular views! This morning we had a great study! I love to study the scriptures, and I am so grateful for the missionary schedule! I love the time. I know being in the world is hard. A missionary really is set-apart-set apart from the world! (Hence the minimal attention to fashion. Sometimes I feel very plain and...uh...well...not really gross...but Sister Robinson and I laugh a lot when we meet at the door to say our prayer to go out on the street.) I'm even wearing black shoes with brown skirts! (My brown shoes are destroyed already - well they went pretty fast.) Well, I still have a great pair of sturdy black shoes. They take me up the long flights of stairs. In elevators there is a nice wrench of evidence of the drunken men that linger around...hence the reason we take the stairs more than necessary.
Walking on the streets of L'viv is almost a surreal experience, but there are always things that help pull me back to life. Like the smell of bread! Yum, I love the bread stands scattered around the city. Sometimes, it is just the strange sights like the pig being walked in the city center. It was cute and had a pink curly tail! There was also a cute Siamese cat sitting on the shoulder of a very tall man walking across the cross walk. I just laugh!
Yesterday we met two very nice women and had two crazy lessons. We also had two wonderful sacrament meetings! I am thankful for this gospel! I am thankful for the scriptures. I am thankful for the faith that I have. Do you realize how much faith it takes to say that there is only one true church on the earth? It takes a lot! It takes more faith than to just simply say that God lives. I believe that God Lives! And I believe that He loves us! Because I know that He loves us, and I have faith in His love; I understand that He wants to communicate with us today! I believe that He still speaks through prophets of God today! I believe that He still reveals His plan, that there is help for us today. He doesn't just watch the world to get more wicked; He also helps His children to be more holy!
Well, this week was crazy. And this week...We have to find those who will have this faith and those who are willing to strengthen their faith.
Well, you asked how the language is... I told you about translating for Sister Steinagel’s talk? Well, needless to say...I have to figure out how to speak Ukrainian before we have the temple open house. I'm kind of frustrated. I see how the gift of tongues has worked for me (during lessons when the spirit is with me, the lessons are strong and powerful). But, I want to be able to speak the language. I have been out already a year, and I sound like I've only been here for 4 months (like my companion now and the other Elders that came out with her). However, I am able to understand, and I am grateful.
You've asked how the people are: well, I received two really cute letters from two girls from xlmelnetsky. I miss them much! I was supposed to e-mail them today, but I don't think I'll have enough time.
I love you!
I hope you know that despite the challenges of my mission. I love it! I am thankful everyday for the time I have to serve the Lord.
I don't really know what else to say but I love to work. I feel that I work too much (my companions always say that they are exhausted, and I feel like we haven't done anything). Maybe it means that I'm not doing what really matters. I don't know....
Well, I love you!
I hope to have some cute Ukrainian baby clothes for the cute little princess! Will she be a princess?
What kind of baby girl do you want?
Are you excited?
I am!
Love you lots
Sister Murphy
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 22
Well,
Good Morning...or afternoon! Mornings are always better; you still have the whole day ahead with numberless things to do. It's the afternoon that begins to get rushed and hurried and well...I love mornings. Especially today. There was a nice humid dense air and a fog over the city. It's cooled down again, and I'm grateful. I am not ready for summer. It was extremely hot here these past two weeks. However, the Lord has blessed us! Well, This week was crazy busy. Are all weeks crazy busy? This week we planned a reach out night with the members of the church on Friday and Saturday. So, we had to plan a bunch of lessons and get some enthusiasm! We did it Friday with one branch and Saturday with the other. We also had Sister Howell and her companion (Sister Vesottska) with us. They came up Friday night. We had a fun busy exchange. I gave a talk on Sunday and then translated for Sister Steinegel....but...I made a pretty laughable mistake. Well, I'll tell you the story that I poorly translated.
The temple workers laid down the sod this past week! It was all beautiful and green. Well, sod is special. It isn't rooted down and gets dry. It doesn't have the support from the root systems to live. So, without rain and hot temperatures, it is necessary to keep the grass moist, saturated - even soaked. However, in Kiev for a few days with scorching hot temperatures and no rain, they were beginning to worry about the sod. On Sunday, members of the church saw people working on the temple and called Sister Steinegel to inquire. (The Sabbath day is a holy day). Well, she called her husband who texted the temple architect. (He is an amazing man.) However, he was in Boston. (His son was graduating from Harvard.). He texted back that it was probably something to do with the temple sod and probably an emergency. So, the members decided to pray and even fast. Well, it wasn't but a few hours that Kiev was soaked in a down pour. The men were no longer required. The Lord will take care of His house, and, of course, He always answers prayers!
Well, It was a beautiful story, and even in English I cannot tell it like Sister Steinagel. However, I did not know the word for sod...So I just used the word for grass....however...the word for grass is trava...and the month of May is called grass in a special form....traven....and I'm pretty sure I said that they were laying May and planting May. Pretty miraculous indeed.
Oh, well...as you can see I still have a whole mountain to climb in learning a language.
and miles to climb in learning how to be an effective missionary.
Other interesting stories. We bought cherries! and strawberries! Yummy. We bought the cherries for dinner at church one night this last week and went to church to rinse them off and chow down. One of the members came in, and we offered to share! He happily excepted our invitation. However, during our conversation and our satisfying snack of cherries, he offered to tell us something that he was sure we never knew. We were curious. He cut a cherry in half and popped out the seed uncovering a small tiny little worm. He then informed us that in Ukraine they don't use pesticides, and in every little cherry, we would find a nice little friend. We began the inspection...and sure enough...well...needless to say our dinner had a tragic turn of events.
Love it!
Well, October...I still have one more chance...I'm not giving up. I'm going to make sure in my next interview with President...so...then we'll no for sure!
So, L'viv! It's beautiful and lot of work to do. This last week we met some elect people! I'm excited for this week! We are planning on teaching boldly and I hope I am ready!
Well, I love you both!
I think you are wonderful!
I love you tons!
How far is Kansas City?
The temple will be dedicated in August! It is soon and the Lord has told us that there are 50 people who He wants us to find (as a mission) to baptize before then! Wouldn't that be an amazing time to be baptized! President Monson is officially coming too! I'm excited! How miraculous!
There is a temple past the Iron Curtain. It only fell 20 years ago. The Lord has many blessings for these people. You know another miracle - to build a temple there needs to be a lot of members....well....Ukraine doesn't even have half of the required quota...but they are getting a temple! Blessed!
Well, I don't have much time...but I wanted to tell you what I studied today.
It was Mosiah 23 vs. 17. It about Alma and they are afraid, and then Alma tells them to remember the Lord. Isn't that amazing. We covenant to remember the Lord always when are baptized and every Sunday when we partake of the Sacrament again! What a blessing. When we remember the Lord we receive more power - more faith - and He can deliver us from our enemies and problems - spiritual and physical!
Well, I love you!
Love Sister Murphy
Good Morning...or afternoon! Mornings are always better; you still have the whole day ahead with numberless things to do. It's the afternoon that begins to get rushed and hurried and well...I love mornings. Especially today. There was a nice humid dense air and a fog over the city. It's cooled down again, and I'm grateful. I am not ready for summer. It was extremely hot here these past two weeks. However, the Lord has blessed us! Well, This week was crazy busy. Are all weeks crazy busy? This week we planned a reach out night with the members of the church on Friday and Saturday. So, we had to plan a bunch of lessons and get some enthusiasm! We did it Friday with one branch and Saturday with the other. We also had Sister Howell and her companion (Sister Vesottska) with us. They came up Friday night. We had a fun busy exchange. I gave a talk on Sunday and then translated for Sister Steinegel....but...I made a pretty laughable mistake. Well, I'll tell you the story that I poorly translated.
The temple workers laid down the sod this past week! It was all beautiful and green. Well, sod is special. It isn't rooted down and gets dry. It doesn't have the support from the root systems to live. So, without rain and hot temperatures, it is necessary to keep the grass moist, saturated - even soaked. However, in Kiev for a few days with scorching hot temperatures and no rain, they were beginning to worry about the sod. On Sunday, members of the church saw people working on the temple and called Sister Steinegel to inquire. (The Sabbath day is a holy day). Well, she called her husband who texted the temple architect. (He is an amazing man.) However, he was in Boston. (His son was graduating from Harvard.). He texted back that it was probably something to do with the temple sod and probably an emergency. So, the members decided to pray and even fast. Well, it wasn't but a few hours that Kiev was soaked in a down pour. The men were no longer required. The Lord will take care of His house, and, of course, He always answers prayers!
Well, It was a beautiful story, and even in English I cannot tell it like Sister Steinagel. However, I did not know the word for sod...So I just used the word for grass....however...the word for grass is trava...and the month of May is called grass in a special form....traven....and I'm pretty sure I said that they were laying May and planting May. Pretty miraculous indeed.
Oh, well...as you can see I still have a whole mountain to climb in learning a language.
and miles to climb in learning how to be an effective missionary.
Other interesting stories. We bought cherries! and strawberries! Yummy. We bought the cherries for dinner at church one night this last week and went to church to rinse them off and chow down. One of the members came in, and we offered to share! He happily excepted our invitation. However, during our conversation and our satisfying snack of cherries, he offered to tell us something that he was sure we never knew. We were curious. He cut a cherry in half and popped out the seed uncovering a small tiny little worm. He then informed us that in Ukraine they don't use pesticides, and in every little cherry, we would find a nice little friend. We began the inspection...and sure enough...well...needless to say our dinner had a tragic turn of events.
Love it!
Well, October...I still have one more chance...I'm not giving up. I'm going to make sure in my next interview with President...so...then we'll no for sure!
So, L'viv! It's beautiful and lot of work to do. This last week we met some elect people! I'm excited for this week! We are planning on teaching boldly and I hope I am ready!
Well, I love you both!
I think you are wonderful!
I love you tons!
How far is Kansas City?
The temple will be dedicated in August! It is soon and the Lord has told us that there are 50 people who He wants us to find (as a mission) to baptize before then! Wouldn't that be an amazing time to be baptized! President Monson is officially coming too! I'm excited! How miraculous!
There is a temple past the Iron Curtain. It only fell 20 years ago. The Lord has many blessings for these people. You know another miracle - to build a temple there needs to be a lot of members....well....Ukraine doesn't even have half of the required quota...but they are getting a temple! Blessed!
Well, I don't have much time...but I wanted to tell you what I studied today.
It was Mosiah 23 vs. 17. It about Alma and they are afraid, and then Alma tells them to remember the Lord. Isn't that amazing. We covenant to remember the Lord always when are baptized and every Sunday when we partake of the Sacrament again! What a blessing. When we remember the Lord we receive more power - more faith - and He can deliver us from our enemies and problems - spiritual and physical!
Well, I love you!
Love Sister Murphy
Sunday, June 20, 2010
June 14: letter to the Thompsons
Grandma and Grandpa!
Where do the days go? Can you tell me next week? It's something I've always wondered. They don't just disappear do they...after all that was done in just one day? Well, it certainly has been a long week! I don't have much time. So, I want to tell you:
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! I love you!
Oh, guess what, I received the most amazing package from Joyce. It's going to take me a whole month to get through all of the amazing stuff she sent! I am glad I have a companion! So, we have a new goal! 50 baptisms 'til the opening of the temple! Amazing, huh! I'm excited about that. So, my companion and I are going to make brownies for all of the elders in our zone! That means every week, when our zone leaders go on their exchanges in the other cities they can take them with them! They are baptism brownies! We want everyone to feel unified and excited. We are the only sisters in this zone, and we don't have a senior couple either. It's up to sister Robinson and I! We are excited. We have some amazing missionaries here! What a fun week! You wrote this quite early this morning or just really late last night! Thanks for thinking of me!
We just bought a bunch of strawberries from one of our branch presidents! I'm excited. Did I tell you, I have two branches now! They are wonderful and fun! Yummy...blueberries...
I don't have much time. But, I think you are the greatest and the most fun.
3 sets of Jehovah’s witnesses contacted us this week! They are such amazing people and I have so much respect for them. They really know so much truth. Some of them probably know more truth than our members. HOWEVER, we have the authority. Isn't it great to know that God has called a prophet on the Earth? TODAY! What a blessing. It is great to have truth. But, it is even better to have authority! Hey, I'm going to see the prophet in a few months. CRAZY! I'm excited! We have a lot of work to do to be able to qualify for the blessing He has bestowed upon us. We have to be better so we can represent the truth that we have! It is a huge commitment and responsibility, but what a huge endowment we have already received!
Well, enjoy the heat.
IT IS HOT HERE!
Whoa,
I am in L'viv and I love it. The food is excellent. Especially Elder Rayburn (He is basically the chef in the mission, and he is now my district leader!) That means I'm eating well!
He made Borsh and chicken and rice for our district last week. The Lord loves me even in his bestowal of strange gifts!
I love the Lord for all He has given me!
I love you for you were also a blessing given from the Lord!
Love you lots,
Sister Murphy
June 14: letter to Sandra
I just have to tell you it still seems unreal that I am actually in L'viv. I am super excited for this transfer, well, for everything! I have an amazing companion! She is beautiful and fun, and she speaks Ukrainian better than I do! We are planning on baptizing, and we are planning on working as hard as we can to strengthen these wonderful people who live in this fabulously beautiful city! We had a great lesson this week. (well, not just one....) It started with Pres. Molonos asking our investigator if she was progressing. Well, during our lesson - she asked us if we wanted her to get baptized. Strangely enough, I've never been asked that before, and Sister Robinson and I almost jumped out of our seats with excitement as we explained our feelings to her. She is a beautiful lady. She still has some concerns, but we are praying for her and planning for her miraculous change! I love baptism too!
It seems strange to be all the way out here...almost another country...they all speak a different language too! чистий Ukrainian! I feel so blessed; my whole mission I have been rewarded with blessings, and I am just amazed at the mercy of the Lord. Well, this week (after being contacted by 4 Jehovah's Witnesses) my appreciation of the restoration has grown even more. What a great blessing! I am thankful for the Prophet Joseph Smith, for the Book of Mormon, and for the Priesthood. I am especially grateful that I have a testimony of the gospel. So, thankful that I want to share it with anyone! Well, those who will accept it and partake of the amazing blessings available; the blessings God wants all of His children to have!
I have a great district! I don't know what to say about them.
Things are great and busy, and I'm just trying to learn the will of the Lord for me! Missionary Work is the greatest!
It sounds like you had a fun week.
Maybe I'll run a marathon with Will next year.
What think you?
How are you?
I hope you are happy and not stressed. How many weeks is a pregnancy? What craziness. Thank you for doing all of the hard things before me!
I love you. You can lead me in my life when I get back!
I just wish there was more time in a P-day. I would write everyone who has a special spot in my heart, everyone that lives in the great city of Russellville and Mountain Home. Can you sacrifice a few minutes for me and do that? I love you!
I love them, and it hurts my heart not to be able to thank them!
So, I live vicariously through you!
I cry every time I don't get to tell you how dear you are too me. You are so amazing!
I'm excited to have a niece!
Love you lots!
Have a great day!
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 7: Letter to Thompsons
Oh, Grandpa, how do you let Grandma ramble on like that? She is a little excited to see me I think, so excited she is already planning my wedding. STOP HER PLEASE!!!
No, your letter was extremely hilarious. You two are too fun. I love and miss you too! And of course, when you have had such success in marriage, you of course want to help others! So, I appreciate it!
Do you know how blessed I am? We got to go to the temple yesterday. Oh, we also had an exchange again, and I had an opportunity to serve with a beautiful Ukrainian, Sveta Likova. She is an angel. We taught a wonderful lesson to a lady name Olya! We talked about miracles and how it was a miracle that we have the church with us today! It was so powerful. I shared with her a few miracles that have happened in my life, and then she realized she has seen some miracles too. Sister Likova testified of the blessings she has received while she has been on her mission for 6 weeks (she is a mini-missionary), and it was so powerful! i love this church. I love my family.
The other exciting news: I'm serving in two branches! Real branches in a real church owned building! AND IT"S BEAUTIFULLY situated in the center of the loveliest city in Ukraine! Guess what: Sister Murphy is in L'viv! I also have a great companion! Sister Robinson. She is a beautiful California girl who is speaking Ukrainian gracefully, and she has only been here for 3 months. I just cannot wait to see what L'viv will do for me. Oh, by the way, L'viv is patriotic: THEY SPEAK UKRANIAN with pride and with ease. I'm hoping it won't take to long for the sergic to get out of me.
Oh, and yes. I know the Ukrainian speaking elder! Elder Prawitt! He is a great elder! It was sad to see him go home, but he continued his mission.
Yes, I got two lovely packages! Joyce and Kevin are so wonderful! They spoiled me and my sweet loving companion who loves sweets! We are excited! I also got a cute little package from my friends Shawna and Brad. She is also pregnant and is having a baby. She served her mission on Temple Square! She also sent some awesome pictures of her wedding!
Oh my goodness: I just sat at the feet of an apostle! Elder Scott visited us on Saturday. It was an amazing blessing, and I am serving in the best mission in the world! He shared with us some very spiritual experiences, and I felt so uplifted! I know that he is an apostle of the Lord. He has a great calling, and the Lord supports him! He serves with 11 other ordained men of God who support the Prophet of God. What a miracle! What a miracle to have God's power on the earth today. I believe in miracles! I know that God loves us. I know it is miraculous to have the church restored on the earth today! It is miraculous that we know this truth. Thank you! Thank you grandma and grandpa for listening and changing your lives. Thank you for preparing yourselves for this glorious truth! I am excited to attribute this blessing to you to the people I teach! You are wonderful!
My license will expire on my birthday. Oh well, I don't have a car anymore. That was another miracle. The bug was smashed by a tree. How ironic. And yet, miraculous! What an amazing blessing to be able to pay for my mission!
Well, I might pick some strawberries for our branch president. I have had some good teachers and some rewarding experiences! I am so thankful for Sister Hall and your service! She is an amazing woman isn't she! Well, there are so many amazing women back home! I miss you all! I love you all, and I'm thankful for every single influence you have had in my life. The word for influence in Ukrainian is closely connected to the word fruit...or the fruit of a tree. I see that. How these amazing women have helped me to grow and bring forth fruit. I am eternally indebted! I could start a list, but it would include everyone in the ward so....Here is my thank you:
_______________,
(insert name here)
Thank you for the wonderful influence you have had on my life. I appreciate your example and your love! You are an amazing woman, and you have done so much for me and no doubt millions of others! You are wonderful! I love you!
Love,
Sister Murphy
Well, I hope you have a great day!
Love,
Sister Murphy
p.s. as much as I love you...I am not counting down the days...HOweVER! I am counting down the days until our temple is dedicated and the Prophet comes...we have 12 weeks! MIRACULOUS!
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