Week #12 - Soy una gringa de Dios (Whatever that means??) haha

{YAY!! Pictures this week!!}

 

This week has been really rough for my companion so not much happened with contacting! I have a few funny “Hannah moments” so please brace yourself. If you do not know, my mission is basically in the jungle and there are some really weird bugs. A couple of days ago I was getting breakfast ready and I flipping saw a cockroach the size of my hand on the floor. It gets worse..... IT WAS FIGHTING WITH A SCORPION!!!! My companion is the bug killer, but she was in the shower so I had to come up with a creative way to kill it. I probably looked at those bugs for a good 15 minutes before I did anything about it. I was totally stressed out!!!

I took the end of the broom and kept hitting them until they died. It took a good 10 hits for the scorpion to die.  Hermana Moreno walked out when I was trying to kill them and she could not stop laughing! She always tells me that gringas are the biggest babies when it comes to bugs... I believe it. Now I feel like I could live in AZ without any problems!!

 

Mom and Dad, are you proud or what?!!?!?!?!? When I get home I can kill all the bugs in the house :) after 18 months I will be a pro. Anyways, I think Heavenly Father wanted me to learn how to deal with bugs! I need this haha.

 

Anyways, I have a cool experience to tell you all about!  On Saturday the stake was holding an activity for the youth. It was called “Missionary for a Day.” We were able to go around with the youth and teach them what it is like to be a missionary! Yes. I was in charge of 2 girls. By myself.  IN SPANISH. You all have no idea how nervous I was for this. I prayed all morning that it would go well.... and it did! I taught lesson 1 by myself 7 times! I honestly needed that experience because I needed to be more confident with my Spanish. Speaking of my Spanish, I understand well but speaking is hard for me. It is weird because I can have a super long conversation with Hermana Moreno even using past tense but when I get with investigators, I freeze!!! Anyways, it is coming along well. I try and focus on WHY they say what they say instead of what they say and it works really well.

 

This week we have transfers (can you believe I have almost been out for 3 months...) Hermana Moreno and I will still be serving in Barrio Jardin!! We will finish my training together :) She is seriously awesome! I am so grateful for her!

 

Thank you all for the love and support! I love you all more than you know and I love getting your letters and love! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!!

 

Hermana Murphy

this is hermana león. she is a doll and she cleans our clothes

 

 

oh yeah. i forgot to tell you my foot is super swollen by some weird bug bite....

 

Familia Rios!! Camila, Nedela, me, and Mañuel

 

 

ruins

 

My Zone at the Ruins.......elder muñoz, elder litchfield, me, hermana dance, hermana anderson, hermana gonzales, hermana moreno, hermana larzo

 

This last picture was sent especially to Rick.......she knows her daddy well..........

 

we eat this basically everyday. you should be jealous :)

 

just kidding. i feel like i break the WofW at every meal!!

 

Week #11 - ALMOST Like Disneyland..........

Hello everyone!

My heart has returned to a normal beating pattern and the knot has left my stomach.......we FINALLY heard from Hannah today.  I didn’t ever think about how unsettling it would be to not hear from your missionary.  But alas, apparently Argentina had a holiday yesterday and therefore the missionaries had to move their P-day until today..........SHWEW! 

Here is Hannah’s letter.  Enjoy!

This week has been crazy!!! Sorry friends, P day for me was on a Tuesday this week. There was some holiday so everything was closed :( This Sunday in AR is Mother’s Day, so have the best mother’s day to all my favorite moms out there! Especially my sweet momma :)

This week has been crazy!!! Disregard everything I said about Jorge, he can be baptized!! Pres. LaPierre said he is all good :) I really enjoy teaching Jorge because I understand him. Not all the time what he is saying, but I understand him spiritually and what he needs spiritually. It is so funny how the Spirit works!!! Sometimes I have no idea what he is saying (he is from Colombia so he talks really fast....) but whenever we teach him, I always know what to say and what scripture story to share with him. It is so cool.

I had my first division with Hermana Anderson on Friday! She is so cool! I learned a lot from her. Something that I really like is that she is a great listener and very patient for her investigators. She is such a great example! She is heading home soon, so she gave me 2 bottles of 100 percent deet and ALL of her gospel library books. (mom be proud, I am already done with 2 of the four... ) The bugs here are insane and my legs are filled with bug bites. but they are healing thanks to Hermana Anderson :)

Hermana Romana Pereyra and her husband Mario came to church on Sunday! They will be getting baptized soon which I am so excited for :) We taught gospel principles and she cried! I seriously love seeing how the Spirit works on people! I just know that this gospel is true and is right for everyone!

I just want to take a minute and describe my days to everyone. A lot of people have asked me if we have cars. No, we do not. So, let me explain our walking days to you all. You know what it is like after a long day at Disneyland? You know, like when you want to ride Tower of Terror and then right after you have to walk to the other park and ride Space Mountain because you have fast passes, and then back to the other park and stand in line for 3 hours? Those are my days. My feet are always Disneyland tired.  But it´s okay because this place is truly the happiest place on earth, not Disneyland. I love it here.

Thank you everyone for your love and support. I love reading your emails and hearing about everything at home. Please don't feel bad if I don't respond! I really do not have much time!!!

Love,

Hermana Murphy

Hannah's mission president: President LaPierre, his wife Hermana LaPierre, Hermana Moreno and Hannah.....the tallest person in Posadas I think.  haha!

Week #10 - This Week........Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......

First off, this week flew by. I appreciate all of your prayers and thoughts, they mean the world to me! Seriously. Thank you. This week has been so great. It was so fun to experience conference in a different country! Although we did watch it in English. We were able to watch it with the Mission President and his sweet wife (who by the way are the coolest people in the world...) and it was a blast. As we were watching conference in English, one Elder walked in late, and President La Pierre said, "Welcome to America!!!" It was so awesome. We had about 20 in the English group. It was so fun. I just love conference. For a missionary, it is like Christmas. 

 

It is so cool how conference will answer so many questions! I went into conference with 5 questions about my life, and they were all answered. If you do not do that for conference, I suggest that you do it for the next one. I challenged my companion, Hermana Moreno, to do it, and she received answers almost immediately!  It is so cool how the Spirit works! I went into conference with some things in my mind about myself, investigators, and family members. I cannot tell you how much I love conference. It is the best!

 

One of my favorite talks was the talk that was the last talk given by David A. Bednar. I loved the story of his two boys and how they cleaned themselves up and then went to share the ointment and bandages with their friends because it made them feel better. I cannot tell you how true this is to my life. There have been so many times that I have been down or sad, and this gospel has helped me. However, I was not always the best at sharing it. Now, I am here, serving a mission bringing people the spiritual ointment and bandages. It feels good. This gospel truly has healing power. Why would we NOT want to share that with our friends?!?! To all reading this, I challenge you to give your friends the spiritual healing that you love so much. It will change their lives because it has changed mine.

 

Other things I enjoyed from conference were the numerous talks about the importance of family and teaching correct principles in the home. I had an experience a few years ago that I want to share that relates to this topic. Something that will forever stick out in my mind is a conversation I had with a family friend right when the mission age was changed. My family was at a missionary homecoming for a family friend. I was talking to the mother, Corrine Andrus and she said something that I think about often while I have been here. She said, "think about how strong these families are going to be because both of the parents have served missions." I love that. One of the reasons that I am here is because I want my future family to benefit from this as well. I have only been here a short time, but I am learning how I can be a better example for my family now and in the future! Sorry for the random thought, I just love families, especially my forevers!!!

 

Some sad news regarding Jorge... He cannot be baptized because he has an illegal job. He is going to continue coming to church, so we will see what happens. We did however commit THREE. I repeat THREE people to baptism! Two of them are the parents to the father Pereyra in my ward here. (My Argentine Family!) Their names are Ramona and Mario Pereyra. They are grandparents of many, so it was fun to talk about how they can be with their family members for forever. I am so happy whenever I talk or teach about the family, because I just love my family so much!!! That was probably one of the biggest highlights of my week.

 

Our other investigator that has committed to baptism is Samanta. She is 18 years old and is in college. She is a doll. She loves learning more about the gospel and it is so cool to see her understand what we are teaching!!

 

This week has been so great and I truly appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers. You all are in my thoughts and prayers too. Have the best week everyone!!! Miss you and love you all more than you could possibly comprehend!

 

Hermana Murphy

Week #9 - What. A. Week.

(The picture was taken on 30 July 2014....exactly two months tomorrow!!)

This week has been CRAZY! Crazy good of course. Last Monday I was having a hard day, and pretty much last week was hard for me. We had FHE with a family in our ward and it totally made my whole day! The Father, Hermano Pereyra is the taxi driver for the whole mission. He. Is. An. Angel. Actually, his whole family are angels. I just love them!!! 

When we got to their house, he was telling me that when he saw me, he knew that I was needed in this ward-- he called me an angel. It seriously made me tear up a little. These people are so sweet. I also have so much love for their daughter, Astrella. She is 6 and always wears my name badge. She says: "Soy Hermana Murphy!!!!!" It is so darn cute. I love her. Anyways, as we were leaving, he told me that I was apart of his family forever! I just love these people here. They are good people. 

We have been teaching a man named Jorge Garcia and it has been going well. He is having a hard time quiting smoking. but he is trying and I know that Heavenly Father appreciates that. When we first started teaching him, he was smoking 5 cigarettes a day. Now he is at 2-3 a day! It is so exciting. Another cool thing that happened when we were teaching the WOW was I had this thought to read him a talk from the Liahona about addictions and how Jesus Christ can always help us. It was so cool. The thought just came into my head. I know it was from the Holy Ghost. Anyways, Jorge is getting baptized on the 22 of October!! I am going to sing at the baptism. You all might laugh, but here, I have the voice of David Johnson. No one here can sing so pretty much I am the Angel of Music. haha. (joking... Dave will always and forever be the angel of music) (Heather note:  This line cracks me up.  We have always called Dave "The Angel of Music" because of his beautiful singing.......and his love for singing songs from Phantom of the Opera.  It cracked me up since she referenced him in her letter.  I'm sure he will feel honored!  Haha)

We have been teaching a girl named Johanna and she will be getting baptized in 2 weeks! It is so exciting. She has taken the lessons really well and loves learning more. She even has been attending seminary. Muy Capo. 

Hermana Moreno and I walk probably 4-6 miles a day in the mud and it is really crazy. I never thought I would say this, but I love crocs more than anything. They have literally saved my feet here!!! (Heather note: I guess I know what I should try and send Hannah for Christmas!  These are the lovely little beauties that she is sporting in Argentina these days)

One thing that I have been focusing on is really coming to know and understand our Savior. That is one thing that I have wanted to really come to know with me being here. I know our Savior. I challenge you all to find your relationship with our Savior. This is the perfect opportunity because this week is Conference!!!! I am so excited to hear the words of the Prophet! This week be thinking of things that you want to find out through Conference! I know your questions will be answered if you really pay attention :)

Remember: Scriptures that are falling apart belong to someone who isn´t :)

Everyone have the best week and thank you so much for the love and support! It means the world to me! :) 

Hermana Murphy

Week #8 - From Posadas With Love.......

Muddy Posadas (or as Hannah says...Mucho Barro) (OR as I say......looks very wet like Oregon....glad the boots came in handy!!  Not to mention the Columbia coat!  That is a similar outfit that Hannah would wear here in Oregon between the months of October and May)

Hola Friends and Family!!!!

I hope you all have been well. I appreciate the time you all spend on sending letters and emails. It means the world to me. This week has been really hard for me. But if I could take one thing from this week it is that God is real and the Atonement is for all of us. As I was reading from the Ensign, I came upon this quote by Dallin H. Oaks. It says, "Jesus Christ knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the good Samaritan in His parable, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He binds up our wounds and cares for us. Brothers and sisters, the healing power of the Atonement is for you, for us, for all." Isn´t that so true? The Atonement is for all of us. For any problem. As Elder Holland said, "Jesus Christ walked a long lonely path utterly alone, so that we do not have to." Christ is going to help us feel better when we are at our lowest points. During this past week, I have seen this work in my life. I am a firm believer in God sends us guardian angels. I have been able to meet a few people here that will forever be in my heart. Hermana León, Hermana Rios, and Valentina Rios. They are so positive and supportive, I just love them. 

 Hannah's area - Barrio Jardin

Downtown Posadas          

Now, Valentina is probably my favorite. She is 4 years old and follows me around everywhere. We visit the Rios family almost everyday because their house is on the way to other investigators houses. Anyways, she always shows me her drawings and wants me to play games with her. She is such a doll. I seriously love these people!!

We have committed 3 people to baptism this week! It is so exciting seeing people change their life for Christ and to gain a strong bond with God. It really touches my heart. This is all of our goals in this life!

Yesterday at church we had 200 people come! It was so awesome. It is a really big ward considering there are not too many members in our mission. These people are good people. They know how to love. I love that these people are so interested in the family. It makes teaching lessons much easier :)

I love these people and the gospel!!!

Thank you again for love and support. You all are awesome:)

Hermana Murphy

YAY!!  This week Hannah was able to include a lot of pictures. ENJOY!

 Hannah's companion Hermano Moreno from Ecuador!

Cute girls.  Looks like Hermano Moreno has learned Hannah's favorite "thumbs up" pose!  haha!  AND......their apartment doesn't look so bad does it?

 Hannah with two tiny missionaries (this picture makes me smile.)  Hannah has ALWAYS been taller than most of her friends.  I just love this picture!  You can tell she loves the people she has met.

These pictures below are of her group traveling from Buenos Aires to Posadas.  Looks like a happy group!

Week #7 - IN ARGENTINA!!!

The girls from Provo MTC saying goodbye at the Buenos Aires Temple.

(Thanks to Courtney & Jill Shumway for sharing this picture.)

Wow. What a week.

We spent over 24 hours traveling to Posadas. We took a bus to the train station and then took that to the SLC airport. It was so fun to spend so much time with all of the missionaries.

We flew to Atlanta, Georgia and spent almost 6 hours in the airport. It was SO good to hear from you mom and dad! I truly miss your voices so much. It has been so long and I wish that I could call you every day just to tell you about my crazy adventures.

Well, I do not want to waste all of my time with talking about traveling so I will skip to Argentina!

I AM IN ARGENTINA!!!!! So crazy.

On Tuesday and Wednesday night we stayed at a hotel with two sisters that are about half way done with their missions. On those two days we had to get more stuff done for our passports for Paraguay. Cool thing, our mission is in Brazil as well!!

We found out our companions on Thursday and I am with Hermana Moreno from Ecuador. She. Is. Darling. She has helped me with my Spanish so much. Our area is Barrio Jardin 2 and we are still in Posadas. I am so glad to be staying in Argentina, because if I was in another country I would have to learn either Guarani or Portuguese. SO many languages. So, just letting you all know I will be learning two other languages as well.

I am in Posadas which is not at all what I was expecting. There is not one paved road within 15 miles and every single day I have mud up my legs. There are dogs EVERYWHERE. If you ever come here, do not try to pet them. I have learned the hard way. 2 dogs have attacked me already! haha, it is okay though I am alive and well!

So far we have taught and contacted so many new people. The other day I contacted 2 people all by myself! yay!! It is so hard speaking Spanish because they all talk so fast and with a crazy accent! It is truly so beautiful though.

The ward has about 100 people in it, it is the second biggest ward in the whole mission! I was asked to speak on Sunday, so I did. Everyone came up to me after and said that my Spanish sounded good, but I know I probably sounded crazy. It is okay, as long as they know that I love this gospel and Jesus Christ, I am happy. 

 

We have been teaching a teenager named Tamara and we will be asking her to be baptized on Thursday. I absolutely love teaching her. She is so open and receptive to the gospel. It is so fun to teach people like her.

I already love it here despite the face-sized bugs.  It is an experience that i will treasure for a lifetime. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done, but I don´t want to be doing anything else.

Why would I want to give up about 2 years of my life to get attacked by dogs, see face-sized spiders, and learn more than one different language? Because I want people to live with their families for eternity. I think I can kill a few spiders for someone´s eternity and for people to have their families for forever. I love this work and helping people everyday.

Thank you all for your love and support!

Hermana Murphy

 

Hannah sent a few other short emails and here are some things she shared in those:

• We live in the safest and nicest place in Posadas. We live behind a ward members house and it is locked up nicely. Oh. I wish you could meet some of these people. They seriously have hearts of gold.
• Okay. All of the kids are obsessed with me because I am a blonde. It is so cute. They all come to my and kiss my cheeks and pull on my skirt. I love it!
• CRAZY STORY!!  We were eating lunch at a members house and this lady said, you are from Oregon? Do you know Hermano McKeehan?  YES, the one that was in our ward!!
  crazy huh? They served together in Cordova Argentina!  It’s a small world in Argentina too!  (I just sent a message to Sean McKeehan to see if he in fact served in Argentina.)
  Also.........Hannah did not include any new address information so I assume that just sending her email or using dearelder.com is the best way to reach her as of right now.  Also.......no pictures this week!  Sigh!

Week #6 - SHWEW!! SHE MADE IT!!!

Facials and hand wraps on the last night in the apartment!!

Email received from Hannah a few hours ago:

"Hi mom and dad! i hope all is well at home and you all are doing well! we flew into posadas last night at around 10 pm. we traveled for more than a day. it was crazy. i love it here and will tell you more on monday! sorry for the no capital letters these key boards are weird. i love you all so much!"

I guess even the computer keyboards are different in Argentina!  I'm just relieved that she has safely arrived in Posadas.  

I will sleep well tonight...............