Hello, everyone! My time as a missionary is coming to an end, but just beginning.

I want to thank you for the prayers that you sent for Ollie. He did not make it to his baptism, but I felt a remarkable peace which means that everything will be fine and work out (2 Nephi 2:24).

I am at loss for what to say. I have loved being a missionary so much that I am honestly heartbroken that I am leaving Ohio and Indiana. This has become my home in so many ways, but I have learned that anywhere there are people I love is home.

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." ~ 2 Timothy 4:6-8

I love being a missionary! I love the Lord and I love the people He has put in my life, especially for all of you who have been my support. I love you!

Sister Murdoch

Ohio Cincinnati Mission

Hello, everyone!

This last week was absolutely incredible! We found lots of new friends to teach and had lots of service to do. It's fun being a missionary. I love serving in Columbia City! I felt such a love for them all as we were in church yesterday. It's amazing how quickly I can love people and want so much to help them. It is one of my greatest joys to experience that feeling daily.

I want to share a miracle that happened. About two weeks ago, Sister Mickelsen and I were running at 6:30 in the morning, just like we always do. There is never a question about it, we are asked to run daily, and so we do it. It never really seemed like a big deal, though I have enjoyed handing cards out to people we run by. However, one particular morning, a gentleman pulled over and said,

"Good morning! I see you out running every morning. You two are so diligent! What are you training for?" We responded that we weren't training for anything; just being obedient. He was very impressed. He said that he wanted to talk with us more, but he had to get to work. We didn't see him for two weeks. I knew that he lived in the complex, but I didn't know how on earth we would meet him again. During that time we didn't see him, I prayed that he would find us again.

Friday our mission had a "car fast." No one in the mission drove at all. We all walked or biked, and it was probably the hottest day all week up here. (Trial of faith!) As we were leaving the complex, our friend pulled over again! We exchanged cards, but because of traffic coming, he had to pull away before we gave him our number.

Yesterday morning we called him and invited him to church. He was going to his church, but he said that he would love to sit down with us. We met him outside the complex office later in the evening with a member from the ward. I wish I could tell you how prepared he is! He cried a few times as we talked with him and said that he believes the things we've shared with him. He has 21, 19, and 17 year old daughters. Guess how old us three young women that met him are? 21, 19, and 18. Coincidence? I think not! :) It was a very powerful, spiritual experience for all of us.

I will not have the opportunity to teach him, neither will Sister Mickelsen, because we live in the Huntington Elders area. I am, however, very grateful to be one of the Sisters that first met him and introduced the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to him. Examples go a long way, even if it's just running every morning.

I'll close this epistle now :) I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. He knows everything about everyone of us and will always help and love us. "He hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen" (1 Nephi 9:6).

Have a wonderful week! Don't forget to pray!

Sister Murdoch

P.S. If you need someone to pray for, pray for our friend Ollie who is getting baptized this weekend. Thank you!

                                              Sisters Murdoch and Mickelson

                         Treats for a hot day... just make sure you get neutral colors :)

Treats we bought last week: Sister Mickelsen bought Graeter's ice cream and I bought Gouda cheese :)

                                                       We believe!

Hello, everyone!

This last week was incredible! We worked super hard and had fun and miraculous moments happen.

One way that we like to start teaching people is by playing basketball with the kids when they're outside. We have a great time with them, and quite often the parents will come out to watch and then talk to us. It's a fun way to meet people, and we have success finding families to teach that way. I can't win PIG to save my life, but it serves it's purpose :)

Last Monday evening, we came home from a family home evening with a family and still had some time before curfew. We looked over the names we wrote down to try visiting. Sister Mickelsen had the impression to try a woman that the Bishop's family told us about. We had met her briefly once before about two weeks ago, but didn't have a very long conversation with her. We decided to give it a try.

When we got there, she was extremely overwhelmed. Her husband was working late, the kids needed baths and to get ready for bed, and it had been a stressful day for her. We always offer help, but this time, imagining what her house would look like after a long day, the Spirit gave a suggestion. I asked, "Do you have dishes that need to be done?" She paused for a moment then asked, "Would you really help?" Her voice clearly expressed that she wanted help.

We spent the rest of the evening doing dishes. When her kids were bathed and all in bed, she came to us and asked if we had been visiting our Bishop and his family. When we told her that we had not, she started crying and said, "Then you are truly an answer to prayers."

Since then she has been more open to us, and we're starting to teach her and her family. She texted our Bishop's wife and told her that she was grateful for the Mormon missionaries :) I'm very grateful that she once told us about her neighbor. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers, and I love being able to be the answer when I listen to the Spirit.

I love you all! I hope that you have a marvelous week! Don't forget to look for opportunities to be the answer to somebody's prayer.

Sister Murdoch

                                                I got to hold a pet lizard :)

                  Indiana has some of the most beautiful sunsets that I have ever seen!

Hello everyone!

We are running REALLY low on time, so I have to apologize for not being able to write back to all of you. I did get to read your emails, which I am extremely grateful for. You were all inspired, and I am very grateful for your love and prayers.

Highlights of the week:

- A young man we're teaching came to mutual. It was only a court of honor for scouts, but he absolutely loved it, made some friends, and wants to come every week!

- There is a Reverend that the Elders are teaching who loves this church. He comes every week. Yesterday he bore his testimony (which was written out), and talked more about how great Joseph Smith is than anything else. I love it!

We are seeing miracles everywhere! I love this work, and I love you! Have a spectacular week!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone!

Oh, this was such a miraculous week! It was filled of some of the happiest moments I've had in my life! It was not without it's trials to be sure, but God's grace abounds.

I attended what is called a Legacy Meeting. The missionaries that will be returning home in the next six months go to this meeting to discuss what we can do to continue a legacy in our mission of faith in Christ and power. When we reached the end of the meeting, we had the opportunity to share our testimonies. I found myself practically running to the podium :) I am so grateful to be a missionary, and I have found joy in the work!

Saturday we went to the temple with a gentleman who was recently baptized. They each had the opportunity to do baptisms for the dead (1 Cor. 15:29). It was a blessing to go with him, but for me the extra blessing happened when I saw Sister Belnap, and then I saw who was with her:

The Gonzalez's!!! I cried. I have only two other times in my life that I can remember feeling such joy as I did when I saw them. Despite all of the opposition they had during the week, they came to the temple. Sister Gonzalez asked me if I knew that they were going to be there. When I told her that I didn't, she asked,

"Is this a coincidence?"

"No," I replied. "There are no such things as coincidences."

I believe that's true! Sunday we went to the stake center for a devotional that recent converts speak at. They share their testimonies and stories about how it all happened for them. I was delighted when they both shared their stories. I have been truly blessed to be part of their lives!

Being a missionary is hard. I have experienced first hand the opposition that comes in bringing others to Christ, but I will go through it all of my life so that I can experience this joy for eternity. For the rest of my life I will wear out my life and bringing others to the light (D&C 123:12-17). That is my purpose now, and my purpose forever.

I love all of you! Thank you so much for your prayers and your love! I hope that you have a spectacular week and that it is filled with God's grace.

Sister Murdoch

     I love my amazing companion, Sister Mickelson, and my beautiful Indiana home!

Hello, everyone! I hear it's a little dry out west. I will pray for our thunderstorms to come that way :) Well, here is some delightful news I have:

I'm in the Columbia City ward! Sister Mickelsen is my Sister now. Funny thing, Columbia City is the ward right next to Fort Wayne. In fact, we technically live in Fort Wayne :) Wow! I already knew several people here, so this was a fun transition to make. I have fallen in love with the people and the area already. I love it!

We have had so many blessings from this last week. We found many new people to start teaching. This Saturday we're going to the temple with a man who was recently baptized. He has a family name that he is going to be baptized for, and we're thrilled to go with him!

Oh my goodness! I wish I could explain the feelings of my heart. I learned a lot during our meetings at church yesterday, and it was remarkable to receive so much revelation. I know that Heavenly Father loves us. To quote Elder Holland,

"God expects you to have enough faith, determination, and trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. He expects you not simply to face the future; He expects you to embrace and shape the future—to love it, rejoice in it, and delight in your opportunities.God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe."
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "This, the Greatest of All Dispensations" Liahona July 2007
I know this is true! I know Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to turn to Him so that He can bless us. Turn to Him always. I promise that He hears and answers every prayer.
I love you all! Have a fantastic week!
Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone!

I have news! I'm getting transferred away from Fort Wayne. Sister Belnap and I both knew it would happen. I'm really going to miss my Fort Zion! I have learned and changed so much here. It really feels like home.

Funny story: A man we met gave us a referral for his neighbors across the street. We went to meet them. As we walked up to the door, we heard a man inside yelling profanity. We knocked on the door anyway :)  (One change I've experienced - I'm more bold.)

He answered the door, upset, and explained to us that he was "correcting" his son. I'm pretty sure that isn't the correct word to use...

At first, he was just ticked off and didn't want our card. We talked to him for a minute, and he calmed down. By the time we explained the message of the Restoration, he had a change of heart. When we asked if we could leave our number, he said, "Yes. I'll take your card." His wife came out to talk to us, too. I think she was surprised by the sudden change in his attitude. They are allowing us to come back to share more.

Miracle!

Yesterday, Brother Gonzalez received the Aaronic Priesthood. When he was sustained by the ward in sacrament meeting, I cried. He and his family have changed so much! They are happier than they ever knew was possible, and it's only the beginning. I have never been so happy!

I have seen the gospel bless so many people. I have seen it bless families, and I've especially seen it bless my family. Heavenly Father truly loves us! I know that He sent His Son to be our Savior, and I know that He wants us to prepare for a day when we can see Him again.

I love you all! Have a phenomenal week!

Sister Murdoch

                                  Indiana is beautiful after a rainstorm!

                                        We met a family that had pet ferrets!

Happy Easter, everyone!

Cool thing President Porter taught us this week: Everything that we do has to do with Easter. Because we are always changing, always overcoming weaknesses, we are applying the doctrine of Christ in our lives. Easter is every day!

We spent a lot of time traveling and being in meetings this week. We had a specialized training and also went to the mission home for another leadership council. I learned a lot personally about how we can be better missionaries and better servants.

I want to share with you two things that have changed my life. 

First thing: About 8 months ago, Sister Parker asked me if I love my mission. At the time I honestly couldn't say yes or no. I certainly didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. The question stayed with me since then. On the way home from Cincinnati, I looked out at the moon and the stars between the clouds, thinking of everything that I had learned that day. All of a sudden I felt this overwhelming amount of love for my mission: the people I've taught, the missionaries I've served and served with, the Porter's, the flat lands of Indiana, the rolling hills in Ohio... it just clicked. I love my mission!

I don't know why it took me this long to learn that. I am eternally grateful for my mission. I have come to know my Savior so personally, and my love for Heavenly Father has deepened.

Second thing: General conference was this weekend. Heavenly Father gave me some very special personal revelation. The rest of my life will be spent in building the kingdom of God, and now I know what to do.

I know that Heavenly Father loves us! I am so grateful for the message of Easter that I get to share every day. It is the good news! Today marks 185 years of Christ's restored church being on the earth. That has blessed all of us beyond measure! I love my mission, and I love you! 

Have a marvelous week, and look for the signs of Easter, of the doctrine of Christ in your life!

Sister Murdoch

                                    On the way to Bubble Hockey!

                                                    Easter

 What we do while waiting for Monday morning conference calls - Spree hockey!

Hello, everyone! I wish that I could just send a ton of scriptures to explain this week.

Here are a few:

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory..." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:17

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities.... for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

You'll have to look up Philippians 4:11-13, because I don't have time to do much else.

This has been an extremely trying week, and I have grown a lot. I have come to love my trials because they are new challenges Heavenly Father trusts me with to make me more like Him. I welcome the trials, and I am ready to wear out my life in bringing others to Christ (D&C 123:13).

I love our Father! I know that He knows us and loves us. We are always going up a spiral staircase by improving and doing the things that will help us come home to Him.

Love you all! Have an amazing week!

Sister Murdoch

Greetings from Indiana, the land of miracles!

It has been such a crazy, spectacular week! 

Funny story for the week: last Monday we played volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and four square for a few hours. During ultimate Frisbee, I all but tackled Sister Belnap (on accident). Her face gave my arm a beautiful bruise, which is included in the picture :) 

We had interviews and role plays with our mission president and the assistants on Tuesday, which I always love. It's one of my favorite experiences as a Sister training leader because I get to help with the role plays our missionaries do.

Thursday we went to the temple, which was just amazing! It brought a lot of peace for me. The temple is one of my favorite places to be. I learn so much about Heavenly Father's plan for us when I go. I am grateful for the blessings that come from going to the house of the Lord.

We have still had so much opposition here in Indiana. We have been teaching a lot, but no one is progressing right now. We're still working hard, and I have faith in Christ that it will all work out. Heavenly Father has been so good to us.

I sure love being a missionary! I know that Heavenly Father loves all of us and will guide us in all that we do. I love you all! Have a marvelous week!

1 Nephi 9:6

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everybody! I have so much to say, and so little time to type it.

This last week has been full of opposition in our Fort Zion. Sister Belnap and I went to go serve a man that we've been teaching. He was supposed to get baptized this Saturday, but it will have to happen a different. When we showed up, there were beer cans everywhere. I was crushed. I fought tears all day, and finally let it out when we got home.

We're not the only ones. Almost everyone that I hear from has been experiencing trials of all kinds. Our dear Sister Porter (the mission president's wife and our mission Mom) calls it full court press. For all of you who know don't know a lot about basketball, when the game is close, especially near the end, defense picks up and doesn't wait for anyone, but defends all the way down the court. The idea is to steal the ball and score more points for a victory.

Life is a lot like that. Satan tries so hard to keep up down, to discourage, and dishearten us. He uses full court press to try to beat us. BUT HE CANNOT WIN. God is on our side, and if we are obedient, diligent, and faithful, He will strengthen us and fight with us.

"Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." ~ 2 Chronicles 20:15

I love our Heavenly Father! I love our Savior! I even love our trials that bring us closer to Them because we rely on Their grace to help us. I love being a missionary! The front lines are always more perilous, but also where we see the greatest successes and the greatest miracles.

I love you all! We are all enlisted (see LDS Hymn #250), and I hope that you have a week full of grace, miracles, and lots of happiness, especially in trial!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone!

I have to be brief. I'm still in Fort Wayne, now known as Fort Zion :) Sister Belnap is here, too! We have been working so hard and having a lot of fun!

Yesterday we went to contact a referral a member gave us. When she found out who we were, she said, "This is why people aren't joining your church. You're too aggressive!" I felt bad that she couldn't see why people do join the church.

People looking for eternal happiness with their families join the church. People who want to be freed from addictions, pains, and broken lives join the church. People who learn that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them no matter what join the church.

It's hard to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, but it's even harder not to be. I know that Jesus Christ has restored His authority to the earth. I know that families can be together after this life. I have no doubt that Heavenly Father wants us to come home. He loves us!

That is what I know, and I share it with everyone. Please share your testimony with those you love, too! It may just change their lives. I love you all! Have an amazing week!

Sister Murdoch

Amish country! It's gorgeous!

Hello, everyone! 

I wish I could express what I'm feeling right now. I'll start with transfers.

Sister Ollerton is going home, and I am staying in Fort Wayne! This will be my 6th transfer here, and this feels like my home now. :) Though I will dearly miss Sister Ollerton, I'm excited to find out who I will be serving with next!

Along with transfers, we have a few of our missionaries leaving, including both Sisters in one area. We have about 40 missionaries in the mission going home, so I have a feeling that this is going to be a HUGE transfer meeting. There has been talk of closing some areas, too. I have no idea what will happen, but I do know that President Porter is inspired and every missionary will be sent to the place he or she is needed.

I just found out a few minutes ago that I have been accepted to BYU for school! I'm a little anxious about that, but there's no doubt in my mind that Heavenly Father wants me there. Everything will work out the way it's supposed to, and He will guide me through my adventures.

We had stake conference this weekend. Elder Milan Kunz, an Area Seventy, came. He asked all of the young men and then young women ages 12 and up to stand. As they did, I felt a wave of the Spirit, and sensed greatness in the youth. He encouraged the young men to decide now to serve, not in a few years, and invited the young women to prayerfully decide if Heavenly Father wants them to serve. I received answers to my questions while I was there, and I had to opportunity to be in the choir, so I saw hundreds of people that I love.

I have butterflies in my stomach. I can't believe all that has happened in the last while for me. My life feels like it's turned upside down so many times that I have become accustomed to change. That's what our existence is all about - change.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 has come to my mind as I've been typing this.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Heavenly Father loves us so much that He asks us to change, to use the doctrine of Christ and apply the Atonement in our lives. He wants us to be as happy as He is, and so, knowing that, I invite you all to find the little changes that you can make in your life to become even better than you already are.

I love you all! You're in my prayers and I hope that you have a week full of change!

Sister Murdoch

Happy last week of February, y'all! It's still cold and snowy here, but last week we had one day where we hit 24 degrees. Heat wave! :)

This has been a tough week, but we've been blessed with many miracles. The best one is that Sister Ollerton is feeling better. She was SO sick! We finally went to see a doctor. I was a little nervous, but when one of the members walked in, I felt better. That was amazing that he happened to be the doctor in that day :) He told Sister Ollerton that she had a sinus infection. We bought the prescriptions he gave, and followed the advice: "Rest, rest, rest. Mosiah 4:27" Haha! Genius :) We spent a lot of time inside because of it, but it was very good. Sister Ollerton is feeling so much better and I was able to do some things around the apartment.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to teach a woman who has several friends who are members. They always invited her to activities and church, but she often turned them down. For some reason, she finally accepted the invitation to meet with us. We taught her about the Restoration and invited her to be baptized, and she accepted!

What I learned from this is that we should never give up. It's easy to think that someone isn't interested because he or she wasn't last year, last month, or even last week. However, "the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men" (1 Nephi 9:6). If the Spirit prompts us to say or do something, then it is always time to do it, even if it's hard or scary for us.

I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know without any doubt that he knows us each individually and sends the tender mercies to remind us. I love Him and I'm grateful to serve Him.

Have a marvelous week!

Sister Murdoch

                                                      Beautiful Snow!

                                                    A rendition of me!

                                                   Sister Ollerton at the Dr.

Hello, everyone! For all of you out west, Sister Ollerton and I wish we had your weather :) We had maybe one day last week where the temperature hit double digits. It's been so cold, and so miraculous here!

Because it's been so cold, we've been talking to people in our car more. It's amazing how much happens when you pull over to offer a card! The other day we offered a card to a woman who turned it down, saying, "I already go to church." We told her how great that is and asked where. She told us and then asked, "Are you LDS?" Turns out that she grew up a member, but disappeared. No body here even knew about her. She's letting us come back to see her Saturday!

The Lord promises repeatedly that if we open our mouths that they will be filled (Doctrine & Covenants 33:8-10) and that the Spirit will carry our words to the hearts of those we talk to (2 Nephi 33:1). I have seen and experienced that countless times. Even with negative temperatures we have opened our mouths. Those we talk to are blessed, and so are we.

Never be afraid to open your mouth to share goodness! Heavenly Father will never discourage you from doing that. Someone always needs your good words. I love you all and hope that you have a wonderful (and warm) week!

Sister Murdoch

                                           We love Golden Bears (strawberry lemonade)!

Hello, everybody!

This has been such a trying and wonderful week! We were so blessed to have the Gonzalez family be baptized and confirmed. They are so happy and excited for the adventures to come :) After little Sarah was baptized, we asked her how she felt. "I feel different... in my heart," she said. "It feels good." Aww... I love this family! They're getting ready to go to the temple in a few weeks and next year they can be sealed for time and all eternity.

The woman that thought we were Jehovah's Witnesses came for her church tour. She shared a lot with us and felt the Spirit really strong. She immediately accepted our invitation to come to church. She wasn't able to because she was on her feet at work for 13 hours Saturday and her leg was swollen from it; but she said that she wants to come next week. We're seeing her tomorrow, along with a few of her family members we met.

We've been teaching a gentleman down the street from the Gonzalez family. He's a great guy and going through a lot. He came to church the last two weeks but didn't yesterday. He knows that we're in his life to help him right now. He reminds me of one of my uncles, and I love him as I do my uncle.

I've seen the gospel bless my life. I've seen it bless my family. I wouldn't be out here if I didn't know that what we teach is true. Heavenly Father loves us. He is involved in the details of our lives, and loves us on our good days and not-so-good days. He's our Father. I've come to know Him on a personal level. He truly loves us. Because of His Son, Jesus Christ, I know we can change daily and find joy.

I love you all! Have a stupendous week!

Sister Murdoch

                                                        The Gonzalez Family

                           I know there isn't snow at home. I think it stayed with me!

Hello, everyone! Happy Groundhog Day! I don't know what Phil says, but we got a foot of snow yesterday, so I'm predicting six more weeks of winter :)

We spent a lot of time yesterday shoveling snow, which helped us find some new friends to teach. One woman talked to us for about 15 minutes about all sorts of interesting things that we apparently believe. We tried explaining to her that she must have met someone else, but she kept talking. When she took a breath, we told her that we're LDS missionaries. She said, "Oh! I'm sorry, I thought you were Jehovah's Witnesses! Why didn't you tell me sooner?" :) Haha She's great! She's coming for a church tour this week and she's excited to learn more.

The Gonzalez family is getting baptized this week! Hooray! They are so thrilled and I am so grateful to be part of their lives. This is the first time I've seen a whole family come this far. It makes me happier than anything I can imagine. I love them all so much! They want to have another snowball fight, too :)

Miracles happen! I witness them everyday. I know that Heavenly Father loves and wants to bless us as much as He can. I'm grateful for His Son, Jesus Christ, and for the restored gospel. I testify that it is only through Christ that we can be saved. He saves me everyday.

I love you all! Have a wonderful week, whether it brings snow or sunshine!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, hello! This has been such a wonderful week!

Sister Ollerton is up here now! She's from Snowflake, AZ. We served in the same district a year ago in Cherry Grove. What goes around comes around :) She has been just amazing! Lots of changes have happened in our Fort Wayne family, and they're all great!

Last Monday, Sister Seamons and I were getting out of the car to see the Gonzalez family, and a man was walking by. He was clearly upset and not in a talkative mood, but I had the feeling that I needed to give him a card. He has been going through a lot of trials. He feels like we are an answer to his prayers. We gave him a church tour Saturday, and yesterday he came to church! I know that the Spirit helped him feel peace, and that Spirit prompted him to let us come back.

The Gonzalez family is incredible! They are all changing together. I'm so proud of them for keeping the commitments we invite them to keep. They have overcome a lot of opposition. The Spirit is in their home, and they are all excited for their baptism coming up. Please keep them in your prayers!

I know this work is important, eternally important. I know that our Savior loves us and that He is our strength when we're weak. I am so grateful for Heavenly Father listening to our prayers. He has a plan for each of us. He loves us!

I hope that you have a week full of miracles!

Sister Murdoch 

Hello, everyone!

Oh my goodness.... if you could just see my reaction to what's going on today...

Only 7/16 missionaries in our zone are staying... including me. Sister Seamons is leaving, and I was 98% sure that I would be leaving. I'm terrified. Both of our zone leaders are leaving, and so is our district leader. I kind of feel like I'm being left behind. It's really nerve racking, but I'm SO grateful that I won't have to do it alone. The new Elders and Sisters coming in will become like my own family. I get the feeling that Heavenly Father is trying to prepare me for something, so I'm going to do my best to learn and serve. Please continue to pray for me!

Sister Seamons and I are like 5th cousins by the way :D I don't know what I'm going to do without her. I'm glad that we live pretty close to each other though. It took about 2,000 miles to find a friend about 40 miles away :)

We had the most amazing snowball fight with the Gonzalez family! We randomly showed up at their house to see them, and they let us join their family activity. I'm including a picture of the snowman the girls built. They are doing so well! I love them so much, and I think they're the reason I'm staying in Fort Wayne another transfer. I'm excited to be with them for their baptism in February!

I love you all! Thank you for your prayers. The church is true. Heavenly Father loves you! Have an incredible week!

Sister Murdoch

P.S. Sister Seamons caught me when we walked to see a Sister and take her flowers :)

The Gonzalez Family

Hello, everyone! 

My time is short because we played bubble soccer earlier. That was the best zone fun day ever! :D

The family we're teaching is doing well! They have seen the gospel bless them so much. There are 5 kids, ages 8, 6, 3, 2, and 4 months. The middle child is a boy, so I can relate to being in the middle and being the only one :)

I want you to know that I know Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. This week He has blessed me as I've been continuing to face much opposition. Sometimes I think that I can't do another day, but the Savior always gives me just enough to do it again.

I love you all! Have a fantastic week!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone! If you're reading this, I just want to congratulate you for not dying from eating less, eating healthy, and exercising :D Just teasing! I really do hope that your New Years goals are wonderful and that you're excited for 2015.

Last week we went to see a young lady that we'd met. Her older brother answered the door. When we asked for her, he slowly asked, "What did she do?" Haha! We assured him that she wasn't in trouble and then told him about how Jesus Christ has restored His church. He invited us inside, and we taught him and his girlfriend about it. She was more interested than he was, and we're seeing her again tonight. I'm excited to start teaching them!

We had a wonderful New Year. At 6:30 pm on Dec 31, we were inside working on a little package President and Sister Porter gave to us. It took the rest of the evening and until about 3:00 p.m. on Jan 1 to complete. It was all about who we want to become and what we want to be.

That's what life is all about. We need to focus on the question, "What do I want to be?" more than "What do I want to do?" I'm excited for what 2015 will bring! I'll be doing things that I never dreamed would happen. I welcome the hard and wonderful experiences that will come my way.

I hope that you all have a fantastic week! I love you all!

Sister Murdoch