Happy Monday, everybody!

For the first time I have some unique news: I am not getting transferred this time! I feel like I have a ton of free time today now that I don't have to pack :) I was really certain that I was leaving, but Heavenly Father has a different idea. I'm glad. I feel like I still have a lot to do here. And being with Sister W makes me so happy! She and I have been through a LOT of hard and wonderful experiences. I'm excited to see what adventures and trials we'll face in the next six weeks!

This week we started teaching a woman who has been so prepared to hear from us. She used to think that Mormons were a cult, but when we knocked on her door, she immediately knew that it wasn't true. She has loved everything that she's learned and finds a lot of peace and joy with the truth she's finding. Some things have never occurred to her, but she said that it all makes sense. She's a sweetheart and we love her so much!

I loved the women's conference on Saturday! What I walked away with from that meeting was very special. We are supposed to be united and to serve each other. I also left with greater love for my mother and grandmothers. I know that I have been extremely blessed to be part of my family. I want everyone to know that I have such a spectacular family!!!

Mosiah 24:14 We're given trials to be witnesses of God. I know that He loves us. Wishing everyone a happy spring! Be grateful that I'm not home for April Fool's Day :D Have a wonderful week!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone! I'm writing this one first because I have SO much to say! This week has been absolutely incredible! We have seen a lot of miracles happen daily.

One of my favorites was when we had the prompting to call one of the sisters in the ward. We did so and asked if we could visit her later that day. When we went to see her, she asked why we called at the time we did. She had been having a very hard day and needed someone there to simply give her a hug and help her. It strengthened my testimony of how Heavenly Father knows each of us and prepares a way for our needs to be met through others. I'm grateful that we called her.

The most amazing thing happened halfway through the week. I briefly mentioned the gentleman that we've been teaching who gave us his coffee last week. He had a long, wearying battle against the adversary. On Wednesday he faced his greatest turning point, and we had prepared long and hard to help him. He made a commitment that he has struggled with for a long time. By the end of the lesson, he was full of joy to do that one thing. He was baptized and confirmed this weekend. He has become such a dear friend and I've been inspired by his faith and determination. His baptism was beautiful and very special. I'm so blessed to know him.

I've probably started to be annoying, but I just have to say that members make the difference! Our lesson wouldn't have happened without the sister who once had to make the same decision before her own baptism. The members bring such a special and powerful testimony that brings the Spirit in full force. When opportunities come to help the missionaries, I would exhort you to help in every way possible. I know it takes sacrifice, but the blessings outweigh the sacrifice.

I know that this church is Jesus Christ's church and that He is at the head of it. He expects us to share our testimonies with others and promises that as we do so we may help bring salvation to them (3 Nephi 18:32). I hope you all have a week full of miracles and wonderful experiences!

Goodness! One of these days I'll write the long email first! We only get an hour total to email. Sorry this one will be short, too.

The temple and zone conference were absolutely incredible! I really loved both. Questions are answered through scriptures and prayers. I'm grateful for that special gift.

Story for the week: A man that we've been teaching is getting baptized this Saturday. (Please pray for him!) He whimpered when we taught the word of wisdom. He actually thought that we were kidding about not drinking coffee. He hid his face when he handed it over as he said, "If that's what I gotta do, then it's what I'll do." His faith has strengthened me so much.

I love y'all! Have a wonderful week and I'll try to write more next week!
Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone! I'm super excited to write to you! We're about to go to a mission fun day with President and Sister Porter, so this may be a bit short.

Miracles abound! We have had some rough days, but we've had some wonderful days, too. One woman threatened to call the cops on us... That was fun :) We had a powerful lesson on the front porch of a man's home. He is going to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. Another man has only had a copy of the Book of Mormon for a few days, but in that short time we've seen more light and joy in him.

I want to share my witness of Jesus Christ. This week I have literally leaned on the Atonement more that I can remember ever doing before. Psalms 37:3-7 have meant a lot to me in the last few days. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is my strength and the difference in the things I cannot do. I know that His love is endless and perfect. I love Him so much. How grateful I am for Him!

Your prayers have been felt and are greatly appreciated. Along with the fun day today, we'll have a zone conference and a temple trip. This week is going to be incredible! I hope that y'all have a week just as great!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone! This week has been full of so many miracles! Sister W and I have been tremendously blessed since I last wrote. We are teaching four families and several individuals that were put in our path. One man wants to be baptized, but he's slow getting to it. Please pray for him!Sister W is super amazing! She and I are as opposite as we can be, but that just makes us more able to help people here. :) Both of us have changed so much in the last week. That's probably the greatest miracle of all. When we forget ourselves and just keep working, we see the blessings almost immediately.

Yesterday church was only one hour long because of a storm that came. After we got home, we decided that we needed to go out despite the weather. We tried meeting a few people. It was freezing, so most people didn't want to talk. We knocked on one door at the end of  the street in a neighborhood. (That's always when a miracle happens.) A man answered and immediately invited us in. He said that his neighbors always talked about Mormons knocking on their doors, but that he'd never had it happen to him. He is SO ready for the gospel! The Lord has prepared him to meet us. He and his family want to come to church and read the Book of Mormon.

I wish I could list all of the miracles I've seen just in the last week. I know that Heavenly Father has blessed us for our obedience. Ammon said it perfectly in Alma 26 when he said, "And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul . . . Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many . . ." That's true even especially in Ohio!

Have a wonderful week! Keep up the missionary work!

Wow! I'm back in L'il Miami! :D I knew that I would be coming back, but I didn't realize that it would be so soon. Sister W is brand new from the MTC and on fire! We've both learned a lot and been stretched so much in the last week. I love her so much. I know that we're companions for a reason. This is a young and developing area, so we have lots of room for the grace of God. 

On Saturday we went to a baptism because I was asked to be the pianist. Just 2 hours before the baptism, we went back to our car after knocking doors (I totally threw a football with a dad and his son then taught them the entire restoration with Sister W - useful talent!). The car clicked... dead battery. We looked across the street and saw a couple men working on their cars. We went to ask for help. People don't usually talk to them, so they were happy to help and jump the car. We're definitely taking cookies later! We replaced the battery and went to the baptism. It was a wonderful experience.

The picture is a girl we're starting to teach. She loves make up, so she gave us a make over even though we were already wearing make up :) Sweet Frog is a great place to go! I will miss the Sisters from my last area, but I love the Sisters here, too!

Prayers are always needed. I know that there have already been many. Thank you for the support and everything! Have a fantastic week!

Sorry, this is going to be a short letter again, but it is full of love! :)

The baptism went extremely well. The woman that was baptized is SO incredible! Sister S and I agree that our musical number was the best when we played it there. The practices were just okay. It was a very special experience for everyone there.

So... I'm getting transferred again. :) Tomorrow is when I leave Cherry Grove. Sister S was heaven sent for me. I couldn't ask for a better companion. I'm really sad, but I know that I've fulfilled my purpose here at this time. I have no regrets. Also, I'm training. I just found out a few hours ago and I still don't know what to think. I'm scared out of my mind, but I have more faith in Heavenly Father. Hopefully because I don't know much He can do more with me. Please pray for me and my new companion! 

Miracles continue to happen! Please don't be afraid to talk to people. This is part of your lifestyle, not just a religion. When you open your mouth Heavenly Father can fill it. Pay attention to thoughts you have because often that's how you can help others when they come to mind. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here. I hope you all have a wonderful week! 

Sister Murdoch