Hato Mayor Week 1- February 19, 2014

The first week in Hato Mayor was pretty interesting. First off, it is a pretty big ward. They´ve got good leadership, a lot of active men, and there are cars in the parking lot. It is rather different, and the Area isnt even that big. But it is pretty compact, with LOTS of houses. So what are we doing? We are tracting. I came in and there was about 1 investigator, which was a little hard since in Villa Gonzalez we had like 12 or 15 when I left, so why not go and look for them? and we have made up a great way to enjoy it more... We go up to people and say a random name ¨Julio Vasquez?¨ then they usually say ¨no, mi nombre es ______¨ then we start talking to them. It makes it fun because we have a competition. So far I have guessed a first name and a different time a last name.

But yeah, we have found some good people and had some funny experiences. One inactive member we found beating a chicken and a few guys who wanted to argue about which books are inspired and which ones arent in the Bible, but also we have really gotten some real miracles. People who LOVED sharing with the missionaries but they just didnt continue for different reasons so now they want to get back on the train! It is pretty fun. That is what happens when you talk with the majority of people here. 

Also, there are a lot of part member families here, so we are going to work with them too. And we are already seeing success! It is amazing how far a simple invitation can go. 

But I am asking myself - what is it that I can do to help this ward progress? It is already strong... So I am looking back at what the Northwood Ward did out there at home. Bring a friend to church day, and different things like that. 

Elder Salgado is from small town Peru. He is shorter than Elder Villanueva, which is pretty funny, and he is a good guy. He is a quiet but funny spiritual guy. He really tries to listen to people and to the spirit so that he can help the people. 

I am glad that the funerals went well. The Grow and Bollard families are both in my prayers, and I am so greatful that they have the hope that comes from the restored gospel of Jesus Christ so that they can look forward in this time. 

Love you all! Thanks for all you do.

Elder Dallin Murphy

Changes- February 12, 2014

First off, I would like to say a few things about a very special person to me. Sister Cristy Bollard passed away today, and it is really hard to imagine. Wow, I hope that really all is well in Irvine, I know that the Bollard family has the strength and fortified faith to get through this hard time. I remember the last time I had the chance to talk to her, it was quite a special moment for me. I know she is well, I preach hope and I need to live what I preach. Although it is hard and I will never be able to say anthing like its ok, we know that she is okay on the other side. She isnt sick anymore, she is just now cheering Charlie and I and the other missionaries on as she hopes that we can go help save people in this work. The Lord and his mercy are the most real things in my life right now, I can feel her presence and love always.

But I got transfered! Now I am in Hato Mayor, a part of Santiago out in the East part. It is pretty different here, theres cars and streets and no tabaco. Although I was a little sad when I found out that I was leaving, I know that really I am supposed to be here. I entered into a branch 6 months ago in Villa that needed a lot of help. The  mission work was next to dead. But now it really is moving quickly, and the Lord wants me to wake up another ward that is in a deep sleep, mission work wise.  My companion is a little peruvian guy named Elder Salgado, I am excited to work with him. MAN! We are going to do work. I will probably be with him for 2 transfers since he finishes in 2, then I will keep working here. So I am going to be here for a good amount of time. 

It was hard to say goodbye to a few of the people I have really learned to love out in Villa, although I knew it was a good thing I JUST WANT TO HELP THEM! One of the families we have worked with a lot just had a big step back, and I was like NOOO PLEASE NOO!! He relapsed to drinking and the wife is ready to leave. But! The Lord knows I have got to do what I got to do. 

I am excited for this change.  It was awesome to see uncle wes, He is the man. i got to hear the real story from his point of view, and MAN what a chain of miracles! The Lord wants him to do something in this life, and he will keep doing it. 

Love you all, stay strong. The faith we have is all we really have in these times, so I just say  KEEP WORKING HARD because that is the only way. 

Elder Dallin Murphy

1. Goodbye tobacco. Goodbye my love

2. This was our district, I still got those hoppy hops!

PS, this was when Uncle Wes came to town.

We work hard- February 5, 2014

This week was probably the fastest week we have had so far... I feel like it was just last week that I was writing you... I have some GREAT pictures for you all, but the camera isnt working with this computer so yeah maybe next week! Its just me with tobaco but theyre pretty great.

So Ambioris is just doing AWESOME but still his wife doesnt want to get married, so it is a little problem. She likes him a lot and doesnt want to leave him, just doesnt want to get together formally marriage wise. Yesterday we had a wonderful lesson with him. We asked him how his reading was going and he said ¨buenisimo¨ (that means really good) and sometimes he says ¨perfecto¨ and he is just stoked. He reads and comes to church without us even telling him to! It is just his wife. But, if its the Lords will, it will happen. 

Brian, Wilson and Brittany (14, 12, 10) are all preparing to get baptized in March, and we really want their dad to be able to do it but he works every sunday. Their mom was inactive for a while then we shared with her and she began telling me how she wants her kids baptized and to go on missions then she hasnt missed a beat since that time! And also, their dad´s younger brother (14) named Oliver wants to get baptized with them too. Wow! It is just pretty crazy how the Lord works. He just puts people in our paths! 

Ignacia couldnt come to church because she was with her daughter who was going to give birth: She didnt give birth, but she will soon if everything goes to plan. Ignacia is just really prepared as well, she has a brother that was baptized and she told us ¨ever since then I have said I WANT TO BE BAPTIZED¨ so yeah! She is stoked. Her husband isnt as stoked but he really wants to change. Miguel is his name, and is really trying to improve. He went to jail and was just not in the right group of people, but hes the nephew of the 1st counselor in the Branch Presidency so we have support there. 

Wes called! He is coming tomorrow to Villa Gonzalez to have lunch. He is so awesome, I cannot believe how well he has just come along. THE MAN!!!

Um, yeah we are just working hard and I am doing everything to be the best companion I can be. Although at times I get frustrated with myself because I can always improve, I am doing all I can. But I can and will do more. as always. 

Love you all, I hope you have a great week! BETHANY KEEP DOING WORK OUT THERE! and cole too!

Elder Murphy