#78

Dear Family,

I hope you all enjoyed General Conference. I finally watched it in English this week! I loved the Korean girls singing during the Women's session as well. So cute. 

Thanks for your love and support for my whole mission. I love you all and will see you on Saturday!

President's email to me:

Sister Morreall, as you stated in your letter you may not have been perfect, however you probably are as close as anyone I've known. You are so Christlike. You have been here, and I'm sure will continue to be amazing throughout your lifetime. We are so grateful to you. And so happy you touched our lives. We will be better for having known you.

I can only imagine the reunion at the airport as you embrace your sweet mother. Oh that I could be a fly on the wall.

Thank you for all you have done. So much of greatness lies in store.

We love you!

Dear President, 

Thank you so much for your kind email. I can't believe time is coming to an end here in Armenia. I wish I could express how much my mission has meant to me over email, but I feel like I'll never be able to do it justice. The experiences I've had here have shaped me. I never knew how much Heavenly Father has in store for all of His children until I became a missionary and accepted the call to help Him bring to pass His work and glory. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan and a purpose for each of us.

I don't dream a lot, but a few weeks before I sent in my mission papers I had a dream. In my dream I remember standing in a white room just looking down at my hands. In my hands was a large envelope with my name on it. I carefully turned it over and began to open the envelope. I gently took out the white piece of paper and brought it up closer to read. I quickly realized it was not written in English, but rather a funny looking language with a lot of "w" and "h" looking letters. "What in the world is this?", I thought. I began at the first line. Surprisingly, I could understand everything that was written. It was a mission call letter for me, stating everything that is written in a normal missionary call letter, except for where I would be serving and when I would report. I looked over the letter and searched for where I would be going but never discovered it from the paper. I then woke up. 

A few weeks later, I received my mission call letter and read "Armenia Yerevan Mission." I wondered "where is that?" After quickly searching the internet, I knew almost everything about the country, or so I thought. I discovered the language was the language that I had seen in my dream and had read with ease. I was filled with peace that Armenia was where I needed to be. 

I thought I would be reporting on June 19th, like my call letter stated, but the Lord had a different plan for me. I got an email a week after I opened my call asking if I could report sooner. After careful thought and discussion with my parents, I accepted the invitation to report March 27th. I made it through the MTC and finally to country by June. 

As you know, in my training I found out from home that my mom has a form of brain cancer. The day I found out, you gave me a priesthood blessing. You blessed me with love and a greater understanding of the Plan of Salvation and my Father's plan for me and my family. 

That night I went home thought about the events of the day. I cried. When it was almost time for bed that night, I went into the bathroom and locked myself in. I lowered myself to the floor and poured my heart out to my Father in Heaven. I wanted to know what His plan was for me. I begged for strength and to feel His love. I asked a special blessing over my mom and my family. I can't express in words how I felt that night, the best I can come is the scripture D&C 84:88 "my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." I know that Heavenly Father sent angels to me that night. 

Since that night, I've tried so hard to develop a deeper relationship with my Father in Heaven through prayer and through coming to know His son, Jesus Christ. I've tried to know and understand His will for me, so that His will is my will. I make mistakes every day, but I've tried to become better for Him. So that He could sanctify and use me at His will. I've come to understand the difference between doing Christlike things and becoming Christlike, and I have tried to hold myself accountable to Him of everything I've learned, done and become here. 

I mentioned that when I first learned about Armenia, I thought I knew everything from the internet. It wasn't until I got to country that I discovered how Christlike these people really are. It is only by putting others first that I learned what I needed to do to better improve myself. I have learned much about my Savior and the type of person that He is through the sweet acts and uplifting words of the Armenians. I've learned much about patience as they waited for me as a struggled to bear my testimony on my first Sunday in country. I've learned much about diligence and hard work as I have worked with Armenians in their orchards picking fruit, clearing land, and planting seeds. I have learned much about humility as I've entered their homes, which many times have only consisted of a bed, a few shelves, and one light bulb. I have learned of their "hope for a better world, which hope cometh of faith" (Ether 12:4), and I've talked to them about their desires for their families. But most importantly, from the Armenians I have learned how to love as the Savior would. Those who have nothing give everything they have. They prepare meals to give to guests and to neighbors who have even less than them. When marshutanis are cramped and tight, they give up their seats for the awkward Americans who can't keep their balance standing up. When it's cold, they offer the clothing on their backs. When they would use their last bit of money to buy bread, they use it to come to church on Sundays or to go to a meeting with the missionaries. 

They have a phrase in their culture that they use often. It translates to "I would die for you." Often when I hear that phrase, I genuinely think the Armenians would die for me. And then I am reminded of someone who did die for me.

There is One that knows me perfectly. He carried my pains and sins. He suffered for my imperfections. He bled at every pore. He was beaten, bruised, spit upon, and suffered (far more than any missionary has ever experienced). 

He died for me. But He also lives for me. And because He lives, we all will live. I know that He is the Christ of "whom the prophets testified shall come into the world." He is "the light and the life of the world" and that He "drunk out of that bitter cup...and have glorified the Father in taking upon [Him] the sins of the world, in the which [He] suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning." (3 Nephi 11:10-11).

I know that it is only through our Savior Jesus Christ and His atonement that we can become changed, perfected and worthy to live in our Heavenly Father's home after this life. It's all part of His plan for me and for all of us. I know that families are forever. I know that He walks with us and carries us when we can not carry ourselves. I know that miracles are real. I know that Heavenly Father speaks to man and reveals His will for us through the prophets, the scriptures, and prayer. I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ restored to the earth. I know that Joseph Smith was called to open this last dispensation and today Thomas S. Monson leads and directs all of God's children on the earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that we can each receive personal revelation from God by reading his words.

Most importantly, I know that God loves us. 

I know that He loves me because just as he answered the prayer of a 14 year old boy in upstate New York, he answered the prayer of a 19 year old girl in her apartment bathroom.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us." (1 John 4: 9-11, 15-16, 18-19)

And I love Him so much! 

I am so grateful for my time here with the Armenians and missionaries who have taught me so much about my Savior. I am so grateful for your and Sister C's example. You've always lead the mission with love, as I imagine the Savior would do if He were here. I know that He is here with you both and that He will continue to bless you, this mission and the people of Armenia and Georgia. Thank you for all that you do. I love you!

Love,

Sister Morreall

# 77

                                                    Misa on Mt. Aragats

Dear President, 

I am so grateful for Heavenly Father. He sends so many tender mercies to me. I just feel like this whole transfer for me has been such a tender mercy. I've never seen so much "success" with investigators. I've never felt so loved by a companion. I've never felt so much love for the Armenian people. This past week was incredible. 

Thank you so much for attending the baptism of the three ladies we we've been teaching. We were surprised and grateful for all of the participation from the ward as well. Those women are strong. I have no doubt that they are going to be a great strength to the Ajapnyak Ward. Their confirmation on Sunday was so special. I'm getting emotional just typing about it. I don't think I've ever felt the Spirit so strong during any other confirmation.

One of our investigators who came to the baptism has been meeting with us very frequently. She's read quite a bit from the Book of Mormon and enjoys coming to church on her own and sitting with the members. She and her granddaughter (who is only seven) have made quite a few friends in the ward. They also attend the English class held by our Bishop's daughter. They love her! Our investigator has started quitting coffee this week. We're confident that she'll be able to make her baptismal date for the 25th. Her little granddaughter is so cute...she always asks if we can come over the next day, and the next day...

We are also meeting with a member's grand daughter (she's 12). She recently moved here from Russia because her father died. She comes to church every week and enjoys reading the Book of Mormon in Russian. She also prays very well from what I understand of Russian (which is little, but her grandmother translates after, and she seems to have it down!) We watched the Joseph Smith video with her this week, which she really connected with since he was about her age when he prayed. She said the closing prayer and at the end she asked her grandma if Heavenly Father could bring back her daddy. It was so tender. Sister B and I are excited to teach her more about the Plan of Salvation this week. She also has a baptismal date for the 25th, which it looks like she will reach. 

Our investigator in Ashtarak has been at her grandchild's house these past few days, so we haven't been able to meet with her. We're going to wait until we meet with her to see where she is at in regards to being close to baptism.

Sister B has been such a rock for me this transfer. Her and the Spirit have kept me going. When my body has felt tired or when I've felt like I don't know what to do with an investigator, the Spirit through Sister B has just knocked me to my senses and helped carry me on. I love Sister B so much!

I'm grateful for the opportunity we had last night to meet with you, Sister C and the assistants about transfers. It is going to be a big change, but I hope I can help the sisters as best as I can until then. Is there anyone in particular you feel like I could  help this week? Sister B and I are also planning on going on exchanges with Center. I will be with Sister K. 

I love you and Sister C so much and I will forever be grateful for the example that you both have been and continue to be for me. I know I haven't been a perfect missionary or leader, but I'm just grateful for the many learning experiences I've had and the opportunities to learn from you both. It's made an impact on me. I love you both so much!

Love,

Sister Morreall

# 76

Dear Family,

I hiked Mt. Aragats  with my returning group (of 16 missionaries) and the group after us (of 9 missionaries) with President. It was a ton of fun! Super snowy and President had to come rescue my group at the end. But we made it to the peak and it was incredible. I hope you all have an awesome week!

Love,

Misa :)

Dear President,

I just wanted to say thank you for your closing thoughts at the Center Zone Conference this week. I had been thinking about how much my mission has meant to me and the blessings that my family has been receiving back home. I was worried that the blessings would stop when I returned home, but your thought was exactly what I needed to hear. You talked about Nephi (Helaman's son) and how he worked so hard to teach and prepare his people for the coming of the Lord. You said that the Lord promised Nephi multiple blessings for all of his work. You related that to us as missionaries and how we receive multiple blessings from our mission that bless us in the moment and for the rest of our lives. I know that Heavenly Father will continue to keep blessing my family in ways that I don't see now.

Most of what I was going to write you, we talked about in the car ride today :) But thank you again for the opportunity to go to Mt. Aragats. It was a special day and a special rescue from you!

I love you! Have a wonderful week :)

Sister Morreall

# 75

Dear President,

I hope you had a good week this week! Our week went very well.

We've been meeting with the four women who are friends and want to be baptized. It's been hard to meet with all of them together, so we've met with just a few off and on and then sometimes just one on one. Right now, it seems like out of the four, at least three will be getting baptized on October 4th. Hopefully, the fourth will make it, (she needs to find time to meet with us) but if not we plan on moving her date to the 11th. The three just need one more lesson and then they can be interviewed for baptism. 

We've also met with an investigator in Ashtarak. We weren't sure if she was serious about baptism, because in the past it was noted that she wanted to come just for the help the church offers. We had a good talk with her this week though. She said she comes to church to be edified. Also, her friend who told her about the church has stopped coming (for reasons we're not sure of yet) but, our investigator has still come on her own. We've also talked to the Ashtarak bransh president about it and she seems pretty committed. She's been reading from the Book of Mromon, praying and coming to church. Right now we're just focusing on her quitting coffee. She's down to about one cup a day and this week is her test week to see if she'll stop drinking it by the end of this week. (We actually called her this morning and she hasn't had coffee at all. She just needs to keep it up!) She has a date for October 11th and we think she'll probably make. We've been going to Ashtarak about once a week to teach her, but we're wondering if we could go maybe 2-3 times a week just before her baptism to get her ready? We know missionaries were pulled out of Ashtarak because of the lack of member help, but the times we've gone it's always been with a member present either at the church or in a member's home. Let us know if it would be alright to go more frequently, just up until her baptism.

The big sister exchanges seemed to go well from what I heard from the sisters. We weren't able to go with Hrazdan this week... but hopefully this upcoming week we'll be able to havea good exchange with them. (And maybe even with a few of their critter friends...but hopefully not :))

This week I've been studying and pondering a lot about charity. I was reminded of President Monson's talk this past General Conference. We have to love and serve everyone that we meet. Even if they're difficult people, and are mean, we still need to love them. Even if we don't even know them, Heavenly Father expects us to still love them. When we love them, we feel the Spirit and can come to truly comprehend God's love. So how do we follow the Spirit and love them? We try our best. We love the ones who love us and the ones who don't. And the ones we don't even know or have never met. All of them. Sometimes I feel like Heavenly Father does, watching His children go through hard times, even when they curse Him and reject His Son. I guess that is expected though, since I am His missionary. But He always loves all of us. I'm trying to work and improve on how I can better show my love for all, missionaries, investigators and people I don't even know on the street. 

But why? This week we played a game with our 8 year old convert. We threw a ball around to each other and whoever had the ball had to say why they love Jesus. We gave answers like "because He helps me when I'm sad," "because He is my friend", and "because He is our brother". But the best answer of all is the one the little 8 year old gave. She said "I love Jesus because He loves me." I will always remember that and it will be the "why" behind all that I do for the rest of my life.

I love you and I hope you and Sister C have a great week.

Love,

Sister Morreall

# 74

Dear Family,

So I never thought UFOs were real, but I'm like 99% sure I saw one...it had five lights all in a line and it was hovering in the air and then it flew back into the air! And there was a crazy sound after. I'm not crazy though...our mini missionary saw it too...only in Armenia...

Anyway, that was just a random thing from this week :) I hope you all have an awesome week! I love and miss you so much!

Love,

Misa :)

Dear President,

We had a really great week this week! We were able to meet with a lot of our investigators and picked up quite a few new ones as well. One of our new investigators lives in Ashtarak, so we're just going to be talking with the elders to see if we should switch off every week in visiting her or what would be best. She has been coming to church, the members have come to lessons with us and she has been reading and keeping the commitments that we've extended. We see real promise with her. She's been an off and on again investigator in the past, but she's been really serious about baptism every time we've met with her. Very prepared! We also met with the local market lady who sells fish (she kept wanting to feed us fish, but don't worry we didn't eat it!) She seems very prepared as well. We currently are working with two sisters and their two friends who have been in contact with the church in the past (one of their friends is a member). They all have a baptismal date set for October 4th, and we are hopeful that they will all reach it. 

We had a great exchange with the Malatia sisters this week. I went with Sister L. She seems to have broken out of her shell a lot more. She was more talkative and open than usual. We had a good talk about strengthening our relationship with Heavenly Father and recognizing the changes in ourselves. She said that she's seem how the mission has changed her and how she views her relationships with people. She said it's helped her know who she needs to become in order to have the relationships and confidence that she wants. I had a great talk with her. She has a lot of good goals too. The Malatia sisters hadn't been using the new planning guidelines, so we went over it and she wants to start following it better. We've heard that since the exchange they've been SYLing a lot more too. I invited Sister L to say the closing prayer at our meeting on Wednesday at 12:00 with the sisters (which we would love for you to come to), which will be followed by our big exchange. 

Our theme for this transfer as you know is: Be yourself, but be your best self. With a focus on being our best selves for Christ. We've asked a lot of the sisters to be involved (saying prayers, musical number and spiritual thoughts). We've asked them to prepare beforehand to share experiences they've had with following the perfect 10, planning, positivity, not gossiping and charity towards others. We feel that these things would all benefit and strengthen the sisters in this mission this transfer and after. It will help us all to be our best selves for Christ and help us lift each other.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be serving here in such a wonderful place with such wonderful people. You and Sister C are truly such role models to me. I'm grateful for your vision for the mission and for the love you have for me and the missionaries.

I love you!

Sister Morreall

# 73

Dear Family,

This week I helped two Turkish men fill out their visas to get into the Armenian border! It was fun trying to speak with them! My short term missionary also got her call to Ukraine! Crazy huh!?! I am glad everyone had a great time at the BYU game and that Dad and Trev made the pic on BYU's news! It sounds like you all enjoyed Lion King on Broadway too! I am so happy you all are happy! I love and miss you so much :)

Love,

Misa :)

Dear President,

I've never been more tired in my life. But I've also never been more happy! This past week felt like a rollercoaster, but overall we had a really good week, especially with our new converts. 

The family who was baptized a week ago has been experiencing some health problems. (One of the sons who is not a member is extremely sick and the daughter-in-law who is pregnant is also very sick.) I've been able to share a good testimony of who the Lord helps us, especially when our family members are sick. We've been going over to help their family and have been working with their ward friends and the Bishop and Stake President regarding blessings and hospital visits. They should be well taken care of. 

Most of our other investigators haven't been able to meet with us, so we've been finding a lot this week. But we found an older couple he really wants to meet and learn from us! We also ran into a man who invited us to meet his family. His wife, daughter-in-law and granddaughter are very interested in learning. We are also trying to meet his son and other family members. We see potential with them in the future. 

We loved serving with or short-term missionary this past week. She was a great help with the people and with the language. She opened her mission call this week and will be serving in the Ukraine. (Her sister will as well in the neighboring mission).

Our exchange in Georgia with Sisters P and C went very well. We spent most of Wednesday planning with them, so that they could have a solid plan for how to plan in the future. I think the lamenated sheet which we had in the Mission Leadership Council will be a great help. I then went with Sister C and we knocked some doors and met with a mother and her children. The next day we also met with an Armenian family! It was nice to be able to understand what was going on :) Sister Costley is doing very well. She's focused on helping Sister P with the language and she really wants to make sure things are 50/50 in lessons. Sister P seems to be doing very well. She is very talented and knows why she is here. We were able to see Sisters S and B as well. They seem to be doing well, but Sister S is dominating the companionship. Sister B seemed to be a little more shy this time around. If Georgia has Sister Training Leaders I can definitely see Sister P and Sister B as Sister Training Leaders. They are solid.

(Side note - we heard that Sisters S and B and Elders D and F had a preparation day activity planned today. I think Sister Carlson already informed you about that. We just want to make sure you knew about it.)

When we came back from Gerogia, we heard from the Ararat Zone Leaders that Sister B has a problem with respecting us because of our calling. We're trying to figure out the best way of going about working with her. We know sometimes in the past the sisters tend to group us differently than them, but we've really been working on strengthening our relationship with them. (After all, we are still the same sisters since before this calling!) We really want to help them get to know Sister Morreall and Sister B, not the Sister Training Leaders. And this isn't the case with most of the sisters, but there are a few we are working with to strengthen this relationship. We just don't want it to turn into a Georgia situation. We may spend a Preparation Day or two with some of the sisters who may be feeling this way. Hopefully, they will open up and enjoy themselves with us.

We also had sent a short term missionary to the Charentsavan sisters this past week. We found out about Sister K after we returned from Georgia. I believe Sister B had a good conversation with her. We are hoping to spend some time with them as well on a Preparation Day to relieve some of the stress. 

Sisters A and M had a short term missionary with them this past week. It was supposed to be for a few days, but only lasted one day. I think there were too many strong personalities put together in one apartment :) We talked with the Stake about reassigning the short term missionary somewhere else. (We are thinking Hrazdan.) And we are planning to go on exchanges with the Gyumri Sisters (as well as the Vanadzor sisters) this week. We will find out more about how it went from them then. The sisters are all clear now on the money situation with short term missionaries. (Elder Reese would be proud.)

This week I've been thinking a lot about making sure I am becoming more and more consecrated everyday to the work. I'm not perfect, but I'm striving to be better. I read 3 Nephi 27:21, 27 this week: "this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do. Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." And Luke 22:32 "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." 

That is my goal. To become continually converted everyday and to strengthen those around me. To leave the rest behind and to become new. But to also help others become new. I love the story of the rich young man who asked Christ what more he could do to follow Him. "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Matthew 19: 21). Part of entering into the Kingdom of Heaven includes giving all we have to help those around us and to come unto Christ through conversion. I love what Bruce C. Hafen says in his talk The Atonement: All for All. He says: "If we give all that we have, then our giving only almost everything is not enough. So we must willingly give everything because God himself can't make us grow against our will and without our full participation. May we not shrink when we discover paradoxically, how dear a price we must pay to receive what is, finally, a gift from Him. When the Savior's all and our all come together, we will find not only forgiveness of sin, 'we shall see Him as He is' and 'we shall be like Him.'"

I know that I'm not perfect, but I also know that Heavenly Father is willing to work with me in my imperfections and willing to erase the mistakes I make and has provided a path for me to become better. Everyday I am trying to give more and more of myself to the work and to Him, so that my efforts and His will be united.

Thank you so much for all that you do! I can't imagine what it would be like to watch over the mission, but you and Sister C are incredible! I love you both!

Have a great week,

Sister Morreall

# 72

Dear President, 

This week I've truly been able to see the blessings that Heavenly Father has in store for me, this mission and Armenia. It has been incredible to see.

We had four baptisms this week (the family of 3 women and a long time investigator). All of the baptisms went very well...we missed you and Ssiter C. Please tell Sister C thank you for the little cameo and magnet for our little family, they loved it! The little girl wouldn't stop playing with it after the baptism. It was very sweet. All four were confirmed at church and gave very nice testimonies. I feel like the testimonies of my investigators from when I first started teaching them until now are a reflection of my testimony of the Savior at the beginning of my mission until now. It has grown. I feel like I have more meaning and power behind the words I say now. I hope this doesn't sound weird, but I think I bear my testimony better in Armenian now than I do in English...

Anyway, one of the women (the one who is pregnant) was very sick on her baptisal date and when she got confirmed (they took her to the hospital afterwards), but I was so impressed that she wanted to be baptized and confirmed so bad that she came despite everything!

This week we've worked a lot with the Stake regarding sending short term missionaries out. We have I think 6 going out this week with sisters, just for about 5 days. They will be sent to Center, Hrazdan, Gyumri, Malatia, Vanadzor and Charenstavan. The Charenstavan sisters weren't so excited when we told them the news, but I think that having an Armenian with them will help them a lot with their member work and also in speaking Armenian with each other on the streets. 

We had an exchange with Artashat sisters this week. On my end, it seemed like things were going well with the companionship. I talked to Sister T about planning and making sure that she has goals and specific things she wants to accomplish for the day. Of course it is always important to follow the Spirit, but the Spirit loves a schedule! We also talked about helping Sister L to formulate a language study plan. I found out after the exchange that she does have a language plan and that they could tighten up on a few areas regarding obedience. (Sister B said Sister L was pretty open with her about some things.) So we will be following up withthe sisters regarding planning, nightly prayer, OYMing, and a language study plan. Sister T said she was open with you about what happened when they went to Vernasage a few weeks ago, but I talked to her about making sure she is obedient to the white handbook and they it doesn't interfere with her missionary work again. Overall, it was a good exchange and she was very happy (like always)!

We're planning on heading to Gerogia this week to go on exchanges with Sisters P and C to discuss planning and see how they are doing. We are also hoping to meet with Sisters B and S for a little bit before heading back down Thursday night. If there is anything we can do to help them, please let us know.

This week in studies I studied a lot from Alma 4 and 5. I just love how Alma says that the only way to point the people back to Christ is by "bearing down in pure testimony". He then talks about having authority and power from Goid and then poceeds to just testify and the whole city is changed! Peoples hearts are opened and changed. I know that I need to work on strengthing my testimony by sharing it more frequently (notjust with investigators, but with members and missionaries alike). I'm making it a goal this week to work on that and I will let you know any experiences I have next week.

Thank you so much for all that you do! I love you and Sister C so much!

Love,

Sister Morreall