# 35

Dear President,

I hope you enjoyed the Mission Tour....I loved it! After being trained on working with ward leaders, our district decided to fast for ways we can help the Bishop, goals for next year, and for auxiliary leaders' help in putting together a functioning ward council. Unprompted, the Bishop pulled me and Sister T aside and laid out the Ward Mission Plan for next year (2014). The goals that he told us are: 22 baptisms, 96% retention rate of new converts, and 50% of less actives reactivated. It was amazing how fast Heavenly Father answered our prayer. 

As far as lists of less actives, we have an updated list in our apartment, that we can send you next week if you would like. All of the auxialiary callings are filled here in Vanadzor, it is more a matter of working with some individuals to help them be more involved (without crossing the lines between mission and stake). As a district, we are going to work with these individuals and the Bishop to create a functioning ward council.

The ward members here are fantastic. The contribute a lot to missionary work. Sister T and I received many referrals and new investigators this week, many of which were from members. 

I know that this is exactly what I needed right now. This area and my companion are exactly what I needed. Sister T is so filled with hope and light. The people here love her and I love her. When we teach, it flows so well. We've have a few instances already where the spirit has prompted both of us to say the same thing at the same time. It was really awesome to watch that. In the end, it doesn't matter who says it, but we've recognized that it so important that we are both worthy to receive inspiration from the Spirit to help our investigators. 

I can't remember if I told you, but my mom has a staph infection that she is being treated for, and this week her doctor will be taking out her stitches from her surgery. My dad wrote me: "On Thursday she had a doctor's appointment. She was told that: 1) the antibiotics are succesfully attacking her staph infection; 2) her incision site is recovering quicker than anticipated; 3) the pathology confirmed that the cancer cells that were removed were recurrent and that it was a surprise that the cancer was back that quickly; and 4) it was a blessing in disguise to have surgery to get the cancer cells removed." Three out of the four are good news, and as for #3, she will be visiting Duke (the top brain tumor center in the US) for further treatment. Heavenly Father has really been blessing her and watching over her. 

This week in personal study I was reading Doctrine and Covenants Section 100. This chapter really stuck with me, especially at this time on my mission. In the first verse, the Lord talks about how missionaries' families are in His hands and not to worry and to continue on in the work. Later, He promised that if we declare all things with "solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness", the "Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say." I know that this promise is real. I think the best part of this promise is that when we turn away from our concerns, and sincerely focus on others' welfare, the Lord blesses all parties involved (those we are concerned for, us, and those we serve).

I'm so grateful to be here at this time, in this area with my companion. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for His Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the perfect love that He has for me and for His sacrifice for me. I know that He is my Savior. I know Him and love Him. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love,

Sister Morreall

Dear Family,

That is too bad to hear about the missionary transfers there. But I hope we get some more awesome missionaries there who are excited for the work.

That's funny that you were reminiscing about my embarrassing/funny moments as a child...as long as you never tell anyone!!

As far as my area and my companion. I love them both!! My companion reminds me of a mix of Isabel Tenorio, Kendal Ianuzi, and Nicole Kashou haha. She is awesome!!

I miss and love you all and I will write out a letter next week. We only get half a Prep day this week because we get all of Thanksgiving off! 

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving with the family! 

Love,

Misa :)

Funny/cool things:

They burn the dead leaves on the streets here. I come home smelling like a camp fire.

There is a girl here in my ward who is Asia's age that has hair down to here knees...I told her I am going to grow my hair out like that so I can cut it for Mom :)

# 34

Dear Family,

This week has been the busiest week of my mission thus far. Transfers were this week! I am now serving in Vanadzor, a village up in the North near Georgia and Russia. (I went on exchanges here with Sister L before). It is a lot colder here, but I love it! The people are way nicer here than in the city. It has been quite a change from being closer to the Iranian border in Yerevan. People here also speak with a different dialect, so I am learning some of that. There are also water hours here...so for parts of the day we have running water and other parts we don't. The mail also takes longer to get here and longer to mail out...so that's a little bit of a hassle, but not too bad. My area covers Vanadzor and a smaller village on the Georgian border called Alaverdi. It is BEAUTIFUL up there. It is up in the mountains and the village is up the mountain side. They have some cool terracing and mountain tunnels there too. But it is really unhealthy to live there because of the air, so we are only allowed to go up there every 2 weeks. My companion is Sister T (the Armenian sister that got called to Armenia...I talked to Mom before a little bit about her.). She came the group after me...the group I was supposed to be in. She is from NY and is studying at SVU. She rocks!! There are two other sets of elders in our district that come to our ward too. This is going to be a good transfer. It is interesting because there are 5 NYers here in this mission, and four of us are in the same district here in Vanadzor (me, my comp, and the senior couple here). We must have a reason to be here!

So anyway, here was my week: 

Monday, we Sis M and I had FHE with the less actives and investigators in Arabkir (still in Yerevan).

Tuesday, I had my last district meeting with the Ajapniak district. The new sister training leaders came...so that wasn't really news to us when transfer calls came. We also had T's baptism...she was an hour late to it. We were stressed out to say the least. But the ward supported us and helped out and T brought a huge cake like four times the size of a normal cake. Everything worked out. I also saw President and was hoping he would tell me what was happening for transfers but all he said was "Sister M pack your bags." And then he turned to me and said "Sister Morreall, pack your bags." Crazy! He didn't tell me where I was going, but they are whitewashing Arabkir after this transfer. 

Wednesday, we met with M (my baptizee) and said goodbye. She told me that I was family to hear and it was a pretty emotional goodbye. But she said that she will stay strong in the church because of the love the members have and because she knows that we are all brothers and sisters and a family. We then met with L (my baptizee) and said goodbye. We read from the Book of Mormon with her. She is so sweet. She always calls me her sweet angel. She's like a grandma to me. After, we visited with K (my baptizee) and her family. Sister C (my trainer) and her parents were visiting too, so I got to meet them and say goodbye to my trainer and to K. We then met with T (the new baptizee who was late to her baptism) and talked about the importance of staying active in the church. After we met with H (the boy Trev's age) and his mom and had a FHE with them and a less active and a referral. During the meeting I got my transfer call to Vanadzor! It was super hard to say goodbye to everyone, because I love them all so much, but I actually feel like I am needed more here in Vanadzor at this time. Elder V (the district leader here) and two members here told me that they felt I was coming here when they met with me on exchanges, so that was pretty neat.

On Thursday, we had transfers and I drove 2 1/2 to Vanadzor and we had time for one lesson. We are teaching a man "G", who is actually in prison right now. So we call him and teach him over the phone. Someone sent him our card while he has been in prison and he wanted to change his life around, so he called us and now we call him almost every night. He has done a complete 180 and wants to be baptized when he is released. 

On Friday, we went up to Alaverdi and met with a family there. Sister T has some connection with them and her family in NY, so we are going to really try and baptize them as a family. (I haven't converted a family yet to strengthen the church here, and I have been praying for that for a long time...we'll see if this is one that works out!) We taught them about the Book of Mormon, praying and attending church. We then came back to Vanadzor and taught a new baptizee and her non-member daughter and granddaughter about the Book of Mormon. They seem interested so we are going to keep meeting with them. We then met with A, who has been investigating for a long time. We taught the Plan of Salvation and set a date for him. We also have a ton of members, but two in particular, that come with us to lessons. The ward support here is great! L is one of the two that comes with us all of the time. She is 15 years old and reminds me a lot of Asia.

On Saturday, our district had a service project where we helped clean up a local park. A lot of ward members helped and many people in the community stopped to help. We really got our name out there and got a lot of OYMs. Service is going to be key in this area. Many people are generally nice to us anyway, but when they see us serving, that's when they really want to learn more. Later, we had our missionary coordination meeting. We need to work on involved and reactivation the ward mission leader though. Everyone in the ward is really active about missionary work, but he needs a little love and a little push. I also suggested that we get a ward council going. This is random, but there are also two little darling boys in this ward. One is 11 and the other is 7. They live in very humble circumstances. But they are seriously the highlight of my day. THEY LOVE THE SISTERS. I love them. The littlest one is so special. They have a unique story, I will have to write to you in a letter.

On Sunday, we had church and then after we watched the Work of Salvation in English as a district since this district hadn't done that yet. We then called G and taught about the Plan of Salvation.

Yesterday was our Zone Meeting with President Malm (from the Area Presidency). So the Gyumri missionaries came down for the mission tour along with President and Sister C and the APs and STLs. President Malm told us that our mission is leading out and setting the bar in every key indicator for the Europe East Areas...except for one...church attendance!! We really need to get our investigators to come and stay at church. He focused on having us read from the scriptures with them, teach them how to pray and why we pray and the importance of going to church and why we go (to gain a testimony and be edified by the Spirit). During the meeting, he called on missionaries to answer questions and he called on me a couple of times. One time, he asked me "Why are we nothing?" (as missionaries in relation to God) and I just said that I've come to learn that man is nothing compared to God himself, but that He loves us enough to use us as instruments for the Spirit. He paused and said "Elders and Sisters that is exactly right. did you feel the Spirit when she said that?" I was pretty much in shock that he said that... He later continued on and talked about the importance of working with ward members and going to ward council. After the meeting, President C said that President Malm only wanted to interview with two missionaries...and then he called out my name as one of them! I got super nervous. In my interview, he asked about me, where I was from, about my family. He asked if Trev was preparing for a mission and he interestingly asked about dad's calling in the church. He also asked me to tell when I decided to serve a mission. I told him I planned on it since I was young. He then asked what I brought to the mission. I told him that I just really love the Armenian people and I have learned so much from their example. He then asked what I wanted to do when I get older. I told him I might be interested in business or law, but I don't really know. He told me that I would have to be strong and know and apply principles if that were the case. I then asked him how he thought I personally could be a better missionary. Then he just told me "You have a strong spirit." He told me to speak up and share my experiences in meetings, to bear my testimony to everyone and work with ward leaders more. It was pretty direct...so I plan on following his counsel. 

After meeting with him, we met with other investigators...I will probably tell you more about that in my letter since I don't have time. But I love and miss you all and you can expect a letter soon!! Have a great week :) Keep me updated on everything...it was great to get an email from all of you this week (even though some people need an extra day ;)) 

Love and miss you,

Misa :)

*note from Mom*

We received an email from the mission office that Misa has been made a senior companion. 

# 33

Dear President,

Thank you for all of your help this week with our baptizee and our missionary work. For me, this past transfer has been hard. I've felt like I've been working just as hard as I did in my training, and even harder, but that my investigators haven't been as serious about baptism. I know I can't change their agency and their attitude about the gospel and about making covenants, but I've just really tried to teach them to the best of my ability so that they can choose for themselves whether they are going to be positive and keep their commitments and covenants, or whether they will not. It breaks my heart to see that some people choose not to grow and progress, when I can see their potential and what they could become. 

I've been studying the character of God this past week, and I suppose that's how He feels with us sometimes. When we make mistakes or choose to go against His will at points in our lives, He feels godly sorrow. But I know that He loves me and is willing to keep working with me. He is a mercy loving Father. And I am His daughter. I am so grateful for this plan that He has created for us. For me. I am grateful for the opportunity to make mistakes, but to grow from them. I am grateful to learn about Him.  This week I have felt so close to Him as I have studied and thought about Him and my relationship with Him. I am so humbled to think about how I am literally nothing compared to everything that He has ever created, but that He loves me enough to want to see me again and to want me to become like Him. I know that He knows me. And I know that He knows my thoughts. There were many times this week where I have just been talking to Heavenly Father as we've been walking or waiting for investigators and He has answered me throughout the day. I know that the Holy Ghost really does give us answers straight from God. I know that He comforts us when we have need of comfort. Many times during my mission I have been blessed and grateful for the presence of the Holy Ghost. When I feel the Holy Ghost at those times when I need comfort, I literally feel like I am just being hugged by my Heavenly Father. I know that He loves me and cares about me and my investigators. 

I am thankful for the experience that we all had with A this week, and I was very sad to see him go. But I know that Heavenly Father will be watching over Him just as He is me. I am grateful to be apart of this work. His work.

This week, T will be baptized on Tuesday. Another blessing from the Lord. And I am thankful I could be a part of it. 

I hope you and Sister C have a wonderful week this week. 

Love, 

Sister Morreall

 Dear Family, 

Thank you for the emails this week. I am so sorry to hear about all of the new complications with Mom's health. Mom, your email really touched me. I am grateful to be blessed to have you as my mother. I really love and miss you a lot. When I get home, we will have to go see The Book Thief together! That was very sweet of Aunt Cheryl, Aunt Jan and Uncle Steve to cut their hair for you and for Becky and Lisa to knit/buy you some hats. They are such a great support. I love them all so much and please tell them thank you for me. It has been hard being away from everything at home, but I know that Heavenly Father is watching over all of us. I hope you all have a wonderful week this week. I continue to pray for you all every day. Expect a letter from me this week.

Love,

Misa

# 32

Dear President,

Thank you for your reminder about gratitude.  I promise to use my pondering time at night to think of the tender mercies the Lord has given me and to count my blessings.

Serving a mission at this time in my life has been such a huge blessing to me. I had the unique experience of being in the Conference Center when President Monson announced the age change, and I know that my decision to serve has changed my life for the better.

Do you know why I am here on a mission? I didn’t decide to serve to gain experience. I didn’t come so that I could have stories to tell. I didn’t even come because my family wanted me to. I came because I promised the Lord that I would. Even before this life I promised Him. I know that I did. And I thought I would serve Him and help so many people become converted to the gospel, but in reality, that have all helped me become more converted to Him. I have seen a little bit of Christ in every single person that I have taught so far in my mission. I don’t know who, when or where I will meet these people, but I have a strong belief that Christ will direct me to them. And I know that Christ has been preparing specific people for me. These people need to hear the gospel, and I am just blessed to be able to learn more of who Christ is from them. I love the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18 which say “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not understood how great blessings the Father hath in His own hands prepared for you. And ye can not bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” I don’t understand everything that happens in my life, but I know that God has a plan for me. And he has a plan for my investigators. He has given us guidance. I know that as I follow Him and His guidance, and live His gospel he will pour out his blessings. I have already seen that in my life, in the lives of my family members and the lives of my investigators. My goal is just to make sure that I am remaining worthy to know His will for me and for my investigators. I was reading in Preach My Gospel a few days ago and it is written “Your greatest hope should be to enjoy the sanctification that comes from this divine guidance. Your greatest fear should be to forfeit these blessings.” That is what I have been really focusing on this past week.

Thank you for your time this week meeting with our investigator A. We are also continuing to work with T and hopefully, she will be able to be baptized next week. (Sorry for the letter confusion in my last letter, but I think you got off with it easy this week!)

I hope you have a wonderful week this week.

Love,

Sister Morreall

Dear Family,

Mom I hope you are doing well and recovering from your surgery. I hope everyone had a good Halloween besides that. I will send you all a letter home this week. I love and miss you all!

Love,

Misa

Funny/cool things:

I was on Armenian TV this week...on like a candid camera show. Sister M and I were walking and some man tried to play tricks on us...I didn't really have a good reaction, Sister M's was better than mine. But it was still funny haha.

Armenians put cottonballs in their ears because they think the wind will blow through their heads and they will get sick...you think I am joking? I am serious.

They carry flowers in bouquets upside down.