Some Days Are Better Than Others

Thank you much for the package; I look forward to receiving it.  As for new suits, I'll be fine for at least a little while.  They're holding up good.

I apologize for being brief in my previous emails.  I'm really doing fine; some days are better than others.  It's discouraging when less-actives and investigators feed you what they think they want you want to hear and then don't follow through.  Either that, or they've allowed the imperfections of Church members to cloud their eternal perspective.  But I'm not letting it get me down; I'm reminded of the times in my life where I've struggled to keep my eternal perspective unclouded.  Fervent study and prayer really helps.  It also helps that I'm part of the effort to prepare for the get-to-know-the-Mormons fireside that happens at the end of August.

As for transfers, they happen next Thursday and Friday and we'll see what happens, but I'm pretty sure that I'm gone  I'm grateful for what I've learned here in Glenwood, but it'll nice to see new horizons.

Its' great to hear about the happenings from home and in the family; Naomi and Noah email me pretty regularly so that I'm up to speed on what's going on. The name of the movie Noah wants to see is Princess Mononoke; it's well-done but even though it's PG-13, it's pretty bloody in spots.  Just so you're aware.

The FamilySearch Pioneer Database sounds awesome. 

This week we've got a cool exchange planned with the Elders in our District and we're continuing to help people prepare for the fireside.  I'll tell you more next week (and with pics!)

Love,

Elder McMurray

Small Town, U.S.A.

The road to our meetinghouse

Hey, All!!

Well, another week in Glenwood has come and gone.  We did service at the YMCA (cleaning the men's locker room...a gross job, but somebody's gotta do it), taught a bunch of less-actives, and with Bishop's go-ahead, are starting to invite ward members to think of non-members that they can invite to the upcoming fireside/ice cream social.  One of the Elders in Clarinda has gone to town on the sewing machines at the quilting store and made a bunch of ties for the missionaries in the District.  I'll send you pics; he did a pretty good job.  The other Elder made a table runner for the mission president's wife and a few other things and she was so overcome that she wept.  Thankfully, they seem to be staying busy with missionary work.  I haven't gotten a chance to sing again yet, but I'll try to get something set up for the Sunday before transfers, which are in the first week of August.  We'll see what happens.

 

The Glenwood Meetinghouse steeple

I love you all and I wish you a wonderful week.  I thank you for your continued prayerful support and I continue to send mine in return.

Love, 

Elder McMurray

As High As An Elephant's Eye

Hey, Dad!

It's good to hear that everyone else is doing well.  I heard about Germany's victory and Brazil's defeat.  Is everyone, including Noah, all soccered out, at least for awhile?  Brazil's going to throw a fit for a time, but they'll bounce back.  

I need to send everyone some pics of the corn.  More pics are coming, I promise!

Things in Glenwood are going well.  Here's the thing about the Ward: the active members are super solid, most of the less-actives have to work through some pretty big issues and problems, and our investigators need patient persistence.  One of them has some big Word of Wisdom problems...  However, he and his mom bore surprisingly solid testimonies in Fast Sunday a couple of weeks ago.  Hers was fine, his was kind of reminded me of back home, but overall, not bad.  We're keeping up hope.  We had some great exchanges with the Shenandoah Ward Elders this past week.  They're in our District and live in the town of Clarinda in the basement of a Quilting Store owned by some members of the Shenandoah Ward. 

Oh, we got to go to the Temple last week and we saw the newest film!  It is terrific!  I'm so sorry that I didn't request some Family File names, it totally slipped my mind for some reason.  The next time we go, I'll definitely ask you for some. 

Mom and Dad, thank you both for keeping me updated on the happenings at home.  I was wondering if you could send me my glasses prescription, just in case anything happens.  

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers and I extend mine in return.   

I love y'all,

Elder McMurray