True to form, life on a mission is somewhat of a timewarp. Each day can seem like a week, and each week can seem like a day. We exhausted and happy and trying our best to keep up.
Tuesday was our first mission leadership council, where all of the zone leaders, sister training leaders, and office staff come for trainings to receive council from each other and also from the president. What a wonderful group of young people they are! It was quite long, but it was great to see them being honest in their feedback and trying to figure out ways to help the other missionaries be successful. They have been wonderfully supportive of some of the changes that are being made in the mission. We have chosen as our theme for the mission 3 Nephi 5:13..."For behold, I am disciple of Jesus Christ, the son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." We have spoke much about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and rising to a new level of trust and confidence from the President. The office elders provided a breakfast for them and then I did lunch...Papa John's pizza and fruit, Veges and Rice Krispie treats.
Friday, I did go to a specialized training for the Quito zones (este and oeste). My favorite thing about living in Quito and being on a mission, is seeing the faces of these amazing young people. I cannot brag enough about these amazing missionaries we have...so faithful and dedicated. They are faced with large challenges and obstacles and have rock solid faith and determination. The bar has truly been raised, and Preach my gospel has helped create this amazing generation of missionaries. What a treat it is to spend time with them.
We went to a baptism out in Calderon Saturday night of a nice 23 year old young man. I like the way they have the new converts bear their testimonies here at their baptism. It was one of our sisters baptisms... The sisters are pretty incredible. We gave them a ride home.
Saturday we decided to take our p-day and go up the Teleferico, a gondola ride close by our house to a peak overlooking the city. We live at about 9, 350 feet and it takes you up to close to 14,000 feet and it was a beautiful day overlooking Quito. Some of you may have seen the picture we took with some llamas up there. Quito is quite a long city, 5 miles wide and 25 miles long, fit in between some mountains high up in the Andes. It is beautiful to look down on it. We are so grateful that Presdient Hinkley agreed with us that it was one of his favorite cities.
Love, President and Sister MurphyWe are being challenged, are pray we can have the Lord's help in doing this very important work. It is humbling and we rely on him and his spirit constantly. We continue to feel it is a privilege to associate with these good members and missionaries.
