Ryan's Arizona Mission address

Ryan's new address while in the Arizona Mesa Mission

Elder Ryan P. Murray

Arizona Mesa Mission

6265 North 82nd Street

Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Hello family!

I got put into the Phoenix Arizona downtown area... its been going well. They gave me a bike and helmet for the time that I'll be here because its a biking mission. I thought I was going to be able to dodge having to wear a helmet and ride a bike but NOPE haha at least my legs are getting stronger :)

The members here are good and they feed us very well..My appetite has been huge since getting here. It feels like I'm hungry all the time. My companion's name is Elder Christensen from Utah. He's a cowboy and him and Whit would get along great! We get along really well. It's definitely interesting and humbling being down here. I am so grateful for all that I have and all that I've been blessed with in my life.

Last Wednesday I had a pretty neat experience, we were biking down a street and there was a young lady sitting on a curb and we stopped to talk to her and it ended up she was born and raised in the church but hadn't been to church in about 8-9 years. She invited us over for lunch the next day and told us that she has been praying to go back to church and the next day we showed up on our bikes...Crazy huh!

I cannot lie, brazil has been on my mind much since I've gotten here. I am so grateful to be here and to serve the people here but I am anxious to go! But my apartment living is good. We live with two other elders and they are cool. We all get along well. We keep it clean so its good! I usually eat two pieces of toast and cereal for breakfast. they put some money on my companions card for me to use so thats good. Yesterday we went out to lunch after shopping at WALLY WORLD and as we were about to order a member walked in and paid for all of us! it was really nice of him. Im glad to hear all is going well.. I tried to send pictures but the stupid library won't let me..it said "this device has been restricted to be used" so I'll try again next week. There are tons of members out here but the area I'm in there aren't very many..but everyone knows the "mormons". I have had some interesting conversations with some people out here and it is a huge difference from the MTC. Im glad to hear all is going well back at home.. you are all in my prayers daily! i love you so much. more than hot cheetos :) I am trying really hard to focus on loving the people and helping them to receive the blessings from the gospel. I am trying to be patient and trust that the Lord has a plan for me. The mission focus here is to work with the members a lot. We mostly visit less actives and part member families and try to help them get back to church. There was a baptism on saturday but I had no part in it haha my companion taught him a couple times but it was still cool to experience and be apart of it.

well family I love you all and hope you have a great week!! and yes I will be talking to you on the phone when I take off for Brazil so it can be pretty soon! :) take care

Love always, hugs and kisses (on the cheek) haha

Elder Murray