Babies, Transfers, Birthday and Mother's Day Plans

Dear Mom,

That is so amazing to hear about your friend Spencer glad to hear she is doing so well with her testimony building! 

This week I again went to the hospital to give a Sister a blessing, when we got there she had a 3 day old little baby girl in her arms asleep. It just radiated the spirit to me that after all these bad things I have been feeling lately and have had to hear, the Lord sent me a tender mercy to see one of my favorite things in the world, Babies! I Adore children, and I am excited for the future, where after my mission I can begin to build the Lord's Kingdom in a new way, through my own family. 

We also helped a sister move which took a lot of work, about 5 hours of moving stuff. They are a super cool family The Jimemez Family, they are from Mexico originally and they are just having a bit of new challenges lately but the Lord has their Backs.

Well we got our transfer calls last night and Elder Morby will be moving on to Brampton, and I will be staying here but guess who is my companion?? Elder Sopal! I'm Super excited, in case you didn't know I went to High School with him in Lethbridge sooooo sweet! So we will get the switch tomorrow, and press on. Elder Morby is kinda nervous to leave his first area behind but I hope I reassured him enough to not stress to much about area 2. 

Mother's Day is coming up and it will be amazing to see you all and tell you some funny stories. It will go just like Christmas where I will call the day before and tell you the time that I will be on Skype on Sunday.

My Birthday is also coming up on the 13th and I don't have any clue what to do for it ? I honestly don't really need anything out here, It is now just a weird thing to think about. Not really expecting anything to crazy to happen because I will just be working still haha. ahh doesn't really matter that much its just a number. I can just get a cupcake or something lol :)  

I shared my testimony yesterday in church about the Plan of Salvation. I shared a couple of experiences that have been happening, like hearing here and there about death and how I was about to help a sister in the hospital find peace as she was dying last week. And how I helped another sister who was about to have twins and that one wasn't doing well and we were about to assure her that everything would be alright and talked about families being sealed forever. And this week seeing that little baby girl fresh from heaven. I bore testimony that our Heavenly Father HAS a Plan for EACH of US! He knows our need, he knows our pains, our joys, +'s and -'s. This last couple months I have been able to witness the Lord's plan move all around us on each level of mortality and it is Beautiful! I have been able to take my studies into a personal knowledge that these things are necessary, and for what TO BE WITH GOD AND BE LIKE HIM!

I had a lady in the subway tell me that we were wrong because the Book of Mormon taught that we will be like God. She only wanted to contend so I just walked on without explaining for it would fall on deaf ears, But to you I can truly say that this has always been God's end goal "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." It is all throughout the Bible, Book of Mormon and more how do I know this, well I LOOKED IT UP! It will happen and we shouldn't think otherwise it is merely a fact! Unfortunatly due to the Apostasy many people won't believe this or accept this doctrine, but we should let everyone have the chance to at least hear it and let their agency do the rest. For "Faith without works is dead", and what I have learned out here is that if we don't open our mouths we take away people's agency to choose to accept the gospel. 

I wish to Challenge each person who reads this to testify to 1 person just 1 person each week and from it you will find joy in knowing you are doing what is expected of God.

I wish you all well and Love the pictures of your faces so so much, I miss you. But like I said Mother's Day is just around the corner!! ;)

Loves loves loves,

Elder Muirhead

PS. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I just got word that the eldest Walsh girl Veronica

 got Baptized this week!!!!! AAAAHHHHHH!! I am so excited,

Happy New Year 2015!!

Happy New Year Everyone 2015! 

Well I have been transferred to the Don Mills North part of Toronto as a follow up trainer.....AND IT IS AWESOME!!

Toronto is now one of my favorite places, we bus everywhere we go and we contact people on it all day hahaha it is so cool to just talk to people so openly about their lives and to testify on the bus. I have had tons of cool conversations with people because well... they can't walk away haha. We had received such huge blessings from the Lord, 4 New Investigators. what??? Amazing to accomplish that in the first week of transfers.  

This week we were hunting down a Part member family and they weren't home, so my companion wanted to tract the apartments and so turns to the door he feels is the one to knock. (knock knock knock) who is it? the missionaries. Oh one second...(zip goes the night gown) A woman comes out and says that she is a satanist and that she doesn't like God and Jesus anymore. I spoke with her and tried to ask inspired questions as to why she turned from God and followed Satan and the whole time she looked at us with really lust full eyes, she spoke of really dark things like the soldiers of Satan and temples in his name that need to be built rituals and secret combinations (the typical sign of a son of perdition / apostate human being). I asked her what her family would think of the things she is doing while she is away from Lebanon (Her parents are Christian and Muslim conflicting views led her to being a satanic). She knew full well her family would disapprove but she didn't care because of the "Fun" she was having. We left with a testimony that I was glad she was happy but grieved because her happiness could not last and that it will catch up to bring her to destruction and sorrow .... ( Definitely the most evil person that I have ever encountered so far on the mission and I have had a lots of experiences with the powers of the Devil). Great first week of transfer haha

Elder Morby is my new companion/ Greenie, He is from Liberty Utah and he is epic! He goes all out and contacts everyone he can. He tries all he can to grow and become a better missionary. I have been blessed so much this week. I have become a whole new missionary and the spirit had been guiding me to people and things to say in such a  strong way. I testify that the spirit is the power by which the gospel is spread to peoples hearts, I couldn't ever be a good trainer without the spirit, and it is going so well!! Elder Morby says that I am so different from his first trainer but that I was really good at training, I was touched and realized that it is not because of me at all. 

Last night there was a woman we talk to at the bus stop and I talked to her about the church ( it was about a block away from the chapel) and she actually is a former investigator and that she has been to the church. She is currently attending a Baptist church because of seventh day worship, the bus came by as she was talking and I was driven to jump on and follow her to finish our conversation. We talked more on the Sabbath and about how I personally received a witness of the truth which brings such joys in my life. I told her about my past depression and experiences with it and how God has refined me into what I am today. Blown away she told me she also struggles with depression and asked how God was able to change us. I said that it is by fully living the gospel and teachings of Christ in a way that allows the Lord to change us (spiritually induced thought of course). She was touched and I saw that desire in her eyes and asked if we can come by some time and meet with her again, she agreed! YES!!! GO HOLY GHOST!

Got to break out the Toronto Raptors Jersey I got for Christmas and play  Basket Ball with some community kids at the stake center. Our chapel has a full sized gym and is 3 floors tall. It is the biggest in North America it is so sick!!!  

I love you all so much thank you for the pictures, prayers and love it is so motivating to have such a support from home.

I Love you all,

Elder Muirhead

About all of my stuff that I had to pack: I barely made it fit but I SUCCEEDED!!! VICTORY A HA!  I will be down grading on the collection of things this transfer so I will on one Pday send home some things.

The new apartment is pretty nice actually, my bed is so much better then in Sudbury and I just crash after a couple minutes of talk time with Elder Morby.

Today we are going to the Bank to deposit my check, go hit the dry cleaners for Elder M. and then Value Village it up! Possibly explore some shopping places and food for lunch. There are tons of different places in Toronto in different nationalities for grids of the city "greek town, little India, china town, little italy, Caribbean, ect." so cool. Our Bishop is Filipino and wants me to eat Baloot.....(a duck egg with a baby duck in it) ummmmmm... we shall see who that goes haha.  

A Day In The Life of A Missionary - Twitter and Social Media Event

#ShareGoodness #Mormons #LDSMissionaries

On Oct. 11th the Canada Toronto Mission hosted a "Day in the life of a Missionary" to showcase to the world what a missionary companionship is like and also the forms of service missionaries do daily. This incredible event included our son as one of the many missionaries who's activities were live tweeted and shared throughout the day. It was thrilling to see Elder Muirhead and Elder Bowman sharing the gospel and serving in their new area!

Barrie - Rolled Ankle, Getting Fed and Narnia - BONUS Birthday Message for Josh

Dear Family, has it already been 6 weeks? It's nuts!!

This week has been HOT HOT HOT the humidity is crazy! But it is super fun to see Barrie set up for a summer carnival with rides and music fun stuff. The apartment is something I have now gotten used to and love the moment of the day when I get home and am able to just put on my moccasins and just chillax on the couch, read the bible ect. Right now I am doing my personal studies in the New Testament and have started from the beginning and now am in John so good learning of the life of the Savior and his apostles. In my spare time I read Old testament and have gotten to Exodus with Moses throwing down on Pharaoh! woot woot! 

Guess what?! Our investigator Alec finally came to church yesterday he was so excited he even knew people there and was just a champ. We have also met with a lady Brenda who is a newly widow and is kinda...not all there I think, but she has the biggest garden ever and gives us fresh veggies and herbs. We taught her the Plan of Salvation and I think it went well, so loved when she heard she can be with her husband again. 

I am so happy to hear from the Wynders, Muirheads, Larsens, Cranmers and friends! It has been so great to hear from all of you and again thank you so much for your love and updates on life while I'm away. Nana I have been trying to do those exercises from your buddy Jeff and it is so helpful, would you ask him for something to help relax my neck and shoulders for me? that would be such a help. I think my favorite part of reading letters is hearing how my little cousins are getting such strange injuries, as bad as that sounds! But either way it brings me close to home in some weird way haha. 

The members have been inviting us for dinner every day this week so nice, I feel I may start to gain some weight soon...hopefully not to much. Our fridge is now packed and hardly needed to shop today. 

OUCH!

Last Preparation day I injured my ankle in Basketball and rolled it so bad = sprained it! 

But still as my foot increased in size and pain I also increased with my determination to press on with a "Steadfastness in Christ" and pushed on anyhow. It is now normal sized and just a little sore but The lord has sped up my recovery thankfully. 

My favorite quote from someone so far is from Alec our investigator he is reading the Book of Mormon and we followed up with him and he said "Hey the Book of Mormon is good, like almost as good as Narnia!" HAHAHA we died! He has come a ways He believes in the Prophet and the Book of Mormon and loves church so exciting.

Another strange thing we get alot is people yelling out of there cars at us saying "hail satan!" or " I worship satan!" to which we use the following saying after "We know, that's why we are here!" We were happy to hear one or two shouts saying "praise Jesus" or "God rules!" haha so just a little look into the Barrie area.

My testimony of the prophet Joseph smith has been strengthened so much I know for a fact that he is a man called of God and that this is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. 

A few new goals I have been setting lately, I read the points on prayer in 'Preach my Gospel' to build my conversations with the Lord, and I read at least once my Patriarichal Blessing a week. Such a help but I think the best help for myself that I've done is read my favorite scripture Matthew 11:28-30. 

Elders in my District - Pyramid of Success HAHA!

I am going on another Exchange to Orillia this evening with Elder Gartner this time, they're putting the greenies together it will be sweet!!! 

Thanks Mom for the family pics today, Sweet!!

Continue to send me updates!
With Love

Elder Muirhead

P.S.
Oh and tell the Sisters and Cheyenne thank you for the letters!
P.S. Our new Mission Pres. President Clayton from Salt lake sounds pretty cool. Can't wait to meet him someday. 
ps.....running out of Birthday oreos lol

Oh Mom I would love to try that natural sleep stuff you mentioned! You asked about what music I'd like and I feel like some bagpipe music for some reason....anyways think you can look something up for me that would be sweet!

It's Elder M's Mom here, when I saw his pic this week I said: "I think you're even better looking now kiddo - holy smokes! Keep that gorgeousness under a bushel. HAHA" I told him that I Love his Guts and he replied "Hey my guts are pretty loveable I guess. Not that I have seen them but I still appreciate their presence."

JOSH!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO!!! Finally "13" I hear. It's so great you are now among teenagers my friend, that means a few more things to do and watch out for. Here's a few tips on the life of a teen put into 3 main lessons I learned...maybe even the hard way.

#1- Mom and Dad are always right!!!! We come from a righteous family J that means the the Gospel is in our life to help in guiding our decisions including our Parents. Whatever they ask you to do whether it is a chore, curfew or maybe a little talk too, it is out of love and is for your growth into manhood from the help of the Holy Ghost.

#2- Your friends are nice but sometimes their habits are Not. Be careful who you spend your time with and always remember who you are and who you represent, the Lord and  Muirhead family members! If someone asks something of you that you know to be wrong don't even think about it!!! So not worth it! Dare to stand with the armour of God (ephisians 6: 13-18) look up the mormon message "Dare to stand alone" by Pres. Monson he really sets a great point.

#3- you may be a teenager now and feel pretty high and mighty or even invincible this does not mean that girls on on the table right now! I would ask you to not worry about that till 16+ when you can actually date, because now is the time when you need to learn how to be responsible and set your standards and potential in life, and that comes with dedication and focus! 

BONUS #4- You are a child of an immortal being our heavenly father who loves you no matter what happens!! PLUS you are a brother to Elder Muirhead and someday I hope that you will aspire to reach and claim that title of Missionary as Dad, Papa, Uncle Conor  etc. and I have now done! So many blessings come from preparing to serve a mission, start now read your scriptures, say your prayers and know that I may be far In Ontario but my love Trancends Distance for my family members that means you too!!!

I love you Josh and wish to know how you are doing in the world of a teeny bopper. ;) 

keeping you posted on the Lords work

Your Bro 

Elder Dylan Muirhead

Barrie - Happy Father's Day!

Dear Family,
Well everyone this is my 2nd week in Barrie, Ontario. This place is very different than home for sure. The weather is usually 25-20 degrees Celsius and all ready I got sun burnt, HURRAY for being so white (not)! There are so many different kinds of people here already I have spoken with Catholics, Protestants, muslims, coptic (Egyptian christian), several christian faiths, buddists, atheists, and more! I am very certain that 90 percent of people here smoke and drink, this is a collage town and has 3-5 bars per street in my area downtown. Our apartment is luckily across the street from the grocery store, barber, post office, and the lake. Our favorite place to tract is a trail by the lake so peaceful, surprisingly there has been quite a few people there who like to stop and talk.

One couple we talked to enjoyed talking to us and the husband has read many different bibles, and asked "how would you describe God?" I took the challenge head on. "We believe that God created us in his own image and he has a body of flesh and bone." He liked the answer then sent a curve ball, "In Ezekiel:1 it describes what many believe is God, and it makes it sound alien like with spaceships, what do you think?" as we read the passage and the description of it, the spirit helped in my answer. "The thing the comes to mind is not God but a cherubim. It makes sense and I'll search for an answer." later that night I discovered Ezekiel:10 held the answer and shared it with him the next day. I was so excited to answer his question and wish to talk with him about it soon.

The first week of the mission was so hard!! But through the Lord, my companion, Mission President, and my family I was able to take a breath and move on. My growth has been great and though I get nervous talking with some people, I am able to do quite a bit which is exciting. Me and Elder Baumgartner started doing split contacting which gets us on our toes when we talk to some people by ourselves. 

Later today we are doing an exchange and I will be going to Orillia with Elder Taotau till tomorrow exciting! 

One miracle happened for us in week one, as we were going door to door knocking we were about to leave when a young man Alec came up on his bike and said "Hey I'm glad your here, this is my house come sit down." We were shocked, and we taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ and committed him to Baptism. Right as we pulled away he was reading the Book of Mormon, we freaked out! Unfortunately he has yet to come to church but we are still seeing him though.

Thank you all for all your prayers and letters! please continue to send messages to me it brings a smile to my face each time. 

To my Dad I wish to say HAPPY FATHERS DAY, I love you so much! I want you to know how much you have helped me in this process, even though it may look small you have been motivating me the whole way. I send you the biggest email hug. ps. I am now expecting those fuzzy peaches you took from my box. haha! 

Josh, Brigs, Noah and Lola kids the church is true, I want you to know that as you work hard with the Lord and say your prayers, read your scriptures and go to church you are then spiritually filled and it is so important. I think of you kids a lot and miss your faces, remember I love you and can't wait to hear from you soon. Challenge for you: this week draw me a picture of your favorite Book of Mormon story and send it to me in the mail! 

Mom and dad, the Lord is here, he is helping me as I learn and grow. He has comforted me and is still increasing me daily as his followers to gather his sheep. By tonight I will have finished the book of Mormon again and will move to the Bible next, I am also reading "Jesus the Christ" and "Our Heritage" Great books and so helpful.

I felt the same way as I read Moroni: 1. Though I am with a companion, the world is scary and the adversary wishes to destroy me, but I will not deny the Christ I am his missionary and took upon me his name to share for the aid in our Heavenly Father's plan " to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." 

I love you all and have each of you in my prayers, never lose the faith!

Love Elder Muirhead