30 October 2012 ~Tuesday 9:00 am

FAMILY!

Dad sent me a package! My U of U hoodie (seriously the best thing EVER!) and my winter coat! Oh halleluiah! Dad you nailed it spot on! Thank you!

Grandfolks sent me the best package!!! Everything in it was just for me. I could feel the love! A cute Halloween card, gummy snacks, Oreos, dried fruit, scarf, hat, and deodorant. I'm so amazed at their attention to detail. Please tell them one million thanks. I think of them daily. Their picture is above my bed and I think of them and how much I love them often. (I need a Jackson photo please) Thank them for supporting a missionary and tell them they will be blessed in the heavens. Also tell them to be baptized. Can you do that for me? haha Ask them to call the missionaries in their area and get to know them. That would be awesome!

I'm happy my testimony can be felt through words! how awesome!!!

I feel the prayers! I really, really, really do! Spanish is coming along! I've been praying to be led by the spirit during personal and language study. So guess what: yesterday I was studying/ preparing for our lesson and I just randomly wrote down the vocab word: llegar a ser: to become. And during our lesson both of my companions needed that word! I had it! I was able to supply it and increase the lesson. But really it increased my testimony: with the Lord nothing is impossible. With faith, and action, you can do anything. I know that as I continue to study with the Lord's help, I can preach this gospel in Spanish.

Dad you rock about the wall painting! Way to go! Dad, you'd probably like ch 3 of Heleman because a lot of it talks about cement. I'd never realized they had cement around 49BC but apparently they do. How do you think they made it? Keep me posted!

I watched a video in RS about when the Savior was on the Earth after resurrection and he was walking amongst the people sharing his love and blessing others. An elderly women with crippled hands came unto Christ. Christ looked in her eyes and held her hands. When we next see her hands, they're healed. It reminded me of my beautiful Grandma Carol. It strengthened my testimony. I know that when we are resurrected, our bodies will become perfect. Our sicknesses, illness, worries, etc. will disappear. I know Grandma's hands will be healed. I know my Savior loves and knows ME! I love this gospel. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"There is beauty all around BECAUSE there's love at home." Today(yesterday...no Sunday.) on my temple walk, I felt God's beauty. The sun is magnificent! The air is crisp. The grass is green, and then I realized, it's when you notice the beauty all around that there is love at home. Does this make sense? Basically I felt beauty and knew it was because ya'll at home love each other. I love you.

Please read Heleman 5. When I read about Nephi and Lehi, I think of Ryley and Connor. What rockstars! And Bray...sorry. Maybe you can be Heleman! (Their gpa) haha

PLEASE THANK JULIE!!! I love my camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just for Connor: 15. "y viva mi padre en una tienda." -1 Nefi 2:15

I see Lindsay all over. She lives in the same bldg and floor as me so I always see her bright and early drying her hair, etc. and I always try and head over to say goodnight and hug her. IT's such a tender mercy to have a piece of home so close. Tell her momma she loves her. We hug each other in lieu of our mommas.

I'm outside (a few days ago) literally just soaking up the sun. we don't get to be outside much so I'll take what I can get.

Earlier we had a district mtg. with pres Bradford (Sunday) we all placed bets on how many times he would say the word, "what!?" just another way my district makes me laugh. They are absolutely hilarious! They keep me sane!

It's been a really good week with my companions. we're working on working as a team! Thank you for your prayers. I know they are being heard!

I can't wait to see my blog eventually! that'll be cool!

Tell Kath congrats on her new calling! How exciting! Remind her: whom the Lord calls he qualifies. She'll be perfect!

Mom I'm happy you got to go scrapbooking! It makes me happy to hear your excitement through your words. Man I miss my mom! You rock!

I miss my family! You know what would be awesome? If all of you go around with a camera and take a photo of something that made you smile this week. I'll try and do the same thing.
1. "We are now the Lord's missionaries..."
2. "The Army of Workman..."
The first one is how the MTC changes lyrics and it chokes me up every time. Thank you for your sacrifices! I HAVE been taught in my youth and at your feet. The second one is from Elder Moore in my district. He sang that in the last verse and I liked it! We are an army, workman family! I've got your back Forrest and you've got mine!!

I LOVE YOU!

I know this church is true. I know this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know it with all of my heart. I know that if any person reads the BOM they will assuredly grow closer to God. I know that it is the most correct book on this Earth. I know that families can be together forever. I know that the Lord is ever mindful of all of our needs and He answers them when He says. I know that missionary work is the most magnificent force in the universe. I was asked the question yesterday, "are you a missionary?" by some people walking by and I proudly responded, "yes!" What an amazing opportunity to wear the name: JesuCristo proudly and act in his name. I can't wait for my brothers and parents to walk the hallowed ground at the MTC someday. What a blessing it is! I love this gospel.
I love each of you.
Stay happy.
Stay cheerful.
Stay Golden!!!
Photos, letters, and kisses my way!
I LOVE YOU!

-Hermana Workman
ps I'm so grateful for my bed. I don't even mind the top bunk! I'm always so tired, it feels amazing! :)
haha Con I ate the chicken nuggets again yesterday. They rocked :)

10-22-12

I’m going to try (really) try to “forget myself and get to work.”  I had a super good devotional yesterday about being obedient and working hard. Mom, you know how you always say, “To find Mr. Right, you must first be Mrs. Right?” I realized yesterday that in order to have super awesome companions, I must first be a super awesome companion. I, like Nephi, have been raised well. Thank you parents for that! Dad, last night I had a dream I backed the trailer in. What the heck? Ha ha!! But, you were so proud of me ;) I think it’s because most of the photos I have and look at everyday were taken in the trailer. Please continue to send them along! Please send a goofy one of my brothers and I!

Alma 53:20-21 is my brothers to a t! They are young and true in all things BECAUSE they have been raised well. I love you!!!

I got an awesome letter from Chad. Awesome but messy. I have to clean up our classroom now and vacuum about 1million pieces of paper. I can't wait to respond...haha

The other day we had a spur of the moment teaching opportunity where members came to the MTC and we had to give them a lesson in Spanish. I was freaking out because I had nothing prepared and really don't know the language yet. Our teacher said, "I bet a lot of you are thinking, 'oh I wish I knew this language!' but what you need to be thinking is, 'I want them to come unto Christ.' When you make that your priority, you'll be the best instrument in the Lord's hands." I have been set apart to do this! And whom the Lord calls, he qualifies!

I get to see Ashling every Sunday. This week we had Sister Dibb (YW presidency and Pres. Monson's daughter) come in for R.S. it was awesome! It's so good to see her! (Can’t wait to see Lindsay) She wrote me a letter and said I was her crutch. And I said, no you're my crutch and she said, we can't both be crutches or we'll wobble over! It was funny.

I love it here one million percent!! I am always so spiritually full! I love everything I’m learning! I am so blessed!!

Today,  I just got back from the temple. Our district likes to go first thing in the morning. Anyways I did a sealing session and it was awesome! It made me *that* much more excited for a temple marriage. For anyone reading my words, who is not yet married: set your standards high so that you can get there. Do anything you can to make a temple marriage your goal. For my brothers: I am so excited for you to go through! For Morgan, after reading your letter, I can't wait to get back and go through with you!! (To the temple) It will be awesome!!! I have personal study. I’m studying Spanish Book of Mormon, PMG and Alma. I love personal study. I’m at breakfast now: tell Chad I tried jalapeño and like it. Next I have gym. Our district is really into volleyball. I love it.  Good stress release.  I can’t spell English anymore… Heavenly Father is taking my brain and getting rid of English and replacing it with Spanish! I can’t think of any songs anymore. (good) only himnos. Please send me the lyrics to “After Today” from Goofy Movie. I have a reason I promise.  After gym, class all day until 9:30 and its bedtime.

I love each of you! Love, Hermana Workman

10-19-12

Dear Family,

Thank you so much for the beautiful care package!! Mom that box was 1 million percent adorable! My entire district loved it! I love getting stuff like that – it makes me feel so loved! I loved all the letters, the décor, the watch and the goodies!

Funny story, I got your package before I got your note card with sunshine stuff (so cute)! But the point of this: don’t worry – I’m getting your letters and I love them! Also on the same day I got a box of donuts from the Rhees family so I really felt the love! Please pass a thank you on to her from me and my district. That’s so awesome about Merial!! Yay for sister missionaries!

Tuesday devotional this week – we had Elder Shayne M Bowen from the 70’s and his wife talk. He’s the one who talked in Sunday conference about losing a child, etc… He had many encouraging words@ The top three things that stood out to me: a. decide today that you’ll enjoy your mission! (or day) Only you have the agency to choose to have/be happy. Mom, you’ve always been a good example of this! And like Hannah Montana says, “Life’s What You Make It!”  b. This will be the best 2 years (year and a half). Why? Because it’s the time I’ll spend being the closest to my Heavenly Father Ever!  C. “She wasn’t much. But she (me) was obedient and did all she could. I’ll make up the difference.” Christ is my mediator. If I do all I can, if I stay exactly obedient – through Christ’s atonement, I’m able to return to my Heavenly Father. What a beautiful thing!!

Morgie Bradshaw wrote me a beautiful letter!  That was a wonderful surprise! I feel the love and the prayers. I can’t believe I’m on my mission. Last night I was thinking: I’m a missionary! It’s crazy – I love it! I’m happy for her decision! She will not regret it for a moment!

Our district lately has been playing 20 questions – using Pokémon! And they really get into it! I couldn’t keep up. Bray and Ry, I need a quick reminder. Please. J  We then started playing with Disney characters – as per my request – and I had them all stumped for a while. Let’s see if you can guess… 1990’s, no singing in the movies. Male. Human. It’s a sequel, but the main character isn’t protagonist in the first one.. any ideas?  

It’s good to give your brain a break sometimes! But, we’re trying to limit It to one a day so we can try to stay on task.

Studying Spanish – slowly and hopefully, surely when we plan our lessons, it takes a long time for me to conjugate and translate the verbs.. Let alone memorize stuff.  I really hope it comes! 

Dad, thank you for your letter and telling me what’s going on at home. I have so many emotions and thoughts and feelings about it and I want to call and tell you about it dangit!

Family, thank you for your letters! Imagine being surrounded by thousands of loving and spiritual people. They’re all great. Now imagine being surrounded by 5 people who love you so sincerely and completely. 5 people who laugh at and with you. 5 people who greet you warmly. 5 people to hug you when needed. That’s my family! And when y’all can’t do those things for me for a while, when I get letters from my family, I feel such wonderful joy!

I love ya Ryley. Don’t be sad I’m not there ya goof! Anytime you feel sad, I want you to do one thing. Will you do it? Promise me? Read your scriptures. Every. Single. Day! I promise if you do that, you’ll hear the voice of the lord. You will feel the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. I saw a picture of you and Connor and the Youth going to Missionary prep… and THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!! Do you know what I saw in that photo? God’s Army. When I saw you holding the PMG’s it was as if I was looking at men and women standing with the armor of God; breastplate, shields, swords, etc. I saw the future of the MTC. Can you comprehend that? Y’all will be here sooner than you know. I invite all of you to continue being steadfast. Keep going to mission prep. Tell the Talley’s hello! Continue going to seminary. More importantly – be excited to go every day! Listen to the spirit and write down what you’re feeling! Oh, I’m so joyous to know so worthy young people; you know what I did with that picture? I showed it to 11 missionaries – all of whom have been set apart as Disciples of Christ – and every one of them exclaimed their happiness and excitement. Way to go!!

Connor, I love you!! Keep it up handsome!! Thank you for writing me when you can. I’m so proud of you and Luke. You’re a SuperHero!

Dad, you are the greatest dad in the whole wide world!! You’ve raised such magnificent sons! The other day, my district and I gathered around and (don’t get me wrong, they’re awesome) but none of them gave up their seats! It was one of those moments where I was like, wow! Where are the gentlemen? I was happy to know that had my brothers (or my pa) been in that room, they would’ve jumped up without a second thought. Proud sister, right here! Dad, pat yourself on the back! The talk Elder Bowen gave here can be applied to you: Be obedient. Do all that you can do to be pliable in the Lord’s hands. Your mediator will make up the rest. Never doubt yourself. Know how much I love you!

Oct 16, 2012 (continued)

Mom, I’m so happy about your watch bargain find! Do you remember when we were trying to find me a watch? And you jokingly put the “relay for Life” watch on me? (I’m laughing out loud just thinking about it.) Well, guess what? I saw someone wearing one here! It didn’t have the “Relay” Logo on it but, I laughed out loudly anyways J 

And now comes the time for me to pick my Hunger Games District… what is our specialty?  Ummm mom, you would actually fit right in. I’ll call us the “butterfly District”.. wait for it.. Because we can focus for about 2 minutes before we get off topic again! Ha! It’s awesome to be reading about Deber and all the sudden be quoting all of Napoleon Dynamite.

I hope you like the pictures ps J Like I said it was a mad house in that laundry room and I was borrowing some random, kind Elder’s card reader. By the way, nothing in the MTC needs to get locked up. Everything/one is full of integrity. Just a fun fact! 

(Drawing of a mother on her knees with her arms outstretched to her child. Another drawing of a stripling warrior holding a sword and shield)

“Behold our God is with us, and he would not suffer that we should fall. Yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt (!) Our mothers knew it… But behold, to my (Heleman) great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength..”  Alma 56:46-56

Do you remember in my email when I spoke about missionaries that speak with the spirit speak with the 2000 Stripling Warriors behind them backing them up? You know who was behind them? Is and behind us all? The strength of God, Yo! I just really love this! 

Funny moment: It just started to rain and naturally my companion said: It’s rain’n men! So I kept singing it too.  I look out the window and a ton of Elders are running by.  Funny!

KEEP THE FAITH! I love you all! So much! Have a good week! Remember that every letter you write me gets you one step closer to heaven J aka: Brownie points.

(Drawing of our family holding hands) notice how y’all are holding hands? That’s the sign of an Eternal Family!! I love you!!Love,

Hermana Megan Workman

10-16-12

Dear Family,

Greetings, greetings, greetings! Thirty minutes is not enough time to write/respond properly! First of all, I love you!  Reading the emails makes me feel soo happy and sad at the same time. Why? Because I love hearing all about y’all! Thank you for all the time you dedicate to writing me-it counts as service- I promise! Keep them coming; I need them! Also after I read them I’m sad I can’t be with y’all. The latter feeling end quickly because I’m loving this experience more than anything! I wish I could describe this through words… let me at least try J  everyone here is constantly happy. Can you even imagine that level of happy? Everyone I see has a smile on. If they don’t, it’s because all you have to do is say, “Hola Elders!” or “Hola Hermanas!” and everyone cheerfully greets you back! This world would become 90% better if everyone chose to be happy: - Everyone starts off the day quietly – because we’re all so tired. But by the end of the day we’re loopy, but full of the spirit. The campus is beautiful!  It’s such a magnificent place! Today is sunny and warm! That makes P-Day that much better!
 We watched the Joseph Smith Movie Sunday and I want everyone reading my words to know I have a testimony of the prophet and seer Joseph Smith. More importantly, I want those of you reading this to do more than read em, pray to find out for yourself! Gain such a strong testimony about the restoration of the gospel! I know Joseph Smith helped restore this gospel. I know he helped translate the Book of Mormon. (Side note: how cool would it be to first meet Moroni in your room in angel form and then when translating the Book of Mormon read about Moroni as this kick butt, freaking Awesome military and community hero? AWESOME!)I know the book contains the word of God. I know if anyone reads it, they will grow closer to God and come to understand for themselves their purpose in this life. I’m so grateful for the atonement. I know that (I’m so used to writing: yo se que for “I know that”) My Heavenly Father loves me because He sent His only begotten Son to atone for my sins. The atonement is what makes me possible to give up all my pains, sorrows, afflictions, etc and be happy.  What a blessing! I’m grateful for temples (I miss my parents being there!) I love this gospel! Bray, I’m so happy for you to get to go through for the first time! I’m sorry I can’t be there!! I love you all! And I say (write) this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

On 10-4-12 she wrote: Greetings from Hogwarts! Ha!  I really feel like I am at camp. I LOVE it here. The hardest part was walking from the truck to a line of sisters also waiting with their luggage. It was one of those moments where you feel REALLY alone. But, that feeling was quickly gone because guess who volunteered to host/ tour guide me? I was greeted by K Goodwin who ran over to hug me. Then I met Hermana O who is so good at talking to everyone. Heavenly Father loves me so much, he gave me 2 companions! Hermana O & Hermana H! I share a room with 5 other girls and last night during companionship prayer, you should've heard us sing: Mas Cerca, Dios, de Ti. Which I thought was "More Holiness Give Me... but, now I can't remember??  Last night I kept trying to dream in Espanol! It was crazy.  I get the top bunk-Yay! but, climbing down that metal latter at 6:00 am is a bit tricky.  Spanish class is going bene!  I'm grateful for the little spanish I did study in high school!  At least I know when to add a "a" at the end of a word.  Here's what I'm working on:  "Buenos dias!  Yo soy una representatnte de las Iglesia de Juso Cristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias." Good Morning! I am a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!! 

My name tag is WAY cool!! When the sister put it on me, she said, "Always wear it high on your shoulders so when others look at your eyes and your face, they also see the word "Christ".  I thought that was way cool & I'm happy to put upon Christ's name, for real. 

The food here is delicious! My bed is comfy and warm.  I feel a great sense of companionship wherever I am.  Please know that I am super happy and busy.  I haven't even had time to miss any of you yet :) Yesterday during a teaching experience, we were given 3 real investigators.  The invitation was to listen to the spirit. Yes, I feel a little inadequate, but I know I've aligned myself on the Lord's side: The winning team.  I know with His help, there is nothing I cannot do.  I later found out they were actors.  But, they're really good!  One of them looked just like Mr. Miagi from the Karate Kid (original 80's version).

Please tell the Chandler's that I met their nephew!! Elder Perry is in my district. 

Go read Alma 26:11 (pg 273) but, substitute my name: Hermana Workman for "Ammon" (by  the way, everyone loves my last name here) Now, GO.. read vs. 12 and feel of it's power. it is exactly how I feel. 

I KNOW that my Redeemer lives! What JOY this sweet sentence gives!
I pray for all of you to be blessed with any needs you may have.  DO NOT feel sad I'm gone, I'm part of the Lord's Army! I'm at boot camp learning how to fend off the adversary.  I love each of you with all my heart!! (I learned how to say that en espanol, but forgot.... oops :)

10-16-12

Greetings family!
As I type i'm in the basement-the laundry room- surrounded by a bunch of washers, dryers, and good smells! It's like a mad house in here. Hundreds of missionaries all trying to use 30 machines and 7 computers. Why? Apparently they're the only ones that will allow me to upload photos. So...wish me luck :)
THINGS THAT MADE ME LAUGH/THINK OF HOME/ THINK OF YA'LL:
1. The Elders in my district are very capable to having a 15-20 minute detailed conversation about why Star Wars is better than LOTR. I mean detailed. It's hilarious. It reminds me of my brothers and always makes me laugh. It feels so good to laugh! It feels good to be amongst fellow nerds!
2. E.T.T.E=Endure to the end. I like that!
3. I saw Ashling! Got to sit by her in relief society and music and the spoken word. She cried. I was so happy! We are "home" for each other. What a comfort!
4. Have you ever heard of Terrytown, NY? It reminded me of my dadd-eh. P.S I need PHOTOS! please!
5. I've got my purpose memorized in spanish! Take that, Elder Erickson! haha it took my district and I a lot of practice!
6. I wrote this in my journal about my district, and it applies to all missionaries really. "Yes they're boys. But when they speak with the spirit, the rest of the 2,000 strippling warriors stand behind them." It's so so so true.
7. Mom, you mentioned in a DearElder letter (THANK YOU PS FOR ALL OF THOSE. KEEP THEM COMING! although, you've got my address wrong? my box # is 277. I keep getting my letters a day or two late...) that you shared what I wrote to people. What did I write? I can't remember.
8. Bren, do you know a Brady Powell? I was at lunch the other day when Elder Powell came over and said, "you wouldn't know any Workman's living in Hendersen NV, would you?" My response: "I don't know, it's pretty unique last name. What's the first name?" "Brayden Workman." "yeah I know him! That's my brother!" "no, it couldn't be. This guy was way tall. Had curly fro/fluff on top of his head and a beard at the end of his chin." "ummm...yeah you just desctibed my handsome brother!" haha so apparently your evil twin lives in NV. PS Bray, please get your butt in here ASAP! I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited for you!!!!!!! And thank you for the letter. Yes I LOVE your hugs! This Sunday, we had a fireside from the MTC worldwide presidency and guess what? Starting January 2013, all mission training time will be reduced by 1/3. That means if you're going english speaking, you'll only be here (MTC) for 2 weeks. Etc. Etc. Also, tell PEYT I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO excited for him.  I just know that this is the greatest thing in the entire world. I have a completely new respect for missionaries. I smile at the thought of the two of you in here together. SO SO awesoem!!!
9. Here's my advice for ANY folk planning on serving missions: (this includes my ma y pa, mi hermanos especially) Read Preach My Gospel (Precidad mi Evanjelio) every. single. day. Study it like scriptures. Devour it. Know it so so so so so so well!!! I regret not knowing it well enough to not need it all the time. Seriously, devour it. Go to mish prep classes. That way you'll be so prepared for the MTC. you get to the MTC and you're already expected to know what that book contains. (don't worry, if you don't you go over it, but honestly, i wish I knew more about it!) It's an amazing book.
10. Guess who came to the MTC for Relief Society? The General R.S president, Sister Burton! cha! If you want to mingle amongst apostles etc.: come to the MTC. it's so flippin awesome here! Thank you for your sacrifices that allow me to be here. I love it so much. Families that come after my time will be so grateful for all that you're sacrificing right now. Families in the heavens and eternities will thank you. THANK YOU!
11. I really miss my Sunday naps. Really. Sacrement in Spanish is no picnik. Each week I have to have a talk prepared just in case they call my name. YIKES!
12. Mom, thank you for being obedient. I have a companion who wrote her mom and told her to meet her at (*places. I wont give you any ideas. haha) so they could "run into" each other. It's hard for me because I am being "exactly obedient" (from PMG) but I really am grateful that you are choosing to obey the commandments. We will all be blessed in the long run. I love you!
13. I had a zone president say, "I defy any companion (marriages, roomates, companions, etc.) to read 'More Holiness Give Me' in a time of anger and not feel the spirit and uplifted afterwards." If ya'll are going through any struggles, read this hymn. It is beautiful! Ponder its words!
14. The Elders in my district LOVE Pokemon. Ha! It reminds me of when Bray and I would geek up on collecting them. Ry it reminds me of your love for squirtle. haha Sorry Con, we never had the pokemon connection.
15. Connor, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER! so so so so sweet! I love you!
16. The popcorn chicken/chicken nuggests here rock! I keep gaining wait....es no bueno. Can't wait for the beans and rice haha.
17. Chase, can I please take you up on an offer? I would love to borrow your camera and all that it entails (charger, computer hook ups etc.) My camera just isn't cutting the cake. Please?
18. I devoured my Peachrings. One million and one thank yous!
19.I just want letters from my friends and family. Is that too selfish? Sorry. I just really care about what's going on in UTAH :) Love you!
20. Dad, I love you! Mom said you might have caught a bug? So I can expect to hear from you in....2 months? Does that give you enough time to recover (hahaha, i'm joking. Mom, pound my fist) :) I hope you feel better Pa! I love you!
21. Ryley, Where's my HONEY BAB-EH??! I miss and love you! Send me a letter so I know how you are. I love you!
22. Bray, I'm so flippin excited for you dude. You have no idea. Everyone in a suit here reminds me of my litl' bro, whom I love one million percent.
23. Connor, Gosh dangit I LOVE YOU! You're stinkin adorable! I think your name and smile!
24. Mom, I lvoe you! Stay Golden! Don't let those boys push you around. Have you listened to my voice memos yet?
Audios!
Buenos Suertes!
-Hermana Megan Workman