Yes!! My first hot shower in Costa Rica!!

I'll cut your MANGO! (insert Norman Bates slasher music here)

February 25, 2013

My zone leader, district leader, and companion all left me the same day.  I am in the same house, with a brand new companion, We will get a new cook next week. I´m a trainer now; they told me this would happen in the MTC but I didn´t believe them. Her name is Hermana F, from Guatemala. I´ve got used to a Mexican accent, so I really can’t ever understand her. (It´s really stressful being in charge) *Photo of me doing the stressful papers, in Spanish none the less.  I do all the planning of where to go, what to teach, and when. Setting a good example and teaching her how to be a good missionary. Also, it´s all in Spanish, it was a rough week for me with the Spanish. However, I know that it´s only Satan that wants me to think and believe that I´m no good at it, but grrrr it´s a challenge.  

San Jose was wonderful. It is so pretty. Sorry for the photos just of me, but it was the first hot shower I´d had in a long time. I had a hard time leaving the shower. It felt sooo good. And I couldn’t stop smiling. I actually said a prayer of gratitude in the middle of the shower. I was just so very grateful. Anyway, I left the shower with rosy cheeks. ROSY CHEEKS! And it just felt good! The temple! No, I wasn´t able to go. Hopefully, we will get to go in March. My spirit needs it.  *photo of my trip to San Jose. We stayed in the nicest house I have ever seen! Their son served in the Salt Lake City South, aka our ‘hood - mission many years ago. It was fun to talk to him about the area. My heart loves Utah. *Photo view of San José at night- much cooler in person.

Ready for my spiritual experience?  I was in mission prep not understanding a word. I was just flustered and went into the church kitchen and knew I just needed to pray. I prayed for help to see the Lord’s hand in my life. I asked for Him to show me the things He sends me to remind me that He loves me. I asked for Him to help me to look for the good in others, and not the bad. I felt more peaceful after the prayer and was able to forget some of the frustration.

Later, we were in our house studying when we got a phone call. It was C. He is one of my favorite people here. He´s 16! He´s Ryley´s age!!!!!!!!! I can´t believe it! He seems older than Ryley. (Maybe because he´s taller) Anyway, he told us that his friend wanted to meet with the missionaries. Woo hoo! We practiced lesson 1, the restoration, and headed out the door. We found out that S, also 16, is a less active member. I thought we´d still be teaching lesson 1 but my comp was like, we should first find out what he expects to get out of our visits. Great thinking! Why didn´t I think of that, haha. Anyway he told us that he wanted to come back to church, but was afraid of the members judging him, etc. I kept thinking, what does the Lord want me to say or share? We bore testimony of the power of prayer. Prayer can help us with anything. It’s just a communication with our Father in Heaven and with His help; we can do the hard things. I left him with Heleman 5 to read. (Go and read it. It’s my favorite BOM chapter. All about Nephi and Lehi and less active members.) As he said the closing prayer, I felt the spirit so strong. I knew the spirit was working through me. And I knew that my Father in Heaven was proud of me. As we walked home, I remembered my prayer I said in the kitchen just hours before. This was something that God gave me to show me that He loves me. And it´s not like I doubt that I´m a loved Daughter of a King, it´s just that sometimes, it can be easy to focus on negative things. Anyway, I have a testimony that God answers our prayers in his timetable. He loves each of us so personally and more than I can even imagine. I love the trust He has in me and I don´t want to let him down. And there is one of my strong spiritual experiences this week. After that lesson with S, my sweet new companion told me that she knows I can’t understand her. But she is amazed every time we walk into the lesson because I just BAM! (She clapped her hands together) can really invite the spirit and speak. 

Yeah these bugs were coming out of our bathroom door. *Photo They come out in the thousands only at night. It's the worst. They just fly around and land on you. The other day, hna P found a few in her unmentionables. hahahaha Its been rough. I think we´re learning just to laugh through it.

Brothers, BOOK OF MORMON Youth Conference was THE BEST ONE! I hope you can tell how very excited I am for you. I will never forget that experience! My advice; read all of 3 Nephi before you go. Also, read your entire Book of Mormon. Really put yourself in their shoes. Say your prayers every night. BeeDee, I’m so happy that you got your birthday letter finally! And, I´m sorry that Ryley didn´t get his yet. I´m sorry I missed his surprise party! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HIM! His party sounds absolutely awesome! He will get his letter in about another week. I sent it home with the H family. By the way they are amazing! They hooked us up with A TON of food and supplies. Such angels! *Photo of junk food from H Family.

Mom, I really REALLY miss you. I don’t know why I´m so sad. I have so many good blessings! Why can´t I learn Spanish!!? Why do I miss my family and stuff so much!? How can I just get lost? I really miss you mom!  Thanks for the advice mom. I am going to do that! You are the best mother in the world! (** My advice that she gave me so much praise for came from Sister B and Sister M in Newark, New Jersey.  They started a gratitude/miracle wall with post it notes. It’s just a simple reminder of the hand of the Lord in their lives. I advised Megan and her companions to try that. I told her that she should try to change her focus on the things she is looking at. Look for the greatness there and she will find it. Elder J shared his testimony today of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s burying their weapons. I shared that also. Sometime, our gifts can become a weapon or a crutch. We begin to rely too heavily upon certain things. We need to bury them and look for another source of strength. She loved the idea and said they are going to start it today!)

Gotta go! I love you all. Resist temptation. Like Saul´s wife, don´t look back. Just keep moving forward with your eye single to the glory of God.

Love,

Hermana Workman (aka Meg)

PS  I sliced my own huge mango. Chad would be so proud! *Photo

On Saturday, Sister H (currently in Costa Rica) emailed me and asked if I wanted her to relay a message on to Megan. I replied then she replied again. This is a bit of that letter: “It was a joy again to see your sweet Meg! She looked so beautiful today and she had her pretty hair down. I have a few pictures that I will send. I was able to sit next to her in RS. I pulled up my email - and there was your very wise, loving, letter. We read it together. As I read your thoughtful, caring words, I wondered if you wanted me to relay those things to Meg and not have her read all of it...but I know I couldn't have put it as eloquently as you did or get the same point across.

I like how you said it best: "fake it till you make it" and “Smile”...she said that she and her companions' smiles, have literally opened doors for them - doors that the elders were not able to get thru. I thought about the part you wrote about missing Meg...I understand your worries about missing them too much and letting them know. I'm in that same boat. But I think it was heartwarming for her to know that you miss her but that you embrace the big picture. (Sister H has two of her children out serving as full time missionaries)

Meg looks like she is doing great - she seems to have some good friends in the branch. She seems so wonderful and full of smiles at church. She is just such a remarkable young lady! I am constantly astounded by her gratitude, her great sensitivity for those around her, and her humility. She answered a question in RS today, granted I'm not the best judge because of my poor Spanish, but she handled herself with great confidence, and it seems to me, she used great Spanish!

We laughed a little about the TP because we ran out of it this last week ourselves, and had to make a quick run to the store.” 

From Meg: Mom I got your little note yesterday in church and it made me tear up. I needed to read it. You know me so well. These past few days have been really tough. Thank you for your advice. Don´t cry or be sad. I love you so much! Sister H gave us a huge bag of just stuff. Care package stuff. Makeup, deodorant, card games, a robe, umbrella, stickers, note card paper, and Ensigns. She made me and  Hma P cry. Her kindness is just too much. Please take her out to lunch sometime. She is my angel forever and I will never forget her kindness.

Happy Valentine’s Day!! Love is in the air! We had 3 investigators finally decide to get married! (This means they can get baptized!) March 1st is the wedding and March 2nd is the baptism! woooooooot wooot! It´s hard to get married here. Expensive for a lawyer. Hard to find all the legal documents. J, W and their six beautiful children (two are over the age of 8) My first family! They are so so so golden! Just so ready. We really haven´t had to do anything. They have such amazing faith. They come to church (Yippee) and when my companion was saying goodbye to them forever, the lady just bawled. She´s only met her once! It was amazing that she could feel her spirit. I love this family. They´re wonderful!

The other lady is named M. She´s been living with R (a member) for years. He wanted her to propose. She wanted him to propose. Finally, on Valentine’s Day he proposed! yay!!!

It´s great to see these miracles. I´m so happy to be a part of it. But, I´m nothing- Of my own strength, I know I am weak. (Alma 26:11-12.) But with God, I can do hard things forever. “But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, not in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.”

For Valentines, we had a district meeting. It was my companions last one, so we went to a members house in this place called Chimico and had ¨pino¨ it´s just rice and beans. But delicious!!! (photos included.)

Okay one of these photos is with A and L and their daughter, M. They made us dinner yesterday. (The chickens that I´m holding in the photo just a day before.) Oops. But it was delicious and kind. A is an innactive member of over 18 years. L is so so kind and funny and giving. M is ready for this gospel. She wants to be a missionary someday too. They too will have to be married, but I know that it can happen! yay! 

I now own 3 pairs of comfy crocs! Thank you! About the toilet paper; I may have exaggerated a bit. There was only like...2 days we didn´t have any. No biggie. And yeah, there tons of plush leaves, and yes it´s crossed my mind. (Brayden suggested thick plush leaves with a minty fresh smell) I’m sorry I scared you. It´s not all that bad, I mean it does get bad, but I’m never too “bummed” about it.  However, today, we pulled out our mop to use it, and a family of maggots’ squirmed out after one streak. Like thousands of them. I didn´t know whether to laugh or scream. That’s kind of my life here. Haha. I promise though, it´s not as bad as it seems. After all, I went to the beach today! (I can’t wait to actually be able to hop in the water in about 16 months!) We took a German girl with us. She speaks perfect English and Spanish. Lucky girl! (More photos)

Cantaloupe story: Bray you will love this country. Everyone has cantaloupe. Well, you know how they´re not my favorite? Well I decided just to suck it up, be grateful and eat it. “Like a champ.” Next house, cantaloupe juice. Strait cantaloupe. Okay. Just swallow piece by piece and you can reward yourself with water in the end. Again, I nailed it “like a champ”. Next house. Oh no! Cantaloupe juice. I just couldn´t finish it. I couldn´t. Neither could Hermana P. My cup was between my legs. She went to dump the remainder of hers into mine and I moved the cup away. “No way man!” But alas, I was not fast enough. It spilt all down my leg and I just had to take it “like a champ” and not make a scene. It was hilarious. It’s a great missionary moment in Costa Rica; hot sticky cantaloupe juice spilling down your leg as you talk about the plan of salvation. You can handle all of life´s little challenges with laughter and a friend by your side. (Share this with Hermana P ma. She and Elder P just got their mission call; He’ll be the mission president in Canada! woot wooot! Tell her that her daughter is a saint!) Also, I’m attaching a photo of our bus ride to Santa Cruz. It was PACKED! There was nowhere to sit and like 40 people standing. The other two Hermanas were sitting on the stick shift. That´s right; no automatic busses here. It was hilarious! And then somebody threw their beer out the window, and it threw itself back in and hit Hermana P. She got beer spilled all over her. She took it “like a champ”.

CONGRATS KENNY THE JET!!! My comp from Mexico says Kenny is lucky! Okay here are the things I’ve heard about missions in Mexico. You can´t wear a watch. Buy a carabineer to attach to your belt loop, Elders are lucky like that, and buy a face of a watch to keep in your pocket for safety. Also, I hear you get to sleep on hammocks! woooo hooo!!! When they smile in photos they say tequila, not cheese. haha I´m excited for you!!! People tell me that because my trainer is from Mexico, I’ve picked up a bit of a Mexican accent. (Quite frankly, I don´t know how I feel about that.) When you get back, we´ll be able to order at CafeRio and speak all kinds of Spanish at mish prep as RM´s!!! WOOOO! Congrats man!

Yesterday I was having a bad day. And I knew I could find comfort from Nephi. I read the part where he and his bros had just gotten wives and on the way back to their tent life, their bothers get hissy and angry and tied him up. So what does Nephi do? He prays. He prays for strength to overcome this difficult time. He doesn’t run home. Or call his folks. Or cry. He prays. So yeah, Nephi rocks and I love my scriptures. I feel like my Spanish is getting a little bit better this week too. I know it’s because I really started reading my Libro de Mormón. Also, I can feel your prayers for me.  Thank you, I love you!

The church is true. I’m excited for ward missionary month! Can´t wait to hear where ya´ll be headed! MUCH LOVE!!  I LOVE MY FAMILY SO MUCH!! (I have the best one in the world!)

MUAH MUAH MUAH!!!

Hermana Workman (Meg)

Years ago, when Megan moved her bedroom downstairs, Brayden became her landlord and would leave random “letters” on her door. It’s been a fun banter they have had; “You’re out too late” “You owe me a frosty and a talk” “Rent is past due” etc.  I have a feeling there will be more years of this.

From Brayden to Megan: This is a friendly reminder from the Workman household that your room has been sold to a new customer. Due to the urgent need of the space and you having not paid your rent in over 4 months, we have sold all your stuff to Big Bird and your room belongs to Dora the Explorer. We're sorry for the inconvenience. Have a great day :) 

Megan’s reply:  Landlord, look I’m good for the money, you know I am. Don´t make me give Big Bird the bird flu.  Just you look what I can do with this keyboard! ??¿ Woa upside down one. Beat that!  Bray. I miss you. It´s tough out here in the jungle and not because I´m in Jurrassic Park, (haha be jealous). Just cherish our family. I miss you all.

February 4, 2013  

Greetings!

As I once again sit in an internet cafe with tears in my eyes I must first say thank you to the best family in the entire world.  But more importantly, thank you to my Father in Heaven. I don’t know if I can express this in words, but maybe returned missionaries can help me explain it.

There are moments throughout the week where things are put into my mind. For example; I thought of the photo of my three brothers at the Brigham City temple dedication. I was miles away from that album, but I thought of that picture. And I remember thinking that was one of my most favorite days in the entire world because it was a special time when I was in the temple with my entire family. (Well actually, brothers, I have a hunch we watched Mom and Dad get sealed and were just having a par-tay up in heaven) but, the first time on earth. I took that photo of my three brothers in a line because I never wanted to forget what an eternal family feels like. (Tears up in this joint again, what happened to me?) Anyway that was all I thought about. The next minute I was walking down the dirt roads of Costa Rica. But then I read this email and realize that Heavenly Father lets me experience little tiny pieces of what y’all are experiencing. How awesome is that?! I’m so happy you had a wonderful ward temple night!! I’m so happy my brothers and family all hold recommends! And I think it works both ways! Connor, for example, you got to witness your friend being set apart as a teacher. You were in a position to be an instrument in your Heavenly Father’s hands; you were able to invite a stranger to church and look how his life has changed for the better!! You’re already an amazing missionary! Always keep yourself worthy be an instrument in the Lord’s hands. Also, the other day I read my patriarchal blessing. Brayden I read that you’re preparing yourself to get yours, and even again now, I have tears in my eyes. I cannot adequately express how excited I am for you. What a bummer that I can’t be there with you!!! I cannot wait to hear about it. You’ll find peace and comfort? Ryley bug, one of the other greatest moments of my life, was being able to sit in on your blessing.

Church yesterday was great! The spirit was awesome during testimony meeting! Before hand, I was talking with the Harris family. They’re so sweet! Brother Harris asked “how are you?”  And I said “I’m fine, it’s like a roller coaster”. And it was like he could just tell. He said; “the depression you’re feeling, the homesickness, the feeling of being alone, is all normal. The first six months of your mission qualifies you for the rest of your life.” And he just offered comfort. I felt weird crying in front of him, but it was like I was just talking with my daddy. He was my tender mercy. Such a blessing! (I love and miss you daddy)

Mommy it sounds like you’ve received some mis-information. I do not yet have a new companion. Yes I’m a mission prep teacher and yes, this mission is getting so so so many new sisters, which means that I will most likely be a trainer in 2 weeks. SOS! I think I can do it, but then again, I’m pretty limited with my Spanish abilities. Yesterday was my 2 month mark in this country! I CAN eat a whole elephant. I can! I can! One bite at a time! Mommy, you are so full of the spirit! Quit crying in the grocery store. Buy the Cap’n Crunch and get out before people think you’re crazy, haha. Too late. bahaha. 

The Package. You think you’re going crazy about it! What an ordeal. But all the craziness about how it will eventually get to me is just proof I am loved. The members that live in Elder P’s area, (the district leader) of Tamarindo, brought it to him last Tuesday. So I thought I’d get it Thursday at our district meeting. NOPE. They never showed up. Then when I called him he said we didn’t have a meeting. He also told me about what was in my package. Why he was in my package? I have no idea. Also I told him he could have a couple of my peach rings because he was having a bad day. The next day he told me he accidently left them out and the ants ate them. So what the heck right??¡¡¡ (booo, no peach rings – frowny face) Hopefully today I’ll FINALLY get my package.  We’re going to meet up with them later today and go hiking and iguana hunting! I never thought I’d do that in my life. Tell Grandpa to be jealous. Also, it’s not illegal to hunt the female, garobos, only the male iguanas. So we’ll keep it legal and safe, I promise! Then cook it eat it?? We’ll see how that goes... haha

We moved! So now we have doors and a kitchen sink! It’s amazing! Also, we all have beds! Would you believe me when I say the floor was much more comfy?? We don’t have a shower curtain, so when we shower, we put up black garbage bags. The whole thing really is a strange mix between sad and hilarious. Insanity has a fine line, doesn’t it?? But, as long as we have peanut butter in the house, all is well. Yesterday we made hotdogs...and had real ketchup! That was fun! They came back in a negative way. (Do not trust the hotdogs.)

As I reflect on my personal lesson learned this week, I think about the mirror, an insignificant piece of glass. It is a reflection of what you look like on the outside. (How ironic that my reflection for the week is about the mirror) I got upset over the mirror.  I argued with my companion about it for a while. I was acting like a two year old, I was being childish, but I couldn’t stop. I went into the other room and cried.  It’s true that you don’t always remember what people say, but how you make them feel.  Hermana Quiroz brought me comfort. She only speaks Spanish. My comfort was in a foreign tongue. She told that it can be good to cry like a baby, Christ told us to be as a little child. For the little children shall inherit the Kingdom of God.  I was so grateful for her charity and willingness to mourn with those that mourn. I needed to hear her words. I realized that I just needed to get rid of the poison and the only way to do that was to apologize for the way I acted. I first sang “More Holiness Give Me”. I prayed for my Heavenly Fathers forgiveness too. I was able to see myself, as if through a mirror, changing, becoming a more Christ-like person. Someone my Heavenly Father would be proud of. He loves me and is pleased when I make good choices. I could look back at this day and see that the atonement is real and working for me, when I apply it and ask for forgiveness. When I find myself becoming “more fit for the kingdom” and “more Savior like thee”.  I’m growing. I’m changing. I don’t look the same on the inside anymore. A large piece of me is letting this mission change what I reflect. I’m grateful for it! This mission is the best growing experience ever!!! (Alma 19:23 for anyone or parent who sends out a missionary.)

Stay warm!!! Stay awesome! Pray for the ability to do service!!!

Love,

Megan, Hermana Workman