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