Yes. I mean, si.

September 23, 2013

Do you ever feel like you have so much to say but are just so exhausted?

I GOT MY BIRTHDAY PACKAGE!  Thank you!  The best part was the photo album!!!!! FINALLY PHOTOS!! And the letters… I wanted more letters… All I want are letters.  Please!!!!!!!!!.  Thanks for the candy. Totally gone now. mmmmmm!!!!! OH I love the new tooth brush! Seriously so so so soft! I’ve missed American products! Love the new shirt and skirt. Flashlight tag. Our house is too small.. haha but the candles Bray sent me made me laugh. I think I’ll use the decorations for my one-year mark. oooosh. New journal how’d you know I needed one??!  THANKS MOM!  I got it on Thursday, which was changes day.  I left my comfortable and beautiful Ciudad Colon and I got my first Gringa (Caucasian) companion.

It was really hard to say goodbye to everybody, especially *Mike, Kathy and Johnny. I cried at the injustice of going from awkwardly entering their home as a stranger for the first time to watching them come unto Christ, walk into the house of the Lord and love it. I got only a couple of hours of notice and packing that late sucks. Cleaning that late sucks. But hay vamos.

I met Hermana V today. Yes. I’ve got me a Gringa. She’s from Far West, Utah. She speaks English! And Spanish! My sweet new comp took really good care of me. Cookies at the beginning of the bus trip, a cough drop to suck on when the turns made me sick and she bought me lunch at KFC. Tender mercy.  I absolutely love having a companion who speaks my language. She also checks for cockroaches under my bed each night. She’s got my back. She’s AMAZING!! She is so funny. I’ve noticed how much I miss sarcasm. Like were always just joking around and we both were like SARCASM! I’ve missed it. The Latinos just don’t get it. Hahahah   Also, there was already an Elder Workman here too so when I tell people my name their like freaked out. Who is this phantom Workman??

President has sent me to an area that needs some lovin’. I’m in San Carlos de Naranjo. (Ciudad Quesada...) I don’t know. But I’m about 3 hours away from San José. There are also awesome volcanoes surrounding me! I’m in Alejuela providence, up and down hills to get here. Motion sick, anyone? I feel very far away from the world. Dad, I want you to know the mission pres. was really happy with my work in ciudad colon. We entered it when it was kind of dead and just turned that place around. So he sent me to a pretty difficult spot. The ward here has this huge chapel but yesterday there were only like 30 people. The chapel can easily fit like 400. It definitely calls attention to all the missing seats. It kind of makes me laugh with insanity at the work we’ve got but I want to get lost and just help build up this kingdom.

One year ago on Tuesday I went through the temple to take out my endowments. I was in the Salt Lake Temple with those who love me most on this earth-my parents. It was a beautiful day.

The highlight of my day was helping a little old lady cross the street. We’d passed the street and kept going. But I could see in her eyes how nervous she was. So I went back and offered to help and she gladly accepted. It was funny she like booked it across leaving me in the middle of the street, haha. But I’m happy I acted on the impression. I didn’t loose a thing and felt good inside. I’ve never helped anyone cross the street before. Service is good. Go out and serve someone!

I met a cool convert this week. She’s really sassy and bubbly. I was able to testify to her that I know God is so aware of her and her needs. Do you really believe that? She asked. And I truly do. I know that He knows what makes me sad and happy. I know He knows my name and my goals. I know I am His work and glory. I’m grateful for this knowledge!!

At the end of the day Saturday as we were about to plan my comp looked at me and said, people really open up to you. They trust you easily and it just really made me feel good. She’s an amazing companion. She’s an amazing missionary and I am immensely happy to be working with her. I like teaching with her. We took the wrong road but my comp was like, it’s okay a less active person lives here. It ended up being a powerful experience! Campfire story. (Thanks Stephen K for the idea haha.) (**This means it’s too scary to email and she will fill us in on the details later.)

I liked the talks in church yesterday. Someone mentioned Abinadi. He never had any baptisms but what influence did his powerful testimony have? One word: Alma. There is an important work in planting seeds. We need to be already planting.

I love you all so much! I’m doing good. I know the church is true. I know Jesus Christ restored His church on the Earth. I know He lives to plead for me above, to calm my troubled heart. I know Heavenly Father loves me and YOU!  LOVE TO YOU ALL!

Hermana Meg

PS The reason for the title; I’ve found myself sometimes answering people first in English then realizing that they only speak Spanish. Downside of the Gringa, but SO worth it. haha.

My 22 things I've learned so far

August 25, 2013… the eve of Megan’s 22 birthday. She wrote a beautiful list of 22 things that she has learned from her mission. (In no particular order) I wanted to share it:

1.     I only pray for charity when I need it. This is not good.  I should pray always for this attribute. Also, I’ve learned that I came to this mission without charity.  I thought I had it. I hoped I did but, I have learned so much about this 7 letter word. It doesn’t just mean give what you have to others who don’t. It means not being jealous. Nor proud. It means not hoping for your companion to fall in a hole because she is driving you nuts. It means not getting annoyed, especially at the little stuff. It means hoping the best will come from a rotten situation. It means enduring. Putting one foot in front of the other when you think you can’t.  I still have so much to learn about it.  I still need to beg to have more of it, but I’ve leaned that it means so much more than I originally thought. 

2.     There is more than one way to sweep a floor.

3.     If I have 2 apples and somebody needs one, I’ll give them both because the truth is, I’m okay. They need it more than I do.

4.     Strong winds here means Christmas.  I learned that I love snow.

5.     The church is the same around the world. But the operation is different. 

6.     I love my mom and dad.

7.     I miss reading a lot more than I thought I would.

8.     Suffering is part of the work. My recent convert said to me, “This gospel is like exercise. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not doing it right.” Sometimes we have to hurt before we get better. I’m learning that it truly is always darkest before the dawn. 

9.     I LOVE my Bible. I rarely understood it before. I always knew I could find truth in my Book of Mormon and that was sufficient for me. But, one of my companions inspired me and I wanted to learn and read it all of the way for the first time. I started in the New Testament and WOW! I have learned that truly out of the voice of two or three witnesses we can know the truth of all things.  I have come to know my Savior. I have learned more about the atonement and what it means to me. Elder Holland said it best, “I love my mission because it was the first time I thought about, felt about and used the atonement in my life.”  How wonderful it is! How grateful I am! I am a little nervous for the Old Testament, but I have faith. 

10.  Salt + mangoes = delicious! (with lime and salsa lizano too!)

11.  I cannot believe I am living with the same seven outfits each day. I’ve learned it can be done. I’ve learned that we have SO much.

12.  I’ve learned I love English. I am so blessed to be born and raised in the USA. I’ve learned that they speak a lot kinder here. That we could learn a thing or two from Spanish. When was the last time you were compared to heaven? A heart? A life? Beautiful, No?

13.  I actually feel like something’s missing if I don’t have beans and rice every day.

14.  Mormon Messages become torturous when away from your family for an extended amount of time. They always make me tear up no matter how many times I’ve seen them. 

15.  I’m grateful for my three brothers – to be the only princess is a blessing!

16.  I’ve learned that spicy things are actually pretty good.

17.  I’ve learned to love the sun. I’ve learned not to freak out at cockroaches or lizards, etc. They’re so commonplace now. Also, if you see a rat run across the kitchen floor and point it out, it’s not cause for alarm or panic. Instead it’s a WOW – look – how – fast – it’s – moving! I’ve learned to keep eating and pluck the hairs off of my chicken.

18.  Happiness is key to making it out alive.

19.  Mom was right.  I regret not practicing the piano.

20.  Miracles exist always. Miracles don’t produce faith. But, strong faith produces miracles.

21.  Angels exist in many shapes and sizes.

22.  Heavenly Father loves me and all of His children SO much. 

Meg's Breaking News... Or The NEWS. 09-16-13

Monday 9-16-13  ** Names have been changed... again :)

Dear family and friends,

My baby brother, Brayden, was trying on suits and shoes for his mission! He´s doing it!! I am so happy for him! I just wanted to tell everyone. (And I practically did!). I just love him so much. And though it kills me a little that I wont be able to see him for so long, it will be so worth it.  *Diane here… Yes, Brayden has hit “submit” on his paperwork to become a full time missionary. Now, we wait for the final interviews and the big white envelope to come in the mail. As per Megan’s request and tradition, we will be having a large map of the world and taking guesses as to where his call will be. If you want to join in our fun, please reply to one of us and let us know what your guess is….!!*

Today the sunset was breathtaking. The kind when you’re just stuck without words. How can so much beauty exist? I found myself so grateful to be serving my mission here in paradise. There are some missionaries out there under snow and surrounded by giant buildings. Costa Rica is so beautiful. (9-8-13)

Wednesday we had interviews with president-like a breath of fresh air. I felt the spirit revealing to me ways that I can improve to be a better missionary. President repeatedly told me how proud he is of me and the work we are doing here. He said he wanted to send people in to observe us work. It made me feel good. But once again I need to plead for humility. Always. 

Thurs 9-12-13  Hey! Super cool evening! David entered into the waters of baptism-miracle number 1. Guess who baptized him? Matt. Our recent convert (and future brother in law to David.) Who used his priesthood power for the first time. Miracle number 2. It just made me so happy to see. Johnny and family showed up-Johnny was even holding his Libro de Mormon. He looked just like a little elder. Johnny said he wants to serve a mission! He said he had to as his duty to God. So joyous to see a future missionary! It is the best feeling in the world to see your little recent convert truly becoming converted. I know God had been preparing his little heart for a long time. If this is my joy, just imagine God´s joy for us when we move ourselves one step closer to Him. Tomorrow Mike, Kathy, and Johnny can go to the temple for the first time and I´m just so giddy for them! Okay miracle number 3-remember when the spirit told me to grab that BOM before going to the hospital? This woman, Stacy, showed up to the baptism today!! Italian, Giancarlos, brought her! The first things she said when she saw me was, “you’re the one who gave me the BOM!” Never in my life did I expect to meet her! She just seems so excited about everything. I know God is working with her too.  She called the next day to ask if she could be baptized. eeek! 

One day my comp and I were laying in our BUNK beds. And we heard a noise. It freaked us out a little. Thankfully our house is really small, we can see everything. I said, don´t worry, my machete is in my suitcase next to your bed. And then I was curious. I was like; I bet I could get it out in 30 seconds. So we timed it. I was up top and she said go, I jumped down like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible ripped open the suitcase, slashed out my machete...I´m thinking on naming it...Tom? And ta-da! 15.4 seconds, thank you very much!  So we find ways to keep us entertained. 

Friday was horribly rainy. Just miserable really. The ward planned a temple trip and we wanted to invite Steve and Joan. I hope that they were able to feel the spirit in the waiting room and the garden area. The temple is magnificent. Oh how I love it. Know what was demasiado joy? Seeing our family of recent converts (Mike, Kathy and Johnny) enter into the temple for the first time and do baptisms for the dead. I was and am so happy for them. They´ve found their pearl of great price. They realize that they still have to endure patiently but I love seeing how they´ve embraced the gospel! Side note, guess who else was in the temple Friday! Yep! My mom, dad and ward family! We were connected as if through heaven for just a night!

Yesterday was Sunday, I really like my ward in Ciudad Colon. I realized in sacrament mtg that I’m really comfortable here. Then I felt nervous because the Lord doesn’t like us to be stagnant or too comfortable. He´s not a God that punishes, but a God that loves us. I look forward to the day when I can once again sit with my mom in our ward. I realize that sentence makes me a momma’s girl; that I want to sit with my mom at church. But I wont always be able to be part of the Mindi Meadows ward.

I had the most fun I've had in probably 6 months. I laughed real laughter and smiled a real smile. We went to Michelle´s house where it was she and her atheist son, Bob as we call him. He whipped out some giant playing cards and asked if I wanted to play. I was raised with those things. My kryptonite. I decided it´d be a good bonding moment. At first we played 21. Then I taught them how to play Go Fish. I love that game. They loved that game. How is it they´ve never heard of it?! Haha. Then they taught me how to play ¨Guerra Egiptio¨ or Egypt war or something like that. Don´t worry. We talked religion too. I told him I don´t believe atheist’s exist because we all chose to be here. He didn´t say anything for a while. He asked what I meant. I said, ¨We all choose to follow God´s plan and come to this earth. Atheism is not an option.¨ Anyways, this game was incredibly fun and slightly violent. I may or may not have gotten bitten? One accident, calm down. But I´ll tell you that story when I get home. Haha. It took away all my stress-it was so fun! As I walked home I realized I´d learned one of life´s great lessons. This is a family who has nothing. We didn´t spend a penny to laugh or have fun. It is the simple things in life that matter most.

I dropped off a conference issue of the Ensign to Sara. (Can’t believe it´s almost conference again! like my Christmas!) I wrote her a little note inside pleading with her to invite the Spirit to be with her as she reads and hopefully remembers the Spirit she once felt while watching the living prophet talk to God´s children. It´s astonishing how easily we can forget. It blows my mind that she could accept it and then let it go. (That´s why in the BOM the word, ´remember´ appears so much I imagine.) Which reminds me, David received the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday. Once again it called my attention the wording, ¨receive the Holy Ghost. ”It´s not just a one time thing-we have to choose to receive Him again and again and again. I hope she can remember. I hope she can act on what she feels. (For all you back home, please remember the spiritual experiences Heavenly Father throws your way. Write them down. Share them with others. Live them.) 

Later we had a meeting with Roger. He´s a 30 year old with pure dread locks down to his waist. Our bishop and Elders Quorum president want him to cut them. They took him 10 years to grow! And actually he looks like Jesus.  (His girlfriend’s a member, slightly inactive. they´re the cutest couple. Totally PURA VIDA!) President Monistel, who is the former mission president in Nicaragua south, lives in our ward now and went with us. We taught about the Book of Mormon and how we have it today. I´m so grateful for this book in my life. I know it answers questions of our soul. It gives purpose to our lives. I heard a convert share her testimony about it. She talked about how before hand she didn’t have direction in her life. She didn’t understand the point of all this. Work. Have babies. Teach them and then what? She said it just didn´t make sense. But then she came to learn through the Book of Mormon God´s plan for us. And finally she got it. And was happy. What power this book contains! At the end of the lesson, Pres. Monestel shared a bold testimony about the blessings that this gospel brings. He said, ¨this is the best opportunity of your life.¨ And I really liked that. I know that it´s true. This gospel is the best opportunity of our lives. Make it count. If people just knew how amazing this message truly is! I know that in the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is hope! There is peace. There is acceptance. There is love. How can anyone go one more day without the certainty and resolve of this gospel? I´m confident that if people could comprehend that a loving Heavenly Father sent His only Begotten Son to pay for our sins and shortcomings, if they just realized that someone is willing to help us out of our trenches, then this world would become like the people of Enoch. We´d all be so righteous and more prepared for the reunion with our Creator. How beautiful that day will be. Will we be prepared? 

I encourage each of you back home to make a personal study of the scriptures as important as breakfast. Preach My Gospel promises that if we study with the spirit, we will find resolution to our problems, receive solace, and we will have strength to endure to the end. Honestly, who doesn´t need these blessings?! 

Happy Independence Day Costa Rica. We headed home an hour early for our safety. People were asking me what we do in the states. They were like, you eat turkey, right? I about peed my pants. Haha. No just...dog parts? Haha. And hamburgers. MMM.. Let freedom ring. God bless America. 

Anyways, that´s a slice of my joy. I love you all so much. Thank you for your prayers and support. Para Siempre Dios este con vos. 

Con Amor, 

Hermana Megan Workman

Pupusas? They´re actually freaking delicious. I wrote down how to make them.

Fear bankrupts the spirit!

Also, I never want to be woken up by catholic bells or roosters again. Ha. 

July 2013

My Miracles…  Week of miracles! Did all this really happen?! First of all, let me tell you that I know my Heavenly Father loves me-so much.

I didn´t have a lot of ganas to get out and work today-it happens. But we did. There was so much sun. But I was content. Living in Guanacaste changes you. I don´t think I´ve ever been so hot in my life-I think even the devil had compassion on me.

My companion and I were waiting at a bus stop and one thing led to another-my companion ticked me off. I could feel the spirit leaving and I knew we couldn´t go to out next cita with this energy. My natural woman thought-humph. “Well, I’ll just let her think for a moment and realize what she did.” But in reality, I needed to think for a moment… to ponder and reflect on my actions. I remembered something I read and felt in 1 Nephi today. I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions. (1n18:16)

This scripture made me stop and think. Nephi´s been shipwrecked, humiliated in front of his wife and children, publically mocked, beaten and tied to a pole for 4 days. I imagine they were tight because we´re told that he was a big man (please keep your eyes out for my Nephi, haha) Anyways finally they release Nephi and what does he do? Does he yell at his brothers? Hit them? Give them a nasty look? Anything? No. He falls to the ground and prays. All day long for his many blessings. What?! Wow. What did I learn from Nephi today? When the trials and tribulations come-when life truly sucks, pray. Be grateful and offer up that gratitude for all the good that you do have.

So today when I got annoyed, I remembered Nephi and closed my eyes and said a little prayer. I listed all the good I was grateful for. Then I thought of my companion´s strong points. (Do you think Alma ever got a little fed up with Amulek?) Finished the prayer and swallowed some pride. I told my companion I was grateful for her. After that, all was well again.  I love her and I’m so very grateful for her. I´ve never had a Gringa companion. The Latina’s don’t share my culture or my language but, I am learning a lot. And my bacon is saved more than 1zillion times in a day because this language is natural for her.

Afterwards, we headed to the church. We had our “Stop the boys (in my case, sisters) on the Bike Moment” (refer to the talk by Elder Russell Nelson) This man was exercising just outside the church house. Now, as a female missionary, one has to be on high-alert; bum? alcoholic? Hijo de Dios? He pointed to the church and asked us what we do in there?  The two of us were stunned and it was like jumping into auto-missionary - I wasn´t myself. I know now everything I said was the spirit-exactly what this man needed at this moment. He told us that he always sees us walking around and has recently wanted to come to church with us. He said he smokes and drinks a lot but wants to quit and I promised him we could help him. I told him that he could be clean of all this and have the peace he was looking for. Again, not me, the spirit. We exchanged numbers and with tears in his eyes, we shook hands, and he left. I´m still in shock at the miracle that happened.

Other miracles this week happened when Mop brought C, an atheist to play ball. (Ry, Ima be so good at soccer when I get back!) He prayed with us. Wow! S brought his non-member friend (he, his wife, and son now all have baptism dates for the 24 of august) to do family history. Wow! R cooked us dinner. (we´re out of money-yet I honestly knew we wouldn´t go hungry this week. The Lord would and is providing.) There are miracles all around and I´m so grateful to be a part of them.

As Hermana Hernandez and I walked up the stairs to our apartment, I paused to enjoy this moment. In front of me was the city with all its twinkling lights (cue Journey) AND all I could think was: “Am I really in Costa Rica right now? Was it really one year ago that I held in my hands a letter from President Monson saying that I´d be serving a mission in Costa Rica?” As I looked up at the brilliant and radiant glowing moon (mom, thought of you) I felt so much love from my Heavenly Father. I love this country. I love this gospel.

After an amazing, fun activity at the church this week focusing on temples and family history, (that made me miss my grandparents and family) we decided to wait for R and S (investigator and lifelong member) who were talking with Bishop. Suddenly bishop called us in his office where he told us R was ready for a baptismal date. August 24th. He accepted finally. FINALLY! I pray I´ll be allowed to stay and see!

Friday, my comp was talking about how messy and gross our house is, but we don´t have money to buy things to clean. We were eating lunch with the Z family and Hermano Z said if you don´t accept this I´ll be offended. And whipped out his wallet and gave us 20 American Dollars. They have an RM. Their children are all studying. I know they don´t have extra money. I know this money could’ve gone a long way for them. I´ll never forget their kindness or sacrifices. (Today for Pday we SHINED our apt. it´s so beautiful! finally!)

 I´m going on divisions today because my comp and I have too many appointment. MIRACLES. THANK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS. One FHE with 3 people who have a baptismal date. My comps off to R’s house to have a FHE with H AND V! That´s right. Finally they accepted our invitation to listen to us, mas o menos again. Word on the street the house I’m headed to is cooking BBQ!. I want to cry. Haha. (with joy.)

R has a mother named Y who is 87 and will be baptized, only if we head up the font. I can´t tell you how hard that´s going to be. August 10th pray for me to be here. What fun! haha.

At the end of the day Friday, we wanted to visit K, but were a little hesitant because she told her member friend that she didn´t want to keep listening to us. We didn´t know how she´d react. But Alma and Amulek worked with just a ¨might¨ of hope that some good would come. We brought her a letter and a scripture, Ruth 3:11 and she started to cry. She´d had a rough day. We comforted her. And got her to laugh. At the end, she gave us 2 pounds of cheese that her mom made herself. (Once again, we were given food although we had none. miracle.) I was able to see 2 things from this experience.

1. God loves all his children and answers their needs through other people.

2. Each of us can be an instrument in the hands of the Lord and in turn an answer to someone´s prayer.

The Lord only asks of us a willing heart. We´re all so far away from perfect. But imperfect is all he´s got after Jesus Christ. How frustrating that must be for him. But ¨He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name.¨(Uchtdorf.) I know that is true. I know He loves EACH of us. I know he wants to hear from us. I love this gospel because I know that it is the same gospel Jesus Christ established when on this earth restored once again for our time. I love my Bible. I love my Book of Mormon. I love my family. I know that we can be together forever. I know the Lord blesses us with extra miracles when we put all our faith in Him and walk with a happy attitude.

Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for your prayers. Your sacrifices. I promise there are SO many angels protecting me. I want you all to know that I love this work. I LOVE being a missionary. It´s weird and difficult and uncomfortable but I LOVE it. (luff it.)

I love you all so much, it hurts!

TAKE CARE!

Love,

Hermana Meg Workman

P.S.

Transfers are next week. Please pray for me to stay. I want to see these people get baptized.

Love you daddy, You have no idea what I would do just to have a day with daddy right now. If I could choose, we´d go to a movie together. Then he´d try and teach me how to drive a stupid old stick shift. We´d laugh. Then I´d end up crying and going to my room. Then he´d come in and teach me one of life´s greatest lessons that I´ll never forget and share constantly here in the mish. Never EVER give up. Even when life truly sucks. (Seriously every time I show our family photo with the truck I tell that story.) I love you dad. You make me laugh. And don´t worry. PURA VIDA!

Brayden… don’t worry about it. 3 ½ years is nothing… we´ve got eternity together.

Read the poem. I´ll paste it in a journal. Thank you mom!

Read as in past. Why is English so weird! We have the same word that means read present and past and also the color red. Que Loco! Love my mommy!

PHOTOS:  A reenactment of a crappy umbrella I was gifted. It finally gave out and I was a little flustered. I beat it, then saw a family pass by, and we needed depends from laughter. Ha ha.

By the way…We’re able to watch THE DISTRICT. I strongly dislike those “district missionaries” from KBYU for the following reasons:

They have an oven, a fridge, a car, cell phone, a companion who speaks their language, and a ward… (supportive none the less) to name just a few. Not cool, not cool. I love something one of the missionaries says that´s like; “It can be really hard after a long day to write in the area book.” I just think to myself, Oh. I´m sorry. Was it difficult driving home?

I´m just waiting for them to make the District 3: Foreign Exchange. Where they go outside the states. And the missionaries are sweating from every joint. Cockroaches threaten them at every turn. Every appointment cancels. It’s the norm to put mayonnaise on pizza and ketchup on your salad. (think about that for a sec…)  And let´s not forget a bathroom with no toilet paper or hot water… sometimes just no water in general. This is my life now. But I love it.  Honestly, I do also feel the spirit and learn stuff. They do inspire me to be better.