"It's Up To You.... "

March 19, 2014

Friday 3-21-14

Man it´s been a couple of weird days. Satan´s been working way hard. Trial after heartache after temptation after trial. It frankly really makes me mad. I´ve had beefs with my companion, investigators, and self. Which sucks because I´ve got so little time left. The best thing I can do now is hold to the iron rod, even though I feel surrounded by mists of darkness. 

Today I was just super stressed and needed hot chocolate from Sonia. She went out and bought me some. She could see on my face that I was not okay. She told me to go out and knock doors-missionary torture. And she reminded me that I need to plant a seed. Then she reminded me of what happened to her the other day. She was just so sad and depressed. But after praying, she was reminded that she is never alone. That God is always with her. She told me that there was someone out there waiting for me. Who needed to hear about Jesus Christ and about hope. So I started singing Frank Sanatra, “Start Spreadin’ the News… It’s UP TO YOU! (New York, New York)” it changed my attitude, and headed out with a bounce in my step. The second house we knocked lived a lady named T**. She gladly invited us in and we asked her what role Jesus Christ played in her life. And she began to tell us how alone she´d been feeling and how burdened down with trials she is. And I looked at her and realized that she was my Sonia. I immediately loved her and saw her in white. I don´t know what will happen with her, but I was able to remember how perfect God is for allowing my testimony to grow through trials. How truly grateful I am for progress-I´m not bored nor laying at shore. Once again I´m grateful for my Mr. Gardner who loves me enough to cut me down. 

Saturday 3.22.14

Today was a fantastic day. Probably my favorite one in March. We left really early to make sure and get in all of our visits so that we can help tons of people get baptized. (which btw I´m putting fechas with people now for my last Sunday in the missoin. WEIRD.) (*Fechas are baptismal commitments, they do some baptisms on Sundays. Her last one will be April 13)

My favorite lesson today was with J**. She was invited about 2 months ago by a friend and has come practically every week. But for some reason it´s just been impossible to meet with her. Usually the hard part is getting them to church-but with her, it’s teaching her. But today finally we got in. We asked her about what she hopes to get out of our lessons and she started telling us that she never even knew Mormons existed. And one day she became friends with one on Facebook and they got to talking etc. And apparently J** had seen me in the bus one day with Hermana Flores (you never really know who´s watching.) but although she wanted to talk to us-didn´t know how. So she asked her friend (who lives in Spain) who called the stake president in Alajuela who finds out where the chapel is. And one day out of the blue she shows up with her cousin and son. Tonight through Skype I met L***-the Spaniard who is such a good member missionary and I was reminded of President Uchtdorf´s talk about sharing the gospel (using technology) at all times and if necessary-use words. So what I learned today is that I should always be sharing my testimony in whatever way possible. J** is so great and ready. The only thing I feel like she´s missing is gettin´wet :) 

God loves me. God is good. I love Him and this work. 

Sunday 3.23.14

Church attendance is at 108!!! It started at 60 when I got here. I don´t know what it was but all day I was just as antsy as a 3 yr. old who just wants a coloring book and some cheerios. I really loved taking the sacrament though-last week was stake conf. so I couldn´t and my spirit REALLY missed it. 

President Babb held a consejo del barrio (*Ward Council) and I really enjoyed it. He is such a great leader: gentle and powerful. I really liked something he shared about Nephi. I´ve always wondered how Nephi was able to persuade this wealthy Ishmael into leaving everything, giving up his daughters and die in the desert. 1nefi7:4 says that Nephi was able to ¨gain favor¨ in his eyes: Today Pres Babb helped me understand why: because of Nephi´s AUTHORITY. Nephi had been sent of God (like those of you out there with callings, including all of you to be MEMBER MISSIONARIES and me. and my brother, etc.) and God (according to Nephi´s obedience) provided the way that they could accomplish it. So that when all of us are out there on the streets, surrounded by God´s valiant children, he will help us ¨gain favor¨ in their eyes so that we can help them accept the restored gospel. (HAZLO!) (*Do It!) Also today something that really stood out all day to me was obedience. The first law in heaven. Nephi and his brothers had to pass through certain tests and trials and crap first-proving their obedience and faith before they were blessed and allowed to enter into the sacred covenant of marriage. So-note-to-self If I want the Lord to bless me with my honey-I must learn obedience here and now. (All of you too!) 

This afternoon was a beautiful one. Fresco. Sunset. Breezy. Perfect. (I can´t wait to head over to Grandma´s house on Sunday afternoons again.) And all I really wanted to do was go and play games with my converts. We went over to M´s (V, M) house and watched the Josef Smith video (which I have committed to memory) and they actually were all paying attention. And asking questions-it was great! After we just chilled and played Uno. It was so PURAVIDA and I love this culture! 

Anyways:

I love you all so much! I´ve enjoyed my personal prayers more this week by asking the simple question-que mas me falta? What lack I yet? What else can I do to improve? And God’s been telling me. I´ve really enjoyed so much personal revelation. If ya´ll want improved relationship with your father, just start talking and listening. 

I´m happy. I love my family. I love this. All of this. I love you!

Love,

Hermana Megan Workman