Hip Hip Hooray!

Gives new meaning to "Stepping on Bugs".... Yikes!! Why did they infest my clean socks??

Hermana Workman and Hermana Patrick

My Hermana's!!

Mop and I and the tie I want him to buy for his mission... Nope... He didn't get it.

My beautiful flowers and candy for my birthday!

Reunited! My MTC Hermanas~

A photo of me in the hammock on my 22 birthday.

Feliz Cumpleanos. Birthday Cake!! Gracias!

Cuidad Colon

Hermana Sorensen and I at a castle

Sweet Dreams are Made of This Sept 9, 2013

Dear Family and Friends, 

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This… Wednesday we had a zone meeting and it was really spiritual. (Did I mention Elder P moved into town? He was my district leader in Nicoya and now he’s my zone leader.) This mission is nuts-never one knows what´s going to happen. (Also, President changed how he´s going to do changes. Nobody knows when. Could be 6 weeks or 6 months.)

Our meeting spoke about 4 goals for the zone. One of these was work with members. They called me up to share our experience with President A and M. Miracle with M.   Here is the re-cap: President Angulo, my stake pres. invited us over to his house for like a FHE. We planned months in advance, had investigator and a family ready to come with us. They canceled at the last minute. We called like 5 other investigators and everyone canceled. grrr. We were so ashamed to cancel; here we finally had a member willing to help and nobody wanted to come with us. We called Pres. Angulo to cancel and he said: “nonsense. Come anyway. We´ll think of something.”  We got there and he suggested we pray. We kneeled and waited. At almost the same time his wife and him were like, A and M. In my 6 months here I had no idea who they were. A is a member, M is not. We got in his car and drove up the mountain to the Indian Reservation. We couldn’t see a thing. Seriously it so foggy I could only see grey in front of us TAN TUANIS! I said it was the power of the priesthood driving us. Finally we arrived. The members basically taught the lesson. (EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY!) We taught and testified of the blessings this gospel brings to families. M cried. I invited him to be baptized and he accepted.  He has been ignoring missionaries for 9 years. In testimony Sunday he held up his BOM and said; “Years ago some missionaries gave me this book. And I could care less for it. I don´t remember their names but I want to publicly apologize for ignoring them. For hiding when they came over. I am now reading this book. And it is changing my life. And I know it´s true.”

IT´S SO COOL MOM! They´re so great.

I shared my testimony about this miracle, that I truly have learned that members are the only way to do missionary work. Beautiful things have happened here. For my ward and family back home: be that member who is willing to help.

Anyways after this, I sat down and they turned the time over to us. They just had so many good things to say. They were like-who has a question for them? Follow their example, etc. It was shocking to find myself an example for others. I found myself remembering a priesthood session (my favorite part strangely) of Gen Conf from Pres Uchtdorf called, Pride and the Priesthood. There´s this part when he´s freshly called as an apostle. James E. Faust said: “There will be many good things about you. They will treat you very kindly...(Megan), be thankful for this. But don´t you ever inhale it.” When I believe my own “press clippings” that’s when pride begins to corrupt. I must fill my heart with charity. I am here to roll up my sleeves and go to work. I am enlisted to no ordinary task. I am called to prepare the world for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

At the end of the meeting something happened to me that I never want to forget.

Hermana S (photo of her and I at the castle) came up to me and said, ¨I need to talk to you. Today on the bus ride here I prayed and asked Heavenly Father for the opportunity to learn something from Hermana Workman.” With tears in her eyes she said, “thank you.” And hugged the life out of me. I was and still am in shock. I hugged her strongly. Thanked her. Told her it wasn’t me. I then quoted Winnie the pooh “You´re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”  I hope it was something she needed to hear. How bizzaro. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. But I think the best thing to do is accept that my Heavenly Father was able to use me as an instrument in His Hands. I need to constantly strive to always be sharp and ready for Him to use. I must not “inhale” this day but just be thankful for the kind words and my calling as a missionary. It´s a cool job. I´m grateful for my testimony that has grown immensely. My growing love, appreciation, and knowledge of the scriptures. My Spanish I do know. To be able to stand shoulder to shoulder sometimes with the world´s best missionary, Jesus Christ. To learn to rely on Him and the Atonement is the greatest blessing.

 Thursday, we ate with M, the *servant* of R. After lunch we both felt strongly like we needed to talk to her. I asked if I could give her a message. We talked about her family for a bit then I asked if she was currently attending a church. She surprised me by saying no. She then began to open up. I learned so much from this 30 min conversation:  1. For 6 months she´s been serving me lunch and not once did I share my testimony or talk about religion. When Lehi tasted of the fruit, did he quietly eat it then head back home? Was he ashamed? Embarassed? Shy? Scared? No! He waved his arms about and loudly, boldly invited others to come and partake too. I cannot be shy about this message. How could I have responded to her in heaven? We were together for 6 months. Why didn´t you say anything?! How painful that moment couldn´t been. Boldly invite others to come unto Christ. In this attitude I am showing my love for them and fulfilling my purpose.  2. She has a copy of the BOM and for the longest time has had a lot of questions about it but didn´t know where to turn for answers.

Anyways after this, we headed out. It was raining pretty strong-wet socks and shoes are the worst. Wet skirt and backpack too. I think my body´s used to this climate because I really do feel like it´s winter-slightly chilly.

Oh! Also today for the first time in 11 months, I remembered “hi-low”. Our family dinner game we played back home. I tried to play it tonight, but it flopped. Not for Latinos I guess. I have a good family.

Yes, I have another ear infection. It hurts! (Mission rocks! haha) Today, we went to Pavas for a dentist apt. My ear doctor said I should get my teeth looked at. (Should I title the biography of my life that? haha) Anyways, dentist is a member, said my teeth are good.  No cavities! She told me I need to be better at flossing. I’m the worst! She is making me a mouthguard. Maybe I´m grinidng my teeth at night. Turns out life as a missionary is slightly stressful. Whoda thunk. Haha. And now I’m writing ya´ll. Later tonight we have a FHE with A and family. We´re going to make puposas. A traditional dish from El Salvador. they sound disgusting, but we´ll see how it goes. I LOVE YOU!

Okay mommy dear. I´m off to big and great things. I´ve got a brain in my head and feet in my shoes and I´ll steer myself in the direction I choose. MUAH!

 I LOVE YOU!

Hermana Megan Workman

PS Last night I had a dream that I´ll chalk up to tender mercy from the Lord.

They sent me back to the states because I didn’t have a visa. They even made me head back to the MTC. And I remember thinking, I’ve already done this! I feel too old! Haha. But then I saw Brayden! And I ran to him and we hugged and cried. Then we had to separate and I told him, I’ll see you in 3 years! 3 Years! And away we went.  The hug felt real!! It was so nice to see and hug Bray! BRAYDEEEEEe!!!! Do you have a map up for him??!!! My bet is Tonga, New Zealand or Idaho. Haha  I love you so much!

P A R A D I S E

Sept 2, 2013. Thought from my journal and other musings. 




Monday Aug. 26, 2013  Happy 22nd birthday self. Today we headed to Pres. A´s house and I got to lay in a hammock. Before the mish I thought Costa Rica was paradise. I thought this would be a paradise mission. But as you walk under the blazing sun, sweat and sweat, go barefoot to an appointment to let your feet dry from the pouring downfall, you tend to forget you´re in ¨paradise.¨ As I lay beneath blue sky and clouds, lush greens, with the wind rustling by, I found myself grateful to be where I was. Also today I learned that paradise is where your family is.

Tuesday 8.27.13  Happy Birthday Uncle Scott!

My comps been feeling pretty sick-she says she feels like her eye´s going to fall out... I´m sure it´s annoying for her just as it is for me. We stayed home today. Watched church movies. Around suppertime we´d both had enough of eating garbage (chocolate-all we had in the house after my birthday) and my comp was about to break down in tears. She then asked what American dish I wanted and she could cook it. I strangely could only think of rice and beans (brainwash!) We went to the store and decided to make a Christmas feast budget style. It was actually pretty fun. I made Dad´s mashed potatoes (thank you daddy for teaching me!) Fresco de Mora (blackberry drink), salad (with ranch!), chili (salsa), and my comp made some really cool ¨bisteak¨ beefsteak? With chilies onions and salsa lizano. mmmmm. I enjoyed the day. Feel wracked with guilt for not working too. Take the good with the bad.

Wednesday 8.28.13

Today once again my comp didn´t feel well. We had a district meeting in San José and I decided to put my foot down. She was leaving to the bathroom every 20 min to throw up. I called Hna. W (pres wife) and got us an appointment in the real hospital.  Just before leaving the house I felt like I needed to bring a Book of Mormon. I thought-cool-I’ll convert someone in the hospital. As we walked down our pathway, we ran into an Italian member named Giancarlos. He stopped us and asked if we had a BOM for him to give to a friend. I handed him the one in my hands and we were off. It´s funny how our expectations can be so different from God´s plans. I´ve set the goal to follow the Spirit. I want to know His voice. Boyd K. Packer taught that one of the greatest blessings I´ll receive from my missionary service is the ability to recognize and act on these promptings. I know this was something small, but it´s the small things that lead to great miracles. It´s my hope that every BOM has the power to change a life.

On Saturday, I had a very humbling experience. We went to M G´s house (member) where she already had company. Her house is already so small. My comp headed to the chair. Granted, she didn´t feel well. I took the floor and let Maria sit in the chair. Poor thing told me her feet were killing her. I asked if I could give her a massage and she accepted. It´s gross touching feet. But I really enjoyed this experience for two reasons. 1. I felt like I was really doing the Savior´s work. He washed stinky feet. And healed smelly people. But He didn´t feel any of that. He always sees our potential and not our hairy, stinky, sweaty, and imperfect feet. That´s one of the things I love about the mission. To be the Savior´s instrument. 2. The other thing neat about it was putting her socks and shoes on her. It was like I was with Grandpa Tim for a minute there. I smiled to myself, feeling like He was closer to me for but a moment. We then decided to help her clean her house. Oh.My.Gosh. It taught me a lot. I´m grateful for every time my mom told me how to clean. I always asked her why and she always responded the same two ways: because you´re so good at it! (which always made me want to do a poor job so she´d stop asking me) and so that I learn how to clean. I´m actually surprised but even the Latinos hire Latinos to clean here. My comp really didn´t know how to clean! I´m grateful for my parents and our clean house.

Sunday September 1, 2013 (I MISS GREENDAY. WAKE ME UP...)

Oh what a beautiful day. Love the church, love the members-love Ciudad Colon. We´re seeing many miracles. I can feel this kingdom growing here and I just want to continue being part of it. More people are coming to church, more members are inviting their friend, bishopo is working with us, members are just more happy and excited about missionary work, etc. It just feels good!

I had a good study this morning preparing to go to church. I read about the Atonement, resurrection, restoration, and a little in the BOM. I really like the book of Mark. There´s this part when Jesus is crying out, My God! My God! Why hast Thou forsaken me? He was totally alone. Solo. And I know that in this most quiet moment, He suffered alone so that I never have to. I am so grateful for the Atonement in my life and my knowledge of the gospel. I know things aren´t and never will be easy. But this gospel provides me with the tools I need to make it through it. And happy!

Testimony mtg. was beautiful. People were literally running up to share. A* and M* both shared something-wow! I also felt impressed with how important visits are. Grandpa Glen was a pro at this. He always just popped in to see how we are. I need to do this when I get home. (ya´ll should do this too!) Pop in to see how friends are doing.

In the middle of gospel doctrine class, Bishop called us in his office to talk to an investigator-Edwardo(16)  and we placed a date for his baptism this month which was a miracle because President asked us to fast today for the missionary work in Costa Rica. His goal is 200 baptisms this month and I just know we can do it. After church we talked with Josue´s nephew, (13) we asked him if he wanted to be baptized and he surprised us by saying,¨yes. Actually it´s one of my goals. I really like this church, it fascinates me.¨ But he´s nervous about getting his parents permission, but I have all the faith in the world that the Lord will provide a way. And in fact, He helped us out a lot today.

As we were on our way to lunch, R (J´s mom) was stepping out of a random house with 2 bags in both hands and strong rain. I gladly offered to help getting soaked in the process. We walked to her house where I finally met M and her husband M and their kids (S´s family) We enjoyed a lovely conversation. M speaks perfect English too! It was as if I could see the Lord´s hand touching us like chess pieces: ¨You go here...and you go here...and checkmate.¨ I am so grateful to be just a small part of this. I truly hope this family can accept the gospel!

For lunch to break our fast, a lot of us members ate together. It really felt like Little House on the Prairie. Santos reminds me of Charles Ingles. But I only truly have one Pa. And it’s Pa and I love him. (love you dad. love you mom!) The food was delicious-company too. There´s so much that I don´t understand. A was the star of all the jokes. Everyone was just crying with laughter. ¨smile and wave¨ has become my motto for this mission.

We returned home after this so my comp could puke. Poor thing. She slept for a bit. I felt like we needed to get out and work. So off we went.

We ended the night with the G Family. It was a beautiful Sunday night with good friends and food. We laughed and talked. What more could a girl ask for?

It will be very hard to leave this place. (I don´t know when that will be, if ever.) I will never forget them.

I love you! Thank you for all of your prayers




Love,

Hermana Megan Workman 

(I’ve included a little snip-it from Megan’s email to her brother, Ryley. I think the analogy is “priceless”.)

Ryro, yes, it totally sucks watching people close to you make stupid choices. Take that sadness and times it by 10 and that´s how Mom and Dad feel when we do stupid things. Then take that and times it by 100,000,0000,0009,0005,0004.4 and that´s how Heavenly Father feels when we do dumb things. But, then take Jesus Christ; and the Atonement. He did that for us, and wipe that number away. Like a giant delete button. Beautiful, no? Just keep sharing your testimony with anyone who will listen. And I promise good things will happen because of it. Also, continue being a good example.

I love you little guy. More than you know. YOU ARE ADORABLE! Mom sent me a photo of us on my baptism day last week. It is SO precious!

Missionary opportunities! Keep them up! I promise the next people to get baptized have some connection with the church. Members are the only way to do missionary work. That´s what I´ve learned so far.

MUAH!

August 26, 2013... Megan's 22 birthday!

August 26, 2013... Megan's 22 birthday! 

Hi.

I love you mommy! 

Tell me, 

Did it rain in Utah??! It rained here! It always rains for my bday, haha. 

I´m good. My comps super sick. Bummer. 

But i hung out in my favorite hammock for the most of the morning. wrote letters. a sweet lady from Nicaragua baked me a cake, or two. vanilla and chocolate because she didn´t know which one I'd prefer. she also made us lunch, chicken rice and beans. DELICIOUS! love it. love you!  I don´t even know where to start with beans... black beans are best with pinto. red beans are best to enjoy.

THESE PHOTOS ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!

And i haven´t done anything else today.  you´ve got the juice. sorry. but i´m happy seeing these photos. And really all i wanted to do today was this. talk with ya´ll. 

As you know, I got candy and  flowers delivered at church, thank you! (Thanks Josue!)

Karen Shaffer. I´m a little embarrassed. Had I known somebody´d be listening to my testimony later...haha.  Thanks for the compliments. Also, I rolled my r´s because i was with my mexican companion who sounded like a cat purring when she talked and sang. so funny. my salvadoraneon can´t roll hers. In Costa Rica (THANK HEAVENS) they don´t. God knew me best! Naturally I have such a strong accent, but I´m working on it. 

thank grandma for the money. 

Thanks kristy medina aka VP of my blog / fan club. 

Congrats Courtney!! Long beach is lucky to have a blonde bomb shell like you... They need more! Read preach my gospel then read it again. Ha ha. 

thank everyone on facebook for birthday wishes. Nice to know I´m loved. Sometimes we just need reassurance, right?

Mom, your story about the temple made me and my comp laugh. i know you love me mommy. i love you. 

don´t worry about the cake, i´m getting too fat! so much cake today! favorite cake...

chocolate is good. 

i miss pumpkin SO MUCH. please please stalk up in october, because that´s what i want when i return. pumpkin waffles. (Sister D!!!) cookies. cake. mmmmm. pie!!! OH PIE!!!! mmmm. 

i also really like phillsburry´s confetti. the frosting mmmmm. jesus in a cup as someone once said. don´t qutoe me, i don´t wanna go to hell. haha but iit´s so good! 

And i´ll take my comp out to lunch for my birthday  in honor of Glen. good idea! I LOVE YOU

Alfonzo choose to be baptized with His family. One of the most happiest moments! I watched a family get baptized this saturday. 2 Future priesthood holders for the church. A future missionary. A new visiting teacher. Future leaders! I am just so happy for this family. And I love them. 

They´re playing the last Batman in this internet cafe. It´s like the most tender mercy one could get on their birthday. 

I know that this church is true. I know that prayer works. I know that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book on this earth. And a man will grow closer to God if he just reads, thinks about, and prays about this book. I know that Jesus suffered for our sins, our pains, our afflictions, our annoyances, our trials, all that. So that we don´t have to truly suffer forever. I know that through this Atonement or sacrifice, that we can see our loved ones again. We can have a forever family. I know that President Monson is God´s chosen prophet on the Earth. He holds the keys to seal families forever and to direct the church. I know that the Holy Ghost is our comforter. Our guide. Our friend. I know that miracles exist when we look for them. 

I am so grateful for my family. For your sacrifices.

I´m grateful for everything. As I look at these photos of my own baptisim, I realize now what I did not really realize then. That was the best choice I have ever made. And look how beautiful it is to have my family´s support. I know that baptism is something we all need to enter into the kingdom of heaven. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and each of His children. 

There are those of you out there who read my words each week. I know what it´s like. Sometimes I would just skim and carry on with my day. But if for some reason you´ve made it across this paragraph, I hope you know who you are and I hope these words stand out to you. I hope that the Holy Ghost will touch your heart. That you will feel like they were written just for you.  Those of you struggling. Those of you alone. Those of you who hurt. Who desperately need to know. Need to receive peace from forgiveness. Who desire more than anyone else to belong to something. I testify to you as a representative of Jesus Christ Himself, that you can receive the peace you need in this life. I promise that you can and will see your family and loved ones again. I promise that there is hope. I promise that you need not feel alone. Sad. Frustrated. The good news is the Atonement of Christ. I plea that you please stop the boys on the bikes. Please call the missionaries. A trusted friend. Your bishop. Your Heavenly Father. Counsel with them. You will be blessed for your efforts. Act on what you´re feeling right now and I promise good will come. When all else fails, fall to you knees. He is there. He is listening. This much I know. 

I love you all so much. More then you´ll ever know.  

Mom... you and dad are just the best. thanks for being my cheerleaders!!! my comp asked me yesterday how to say that word in spanish and I said, "my parents."  haha she didn´t get it. 

Peace and love and Pura Vida! 

Love, 

The new 22 year old. 

Megan

Heart stars horseshoes clover and balloons‏

Megan's birthday is Monday, August 26. (next Pday) I am hoping that the birthday package we mailed over a month ago makes it there!! (Is that a silly thing to pray for?) We have several people in her ward helping us out with birthday cake, flowers and candy. What a blessing~ Please reply to this email if you want to include birthday wishes to her and we will incorporate them into her weekly email this week.  I can testify that the blessings of a missionary are real. I am honored to be Hermana Workman's mother. She is sacrificing that many may know eternal joy. (her address is:  Hermana Megan D Workman, Costa Rica, San Jose Mission,  Apartado Postal, 249-2010, San Jose, Costa Rica) megansmissionminutes@blogspot.com

Heart stars horseshoes clover and balloons‏

The title this time has nothing to do with what I´m about to say. Mainly because you´re going to get a rambling of my inner thoughts and feelings as to what’s going on in my neck of the woods.

Tuesday Aug 13

What an absolutely beautiful day! Today all the Hermana’s, about 85 in total, had a meeting with Hermana Wilkinson. (President Wilkinson’s wife) It was like girl’s camp-super strong spirit, good food, laughter, and friends you haven´t seen in forever. I was greeted by an array of squeals and hugs. I´ll never forget Hermana Watkins hug: she ran and literally leaped into my arms and didn´t let go. (She was in the mtc with me. mom you have photos. blonde.) I cannot adequately describe how beautiful this experience was. But like all things, the scriptures say it better: Therefore Hermana Workman did rejoice exceedingly to see her sisters; and what added more to her joy, they were still her sisters in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were women of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.¨ Alma 17:2. I have a deeper understanding of this scripture. It felt so good to see all my old Hermana’s and friends. (Patrick, Lopez, Flores, Quiroz, Watkins, Ogletree, Hamblin, Lamb, etc.etc.) I realized that just like they´ve left an impact on me, I´ve left an impact on them. Hermana Patrick compared it to an alcoholic taking a drink after a year of sobriety and all we want is more. I never expected the mission to be like this. Just amazing joy at seeing someone who was in the same rocky and dark boat as you just months ago, not rocking it and leading others. My old comps and I read scriptures out loud; prayed, (in Spanish) and set an example for others-something that just months ago was almost impossible. It was a day! One of those moments in life-when you´re having so much fun that food looses its flavor-when one becomes less worried about eating an exported double chocolate muffin and more interested in how your friend´s are doing.

At the end president talked to us and I was once again reminded about why this is so hard. Salvation is not an easy experience. I really felt the spirit strongly when I heard Elder Holland’s talk to mission presidents about what they should say to a struggling missionary who was once again dumped. Without food or toilet paper. Struggling to learn Spanish. Praying for charity to love that one companion who just drives you nuts sometimes. When all the crap really happens, when life is truly difficult, we can have the assurance that we´re standing shoulder to shoulder with the world´s BEST missionary, Jesus Christ. And for that reason, we must stand a little taller.

Thursday Aug 15 (happy bday Kath)

I learned the importance of asking someone on the first visit if they want to be baptized! Yesterday was another miracle day. There truly are days (17 miracles reference) when I´m ready to sit on a rock and just eat pie. Say I´m done. But then these beautiful lessons happen and I´m all for pushing my handcart to Zion.

I feel like we ran like chickens with our heads cut off. Happy Mothers Day Costa Rica. I actually like it in August. Mop´s mom, M, invited us over for lunch- arroz con siempre (pollo, chicken and rice.) Beans, tomatoes, but I really love it. We delivered mothers day cards and baked a cake for MX(who is to be baptized this Saturday with her son, B. Her husband, A is not sure. R baptismal interview was yesterday (he passed and was baptized Saturday.) We then headed off to MX and A´s house where we saw miracles happening. MX told us she´s made her decision and will be baptized. I´m so happy for them,  who truly know that this is right. She told us that she´s been reading the Book of Mormon and knows its right. Feels like it´s good. She said the moment we invited them to be baptized, she knew that she wanted to. She said she was a little shocked, but not scared. She prayed and they have both felt the spirit.

For lack of time, I want to share my testimony of the Holy Ghost. My testimony has grown immensely. I know that if people just listen and act on their feelings, they can receive their answers. I know that one of the strongest battles we´ll fight in this life is putting aside our will for the Lord´s. sometimes that means accepting a baptismal date, even though you´re not really sure. Making an appointment with the bishop to get rid of guilt and sin. Saying I´m sorry first. Or leaving it all behind to serve the Lord for a year and a half or two years to bless other´s lives forever. Totally worth it.

Saturday Aug. 17

Happy baptism day, R. Everything actually went really well and according to plan. ...

Afterwards was a celebration in the church. There was a huge turnout. Pura vida. Eventually we went out to a beautiful evening, the weather is always lovely here, and played some games and enjoyed one another’s company. We had a lot of nonmembers show up that I hope will eventually turn into members. I tried to wear a giant smile and help everyone feel comfortable and welcome. It is very wonderful to have work. Wonderful yet at the same time stressful.

Sunday, happy bday Hallie

Happy Sunday! One of the greatest days of the week. I love going to church. I still don’t understand about 80 percent, but I love what I feel. I do look forward to the day when I can understand again. When I can participate the way I want to.

We had a lesson with A and MX afterwards. They invited us to lunch a while ago. We taught them about Joseph Smith and cleared up a lot of doubts. I was also able to explain the Book of Mormon and I realized that I’d learned so much-that my testimony of this book has grown so much. I´m truly grateful.

I´m grateful for this gospel and my Heavenly Father, who loves me when times are rocky and I need an extra dose of love.

I love you all family. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for ALL of your support. I love each of you ETERNALLY!

Miss and love you!,

Meg

“It’s the character that’s the strongest that God gives the most challenges to.  You can take that as a compliment.”  -Return to Me  Thank you for the Return to Me Quote. Did you know that I basically tell all my companions that story? There´s so much I don´t remember, but they all love the story.

I do not wash my clothes. I´m very blessed. I rarely do anything normal like that. Like cook or clean...not really. Strange, right?

Today I hung out in San José. We went shopping. All day. We went to Wendy’s. I taught mop and my comp all about frosty’s and fries. They looked at me like I was eating a newborn. They didn´t like it. I love America! I’m tired too. The city takes A LOT out of you. Reminds me of NY sometimes. 

The best part of my p-day of course, is emailing you. Always.

For my birthday dinner, please only eat tortillas, rice, and beans. Because I’ll be having the same. haha. Okay, tortillas if I’m lucky. haha.

"A fly on the wall"

Our family has been camping for a couple of weeks. We drive into town to get service and hear from our missionaries. It's a treat!!! (And of course we grab a shake too). Our emails this week, I merged together... I asked her what I would witness in her day if I was a fly on the wall... She didn't get transferred. Kept the same companion. Saturday we had a memorable mountain storm. It rained and hailed "UP"! Nothing like a thunder, rain, hail, lightening storm this close to the Almighty. (Raining up is when it rains so hard, it bounces back up) we commented that as we were getting wet, we hoped they were witnessing Jane getting "wet" too. Next Saturday they have two or three more?? I've lost track up here. Ha ha. 

Hello everyone! 

I finally saw my first baptism in Ciudad Colon! OOOHHHOOO! Jane, at age 87 entered into the waters of baptism and accepted the Holy Ghost in her life. She walked in crying and I was a little nervous. No missionary wants to see their investigator cry right before her baptism. But, I realized that she felt the spirit testify of what she was finally doing was right. I am so happy for her family. I am so grateful for the small part I was able to play in all this. I learned from her that this gospel has no age. That no matter our age, we can always do what´s right. We can always follow Christ. We can always set the example for those around us. 

I'm still really excited for Mark. He calls us his friends, and it's so nice to see him willingly give up some stuff, like coffee, even though everyone ridicules and makes fun of him, for something better. I know that no sacrifice is too grand when it comes to this gospel. 

My health is well, don't worry mom. 

Funny things that happened this week.....Mark was asking about how long women could store thier breast milk for their babies. (Everyone breast feeds here very openly. A rare day is to NOT see that)  When he found out it can be kept for like 3 months in the fridge he said women are better than cows! I laughed a healthy laugh over that.

Not too much news from my end. I love you all! Pray for you daily! Be strong forever. Kia kaha (forever strong)  Do the little things that lead to great miracles and blessings. Mission, family home evening. seminary. institute. pray. go to church. pray again. read your scriptures. 

I love you all so much! Thank you for your love and support! 

Love, 

Meg 

Day in the life: (i always start these things off but then bore myself so quit. sorry.) 

Will you take me through one of your day? What do you sleep on? I sleep on a bed. Haha. A mattress. It´s nice. The mission mattresses are typically awful. My companion asked for a new one. The other day she slept on the floor. I offered her my bed, but she can´t reach the top bunk without my help and doens't know how to get down without my help. Made me laugh the first time we tried. I have a nice mattress, don't worry. There are roosters CONSTANTLY cooing and I want to kill them. Seriously KILL the stupid roosters that go off at ALL hours of the day.  Where is your apartment? I am so excited to show you how costa ricans houses are. Remember when we were facebook stalking photos of costa rician missionaries? How one elder was standing on 2 roofs of two different houses? From the back of our house, I can touch about...7 different houses too. We live above a house in the middle of central. It´s a great location. Far from the church and where we drop off our laundry, but really close to stores and internet and all the good stuff central has to offer. We live down a hidden street thing that nobody can see. So we´re really safe too. It has one bedroom and one bathroom and a ¨kitchen¨and a ¨family room¨where we do our studies. How are the neighbors? Super sweet. They let us use their mop and in retrun, I give them coffee and alcohol. Ha. That was a half joke. (reference to the rum cake) They´re really kind. We live behind an evangelist church. I didnt´know this before but these evangelios like to sing. Loud. And then even louder. So that´s sometimes annoying. We also live with like 7 dogs. They´re good protectors. And gross. But good.  Landlord? Super nice. He changes our lightbulbs when we´re too scared of getting electricuted. (All wiring just hangs out of the walls) He hand delivers our bills and asks us what he can fix. Super nice.  When do you wake up? Read Preach my Gospel, haha. 6:30 every day. Even on our free days. I don´t mind it. I would love a nap in the middle of the day though. It's hard to exercise that early too. But I'll try to get better. Leave the house? Usually at 12 for lunch and then start work at 1. We walk and walk (like the pioneer children that sang as they walked, I like to sing. Or I like to tell my companions stories. This week was Thumbalina. I love that show. (It's so flipping cute and good!) We work until 9:30. Plan. Sleep. (Wake up at 10 then do it again. Man I love Costa Rica. HEY. I love piña. HEY! haha song insert there. I love college case you didn´t get it.) What do you sleep in- pjs? Jamas! Haha I sleep in my g´s. It's just too comfy. These past couple of days it's been a little chillier at night, so I put on my pjs with sheep. But I just love my g´s. Think I got that from me ma y pa. Still really hot? From about 12-3 everyday it's really sunny. My companion wants to die because her first and only other area was super frio, chilly. But my first and other area was Hell, so I love Ciudad Colon. Blanket? Check. I use 3. My purple one. A blue one (like the kind gma betty gave us from the 70's  and a small white one from me ma.  Pretend I was "the fly on the wall" for a day... What would I see? You´d see me planning for the following day. Walking. Sitting in houses. Trying to gulp down some questionable food sometimes. Laughing. Smiling. Struggling over some words. Talking with my comp. Trying to help people. Service. Walking some more. And yeah. Boring, no? Haha. But it´s great! 

Raining up! Sounds like you got a tiny taste of my days here. Except we dont´get hail storms raining up!  But it usually always rains up and I think of you! Love you mommy! 

Hope you enjoyed being the fly. 

LOVE YOU! 

Meg

Because I love my mom so much!

Thanks mom! 

http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages#to-every-mother

Hello father!

I love you so much. I just watched this, and it expresses all I can´t about how much I love you and all your hidden sacrifices that at many times were hidden from me. Thank you for being my provider. My protector. My Dad. I love you more than my fingers can ever type. More than my mouth can ever profess. Also, it´s weird to think that my Heavenly Father loves me just as much as, if not more, than you. But I belive it could be true. 

There´s a qutoe I love from an apostle that says, ¨Before I hear the words, ´well done my good and faithful servant´ from my heavenly Father, I hope to first hear them from my mortal Father.¨

I love you dad! Watch this video with a spirit of reverance. 

http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages#earthly-father-heavenly-father

Pray for all the good you receive. I´ve learned in the mission not to count the sheep to help me sleep, but to count my blessings. That way in the morning I wake up with a heart full of grattitude.

I love you!

Meggie Poopoo head.

Photos:

My comp´s bday. M and A his wife cooked us traditional rice and chicken (arroz con pollo, mmmm!) and pink salad. it´s main feature, i finally found out, is .....drum roll for dramatic effect....BEETS! beets I tell you. Mom, your beatdigger gene transfered! I like them. Don´t love them. But I eat them, haha. 

Sunset view. I love the sunsets here.