Happy Chinese New Year!

Hola familia!

Happy New Year! (Chinese New Year, its kind of a big deal in these parts. ha-ha)

Yes, there was a huge snowstorm, but it really didn't keep us in or anything (blessings of being a "on foot" missionary). Also, the city didn't get hit as bad as the island did. There were many missionaries who got snowed in, but they were all in cars on the Island. The city is also really good at cleaning it up so NYC again, didn't skip a beat. The snow really does beautify the place. It’s been very lovely walking around with all the snow. I at least enjoy it :) I feel at adds a little natural, pure and sparkly touch to the dirty concrete jungle. It also forces people to be with their families. It is really funny though, for many Hispanics here, snow paralyzes them. If snow is falling, its a legitimate excuse to cancel on anything (appointments, church, you name it ha-ha)....and the 7 or so inches we got this past weekend was too much for some of them to handle. It is really funny, and also really shows the sacrifice SO many of them make to come to this country. They CANT stand cold or snow, but the promise of a better future is vale la pena for them (worth the pain.). It just goes to show how far they must feel from their tropical homes.

There is a Qdoba here in Flushing!! Oh it was a glorious reunion when we got lunch there today! ha-ha.

Another food discovery. I had had papuses in restaurants, but there just aren't very many Salvadorians in Corona. The Island is FULL of people from El Salvador and so seeing how Flushing is on that border, there are a lot of people from El Salvador here. And that means Papusas!! They were good when I tried them in the restaurants, but SOOO good when Hermana Sanchez fed them to us last night. The Sanchez Family feeds the missionaries every week, and their food is really good. A papusa is essentially a stuffed tortilla (Chicharron (pork) and Queso). Very Yummy!

We also had a women's conference where all of us sisters went and slept over at president's home. Hurricane Sandy was so much fun, his family wanted to do it again :). It was powerful and uplifting and a privilege to again learn at the feet of such a great family. I am grateful for them and the things that I learned. It was all about the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 and how to wax strong in confidence as a missionary.....looks like I am not the only one struggling with it. Something powerful that President talked about was about how prideful it is when we tell ourselves we cannot do something, particularly as missionaries and in church callings. When we say, "I can't" we fail to show FAITH, that God will support us and provide. That through Him all things are possible. So instead of "I can't" or even "I can", we should think, "We can" For God truly never leaves us.

Sister Lee and I are working really hard and learning a lot. It is hard because I feel we do all we can to be obedient and find people to teach, and work with members, and we really don't have much to show for it in terms of numbers...yet. For a long time I have let that get me down, or feel guilty, but I am realizing that God is with us, is pleased with us and as we keep trying and working, the rest will come. Missionary work is not always a glorious thing, and I often feel like I am having some sort of inward battle with myself, BUT it helps to remember that the only perfect missionary and man ever to walk this earth did not have it easy either. And he walked that path so that I might have joy as I walk mine. He forewent deliverance, so that I could receive it. And showed the way, that I might follow. I know He, Jesus Christ, lives. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and my soul. How grateful I am to be set apart as HIS representative and to invite others to come unto him, by helping them know Him and partake of His joy.

Thanks for being so awesome! I love and miss you all! Have fun in DC and UT!! Only a couple hours away Daddyo!!

Megan