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

I can feel God guide our footsteps

Well family, it has been an interesting, heart-changing, challenging and good week. Though I feel like EVERY week in the mission field is like that. I am still in flushing, but I have a new companion. Sis Reid had to go home this week due to some health problems that she has been struggling with. It was heart breaking to see her go, because I know how much she wanted to stay and work, also I really loved being her companion. But nonetheless, I am very grateful that she is recuperating and safe.

So this week was really up in the air. She got a call on Thursday night, that she was leaving Friday morning (She knew she was leaving, but not that quickly). And so on Friday I spent the day back in Rego with the English "traveling sisters” there (Traveling sisters are new in our mission, essentially they act as leadership for the sisters) while president prayed and figured out what to do from there. It was incredible on Friday because even though I had NO idea what was going to happen, where I would be, who I would be with, I knew that God was in it and that this was His will and that He would put me exactly where He needed me. I was filled with so much peace and comfort that everything would be okay and exactly how God wanted it. Also we were able to teach a powerful first lesson to one of their new investigators Dave. He was so moved by this first meeting, that he asked if it would be okay and appropriate if he could take a picture of us, because he could feel that He was beginning an important journey. The spirit was so strong, and I am grateful I could take part of it. I also got to spend the night with the Rego Spanish Sisters, my last companions. It was fun to be with them again too.

After a lot of thought and prayer, President felt that I needed to stay in flushing and keep the "Pool" (essentially the group of investigators we have) going. He called Sister Lee, who is an English Sister and who actually was one of my roommates in the MTC, if she would switch to Spanish for the next 3 weeks and be my companion. She is INCREDIBLE and has a lot of faith and courage to take on the challenge. So now I am the "veteran" here in flushing (only 2 weeks!) and the Spanish speaker. I have been tempted at times to get overwhelmed, but I try to remember that peace and love that I felt on Friday that everything will be okay, and I know it will be. It also makes me that much more grateful that I got to serve Sis Simplicio who taught me to relax and have fun! Sis Lee and I actually did something that I hadn't done with my companions before. Soon after we got all of her suitcases into the apartment, we both felt the need to pray, because we both knew that there would be no other way that we could do this. So we started our companionship with a prayer and called down the powers of heaven to help us. I don't know if I have ever offered such a sacred, clear, desperate and heartfelt prayer in my life, and as I offered it, I could feel the spirit fill both of our hearts and the room. I know God is with us, and I can feel him guide our footsteps. This work is true, there is no other way Sis Lee and I would be able to be doing what we are doing if it wasn't.

I love you guys and am glad you are doing so well. I am so grateful for you and miss you a lot.

Love,

Megan

Ne Hou! ---However you say hello in Chinese :)

 First of all, Stephen, I am SO excited about your mission call and SO grateful that I was able to hear about it the next day. I was still feeling crummy, but that news kept me beaming all day, I am sooo excited for you! There aren't too many argentines here, but their soccer jerseys are everywhere (Learn the name MESSI and you will be good!) Also, Hispanics like to make fun of each other’s accents and Spaniards and Argentines get the brunt of it...so yes, I may be teasing you for your "Como se 'Sh'ama" s ha-ha ;). I am also glad you will be somewhere warm......tonight it is supposed to feel like -16 degrees here!

Oh and where I am serving. I am now in the beautiful city of Flushing, Queens, Just another couple stops down on the 7 train from my last area. My new area is on the other side of the Mets Stadium and Flushing Meadows Park from where I was before. I guess I just always underestimated how "Chino" this area was, until we got to the mall food court and ALL of the stores were Chinese, Korean, or Taiwanese. It is really incredible. We did a street sweep on Flushing Main Street on Saturday, trying to spread the word about the free English classes that we teach, and I felt like we were in Taiwan (not that I would know what that would feel like ha-ha). There are a lot of Hispanics here, and a lot of work to do, we just need to look for them. We would shout "Clases de Ingles, Gratis" into the crowds of people (almost entirely Asian) and one by one some Hispanic would hear our cry and make their way over to us to get the information. In some ways I feel like I am serving somewhere in Asia, Spanish speaking ha-ha, and I LOVE IT!!! Flushing is supposed to be one of the, if not the, most diverse neighborhood in queens, the most diverse city in the world! We had English class this past week and we had 2 men from Uzbechestan (sp?). And they hardly speak any English (Uzbech is their language). Quite the adventure trying to teach certain words.

My new companion is Sister Reid and I adore here. We actually became quick friends and running buddies while we were all stranded at President's during hurricane Sandy. Yes, I have a running buddy! And she is as crazy as I am and enjoys freezing winter runs in the morning...at least she is willing :). She is a Tennis player and Business Student at Southern Virginia University and is only a transfer ahead of me in the mission. We have a lot of fun and many adventures as we try to figure things out and learn Spanish together. She is an incredible missionary and I feel lucky to serve with her :). Also, Elder Carlson (from my MTC district), is in my new district! It’s fun to serve with him again.

 

This week has been a week of miracles large and small. I can finally eat and work full days again!! (Out of nowhere I woke up on Saturday with an appetite and didn't feel sick after eating!) Also, we can feel the spirit work through us and people being have been very receptive to us. We don't have hardly any investigators yet, but we can feel the spirit guiding our work. We have worked very hard, and have tracted almost every night till we collapse in our chairs at 9pm. I know the Lord's blessings are with us and that the miracles will continue to unfold. Thank you for your prayers and love, I sure feel them carrying me through!!

 

I love and miss you all, have an awesome week, and look in the mail, I have letters coming your way (including you chipper!)

Love,

Megan

 

It breaks my heart to leave Rego Park

Buenisima Familia,

Hello again! This email is a little late because I still can't do much and so thankfully a senior couple let me use their computer again.

Also, as of tomorrow, I am officially no longer a "greenie" (new missionary). I have finished my "12 week" training program (even with the delay of Superstorm sandy). I have passed my 6 month mark (crazy!), my trainer has gone home (We sure miss you Sis Simplicio!!!), and I am being transferred out of my first area tomorrow.

I have no idea where I am going, it could be somewhere here in Queens, maybe Brooklyn, or maybe I will get to serve in the Island (Long Island). Wherever it is, I know it is where the Lord needs me. I met with President today and he told me that the Lord was clear and direct about where I needed to go. I am excited, and it is hard to leave Rego, I really have grown to love the people here. And being so sick, I can't say very many goodbyes, but its better that way. I feel like it broke my heart to leave BYU, my heart broke again when I left you guys at home, it broke when I left all the amazing people at the MTC, and it is breaking again as I leave Rego. But there are more people to find, love, help, and lift ahead. It's just like the theme of one of my favorite movies, Meet the Robinsons. Keep Moving Forward!

Oh so as far as health goes, I will be okay :). I received a blessing from President today and already am feeling better. This past transfer has been hard, but I feel it will forever change me. I am excited for the work ahead.

Dad, I love the plan! Sounds like something straight from Preach my Gospel :) It says in the section of working with members (in the chapter of finding) that nothing will fire members more up about missionary work than being taught the doctrine of Christ.

Also just a couple things we have found here. Activities are an AMAZING way to help members invite their friends. The Spanish wards here in some ways survive on activities. Some of them are so good year after year, that many of their non-member friends come every time. If anything Hispanics know how to feed and throw a party ha-ha. Many of the referrals we get in rego are friends of members who come to these activities and want to be taught by the missionaries because of it.

Also, nothing seems to get people excited for missionary work like coming out with the missionaries. At least here, we are always trying to get people to come out with us. Members are often KEY to successful appointments and their testimonies are invaluable. Honestly, I didn't know members were so necessary in appointments until I got to the MTC.

STEPHEN YOUR MISSION CALL IS ASSIGNED????!!!??? How exciting is that? I love how the whole world will know what it is before me ha-ha. Good Luck! I know it is hard to think of leaving BYU (Believe me, I think that was the hardest thing for me), but one thing that helped me was to realize and remember that every blessing (friends, running, good grades, dating) I had at BYU and in my life came from my loving Heavenly Father. What better way to show my gratitude to Him for all that He has given me, then giving that life to the Lord? Even for a little time? I have faith that better things are ahead for us. As we trust in God and turn to Him, we really have nothing in this world to fear. I am excited for you! You will never regret your decision to serve. Get buckled in and ready for the best roller coaster of your life (at least this far into it anyway ha-ha).

Well I love you all and can't wait to hear how your weeks go! And where you will go Chip! This work is true and that call is straight from a prophet of the most high God. Never Forget that.

Love, Megan

The flu is here and I've been in bed for 4 days. . .

Sent Wednesday, January 9, 2013 7:20 pm

Hi! So the flu is here too and I have been in bed for 4 days......and am sitting up long enough to email you guys at the senior couples home. I love you! I am working on an iPad so my email might take a second....ha-ha

 

 

So yes, sis Madsen got the stomach flu on Thursday so we wanted to make a quick trip to the downstairs deli to grab her some sprite....bad idea. Funny story. The deli owners recognize us as from the church and they were asking us questions. Just as I was about to hand them a card, my poor companion ran out of the store and got sick right there on the side walk. I chased after her as my other companion finished buying her snacks. Sis Gonzalez came out, saw what was happening. Thankfully sis Madsen was alright. Of course while I saw it all, one of my first thoughts were yikes! Sis Gonzalez can go and tell them. Though, Sis Gonzalez looked at me and said, "I am awkward! You go!" so I went. Thankfully they were gracious and when we stopped by again today, they were eager to know how sis Madsen was. I am so grateful for the amazing people here in this city. Crazy mission stories ha-ha

 

 

Sis Madsen was down on Thursday, sis Gonzalez was down on Friday. The second sis Gonzalez was feeling bad, we bought sanitizing supplies and attacked the place, I also had been drinking Emergen-c that whole week.....all to no avail (that stuff isn't full proof) ha-ha. Saturday I was feeling really badly, but I needed to play piano at a baptism and we had some critical appointments we really felt we needed to go to. I prayed so hard that this flu would hold off till 9pm, when we would be home. The Lord did just that.

 

 

The baptism was beautiful and it was for a women named Cathy from Ecuador . She actually left her husband Angel a little while back. Angel soon after was introduced to the missionaries and the church though his sister. He quit his drinking and smoking, set his life in order, and soon was baptized. He later sent a book of Mormon with his testimony to Cathy. She read it, felt the spirit, came back to him, saw the changes he made and demanded to meet with the missionaries. Angel was able to baptize her. It was sacred and wonderful to be apart of her baptism and to, in a small way, witness how Jesus Christ heals and saves family relationships. This gospel really is true and blesses families. I am grateful the Lord let me be apart of it.

 

 

Don't worry about me, the Lord takes really good care of his instruments. It has been hard being in bed for 4 days but I have spent almost the whole time watching those church history seminary videos. Really hard to feel discouraged and self pity while watching the faith of missionaries like Heber C Kimball and Brigham Young as they roll out of their sick beds to leave their families again to serve the Lord :). Hurrah for Israel !

 

 

I love you and miss you a lot! Trust in the Lord, he really does know our problems and suffered and died so he can help us and deliver us.

 

 

Can't wait to see where you are going Stephen!!!! I would say dad can check and see if a call has been assigned as early as tomorrow, and after that it will only be till that Wednesday or Thursday. That is if they haven't changed it since the influx of calls.

 

 

Love you and pray for each of you every day :)

 

Megan

I am really learning the power of turning to the Lord

Dear family,

 

I am so glad you got my package and liked it too! I am sorry about my weird camera Mom, thanks for doing all of that, I really appreciate it and will see what I can do. Thanks also for all the facebook updates WOW! A lot goes on while one is on a mission haha. I also can't believe that Sister Lingenbrink is coming here!!! If either her or Sister Maren Hale are reading this, I am SO EXCITED you will be here so soon, I will be waiting :).

 

Wow what a week. I feel if there has been a transforming week on my mission, its been this one. I feel that my pavillions of pride and fear are breaking down and I am able to more easily feel, and recognize His presence, aide and love. I think it is probably because of the difficult things that have occured this week. It is through conflict that we grow, it is amazing how easily we say that, but how hard it is to live it. I am grateful for a loving heavenly father who knows what He is doing. I am learning more and more the power of turning to the Lord in our difficulties. He really does see the bigger picture, and knows the hearts of all of His children. As I have turned to him to strengthen our companionship, he has lifted and blessed me and inspired me to know how to react to and treat my companions. We have also found that because of the challenges, our love for each other has grown.

Well this week has also been very cold. Oh. my. goodness! I hardly ever complain about cold, for heavens sakes I usually find it kind of fun to run in a blizzard ha ha but this is different. This cold burns and gets inside of your skin.....it also probably doesn't help to be in a skirt ha ha. It sure does make us feel like missionaries :). Thank you for that coat, and the good gloves, they are perfect for this.

 

Random story. Remember that Independent study I did? The ISYS 100 and 101? The one you loved? ha ha Dr. Mckell the writer of those classes and the "king" of beginning ISYS at BYU is serving in my mission now with his wife! I met them one evening and I made the connection only after talking for a little bit.

 

I am really learning the power of turning to the Lord and working under His power and guidance. He really does guide this work, I testify to that. There has been several occasions where I really didn't know what to do, and my own wisdom made a mess of things, and I fall on my knees or take a deep breath, close my eyes and ask for help. Almost each and every time, a clear thought pops into my head. Sometimes it is something I need to do, sometimes it is a person we need to visit, sometimes its a comforting memory of my family or other loved ones, but every time it is from the Lord.

 

I am grateful to be here and love you all so much. I really miss you! Sorry this is so short!

 

 

Megan

Merry Christmas with lots of pictures!

Megan and the areas she helped with clean up

 Thanksgiving Day

 The Turkey bowl

Merry Christmas again :) So weird to think that I have been able to communicate with you everyday this week. Thanks for the pictures and that 2nd Jib Jab, wow we are awesome! But one question....why did I end up as the kid who gets his (well I guess her ha-ha) tongue stuck on the pole....ha-ha.

The rest of our Christmas was good. After I got done talking to you, I chatted with the Elder and Sister Gulbransen (the senior couple) while my companions finished up. We later went to another Senior Couple's apt for dinner with some of the other missionaries. My first meal without rice in a long time. It was really good and a lot of fun.

After we were done, I learned how sensitive one of my companions is.....in a really hard way. I have been learning this all week, but it peaked yesterday. That is all I really can say about that except for the fact that I am learning that one of the hardest parts of serving a mission can be working in companionships. So I am learning, and changing and growing and trying to get it to work. Anyway, we finished our Christmas by visiting one of our investigators who was spending x-mas alone. She was grateful for our company.

Despite the difficulties, it has been a really good week. We miraculously found a new investigator named Jugo (which means juice :) ). We finally got in touch with his mother (who is an investigator also), and he was there when we visited. Almost at the exact same time we all three got a strong prompting that He needed a Book of Mormon. Sis Madsen and I actually pulled out books from our bags at the exact same time. He was receptive and wanted to come to church......AND HE DID!!! His mother wasn't able to, but at the appointment, she testified that she knew the Book of Mormon is the word of God because she prayed and received her confirmation and answer from heaven that it was true. She said that she felt the exact same peace and spirit as she read it as she does the Bible. Really cool and powerful testimony. Sad, but when we heard her testify, we could hardly believe our ears. It is amazing the experiences we have when we ACTUALLY read the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon.

Funny story. the ward had a ward activity and some of the members performed a funny skit. One of these members was looking for a simple "longer" skirt for it, and couldn't find one anywhere. She figured that maybe the Sister missionaries might have one. I found one of mine that I inherited from a sister who has since gone home. The next day she wore it in the play. One of my companions pointed out how my skirt worked perfectly for her part. I looked over, and saw that indeed, it was perfect. The member was playing a grandma. We laughed for a long time about that ha-ha. So thank you for that beautiful blue skirt for Christmas, now I don't have to worry about my "grandma" skirt ha-ha.

I love you and really miss you!!! It was so good to see you all, even if it was over skype. Have a great next week together :)

And chipper, I am so proud of you! Waiting for that call can be the longest weeks of your life...except for your 1st week in the MTC ha-ha.

Till Monday :)

Love,

Megan