If you haven't already read/heard/or seen by now, I have returned home from my beloved mission just a short 3 months early on December 21, 2015.
Erica is with us on the phone via Skype.
Caden grew 6 or more inches while Kailey was gone.
Parker missed Kailey greatly.
The best hug ever!
Throughout my mission I'd been struggling with my health, and in October it significantly declined. I was a hurt more than a help to not only my companions, the work, and the area that I served in, but also to myself. I received the confirmation that I should go home in October/November, which brought me to resistant tears. I only had 3 months left! No way was I going home! I've pushed through illnesses before and recovered just fine. Well, to my dismay, this was and is not your average illness. I needed help beyond what I could receive as a missionary.
After loads of prayer, humility, and submissiveness, I met with my mission president who agreed wholeheartedly that I needed to return home. He settled my second thoughts when he said, "My job is to help you see all the reasons for why you need to stay, but sister Chandler, that is not the case with you. I strongly feel comforted with the decision to send you home". Everything in that interview was perfect; every word softened my heart and opened my eyes to see that this is God's plan for me. As soon as I accepted this plan, I felt stronger than I've ever felt that God is my Father. He IS aware of me, and he DOES love me. Me! I literally felt His love. I received confirmation from the Holy Ghost that I had done what I needed to do in Northern Virginia, and felt confident that I had completed the mission my maker sent me to accomplish. I still feel that way. I have no doubts.
That interview took place on Saturday, and I flew home the following Monday morning.Since returning home, I've been able to rest and attempt to recover. It's only been a week, so not a ton has improved, but I know that with time I will be fine :) My dad gave me a powerful priesthood blessing soon after I got home, and I know that will help as well.
My heart is full. I know that the exact same church that Jesus Christ himself organized when He was on the earth, is restored in its fullness today. I know that we have a modern day prophet by the name of Thomas S. Monson, and 12 living apostles who sustain and help Him. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, and you can know of its truthfulness for yourself if you read it with real intent, and an open heart. My mission has shaped me to become the person/wife/mother that I know God intends me to be, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve when I did. I LOVED my mission. It was the best thing I've ever done, despite the trials and struggles I faced along the way. I would do it 20 more times in a heartbeat :)
Thank you for your love, support, emails, letters, prayers, and encouragement. Keep to the basics; go to church every Sunday read your scriptures every day, and pray multiple times throughout the day. I know that if we do these things, we will be able to get through any question, concern, or trial we may come upon. God is real. I know that. I know he loves me just as much as he loves you.
Don't worry. Be happy. The church is true :)
