And the Miracles Continue...

You guys. I am so humbled. This week started off with one of the most memorable moments of my mission so far, and the miracles just kept coming every single day.

P-day was busy! We got the basics done and spent a good amount of time in the mall shopping for summer clothes :) sister Morris has never had Panda Express before, so I asked if she wanted to try the Americanized version of Chinese food :) she liked it :)

We went out with a member that night to check on some people. One of them being a new investigator, but he wasn't home. So we went to a less actives home. 

On the way to his door, we saw a woman hanging out on the porch with her dog. I told her I liked it because it reminded me of my dog :) she said it wasn't hers, and we began talking. We learned that she had been out of a job for 2 weeks, and was in a rut. Despite the circumstance; however, she was so positive and hopeful. She's been through a lot. Without us even saying anything, she told us that she had talked to elders before, and they tried to get in contact with her a few times but she was so busy she just never had time. 

We asked if we could share Because He Lives with her and not even 5 seconds into it she asked, "Do you want to come inside?" Um. Yes. Yes we do :) this sweet woman truly has had it rough, and the spirit was incredibly strong in the room as we listened to her. It was a tender mercy to be able to lend an ear to someone so sad, and to reassure her of the love that her Heavenly Father has for her. To help her understand that she has someone to lean on, and she isn't alone. I bore my testimony about how I know that God is so aware of each one of us. She said, "I know God sent you to me for a reason. Please, can you come back on Thursday?" The love that I automatically felt towards this child of God was massive. Her soul is beautiful, and she is so humble. I was humbled to be a tool in the lords hands so unexpectedly. It's funny how important listening really is ;) 

To top off the night, we had a huge thunder and lightening storm that came with a tornado warning. Apparently president Riggs texted us and told us to go home but we didn't get that until after the lesson, when the storm was almost over. Whoops! The lord protects his faithful servants! :) 

We spent the next day with President Riggs! From 8:30am to 4:00pm receiving instruction and inspiration like crazy because it was zone conference :) 

This is the meeting where the cleanest car gets to switch cars if they want. We lost, but got to switch our car because the winner wanted ours!! Which was awesome because I wanted their car! :) it's the same one I drove in my first area :) so that was great! 

Afterwards we taught a lesson to our recent convert's friend! We taught him the restoration last week; he's the guy who speaks only Spanish and didn't seem interested at all. We taught the beginning of the plan of salvation this week, AND remember how he hasn't prayed in a looonnggg time?? Well he and our recent convert were chatting away in Spanish when all of a sudden our convert was like, "okay. He wants to say the closing prayer". Um. WHAT?! Okay! :) by all means! I had no clue what he said in his prayer, but the spirit was so strong. I felt it! We gave him a pamphlet and told him to read it and bring questions next week :) the entire lesson was filled with the spirit :) 

After that we had a meeting with the ward missionaries and our new bishopric! It went well! I'm loving the change and I'm excited to work a lot more with them :) by the time that was over it was time to go home. Every day seems to have a miracle lately, and I know that is the result of the massive amount of faith and dedication we have towards the Lord. When we trust Him, we follow His commandments which makes it so that He knows He can trust us! Which then brings an overflowing amount of blessings :) Seriously this gospel is the coolest thing. It means SO much to me! I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now than serving my Heavenly Father, and the people of northern Virginia :)

Random fun fact: In the middle of the night sister Morris and I BOTH got a Charlie Horse!? haha weirdest, most painful experience of my life.

On Wednesday we had district meeting on the topic of faith; my favorite :) 

Then we had exchanges with our sister training leaders! Sister Osmond came to Alexandria with me (she trained sister Lewis) and it was MUCH needed. I have not genuinely laughed so hard in a while. She really made me feel like I am doing a great job at this whole missionary thing, and the reassurance was appreciated :) 

We had a lesson with a potential which was so divinely inspired!! His name is W :) we taught the restoration! He is an extremely intelligent individual but so relaxed and respectful. Sister Osmond helped us gain some brownie points because their career path is the same,so they talked big words and intelligent things whereas I just smiled and nodded like I knew what was happening, and then tied the restoration into the topic of discussion. The spirit was strong as we bore witness of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. He said he would read the Book of Mormon and pray about it, so we will see where this goes! 

Thursday morning was so great. Sister Osmond shared some super cool insights with me and helped me resolve some concerns that have weighed heavily on my mind throughout the past few weeks. Sister Training Leaders rock my world; they're the best! :) It was such a tender mercy, as much as I love sister Morris, I think we both needed a break :) 

Then we exchanged back and went to work! We had dinner with a member, and then a lesson with T (the miracle lady on Monday) but she texted us and said Friday would be better. SO. We sat in the car and said a quick prayer asking for guidance because we want to be where we need to be when we need to be there, and only Heavenly Father knows all of that information. 

We checked on a potential who's address didn't exist, and on the way out there was a man all bundled up in dark clothes. He was right next to the stop sign that we stopped at and the spirit was like, "sister chandler! Roll down the window and give him a pass along card!" But for some dumb reason I kept driving. So we got onto the main road and the spirit kept nagging at me like, "you blew it! Better turn around now. You're gonna have to repent for passing that one up! He even looked like a YSA from behind. You better turn around..." 

Eventually I couldn't take it anymore so I told sister Morris I think we should go back. I turned the car around, went to the street he was walking on and didn't see him. "Dang it", I thought, "I totally missed that chance. Sorry Heavenly Father, I'll listen next time". Then sister Morris goes, "is that him??" And it was! So we pulled up to him and I'm thinking out loud, "well this is slightly creepy and awkward...". Then I yelled out the window, "Hey! :) can we give you a card really quick?" He was like, "um...a card? For what?" I explained it was for church and said, "okay this is probably going to sound really weird, but God told us to pull over and talk to you, so... We did :)" he laughed and was really receptive! He was happy to give us his information and seemed interested in coming to church. He said that usually he would be at the gym at that time, but not that night and I was like, "see! God has a hand in all things! :)" and he was like, "seriously! Divine inspiration!" So we are gonna go see our good friend Tim this week and teach him about the restored gospel :) Also, he is single, in our area, and within the right age range. 

Moral of the story: ALWAYS follow the promptings you receive because it will never go wrong! :) 

Weekly planning is always a success with Sister Morris, so Friday was good! We had a lesson cancel so we prayed for guidance and once again, the spirit led us to the right person and provided us with inspiration to know exactly what that person needed to hear. I love being a tool in the Lords hands. The gift of the Holy Ghost is AWESOME when we listen to it :) 

Saturday night was so good. We had a lesson on eternal marriage with a recent convert, and then later in the evening we brought a member with us to teach a new investigator! His name is C; he is cousins with O, a forever investigator. When we pulled up to the apartments we could see them smoking on their balcony (bummer but it's whatever), and when we walked by them O was like, "oh! Sisters! Hey!" Fumbling to hide his cigarette :) haha we just smiled :) when we went inside we taught the restoration! C had such great questions and we taught boldly; my favorite :) but with love. We taught him how to pray and invited him to pray to know if the things we taught him are true. He said he will and he is looking forward to our next visit :) 

Story #10: Sunday was so. Cool. We had a regional broadcast which was so great! I received a lot of personal revelation which is always a good thing :) 

Then we had dinner with a member and taught a lesson on the Holy Ghost. 

Afterwards we went to check on a less active, but her boyfriend answered the door and said she wasn't home. When we were walking away he yelled, "pray for me!" And shut the door. You bet we turned right around and knocked on the door again :) when he answered I asked what we could do for him; why did he want us to pray for him? We told him who we were and what we do, and then he was like, "can we go on a walk and talk??" Of course we can! :) after a lot of listening we learned that he has serious problems with the word of wisdom but has a strong desire to turn his life around. He said he was hoping we would stay and talk to him after he said, "pray for me" and later expressed that he felt like we were sent from God. We so were :) we shared a message on the plan of salvation but focused on the atonement and how we can have a fresh start; a clean slate! His girlfriend came home eventually, so she was able to sit in on the lesson, too :) we see them again on Friday :) 

The love that I have for this gospel is immense. There is nothing like it! There is no greater source to an honest, pure, genuine happiness. Heavenly Father has blessed sister Morris and I like crazy over the past few weeks, and I know that he is so very aware of us. The Holy Ghost real! He truly does comfort, guide, warn, and confirm truth. I know this to be true with my whole heart. Thanks for the love, support, and prayers for not only me but all the missionaries around the globe :) It is much appreciated, and we feel it :) 

I hope you have a fabulous week, and pray for missionary experiences! :)
Sister Chandler

Ps. Mother's Day is in 2 weeks. I'm making a paper chain ;)
Pps. I finished the Book of Mormon again this week! I do love that book :) 

Picture: I held a gecko last night

6 Down and 12 To Go

Hello everyone! :)

My dad has an app that counts down the days until I get home (we're best friends) and he will occasionally update me on how many days are left. Today you won't need to update me, dad because I am very aware that I only have 367 days left as of today!! Bittersweet :)

I feel so blessed to be in a mission where so many historical sights are right around the corner. DC was so fun! We walked for a total of about 4 hours; we didn't sit for even a second, looking at all the monuments and memorials. 

'Twas a bit windy, but so warm! It wasn't even humid. 

Blessing :) 

We had no idea where we were most of the time, but by following maps and reading directions, we found a metro and hopped on right on time to make it back to our dinner appointment :) sister Morris had a migraine and then got sick to her stomach so bad that she was lying on the bathroom floor at the members home :( poor girl was so sick :( so we canceled our appointments for the night and went home. 

Thankfully she woke up on Tuesday feeling much much better! 

Prayer works :) 

After studies we went to Zone Training where we talked about families and discussed how to teach that topic. It was good :) I really love my zone. 

Pictures from the metro activity last week:

One of my zone leaders shared such a precious miracle from the metro contacting that I HAVE to share. It's too good not to. 

He saw a girl running up and down the street, so he started running with her asking if he could share a quick video with her. She frantically said she lost her phone and didn't have time for him, so he just gave her a card and continued contacting. A couple hours later she came back and stuck her phone in his face. She said, "do you know what this is??" He shook his head like umm no... She said, "it's an answer to my prayer. The minute after I saw you I felt impressed to say a prayer to find my phone, then I felt impressed to go to the CVS store where I was earlier this morning. As soon as I walked in it was right there sitting on the shelf in front of my eyes. What was that video you wanted to show me?" So he showed her and when it was over he looked up and she was crying. She embraced him saying, "you have no idea how much I needed that right now. I know that God needs me to meet you. Thank you" then she promised to let the missionaries in and listen to their message because she doesn't live in the area. SO COOL!!

Miracles happen when we show Heavenly Father we are serious :) 

After zone training we had lunch and sister Morris started packing up. We then went to dinner with a recent convert, where he secretly ordered sister Morris a birthday dessert because she turns the big 20 today! Of course I helped her eat it; it's my favorite! :) 

And THEN we went to check on people with a member which always brings miracles. We went to see F, a less active whom we haven't seen for the whole transfer because he is never home or available. But he was that night!! So we talked with him and shared the video. I felt impressed to ask if he prays; he doesn't. We talked about the importance of prayer and how it will bless his life. He committed to praying every night, and before we left we asked if we could leave him with a prayer. He pointed at me and said, "you say it?" So I pointed back at him and said, "you say it?? :)" so he did!! What?!? F prayed. In Spanish even :) the spirit was definitely present. I love being a missionary :) 

Also, we got transfer calls that night and Sister Morris is STAYING!!! What!?!? Surprise!! :) This is definitely rare for a couple reasons -->

1) she hasn't had a companion for more than one transfer since she's been on her mission
2) she's going to end up being here for 6 months
3) president Riggs doesn't keep missionaries in singles wards for more than 3 transfers; this is her 4th

Basically Heavenly Father must have big things planned for us, so we are going to work so hard! 

We are SO EXCITED!!! :))) The sisters we live with are also staying which is ALSO a surprise/miracle!! Dear goodness, we were so happy :) 

Breakfast on Wednesday was with a member, and then we had a lesson with a recent convert. After that a different member took us out to a late lunch (like 4pm) at a super good pizza place :) Then he told us about a really yummy place called "nice cream" because it's ice cream made with nitrogen! So good. 

Because we thought it would be sister Morris' last night here, we had a ton of member lessons set up for the night! Whoops :) oh well! 'Twasnt a bad thing! :) 

Nothing exciting happened on Thursday. We went to AFAC for an hour; it's always nice to wear pants :) oh. Except for the fact that I accidentally parked in the loading zone and got a minor ticket! 

Whoops! We were driving home and sister Morris goes, "What's that?".... Oh well. Could have been worse :) After dinner we taught a couple lessons with a member present so that was good! 

Friday was weekly planning which went well! New transfer = new goals :) we're pumped :)
We had a member come out with us all night and literally zero of the addresses we had existed. So weird. They were people that have met with the sisters before but some part of every address was incorrect. Oh well! It was still fun :) 

Saturday morning was the ward 5k!! :) The weather was GORGEOUS and so perfect for it! But the investigator that wanted to run it couldn't get work off, but don't you worry! I ran 3 miles in the morning anyway :) So I just helped flip pancakes for the breakfast :) it was so much fun!! I am officially a pro at flipping golden Bisquick pancakes :) 

Afterward we went home for studies and then to a lesson that fell through. It's okay; it happens! We then had a lesson with our recent convert on keeping the Sabbath day holy. I apologize for the unintentional neglect I've had in telling you his story!! It's too cool! 

Basically, long story short, he was hard core atheist and was dating a member. She introduced the Book of Mormon to him and he hated it! He didn't enjoy a single part of that book. He knew there wasn't a God, and he even read the Book of Mormon a second time; still hated it. BUT he went to church with his girlfriend because he liked her and church wasn't going to change his mind anyway. But his heart softened. Then they broke up, but he started investigating because president Riggs spoke at stake conference and talked about real intent :) He decided he did want to know if there really was a God, so he read the Book of Mormon for the third time and prayed about it. With real intent; sincerely desiring to know, and intending to act on the answer God gave him. 

He felt something :)

That something, my friends, is called the spirit of truth :) 

The Holy Ghost bearing witness that there indeed IS a God, that He indeed DOES love you, and that He indeed DOES have a true church on the earth, restored to its fullness. K only experienced this feeling because he sincerely sought for it. He really looked, he read the Book of Mormon, he prayed, and he received an answer. I know God is there and that He does answer our prayers :) 

The rest of the night we spent with a member because she fed us and gave us a TON of names of people that are less active. We learned a lot and received a lot of inspiration on how we can best hasten the work this transfer :) 

On Sunday we got a new bishopric and we are so excited! They're all so young! One of the counsellors is in his early 20's and has only been married for 2 years. The bishop is probably bishop Lister's age, as is his other counsellor. Our old bishopric didn't really work with us; in fact the missionaries weren't invited to PEC or other meetings we generally go to, and we only had ward council once a month. SO I'm thrilled to start working with this new bishopric and get the ball rolling :) They seem very missionary minded! 

The rest of church was good. Fasting was fun this week; president Eyring's talk shed a new light on fast offerings for sister Morris and I :) 

When we got out of a lesson with a less active that night, we saw that we had a couple missed calls and a voicemail. When we checked it, a man from San Diego told us about his friend who just moved out here. He said she is in our area, single (so she's in our ward), and he told us to go teach her :) I guess she asked him if non members could go to church (absolutely!!) so he jumped on finding the closest ward :) Miracles!! :) I am so thankful for a loving God :) 

Because it's a new transfer, we can go to DC again! It's also the peek for the cherry blossoms, and sister Morris' birthday, so we are going today with the sisters we live with :) The weather is gorgeous and I am humbly happy :) 

The Lord is taking such good care of me. 

Thank you for your prayers and emails! I do feel the constant love and support from all the way over there and I am grateful :) 

Have a most wonderful week!! :) 

Sister Chandler

Week 18: Blessings, Blessings, Blessings

Hello! :)

I apologize (mostly to my mother) for the lack of words sent home the past couple weeks! I know it's like a drought in a desert, so I'll do my best to quench your thirst today :)

This week was proof that miracles happen when we endure and press forward with faith. It started off with L on Monday. L was the referral from head quarters a little over a month ago who asked for a bible. This was with sister Lewis, and we were never able to catch her at a good time. We would set up appointments but something would come up. Nevertheless, we persisted!! :) 

Finally, we brought a member with us and the appointment followed through. L is a mother of 4 or 5 little kids with a military husband who won't be home until summer. She has been through a lot of terrible things... You name it, she's experienced it. SHE NEEDS THIS GOSPEL!! Everyone does, but she REALLY does. 

She said she got so desperate for help that she heard a guy on the radio say he would pray for her, so she payed him X amount of money for him to pray for her per month. My heart broke. THEN she
said that someone told her that God is too busy to hear her problems so she doesn't ask for anything in her prayers!! Dear goodness! I'm pretty much crying inside for this woman! 

Because of her questions and concerns, the lesson didn't follow a super smooth outline. It was choppy on topics but met her needs and the spirit was strong. She accepted the baptismal invite, but doesn't have a date yet because meeting with her is near impossible due to her schedule. We are shooting for the beginning of March though! Please keep her in your prayers! She is depressed and just really needs to have the time to hear the lessons. I know it will bless her life immensely. Also, she is dying to go to church!! But couldn't make it yesterday because a mechanic was working on her car and she had to be home to pay him, but she is trying! Gah I have so much love and compassion towards her! It's a blessing and a curse ;) 

We met with C on Tuesday and her husband had his last interview with the bishop yesterday so we see her tomorrow and hopefully can set a date! :) it's been a looonnnggg process but worth it! She is so ready and anxious to be dunked :)

**When you have a minute, look up this talk on YouTube, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior" by Todd B. Parker. It's way cool :)

Wednesday and Thursday were FULL of service!! We helped a sister in our ward clean her empty house that she is moving from. So like the baseboards, windows, bathrooms, floors, doors, cupboards, etc. it was fun! :) 

There was only one way to fit in this small space to wash the baseboards.

The weather is like spring here so I didn't even need a jacket most of the week! Even this morning running to and from the gym was pretty warm! :) 

Ohhhh funny story! So the hermanas we live with have had the flu all week, but we made sure to be out of the house as much as possible so we didn't get sick! I decided to fast for an investigator yesterday and felt sort of sick but just thought it was because I hadn't eaten anything all day. Turns out I worked through a fever all day! Whoops! I'm good now though :) 

Sister Liu and I are doing pretty good. We are really good at companion inventory and the weeks have been going a lot smoother than the first couple. I know that I needed her as my companion though because she has taught me so many things, and I have been quite humbled throughout this transfer, which is good :) I do love and appreciate her so much despite the challenges :) transfers are on the 19th of this month, so next week. Just a heads up, and I'm most likely leaving. I'll find out for sure in a week. 

This week we taught a super cool lesson that was definitely inspired! Matthew in chapter 14:24-31 talks about when Peter walked on water. My favorite word EVER in all those verses is, "immediately". Jesus stretched forth His hand IMMEDIATELY. He always does! Now when you think about your testimony and where you are in your conversion (which is a life long process), use this analogy: 

We have Peter in the boat, not really going anywhere. Then there is Peter walking on water, DOING SOMETHING in faith to get to where he wants to go, and finally we have sinking Peter, which we all experience at times. 

In your process of conversion, what area can be strengthened? Which Peter are you? How can you improve? No matter which Peter you are, Christ has his hand reaching towards you with a smile on His face. So reach back and take advantage of His help! I attached a picture that is my all time favorite and represents this really well :) 

I know that having a testimony is so important, and it's by experience that we gain one! A strengthened testimony leads to conversion which is the ultimate goal, yet like I said before, it's a life long process. 

I know my savior loves me, as does my Father in Heaven. I am beyond grateful for His hand in my life and for the knowledge that I have of the gospel. Truly I don't know where I'd be without it! Everyone needs it, even if they don't think they do :) which is why we persist! 

I am so grateful to be on a mission! There is nothing I'd rather be doing with my life at this point in time. The gospel blesses families! I am thankful to know that I get to be with mine forever :)
I hope you had a week as good as mine!! 

Happy Valentines Day (on Saturday) <3
Love you!
Sister Chandler

Life at the MTC

Hello!! :)

Oh my dear goodness SO much has happened since I've been here. 

This is the typical day of a missionary in the MTC:

• Wake up at 6
• Get ready to go to breakfast at 7:15
• Go to class, stay in class for 5 hours
• Go to lunch
• Gym
• Class for another 5 hours
• Dinner
• Class for 3-4 hours
• Then you have 45 minutes before lights out at 10:30. 

I am in a trio so I have 2 companions: Sister Harris (also from Nampa) and Sister Todd (also a dancer). 

They are WONDERFUL! We have become such close friends already and I just love them! Having a companion was difficult for the first couple days because you literally can't go ANYWHERE without them! Like, even to the bathroom haha until you're in your residency hall; I don't need to shower with them standing outside the curtain. I can do personal things like that alone, but they must be within sight AND sound from me.

 
I have SO many stories!!! Random facts: 

• Monday was rough, so I bought Nutter Butters, and my neighbor gave me her birthday flowers haha :)  

• These are sticky notes from MY zone training leaders that they left on our door. 

• As of day 2 here at the MTC I was called as the zone sister training leader (whaaattt??!), travel leader for my district, and the music coordinator for my ward at the MTC.

• A british bloke asked for my email! I informed him that I was seeing someone but that didn't matter to him haha gross. I didn't give it to him. No worries. 

• My companions and I can rap! It's sick. We're so good. 

• I take advantage of gym time to stretch and run a mile! It's a nice break from the spiritually filled day. Don't get me wrong, I love it! But sometimes you need a sanity break to at least remember your first name.

My companion and I wear our dance team shirt from the same year to the gym!

• My curling iron broke!! It's sad. 

• I saw Kalin Lister the first day here and flipped out! Hand shakes are lame when you're so excited to see a familiar face. I've seen him a good amount of times since, as well as the night before he left! Good luck, pal! You're going to do so good :)

I'm mimicking a picture Christian took at the temple when he was in the MTC,
but I'm not sticking my tongue out like he did hahah (love you :))

My district has 5 elders and just us 3 sisters! I was having trouble focusing the fist few days so I asked for a blessing from one of the elders and I am SO much better!! I have felt the spirit in more ways here at the MTC than I EVER have! It's so cool!! 

A letter from my punk district leader that gave me a blessing!
He's so mean to me, but it was a very spiritual experience. 

We have taught so many investigators, and the spirit has been so strong! I learn so much! The teachers are WONDERFUL! I love it here! No stress AT ALL. It's fabulous :) 

We really have to watch our language and actions while being here on a mish. I can't say "totes", "pee", "probs", "crap", "guys" etc. and we can't give the elders high fives? ya idk. So just two thumbs up I guess!! 

I've learned that obedience is key! EXACT obedience I might add. D&C 4:3 I think? The verse that says if you have a desire to serve God, then you are called. I read that in the temple this morning (my companions and I went) and realized that I wasn't just called because I put my papers in, but because I had a desire to serve! I was called long before I put my papers in, and I felt it. I knew it. That's why I just did it :) I am becoming personally converted! Elder Bednar gave a devotional called, "The Character of Christ" and in it he stated that, "It's not enough to have a testimony. If you don't become personally CONVERTED to the lord, you WILL fall away eventually". That was intense. I am trying my hardest to learn as much as I can and become converted to my Savior :) I love Him!!

I miss my best friend, and my family, and my missionary, but it's all worth it :) Thanks for all the emails!! I had 29 when I logged on hahaha Just a heads up; it's easier for me to respond to letters compared to emails, so the more hand written letters the better :) 29 Emails and 1 hour to email stresses me out. I can't read them all!!

Thanks for the love and support! I love being a missionary!! I keep seeing name tags on everyone and think, "Oh my gosh I want one so bad!.... Oh wait! I have one!" hahah it took me a while to get used to that :) 

I need to go! But just know that I am feeling the blessings and prayers and spirit every single day. THANK YOU! I love this work :)

Love,
Sister Chandler