Sunburns & Miracles

Hey hey family and friends :)

Everyone raves about the cherry blossoms every year. Apparently they're gorgeous and a MUST see. So we decided we MUST see them! As did the rest of the missionary world! I even got to see sister Lewis and spend some time with her and her companion for a bit :) Also, turns out the cherry blossoms aren't always pink!? They were pink last year, but this year they're 100% white! It definitely depends on where you go to see them; some places are a lot prettier than others :) 

Right around the Jefferson Memorial is a huge pond, and the trees line the entire thing, so that's where we went! 'Twas beautiful :) 

In the evening we had a lesson with a member which went SO GOOD! We asked if there was anyone she hadn't seen in a while and she gave us a list of people to see, then she told us to tell her when we go see them so she can come. I love the singles ward. We brought a member with us to check on people after that, and finally got to see a less active whom we have been trying to see for months! #membermiracles 

When we came home we walked in the door to a surprise! The sisters we live with bought a cake and a card with homemade streamers and sang happy birthday to sister Morris :) so we had a tiny bit of cake! And I had the weirdest dreams that night. Note to self: Sugar before bed is a bad idea.

Tuesday morning sister Morris and I had AWESOME studies!! Very spiritually filling/uplifting/motivating :) 

and THEN I got a package from my mama! Best day ever! { Thanks so much for those clothes!! I totally forgot I even had them :) The lotion smells SO. GOOD. it's my new favorite :) }

Also that morning our new bishop emailed us setting up a time to meet with all the ward missionaries (including ourselves) to see where we are at and see what he can do to help. He's the best! We are so excited :) We tried to go to a retirement home to do service in the afternoon, but the traffic was so bad because it was raining and Virginia doesn't know how to drive in weather other than sunny :) so we ended up having to go home to make it to dinner on time. 

In the evening we taught a lesson to a recent convert's friend!! He is from Bolivia and speaks Spanish. We taught the restoration. He doesn't believe in prophets but he believes Christ was one, and he doesn't pray! :( we taught the importance of prayer to him and he seemed soooo not interested. After we ended with a prayer I asked if he wanted to come to another lesson and he said yes!? He said he wants to come to every lesson we have with his recent convert friend! Miracles people! He was going to stay for institute but the language would be a barrier, so he left. That meant we couldn't stay for institute either, except for our awesome member who started texting like 10 non member friends to come so we could go haha :) and one did come! It was fun :) 

We had our first district meeting with our new district on Wednesday! We have a new district leader as well; he seems to have the "go get 'em" type personality which is so great! That meeting was so good. 

Then we came home for lunch and sister Morris had a fever!! She didn't want to not work though, so after I made her rest for at least half an hour, we went to AFAC to do service. It was so fun! :) There was a big bin filled with beans that we had to fill a small bag with, and then we had to stick that bag under a hot machine that sealed it shut! When we came home from that, I noticed my ctr ring was no longer on my finger :( After a thorough search, I came to the conclusion that it probably fell into the bean bin and is now on its way to someone in need with some beans... :( I'm super sad about it :(

When you're a missionary, people think it's pretty cool to experiment with dinners and make something they've never tried before when you come! Sometimes it turns out great! Sometimes it's alright, and sometimes it's a really bad idea. Luckily this time it was pretty good, and extremely filling :) 

We spent the evening following the guidance of the spirit whole heartedly so that we could be in the right place at the right time :) I strongly felt impressed to check on people down a certain street, so after a sincere, kneeling prayer, we went! The first person we checked on was in the middle of dinner and seemed a little irritated at first, but after we explained who we were and why we were there, she said kindly, "come back another day :) we'll talk :)". That could mean, 'come back so I can tell you why I think you're wrong' or a genuine 'come back because I want to hear what you have to say'. Either way, we'll take the gamble :) 

On our way to the car there was a gentleman across the street who seemed happy to see us. We walked over to talk to him; turns out sister Morris has actually met his mother once, and a couple family members (including himself) suffered from cancer. He has sat in on lessons before, from a distance, and explained that he wanted to "know who God is". He asked, "How do we know who He is??". The spirit was strong as we bore witness that we do know who He is, and that he can, too! He said, "Ya I know you know Him, I can tell!" :) we taught him a little before we gave him our number and a Book of Mormon, and he said he wants to come to church as well!

The spirit never leads you astray :)

Guess what happened on Thursday? I threw my neck out, so I couldn't turn my head to the right at all! I've only done this twice in my life, but I've had my wonderful chiropractor father at home to help me out! Not this time... So I borrowed my roommates massage pillow (yeah she totally has one) and spent a good amount of time on that thing trying to get the knots out. Then my knotted neck gave me a migraine, which then made me nauseous, so the afternoon was pretty slow. I think I was on that pillow for a good 2 hours; it helped a little! 

There was no way I was going to stay home all night though; I'd go nuts! So we went to check on a forever investigator with a member. Remember how miracles always happen when members are present?? Well this investigator's cousin was there! He was interested in coming to church and hearing our message! So we taught him a little bit on the doorstep and gave him our contact info :) 

Afterwards we dropped our member off at the church and headed to NOVA, a university that has multiple different campuses throughout northern Virginia, to contact people. It was SO FUN!! :)
Sister Morris and I started walking in the direction of a crowd of students that had just got off the bus. We had the option of walking straight into the group, or going to talk to a man off to the side standing alone. Sister Morris asked, "the group, or the guy?" Secretly preferring to talk to the less intimidating option, my feet kept walking towards the group, so with a lot of mustered up faith I said, "the group". Best. Decision. EVER. 

The closest person to us was an African American girl with the cutest afro I've ever seen! So I complimented her on it :) she said thank you and looked at our tags. Apparently she's met elders before and they said they were going to come teach her but never did! She was even going to come to church but they never told her where!! What?! Therefore, of course we gave her a card with all the information she needs, and she said she would call us the next day :) 

We talked to a couple other people after that but then it was time to go. Why have we never contacted at NOVA before?! We plan to make it a weekly thing :) it's so great because more often than not we contact into people who are either A) not in our area. B) not in the right age range for our ward. C) are married and/or have a family, or D) don't speak English. Here at NOVA most everyone we run into is single, within the right age range, speaks English, and is in our area. Heavenly Father is too good to us :) 

Friday was beautiful!! It was way too nice outside to stay inside while we planned! So after studies, sister Morris and I decided to go grab a smoothie and head to a gorgeous park for weekly planning :) That was probably the best weekly planning we've ever had! It was very productive and thorough. When we went home we realized that I was as red as a lobster! :( The sun must be a lot stronger here because I am burning like no other! Sister Morris pretty much bathed in sunscreen before we left because she burns super easy, but I don't, so I didn't bother. Bad idea. I'll attach the results of my agency :) To be fair, the other sisters burned pretty bad, too and we all lathered Aloe Vera almost every hour :) 

So while I just suffered the sting of my burning skin all day, we were going non stop from one thing to another! It was so great! We had a lesson with a member and then went to check on a less active. She kind of lives far away, but we both felt like it was a good idea so we went. She wasn't home, but there were a couple people outside smoking that we talked to and shared a message with! They said to come back :) so we will :) 

We also got a text saying that we would have an emergency zone meeting the next morning. Our roommates asked if there would be food provided, so then our apartment got that assignment. Cinnamon rolls and fruit :) 

The meeting was held for the purpose of introducing a huge plan for Father's Day. Our zone has come up with an idea to have all of our wards help with a massive BBQ in which ward members will invite friends and family to. It's a huge event that we plan on making annual and will be so great for finding, as well as member missionary work :) Our zone leaders are anticipating 600 people give or take, so it will be so fun :) 

The rest of our Saturday was pretty busy! We were doing one thing after another; went to lunch with our ward mission leader, brought a member out and got a new investigator (1 of 5 this week), taught a recent convert, met with a less active who wants us to text her a scripture every day, etc. it was so good!! :) Heavenly Father has placed SO MANY miracles at our feet the second we decided to do His will with 150% faith and a whole lot of diligence. We are so blessed. I love this work! :) I am happy :) 

Sunday morning began with a ward council meeting! Two words. SO. GOOD. Our new bishopric is the bomb! The whole ward suddenly has a new motivating vibe to get people back to church/missionary minded. It's the greatest blessing! Church was so good!! Dear goodness I love serving in a singles ward :) we ate dinner with a member which was basically a buffet. I can't even express how much food she made for the 3 of us, and she kept bringing out more food when I was pretty sure there wasn't anything else that she could make! But we were grateful to be overly full vs. starving :)

Our entire week was filled with miracles. We got 5 new investigators this week which is the first time that has happened since I've been a missionary. The work is hard in DC, but not impossible when you do ALL a you can do with ALL of your effort because the Lord will provide the rest. 

I have a truck load of faith in simply having faith! Does that make sense? I KNOW that when we have faith we truly CAN and will do all things if it be righteous and the Lords will. 

I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude for this gospel in my life. I know that if we are listening with an open heart and an open mind, the spirit does speak to us and leads us exactly where we need to be when we need to be there. We have our agency though; its up to us to choose whether or not we are going to listen. I recommend listening ;) because I've seen the miracles unfold out of the blue from doing so.

 love being a missionary.
Sister Chandler

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 26: Because He Lives

Happy late Easter! :)

'Tis great to be a missionary :) 

My email this week is quite lengthy, so you might want to grab a snack or something ;) But is filled with experiences that have strengthened my testimony a great deal throughout the past 7 days.

It began with your usual P-day, which was so great! We got our laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning done before we emailed. Then it was time to go to dinner with a member. It was so weird how everything panned out that night; it was like Heavenly Father knew what was going to happen (of course He did) and pushed all of our plans back a little bit... 

...When we went to dinner we had to park in the parking garage, and on the way out we had to pay in a machine before we could leave. So sister Morris put her credit card in the machine like it said, and it sucked it right up! The machine stole her card. We laughed so hard, and luckily we had time to kill to press the button for help and wait for a kind man to come break open the machine and get her card out :) 

...We had a member lesson planned next, but she said she was going to be a little late so we waited in the car and practice taught inspired questions. The member ended up being way late though so we had to reschedule and go home. It wasn't time wasted though; we had a really good spiritual conversation that I think we both needed :) I love my companion :) 

Tuesday was really productive! We took another required survey for the iPads, and had to put in all the people from the paper area book into the iPad area book. That will take a few days! Our plans for the night all fell through and because we had been inside all afternoon, we hadn't talked to anybody, and I was going stir crazy!

We checked on potentials and formers. One man happened to live on the street we were currently on, so we rang his doorbell. In the cold rain. Dedicated ;) Anyway, nobody answered so we went back to the car. 

On the way to the car I glanced back and there was this old man in a bright neon orange jacket and shorts shorter than old men should wear. Or any man for that matter. He was just standing off in the distance in the rain, staring at us, and frankly creeped me out a lot, so I talked to him :) hahah The person we were looking for wasn't home, so we left and called the number we had. So weird.

We needed gas so we stopped to get some on the way home. Sister Morris was filling the tank while I sat in the car. I saw a lady at a different pump and had a constant nagging feeling from the spirit like, "go talk to her". So finally I couldn't take it anymore! I got out of the car and ran to this woman not knowing what I was going to say. The conversation went a little something like this:

"Hi! Can I show you a short video really quick?! It's about Christ in preparation for Easter! :)"

*Lady squinting at my name tag* 

"Oh, I'm a missionary! I talk about Christ all the time :)" 

The lady, "right now??.... Shauna do you wanna watch a video real quick?" 

Lady's friend, "nah I gotta go to DC right now!" 

Me, "okay! That's okay! I'll give you a card (yay for pass along cards) and you can look it up on this website! :)" 

Who knows what will come of that, if anything, but I felt soooo much better after I got back in the car. Also, I realize that I could have explained who I was and what I do a lot better, but they were in a rush and that's what came out :) hahah I love being a missionary!!! :) 

Wednesday morning we went to district meeting which was so great. Very spiritually filling :) 

In the afternoon we put stickers on water bottles that we handed out on Friday at the metro. 

Afterwards we threw some pants on and went to AFAC, the food bank place, to help out for an hour or so. Busy day! 

The rest of the day was spent with members :) We continued to share the new Easter video this week, and each time we ask people what stood out to them. I love asking this because nobody has the same answer!! I learn so much from the people we teach :)

{ April Fools Anyone?}
We came home to find our bedroom completely swapped! Our beds were switched, along with the decor on the walls, our dresser was moved to the other side of the room... Almost as if everything was a mirrored version of what it originally was. Even the clothes in our closet were switched! The sisters we live with did a pretty impressive job of making everything look exactly the same, just on the other side of the room :) We forgot it was April fools :) 

SO. We played their game and did the same thing but to their desks that they study at. The sisters we live with are nuts :) we love them, but they're so weird :) hahah they have an imaginary friend named Susan, and they blame everything on her. So on the outside of the door we taped a sign that said, "it was Susan..." Nothing crazy, but it was fun :)

Thursday was weekly planning because the rest of the weekend was jam packed! It was our last weekly planning sesh together! Sad. But life just keeps moving whether we like it or not! :/

Also, sister Morris was going to cut her hair all by herself because she was tired of her long hair, so I offered to cut it for her!! We chopped 10 inches upon her request. 

Dinner that night was with a member and her roommates! One of them is eloping with a man from Syria! We talked with him and learned about his culture; I'm grateful to live in America. But it was so fun! :) 

Afterwards we went to check on a former who had soooo many questions! He doesn't know how having Christ in his life can help him. I was bursting with love and boldness as we taught him the importance of Jesus Christ. Such a good lesson on that doorstep :) 

I had so much energy, I wanted to talk to every single person we passed. We do that anyway, but it was different that night because I was on fire! :) I love this gospel!! :) 

Friday was a blast! Let me tell you why :) 

We woke up before the sun did so we could be out the door by 6am to pick up the elders in our district. We then headed to the church to pick up huge cases of water bottles to take to the metro station where we then spread out to give people pass along cards and water bottles advertising "Because He Lives". 

Sister Morris and I went down under the ground where people came on and off the metro to give people these cards. One lady said, "why don't you give this to someone who hasn't been saved already". Another woman seemed really interested and after taking a couple steps away, she came back and asked if I was Mormon. Then she gave the card back. Lame sauce. One man who didn't seem like he was in a rush, approached me asking, "you seem extra happy on this gloomy day! How come??" I explained that I am always happy because I know my savior lives! He then pointed to his tie that had "God" written all over it. He took my pass along card and was excited to watch the video :) another man said in passing, "nope I'm too hungover for that!" Well thank you for your honesty sir 

For some reason I find that I am more drawn to the people with head phones in, avoiding eye contact, walking fast, or on the phone. They clearly don't want to talk to me, but it makes me want to talk to them even more! So I do :) 

After an hour we switched with the elders and went up to the top to find a lot of rain, and a lot of humidity. We also found a man named Tony who was handing out news papers! Tony is the coolest :) I was offered some cigarettes by a homeless man. After politely declining he said, "oh sorry, I thought you smoked"... I've never been told that before... Odd experience. 

I sat on a bench by a lady waiting for the bus. I showed her the video and we started talking about life. She said, "It's funny you came to me because I was just listening to the radio talking about how we need to slow down and be in the moment". She's right! Sometimes we need to slow down and remember what really matters; family, Heavenly Father, sunsets, and Ben and Jerry :) 

By the time we were done my hair appeared equivalent to Simba's from The Lion King (when he is full grown)

I was sticky, cold, wet, and didn't even care :) The best part was, we got to do it again later that night! :) My entire zone did this at multiple different metro stations that day during the busiest times of the day. So much fun :) Also, we definitely lost our car in a parking garage for a good 20 minutes. Virginia is so confusing. 

We ended the night at a lesson with an investigator by sharing that Easter video and it was SO powerful! The spirit was so strong; it was a great way to top off the day :) Also, our ward is putting together a 5K on Saturday and that investigator wants to run it. So I'm running it with her :) im STOKED! :) 

Saturday morning we went back to the metro! There I met Edwin. Edwin is super sweet! He has a mental illness that I can't spell to save my life, and is so genuine :) After a while of talking about missionary work and the gospel, he confessed his love for me. I asked if he wanted missionaries to come teach him and he said, "noooo I just like you!" hahah :) He also told me that God called him to be a prophet! It reminded me of conference so we talked about that, too. People are so great :)

The weather was nicer! Sunny and warm...ish... The wind was insanely strong though! I felt like I was forcing every step forward against the cold rush of air. However, no complaints; it makes for great stories :) Afterward, sister Morris and I went home to study and spiritually prepare ourselves to hear the word of God through the mouths of His chosen servants :)

General Conference is probably the 

coolest experience on a mission. 

Revelation flows so smoothly, questions seem to be answered in one way or another, and it's like the spirit on steroids. I absolutely LOVE how the talks are so bold lately. Partially because that's how I function, but also because sometimes we just need to hear it like it is.

We spent the first session with a member, and the second with a different member :) I hope you thought of me when Elder Wilford Andersen of the 70 talked about those people you see dancing in the car ;) I am happy to say that I ALWAYS hear the music :)

Then we had dinner with another member! 'Twas a good day :)

The Primary Children in the Stake made us Easter baskets. Mine is Harry Potter.

{ E A S T E R }... was special this year because the meaning behind it meant a little bit more than it usually does; to me.

Elder Holland, specifically, gave a profound talk on the meaning of Easter. It opened my eyes to realize the significance of the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how it applies to me every single day. I love how he stated that Easter is a "celebration of victory" over death by one man who was full of love. This was the plan from the very beginning. 

A common subject I found was the explanation of the Plan of Happiness; Gods plan for His children. The gospel of Jesus Christ makes so much sense! When truly pondered and understood, it makes perfect sense. 

I am grateful to have the knowledge and receive a witness by the power of the Holy Ghost that there is a living prophet on the earth this very day. He is called of God, as are 12 living apostles whom I fully sustain, and will continue to stand firm in supporting. Their words are words of warning and council from on high! 

Why did I ever fall asleep during conference before my mission?! Their words are of great importance!! Sister Morris and I sat on the edge of our seats with a pen in hand, eager to write the things the spirit would teach. I am beyond thankful for the messages they delivered :) 

I hope everyone had a spiritually filled Easter Sunday, and has set goals and plans to improve according to the council you've received. I can't wait to get started on mine :)

Today is Monday! Sister Morris and I think this is our last Monday together, so we are gonna go play in DC :) 

When we went grocery shopping this morning, on our way to the car a guy stopped us and said, "excuse me can I ask you a question? You said hi to me earlier... I was just wondering who you work for? Like... Why?" 

We smiled and explained that we were missionaries and teach about Gods plan for us. We asked if he wanted to learn and he said yes! He lives in DC, so we will have to refer him over there, but it was a neat experience :) 

I hope everyone has such a great week full of joy and sunshine :) it's supposed to be beautiful over here; it is today so cross your fingers!! :) 

Love you!!
Sister Kailey

Week 25: Another Week in Alexandria

Friends and family,

Sharing the gospel without saying a thing to anyone by putting a Book of Mormon (or 5) in our apartment complex library :) 

P-Day was busy! 

We went grocery shopping with the sisters we live with because we were still without a car, and then after emailing we went bowling with our zone. Let's just say I'm basically a pro at holding a consistent score ;) 

Right after we got home, sister Morris and I grabbed our jackets and walked to dinner with a member! Then we walked to another member lesson. By the time that was over we needed to head home so we street contacted on the way.

Tuesday morning after studies I wasn't feeling good at all, so I slept for an hour and a half before we went to pick up our car! It looks so good! :) 

Then we made brownies to take to our members because the sisters in our apartment helped eat the cookies... haha :) Thank-you-goodies are a hit! Who doesn't love brownies?! Crazy people. That's who. And even though we had our car back, we walked because we like it that much :) 

After dinner we had a lesson with a recent convert, and then checked on potentials! 'Twas a decent day :) 

On Wednesday we had a lesson on prayer during district meeting. It was cool to see how prayer works with every aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For example, we discussed how prayer works with faith, how prayer and repentance work together, prayer and baptism, prayer and the Holy Ghost, as well as prayer and enduring to the end. We also got the new Easter video, "Because He Lives" so we were showing people during lessons before it officially came out on Saturday :) 

We did a lot of phone calls to formers and potentials and even set up a couple lessons! Our evening was busy. 

We had dinner with a member, then taught 8-11 yr. old girls all about missionary life :) it was fun. They wrote us letters at the end, and during the lesson we asked why they thought we taught about temples. One girl said, "Because missionaries get married sometimes!" :) haha 

Afterward we got a text from a member saying she was free to come out with us if we needed her, and we did! So we picked her up and went to a lesson with K from Ghana :) he is a former, and was really glad we came, so that lesson went swell :) 

Thursday morning I ran 3 miles and it felt sooo good! I'm determined to be skinny again by Mother's Day ;) For lunch we went to Chipotle with a member and shared the new video, then went to a lesson with a recent convert. We talked about temples because he hasn't been to do baptisms for the dead yet! 

**For those of you who don't know what, "Baptisms for the dead" are, I'm happy to explain :) 

Some people think we baptize dead human beings. This is false. And disgusting. We believe that baptism by immersion, by someone holding the proper authority from God, is an essential act in returning to live with our Father in Heaven again. Some people, however, have passed on without being baptized by this authority (the priesthood) so we perform the baptism in proxy for that person. We believe they have the agency (choice) to accept or decline the ordinance in their behalf. But this way they at least have the opportunity.** 

 So K wants to go! :) 

After dinner we decided to go street contacting because it was in the 70's, and people were everywhere outside! It was fun :) and humid. But it's supposed to be cold and rainy for the rest of the month :/ where is spring?!? 

On Friday after studies we began planning for the week! We had such a good weekly planning session! It was super productive, and we are so sad the transfer is coming to an end :( we have a week and a half left together, and are going to work extra hard to top off the successes we've had all transfer :) Sister Morris is my tender mercy transfer. It has been so easy, and so fun working with her. She has taught me so many things! Our companionship inventory was loaded with compliments and goals :) 

Our evening was so much fun! We had an appointment with an investigator and even brought a member, but when we got there we found an alcohol party instead... So we decided not to attend ;) we street contacted and checked on potentials the rest of the night with that member we brought. It was a blast :) 

On Saturday sister Morris and I helped our new neighbors across the hall move in!! That was unplanned but super fun :) then we did a survey that takes forever but is required. And spiritually uplifting :) In the afternoon we had a lesson with a recent convert, and this coming conference will be his first!!! We are so excited :) 

In the evening we went to the stake center for a light dinner and such a wonderful broadcast of the General Woman's Conference! I received so much revelation I don't even know what to do with myself! God is so good :) 

Church on Sunday was super great! We had a combined third hour and we talked about some of our favorite conference talks and why. It was really good! I love the ward I'm in :) we finished the night with member lessons. 

I know that this work is hastening, and I'm honored to be apart of it. 

I know I have a loving Father in Heaven who wants the best for me, so He sent His son. 

I know that families can be sealed together forever!! I love my family! 

Gods plan truly IS happiness :) I know that we have the gift of agency and repentance is real! We bring condemnation upon ourselves; we are given the opportunity to repent an endless amount of times because of Jesus Christ, and as we read the scriptures we can see how often we truly are warned. 

The church is true folks! I will stand as a witness of that forever. 

Have a fantastically stupendous week! Enjoy the weather over there; its crummy where I am :( 

Love,
Sister Kailey :)

Week 23: Exhausted, Happy Servants of the Lord

Um. Hi :)

I hope everyone had a good week! Mine was exhausting. Sister Morris and I hit a wall of exhaustion this week, but don't you worry, we kept working :)

Monday was a typical Pday. The evening was good though because we set up an appointment with the man in the elevator who wanted us to teach him, and we also set up an appointment with a former investigator. 

District meeting was on Tuesday- it was zone training so the zone leaders taught the whole time. We learned that on March 28th a new Mormon message called, "Because He Lives" will be coming out; it's supposedly really good, so we are excited to see and share it!! We were also informed that we will not meet together as a zone anymore. Sad day :/ I guess we are one of the few missions who still do that, so from now on we will meet with only our district. Which isn't a bad thing! It's just not AS fun :) 

Later in the evening we had dinner with a member, a lesson with a recent convert, and a lesson with an investigator named A! We watched the Joseph smith video and the spirit was really strong! I love that even after we receive one witness that the church is true, we can continue to be reminded by the power of the Holy Ghost :) 

In the middle of the night I woke up to sister Morris praying out loud saying, "dear Heavenly..." And then she looked at me, and continued to pray but in her head. I'm not sure if she was awake or asleep... hahah you know you're a missionary when... ;) 

Wednesday was our last day to Facebook! I didn't post anything though. We went to a place called A.F.A.C (Arlington food assistance center) where we helped organize food on shelves for families that have low income, and can't afford a lot of food, come to get a few items they may be in need of. It was so fun! We go once a week and everyone there is so kind :) we even got T-Shirts! 

In the evening we had dinner with a member and checked on some formers. Funny story. One of the former investigators was named D. We happened to be in the neighborhood so we thought we would just check on him. When the door opened I asked if D was there, and he was... But not the same D described in our area book! What are the odds that a different D would live there?! I didn't feel good about asking to teach him, so we just gave him a Mormon.org card and explained what was on the website. We then cleared our iPads because we would be getting new ones the next day.

When Thursday rolled around we did indeed get new iPads. They look the same, but they're a little better! Apple has been so kind to actually give us iPads with the restrictions and apps and programs that we need as missionaries! The church is working with Apple! Too cool :)

 
In the afternoon we had lunch with victor; the guy from the elevator. We taught him the restoration and gave him a Book of Mormon; he wants to meet with us again so we have an appointment for next Thursday :) In the evening we had a member lesson, dinner with a member, and we checked up on a recent convert who hasn't been able to come to church because of her job, but we talked to her and she is looking for a new one so she can come!! We haven't been able to get ahold of her for the whole transfer, and before that, so it was a blessing that we were able to catch her! Friday morning after studies we went back to M's house because she needed help with English for an English class. 

I also got a much needed package full of my favorite fattening things from some of my favorite people :) you know who you are ;) 

Weekly planning was good, and in the evening we met with K! We haven't seen her for about 2 weeks, and in the middle of our lesson she so randomly says, "I wanna be baptized in like May or June. Can we do it soon?" Um.. Yes K!? haha she's so awesome :) so we are shooting for the beginning of May. She is still struggling with the word of wisdom but progressing!! :) please continue to keep her in your prayers :) 

Oh my gosh Saturday was nuts. We had a lesson with a member at 10am at a breakfast place, but she was 30 minutes late, so we were there forever! It was so awesome though because she was baptized in 2013 on my birthday!!? And told us her story :) her name is Y. She's the sweetest thing from Africa :) after that we went home for lunch but ended up sleeping the entire lunch hour because we were beat! We had a lesson at 2 with a reassignment whom we'd never met before, but the address brought us to a cigar and tobacco shop.... So we decided not to go in... :) Haha we called the number we had though and left a message! 

On the way home the light for the "low tire pressure" went off, so we stopped to fill our tires with air. In skirts. So fun :) I'm grateful for my smart sister who made sure I knew how to do that, because my companion didn't! 

The evening was full of checking on formers and sharing the gospel!! My favorite thing ever to do!! :) we have a few return appointments so we are excited :) I also got a call that day saying that C's baptism has been moved to the 22nd of March instead of the 21st due to a youth event taking up the stake center Saturday evening. She is so excited :) I AM SO EXCITED!!! :) I miss Centreville, so it will be good to see everyone again :) including sister Lewis!! Dear goodness next week the email will be so good! ;) haha '

Church on Sunday was good. It was ward conference and during 3rd hour it was a combined Q&A, which consisted of questions centered on marriage and dating. That was fun :) We had an investigator come to church so that was awesome! As well as a dinner appointment with a recent convert who is getting married to an agnostic. She's the coolest :) her testimony is super strong and he is very relaxed/supportive of her beliefs. We were able to share a message and part of me wonders what he thought. Maybe one day he will want to know more :) Mothers Day in England was on Sunday, so sister Morris got to skype her family and their accent is SO thick!! I LOVED it!! :) 

Sister Morris has been working so hard mentally all transfer that she shut down Sunday evening. She was pretty sick :/ so we went home early in order for her body to rest. She hasn't been sleeping either so that doesn't help. If you could keep my sweet British companion in your prayers, that would be WONDERFUL!! :) she works really hard and deserves a little extra divine help to rest :) 

Something I've really begun to appreciate is the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the gospel. I've been really studying the Book of Mormon in depth vs. just reading over the chapters and oh what a difference it's made! Weird, huh? ;) 

I am so grateful for the people who followed the council of the lord to write an account of the events that took place, and then buried those accounts in the ground so that they could be preserved for our day. I find it so neat to be able to relate and liken the scriptures to my life! 

Something I've noticed as I study, too, is that the organization of the church is the exact same as it was even before Christ came! God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It's proven throughout the Book of Mormon :) I truly love that book with everything I am! 

We invite all men everywhere to read and pray about it, so you can know for yourself of the truthfulness of the things which we speak :) 

I'm beyond grateful for a loving father in heaven who provides us with modern day direction and council from a living prophet. My heart is full yet again :) it always will be because this gospel is true folks!! The Holy Ghost bears witness of that to me every single day! :) Its pretty great to be able to know that for myself :)

**Shout out to my boy Caden for turning 15 on Tuesday!!! You're getting so old, and so tall!! I hope you have a most wonderful birthday :) I love you! :) 

Have a fabulous week! 

Make good choices. 

Share the gospel. 

Endure to the end. 

Be happy :) 

Sister Chandler

Week 17: It's Pretty Cold Here

Happy Monday! :)

Unfortunately I have zero time to email. Again. So this will be another short email :/ sorry!

So on Monday we went to DC at the national gallery of art! That was cool :). On the bus ride there, a guy reading a news paper started talking to us and said, "you can knock on my door any time"..... hahaha :)

Tuesday I went on an exchange with my sister training leader! That means I spent the day in a different area (Ashburn) and the night with my sister training leader. It was fun! She's a dancer, too and we tried to make a dance up because she wanted to (and I didn't complain), but my brain was dead tired, so it didn't get very far :)

On Wednesday we moved in with the Spanish speaking sisters!! Hermana Tate and Meroli. She is Samoan and reminds me a lot of Lupi!! It's SO FUN!!! We laugh a ton and it's so great to have positive support to come home to when you have a hard day :)

Cool story: so on Thursday we went to a man's home who is Taiwanese!! Fate!! He said he didn't understand God or the Universe, and I was like, "Well we don't know very much about the universe, but we know a lot about God and would love to help you understand him! Is that something you'd be interested in?" And he said yes. Turns out, he's had 3 different sets of elders talk to him over the years, and he has never accepted an invitation. Sisters are better ;) haha just kidding. Elders are great, too :)

There is also a less active who wants to stop smoking and come back to church, so we are helping her with that!

C is good. Still waiting on her husband but it's all in the lords hands :) we see her this week.

Ah I'm sorry this is so short! :/ time is up though :/

Today, Monday we went bowling and we got to wear jeans!! Woohoo!! So I took a picture in the bathroom.... #selfie :) haha

I know God lives, and that Christ is my savior. I know the Book of Mormon is really the word of God, along side the Bible. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fullness and that there is a living prophet on the earth today! I know that God is the same yesterday, today,and forever. How blessed we are to have a Father in Heaven who sends us help and guidelines to make it safely back to Him :)

Have a good week!!
Sister Chandler

Week 16: Sight-seeing and Courage-building

I'm pointing to the Smithsonian in the background

Family!! Friends! Hello! :)

This will be quite short because today I went to DC which takes up...All of my day.

This week we had so much faith to find!! We knocked so many doors, contacted everyone we passed, chased down those we didn't, and found a new investigator! Woohoo!!

Funny story. One door we knocked on, I asked the guy what his name was and clearly he didn't want to tell us. I promised I wouldn't remember it anyway, and he tried to be subtle but SO obviously made up a name hahah he had the look on his face like, "yeah, that's my name, Brian...". I wanted to bust up laughing but that would be rude, so I contained myself :)

We knocked some MASSIVE houses this week!! I kept pacing back and forth in the driveways because I was trying to muster up the courage to walk the long, gorgeous, perfect driveway. But sister Liu would just laugh and walk up to the door, so I followed and then pretended that I was way confident when the door opened :)

Oh!! IMPORTANT!!>> I'm moving in with the Spanish sisters because our lease is up so I have a new address for like 3 weeks.

This week I made cooked oatmeal, French toast, and crepes all by myself for breakfast!! {pat myself on the back because I feel like I deserve it}

Oh my! Also, one morning before we left the house to run to the gym, we were looking for the keys. Couldn't find them anywhere, until sister Liu opened the door and they were OUTSIDE stuck IN the door! Ya. Totally could have gotten kidnapped/robbed/killed that night, but God protects his missionaries so no big deal, right? :P hahah whoops!! :)

It snowed this week! But then it melted by dinner time so it didn't look like it ever did.

I hit my 4 month mark this week!! Time is going by so fast, and yet so slow!! But I honestly love my experience here and wouldn't trade it for the world :)

Today we went to the national gallery of art with our sister training leaders and SISTER LEWIS!!!! Oh how I love that woman!! Such a great day!! :)) I also went on the metro for the first time, that was fun :)

The Washington Monument. I'm doing a thumbs up, but you can't tell. 

A pretty picture

My good friend George

My even better friend, Sister Lewis

I'm so grateful to know that I am a daughter of God. I know that Heavenly Father really does love His daughters like any good father would, and he wants the best for us. I know that when we are obedient to His commandments, and endure to the end, we won't be able to count the blessings that pour into our lives :) 

Again, sorry this was so short!! Next week will be better :) if I don't get around to emailing

you this week, I will next week!!

Love you :)
Sister Chandler

Ps. I just want to mention that I ran 3.58 miles a couple different times this week :) that's big for me :)