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

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

Find Him

I've watched the new Mormon message for Easter about 10 times now, and what sticks out most to me are the last 3 sentences.

I realize that we often discuss the Atonement and focus on the fact that Christ died for us, but how often do we ponder the fact that He LIVES for us. 

"He rose from the dead on the third day. 

He lives today. 

Find Him". 

Did you get goosebumps? :)

BECAUSE Jesus Christ lives we, too can be resurrected. [ Helaman 14:15,17 ] We can cry out during the high and low points in our lives and He is always there. Above my bed I have a ton of quotes that I read often, and one of them is found in the scriptures (D&C 38:7). It says, 

"I am in your midst. 

Mine eyes are upon you". 

Whether we feel Him or not, He's always there. I find great comfort in this knowledge! 

A while ago I did a post on Facebook about my best friend, Katy. I can tell you everything she likes, dislikes, enjoys doing in her spare time, what she's good at, what she isn't good at, etc. I know Katy because I've spent enough time with her, even if that meant going to her house just to sit on the floor and talk about nothing :) 

So what can we do to find our Savior? 

Why do we need to find our Savior? 

How even is a relationship like that with the Savior going to benefit our lives? 

I have some answers, but I'll let you ponder the thought and see what you can do this week to truly find your Savior. He's there, we just have to DO what we can to come unto Him. 

A member of the bishopric yesterday shared a thought provoking statement, "it's better to have someone tell you 'well done' than 'well said'". I hope I get a "well done" after this life :) 

I'm so thankful for a Savior who LIVES for ME. And you too :) 

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

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 :)

Week 10: Paper chains, parties, and patience

Hello!! :) 

Wow I had such a good week!! I'll do my best to recap :) 

C has decided to be baptized on the 27th! So we made her a paper chain count down with scriptures and quotes written on them :) she is going through a lot of struggle right now and if you could keep her in your prayers, that would be so great! My sister got me hooked on the paper chain idea after I made one to count down to my mission, so sister Lewis and I made one for Christmas :) it's almost here!!!! :))

We taught the lesson on Sunday and it went so well! The spirit was really strong, and I learned a lot while preparing for it! My mom was blessed with the gift of teaching; she is such a good teacher, especially when it comes to the gospel. I am discovering my own love for teaching as I am out here :) the spirit has been so strong for me this week and I think it's because I am applying the following principles in my life: 

On a mission you are encouraged to set goals, and do all you can to accomplish them. Goals that are set for both personal reasons and as a companionship. During the Christmas party this week, we had a member of the 70 come speak, and stressed the blessings that come from doing ALL you can do and trusting God to do the rest. In high school I really stuck to this, and out here on a mission it brings that phrase to a whole other level! In the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:23 tells us that, "... We know that it is by grace that we are saved AFTER ALL WE CAN DO". 

Sister Lewis and I set a goal to talk to everyone we see. Everyone! So we do! We talk to the people behind us in line at the post office, or at target. We talk to the guy smoking on his porch, and the lady in the computer room in our complex.

We never know what will come of it, if anything at all, but we know that God will bless us with finding someone who wants to hear the gospel after we do ALL we can do; after we do our part.

This can apply in anything! Whether it's studying for a test, practicing your tail off for a basketball game, memorizing a speech, running 2.6 miles, etc. as long as you do your part the best you can, Heavenly Father WILL take care of the rest :) BUT you have to ask for help, and have faith that He will help you. I testify that he will :) 

There were a couple other phrases that were said that day that I want to share:

"God has all power over us, yet still lets us choose"

This is so special to me! I was blessed with parents that gave me guidelines, but still let me figure things out on my own. Our Heavenly Father is the same way! He gives us scriptures, prophets, prayer, and church leaders (as well as parents) to guide us throughout this earthly life, but still lets us choose the path we take, and lets us figure things out. 

"Fear and faith cannot dwell in the same heart" 

As a missionary, you can't have 100% faith that you're going to find someone while knocking doors if you're too scared to approach people and knock doors! 

"All the blessings of the Lord are yours if you call upon him, and you CAN call upon Him". 

Not everyone in the world has the same gifts. I wish I could sing like my sweet companion, but.. No such luck. Something I've always wanted to try was softball! But I'm sort of scared of the ball, and for some reason I can't seem to ever hit it with the bat, so that talent skipped me. We all wish we were more patient, or loving, or motivated, or this, or that, but guess what?? Something I've learned while being on my mission is that you can ask Heavenly Father for these gifts and you can receive them! Like mentioned before, you have to work at it and try your best, but God will always help you out :) This week I invite you to put your trust in God while making any decision! Test it out! You will find just how much you really can do with the Lords help :) 

On Tuesday we had the usual district meeting, but we practice-taught and focused on teaching with the power of the Holy Ghost. I had SUCH a good experience!! I taught boldly but with love, and it was to another missionary but it was SO effective! Loved it. 

Earlier this week when sister Lewis and I came back from the gym, it was so cold outside that the stairs to our apartment had a nice slippery sheet of ice covering them, but we didn't know that until we stepped on them and slipped into each other. I got a cute bruise on my ankle for a few days :P oh my! And sister Lewis is a beast! An elder in our district can break an apple perfectly in half with his hands, so she tried it and after about 5 minutes she did it! I was impressed :) 

Another thing that impressed me was the fact that I ran 2.6 miles one morning!! I haven't done that since college this summer, so I was feeling great!

And then I got a package from my mom full of fudge and my favorite Italian cookies EVER!!! So much for running :) haha I LOVED this package!! Thank you to everyone who wrote me a Christmas card!! That made my day, and the stocking!!? Where on earth did you find such an adorable stocking, mother?!? SO cute!! :) I hung up my garland and stocking above my bed. Our apartment is looking more and more like Christmas every week!! 

On Friday we had a mission Christmas party!! :) this was so fun! All 250 missionaries got together and had a talent show in the beginning. But it wasn't a cheesy talent show at all! The people in my mission are sooo talented!! Oh it was so much fun :) we had good food and goodies served to us, and a wonderful spiritual message. I'll share it later :) 

Every year president Riggs likes to make a "yearbook" for the mission so that people can find someone they were attracted to when they go home. President likes to play match maker, but tells you to lock your heart while you're here. He is funny, but the point to this is that you know how it's extremely rare for anyone to take a decent yearbook picture?? Ya. Same goes for this mission yearbook picture! Sister Lewis and I look like we just woke up... From the dead. hahaha good thing everyone else does too ;) 

I love being a missionary. I love my family and I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that families can be sealed together for time and eternity. I know my savior lives, and I need Him EVERY. HOUR. of every day. 

I hope you have a fantastic week!! Merry Christmas!!! :) 

Sister Chandler 

Pictures: 

The first one is all the places that people that I've met/taught come from. 

The second is a picture with all those important people when they pushed the button at the temple to turn the lights on. (From left to right: mr. And mrs. Marriott- the guy who owns the hotels, yours truly ;), the member of the 70 that spoke, I don't have a clue who that girl is.. Maybe his wife?, ambassador of Bulgaria and her husband, then just people in my ward, including sister Lewis) 

And then the typical selfie for the week! 

Week One in the Field

Hello Hello!! 

Okay! So I'll start with the plane ride to DC! :) I totally sat by a nonmember and shared the gospel! haha SO awesome! I was able to share our beliefs and find common ground. She was so sweet and it was fun talking to her :)

The plane ride from Minniapolis to DC was about 2 1/2 hours and remember that punk district leader of mine?? He totally opened up to me and spilled his guts about why he is so mean and he wishes he could be better. I tried to help as best I could and gave him some positive encouragement. When we figured out where our seats were on the plane, we found out we sat right across from each other and he said, "It's fate!" and I was like, 'Yeah fate to not sleep. You're going to talk my ear off the whole time!" and he did. But I think he needed to so it was fine! EXCEPT!!! For some reason he found it okay to shake my hand and slip a note in that handshake?! The note said, "Write me in 18 months. It's fate!"...... ?! No. I didn't even know what to do. hahah awkward.

Anyway, once we landed, President and Sister Riggs were there to pick us up! :) They took us on a tour around DC and we went back to their place for the night! We had a little devotional that nobody could stay awake through, and I slept like a baby :) President Riggs interviewed everyone that night, and when it was my turn he looked at me seriously. He said, "Sister Chandler. I have been worried about your arrival". **Concerned look on my face** He continued, "We always put pictures of incoming missionaries up on a wall, and we had to take them down because everyone kept coming to see 'Sister Chandler'... now.. don't tell me you have a boyfriend?" Immediately I was like, "He's serving in Cambodia right now actually! :)" A wave of relief washed over President Riggs as he said, "Good! Advertise that would you?? And tell your companion to help you advertise the fact that you have a boyfriend! The elders will back off and then refocus". Umm... okay! :) hahah Nooooo problamo President! :)

The next morning I met my trainer!! Her name is Sister Lewis! She has been out for only 3 months now but she is SO wonderful!! I learn so much from her and she has the same personality as me so we get along SO well! :) I have been blessed with wonderfull companions so far. Sister Lewis has a super amazing singing voice! She could do broadway if she wanted to! I always try to sing just as good when we sing hymns, but it never happens haha :) I love her!

We immediately went tracting that night!! It was crazy!!! People here are frankly rude, and when you smile at someone in Walmart, it's like you're wearing a sign on your head that says, "Glare at me". Don't smile at people in Walmart. (Don't worry, I do anyway) :) Tracting was weird at first because as soon as the door would open, every thought I previously had about what to say, completely vanished. I was like, "Uh......." hahaha this is why we have companions ;)

I'll be honest. The first 4 days in the field were ROUGH. I truly felt so inadequate to do this work, and I was getting homesick real quick. It wasn't until Sunday night that everything suddenly turned around! Long story short, we went to see a 15 year old investigator. His dad does NOT approve of us coming to talk with his son, so instead of calling ahead, we just stopped by. The mom answered the door and happily let us in! We were having such a good discussion with Joe (the investigator) and the spirit was so strong, and then BOOM! Dad storms down stairs saying, "Oh hello! Joe failed to tell me you were coming this evening!" Immediately I was like, "Oh he didn't know! I'm new to the area and Sister Lewis was just showing me around. We thought we'd stop by and introduce myself!" He firmly shook our hands and sat at the table. "So Joe! What have you learned that you didn't already know??" Poor Joe. I felt so bad. He told his dad some things we had discussed and we ended up having a super long lesson with his dad! By the end of the night, his dad asked if we could end with prayer! Um of course we can!? So get this. In his prayer he asked if the Lord would, "Plant the seeds that these sweet sisters have planted, and bless them to grow"..... um sir.... do you know what you just asked for?? hahah YES!!! What began as a super intense, 'get out of my house' ended to be a confident hand shake with the dad saying, "Thank you Sister Chandler!" and then we were invited over for dinner.

Miracles happen.

It rained all day and the clouds in the evening looked like mountains!! So beautiful!

Another lady we are teaching is super faithful! She is a single mom, currently unemloyed, and possesses an ENORMOUS amount of faith!! She warned us that if we were trying to convert her, we were waisting our time. But I just told her we would love to simply talk about Jesus Christ and the blessings we notice day by day. Nailed it. She called us the next day and said, "Can you come over toady?? I just loved the verse you shared with me, and I feel like God is keeping me unemployed so that I can grow closer to Him. I feel like He sent you to me". WHAT?! Is this real life?! She talked about her blessings, and we always have awesome conversations with her! I love her. I love our investigators so much! This gospel is true! Everybody needs the fullness of the gospel and that is why I am on a mission. I love being a missionary :) We have a lesson scheduled on Saturday with her and her boyfriend! Hopefully we will be able to help him too.

After a member lesson the other night, we got a phone call from a lady we barely know saying, "I am interested in your religion and would love to learn more! Can I feed you dinner and if you teach me??" YES! Of course! :) I love being a missionary! My frist week was rough, but the blessings and miracles that come from diligently working are amazing. I love my savior.

Entertaining fun fact: We have an investigator who prays to his cats. This will be fun.
OH. My. Gosh. On wednesday it was Centrevill Day, so a ton of booths are set up and we had one! A lady made the DC temple out of PAPER!! It was amazing. Anyway, great missionary opportunity!

My companion and I passed by an Islamic booth and a guy there was like, "sisters! sisters! Do you know a sister Jordan?? She taught me in 2008ish. I want to talk to you!" SWEET! we thought. We are always all about helping and teaching others! Well, this guy with a massive beard looked us dead in the eyes and said, "Sisters. I'm sorry. I'm sorry but you're wrong. My religion is true! I'm sorry. The only prophet since Jesus Christ is Mohammad, and you need to read the Quaran!" He told me I believed in polagmy? haha I was like, "Woah! No we don't. We do not support polagmy whatsoever" and he was like, "yes you do!" ...... okay? I was baffeled that he would tell me what I believe? Like.. what?? That was so interesting. Weirdest conversation I've ever had.

The elders in my district are awesome! They all have girlfriends so there isn't any like... weird caution that typically you get around elders. They made me cookies and made me a welcome card! So nice! We can't say we love elders, so we say we have charity for them :) haha 

The houses here are MANSIONS!! I kid you not, my jaw drops, literally, like every day. It's insanity. The weather is humid, but not too bad in the fall. It's pointless to straighten my hair though because it just gets wavy and volumous. Super cute. ;)

I can wear maxi skirts here! So mom, in the spring time, hit me up. Also, the day I met my trainer we watched Meet the Mormons as a mission the day before it came out in theaters! We felt cool. If you haven't seen it I recccommend doing so! :)

I love being a missionary :) Absolutely love it. I love serving the people of Virginia and bringing them closer to their Savior. This gospel is true. There is a true and living prophet on the earth this day who leads and guides us by direct revelation from God. I am a representative of Jesus Christ. I wear his name on my shirt every day! I literally have taken his name upon me. I will always stand firm in what I know to be true, and I will always do my best to bring the lost sheep back into the fold. Heavenly Father loves His children! A lot of people around here don't believe in God, or that He exists at all! So sad. I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I miss my family always! And my best friend. And my missionary, but it'll all be worth it in the end :) (The date I am to return home is April 15, 2016!!) I hope you all stay safe and have a wonderful week! :) Thanks for the love and support :) 

Love,
Sister Chandler

Ps. There is an elder Chan here, and I totally thought of you Katy because of our nicknames... k-chan... k-fur... ya. idk. I thought it was cool :) hahah 

pps. We have a sweet car! It's a 2014!