8 Months Out...Yep, I Love My Life!

My dearest family and friends, 

This week was a roller-coaster. It was full of multiple different emotions, but in all it was wonderful! I love my Savior with everything I have. I am truly, immensely grateful for the atonement and its application in my daily life, as well as the guidance of the Holy Ghost. My testimony of the love that God has for us grew exponentially this week; mostly this weekend! I have felt the spirit much more abundantly in my life this past week than I have for a long time. I'm not sure why, but I'm grateful for it :) 

I testify that God IS there and that He IS aware of you. 

So very aware of you :) I am so grateful to be on a mission!! I wouldn't trade this experience for anything :) Training is so much fun :) I absolutely love my companion :) 

Monday was pretty relaxed! We didn't do a whole lot until it was time to head out for the night! We had dinner with a member who is getting married soon, and we shared a message on aligning our will with the Fathers will. It was not the lesson we had planned and prepared, but as soon as we started talking, we knew what we needed to share. The spirit is the coolest :) After dinner we got a call from an elder in our zone saying he had a referral for us! I'm telling you.People keep dropping at our feet. Heavenly Father is so good to us! Then we went to check on a different referral, but she wasn't home. So we left a plan of salvation pamphlet and a note at her door, with our number in case she had any questions :) 

On the drive to and from different places that night, Sister Jones and I practiced street contacting people :) This means I would give a description of a person and situation and give her 5 seconds to approach me with more than, "Hi! How are you? :)" 

• The first scenario I gave was of a big, buff, African American with head phones in walking past her.  (because this is real life. We see them everywhere and they're the coolest people!)  She goes, "Hey! I have a question for you! ... Where'd you get.... Your shoes??" :) hahah I love Sister Jones :) 

The rest of the night we spent with an investigator, T, who we always seem to run into when she needs us most. We were actually at her apartment complex to check on a potential, but she walked her dog outside and as soon as she saw us she said, "Are you here to see me??" The hope in her sad eyes melted my heart. "We have all the time in the world for you, T. For the next hour :)" so we taught the plan of salvation and invited her to church! She's older than our ward, so we will have to pass her soon, but that will be sad for me because I genuinely love her so much. Oh well. Same team! 

Tuesday morning after studies we went to interviews with President Riggs! It's his last set of interviews with everyone before he leaves next month. It went so well! I am grateful for all he is and all he does. He is a fantastic mission president :) The rest of the day was so fun! 

• We went to a lesson with a member but it canceled, so we went to check on a potential who didn't answer the door. On our way out we said goodbye to the lady at the front desk of the apartment. Her name tag said, "Robbin", and just as we were about to push on the doors to leave, I turned around and asked, "Robbin, are you religious at all?" Turns out she was baptized a while ago, had her kids baptized, and then fell away. We had a good chat and shared a Mormon message with her :) sweet sweet lady :) 
• We then needed gas in our vehicle, so we got some. While we were at the gas station we talked to the guy on the other side of the pump, and as we drove away we rolled down our window to stop and talk to a guy on his bike :) I love doing this 24/7! It's the coolest :) 

Wednesday was so interesting. We went to drop Sister Jones off at a new missionary meeting from 9-1; while she was there, I went to district meeting with sister Todd (who was my MTC companion) :) that was fun! She let me borrow her ankle brace until I don't need it anymore!! Can anyone say blessing!? Inspired.

When that meeting was over, we went to pick our trainees up and go home. After 3 hours of studies, we went to dinner!! The lesson we shared during dinner with a member was so special. The spirit was so strong, and I was filled with gratitude for the gift of discernment. She needed the message we shared, and there is no way we would have known if it wasn't for the direction of the spirit in preparation for it. 

• Then we went to a lesson with another member! Here's where it gets weird, but so cool at the same time :) First of all, parking is impossible in Virginia. They tow everywhere, and the streets are full of cars, so you can only park on the street if you get lucky enough to find a spot. There wasn't a spot, so I just decided to brave it and park in a possible towing zone, just for a couple minutes while we went to see if this guy (George) was home. While walking to his apartment complex, we say hello to a couple guys hanging out on the street. Ky and Fr. They believe in God but then from there they have their individual beliefs. Ky has been surrounded with different beliefs his whole life, while frank doesn't really believe in anything. He thinks the bible stories and Jesus Christ are all just fairy tales. At first it seemed contentious and felt like if we stayed any longer talking to him, it would be pointless because it wouldn't go anywhere. Then I felt impressed to ask if they've ever wondered where they came from, or why they're here. Ky said, "I've always wondered what my purpose is! Why are we here? I always get stuck on that". Oh how I love my calling! :)) For whatever reason, Fr invited us all to go inside and learn more. We asked if they had a parking pass so we wouldn't get towed, but it turns out we had parked in the lot that Ky lives at! He said we wouldn't get towed, and if we did, he'd tell them we were cousins :) Ky is 6'3 and African American :) hahah That made me laugh :) 

• On the way we ran into some more of their friends, so we invited them to come, too :) one of them said, "Sisters! :)" another said, "my grandmother goes to your church! You're Mormon right? I went to church with her on Sunday!" Basically. All I'm thinking is.... What even is this!? #miraclesanyone??  So they came. We taught the plan of salvation. We bore testimony and invited them to pay attention to the feelings of their hearts as we taught. The spirit was strong :) we gave them pamphlets for the plan of salvation and before inviting them to read them, Ky said, "Thank you so much! I'm going to read this before I go to work!" These kind fellows walked us out to our car, and on the way frank told me that he had never trusted women because of what he grew up with. He said he knows he can trust us because of the look in our eyes :) He said, "I can see your loyalty when I look in your eyes. You're genuine, and when I shook all of your hands! You can tell a lot about a persons character in a hand shake. I trust and respect you. I want you to come back". I don't know if anything will come of this. All of them wanted our number (and wanted to know if I had a boyfriend :) hahah) BUT they seemed genuinely interested in the gospel as well :) I love being a missionary. 

Thursday was rough! We were inside a lot of the afternoon because we had studies and had to take an online survey for Sister Jones that we didn't even finish because it's so long. Also, I was exhausted! Mentally and physically. Training hurts my brain; I feel like the majority of the responsibility is on me (though I know we share it) and it consumes my head until I'm worn out. You know when you're so tired that your body is so weak and it's hard to find the energy to move? That's how I felt aaaaalllll stinking day! And we had zero success that night. But the lord blessed me with a tender mercy the next morning by turning my alarm off so we could sleep an extra half hour. Usually we wake up at 6 to have more time to exercise, and I am positive that I set my alarm!! But when I naturally woke up at 6:24 I noticed that my alarm was turned off! Weird. But I felt so much better! 

Friday was weekly planning... In the park :) remember my sunburn from a couple weeks ago?? Well my sweet companion currently suffers the same result of planning in the park :) I'm broken and she's a lobster! We look so good. ;)

• In the evening we went out to dinner with a member, and then cold stone was right next door so we HAD to stop there, of course. When we were satisfied we traveled to see some investigators. The GPS took us through an airport maze and basically we were completely lost for a solid 10 minutes. So stressful. Good thing I have a companion who knows how to laugh at everything and helps me find the humor in it all :) Once we got out of that mess, we followed the GPS to a potentials house. Turns out he lives in Maryland?! Ya. Whoops. We drove across the Potomac river (which meant we were officially outside of the mission boundaries). Sister Jones was crying laughing and I don't think I've ever been so stressed out in my life! THEN we went to see someone else and the GPS took us to the wrong address -_- at this point I'm ready to go home to bed, but it was one of those moments where you smile through it and think, "Ohhhh my gosh. What a day..." Because you can't do anything about it :) haha missions! They're the greatest! Needless to say, we didn't have much success that day either. 

However; I have been blessed with a companion who still has fire and who isn't mentally exhausted. She has new ideas, and her spirit hasn't been dulled by the rejections and trials that come with a mission. She had the idea to sit down at the end of every day and write the blessings that take place. On days like Thursday and Friday, this is a super good idea to help us see the good and remember to be thankful :)

My shoes decided to break! It's cool.
 I just pulled that metal thing out and they still work :)

Saturday was good! We had a lesson with an investigator and had a member with us. This investigator was found by sisters in November, so I had never met him, and he had some really good questions. He really wants to know how to feel that God is there, but he isn't patient enough to wait for an answer. He wants to know right now, and if he doesn't get it, he gives up. We taught him how to pray, and we taught the atonement to explain that he is understood; Christ knows how he feels and Heavenly Father is very aware of him. It was good! We have another lesson with him on Thursday and he's coming to church on Sunday! :) 

• When we got home we had a text asking us to teach gospel doctrine on Sunday (yesterday), so in addition to writing a talk (I was asked to speak on Sunday) we created a lesson plan. We also had to finish companionship inventory and the online survey for Sister Jones. Our Saturday was BUSY! But good :) We taught T that night, too which went well! T is my favorite :) We were talking about the Book of Mormon and reasons why I loved it; one of which was that it brought pure happiness in my life every day, and she said the most random, sweetest thing. I totally got teary eyed. She said, "You impressed me that first time we met. You just radiated something and I kept looking at you trying to figure it out". Heavenly Father is so good to me. Once again the man answered my prayers and then blessed me with a tender mercy moment. 

Sunday was a big day! I gave my talk in sacrament meeting, sister Jones and I taught gospel doctrine, and it was my 8 month mark :) 

• In preparation for my talk, I prayed fervently to be directed by the spirit so that I would prepare the things that the congregation needed to hear. I really only wanted to say what the Lord would have me say, and I prayed that the spirit would teach as I spoke. Afterward I received a handful of comments from people saying they needed to hear the message I shared (The topic was missionary work). Later in the evening a sister in our ward told me my talk inspired her so much that she posted a comment on Facebook inviting anyone to ask her questions about her religion, and it opened a couple really good conversations!

•  After church we ran into sisters in a different ward who are teaching J! (We taught him the restoration but had to pass him because he was too old for our ward). Anyway, they had just gotten out of a lesson with him and they said the coolest thing. They told us that he went to his catholic mass and after about 15 minutes he felt like he needed to come to our ward, so he did, and he said he needed to hear the talks that were given. What a testimony builder to me! I don't share these things to boast and let you know how awesome I am for preparing a talk that everyone needed. I share this with you because it strengthens my testimony to know that the lord hears our prayers. He works through us, and we are privileged to be tools in His hands if we so desire :) God is good :) 

For dinner we ate with a recent convert, her non-member fiancé, and mother in law who is also not of our faith :) The message we shared was on love and everyone was in tears. The mother in law said that us coming over was inspired because she needed our message. Again!! The Lord truly is amazing :) 

Today we had the opportunity to go to the temple!! :))) I haven't been to the temple for about 7.5 months; I was temple starving! We can only go once every 6 months and the last time I went was the first month I got to Virginia. I should have made a paper chain for that ;) All week I have been telling sister Jones, "Guess what we get to do on Monday?? :)))" My heart was and is overflowing with gratitude. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL!! It's true. I know it. I live it. I want everyone else to know it. So I'm on a mission :) 

I could keep writing, but if I do it would be repeated words of gratitude and genuine love for my Father in Heaven. So just know that I'm happier than I ever have been because of the Lord and the privilege that I have to be an instrument in His hands, and I'm grateful for your continuous prayers on my behalf :) I hope you can feel my passion in this email because I'm bursting over here just writing everything :) Have a good week!! 

I love you!! 

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 22: Blessings, Miracles, & Baptisms

Dearest friends and family,

This truly was the best week ever :) My entire soul is FILLED with

gratitude and joy towards the gospel of Jesus Christ :) 

First things first though. I have a minor complaint. I haven't gotten a letter in a month. All the sisters I live with get letters all the time, and it makes me sorta bummed out. And by sorta, I mean it really bums me out. The best way to describe how I feel is in Alma 60:6. Change the word "we" to the word "I".

Monday was wonderful! Full of relaxation, shopping, emailing, and

checking on potentials.

Tuesday morning we went to district meeting where our district leader

came up with a creative way to keep track of miracles! Instead of

march madness, we are doing "March Miracle Madness". So we text in any

miracle that takes place at the end of the day. We have a goal to

bring 5 of heavenly fathers children to the gospel this transfer as a

district; we can totally do it :) 

We also played a game where we got into teams and had to answer questions of the soul from the Book of Mormon. 

• is there a God?
• What does Christ expect of me? 
• How can I balance career and family? 
• Is there life after death? 
• What can I do to avoid temptation? 

 Over the summer I bought a Book of Mormon to

highlight answers to these questions and tag them, so during the gameI

literally flipped to a scripture to answer every time it was my turn

:) I should really use that more often haha :)

I needed a new notebook so I decided to make this one my study
journal. Studying in color and cute little designs make it more fun :)

After district meeting sister Morris and I went to ihop with our

sister training leaders for lunch because that's what sounded good to

them. Apparently it was National Pancake day!? Score!! So I got 5

pancakes :) 

We then exchanged, so I went to Oakton/oakmar with sister

Funk (yep. That's her name!) for the day. It was fun! We had all of

our lessons for the evening cancel on us, but we were so so blessed

because we spent most of the night inside homes. We needed to drop off

a baptismal record to a guy in her ward, and they invited us in to

share a message! Then we asked if they knew anyone who had recently

lost a loved one and as a matter of fact their neighbor did! So we

went to their neighbors house and they let us in, so we taught the

plan of salvation and gave her a Book of Mormon :) we have a return

appointment on Saturday :) 

The roads and sidewalks were insanely slick

once again because it had rained all day and then froze over when the

sun went down. I'm telling you, it's literally like ice skating! Even

the snow looked like frosting because it had a smooth coat of ice

covering it!! Super cool :) but don't walk on it ;)

On Wednesday I went with sister Funk to teach an English class!! It

made me think of when Christian did that in Cambodia, and I loved it!

We taught the sweetest people from Korea and Israel how to use words

like, "mother, daughter, sister, brother, and son" in complete

sentences :) too fun :) we swapped back to our original companions

after that.

Our entire evening from 5-9 was spent with members! So great! We had

13 member lessons last week and we are trying to match that (if not

beat it) this week :) It was also sister Morris' 6 month mark on

Wednesday, as well as another sister that we live with, so we ate ice

cream pie to celebrate. We should really change our eating habits.....

Guess what happened on Thursday? It snowed! For 11 hours STRAIGHT. 

So crazy. All day it just snowed, so we did a lot of potential and former

investigator mapping, as well as a little facebook time. In the

evening our dinner appointment canceled because we couldn't drive, and

she didn't have a car, so she called to have pizza delivered to us :)

that was nice :) after dinner we went to work!! A usual 3 minute drive

ended up being a 45 minute walk to a member lesson. It was awesome!

There were almost no cars out, so it was peaceful, and only a few

people out shoveling their walk. Sister Morris and I think we had

Angels with blankets around us because though it was 10 degrees, we

were really warm! My hair was up in a bun on top of my head and my

ears weren't even a little bit cold! Blessing!! 

The invitation we have been extending to our members

recently is to do 7 days of inspiration! I will attach it, and extend

the invitation to you as well :)

Friday is always a good day because its weekly planning! Sister Morris

and I are going to dominate the next 5 weeks that we have together. We

took a good amount of time making solid goals that will bring miracles

up the wazoo :) we know that if we are exactly obedient and do all

that we can do, Heavenly Father WILL bless us with success. That's

just how He works :)

In the evening we had a Skype lesson, but it fell through. Then we had

dinner and checked on less actives! It was such a fun night :) nothing

necessarily amazing or miracle status happened, but just doing what we

were supposed to do and enjoying every minute of it was fun :) I

really truly love being a missionary. There is nothing in this world

that brings more joy to my life than having the knowledge of the

fullness of the gospel, and living it :)

Saturday was pretty cool because after we spent some time going

through our area book and sending in our progress record, we were

waiting at the church for a lesson with a recent convert when a random

man comes to the door! We let him in and talked to him for a bit. He

is recently divorced, does not have a car, carries music around with

him (like CD's and head phones), sleeps at the airport, and was

looking for help from the bishop! We told him to come to church on

Sunday and gave him a Book of Mormon to read. When sister Morris

handed it to him he looked straight at her with the most honest eyes

I've ever seen, and said, "I will". Did I mention that I love being a

missionary yet?? Because I do!! :)

We had another member lesson, and air dropped the 7 days of

inspiration thing to them; nobody knows how to air drop! They were in

awe and then kept air dropping pictures back and forth to each other

haha 

THEN we went to a cereal party! Saturday was national cereal day,

if you didn't know, and a member threw a cereal party. There were non

members so we went and got two potentials out of it, as well as a

referral! I've never been more thankful for cereal in my life. So fun

:)

Sunday was AWESOME!! And the weather was GORGEOUS! I didn't wear

tights or a jacket all day! Even at night! So sister Morris and I

fasted for help from the ward as we do all we can, and I also fasted

for C to be able to be baptized this month because she's been

ready forever!! We broke our fast with dinner at a members house, and

then spent the evening checking on former investigators. 

Coolest thing--we had an address and a name for a girl, but no apartment number.

We didn't realize we needed one until we got there, but decided to

knock every door until we found her :) the first door we knocked on

turned out to be the right one!! Tender mercy!! We were welcomed in

right away and have a return appointment! Everyone we checked on that

night ended up welcoming us back for another appointment. When we got

to our last stop we said a prayer before we got out of the car like

usual. During the prayer I felt like we maybe shouldn't go. I was more

than willing to! So I know it wasn't me trying to talk myself out of

it, but it was a very very small, subtle, "don't go". After we said

amen I asked my companion how she felt about it and decided we

shouldn't. When driving away I felt so good! So I know that was the

spirit and I am grateful for a companion who also listens to it :)

Okay. Here's the best news EVER. Ready? When we got home Sunday night

and went to the wifi room to plan and sync our iPads, I saw I had a

facebook message from C, so I looked at it and SHE IS GETTING

BAPTIZED ON MARCH 21st!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!! If you can't tell, I'm

thrilled ;) I've learned that when things are purely out of our

control, just trust Heavenly Father and His timing; He knows what He's

doing :)

This morning sister Morris and I had amazing studies; very spiritually

enlightening, and began our Pday :) on the way down to email, a man in

the elevator asked what our name tags meant. When we explained who we

were, he asked if we could teach him!? Ya, what?! We have to ask for

permission from president Riggs because the man lives in our apartment

complex and we aren't allowed to teach people who live near us for

safety reasons, but we are hoping we can! He asked if he could come to

church, too!! Heavenly Father is SO GOOD to us!! :)

I know He is there, and He just asks simple things of us in order to

return to live with Him. Have faith, repent often, be baptized by

someone holding the authority of God (priesthood), receive the gift of

the Holy Ghost (and always listen to it), and finally, endure to the

end. Keep doing those things, push through when your faith fades, and

make sure to keep doing the little things like reading your scriptures

and praying. Those little things make a huge difference in our

spiritual growth and relationship with God. I love being a missionary.

I testify that God lives. I testify of this every day and I wouldn't

trade this experience for the world :) my heart is full :)

Have a most awesome week!! Love you! :)

Sister Chandler

Week 19: Curve Balls

Hey guys :)

This week was an adventure! Let's start with Monday. This was the most relaxed day of the week! We just wrote home, wrote letters, took a nap, and taught some people at night. We even met with a former investigator who is going through some tough challenges right now and it was such a blessing to be able to direct her towards the best source of comfort; God, prayer, and the scriptures.

Tuesday was so much fun! I went on an exchange to Ashburn again with Sister Anderson (who came on an exchange to Centreville with me while sister Lewis was my companion). We had district meeting in the morning and then swapped in the afternoon. That night we met with a lady from Togo...? It's by Ghana :) named H. She speaks English but her main language is French. The way they found her is hilarious so I have to share!! 

They were street contacting and sister savage startled H so much that she screamed bloody murder and booked it away from them hahahah so they ran after her! Then sister savage hugged her and said, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you! I just wanted to talk to you about Jesus!" Then H was like, oh Jesus?! Come, come inside! I love Jesus! :) haha I thought that was so funny!

Anyway, we taught her the plan of salvation (where you came from, why you're here, and where you're going). We got on the topic of doing work for our ancestors and baptisms for the dead, and her eyes got SO BIG. It was awesome! She was so interested and it all made sense to her! She's reading the Book of Mormon and knows it's true, but she has already been baptized and is just worried about being baptized twice. We explained the priesthood power but she is still praying about it :) I've been able to teach H twice now and I love her!! She's so cool!! A lot of Africans here receive answers to their prayers through dreams, so she's waiting for a dream. I think it's the coolest that the spirit speaks to us in our own language; in a way that we can understand and recognize answers :) 

Wednesday afternoon we swapped back. Sister Liu and I had yet another fun day! Sister Liu is the only Chinese speaking sister in the mission, so we got permission from president Riggs to go anywhere throughout the mission to contact some less active/ recent convert/ potential investigator Chinese women! Pretty cool! So we spent our afternoon doing that and then checked on a few potentials that night, along with a member lesson which was THE coolest thing ever!! 

On Thursday we had a pretty normal day until 3:30pm. We got a call from the APs saying, "hey you guys know about the transfer tomorrow right?"
Us: no... Transfers are next week..?
Ap: yeah, but there is another transfer tomorrow and you're part of it because your area is closing for sisters, so be at the mission office tomorrow morning at 9.
Us: ........ 

So we had to cancel our appointments and call a lot of people. I didn't even get to say goodbye to C! Heart. broken. We just spent the rest of the day packing, not knowing where we would be sent or if we would even stay together. Ohhh the life of a missionary! Embrace it!:)

Friday morning we went to the mission office where we were told where we were going and who we would be with. 

Waiting for the mission office to open  

Sister Liu was sent to a place I don't know how to spell, and I was sent to Alexandria, Arlington with 5 other sisters! One of them is from England and I've naturally picked up on her accent so I've been speaking like a British bloke all weekend :P 

I'm basically a floater for a week; I can go wherever with whoever whenever I want. It's pretty great :) they cover 3 different singles wards so yesterday I got my church fill! We decided we are all squeaky clean for taking the sacrament so much ;) 

That night we went to a new member fireside because someone they taught was speaking at it, and on the way home we were all craving chocolate so bad! But we aren't allowed to eat in the car, so at every stop light we would roll down the window to stick our heads out and pop a chunk of chocolate in our mouths... Stretching the rules a bit...? Maybe... But it was a must ;) we probably looked so dumb hahah :) 

The difference between Centreville and Alexandria is pretty big. Centreville is a suburb area, similar to Nampa. Alexandria is a city! Similar to Boise times 10. Its a drastic difference but because of a lot of prayer, Heavenly Father has helped me stay relaxed and composed. I'm really not stressed, though I'm living out of my suitcase for a week and the bathroom in our apartment is the size of my parents bathroom tub, I'm loving it! It's change. Change is hard, but I'm embracing it and taking things one day at a time. Heavenly Father is taking good care of me, and I truly feel your prayers as well so thank you tons!!

***fun fact about street names here: so far I've seen Jefferson st., Duke st., Skyview st., and Broderick st. I've seen a lot of other random ones but these ones are familiar to me, so I thought it was cool :) 

As for companions and areas, Nothing is set and stone until Thursday. If you've sent me a letter within the past couple weeks, I won't get it for a while because my zone leaders in Centreville will have to give them to my new zone leaders (whoever they are) and it'll take time. SO as for now, I don't have an address. Just email me until I do :) 

This hectic week has been humbling and a really neat experience. I've met awesome people who have helped me grow so much in just these past few days. I learn a ton from every sister I serve around, and I'm so glad I'm out here!! 

God has been answering my prayers right and left, and really helping me adjust quickly to the curve ball thrown in my path. I have a huge testimony on the power of prayer! He is there. He is listening. I know that I am a child of a living God who loves me more than anything, and that He cares about even the small, silly things that I care about :) prayers are answered always!!

I hope you are staying happy, warm, and healthy!! :)
Sister Kailey