Hard work= miracles

Oh Hello Again :)

We just had P-day 4 days ago, but because I went to the temple and we were stuck in traffic forever. Thursday did not feel like P-day. I'm grateful to have another one so soon after! Tender mercy :) That being said, this might not be very long!

Being able to go to the temple was such a blessing. I never know how much I truly need/miss it until I go and soak up the spirit. While sitting in the celestial room pondering and conversing with the Lord, I thought to myself, "Wow. I have never felt so close to the lord as I do right now". I felt like there was literally a thin, invisible wall between me and my maker as I sat there in prayer. Then I remembered where I was, and it immediately made sense :) I love the temple. I'm grateful for the many blessings I receive from attending as often as I can, and for the spirit that I feel when I go. Talk about a spiritual recharge! It's wonderful :) If you haven't been within the past two weeks, I invite you to do what you can, and go :)

Sister Williams and I are SO similar yet SO different that our companionship is really fun, but really hard at the same time. If we weren't already friends, and didn't have charity for one another, this companionship would not work. We make it work. Thursday nigh,t right before we had to go to a lesson, we had a conversation that included tears, negotiating, serious communication, listening, and love. Neither of us felt like we could go teach with the spirit at that point; we both felt in a rut and almost forced ourselves to let our pride go and hug it out. We decided to say a prayer, read a scripture, and go to work. Tension ceased quite immediately, and as we drove to our appointment sister Williams was like, "Are you as amazed as I am that that actually worked?"

"Praying and reading the scriptures?", I asked. Then reminded her that Heavenly Father helps us according to our faith, and even when our faith is slim to nonexistent, we acted on whatever faith we did have and he blessed us accordingly. We were able to work in unity and love for the rest of the evening and it was so neat to experience :) I'm going to learn so much about myself and how to be my best self throughout the next 5 weeks! Though it's a challenge, I'm truly grateful :) And we do get along! We really are good friends :) The rest of the week was great!

The morning schedule is tough on Sister Williams. She has a hard time waking up whereas I am definitely a morning person and up out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off. I end up working out in our apartment for half an hour before she is up and ready to go to the gym, but it's okay. We all have weaknesses, myself included, and she helps me with mine :) I do love her :)

After studies we had our weekly leadership meeting which went well! We weekly planned for a while before we went to brother Jensen's funeral. I have only been to a couple funerals in my life, and this one was amazing! Every speaker testified of and explained the plan of salvation. Invitations to learn more and see for themselves were extended by everyone, and afterwards a girl brought her friend up to us and said, "This is my friend Hannah! She wants to learn more about what we believe!" :) Hannah described her feelings during the service and acknowledged that it was the spirit. She said her church fell apart and her family is looking for a new one to go to, she loved the warm feelings of love and family, and said her eyes were opened so much that night! We are so excited to begin teaching her :) The lord is so good to us :)

My poor companion woke up pretty sick Saturday morning. So I worked out in the living room again and did what I could to help. We had a lot of really good conversations and finished weekly planning, too! I was going stir crazy from being  inside all day, and she wanted to tough out our dinner appointment, so we went to the bishops home for dinner. I love that family! Seriously I could just write an entire email on my ward and how much I love them alone :)

Sunday was the coolest day of the week! Finally Sister Williams and I are working in harmony together, thus allowing the spirit to work more effectively with us and lead us to where we need to be. After a great day at church and dinner with a member, we had a list of people we were planning to see, but on the way to one of them my companion said, "I feel like there is a member who needs us tonight, but I don't know the members well enough yet to know who it is..." So I opened the ward directory after saying a prayer together, and 3 names stuck out to Sister Williams, while only one of those names stuck out to me. So we went to that family :) IT WAS SO PERFECT!!

Remember when I first got to Gainesville and we checked on a part member family who's son had just received his mission call in the mail literally 60 seconds before we knocked on their door? Well, that son just left for the Philippines the other day, and this is the family we felt prompted to see. When we got there, the non member dad's parents were just about to leave. We started small talk and then the words, "Here, let's sit down!" were music to my ears as the dad motioned for everyone to go to the living room. Because this was a spontaneous
visit, we didn't really have a lesson planned, but before getting out of the car we really felt impressed to talk about the Holy Ghost and prayer, and then a personal story came to mind that I could share regarding those topics. While talking with the family, calming their nerves of the unknown for safety and generally how missionary life is, we found ourselves naturally discussing the Holy Ghost, and I shared my personal experience as if we had planned and practiced it! Everything fell perfectly into place that evening, and we know it was the hand of the lord :)

Seriously, I LOVE being a missionary. It's the coolest thing ever :)

I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to dedicate 18 months of my life to my Heavenly Father. There is no way I would be this close to Him, or be at this level of understanding of the gospel right now, if I didn't serve a mission. It's shaped me, and continues to shape me, into the person God knows I can become. I feel much more prepared to be a good wife and mother when the time comes, and overall I simply have a better understanding of who I am and my individual worth as a daughter of God.

My testimony of church attendance, daily scripture study and sincere prayer, following promptings from the spirit, magnifying church callings, watching general conference, and sooooo many other things pertaining to the gospel has grown exponentially. Big word, huh? ;) Well I mean it! Missionary work rocks. If you have any missionary moments, I'd love to hear them :) Have a wonderful week!! :)

Stay safe, choose the right, be happy :)
Sister Chandler

Ps. We haven't taken any new pictures so, sorry for the lack today

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 

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 12: Christmas Week

Hola friends and familia!

(I only know about that much Spanish so don't ask for more.)

I had such a good week! Slow when it comes to the work, but I made memories that will last a life time :) 

On Tuesday sister Lewis went over to C's because she needed help baking cookies. For those of you who don't know... I'm a pro at making chocolate chip cookies. In 7th grade I made them almost every day, and C didn't know how!? Weird. So we taught her! And let me just tell you. They were superb :) she's the sweetest. She told us we were going to be friends forever, and she wants us to go to the temple with her when she goes for the first time! I will be able to because I'll still be on my mission, and I am allowed to, but sister Lewis might be home already :( we love C :)

That night we went to a couple members homes to help wrap presents! A sister in our ward had a 3 page list to accomplish by the next day and there was absolutely no possible way she could do it by herself, so we offered to come over the next morning to help out. We got to her house at 9:30ish and didn't leave until 2:30ish! We wrapped the rest of the presents, helped her finish moving in (they moved into this house on July), moved furniture around, cleaned (including vacuuming) every room, cooked, baked, and set up the table for Christmas dinner because she had a lot of family coming over that night. I can honestly tell you that I've never had a better Christmas Eve! I spent the majority of it serving, and you really can't beat that! :) she kept asking why we picked her to help. Of all the people we know, why did we ask her if she needed help? The spirit knows, and when you're listening, he tells you where to go and when to go. She had been in tears from being so stressed, and we were more than happy to lift her burden! I love being a missionary :) we went caroling that night with our district, and that was fun :) 

Christmas Day was AWESOME!!! Sister Lewis and I didn't sleep a wink the night before. We were too excited :) but we did get to sleep in until 7:30 as a gift from our mission president!
We opened presents from our families and then SKYPED them!! Woohoo!! It was so good to see and hear from everyone. I am grateful for technology. When it works ;) after that we just went to members homes to play games and share a Christmas message :) 

Oh I almost forgot!! This week sister Lewis and I went to a sisters house to learn how to index! Surprisingly, it's SO FUN! I can see how people get addicted to it! Sister Lewis indexed over 40 names while we were there! I thought of Caden because I know he was in charge of that for our ward for a while.

The day after Christmas, we had another half mission conference. There were a lot of super good talks given but one of my favorites was by Sister Riggs. She told the story of a school teacher, Joshua Chamberlain, who ended up being a leader in the battle of Gettysburg. During the war he found that they were quickly outnumbered and had given their all over and over again. He was exhausted, as were his fellow troops, but he refused to give up. Chamberlain stated, "I had deep within me the inability to do nothing. When faced with the choice to do nothing or something, I will always choose to act". Joshua and those who were left to fight with him were ALL IN. They gave their ALL one final time, and ended up winning that battle. Now, this was the choppy summed up version of the story, but the point was that he chose to DO SOMETHING about the situation by giving every ounce of his effort. Even if, "one more time" was said twelve different times. 

From Mr. Chamberlain I learned that missionary work is just that. Work. And life is hard sometimes! It's a battle, but we have to stay focused on the goal and give our all in order to see results. If I don't do something, nothing I want to have happen will happen. Make sense? 

One goal I have is to come home in 15 months as a better Kailey. A changed Kailey, but in the good way. I want to BE more Christ-like (I could give you a list of things I'd like to be by the end of my mission, but I'll spare you). 

Everything in this world challenges us to KNOW something. The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to BE something. I love that! Grow. Change. Become! It's a process :) 

My favorite phrase said at this conference was, "He will bless you both temporally and spiritually as you turn your life over to Him". As I match my will up with the Lord's will, and as I give my all to Him, I will change. I invite you to apply this to your life! BE something! DO something! And ask for guidance from your Father in Heaven because he is just itching to help you :) 

I feel like every week I say the same thing. "Do all you can... Do your part... Give your all..." But that just shows how important it really is! God gave us agency (the ability to choose for ourselves) and it's so important to use it wisely. 

I know my savior lives. I know that as I try my best to do only those things that please my Heavenly Father, my wishes and wants will be aligned with His. I don't think it gets any better than that because God's plan for each of us individually is the best plan :) 

I love being a missionary!! I love Jesus Christ, and I love my Father in Heaven. 

Have a safe, wonderful week, OH! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :) 

Love,
Sister Chandler 

Ps. We didn't take any pictures this week. I know. I'm surprised, too.

Week 9: Christmas Lights and Christ

Hello! :)

This week started out so great with a referral from headquarters!! A lady requested a bible and we like to get those requests contacted within 24 hours. So we went to give it to her, and Sister Lewis asked why she wanted one. Her name is L.   She said she was trying to grow closer to God because she once felt the holy spirit and she wants it back. Immediately my heart overflowed with love for this woman and I was like, "Well thats actually our job! We are missionaries for Jesus Christ, and it's our job to help people grow closer to Christ! Is that something you'd be interested in??" She shook her head with big eyes and said, "Oh yes! Can you come by tomorrow??" This is a miracle. I love Heavenly Father!! :) When we went to visit her we found out that she has Lupus and a sickle cell disease, AND she was SHOT in the leg in June!!?? All we could think about was the plan of salvation, but there wasn't any time to teach her so we are going back this week. She also told us she couldn't find a church anywhere that had a daycare because she wanted to take her kids with her to church! I was like, "Our church has that!" I never thought I'd be so grateful for nursery.

Tuesday was AWESOME!!! So get this. At the temple over here in DC they string 600,000 lights all over the trees, and every single night in December there is a concert; different people come from everywhere to perform here, and its a big deal. The first night is the night they push one single button that lights all 600,000 of them all at once! BUT it's invite only because important people are at this one. People like the Ambassador of Bulgaria, and an area 70, and congressmen, etc. Sister Lewis and I were blessed with a wonderful ward, and Sister Egbers is a lady in the ward who's mother was in charge of the whole thing! So she invited us to go!! It was so cool!! The Ambassador of Bulgaria talked about how impressed she was with the missionaries in her country, and how much she respects members of the church for the service they give to her people. I felt so great sitting in the audience wearing Jesus Christ's name on my shirt :) We sang Christmas songs with people from all over the world, and you know that little 12 year old girl, Lexi Walker, who is an amazing singer?? She performed and we got a picture with her :) We felt cool ;) It was BEAUTIFUL!! I am a sucker for Christmas lights so I couldn't have had a better night. 

On Wednesday we went out with a member to teach lessons, and we were talking about Christmas! I mentioned that one thing I am really going to miss is decorating a Christmas tree. The next day she bought us a baby one with lights and little decorations! :) Best gift ever!!! :) I love that tree! 

One morning while sister Lewis and I were running to the gym, I said something funny and she turned to look and laugh at me but she turned too quick and threw something out in her neck, so now her shoulders are literally uneven. I thought about how nice it would be if my dad were here, but we called sister Riggs and she just told us to ice it and see how she feels on Monday (today). I don't think she understood when we said that her shoulders were clearly uneven... poor sister Lewis! Hopefully we can find a Chiropractor soon! 

The ward Christmas party was on Friday, so we helped set up for that and Sister Lewis and I decided to match! It was a hit :) Also, we took a picture with Santa because why not? 

Church was SO good yesterday! I was so spiritually filled, and then we watched the Christmas Devotional yesterday at a members home so that was even more spiritually filling!! I love my savior so much. I am so grateful for the atonement, and for the love my Heavenly Father has for me alone. It's so great to know that I am a daughter of God, and he knows me better than I know myself :) Being on a mission has helped me discover Jesus Christ. I no longer simply know OF Him, but I KNOW Him, and it's the coolest thing ever! I recommend watching "He is the Gift" on mormon.org/christmas. It's a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas :) 

Sad Fact: C is the woman who is on date to be baptized, but is no longer on date because she wants her husband to do it... but we talked to the bishop and he said in order for that to happen we are going to have to wait until next month :( We are going to talk to them tonight, but as of now we don't have a baptism anytime super soon anymore. 

Missions are fun despite the rough patches! I love being a missionary so much! :)
Thank you Thank you for all the love and support!! I love my Heavenly Father, and my earthly parents for making it possible for me to serve this mission :) It's truly the best decision I've ever made. 

Mom: I got your little package and letter! Thanks for making parker write me 2 paragraphs :) hahaha Also, I felt something in my boot this week so I took it off to tip it upside down, and out came a little note that you wrote before I left! 8 weeks later... hahah thanks :) Love you :) 

All my love,
Sister Chandler

Week Three: Pictures, Member Missionaries, and Leaves

Hellooo :)

This week wasn't all that exciting, but I did take a ton of pictures :)

Sister Lewis and I ate dinner at a members house in the beginning of the week, and I really needed to go to the potty, so I asked where it was. When I got in there I saw a space ship. hahaha It was the weirdest toilet I've ever seen!! I took a picture that I'll attatch :) AND the seat was heated!? Weirdest experience of my life.

Sister Lewis and I have had a rough week investigator-wise. Though we taught 25 lessons this week, we had a lot of people cancel and the last thing I ever want to do is tract. I strongly dislike tracting, but we found ourselves doing just that a lot this week! 

We also have focused on members a lot because member help is HUGE! Just because you aren't wearing a name tag, doesn't mean you're not a missionary :) I never really knew how to help the missionaries when I wasn't on my mission, but now that I am, I see the importance of member help. Members can fellowship, sit in on lessons with investigators and even teach a little, offer their home for an invetigator to be taught in (the spirit in the home helps a ton), and especially give referrals to the missionaries! Member help is a treasure!!

Our investigator, J, is the lady that has a lot of faith, but she is baptist and we think she talked to someone because she is being weird now. She is unemployed but doesn't have time for us anymore... and she is super short in her texts to us. As much as we don't want to, I think we are going to drop her. We both feel like we should. 

Sister Lewis and I work really really well together!! Whenever we park somewhere, or start to do something, or plan a lesson for a certain person, we both have the same feeling! We are both so in-tune to the spirit and knowing your companion feels the same way as you do about a certain situation, is a confirmation that you were listening to the spirit, and that you know what to do, or not to do. Serving a mission alone would be ROUGH. I am so thankful for my companion :) We always sing Michale Buble songs.. those are uplifting right? :P 

Fun facts about Virginia: People ALWAYS wear pajama pants!? Like when you see someone walking down the street, they're in pajama pants. So weird. Also, people here can't drive. It's like the rules are nonexistent! It's sort of scary. They like to stop in the middle of the intersection, so when the light turns green for the other people, nobody can go because there are cars in the way. Annoying! But oh well. What can ya do :) 

This week we did service and I got to wear PANTS!!! Oh I was so excited :) I also learned that if you wash a window or a mirror with windex and news paper for the towel, it doesn't leave streak marks!! Cool, huh?? I didn't know that :) 

Sunday I was freezing in gospel principles and this old man was like, "would you like my jacket??" After debating on whether or not that would be weird, I told him that I was okay. But he then insisted
and said, "please, I don't get many opportunities to be a gentleman". So he gave me his jacket and I was no longer freezing :)

These cool people are from Haiti and speak FRENCH! I thought that was cool. Anyway, they are only here for 2 weeks for a leadership thing? And had a list of places to worship! They happened to pick ours and walked in! The lesson that day was on the post mortal existence, which sparked curiosity for them! They asked questions and sister Lewis and I happened to have a French Book of Mormon in our trunk!! So we gave it to them and taught a little more :) it was cool!!

Well that's really all for my week! We are inviting C to be baptized tonight, and we are confident she is ready :) We have a lot of other investigators but I don't have time to tell you all their stories, too :/ Maybe another day :) I have a ton of pictures to send so I'll get on that. 

The trees here are beautiful!! So many different colors, and the leaves are MASSIVE!! I was so impressed haha :) 

I hope everyone is having a good week and staying healthy!! (Lots of missionaries are getting sick but I'm fine) Thanks for all the love and support, and emails :) 

Sister Chandler

Week Two: Promptings, Ordinances, Spiders, & the Amish

Dearest Family and Friends,

My week has been pretty good! I have a bunch of notes written down so I wouldn't forget what I wanted to write, so if this seems somewhat out of order and scatter brained... I appologize in advance :)

B! B is an old lady who lives in the same apartment complex as the elders, and she is SO grumpy. People aren't nice here, remember? Well, we decided to heart attack her door! We spent so much time cutting out and writing on hearts that were loaded with compliments. A couple days later, she ran into my companion and I and asked with a smile, "Was it you and your friends who put those sweet messages on my NEIGHBOR'S door?" :) hahahah whoops. Embarrassing. It's fine. She said it was sweet and she likes us now :) 

J is an investigator of ours; super faithful but just doesn't understand that when we teach her, we are telling her that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the ONLY true church on earth who has the fullness of the gospel. Its a struggle in progress. We taught her the restoration and she is SO ready for the gospel! She is reading the book of mormon and loves it! She is without a job though, and has been for 5 weeks now so prayers on her behalf would be lovely! She needs all the helpl she can get. 

Last P-day we ate at Five Guys and the french fries were from Rexburg. That made me happy :) OH. MY. GOSH. Also, last P-day my companion was getting ready for the day and asked me, "Do I look Amish?" after studying her outfit for a minute, I was like, "Ummm... yeah. You do". She didn't really care though, so we went out to walmart and did some shopping. We both had our hair braided that day and we ran into a lady whom we didn't know in a random isle in the store. She complimented our braids, asking if we did them to each other but we did them ourselves, and then she said, "Oh :) Are you Amish?".... busted up laughing haha maybe you had to be there, but it was hilarious :) 

Fun fact: you know my fear of spiders? Well, did you know that spiders love humidity and there are spiders um.. EVERYWHERE!? Ya. Nobody told me that. It's fine. 

There must be an airport close to where we live because there are ALWAYS airplanes flying day and night. They are super low and super loud! It's really cool, until you're trying to sleep at night. Im used to it though :) 

Cool story. Elder Holland was in the same building as me all day on Sunday! A section of the church was closed off because he was having a meeting somewhere in there. We felt cool :) 

C is another investigator! She is the lady who called us saying she wanted to learn more about our religion. She is golden. We absolutely love her! She is progressing quickly and understanding almost everything we teach her. When she has questions she asks so we are able to help her understand, and she felt the Holy Ghost the other night!! So cool! She's reading the BOM and says she is almost like... enticed to read more. The spirit is good stuff :) In the middle of the lesson on Monday, she was like, "Sister Chandler... are your eyelashes real??" hahah yes ma'am! Thanks dad ;) 

Another cool story real quick. The other day sister Lewis and I were driving around to go teach some people, but everywhere we went felt so wrong. We ended up turning around so many times because we just felt like.. "nope. Not tonight". As we were driving, sister Lewis suddenly turned down a road and parked in front of a few houses. This felt right. Not necessarily like a prompting to go anywhere specific, but it didn't feel wrong. We knocked on a door to a lady from Columbia who does hair! Long story short, she was so open to reading the Book of Mormon and her husband even had one from a loonnngg time ago when they first got married! It was so great! I love when the spirit directs us. It never ends in regret :) 

Friday is my 1 month mark! That was fast.. but super slow at the same time! 

That's all I have time for today. This week wasn't full of cool things like last week, but it was good :) I am constantly counting my blessings and I am happy as ever! Serving a mission has been the best decision I've ever made! I am becoming truly converted and really understanding the gospel in-depth! I absolutely LOVE being a missionary! The gospel changes lives, as it should, and everyone needs it!

Today we went to the temple! It's MASSIVE and so gorgeous!! Dear goodness I was in love with the inside of that place. I love going to the temple :) 

**side note: please excuse any misspelled words. Spell check on my phone was a blessing but now its a curse because I don't have it on this computer. Pathetic I know. I'm buying a dictionary.

I hope all is well with everyone! Have a fabulous week! :)

P.S.- P-day will now be on Mondays unless I say otherwise :)

Love,
Sister Chandler

Pictures: I just love sunsets a lot :)

Life at the MTC

Hello!! :)

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

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

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

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

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

 
I have SO many stories!!! Random facts: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• My curling iron broke!! It's sad. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Sister Chandler