Sister Jones

Happy Happy Pday! :)

A lot happened this week!! 

It started with a zone activity all day Monday. 

We played volleyball in a sand pit, passed a football around (because yes, I can throw quite a mean spiral), and ultimate frisbee :) 

Sister Morris and I didn't get home until 4:30 so our email sesh was a bit short! We quickly ate dinner and went to work! 

We checked on some referrals when suddenly I spotted a snow cone shack!! Sister Morris has never had a snow cone before. .....Yeah. That's what I said! So we totally went and got a snow cone! It wasn't that good :/ lame sauce. We need a Hawaiian Shaved Ice!! 

Anyway, while we were eating them a man walked past us so we said hello :) he said hi back and then followed with, "Mormons??" Um yes! How did you know?? (You think it's the name tag, huh? ;) well, it wasn't!) He said, "Your demeanor! You're happy :)" 

Every day I pray that the people we come in contact with will be able to see the light of Jesus Christ through our eyes, and feel of His love for them. Prayers are always answered :) 

When we got home for the night, I received a phone call saying that the lord has called me to
{ T R A I N }

Yep. I knew it was coming :) The spirit gave me a heads up a couple days prior, so I was mentally prepared for this phone call, and quite excited!! I'm not a perfect missionary, and I still have a lot to improve on!! But I will do my best! :) transfers didn't come until Thursday though so you'll have to scroll down to Thursdays info if you want to get those details :) 

On Tuesday morning after studies, sister Morris started packing. 

While she did that, I decided to get a little creative and try to make the new sister feel welcome! 

Later we went to an appointment with a referral, but it fell through, so we went to an appointment with a recent convert who is Bolivian and gave us Bolivian food (which wasn't too bad!).

When that lesson was over we headed to dinner with a member! She had just pulled in the driveway when we got there, so we helped her grill steak, make funeral potatoes, rolls, and a salad for dinner :) This meal was totally upon request :) it was delicious! 

Ben and Jerry were there for dessert, as they should be ;) 

Right after dinner we went to a lesson with an investigator (Abby) whom we haven't been able to meet with all transfer! She is so darn busy! But, we were finally able to see her. We talked about the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I felt impressed to slip a "Plan of Salvation" pamphlet in my bag earlier in the day. While teaching the lesson I asked if other missionaries that taught her had ever given her that pamphlet; they hadn't. I was grateful to have followed that prompting :) 

We also discussed baptism because she has been praying and thinking a lot about it. I asked if she felt that this was what God wanted her to do, and she said yes :) she said she is thinking about being baptized next month! With Abby, you can't push her. If we give her a date she will feel rushed and back out. I also felt prompted to ask if there was anything we could do to help her progress, and to my surprise, she said yes! She asked us to text her a Book of Mormon scripture every day so it would remind her to read :) She is the best! SHE was teaching US gospel principals! She's read the entire manual. Golden. I know. So that was a perfect way to top off the night! 

When we got home, the sisters we live with wanted to take pictures of everyone in our matching elephant/tribal pants, so we did :) 

Wednesday was zone training! 

Oh how spiritual that was. I love my zone. Half of them were transferred though, so I'm excited to see how the new one goes! :) we all had lunch together at the church and then took pictures 

In the evening we had dinner with a recent convert, and then a member lesson in which all of the songs on sister Morris' flash drive were converted onto mine :) BOOYAH!! So grateful :) now I have music :) 

When we got home we all did those face mask things that you do on girls nights.... Ya know... It's rejuvenating for the skin ;) I miss those girls so much! We all agreed that we were so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve around one another, and become such great friends :) Wednesday night was sad, but life goes on! And it's wonderful! :) 

Thursday morning we got ready to leave nice and early to a trainers meeting all morning. 

At around 11am I was assigned to train Sister Jones from Centerville, Utah! :) She enjoys ice cream, hiking, outdoorsy things like boating and 4-wheeling, and she's just the cutest thing! I seriously love her and I'm SO EXCITED to see how the transfer pans out :) 

The entire week leading up to Thursday, I kept reflecting back to my first day in the field. I thought about the things I expected my trainer to know and do, and how my trainee probably feels the same way towards me! Before transfers I was assigned a few things to study in preparation; of which was Alma 37:14 & 47. I realized that this is a sacred assignment. It's not a calling, but it's an assignment and Heavenly Father expects me to take care of this sister! He trusts that I have the capability to "raise" her in such a way that will help her become her best self. I'm not perfect by any means, but I know that with the Lords help, we can do it :) I'm not stressed/nervous/worried because I know He will train her with me :) The lord carries new missionaries, and miracles come with their passion/desire! I'll just do what I know how to do, and make sure we have a blast doing it :) 

We then went to the big transfer meeting with the rest of the missionaries, came home for dinner, had a member lesson, bought bedding for sister Jones, and we had some luggage for an elder in our car that we had to take to him. That was our night! It was lovely :) 

Friday was weekly planning and we didn't even finish! Our day was nuts. 

I had to leave with sister Kennedy from the another ward to go to a pass off lesson in the afternoon, and then when we came home we only had a little time before dinner and then we were out the door!! Sister Jones met our ward mission leader so that was good! 

Saturday was also crazy busy! 

I'm pretty sure my brain was going to explode!! But that's okay :) busy is good :) 

Sunday was so fun!! 

We had church, more meetings with our ward, studies, dinner with a member, and then an open house at our building! The open house consisted of a tour of the building for anyone and everyone to see what it was like. We had posters about missionaries, eternal marriage, self reliance, relief society, temples, etc. all over the building. There were booths people could go to, along with refreshments of course ;) 

Sister Jones and I manned the Book of Mormon booth! We weren't allowed to proselyte because it was supposed to be a relaxed environment where people could feel comfortable and not attacked with information. We were allowed to answer any questions people may have had, and gave out multiple copies of the Book of Mormon; even in a couple different languages! :) it was so great :) 

I really really love my companion!! She is so sweet. She just wants to do her best, she is genuine and kind, very laid back, happy, and just so fun to be around :) I'm grateful for her!! She makes training easy!! :) we have a BLAST with the sisters we live with, as well :) 

This week we received a handful of referrals again and have a few appointments for this coming week with them! The lord truly is hastening the work. Members of the singles wards are on fire!! They're giving out so many copies of the Book of Mormon, and inviting their friends to so many activities- including church. Blessings are pouring out from heaven and I am beyond grateful! I love my father in heaven, and I love being apart of this work :)

I hope everyone is having a splendid week and following the promptings they receive from the spirit as they come :) Because they do :) 

Love,
Sister Chandler

Mother's Day... and more!

Happy Mothers Day!! (Sunday) :) 

Skype is probably the best invention ever invented in the history of missionary life, and I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to Skype home :) It was so good to see and talk to everyone :) 

But ya know, the work continues with or without me, so back to being a missionary I go! :) 

Monday was good! 

• We took care of the basics and wrote some letters. Nothing too crazy, and in the evening we went street contacting! After checking on a less active, we drove past a group of guys off to the side of the road who yelled hello at us, so we turned around. One, because I was bored. Two, because who am I to judge who is and isn't ready for the gospel. And three, because the spirit didn't say not to! So we parked our car and walked up to them :) It turns out they had actually seen missionaries in that area a lot, but they are mostly elders, and they've talked to them before! We weren't able to share a message but gave them some pass along cards with the ward info and such, as well as our number just in case they are ever interested :)... in the gospel :)

• We kept walking and found a park!! It was kind of dark outside, so people were starting to head home. We were able to stop and have a couple little lessons with people we saw, and it was so much fun!! We meet the coolest people everywhere we go! :) It's awesome to be able to find common ground with someone and build off of that!  A lot of the people we talked to had just got done playing soccer, so I would tell them I grew up going to soccer games for my little brothers and my family on my dads side loves the sport! Also my companion is from England, so that's a plus! ;)

• Making friends comes so easy to me, and it takes less than a whole 2 seconds for me to feel comfortable around someone,so it's cool to be able to watch people go from hesitant to talking to these girls in skirts and name tags, to, oh they're actually pretty normal and hilarious ;) just kidding, I don't know if they think we are funny or not :) haha But the transition is neat to experience :) 

Tuesday was the day we have all been waiting for! 

• The half mission conference! We talked a lot about building and being bold. Seriously I can't get enough of being bold :) We were instructed to study Nehemiah chapters 1-6 before the conference, which was super cool! I love applying scriptures to my life :) Anyway, those chapters talk about how the wall around Jerusalem was destroyed and Nehemiah gets a bunch of people together to rebuild it! A lot of little groups spread out and worked on a section of the wall; this symbolizes working in our areas within the mission. Nehemiah was bold, and that's how we need to be :) We talked about being bold in: 

                     1. Prayer

                     2. Scripture

                     3. Obedience 

                     4. Bearing Testimony

                     5. Invitations

                     6. Goal Setting

           Nehemiah and the people who helped rebuilt the wall in 52 DAYS

Well, 52 days from the 1/2 mission conference .... Is the WHOLE mission conference.... And it's president and sister Riggs last day in their mission!! So we were asked to set certain goals to accomplish within the next 52 days to rebuild our mission. I guess it needs some work :) It was a good conference! Afterward we had to take some elders home, so we ended up driving for 2 hours stuck in traffic and heavy rain! That meant we had to cancel dinner and an appointment, but we were starving! So we ran to Five Guys before going to institute with a less active :) 

District meeting on Wednesday was so good! 

• We had it outside because it was such a nice day, and our zone leader sneaked a picture of us from inside. (See below). When that was over we went to a lesson with a recent convert who is already less active. He said he misses us and wants to have the spirit in his life again, so we have been able to see him a few times within the past couple weeks! He used to be super flaky but now he asks when we can come over, and he wants to come back to church :) It went well! We are helping him get back into the habit of prayer and scripture reading so he can feel the spirit more abundantly in his life. 

• The rest of the day was so busy I didn't even have time to think about what I wanted to eat for lunch! It was beautiful! :) we went to AFAC for an hour, then came home to plan out a couple lessons before we went to dinner. After dinner we picked up a member and went to Oscars for a lesson! Everything was so great :) my heart is full, and though it could have been a stressful day, I was so calm and relaxed. God is good! :)

We needed to take our car in for a safety inspection Thursday morning. That took a whopping 10 minutes! :) Blessing!! Then we planned for the day because we didn't have time Wednesday night. We have received a handful of referrals from other missionaries this week (6) which is such a tender mercy! I feel like Heavenly Father is handing us people to teach. He truly does take such good care of us when we put our all into the work :) This reminds me of a quote I learned while I was being trained! 

"When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place

 or drop out of our lives"- Ezra Taft Benson. How right you are President Benson! :) 

Later that day we went to the church for wifi so sister Morris could help me learn the boundaries for our area; they're really choppy and awkward. While we were sitting in the foyer, a man knocked on the door! We let him in and in all seriousness he said, "I'm a catholic man but I hate my pastor. I want to convert to Mormonism. How long does it take??" 

It took all I had to not let my jaw hit the floor. I was in awe! Was this really happening??? 

I explained that it didn't have to take very long if we met pretty often throughout the next couple weeks. He said, "why do I have to take lessons?? Do you believe in Jesus? (Yes)

Do you believe that he is the savior of the world? (Yes) 

Do you believe that he's the son of God? (Yes) 

Do you believe that the true church is restored on the earth today?

Do you believe in modern day prophets and in the priesthood power?" 

Pretty much at a loss for words, shocked, I said, "have you already had the lessons??!" 

And then the obvious came. He responded....... "I'm a Mormon! :)" .... 

That would happen to me -_- hahaha 

Sister Morris knew as soon as he walked in that he was a member, but for some reason I just didn't catch on! 

Oh well. Pat on the back to me for doing my job ;) haha 

The rest of our evening was busy with members and recent converts. 'Twas quite swell I'd say!

Friday was the usual weekly planning, and we tried to do it in the park again but we were sweating puddles after the first hour, so we decided to go into the air conditioned church building of ours for the rest of the time :) For companionship inventory we decided to write each other a letter instead of verbally discussing our strengths, that way we can have it forever :) which is awesome to have on a day where you need to remember how great you really are :) 

Sister Morris will most likely be transferred on Thursday (for real this time) and I am so sad! She has been a wonderful companion and truly has helped me develop the Christ like attributes I so desired to cultivate. She said I can come to England any time though, so I'll definitely take her up on that offer! I told her she can come to Idaho, too, but she wasn't as excited ;) 

In the evening we checked on some referrals, met with a less active, and then had a lesson with an investigator- T- for the rest of the night. She's one of the miracles that we will have to pass soon :) 

Saturday wasn't amazing, but Sunday was :) I love my family! I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that we can be together forever :) I wouldn't want to be stuck with anyone else for eternity :) I know I said it already, but Skype truly is fabulous :) 

So good to SEE everyone again!

No more chains left for Mother's Day

The gospel of Jesus Christ truly does change lives. Before my mission I noticed a handful of my weaknesses, and left for my mission determined to overcome them throughout the 18 months that I serve. Through deep studies of the Book of Mormon, wonderful companions, service, and lots of goal setting, I have grown so much closer to Jesus Christ. I have become more like Him! I understand, to an extent, the automatic love that He has for each and every one of us! Especially when we are far from the straight and narrow; He never gives up on us. 

When we taught D., the guy with serious word of wisdom struggles, I was FILLED with immediate overwhelming, genuine love for that kid. I wanted to do all I could to help him because I KNOW he can become clean, full of peace, and a whole new person through the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He just had to be willing to do his part. I felt the love that God has for him, and I also felt the sorrow that God feels when we give up, or don't at least try to do what we can. 

| I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY |

It's the greatest thing in the history of ever :) If you're even considering serving a mission, DO IT. You will become, "your best self. Your real self", as President Uchtdorf so happily reminds us :) 

Ohhhh dear goodness. My heart really is so full :) Skype is awesome, and so is our Father in Heaven :) 

If I can do anything for anyone, let me know :) Have a beautiful day!! 

Sister Chandler 

Bring Others To Christ. Find the One

Hello :) 

**Sorry if this is a little jumbled; I wrote it throughout the week***

I wish I had exciting news to share with you for Monday, but it was pretty normal. Although, we did meet a sweet lady while checking on potentials with a member! We started talking to her and she asked, "What sets you apart from other denominations?" As we told her our belief about a modern day prophet, she seemed so genuinely interested and asked if we had a card that she could take. She is married with a baby and one on the way, so we would have to pass her, but we felt blessed to be able to introduce her to the truth :) 

Tuesday was my first ever sisters conference!! :) we had lunch and then listened to some sisters speak, as well as sister and president Riggs. The theme seemed to be, "don't be so hard on yourself, you're doing a great job, perfection is good to strive for but don't be a nazi and over do it to the point where you're feeling like a failure..." Etc. it was great :) I saw sister Lewis :) always a good time :) I also got like 7 compliments on my hair! I just curled it. No big deal, but it made me feel good :) sisters are the best when it comes to building each other up :) 

We passed our Spanish friend later that evening. We had the Spanish speaking elders teach and it was SO COOL to see him be fully engaged in the lesson because he understood it! He had so many questions, and just by observing, he seemed happy and intrigued! I love this gospel!! Being a missionary is the coolest :) 

During my studies this week I was reading over the notes I took from the Sisters Conference. One thing that really stood out to me was the phrase, 

"Our purpose, even after a mission, is to bring others closer to Christ". 

Even if you didn't serve a mission, or haven't yet, this is your purpose; especially as a Latter-Day Saint. 

Do your words, actions, thoughts, and desires bring others closer to Christ? Do they bring you closer to Christ? 

After hearing that phrase, I pondered on the things I did before my mission, and decided that I did a decent job! I feel that I tried in all I did to be christ-like, although I am mortal, so there are definitely areas I could have improved ;) Even now, as a full time servant of the Lord, I still have moments where my words or deeds or thoughts don't bring myself or others closer to Christ.

Secrets out. I'm human.

But repentance is REAL and we can always try a little harder to be a little better on a daily basis :)
Another thing I've learned recently is that God GAVE me weaknesses. Sometimes I forget that, and wonder why I'm not perfect yet ;) just kidding. But not, at the same time :) I think we can be so hard on ourselves and try to do everything the best we know how, even when sometimes the expectation for the best we know how isn't always within reach. This goes back to the theme of the sisters conference; don't be so hard on yourself, perfection isn't attainable in this life but patience in trying is. We have weaknesses so that they can become strengths as we seek help from our father in heaven. It's okay to fall short :) we are supposed to :) That's the whole purpose of the Atonement/Plan of Happiness! 

Wednesday was pretty good! We had district meeting in the morning and after that we went to AFAC with the sisters we live with for a couple hours to help out over there. Then we had dinner with a member and checked on a few people. It was a good night! 

 
Thursday wasn't too exciting, although at dinner we had cutie oranges, and later I saw this tiny, skinny, green stem looking thing moving around on my plate. Um. Worm?? Yep! That would happen to me. It's fine :) we threw him away :) 

Friday was weekly planning which went so great! I am full of gratitude and charity towards my companion. It's been a good couple months :) We had a lesson scheduled in the afternoon but it fell through, so we just planned, and then in the evening we checked on a couple people before we had a member lesson. 

Side Note:: Can you believe it's MAY already?!? What?! I'm pretty sure sister Lewis and I just got done celebrating New Years like... Yesterday! Time is cruising, I swear. In 2 months I'll be half way done with my mission, and that's going to FLY!! I love my mission though, and I'm SO grateful for the experience that it is :) I almost don't even want to ever leave :)

Saturday Sister Morris was able to go do Baptisms for the dead with her recent convert and the companion she taught him with! 

So I was with Sister Rossi for the afternoon which was SO FUN! :) We have a TON in common, and got a lot done :) She's also a dancer, and told me that their apartment complex has a studio with a ballet bar and everything!? Pretty much I died and remembered how much I love to dance :( oh well. The things we do for the God we love ;) 

We swapped back around 4pm and went to stake conference that night. The theme was on how ward council can help with retaining new members, reactivating less actives, and fellowshipping. They had multiple sets of "new member and ward council member" as well as "returning member and ward council member" sharing their stories of how the two roles worked together. It was neat to hear conversion stories, and how the ward council did their part. I love that as Latter Day Saints, we truly strive to live what we believe.

There was a video clip shared of Elder Bednar talking about an experiment he did while he was President at BYU-Idaho. About 250 students came to a devotional one day out of 1,200. President Eyring was going to be speaking the next week, and Elder Bednar knew that if the students prepared themselves spiritually and showed up in their best Sunday best, President Eyring would speak by the power of the Holy Ghost those things that they needed to hear. But he knew most of the student body would be there, and only 250 heard the promises. So he challenged the students to tell 5 people, who would then tell 4, who would then tell 3, and so on. That way the word would get out. By the time the next devotional came around, he said there were about 6 students who didn't know what was going on and went home to change because everyone else was dressed so nice for devotional :) President Eyring asked, "What is this??" Elder Bednar told him, "This is for you! We are ready to receive revelation". 

Elder Bednar continued to talk about "the one". Go and get the one, who will get the one, who will get the one, etc. 

Doctrine and Covenants 18:15 tells us, 

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" 

As Latter Day Saints it is our duty to reach out to the one. We promised we would when we were baptized, and how great are the blessings from doing so :) 

Sunday was really good. We had stake conference and I am just so spiritually filled! Heavenly Father is so good to me. We fasted as a mission on Sunday for strength and consecration for something big coming up on Tuesday, and it was the easiest, most peaceful fast I've ever had. My heart is full! I am so grateful for this gospel in my life and for the happiness that it brings me. Not a lot of teaching happened this week; a lot of lessons canceled, but we did all we could, and my personal prayers were answered every day. I see the lords hand in my every day life, especially the tender mercies, and my love for my father in heaven is gigantic :) everyone needs this gospel!! And that is why I am here :) Thanks for everything :)

Love you!!
Sister Kailey 

I literally made a paper chain to count down to Mother's Day :) I'm SO excited!! :)

My awkward, "I can't believe it's already May, is this real life??" Picture :)

And the Miracles Continue...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture: I held a gecko last night

Sunburns & Miracles

Hey hey family and friends :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The spirit never leads you astray :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 love being a missionary.
Sister Chandler

Among The Cherry Blossoms

A rare, warm and sunny day in DC

among the cherry blossoms.

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