Happy Birthday Bekah!

Yoo-hoo! Big Summa Blowout!

Hi Family!

Surprise! I now have Friday pday. So, you lucky dawgs get two letters
this week.

Sister Butler is my new companion. I'm still getting to know her, but
what I do know, I like. She's from North Carolina. That's right folks,
another American companion. You know, even the one companion I had
that doesn't wear an American flag... Born in Hawaii. That's America.
Anyways. Sister Butler is way chill, and this will be good transfer.
She's one of ELEVEN CHILDREN. ELEVEN. I'm back in guest services, so
not on the Square as much as I'd like to be, but it's all good.

As usual, this week has been super busy at night for the lights. All
the sisters are sleep deprived, and looking forward to getting back on
a more regular schedule. But it is magical here, just like I'd hoped
it would be.

Earlier this week I got a nice sharp little chastisement from God.
He's so sneaky, and always keeps me in check. I was on a desk
assignment, and this woman came in seeking information that we just
don't have. She got a little short with me, and I returned the
kindness. Anyways, after being a little irritated and getting things
sorted out, she stuck around and just started shooting the breeze.
Still irritated, I did my best to slap a smile on (I'm getting better
at this, but I admit, more often than I'd like, I wear my heart on my
sleeve) and we got to talking. She shared some of her story with me,
and she is AMAZING. She lived in east Berlin growing up, and her life
was hard. She told me how she'd been baptized when she was 16, and
talked about some crazy things she's dealt with, and is still dealing
with. I asked how she was able to keep her testimony, and remain
faithful in light of all of these awful things, and she jumped into
this story about how her family joined the church. She shared how her
grandfather was raised Catholic (his parents died when he was young,
and he was raised by priests or something?). Anyways, supposedly he
was pretty handsome, and got used for publicity and fundraising and
things, and being within the system, he saw a lot of things he didn't
like, so when he got the chance, he left and joined the Lutheran
church. But he still felt like the Lutheran church wasn't right
(although better than what he'd been raised in) and told his daughter
to find something better.. I think he said "there must be something
more (or better?)... Find it" or so,etching like that. So when the
missionaries found her (this is the mother of the woman I met) they
had been prepared, and they got baptized, and have since done the work
for grandpa, who knew there was something better. Anyways, in
conclusion, she stayed faithful because she knows this gospel is true,
so there is nothing that could shake her testimony. So. I went from
being irritated to just adoring this woman, who has endured so much,
with SO much faith and diligence. I don't want her trials, but I want
to be the kind of woman that responds to adversity like she does. And
also not so easily irritated.

Well. I was not planning on telling that story, but congratulations,
you got it anyway.

Lots of good things this week. Except sleep, which is a good thing,
but was MIA amongst all the other good things. Learning SO MUCH, and
just loving so many precious little humans. It really is so cool to
see the gospel change people.

Hey! I met one of Danny's professors the other night... So that was
cool. Everyone I meet that knows him always has the nicest things to
say- I'm a proud sister.

I can't remember if I've told you already, but there's this 9ft
Steinway just chillin in the Assembly Hall for the concerts almost
every night, and sometimes we are assigned to the AH and there is
literally no one on the Square at 9am. So I take that opportunity to
play it. And compared to the little out of tune standup that I had
last year... Wow. It reminded me of driving our old Chevy suburban,
hen getting to take Dad's car out.

One of our sweet miracles this week- a woman we teach finally got a
hold of her local missionaries. She has been so prepared, God is so
good. Anyways, she and her kids are way into learning about the
gospel, but at first her husband wasn't... But he came for their
lesson, and he LIKED it. Because it's true. We're excited for this
little family. I have no doubt they will all be baptized soon, and get
to enjoy all the blessings of the gospel together as a family.

I hope you all enjoy this week leading up to Christmas! Go see the
lights in Nelly Gail Ranch for me. Temple Square is a nice
replacement, but it's not the same. I love you all so very much.
Make good. Choose happiness.
<3 Sister Chamberlin

It was Colonel Mustard, in the greenhouse, with the gun...

Find the Sheep

Feed my Sheep

Winter Wonderland

Snow on the Temple

Snow on the Gates

Let it Snow

Let it Snow

Let it Snow!

Jk, it was me, at Temple Square, with the call letter that only
allowed her to stay 19 months. Wow, I haven't even been out a year,
and I've killed two companions. When does it become "serial" status?

I will greatly miss Sister Timoteo. She has been an INCREDIBLE
companion. She truly understands her purpose as a missionary, and it
has been a privilege to serve alongside such a spiritual giant.

We had the opportunity to attend Music and the Spoken Word
yesterday... It was probably my favorite one I've ever been to. The
choir, orchestra, and bells were all there. Sarah, I gotta tell ya,
our bells don't light a candle to these people. They've got some bells
three or four times the size of my head. If it's possible, you should
all check out yesterday's broadcast. I mean, their Carol of the Bells
wasn't quite the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but it was beautiful.

The skies opened up last night, and we've had snow nonstop for nearly
24 hours. It is SO beautiful outside, and I am very excited to see the
lights being reflected by this blanket of white both in the sky and on
the ground. Again, I'm reminded of how very grateful I am for warm
socks, boots, and a coat.

This was my last week serving at Welfare Square, for now. It has been
an incredible experience, and I just love and adore our service
missionaries there. I know I've said it before, but serving there has
really emphasized to me the difference that living the gospel of Jesus
Christ can make in anyone's life, regardless of the hardships we face.
The Atonement is so real, and you can see in people's eyes, when
they've allowed the Spirit of God to fill their souls.

So, with the craziness of the season, we meet all kinds of people here
on the Square. The good, the bad, the bad pretending to be good, the
good pretending to be bad, plus those who just don't have a clue. But
I became exceptionally grateful this week for all the young men's and
young women's leaders I grew up with who were always outstanding
examples of a disciple of Christ. I know that's not always the easiest
thing to do, and definitely requires a bit of Christlike humility. So
thank you, you all know who you are.

For some reason, we've taught an exceptionally large number of Muslims
this week. People who just do not understand or believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God, and that it is ONLY through Him that any of
us will be saved- live again and cleansed from all sin.

Lots of good things are happening. There are many precious little
humans learning and living the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we've seen
some incredible miracles this week- prayers being answered in
unexpected and glorious ways, people being in the right place at the
right time, little munchkins keeping their commitments... It has been
a good week indeed.

Make good and choose happiness ya hooligans. Go be God's hands this
week, follow the promptings of the Spirit and He will use you to
answer someone's prayer.
All the Love from the winter wonderland of Temple Square,
<3 Sister Chamberlin

PS thank you my sweet celestial Sarah and Scott, you've provided "the
best Christmas ever!" for some little nuggets here.

Temple Square at Christmas

Tis the Season...

...that Temple Square is way too busy, so this will be short.

The lights are amazing (of course) and there are just people everywhere always, from 5pm on. It's all kinds of crazy. 

One thing I've learned this week (among many, come on)- a lot of parents aren't paying attention to what their children are being exposed to. FOR EXAMPLE. Our dear friends, the regular antis (like the ones who are here every week when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearses) like to come hang out outside the Square dressed up as Santa or Buddy the Elf or whatever, and pose for pictures with people. Harmless, on the surface. And they hand out these bills, that look like money, to children. And on the back? Anti material. And most of these parents have no idea what is being handed to their kid. It just makes me sad. And then these families come on the Square and the kids are all excited about these bills they've been given... it just hurts my soul. Devious little antis. But we still love them, because they, too, are God's children. 

I feel like so much happened this week, but my poor little brain can't remember, and I forgot my journal (not that I really use that when I write, but it's helpful to jog the memory, you know?) 

Oh! Um, Happy Birthday to all the little birthday humans. There are so many of you. Know that I love each of you so very much. And please give those December boys a big kiss from their Aunt Bekah. I cannot believe how fast all those little munchkins are growing... and multiplying...

So, sounds like there have been a lot of really awful things happening all over the world. And in light of Pearl Harbor day, I just pray that we all can remember that, yes, people make these horrible choices that end lives prematurely, and be devastating, BUT that is why we have a Savior. Because of Jesus Christ, death is not the end. We will ALL live again. Not only will we live again, but we have the opportunity to be made clean, and live in the presence of our Heavenly Father, who knows us and loves us, perfectly. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice of my Redeemer, for His love, for the hope He offers. Through Him, and only through Him, we can be healed from all wounds, forgiven of all mistakes, and brought back home. 

I want to thank all the little humans I got to run into on the Square this last week- CRAZY! It's been fun. I hope you all continue to do good, and share the message of the restored gospel, because so many people are seeking for truth- and like the Eggo commercial, they're lookin' for love in all the wrong places. Help your brothers and sisters to find it. Because we have it. This gospel is it. You want to be happy? Learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no other way.

Make good, y'all. And choose happiness. 

<3 Sister Chamberlin

Happy December...Tomorrow!

Hi Family!

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgivings, and are SO PUMPED FOR CHRISTMAS! YAY CHRISTMAS!!

Side note (not actually a side note, this is 100% related and relevant) make sure you all check out christmas.mormon.org because it's bomb. It sounds like a lot of you already know about the "A Savior is Born" initiative... and now that it's finally officially up and running, you can all watch the little videos. I'm partial to the animated one, I'll be honest. 

Okay, so this week was crazy and fun! So much of both things. On Thanksgiving the Square (or at least the buildings) were closed for a few hours so the sisters could scatter to different members' homes for a home cooked meal. Sister Timoteo and I got to enjoy a couple hours with the Davis family- they are incredible. The food was delicious- my favorite was for sure the candied yams.SO DELICIOUS. And we got to help them decorated their Christmas tree!! With TINSEL!! WHY DON'T WE USE TINSEL MOM?? THAT STUFF IS AMAZING!! It was Sister Timoteo's first time ever decorating a Christmas tree... if you're wondering if she lived under a rock her whole life, she did. Okay, not exactly, but she lived ON a rock... a big rock... a mountain actually, in American Samoa, but it's cool. There's a first time for everything. :) Anyways, this couple has THE most solid testimony of the gospel. I asked Brother Davis how he and his sweet wife (the cutest Filippina woman) met, and he went into the funniest story. They basically me through online dating before the internet- I didn't know this was a thing, but it was like snail mail/pen pal dating. It was SO FUNNY listening about all the other people they'd been writing and meeting. But Sister Davis, although she's had numerous proposals, refused to marry someone who was not a worthy priesthood holder and could not take her to the temple. Haha they were just hilarious. And Brother Davis shared with us Moses 6:59- which basically sums up the entire Plan of Salvation, in one verse. So beautiful, this little gem that I was unaware of until now. 

And the next night, Christmas came. OH WOW the lights are so beautiful. Of course, I've seen them before, but there's something special about being a Temple Square missionary, and that first night when the lights first turn on- it almost felt like counting down for the New Year. And there were just MASSES of people. It was fun. Still is. Lots of missionary work to be done, lots of spirits to uplift, lots of souls to invite to Christ. Assignments are a little different on the Square this month- we get assigned to specific spots at various times, like theaters or the Christus, or to sing outside and freeze for as hour. I'm so thankful for warm socks and boots, gloves, and my big fluffy white coat. Hahahaha Sister Timoteo and I both have big white coats, and we look pretty funny walking around together.

This last week at Welfare Square was incredible. We were there ALL day. Even after taking the sisters home from our normal shift, we had to go back for what was supposed to be an evening tour, which just turned into all of us serving in the Bishop's Storehouse. There were tons of people who came in preparation for Thanksgiving (this was last Wednesday) and there was just a lot to do and people to serve. There was a special spirit there, and I'm certain that day will remain in the top ten of my favorite experiences on my mission. One thing that was made painfully evident was how much the gospel of Jesus Christ can bless lives, and how much harder we make life for ourselves when we choose to do things our way instead of God's way. There was such a variety of people that came through the storehouse- some very humble, some not so much, some very diligent in keeping their covenants, some not so much, some very kind, some not so much, and ALL needing a helping hand (as we all do, let's be real here. That's why we have a Savior, none of us can do this alone). It was just very humbling to serve there, and to straight feel God's love for all of His children, in whatever circumstance, in whatever phase of rebellion or whatnot, He LOVES us, and only wants for us to accept His Love.

Anyways. I love you all so much. And so does Heavenly Father. He's so good. How blessed our we, not only to have a Savior, but to know about Him, and to know why? God's plan is perfect. Enjoy this first week of Christmas- family, I hope some of you are continuing our family traditions. 

Make good, choose happiness. 

All my love from Temple Square,

<3 Sister Chamberlin

Hello on November 23, 2015

Not much time today, so sorry.

Happy Thanksgiving! I love you all very much, and I'm so grateful for each of you. 

Things are very exciting here at Temple Square. The lights go on this Friday at 5, and the Christmas season will have officially begun for us, and it will be crazy until after the New Year. 

I feel like there was so much I wanted to tell you, but I can't remember, and I didn't bring my journal. 

Oh I remember a thing! If any of you get the chance, go see the "Savior of the World" production at the Conference Center. We got to see it last week and it is SO GOOD! I don't know how I've lived in Utah as long as I have without ever seeing it. To give fair warning, it is a huge tear fest, so bring tissues.

I am so grateful for my Savior, and the sacrifice he made for all of us, for me. This season is such a good opportunity for us to reflect on what He has done for us. He is everything. 

Keep doing the good things that invite the Spirit. And oh my goodness enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, y'all. I'll miss those rolls. But I'm not even sad about it, I'll be well taken care of. 

Make good. Choose happiness. This life is only temporary, so enjoy it while you can. We've got eternity ahead :) yay!

All the love from Temple Square,

<3 Sister Chamberlin

November is halfway gone...what?

Hey Family!

Happy Birthday to my sweet little Holland! (I know, belated, I didn't know I wouldn't be writing for 2 weeks). And just in case, Happy Birthday Nana and Julie!! 

Transfers were last week. I have a new companion, Sister Timoteo. She was born and raised in American Samoa, aaand is also from Washington state. She's a powerhouse, and very purpose focused, which is awesome. This is her last transfer, so we will be working very hard. Like we would any other transfer, of course. But I feel like missionaries feel an extra sense of urgency when the end starts drawing near. She has a beautiful voice, and I quite enjoy just listening to her sing. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot (jk, I never forget, because I see her literally all day long) she is a complete Barbie doll. Like, legit, Miss American Samoa. Okay, well, she could have been, at least. Because she's gorgeous. 

New Preparation day... Monday... at least, for the next month. Christmas is getting set up all over the place, it's so much fun. Just today one of the nativity scenes, over by the reflection pool went up. Yay for the Christmas season! (Christmas a comin and the geese are getting fat, please put a penny in the old man's hat... Muppets? Anyone?).

So, this last week or so has been interesting, to say the least, here at Church Headquarters. Many of you, I'm sure, are aware of the recent changes (additions, really) to Handbook 1 regarding church discipline and the baptism of children being raised in homes of people in a homosexual relationship. There have been quite a few gatherings, or protests, if you will, around the Square (though not ON it... private property, yo). And it has been a big ball of mixed emotions. I've gotta say, misunderstanding has got to be the biggest reason for so many problems in the world. And it has been heartbreaking to meet members of the church (even some returned missionaries) asking about how they could have their names removed from the records. Either 1)they never understood the doctrine correctly or 2)they don't understand the new policy. And now they're making a HUGE decision, that will affect their eternal salvation, and it just breaks my heart. For those of you who aren't aware of this policy, just go to LDS.org, it's all over the main page.

I am so grateful that we have living, modern prophets and apostles through whom Christ directs His church. These men just have so much love, for EVERYONE in the world, it is incredible. I just wish people could see, that if everyone were living the gospel of Christ, we could all live in peace and prosperity. It's taught in the Book of Mormon, like in Alma 50. Yet people keep trying to do things their own way. It's so frustrating, but I know it's all part of God's great plan- men are free to choose liberty and eternal life, or captivity and death. The choice is ours. And how blessed we are to have leaders chosen by God to help us in our choosing :)

Last week we had the special opportunity to skype one of our investigator's baptism! Not my favorite way to view a baptismal service, but it was cool. The local missionaries were very kind to allow us to participate :) And we are so excited for our boy, Cliff. Well, man. He's a man, haha. It has been such a joy teaching him over the phone, and getting to be involved as he progressed towards baptism, and now of course to the temple! 

Oh, I'm not at the Beehive House anymore. So, once a week I'll be serving at Welfare Square. I'm excited- lots to learn about it, but it is just incredible, the work that members of the church do to help and serve their fellowmen. The 3 principles at Welfare Square are the same as at the Humanitarian Center... help the poor and needy, foster self reliance, and encourage service to others. So... that's cool. 

Keep reading the Book of Mormon. I often hear Ben's voice in my head... "If you know the Book of Mormon is true, what do you know?" Through that book, we can anchor our testimonies in Christ. And like it says in Helaman 5:12, if we build on the rock of our redeemer, no storm can tear us down (yeah yeah, not a direct quote. go read it for yourself). Our testimony of the gospel MUST be based in Christ, or will so easily to caught up in the winds of the times.

I love you all so very much. Keep doing the things that draw you closer to your Savior. He is the Light, the Life, and the Way.

Make good, and choose happiness. God is so good. What a blessing we've been given, to have our eyes open to it.

All the Love from Temple Square,

Sister Chamberlin

Sister Lai and I

Brrr Cold in the Calling Center

November 4, 2015

My MTC Companions

My companion Sister Lai and me

Fire Alarm Frolic

Burnt Toast Night

Hiiiii - Sister Shenanigan Halloween Video

Hello Familyyyy

First of all, I just want everyone to know how incredible my mission president and his wife are. These two are straight up celestial. I am so grateful for them. And WOW let me tell you, any ounce of pride I thought I had left has just been kicked while down, and received quite the beating. God sure does have His ways for humbling His people. And I am so grateful for that. Because that's when we turn to Him. And I mean, Ether 12:27, right? 

So, Halloween is cool at Temple Square, because we close the Square early (we don't need little hooligans doing mischievous shenanigans) so as a mission, we got to attend the Temple on Saturday night. It was cool, to be with all 200+ sisters in the Temple together. 

Oh my goodness there was this precious little teenage troller that called in the other day, complaining about a call he'd received from a sister, and a "spy" that randomly joined in the conversation, and how she left without saying bye, and he was just being SO dramatic. So I leveled with him, said I'd be real with him if he'd be real with me, and called him out for being dramatic. He agreed, that he wasn't ACTUALLY offended, and we actually ended up reading the Book of Mormon introduction and Alma 32 with him, haha. Not entirely sure what will come of it, but he was such a saucy little adolescent. And you probably had to be there for it to be funny, but it was fun to spar with him (with love of course, sass for sass).

Goodness, so much has happened this week. I guess that is always the case. 

We got to listen to Elder Bednar's conference talk this week, and something he said really stuck out to me. I believe he was quoting Elder Hales, but he said, "When you cannot do what you have always done, then you only do what matters most." Ponder that. You're welcome. 

Okay. A cool thing. We were talking with one of our investigators (one who has been incredibly faithful while awaiting his baptism) and we were challenging him to reread the Book of Mormon (he's a pretty fast reader, and has gone through it twice this last year). But THEN God put these thoughts in my head, that I know were not my own, because it sounded a lot like homework, and I don't like that stuff. We asked him to keep a study journal as he reads (he was already doing that) and in the journal make 3 columns, and after each chapter write 1- the story line, what is actually happening, 2- the gospel principle that is being taught (Mormon was inspired to include these specific records, chosen from a great selection... there's a reason for it), and 3- why it matters for him, what is he going to do differently because of it... a little self application. And then of course Sister Lai and I said we would do it as well. That is a greater witness that this didn't come from me, because I would never give myself homework. Anyways, we've only been doing this for a few days, but it has been INCREDIBLE, and if you're looking for a way to get more out of your Book of Mormon reading, I would recommend trying out the columns.

God is so good. I no longer have any question about why I was called to Temple Square. This is a very special place, and I needed to be here, at the very least for myself. And I am so grateful to be here.

Side note, I'm pretty sure this is the ONLY mission is the world where we can spend the morning teaching a man from Columbia about how his family can be together forever, and literally 2 minutes after saying goodbye, be teaching a young man from Japan about Jesus Christ being the Savior of the World. The gospel is going forth to all nations, kindreds, and tongues, and this is such a special place to actually get to SEE that happening. 

Make Good. Choose Happiness. 

Xoxo, Sister Chamberlin