Final email from Nauvoo

Oh dear Family,
I can't believe it's over! We had our last shows last night and it feels totally normal. It really hasn't hit me yet. At least not mentally or emotionally. It has hit me physically, though. As soon as the shows were over yesterday, we all were surprised by how much our bodies suddenly hurt. It was like Heavenly Father protected us from the pain our bodies were experiencing until He got all He needed out of us. Now we have what's left. I'm pretty sick, but it's ok because I don't need to perform any more! My spirits are high! I feel my Savior's love and I am surrounded by wonderful people.

Sister Ludwig encouraged us to all memorize Mosiah 5:15. I have grown to love this verse. It says, "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works; that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that ye may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of Him who created all things in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen." I love that.

I don't really know what else to say! Just know that I love you. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of my soul. I know that Thomas S Monson is a living prophet of God. I know that the greatest joy in life comes through obedience to God's commandments and service. I have faith in His plan. See you all soon!

All my love,
Sister Chambers

P.S. Just as soon as I pushed "send" I remembered an important message I wanted to send all of you. This week we had a Zone Conference with the Ludwigs and Sister Ludwig gave a fabulous talk on Christ-like love. Love is like Oreo's. That's right. Oreo's. You are all on a special assignment from Sister Ludwig to go and eat some Oreos and think about this message. Love is like the white, glue-like substance that holds the Oreo together. The recipe for the white stuff (or love) is this:
Only Builds
Really Listens
Envies not
Opens hear to all
Seeks to be like Christ

Love Only Builds. Think positive things about others, only say positive things. Avoid criticism, even in humor. Gossip is a nasty habit, avoid it.

Love Really Listens. Don't prepare your thoughts while someone else is speaking. Listen to their thoughts. Don't be more concerned with your phone, book, or own thoughts that you can't give a little time to someone at your side. Pay attention to real-life drama.

Love Envies Nobody. Pride comes when you are comparing yourself to others. Be truly happy for the success of others. Think of Hyrum's humility and lack of envy for Joseph's position.

Love Opens your Heart To All. Charity is difficult to describe, but is easy to identify in others.

Love Seeks to Be Like Christ. What you think of Christ will change your actions. If you think like Him, you will begin to act like Him. Eventually, you will become like Him.

The Oreo metaphor has been on my mind so much this week. It is surprising how applicable each of these attributes are. If you will think of love in terms of Oreos, you will find yourself showing more love! Try it out! Eat an Oreo!

Love you!
Sister Chambers

#13

Dear Family,
Thank you for the emails. It is so good to hear from you. Thanks Aunt Karen for the sweet note and the pictures! Can't wait to catch up with all of you!

Well, things are winding down here in Nauvoo. It's very strange. We expected empty audiences this week, since Pagent is gone, but we have had couple of shows sell out and very full shows. It's nice! Next week will be even smaller, I'm sure. We are still managing to stay very busy, finding extra performances to give, etc.

We just sang in Sacrament meeting today. The words to the song really touched my heart. I know you will like them:

For a little while, have I forsaken thee;
But with great mercies will I gather thee.
In a little wrath, I hid my face from thee
For a moment.

But with everlasting kindness will I gather thee,
And with mercy will I take thee neath my wings,
For the mountains shall depart
And the hills shall be removed
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea,
But Know, my child,
My Kindness shall not depart from thee!

Though thine afflictions seem
At times too great to bear,
I know thy every thought and every care.
And though the very jaws
Of hell gape after thee
I am with thee.

And with everlasting mercy will I succor thee,
And with healing will I take thee 'neath my wings.
Though the mountains shall depart
And the hills shall be removed
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea,
Know, my child,
My kindness shall not depart from thee!

How long can rolling waters remain impure?
What pow'r shall stay the hand of God?
The Son of Man hath descended below all things.
Art thou greater than He?

So hold on thy way,
For I shall be with thee.
And mine angels shall encircle thee.
Doubt not what thou knowest,
Fear not man, for he
Cannot hurt thee.

And with everlasting kindness will I succor thee,
And with mercy will I take thee 'neath my wings.
For the mountains shall depart
And the hills shall be removed
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea,
But, know, my child,
My kindness shall not depart from thee!

My kindness shall not depart from thee!

This is a very comforting song. I love it. I feel my Savior's love. If you ever doubt that the Savior loves you, pray to Him and then serve His children. Getting to work is a great cure for a hurting heart.

Mom, thanks for letting me know about the Park Place contract. I don't think I will sell it. I don't think I want to be out there as early as the 25th... maybe the 26th? I don't really know. What do you think? Wow. The idea of being in Provo for two or three days without anything scheduled sort of scares me. What am I going to do with my time? I have an hourly schedule out here. I am constantly in motion and constantly thinking of how to serve the Lord. Will I be doing worth-while things if I'm not on a mission? Ah! Weird. What will I do for three days? Unpacking can take a few hours, but then what? I would love to have you come with me. Can we talk about it when I get home? I'm not sure what to think about school just yet. I would love to go with Amanda and Aunt Michele, but I don't think I will. I just don't know...

I'm glad you are getting back into the swing of things at RVMS. What a great place. I hope you are feeling the excitement of the new year.

Dad, thank you for setting up the release with President Walker. And I will start preparing my thoughts for sacrament meeting on the 22nd. So, I have the release on the 17th, the talk on the 22nd, and the High Council report. Is that all? When do I do the report? Thank you for the thoughts on preparing to come home. I'm surprised at how worried I am. I didn't realize how little I think about home. I'm a little freaked out by the thought of planning my own day. What do people do all day? How do you find enough productive things to do to fill an entire day? Can I come to work with you? I'll worry about all of this later. Only a few more days out here. I'm going to finish strong! We have shows to do and people to speak with!

I love you all. Thank you for your support and love.
All my love
Sister Chambers

This was a wonderful week. I love these people.

#12

My Dear Family,

I am so glad you could all come and visit. It made the Nauvoo experience complete. We have all expressed our love for Nauvoo and how we all think this place is perfect, except that our families aren't here with us. Thank you for bringing your great spirit, example, and testimony with you. I love our family (all of the cousins, aunts, uncles, and McKells!) Thank you, everyone, for making the huge effort to come to Nauvoo. It truly enhanced my experience here this summer.

This week has been most overwhelming. Where do I start? I think I already told you about Elder Andersen being here. It was incredible. He is a man of God. We had the opportunity to meet with him in an informal setting before he left. All of the YPM's and YSM (Sister Missionaries) gathered in the Ludwig's home and Elder Andersen spoke to us and allowed us to ask questions for an hour. I was asked to give the opening prayer and I got to sit on the front row couch, just a few feet away from him. It was so cool. The Spirit was so strong and I received another whitness that Heavenly Father lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that He came to earth, and that they love us.
I have my final interview with President Ludwig in a couple of hours and I was trying to anticipate some of the questions he will ask me. I think he will want to talk about what I have learned here in Nauvoo or what my worries are about returning home to life before the mission. As I was thinking about how I would answer him, I felt like I should share it with you! I have gained an increased understanding of the great importance of the small and simple things. There is nothing more important that dilligent, meaningful scripture study and prayer. People lose the light of Christ when they don't keep up with daily communication with the Lord. I know Annie just got back from EFY a little while ago and is trying to keep the "spirit of EFY" with her. The good news is that you can! You can keep that light and glow with you. I have a testimony of daily study and prayer.

Also, attend church meetings and give service. I know that in the tough times out here, the only way to be happy is to get outside of yourself. I have felt the temptations of the devil to think sad thoughts, to have self-doubt, to have inward gloom. These are tactics of the devil. He will try to make us think that we are less than we are. This gets us thinking only about ourselves. The only way to fight these temptations is to make a bold statement in your mind or outloud that these thoughts are wrong and then get up and do something. Usually I have these self-focused thoughts when there is someone near by that needs my help. Seek for someone to help. Give service. Do a good deed. It can even be as simple as asking someone next to you how their day is going. Be interested in someone else, listen and love your neighbor. I am the most happy when I am concerned with the needs of someone else. My problems melt away and Heavenly Father sends inspiration specific to the individual I am trying to help.

Dad, thank you for your testimony in you email. Yes, it is strange doing shows over and over again. We can sense a difference in each audience. We like to share with eachother before going on stage who is in the audience that we might know, our leaders like to inform us of who is in the audience. Some audiences are particularly quiet, some are particularly energetic. We get a lot of our energy from the audience. We pray for the audience frequently. I know that before I go on stage almost every time, I say a silent prayer that my testimony will be apparent and that I will be able to touch someone. We try to keep back stage quiet so we can read scriptures, confrence talks, or pray during the show. Of course, sometimes we get a little chatty... But, we try to keep the Spirit near by.

As soon as you all left, everyone got sick. It's been quite a week. I'm feeling a lot better today. It's a good thing we know these shows so well, I just pray sometimes that my feet will go to the next step. I'm glad it's Sunday. It's our only day of rest. I already feel stronger and ready for the next few weeks.


Off to more meetings! Keep up the good work at home! I love you!

All my love
Sister Chambers

#11

Oh dear family!

I love you so much! How can I express the love in my heart? Thank you so much Neely's and Redfords for the email. I could just imagine being in the living room/kitchen with all of you. I can just imagine all of the food! Thank you for writing! It was so sweet to hear from all of you. Rachel, good luck in your interview (I will pray for you) and congrats on employee of the week! You are the Waterway employee of the world in my book. Love you. Aunt Brenda thank you for the thought on "carry on". I really needed that. Alyssa keep practicing that violin!!! Carolyn you are so great. Way to go on your committment to bare your testimony. I know mine is so strengthened whenever I bare it. I bet you are a great example to those around you. Chris I love ya. I'm so glad your blessing went well and I'm so proud of you for getting the Melchezedick Priesthood. Anita... love you.

Mom depending on what time you get into town I might be able to see you before Sunset. I will be at the Brigham Young home from 9-noon. I will be at the Visitor's Center at 2:00 and will start a show at 3:00. I will come out after that show to greet the audience and then we go back in for the next show at 5:00. I will keep my eyes out for you! I will be at Sunset early to help with the Children's Parade, so I will look for you before Sunset. I will be there at 6:30. We run straight from the end of Sunset to the Pagent, we need to run home and change costumes. But we have time before the start of Pagent to talk to the Pagent audience. If you can, try to sit on the right side of the audience (ask aunt Jill where she sat, it was perfect, I was able to come say Hi). I would love to do a Carthage trip with everyone on Wednesday! We are allowed to have one meal together (lasting one hour) AND one trip to Carthage (lasting two hours). So, we can have our one hour before Anna Amanda one day or we can eat lunch on wednesday. I need to be back by 1:30. We'll figure it out!

What a week. Bishop McMullin was here most of the week. What an experience. He is a very inspired man. He promised us special blessings when he spoke to us as Young Performing Missionaries. In one of our meetings one of the topics he addressed really resonated with me. He spoke on a quote from President McKay, "Once a missionary, always a missionary." I am excited to go home and impliment all of the changes I have made in my life and in my heart. I have a new burning desire to share the gospel with everyone around me. Dad, like you were saying in your email about conducting ourselves in a Chirst-like manner at all times, we need to conduct ourselves like missionaries at all times. I was just talking with my companion about the high standards we live by out here. I never want to lose it. We bare Christ's name. President Hinckley spoke on the reasons why we don't use the symbol of the cross in our church. When asked what symbol we do use to represent His sacrifice President Hinckley explained that the lives and actions of the members of this church are the symbol of Christ's sacrifice. In our very actions and deeds we represent Him. We honor (or should honor) Him. Are we living symbols of Christ? Do we represent Him at all times? In every place we go?

We cannot avoid the missionary call. He has been in the presiding bishopric for 16 years now and expressed his love for and closeness with President Monson. He shared with us how hears some of the same stories over and over again. As he was listening to a story yet again, he heard a voice ask "have I learned the lesson?" As we hear council over and over again, ask yourselves: have you learned the lesson that Heavenly Father is trying to get through to you?

He warned us of tough times a head. He expressed his love and the love of our Heavenly Father for each of us.

There are so many other things I want to share with you, but I need to go to a meeting with President and Sister Ludwig. I'm writing everything down. I'll share with you when I get home. I love you and am so happy you are coming. I know God lives. I know Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know the Book of Mormon testifies of Him. Oh! Speaking of which, a couple of the sisters and I gave a Book of Mormon to a nice Catholic Priest from Slovokia! That was a cool experience. I will tell you more later.
Stay true!

All my love
Sister Chambers

#10

Dearest Family,

Oh my heart is so full! What a week! I feel like I have overcome mountains! Heavenly Father lives and cares for each of His children! I am in the place God wants me to be! I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

I feel so uplifted from your email. Thank you! I am so happy that the company BBQ went well. It sounds so fun. I did get to see the Ray family and the Neely's. It was so great to see familiar faces. I was so uplifted just seeing them.

When things get too hot here in Nauvoo, they don't let the horses and oxen out for tours and wagon rides. They also bring in "Sunset By the Mississippi" to an indoor stage because of health risks. They don't want anyone fainting.

We just got out of a wonderful meeting with Bishop McMullin (counselor in the General Bishopric). It was most uplifting. He talked about our charge as missionaries and how unique our mission is here in Nauvoo. He recognized that it is difficult for us (and the proselyting sisters serving in the Visitor's Center) to measure our success in this mission. He reminded us that our call in this specific mission is to remind. Remember the days of old, remember the trials, challenges, and dealings of our ancestors with God. Unrighteousness comes from people who refuse to remember. Through out most of the meeting the fire alarm was ringing loudly. It was verified that we were safe to continue on with the meeting so we stayed. It was incredible how it took an immense amount of focus and determination to hear his words and to feel of the Spirit. This experience provided a great metaphor for life. We must have a sincere desire to hear truth, we must seek after it and listen carefully if we want the word of God. Sometimes He requires a lot of effort on our part to ensure that we truly want to hear His words.

In our last Zone Conference Sister Ludwig announced that we are down 31 grandchildren in the mission. There have been several releases lately. Up until this week we had been gaining more and more grandchildren because of all of the new senior missionaries coming in. We know we are on the downward spiral to the end of the summer when the grand baby count is down. Now there are only 2,311 grandchildren between all of the senior missionaries in the Nauvoo mission.

I had an incredible experience last Thursday. Sister Ludwig had found the time in her busy schedule to hold "Drive and Chat's" with each of the sisters individually. She cares for each of us so much. I finally got my turn on Thursday! We spent an hour talking about my life and my feelings and my growth. She loves me very much and I could feel of my Heavenly Father's love for me as well. I am learning on this mission so much about the power that Satan has. He is real and he is trying his very hardest to stop the work. One of the most important things that I am learning is that I am a valuable daughter of God who has power to love and uplift other people. We all have the power to bring happiness and joy to this earth. I need to put a stop to Satan's depressive thoughts and realize my value.

I had a truly incredible experience this past week in the Heber C. Kimball home. Sister Murdock and I had just arrived at the home. We didn't have time to complete the cleaning jobs outlined or finish reviewing the historic facts. We just finished praying together when Tim and Evette rang the bell and came in. I welcomed them to the home and asked if they had ever heard of Heber C. Kimball before and they hadn't. I asked if they had heard of Joseph Smith, and they had not. I then had the opportunity to tell them about the Restoration of the Gospel and its connection to ancient times. I taught them about Joseph Smith and told them about the First Vision. The spirit was so strong. I began to tear up and I could tell they were feeling the spirit. I then told them about the Book of Mormon and gave them a copy! They were so happy to receive it and seemed very excited to start reading it. I marked the part where they could read more about Joseph's account of the First vision. We then went along with the rest of the tour. At the end, they told us that they felt good. They felt something special here. They felt like it was a miracle that they were brought to this home. They told us that they were just on their way to New England from Texas and decided to stop by Nauvoo because they like going places off the beaten path.

They went to the Visitor's Center first and talked to a sister there and they said that she told them they needed to go to Heber C. Kimball's home and that there was a story there that they needed to hear. So, they came straight to us and then left Nauvoo and went on their way. Later, I was talking to one of the sisters in the Visitor's Center and asked her about the couple. She said that when she talked to them, she didn't even give them a comment card or talk to them about Nauvoo or the gospel. These sisters who are serving full time are incredible and have the Visitor's Center down to an art. I was surprised that she didn't spend time talking to them. She then told me that she had a distinct impression that the sister this couple needed to talk to was at the Heber C. Kimball home and that they needed to go. I am so thankful that she was sensitive to that prompting. I really needed this experience. I have been praying for this couple. I sure hope they find missionaries in Texas.

This experience is a little taste of some of the challenges the sisters face in the Nauvoo mission. We don't get to see the fruits of our labor like other missionaries do. We are here to remind people of the Spirit of God and hope that when they leave they don't forget. It is an incredible work to be a part of. I am so thankful to be here. I have felt my faith increase and my knowledge of my Savior and the atonement.

President and Sister Clark (from BYU-I) were here this week! They gave a great Prep Meeting to the mission on Wednesday. They spoke about teaching and spreading the gospel. He testified that the Savior is deep in the work and in our lives, so long as we seek Him. I know that is true.

I have had a couple of blessings this week. I am not worried about my health. Heavenly Father will strengthen me for His work. My voice is pretty much gone today. We think it's from the acid in my tummy. I have medicine though and all I need to do now is wait for my voice to come back. I'm not too worried. Yesterday my voice was gone and I prayed for strength. I could hardly talk, yet when I got on stage and had solos to sing, Heavenly Father sent me a voice. The directors could not tell that my voice was gone. The minute I stepped off stage, the voice left. I have been strengthened. My voice is not my own, but is a gift from God. He has a work to be performed.

I love Nauvoo. I love serving a mission. I love the challenges. I have never felt so many trials ever before, but I know it is for my own growth and good. I hope I can become what the Lord is trying to shape me into. I love you all! See you a week from tomorrow!

All my love

Sister Chambers

#9

Dearest Family,

Oh my heart is full! What a week. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE BIRTHDAY PACKAGE. My sisters surprised me later on Sunday with a celebration. They got one of our directors to take me and my companion out of the house because she needed our help in "re-working" one of our songs. When we got back home, they had decorated the home and had grilled burgers and hot dogs. It was very sweet of them. I had a great birthday. All day everyone kept singing to me. It was mostly good because I got to give service on my birthday. I had some great tours and I felt the spirit. It was wonderful.

The pictures I sent you are pictures that I printed off of my camera. Walmart has an instant print place where I plug in my camera and select the pictures and print them right there. I can give you the digital copies when you get out here. The birthday cake you made looked so good! Can we make it again when I get back?

The check for $142 is for the meals they cook for us. We get both dinner and lunch this month because of the Pagent. I get the hot meal daily ($4/day) and they prepare a sack dinner for us for this month ($2.50/day). It is very helpful. We don't have much time to eat, but we get it in somehow. They are fabulous meals. I am always full and they are just delicious. Thank you for staying up on the cash flow!

That is absolutely hilarious that you made that weekly lay out! I made the exact same thing in my notebook this week and planned to send it to you! You plan looks great! I will be at the Visitor's Center on Monday doing the shows. If you come between the shows I might be able to see you. I think the best thing is for me to see you before Pagent on Monday. I will come find you in the audience before the show starts. There are lots of games and things to do, but I will be walking around the audience seats doing missionary work. Hope to see you there!

I will be able to tell you on Monday what sites you need to come to to see me that week. I will be working sites on monday morning and friday morning. When you come for Anna Amanda on thursday, come early. I am allowed to have a one hour meal with you while you are here. I was thinking that would be the best time. We could all eat breakfast picnic style on the benches just out side the Cultural Hall. Does that work for you? The other meal-time option would be to do lunch on Wednesday. Wednesday is my P-day. We just found out that we are allowed to take a trip to carthage with our family OR go to the temple with them. It can only be 2 hours total. The sisters and I usually go to the temple before it opens on Wednesday morning (at 7:20) and then we run to Keokuk for shopping. I was thinking of going to the temple with them and then letting them go shopping and I would go to Carthage and lunch with all of you. What do you think? I see that you are planning on going to the temple that morning as well. So maybe it won't work... I have a pretty locked schedule. I think the other missionaries families are doing the carthage trip on Sundays but since you won't be here on a sunday, our only option is my p-day. If it doesn't work out, it's fine. We will make it work.

Maybe you could just come to talk and do breakfast at 9:00am on both Tuesday and Thursday before my show at 10:30. I will ask if we do that instead of a carthage trip. I'm sure they would prefer that. I will let you know.

Mom that sounds like excellent advice you gave the women about being marketable. I look up to you so much. I am having so many thoughts about you since being out here. You are the best. Dad! I didn't you all knew Elder Condie. I haven't met him yet, but I will tell him who I am when I do! That's so cool!

I am so excited for you to come see Pagent. I am falling in love with it. I was not expecting to love Pagent this much. It is so fun and it really makes Nauvoo and the Pioneers come to life. I have some really funny stories to tell you when you get here! It's so great! You are going to love it. Be prepared to feel the Spirit testify to your heart.

I'm out of time! I wish I could write more about my experiences this week! Overall, I have been reminded that God lives. That families are forever. God loves us. Christ is a very real being. His love is eternal. I'm learning every minute about how to improve myself. I love this gospel. I love you.

Stay strong and true. You are the biggest strength to me, next to my Savior.

All my love

Sister Chambers

#8

Dear Family,

Happy 4th of July! This is my favorite holiday! I can just imagine all of the family things you are doing. Give my love to everyone.

Oh thank you so much for the package! It is just perfect! I was so happy to get it and it is absolutley perfect for a mission birthday. Thank you. I'm sure I will forget it's my birthday, we have so much work to do. (At least I hope I will forget. I'm beginning to panic about turning 20...) We will have our Nauvoo Pagent final dress rehearsal tomorrow. It will be very fun. I can't wait for you to see the Pagent (and all of our performances). We have some great dance numbers in Pagent.

Tell grandpa thank you so much for the sweet card! I will write him a letter, but please let him know how much I love him. I think about grandma a lot on the 4th of July. I have so many memories of 4th of July (and 5th of July) at their home. I am so thankful for a wonderful family. I love you all so much.

My heart is full. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know He lives and He loves us perfectly, eventhough we are not perfect. Obtaining Christ-like love has been on my mind for several weeks now. I want to be able to love more perfectly. I think that if we understand His love and can try to have that love in our hearts, our lives will be changed completely.

Mom, the devotional that the YPM's are giving is actually on July 18th. Bummer. You will miss it. You need to make sure that you come to a Rendesvouz performance on a Wednesday or Saturday at the 8:15 showing. Make sure that you also come to Sunset By the Mississippi on either a Wednesday or Saturday because I get a special part in one of the acts. I hope you come to more than one performance of Sunset though. It's different almost every night. I hope you can see Sunset on a Tuesday or Friday in addition to the Wednesday/Saturday. Does this all make sense? I hope so. What day of the week are you getting here? Do you know what time of day? When will I see you all?

Thank you for everything. I love you.

Sister Chambers

#7

Dear Family,

Oh my heart is full. Today is June 27th. The day that Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his brother Hyrum were martyred. All week our thoughts have been focused on this special day. The events leading up to the final arrest that took Joseph to Carthage are moving and have been pressing on my heart and mind. I have felt a huge responsibility to portray the lives and emotions of those early saints who knew him. Some of the most tender words to one of our songs about the martyrdom are:

"We knew them both. Thanks be to God, we knew them. For we were blessed to be among the few who walked and talked, and looked into the eyes of a living prophet, who brought us light, and taught us truth. Father in Heaven, grant us this day strength to move forward, forgive and obey. Spreading thy gospel now and forthwith. N'er to forget that we knew a prophet of God! Our brother, Joseph Smith."

I wish I could tell you about each time that I feel the spirit whisper to me during our shows or during tours. I know that God lives and because He loves us, He sent us prophets to guide and direct us. In my companion study and as a theme for the week assigned by our leaders, we have been studying the pure love of Christ. After I emailed you last week, I went into my interview with President Ludwig. He asked how the mission is going for me and I told him it is wonderful and I told him about some of my struggles. He bore powerful whitness to me that my Heavenly Father loves me. He is proud of me and He thinks I'm doing a good job. President said that he has been keeping a special eye on me, since he has heard so much about me and because he knows my family. He wanted to see if I am what people say I am. President expressed his love and trust in me for who I am. I have been blessed to feel my Heavenly Father's love this week more than ever.

This has been a wonderful week. We had transfers! I love love love my new companion: Sister Carmichael! She is the shortest girl on the mission and I am the tallest. Imagine that. She is from Arizona and grew up with Chery!!! She is an english major at BYU and we live one street away from each other. She is wonderful. We are learning so much. I can already tell that this was an inspired switch. I have a lot to learn.

Dad, I know in the past we have talked about how to improve our scripture study. Well, after studying PMG pg 17-27, I have found a new way to intensify my scripture study. I highly recommend it. I begin my scripture study with prayer, as always, and as I study I make sure to take note of at least one idea or lesson that Heavenly Father would have me take from that chapter or passage. I write it down and any thoughts I may have had (according to Elder Scott's recommendation on personal revelation). Then, the next morning, I review what I wrote the night before, and I make a concious effort to fill my thoughts with the scripture I studied. We need to continually ponder and reflect on the scriptures. This has brought the Spirit into my heart and mind. I love the scriptures. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I have felt myself coming closer to God by taking those sacred words into my heart.

Dad, thank you for the advice and the confrence talk. I appreciate it. You know, there have been three times on this mission that I have sat down and written a letter to you and mom asking for advice on how to overcome a particular challenge or situation. I have struggles out here that I have been faced with. I haven't sent you any of the lettters, i just keep them in my note-taking journal. As I begin to write you and explain my feelings and struggles, I keep a prayer in my heart and Heavenly Father helps me to work it out. I love you and mom so much and I feel like I can go to you with any problem. I have always known that I can go to my Heavenly Father, but sometimes it is nice to go to an earthly parent for help. I have drawn closer to my Heavenly Father. He has helped me to solve problems in ways I didn't think I could. I feel like I am using Him at a new level of dependance. I have a growing testimony of the importance of writing down personal revelation. Keep a soft heart and seek for Heavenly Father's will and He will make our burdens light.

I need to go now, we have lots and lots to do today. We are performing at the Church of Christ commemoration and at our church's commemoration in Carthage today. Then we have a fireside/ sociable from Vocal Point tonight. This is a really special day and we are putting our talkents to work! I hope my voice holds up.... usually we rest our voices completely on Sunday and it's the only way we can get through the next week. My voice is not my own. We did the Tab Choir's arrangement of "Praise to the Man" in sacrament meeting and we had the angels with us. It was a special experience.

Sister Ludwig just walked by and said to tell you that she loves me and that she's so grateful that you sacrificed me for the summer. Haha, she is so wonderful. She sat and visited with us sisters for nearly an hour the other day before one of our shows started. She has so much wisdom! I hope all of you are well. I love you so much and I am so thankful for you. You are the best family in the world.

All my love

Sister Chambers

Aunt Michele and Amanda Wilkinson came to visit.

#6

Hello Family!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! I love you dad. I have been thinking about you all week (all month because of your birthday). For Father's Day, we handed out "man-sized" cookies and a screw driver to all of the fathers. It was pretty cute. I hope you are having a wonderful day. I am so grateful for you and for all you do for us. One of the things I keep forgetting to tell you is that the water boils differently out here. Seriously. Cooking is very different at a lower altitude and with all of this humidity. So, I have needed to re-learn the art of the perfect hard boiled egg. Out here in Nauvoo, the perfect egg boils for 5 minutes. It's even better than the perfect egg in CO! I think of you every time I make a good one. And every time I make a bad one... Haha.

Everyone was very sick last week with colds, ect. I was perfectly healthy until two days ago. I finally got it. It hasn't been too bad, though. My throat hurts and I'm feeling pretty sick. Being sick has re-affirmed my testimony of the Lord's help. I am nothing with out him. My voice is not my own. Heavenly Father is using me as an instrument for His work. My talents are given to me from Him and can be taken away in an instant. My voice is totally hoarse this week because of sickness, yet when I get on stage (if i have prayed in humility for His help), my voice shines. It is not distracting to the work. He gives me extra energy and I am able to dance and smile as if I feel totally fine. I am healing fast, I'm sure I will feel back to normal in a couple of days.

One of the Single Sisters gave a talk in sacrament meeting that resonated with me. Since it is Father's Day, we were asked to think of a loving earthly father teaching a toddler how to walk. A loving father would place the child on a firm foundation and, with out stretched hands, beckon the child forward. When the toddler falls (as she most surely will), the loving father does not yell or get angry. After all, she is only a small child learning how to walk. He helps the child up and will ask her to try again. This is a small idea of our Heavenly Father's love for us. It is easy for me to get down about my inadequacies. I am learning so much about my faults. It can be overwhelming to try to improve myself in every way. I need to remember that Heavenly Father's arms are out stretched still. He knows I will fall. I am small and don't know very much yet. He is here to help me; all He asks is that I get up and try to come to Him.

I am thankful for a loving earthly father and a loving Heavenly Father. Nothing helps me to carry on more than knowing that I am loved. I know that if we seek Him, if we will keep ourselves humble, He is there, waiting.

We just finished watching a recording of Susan Eastman Black's lecture on Joseph Smith's last 20 days before his death. It was very interesting. Next week is the commemoration of the martyrdom and we will be kept very busy performing in several different venues. Joseph was an incredible man. I know he was a prophet of God. I know that a loving Father in Heaven would and does communicate with His children regularly.

I am glad you will be coming on the 27th! The YPMs will be giving a sociable on the 27th. Every week we attend different sociables which are basically firesides and devotionals. We are in charge of the one on the 27th! It is going to be great. Can you please send me lyrics to "Down in the River to Pray" and some other songs from "O Brother Where Art Thou"? Also the Peanut Butter and Jelly song that Chris and Zach did for the EFY variety show? We need the "O Brother Where Art Thou" stuff because we have opportunities to perform spirituals and uplifting songs that aren't hymns and those would be really great for the sound we are going for! Thanks.

I sent a couple of pictures in the mail to Annie yesterday. The senior couples take pictures of us while we perform and they print them off and give them to us. They are so sweet. I think of you all often. I love you! I can't wait to see you!!!! It sounds like you are all doing well. Make sure you relax this summer!

Chris-keep working hard. I think of you so much. You are going to love Nauvoo. There are a couple of the Elders who have not served full time missions yet (they just got their mission calls since they have been here in Nauvoo) and they remind me of you. They just graduated from high school, too. Keep up the good work! It will pay off! How are you doing anyways? I haven't heard from you in a while...

All my love,

Sister Chambers

What a week. I love my life out here! I love Nauvoo.

#5

Dearest Family,

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE CARE PACKAGE! Holy cow. The Redford's did send me a wonderful package last week. The hello dollies and bread were out of this world. It was so sweet to get a package. Then, I got your care package! It was so great. I can't thank you enough for all of the family history. I just cried and cried when I read it. I can't wait to go through more of it. All of the Elders and Sisters out here think i'm such a great princess and when i showed them my family lines, they said they all knew it, i'm really a princess. Ha ha. We got a good laugh out of that. What an amazing gift. Thank you for sending that to me mom! Thank you for the cookies and brownies, we all demolished them in a few short hours. :) It was wonderful. I was so surprised to get it. I really wasn't expecting anything like that! It truly made my day.

I hope the Ropers come with you when you come! They are so wonderful. I got a letter with drawings from the Roper boys last week. It was the cutest thing. Actually, as I was opening the mail, Sister Ludwig was walking by at the same moment, so I got to show her their sweet notes. They drew pictures of the Nauvoo temple and of Grandma and Grandpa's home. They are so cute. I think I tell you this every week, but i absolutely adore the Ludwigs. I want to learn all I can from them. What amazing people. I feel so lucky that they extended for this summer! I can't wait to see visitors from back home. It is so uplifting to see familiar faces.

Yes, the shows are exhausting. Physically and emotionally, but mostly spiritually. We try to shine the light of Christ through out the entire show from start to finish, and bare testimony of Him, even when we aren't teaching of Him. We don't have many times through out the day to catch our breath, however, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing i have exhausted my body and spirit in the service of the Lord. When i go to bed at night, i can rest assured that i gave it my all. The mission has two motto's: "Exact Obediance" and "No Regrets". This has brought me maximum happiness. I want to live the rest of my life by these ideas.

I hope you are having a good time with your sisters! They are such amazing women. I'm so glad to have the Redford women and Chambers women in my life as role models. I am reminded frequently of how lucky i am to have immediate and extended family totally active in the church. Not only do we all love the Lord, but we love each other and love to be near each other. What a blessing! I am so happy to hear that Genisus is improving. Is she going to be ok with out a spleen? Keep me updated on her please!

We just got back from visiting the Community of Christ historic sites. This includes the Joseph Smith Mansion, the Nauvoo House, the Red Brick Store, the visitors center, and the monuments of Joseph's, Hyrum's, and Emma's bodies. It is truly incredible to me the difference in the spirit in the Community of Christ owned sites compared to the LDS owned sites. I hope that when you come you are all well rested and happy so you can focus on the spirit of Nauvoo. There is so much to learn and feel here; it is very easy to be distracted by the heat and being tired. Please mentally and physically prepare yourselves before coming. It is hot and sticky and smelly, but the spirit is incredible. The Community of Christ charges small fees for their tours, but arranged to give the Performing Missionaries a free tour. They had their main leader/historian Lachlan Mackay give us a tour. It was incredible. He is good friends with many of the LDS church historians. He knows so much about our church and the people who lived in Nauvoo.

When we were in the Red Brick Store, he went around the room and asked if any of us have relatives that lived in Nauvoo. We would nod our heads and say the last name of family members that lived here and he would light up and identify their first names as if they were dear friends that he once knew. He could even tell a couple of stories about some of the Elder's ancestors and identify where they lived. This man is really cool to talk to. Still, it was amazing how different it felt in those sites. There is a warmth and a light about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know that this is the true church. The LDS church is set apart because of modern revelation and the power of the Priesthood. This is Christ's church. Any one can feel of that truth if they ask God with pure intentions.

You asked when I play a lead role in Anna Amanda. There are two different casts for Just Plain Anna Amanda. I only perform in it every other day. I perform in it on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There are only lead roles, it's a very small show. I thought I sent this in the last email... when I'm not in Just Plain Anna Amanda (on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), I am working in the sites. Except for Wednesdays, which is when I have a Prep-day. My prep day ends at 1:00 pm because i need to go do High Hopes and Sunset. Let me know if you are still confused. It's pretty tough to get the hang of the schedule.

I am having a wonderful time out here. I can't believe another week has gone by. Time flies. I have decided that I want to serve a mission for the church as a senior couple someday. I want to do public relations in Nauvoo. A couple spoke in sacrament meeting today and they talked about how they are always traveling around getting to know neighboring cities and spread the word about Nauvoo and the productions that are put on here. They were great. I can just see mom working here in the sewing room and i can just imagine dad singing in the Sunshine Band with the Elders in Sunset By the Mississippi. Ha!

Chris, you are going to LOVE Sunset. You would absolutely love these seniors. I think of you often when we are at Sunset. You would think these people are so funny. I can't wait for you to see it and chat about it.

Every once in a while, I struggle with my purpose and effectiveness as a performing missionary. Have I already written you about this? I can't remember what I write in the letters and what I just think about. Anyways, I am continually reminded of the great good that we as performing missionaries are doing. We bring life to Nauvoo. We are sent here to liven things up, to uplift, to bring music, to bring joy, to be bright. We are here to encourage children and young teenagers who need to feel the spirit. We are here to uplift. I was a little skeptical of the ability we would have of conveying the spirit. I wasn't sure how we could touch people's lives by performing shows that don't ever mention Christ's name. I know now that I was wrong to doubt the light that comes from our performances. I think i have been underestimating the power that is in the work we do. This mission is not about me or my abilities. I am an instrument for the Lord. I have felt Him uplift and strengthen me for His purposes daily. There is nothing like this on earth. I am learning so much.

Aunt Julie was in town? Wow! I wish she would write me! I miss her and didn't bring her address with me. I need to be updated on her life. Sounds like a fun weekend!

I hope you are all well. I love you. Have a great week! Talk to you soon!
All my love,

Sister Chambers

#3

May 30, 2010

Dear Family,

It is so wonderful to hear from you! Thank you for telling me about the scholarship! I was going to ask about it, Chery sent me a letter letting me know that the awards were out. Wow. Heavenly Father is taking care of me.

We had opening day yesterday and it went very well! We have crazy schedules. I didn't eat dinner till 9:00 last night because we didn't have a single break or opportunity to eat our PB and honey sandwiches. I don't know what to say, except that life is wonderful.

I have so much to learn out here, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I want to please Heavenly Father and lean all of the lessons He's trying to teach me, but I'm afraid that I won't fit it all in! President Ludwig said that Heavenly Father has a lot He wants to teach me. I need to be constantly mindful of how I can grow. I'm trying!

After the shows are over, we get to talk to the audience in front of the theatre. This is when we get to talk to children about the gospel and when we get to do some influencing! I talked to one little girl about the temple and feeling the Spirit. It's like minnie primary lessons every day! The shows we put on are uplifting and fun and I have had some fabulous experiences with the audience members. After one of the shows (inwhich there is a love story), a mom told me that her little 4-year-old turned to her and said, "well, now I need to go find me a husband!" We had a good laugh.

I feel like there are a couple of things that I keep meaning to tell you, but I can't remember right now. AH! Maybe I'll write it down and send you the info.

Just Plain Anna Amanda: come on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday to either of the showings.

High Hopes and Riverboats: come at 3:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays or at 5:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays.

Sunset by the Mississippi: come on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. (this one isn't as important that you come on these days, because it's just a little tap section of one of the songs that I get to tap in on MWF.)

Rendesvouz: I still don't know. I'm sorry. Next week I can tell you.

I think that's all the info you need... If i think of anything else, i'll send it snail mail. I love you and I know that God lives. I know He loves all of His children. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and I know that President Monson is a living prophet today.

Stay in touch!
All my love

Sister Chambers

#4

June 6, 2010

Dearest Family,

Monday/Wednesday/Friday: I will be in sites giving tours from 9:00am till noon. I won't know which site I am at until the first of every week. I then go to lunch in the visitor's center and then I have 45 minutes to get hair and make up ready for High Hopes and Riverboats, which starts at 2:45. The 3:00 showing on these days is the show that I have a lead in. The 5:00 showing on these days, I am a smaller role. You should come to one of these, because I'm in different dance numbers. After that, I have a few mintues to change and run to the Sunset stage. Try to come to more than one Sunset performance because they are different almost every night. If you make it to two nights consecutivly, you will see it all. After Sunset, we will have pagent to go to. We haven't had rehearsals for that yet, so i'm not sure how the schedule will work yet.

Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday: I will be in Just Plain Anna Amanda in the mornings. These days will be the best for me to see you. If you want to eat a meal together, we should do breakfast (including my companion, of course) out side of the cultural hall (which is where Anna Amanda is performed). We do a 10:45 show and then go to the visitor's center for lunch, come back for the 12:45 showing of Anna Amanda. Then, we run to the visitor's center for High Hopes. On these days, I am a minor role in the 3:00 showing and a lead role in the 5:00 showing. (Make sure you come early to all performances of High Hopes so you can hear us sing in the foyer. We start 15 minutes before each show.) We finish every day with Sunset (and soon to be pagent). There are a few days that I go to Rendesvouz to do a small part with an elder. I can't remember what days I told you last week, but in my previous email I believe I sent you the days we think I will be doing those performances. The reason I'm so unsure about Rendesvouz is that there are three different casts of senior missionaries who switch off performances. Thus, there are three different sets of "Jimmy and Marie" (YPMs). When you call to get tickets, you could ask them for tickets for "Z cast". They might be able to help you.

Wednesdays: This is my half prep-day. I have until 2:00pm to get groceries, do laundry, see sights, take a walk, go to the temple, etc. The sisters and I have a standing appointment with the temple workers to do baptisms at 7:30am (half hour before they officially open). After that, we usually go to town for groceries and come home and need to begin getting ready for high hopes. If you want to, we could have lunch together on wednesdays. Maybe we could meet in downtown old Nauvoo or something. There's a fudge factory that we haven't had a chance to check out yet... :)

All children need to come and see Just Plain Anna Amanda. It is perfect for them. The whole family will enjoy Sunset and everyone will like High Hopes. Everyone really will love alll of it. Even anna amanda. Come to everything!!! I think that takes care of all of your business items.

It was so wonderful to see the Wilkinsens! I was walking around the building inbetween shows and i saw them get out of their cars in the parking lot and I saw Stephanie and just cried! It was so good to see them. I knew they would be out here soon, but I didn't know just when! They did give me your letter, mom. It was so good to hear about all of the graduation celebrations. It sounds like it went well. Those notes from your students are so sweet! You are such a great influence. Wow. What a fun job. That's a good way to end the year!!!

Yesterday I saw Janene Jensen from our stake! She came up to me after the show and gave me a big hug from all of you. I didn't recognize who she was but I recognized her name. We talked for a while. It was nice to see someone from home. She was very sweet.

We just got out of a meeting with the Ludwigs. They spoke on overcoming hard things and charity. Look up Moses 6:34. We must "therefore walk with [Him]." Heavenly Father will ask us to do hard things in this life. We must learn how to take steps into the darkness and have faith that we will receive aid when we allign our will with Heavenly Father's. On charity, President said that we need to fight the natural tendency to blame others or complain when problems arise in relationships. He told us the story of when Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdry, and Davis Whitmer went to seek counsil from the Lord and when they couldn't, Martin Harris realized that he was the problem and he removed himself. We need to take responsibility for our hearts and do what we can about the situation. If there is a relationship that needs improving, change yourself. Ask, as the apostles did when they were told that one of them would betray Jesus, "Lord, is it I?" Charity includes forgiving others and turning the other cheek. True, pure charity requires a certain amount of integrity. Purify your heart. Quietly love and accept all of God's children.

What a week. I can't wait for all of you to come see the shows! You will love Nauvoo. Talk to you next week!

All my love

Sister Chambers

#2a

May 23, 2010

Dear Family,

There are some scheduling things that you should know about that I keep forgetting to tell you! I am in “A” cast, which means that there are certain days you can come see me. For “High Hopes and Riverboats” you need to come to the first showing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays or the 2^nd showing of the day on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays. I would love it if you could come to both showings! I want you to see both casts. I get to do different things in each. This show is done twice daily with our roles switched around. I will be in both shows but only the lead role on the times indicated above.

For “Just Plain Anna-Amanda” you need to come on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays to either showing. My prep-days will be on Wednesdays from 7:00 am till 2:00 pm during which time I need to clean, do laundry, go get groceries in Keokuk, go to the temple, write letters, and email you! That is truly our only break in the week. Even Sundays get full quickly.

You need to come see “Rendezvous” which is the Senior Missionaries’ show because I have a small role in it! I only do it every 3 days though and I’m not sure about the schedule yet. I will let you know soon!

Also, for “Sunset by the Mississippi” every other night my partner and I are a part of the clogging routine. I want you to come to that night! Also, I am in a really funny skit that only happens every 3^rd night and you must come to that night of “Sunset.” Oh! One more thing: I play in “Devil Went Down to Georgia” two nights out of every three and I want you to see me do that, too! I know there’s a lot of coordinating to be done, but I think it will work out. I will be able to tell you more about the correct days once we get a set schedule. I’m so happy you’re coming!

When you come, I think it would work best if we spent time together in the morning on Tues/Thurs/Sat. Those are the days I’m in “Anna-Amanda” and apparently will have more down time. I want to show all of you Nauvoo and all of the things I’m learning. It is amazing here.

The seniors are one of my favorite parts about Nauvoo. I had a perfect Nauvoo moment in the sewing room the other day. A couple of sisters and I were pulled from rehearsal so we could go in for our last fitting. I had on the most beautiful dress, standing on the pedestal with all of these little old ladies pining me, etc. They were so sweet and I just looked out the window at the perfect day out side and I thought, “I’m in heaven.”

One of the things the senior ladies and I joke around about is how I come “pre-bustled.” There is one costume where they thought I might want a slip with a bustle on it but the slip was ruined and they would have to re-make it. I said, “That’s ok. I don’t really need a bustle, I come pre-bustled.” They really got a kick out of that J

I seriously feel like I’m getting a little taste of Zion. We have so much unity and love between all of the sisters. This place is like heaven. Everyone is happy and it is so easy to feel The Spirit here.

I have a testimony of Heavenly Father’s love for me. I know He lives. He has felt more real to me in the last few weeks than ever before in my life. I know that Christ came to this earth to set a perfect example, atone, and arise for us. Carthage today was a fabulous experience. Joseph Smith was a selfless man who truly lived and died in the name of Christ.

We have zone conference with 6 senor couples and it is so wonderful. Sister Murdock and I got a ride home with our zone leaders and they got so excited. They turned around in their seats and, wide-eyed, asked us if we wanted to go on a “critter-run.” We said, “Sure!” And off we went! They went zooming in their car to one of the streets that drives out towards the Mississippi. They started telling us about all of these little critters they see along this street in the dark. They kept telling us to look out for their shiny eyes. They had story after story about different animals they rescued or little animal families they have seen living in different areas. It was seriously the funniest experience I’ve ever had. They were so sweet. They zoomed us home and offered to take us again sometime. Apparently they go 3 times a week, after their “Rendezvous” performances.

Mom and Dad, you must come here on a mission someday. I can totally see you two loving this place. Mom, you would just love working in the sewing room and Dad, I can just imagine you performing in the “Sunset By the Mississippi.”

There are so many lovely and wonderful things out here. I have a few struggles, but I can feel myself becoming stronger as I depend on the Lord for help. I want to share some of my struggles with you, but I feel like thinking about it, talking about it, or complaining about it will just make it seem worse in my head. Basically, everything is going very well.

I feel so blessed to be around the sisters that are here. They are teaching me so much. They are amazing. We all have very similar goals. I only hope I can do something to be a light to them. I have a huge desire to give back and to do something to thank my Heavenly Father. I want to serve Him. I pray for the people who are going to be here this summer that their hearts might be softened and that they will be receptive to The Spirit of God.

I feel like I have so much more to share with you. I think I better be done for now though. Feel free to post this letter on the blog.

I love you so much! God is real.

All my love,

Sister Chambers

#2 052310

May 23, 2010

Oh Dear Family!

I just got out of my monthly meeting with President Ludwig. What an experience. He said a few different times how great my family is and how blessed i am to have such a wonderful family. Thank you for being so great. Thank you for teaching me the gospel and for creating an environment where the spirit is felt. Thank you for all you have done for me.

I don't have much time, so I will probably send you a letter in the mail. I need to go to another rehearsal. I can actually read emails from anyone! I can only respond to family. And yes, it will be Sunday evenings. Snail mail will probably be easier for me to reply to, because I can write in the car, etc.

Performances start in less than a week! Pray for my memory and my voice!!! It's going to be scary but amazing. I have felt the spirit so much this week. I know God lives. I know he loves me. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. We went to visit Carthage today. It was incredible. We sing and bring the spirit everywhere we go, I feel like we are an important part of Nauvoo. The elderly missionaries are SO wonderful!

My favorite part of the week is when we get to spend 45 minutes in Wal-Mart on Saturdays for our p-day. Sister Murdock and I have had so many amazing experiences talking to people there. The Lord puts people in our path so we can bring them nearer to Him.

I want to tell you so many stories... I need to go now but I will send it all in a letter!

I love you!

Keep me updated!

Sister Chambers

#1 051610

May 16, 2010

Dear Mom, Dad, Chris, and Anne,

Wow. I don't know where to start! This has been the most amazing week of my life. It is very difficult to remember everything that has happened, it feels like I have been here for much longer than a week. I don't have my journal with me, so I won't be able to remember everything that has been happening, but I'm documenting it and will update you when I get home.

When I got off the plane, I found my luggage and then Sister Bowers shortly thereafter. She led me to the big bus that had all of the band and stage Elders and Sisters (40 missionary’s total). They weren't sure if they would wait for me since my plane was delayed for so long, but apparently the sisters said they couldn't leave without me! It was very sweet. I wasn't the last one on the bus either! There is an elder in the band from Norway (or something like that) who missed one of his connecting flights. Anyways, we all finally got on the bus and started learning some songs! When we pulled into the visitor's center parking lot it was dark outside and a little chilly and there was a group of senior missionaries waiting to greet us! They applauded as each of us got off the bus. They are so sweet to us. I just love the senior missionaries. I want to come to Nauvoo again and again as a senior missionary. I keep thinking about Grandpa Redford (and Kay) and their senior mission here. These are the sweetest people ever. They are so funny!!!

From the moment we woke up the next morning until now, we have been rehearsing constantly, except to eat and sleep. I am exhausted. I have felt the Spirit of the Lord with me so often. There are moments during dance rehearsal that I want to give up or when I feel like I have no idea what step comes next, and I literally feel my Heavenly Father uplift and strengthen me. I feel like I'm becoming more familiar with the voice of the spirit. I can recognize His voice so clearly. I feel so blessed and so close to my Heavenly Father.

My companion's name is Sister Murdock from Blackfoot Idaho. She is a farm girl but doesn't look like it at all! She is so tiny and the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. I will send you a picture of us soon. She is very very short. All of the other sister missionaries are very short. In fact, I am the tallest sister here (except for one other sister who is my exact same height)! I am 5' 6" and I literally feel like I tower over these girls! Sister Murdock said to me one day "Do people ask you all the time if you play basketball?" I just laughed and laughed, nobody has ever asked me if I play basketball! I thought of my tall mother and about how she's always reminding me that I will never be as tall as her! Ha! Luckily all of the elders are very tall too, there are only a few who are my height or shorter. All of this is very important, because we are dancing with them on stage a lot.

My voice is exhausted. I got a blessing a few minutes ago from my leaders. It hurts. I already got some cough drops and herbal tea, so hopefully it will improve. I need prayers for my voice and for my memory to be enhanced. I have faith that everything will work out. I'm here to do His work, He will strengthen me.

Anyways, in High Hopes and Riverboats (which is the main, big, long production) I am Sarah Jane Mott. I want to go into detail about my character and the story! But, I don't think I have time. You will just have to see what it's all about when you get here!!! In the children's play (Just Plain Anna Amanda), I am the Freckle Faced Lady who is a proper, elegant British lady who helps the main character, Anna Amanda, discover her great worth. In the senior's show, there are only a couple of us who get to participate and I get to be one! I'm playing the part of Marie in Rendezvous. I'm sure none of these characters mean anything to you guys, but they are so fun and I have lots of lines and lots of solos. The beautiful thing is about this summer is that we all get lots of moments to share our talents. Everyone out here is so talented. I wish I could explain it better!!!!

The sisters are completely unified. We (all ten of us) have been instant best friends since the first day we got here. We are so loving and supportive of each other. We can feel the spirit in our home. We get along very well. We live in the Yearsly Home which is right next to the pageant stage.

Ah! There is so much to tell you! I keep getting flustered and wonder what I should share with you next!!! SO much has happened! Church is so wonderful. The YPM's and the young single sisters all sit on the stand in the choir seats and the entire congregation is full of senior couples. They are all seated 30 minutes before the meeting starts, it is so cute. They fill the entire chapel and the entire gym. It's amazing.

I know that I am on this mission for a reason. I have already seen how the gospel and the atonement have changed lives of the people around me. Just in this one week I have seen the Lord use me and my sisters as an instrument to change the life of a young man drastically. The atonement changes lives. God's love is eternal. There have been some moments where I have wondered how useful I can truly be on this mission if I’m on stage most of the time. I have had a few doubts about my ability to serve the Lord and actually bring light to the lives of His children. The spirit has testified to me that I can be of use to the Lord. I am where He wants me to be. I know that He lives.

I love going grocery shopping. It is our one chance (for these first few weeks) to see people that aren't in the visitor's center. It was so fun to talk to the people around us and to feel of Heavenly Father's love for them. I have had so many special experiences. I can't wait to tell you all about it.

I know my leaders love me. They are great. I know that God lives! This is the true gospel! I love being a missionary. I love feeling so close to my Heavenly Father. I love feeling of His spirit so frequently and so clearly.

I'm surprised at how little I miss home and BYU. I'm so happy here and I don't want to leave Nauvoo ever!

I love you!

Sister Chambers

Beginning Information

Dear Family and Friends,

I have been called to serve as a Young Performing Missionary (YPM) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois for the period of four months. I will be leaving on Friday, May 7, 2010 and will return to Denver, CO on August 17 (and then leave for BYU in the fall).

I auditioned, along with over 300 other performers, for a mission this summer. Ten girls and ten boys have been selected to give 6 daily performances, tours of historical sites, bible study classes, other service projects, and participation in the Joseph Smith Memorial Pageant. The performances will be full-length plays depicting what life was like for the Mormon Pioneers in the early 1800's when they lived in Nauvoo. I will be singing, dancing, acting, and fiddling with the YPM's.

Because I will be a full-time missionary for the church, I will be set apart. This means, among other things, that I won't be able to have my phone or computer with me this summer. No email, no phone calls. So, my mom and dad have agreed to update this blog for me to keep everyone updated! I will write letters home every week, and they will be posted here. I can also receive letters from all of you! I would love to hear from you! Please send letters to:

YPM Sister Emily Chambers

PO Box 215

Nauvoo, Illinois 62354

Packages can be sent to:

975 Young Street

Nauvoo, Illinois 62354

This is going to be a great summer for me. If you are looking for a good time, look into taking a trip out to Nauvoo to see the sights! For more information on Historic Nauvoo, please visit: http://www.historicnauvoo.net/. For more about the Mormon church, check out http://www.mormon.org.

Thanks for your support!

See you in the fall!

love

Emily