It's a Mesa Adventure!

Hi all!

I'm in Arizona!! I am really liking it here. I'm still mesmerized by the palm trees and cacti. It is a beautiful place and I'm happy to be here. Yes, it is HOT, but luckily we have a car with air conditioning which is a blessing.

We had a lot of training meetings earlier this week with our mission president, President Andrews. He and his family are so sweet and I'm taking their advice and applying it to my work.

My trainer, Sister Sherman is amazing!! We actually used to be in primary (class for kids at church) when we were little when her dad did med school in Rochester. Small world! She makes me laugh so hard which keeps me happy and having fun while working hard.

My first lesson was Thursday with a man named Carlos. His wife became a member of the church a few years ago and has such a strong testimony. We put Carlos on date to be baptized on August 31!! We are so excited and proud of him. He is working to quit smoking so yesterday we fasted for him to give him strength to do that. I'm excited to continue to get to know him more and help him in his journey to come unto Christ.

I have also gotten to know Alisha who was baptized a few months ago as well as two of her children, Josh and Heaven. They are such a sweet family!! They love coming to church and yesterday evening we hung out with them and made banana bread at a member's house. We are hoping to start teaching her son, Noah, soon! 

I know Heavenly Father is aware of us and our needs. He has called me to be a missionary in Mesa for reasons that I don't know yet, but in excited to find out. I'm hoping this week I get to teach more people and work on my teaching skills to gain confidence in doing that. I know I am not alone in this work. I know this is Christ's true church restored on the earth and that His Gospel brings happiness and blessings. Life is not easy, but the Gospel brings hope during hard times, I see that in my life and others. 

Let me know if y'all have any questions or want to hear about specific things. Thanks for all your prayers and support!

Love,

Sister Chilson 

 Sister Chilson and a cactus 

Heaven and I goofing around 

Josh and I cheesin'