Week 59- We Aren't Demolishing Houses

Friends And Family,

This week has been good and humbling. I learned a great lesson yesterday. We were at a house tearing things out that were damaged by the flood. I just felt uncomfortable the whole time because flood clean up is a really dirty and yucky job. I was just ready to give up. I wasn't trying very hard. I was coming up with excuses. In fact, this house is probably going to have to be completely demolished, so the whole time I was just like why are we even tearing things out? During lunch, some others brought that up to the leader of the group, Brother Sherman. He had a neat response. He said: It has been said to me multiple times that we are not here to demolish homes or to tear out stuff ruined by the flood. We are here to soften hearts and give hope to those who need it. If it makes the owner happy and hopeful if we clean up the house, then we must do it. What a powerful message.

I was able to go on exchanges twice this week. I love getting to know other missionaries. I went on exchanges with one missionary that I came out with, but had never gotten the opportunity to serve with. He is a Spiritual Giant, very loving and interested in others. Hopefully I continue serving around him.

The people we are serving around here truly appreciate it. I know it is softening their hearts and providing hope. They are so appreciative. I hope Christlike love continues to shine as we serve.

Love y'all!

-Elder Chandler Allen

Week 58- Hard Work and Service

Friends and Family,

What a week. It's been a lot of hard work and dirty work. haha. I've always wanted to be apart of the Mormon Helping Hands, and I finally got my opportunity. It's fun getting to do service with the ward. I always think the best way to build a bond with someone is through serving with them.

One of my favorite parts was handing out flyers door to door that let others know how they can sign up for flood clean up help. We got to talk one on one with many, seeing how they are doing, comforting them, and sharing quick messages that lifted them up. I love how many donations have come from all over the place. There's so many, we have no idea what to do with all of them.

We are teaching a great man named Micheal. He is very humble and very smart. The gospel clicks really well with him. He came to church and always enjoys it. He reads the Book of Mormon everyday. What a guy.

The ward is awesome here! They are a great missionary ward, especially if they know  you are a hard worker. I was praying for opportunities to show them that, and we got it as we help them prep the church for all the volunteers coming from Mississippi and other places in Louisiana. (btw I saw a couple people from Natchitoches there. It was awesome! I haven't seen them for so long. They seemed happy to see me. Can't wait to go back again.)

Yesterday, I was done for. I was so tired. The heat and humidity suck the life out of you. I feel like a zombie today. haha. I'm glad I get to rest today.

Love y'all, thanks for all the prayers!

-Elder Chandler Allen

Week 57- What A Week! Hah

Friends and Family,

I am ok and safe, despite the flooding. It flooded one day outside our apartment, but it didn't get inside our apartment and it cleared up by the end of the day. We were fortunate, but others weren't as fortunate. There is a lot of service we will be able to do in the coming week or two. We already helped clean out a Methodist church. They were very appreciative.

It has been interesting getting doubled into an area, but being put on lockdown for the past couple days. We still are trying to get used to the area and the ward. We didn't have church yesterday, so we didn't really get to meet all the members. We will meet some more this week though. 

I am very grateful we were kept safe. Even though things were confusing at times, we still felt at peace that we would be safe. The worst part was honestly the boredom from staying inside the apartment for 3 days. That's when I miss TV and movies. Haha.

I love y'all. Thank you for prayers. I'm praying for y'all. 

-Elder Chandler Allen

Week 56- Transfers Again?

Friends and Family,

I'm getting transfered again! I'm sad and excited at the same time. I really love the ward here and this area. It's such a great area. But I'm also super excited for my new area. I think I'm getting doubled in with another missionary. It will be fun. I'm not sure where it is yet though. We will see!

Lorenzo is doing great. He continues to receive answers to his prayers. He's living in a bad environment right now, and felt like he needed to move. He prayed, asking for God to help him find a place he would be comfortable in, and within a couple minutes, he received a call from an old friend and it just so happened they were trying to rent or sell their condo. It was a miracle.

I love being out here. It can be tough, especially feeling adequate as a missionary, but as I use the Atonement, I am strengthened and given the knowledge needed to please God.

Love y'all!

-Elder Chandler Allen


Elder Holdaway, Elder Allen and the Schofield Family :)

Week 55- Excitement and Exchanges

Friends and Family

This week was good. I went on exchanges with Elder Urvina. He came out with Elder Holdaway. Me and him get along well. He's into theater. He's a really funny guy. We did some service at a food band warehouse and we went to a bible study class. 

We were busy meeting with Lorenzo all week. He is really progressing and it's exciting to see that. The ward is also super excited. He gave up coffee last week, which was a big thing. He said he felt so much better without it, like he had a lot of energy. God has really prepared him for this. It's a big blessing to be a part of that.

My time here in 2nd ward seems to be closing down. I love all the members and people here. I hope I don't leave, but I don't want to say that because I'll be happy wherever God wants me. Next week is transfers. I will know next pday, which is on a Tuesday. 

Also super cool thing, we took a tour of Tiger stadium and saw the locker rooms and film room. It was awesome!

Love Y'all!

-Elder Chandler Allen