Transfer 11 Week 1 - June 2, 2014

Hey Family!

This week was super busy. I was able to go to Philly on Monday to say goodbye to some of the sisters that I came out with, so that was kind of bitter sweet. But at the same time I was just so grateful that I could be out here and I wish I could stay forever! I really am having such a blast in the Lords work.

Well Tuesday I was able to get my new companion. Her name is Sister Hanson and she is from Seattle. Super funny too, and I'm already having a blast with her even though it was so crazy to only be with Sister Earl for just one transfer. And I do feel like I am going to miss sister Earl. She was probably one of the best companions ever to really help me stretch and experience someone so Christ-like was just super special. 

But we are excited to be here and to work. Each day we continue to see miracles. 

One of our investigators Vickie has really progressed this week as she has been reading from the bom. That really is the main key in the conversion. Without gaining a testimony of that they just won't come to know everything else that we have been teaching. So I'll have to let you know how that goes with teaching her the rest of the way.

It was fun teaching the Stretch family who will be getting baptized in about 2 weeks. We went to their house and asked a ward member to come with us. It was our first time getting members there, and the lady that came brought her 2 teenage daughters. The lesson we were teaching was the law of chastity...that was fun. Afterwards the dad was like, oh I didn't know that you taught that I thought it was something that the bishop would have to talk to you about! But they are doing great and are excited about learning! :)

On Sunday Shalise was confirmed. And then after church William was baptized. I was able to talk at his baptism. I had never gotten to do that before but it was fun because I shared some things from my own baptism that I remember personally. For example, some of the feelings, the tears as mom cried, and the talk that Aunt Joe gave where she used a hard boiled egg and marked on it for when we sin. But as we are baptized that is washed away and we have the chance to have that renewal every week! So grateful for this gospel. I loved Williams baptism. It was probably one of the sweetest ones I've been able to participate in and it is probably because of the changes that he has made that just mean so much. I still remember what he said a few weeks ago when we were able to go over the interview questions with him. A few of them were..

Question 1" do you believe God is our a Eternal a Father?"
Answer 1 "Yes, absolutely."
Question 2. "do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Sin of a God, the
Savior and Redeemer if the world?
Answer 2 "yes, with all of my heart! I wouldn't be doing this if I

didn't know it was true for myself."

He really is just so awesome, and has such a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ! At the end he was able to bear his testimony and he was crying as he thanked me and sister earl for teaching him and bringing him this, and then for everyone in the ward for supporting him. That was something special was that he knew the love that the ward had and it was real from the very first time he entered the churches doors! He had never been baptized before and he is 56 and just knew that it was something he knew he needed and always wanted and had been waiting a long time for! He was so happy he could do it and just kept saying thank you and he knows it is true! it was the most beautiful baptism ever! He came out of the water and turned and waved to all of us! :) Later that night he told us that his girlfriend was like "i didn't know you cried?" and he said he didn't either. He then told her "you're next!" Already a pro missionary! 

But family I do love this gospel and it means so much to me! I am grateful to be a part of this great work. Hope you guys know how special is to serve God and to search for those opportunities each day!

Love you

Sister Chalet Beames

Transfer 10 Week 6 - May 26, 2014

This was such a great week. My companion, sister earl, and I were able
to see so many miracles. It was a blessing to be able to work with the
people here and to help them progress. The saddest part was hearing
that sister earl is no longer going to be my companion but that we
were only able to spend one transfer together. It was super lame
because we saw so many miracles everyday and were having an absolute
blast sharing the gospel with everyone that we came in contact with.
I'm kind of nervous about the transfer but I know it will be for my
benefit and to help me grow more.

One of the great miracles of this week was Shalise getting baptized.
It was such a special day for her. When she came out of the water she
just kept saying thank you so much, and I feel like a five year old.
She bore  super powerful testimony about Jesus Christ and how he has
lifted all of her burdens and that she actually feels live because of
him. It was also really cool because she was supposed to be baptized
last week, but because of stake conference we had to push it back a
week and then we were going to do it Saturday night but she felt
overwhelmed and we thought it was going to be another week. We were
super sad because we didn't want to get complacent about pushing her
date back and forth, but it was so good to finally get it done. And
something special she was able to realize afterwards was that she
needed it and she even said that she was beginning to think that she
didn't need it. Which just goes to show how the adversary really does
try and stop the lords work from progressing. But even though he is
powerful and tries his hardest, we know that god is more powerful and
that he will always pull through if we just believe because he loves
us and wants us to succeed.

This week William was really able to grow. At the beginning of the
week it seemed like he was getting discouraged but we were able to
read from 3 nephi 11 with him and have him close his mind to picture
chaos and all the things holding him down and then afterwards the
relief as Christ comes and invites him to come unto him. It was super
powerful. He has been really working hard on quitting smoking and
yesterday he came to the baptism and he was like I don't know why
y'all are making such a big deal out of this cuz it is only like a
minute and you are dressed in your prison suit! Ha, He is super funny
but Shalise was like your turn next week William! :) He actually asked
us if we had video cameras hiding in his house because it felt like we
called him every time that he even thought about smoking. But now
instead he calls us every time that he gets the temptation. He really
is great and we know that this has changed his life. Each day we see a
change in him.

Well family continue to look for miracles everyday. The Lord is so
aware of us and he wants us to stand together and to lift one another.
One of the families in the ward we have been working with messaged us
this morning and said "We did family scripture last night, and sang
hymns, and family prayer. It was a very good evening. My family has
been so much stronger since we have known you." I know that lord is
helping this family overcome their trials as they stick together just
as I know that same message and basic principles can help the world.
Hope you all are having a blast because I sure am. Be strong. Love
you!

Love sister chalet beames

Transfer 10 Week 5 - May 19, 2014

Family!

This last week was so much fun! We were able to see so many miracles and it was truly a blast being here serving the Lord. It was one of our most successful weeks ever and I can't even begin to describe all of the miracles that we have seen. 

Let's begin with one of my most favorite. There is one particular family in general that we have been wanting to teach. They had been taught in the past and we picked them up teaching again about 2 days before I became companions with Sister Earl. We were mainly just teaching the mom and daughter, but when they were at church one time and said they wanted to do get baptized but that they would even do it with out their family. Me and sister earl were super excited but also sad because we knew that this is something that they should do as a family and it is meant to bring families closer together not tear them apart. By so doing we told her to pray for her husband and so would we. The next time we went over there we invited him in to the lesson and told him that we knew it was important for him to be there and to be a part of it! He said he would take the lessons too and it was amazing to see that he actually had a desire to come closer to God. The next lesson our focus was on getting their son into the lesson. He had sat in prior but wasn't coming to any of our discussions. 

As we asked for the parents to have him come down for a lesson he was angry and not happy to be there. So to say the lesson began with a fight, with yelling, and almost having some punches thrown, but at the end we concluded with a kneeling family prayer. This family has changed drastically in the matter of a week by being shown love and what joy really can be. I am so grateful for the power of the spirit and being able to teach with that authority in order to change lives. It really was a great week, and so many people in this area are progressing. 

Shalise's baptism hadn't happened because she had to work and it was stake conference, but she should be getting baptized this next week along with William! 

We had 7 of the people we are teaching come to stake conference in Cherry Hill over an hour away. That was such a blessing! I am grateful for sweeetly bold commitments and to teach people the commandments. Everyone really has the light of Christ. The invitation to come unto Him is there and we just need to extend it to give others the opportunity to find happiness! 

I hope everyone at home is finding some success and great joy from seeking to share the gospel with those in their paths. 

Transfer 10 Week 4 - May 12, 2014

Hey family! Again it was so good to talk to all of you yesterday! And one last shout out for happy mothers day mom! Love you! 

This week was good. We were pretty busy with an exchange at the beginning of the week and zone conference at the end of the week. 

Our investigators are progressing pretty well to their baptisms. Shalise should be getting baptized this next week and so please just keep her in your prayers! 

As for another one of our investigators we will be doing a stop smoking program with him this next week. He really wants to quit smoking because he knows it is important and will draw him closer to god so that he can be baptized! As well this last week he said one morning he prayed for god to help him quit and later when he was with his girlfriend he saw the ashtray with the cigarette there and immediately the temptation was there for him to smoke. He said that as he went to smoke that he felt this burning inside and got this really sick feeling so he put the cigarette down! He knew that God was answering his prayer. I too know that God hears and answers our prayers and that if we are humble and willing to accept his council or asking things that are right then he will guide us, answer us, strengthen us and lift us up to accomplish the things that he requires of us! 

Another one of our families that we have been working with are doing fantastic! It is great to see when families begin to pray together how their lives turn over to God. Sometimes there is nothing sweeter than seeing that light in people's eyes and knowing that their hearts are changing. 

Elder John H. Groberg once said, "All of us, single or married, are eternally part of some family—someway, somewhere, somehow—and much of our joy in life comes as we correctly recognize and properly develop those family relationships. We come to this earth charged with a mission: to learn to love and serve one another. To best help us accomplish this, God has placed us in families, for he knows that is where we can best learn to overcome selfishness and pride and to sacrifice for others and to make happiness and helpfulness and humility and love the very essence of our character.

We learn that friends and neighbors come and go but family is forever, and as we learn this, we find that we are eternally our brother’s keeper and we begin to realize how much help we need. How we should thank God for the opportunity of family prayer!

Listen to the admonition of the Savior in Third Nephi: “Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.” (3 Ne. 18:21.)"     

-Taken from his conference address April 1982 The Power of Family Prayer. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/the-power-of-family-prayer?lang=eng

 I encourage each of you to read this talk. I promise as you draw close to Heavenly Father through fervent prayer that he will bless you individually and as families. I love you all!

Well family, looking forward to another great week! 

Love, Sister Beames

Transfer 10 Week 3 - May 5, 2014

Beames Clan!

How the heck are ya? I love yous guys! Just thought I would give a Jersey hello! 

Things here have been sooo good! Man I love it! 

This week was super busy but we are getting so much accomplished. It was probably one of the most rewarding weeks of the mission. We were able to have five of our investigators with a baptismal dates at church this week. It just felt so good to see each of them come and to know that they all have a testimony and are looking forward to their baptisms and making a covenant with God. 

Something that was super cool as well is when we extended 3 of those baptismal dates, one of the ladies that we are teaching, Evelyn, just said "I'm ready now!" and then when we had asked another individual after teaching the restoration he said that he felt so good and that he would be baptized. He said it almost felt like he was just baptized when we asked him because it felt so good! 

Oh how I just love to be able to see the gospel bless so many people's lives. 

Our investigator Shalise is also so awesome! I absolutely love her. On Sunday I bore my testimony and she said it made her want to get up and bear hers too. Which would have been awesome but they closed the meeting like one after me so there wasn't time. But she did end up bearing it in Relief Society. She absolutely is so great. She will be getting baptized on the 18th, even though she is so ready for this next week (except it is mothers day and too many things going on for the ward to do it)! So please keep her in your prayers. She is funny, and says some crazy things sometimes. For example, "you're like mary! you have got a baby Jesus roasting in your oven!" and "we gonna be sippin' and tippin'...sippin' holy water and tippin' noah's boat!" 

She really has been quite a pleasure to teach and to see the 180 change that she has made in her life as she has come to know God. Another great child of God we have been working with is William. He too has been making so many positive changes in his life. He reads from the book of mormon every day and then calls each time we see him he follows up on what he learns to be proactive. Today he called us to tell us that he finished the first book of Nephi and really loved the last chapter. He said that he feels so good and that "it just cuts down to the nitty gritty, and so you know what you are supposed to do!" I don't think I could have received any wiser of a comment than that about the Book of Mormon. 

Well I love you all! I hope that things are going well and that each of you are drawing closer to Christ as you read from the Book of Mormon. Just how they were able to be with Him and personally know Him when He walked with them in Jerusalem, and when He appeared to them in the Americas and allowed them to come forward and to feel the prints of the nails in His feet and His hands, that same promise is for us that we can personally know Him! He loves us and wants us to come unto Him. As we read and study we can know him and what He did for us!

 1 Nephi 15:24 And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.

That is one of the scriptures I read this week with an investigator so I thought I would share it with you. Continue to let the scripture fill your lives. I love you all and know this work is true. It is powerful and I hope each of you are taking part in it!

I look forward to hearing from each of you this week! Happy Mothers Day to all you mom's and future moms! :)

Love Sister Beames

Transfer 10 Week 2 - April 28, 2014

Family!

What a beautiful week has it been.

This week we saw so many miracles with the progression of our
investigators. Another lady we have been working with said that she
wants to be baptized and it was such a blessing to be able to see the
light in her eyes a she has come to know the truth for herself.
And for another investigator as we taught the wow, we were able to see
how it was easy for him to accept and commit to live. This is because
as he has come to have a personal relationship with god and that he
really is his child, his plan has become real to him. The Book of
Mormon has become such a powerful tool in all of our missionary work.
It really is the greatest tool in conversion as individuals gain a
personal relationship with Christ.

If I could describe my experience being out here it would have to be
somewhat related to my experience with the temple. I love it and it is
a place I wish I could always be. I have looked back recently and read
through my journal with my endowment experience and I thought today I
would share that with some of you!

From that experience I said, "This was a beautiful experience. I am
grateful for the experience I was able to have and I know that the
blessings and covenants that I make and keep in the temple are sacred
and real. I would give up all worldly treasures to be close to The
Lord and in his house, the promises in the temple are eternal and are
worth more than anything else! ...it was  a very sacred experience,
and I know that everything that was told and from what was learned it
was so divine. I knew more of how the atonement worked and that it
really is the lords house! Being in there I felt so clean. I don't
remember how I felt after I was baptized, but that would be one way to
describe the feelings present with me this day.

"I felt so clean and the desires of my heart were never to sin again.
But because I know how imperfect I am or of my weaknesses I therefore
know how much greater of a responsibility I have to work hard
everyday. And to apply the gift of the atonement in my life to always
be ready to enter the lords house. To always be worthy to participate
in the most sacred covenants. Working my whole life to make it to the
temple as I have learned in my youth, the temple feels like home. It
is somewhere everyone should work to achieve, and I am excited to do
the lords errand and bring others this great news!"

By sharing this I just wanted to express how grateful I am for my
mission. I have been reflecting a lot this last transfer and everyday
has truly become a temple experience. Each day i really do have the
desire to work hard and to be better. I am grateful for my Heavenly
Father, and for my savior, Jesus Christ. This is the most important
work I could participate in. It is the work of saving souls.

Love you all!
Sister Beames

Transfer 10 Week 1 - April 21, 2014

Howdy family!

How was everyone's Easter? It was really great here. All week we
focused so much on Christ as we really wanted everyone to feel his
love a they prepared for this special Sunday and the celebration of
his resurrection.

This week I was able to get a new companion. Her name is sister earl.
She is from south Jordan Utah, and she is one awesome chica with very
little muscles (there is a story behind that lol) She really is great
though and has such a great testimony.

Our first day bringing her here we were able to stop by a potential.
There was a man named Edgar that had met with the missionaries
probably 7 years go. When we came back for the return appointment we
had with us a Spanish member. It was such a miracle because otherwise
he probably would not have let us in his house. This was because he
was busy and right when we got there and were walking up the driveway
he was starting to tell us that, but then he recognized her and so we
were able to go inside and share a message of the restoration. It was
such a blessing. His son sat in on the lesson too and at the end of
the message was begging his dad for us to be able to come back!
Hopefully we will see this family again soon!

Church was a miracle. We were able to have 4 of our investigators come
to church. And they really enjoyed it. This ward is great for
fellowshipping and making everyone feel important, needed, and loved.
All of which are so essential for those entering a church building to
have in order for their conversion. One of my investigators, William,
was so excited and he said that when we first met him it was actually
surprising because he usually locks the door on church people, but he
knew that the message we shared and the spirit we carried was
different. He loved church and appreciated that it was more reverent.
The spirit truly has a way of touching people.

Something that was great as well about this week was we were able to
show a lot of people the 'Because of Him' video found on YouTube, and
I encourage if you haven't already to go check that out. It truly was
a such a wonderful thing to be able to share with others. It was a two
and a half minute video that brought the spirit so quickly and allowed
for others to reflect on how the savior has played a part in their
lives and how they are able to relate to the message we share.

Love you all!
Sincerely, Sister Beames

Transfer 9 Week 6 - April 14, 2014

Hey family!

How are things going? Things here are swell. Transfers are
happening this Tuesday. My companion is the one leaving and I'll be
staying. Address will be the same so keep sending me love letters!
Mucho gracias!

This last week we did two different exchanges. The first was in
Linwood. It is located right above my first area in cape may.
Something that was cool about that was closer to the end of the
exchange when we were getting ready to head back to our areas. We had
been at the mall having accountability and we were about to leave when
I recognized this kid who was working at the cell phone kiosk there. I
stopped, turned round, and went and waited in line for about ten
minutes so I could talk to him. So here is the miracle.... His mom was
someone I had been teaching when I was in cape May and she had a
baptismal date. But shortly after I got sick and came home she had
moved and the sisters never had her address. I was able to talk with
him and he gave me the new address which I was then able to give to
the sisters for them to go see her! It was pretty awesome!

Second exchange I went to Woodstown. This was special because I was
able to go with sister Williams. She came out one transfer after I did
last year and when we were both goldens missionaries we did an
exchange together. It brought back the memories of how awesome we
thought we were as two new missionaries feeling like we were taking on
the world. She recalled to me on the exchange how she remembered
writing in her journal back then that someday she thought we would be
companions. Maybe we weren't companions but we were still able to go
on another exchange with each other to relive the good times. She will
complete her mission with this next transfer. I sure do love and
appreciate serving with her!

We were able to set two baptismal dates this week with William and
Shalise. It is going to be exciting, and I look forward to posting
more of my adventures and stories.

Well family, as always, continue to look for miracles.

Love you all,
Sister Chalet Beames

Transfer 9 Week 5 - March 31, 2014

Hey family,

Another exciting week here in the PPM. At the beginning of the week we
were able to go on an exchange with the sisters in Cherry Hill. It was
really cool because before we met with them my companion was able to
tell me about the sisters and who I would be on an exchange with and
things that she might be struggling with. So I was able to make that a
goal on the exchange to focus on those things. So in one of our
lessons with our investigator, right after the sister bore her
testimony I paused and pointed out to the investigator how strong the
spirit was when that sister bore her testimony. I then bore testimony
of how when that sister talked the spirit bore testimony to me again
that the message we are sharing is true. I know that it helped our
investigator, but later that night as we were preparing for bed the
sister thanked me and said that was one of the first times on her
mission that she has felt confident. Which was exactly what my
companion had told me she had been struggling with.
It was just a powerful witness to me of the influence we have with
others and our calling to lift others up and to strengthen them. As we
prayerfully strive to help those around us The Lord will guide our
thoughts and actions so when the time is right we will know just
exactly we are supposed to do.

When we were finishing the exchange we were able to meet a man named
Edwin. He was working at McDonalds and seemed to be interested in
talking to us as we ordered our meal. I told him that if he had a
break soon to come over and talk with us. No more than two minutes
later he came over and was able to talk to us about his journey. He
expressed how when he around the age 18-19 he had really been studying
and trying to build a relationship with god but finally things got so
hard in his life that he decided to let god go. It was so sad to
listen to this man as he told us that he said a prayer for about five
hours ending his relationship with god as he told him that he loved
him but he was going to move on from him in his life. I know that he
still deeply loves god, but my heart is still screaming out to him
that he was doing it wrong. When times get hard, don't quit. Don't
turn away from god, and don't ever think that you can do it on your
own. At times of struggle or hardship are when we need God more! We
expressed our love for him and told him that god still loves him. He
was so surprised and asked,"do you really think so?" I think his
perception of what the adversary would have him believe is so sad that
he thinks god would never allow him to return after he turned away.
There is a lot of hope for that young man! I'll have to let you all
know how that goes meeting with him again!

This last week at our mission leadership training with the zone
leaders and mission president there was a guest speaker that talked
about getting investigators and those we are involved with to be
excited about family history work. They talked about how this
encourages the spirit of Elijah to be able to turn the hearts of the
children to their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to their
children. She also mentioned how that spirit of Elijah is created when
we are able to do proxy work for them in the temple. I then pictured
in my mind how for a whole yr before my mission I went once or twice a
week to the Provo temple to do baptisms. It is hard for me not to get
emotional thinking about that because I have such strong spiritual
feelings that were created with that my own experiences in the temple.
This is significant because too of what mom shared with me in her
email this week, of which I will share an excerpt with you all.

"I have been getting on familysearch.org with Connor. Last night I was
up late getting things corrected and put in the computer. Today,
Connor and I went to the temple, and they helped me print off
Grandma's card to do all her work except marriage sealing. It was
really emotional when they handed it to me, and to know it was right
there in my hands to do the work now. I kinda lost it for a while. I
could hardly get dressed I was crying so much! I am going to have to
schedule to get it all done in the next couple weeks. If you were
here, I would have you do the baptism."

This experience mom shared with me was perfect because of what took
place at the leadership council. For example I was praying last night
and thinking about grandma and grandpa as I occasionally do that they
can see the missionary work that I am doing and that their hearts can
be prepared to accept the gospel. I really have felt a sense of
closeness with them as I've been here serving The Lord. So last night
I was thinking how I would write home and see if I could get someone
to send me a family chart or something because I know that not a whole
lot of family work has been done and I was planning on creating some
type of spiritual experience for myself with family history work. But
then it was a miracle as I got online to read moms email this morning
and she shared her experience with me about going to the temple. I
know that god wants us to do this work and that it is important. I am
grateful that he is allowing us to work together as a family to
achieve these goals even though we are on different sides of the
country. But he hears both of our prayers and he too is proud of the
work that we do!

There really is a sweet spirit that we are able to feel as we connect
our family to us from different sides of the veil. It is the spirit of
Elijah, and I just imagine now how much that would really help to
retain our newly converted friends to this gospel. I encourage
everyone to do family history work and to get involved with helping
their non member friends know their ancestors as well.

Well everyone, that's all for now. Have a blessed week,

Love, Sister Chalet Beames

Transfer 9 Week 2 - March 24, 2014

Heeey Everybody!

So that is exciting news with Connor getting home and everything from his mission. Proud of him and his work. Man I love missions! They are the best! 

Last night one of our recent converts said that she had to take her sister to the ER. She had been sick and thought that she had an ear infection but in reality she had a spider in her ear. So if that doesn't give you the heebie geebies I don't know what will.

Now that we are off to a great start, this week has been an adventure...Sort of. My companion ended up getting sick with a migraine this week. She has been getting them for about a couple years where she used to get them once or twice a year, but she has had pretty bad ones about every month now. When she got it, it was Tuesday morning and it went over into Thursdaymorning. We were inside for those days and while she tried to sleep it off I ended up inputting the paper copy of our area book into the iPad for hours on end. It was fun!....not. But much needed to be done. And at the end I was able to take a picture of the area book and iPad together to show future generations of how it used to be done and how missionary work changes with technology! :) It is definitely going to be an adjustment using this method, but I am excited to see how the face of missionary work will change and what things will happen in bringing the gospel to others throughout the world. 

Later this week we were able to go on a two day exchange with the sisters down in cape may! That was so sweet. I can't even begin to describe the feelings going through me as I was able to see people that I dearly love and have become part of my family. My heart is still partially down in cape May but great things are transpiring there and I'm glad to be a stl over that area.

I don't usually talk about the exchanges that we go on, but it was such big part of our week and was something my companion and I were able to learn a lot about and reflect on that I feel like I should share.
The companionship that we were going with were really struggling. For one of the sisters this is her first experience with training and the other is a brand new missionary. My companion was able to go on the exchange with the new missionary and I went with the trainer. So far with this position as a stl and the amount of exchanges that we do I have really been able to see some stressful situations of how some of these sisters come out here not knowing why they are here, struggling with testimonies, or have never really ever even had a friend before. And after some of these exchanges we come tired and always really trying to think what we can do to help these sisters, but by the end of this exchange I was complete exhausted and it was by far one of the most overwhelming ones. 

There is definitely a lack of communication on both parts of sisters and there were a lot of issues at hand. Below I have included an excerpt of my companion's email in order for all of you to see her point of view of the exchange and how to describe the situation in greater light, as well as her testimony included. As for the trainer that I went with, she was able to open up to and share with me all of the things that she is going through but afterwards I had really been praying for something I could help her with and for something I could give her a commitment with. It was something that she told me that she did not want any of my advice and was quite abrupt with me. I was rather taken aback, and it allowed me to see two different view points for a relationship and what some people are willing or not willing to do to work through problems. This training sister has been really frustrated as you will read below but in response to that she has begun to belittle her companion and treat her like a child in the situation rather than an equal for their companionship. 

In reality we all have problems. Each one is different and the experiences we go through will not be the same but as we turn to our leaders and to The Lord we will be able to come out conquerors. When there are situations at hand it is important for us to be able to step back and look at the greater eternal impact of our choices and then to make the best decision. I hope as you all read this that you will be able to feel apart of this experience and think about the relationships that you are in as well, where your testimony stands and what you feel like you could do as well to better strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I would love feedback or comments about things you think are important in loving and serving those you are with.

Sister Haas comments:

"We were going on an exchange with
the Cape May sisters after planning. They are having such a hard time.
We were going to be with them from Thursday to Saturday. I stayed in
our area and Sister Dobson came here. I don't want to say too much
about the exchange, but let me tell you these sisters are struggling.
Sister Dobson is a different type of sister. She has never been tested
but there might be some form of autism there. I want to say that those
two days were a very humbling and moving experience for me. As I got
to know her and where she is coming from, there were lots of tears as
she expressed to me what she was feeling. I was able to listen, to
talk to her and encourage her. I prayed so hard on the exchange to
know what to say to help her. We had a wonderful conversation and
throughout I could literally feel a small portion of the love that our
Savior feels for this individual sister. There is so much potential in
this sweet sister. It will just take more time, more love, and much
patience to work with her, answer her questions and to teach her how
to do many things involved in missionary work.

I love being a sister training leader. It adds a whole new level to
the work, one of commitment, love, and patience. As a leader, I don't
see myself in any way above these sisters, but as we go on these
exchanges, I help them to know that I am learning just as much from
them as they may be from me. And as the spirit is there as a third
companion, that's where the real teaching comes in. My heart has been
really full these last couple days. It's been ridiculous how many
times I have cried this week, not because I am sad, but because I am
overwhelmed with how much I love and appreciate this gospel. After the
exchange, I was expressing some things to my companion, Sister Beames.
I have noticed that many missionaries come out not having a testimony.
This is frustrating. My purpose of this email is not to vent, but to
really share what I have come to learn as being a sister training
leader. This work is hard. This work is eternally important. This work
is not to be taken lightly. President Brigham Young taught, "If you go
on a mission to preach the gospel with lightness and frivolity in your
hearts, looking for this and that, and to learn what is in the
world,...you will go and return in vain...let your minds be centered
on your missions." As I expressed how I was feeling to Sister Beames
in the family history center at the church, tears filled my eyes as I
told her how my heart goes out to these sisters and elders that come
out searching for something their whole missions. They aren't sure why
they are here. They keep looking for something, unsure of why they
feel so tired, why we need to be obedient to mission rules, why
everyday feels like it's dragging on and their missions will never
end. I am so grateful for all those elders and sisters who
courageously accepted the call to come out on a mission. But can I say
how important it is to have a foundation of a testimony before you
come. When you are searching for your testimony, it makes the work
100x harder when you don't have that crucial part of who you are to
pull from. Please know that God is your father in heaven, that Jesus
Cnrist is the savior of the world and that he atoned for your sins.  That through him you can be made clean. Know with a surety that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration. Know that The Book of Mormon

is true. Know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet. As you come out
on a mission focus on your purpose, "To invite others to come unto
Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through Faith in
Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the
gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end." As you focus on your
purpose in helping others make these steps, you too will naturally see
changes in yourself. As Sister Beames and I were talking, she shared
stories with me of when she had to go home from her mission to get
surgery, and how being home she felt so alone. All she wanted to do
was serve The Lord and here she was, sent home for health reasons. As
she shared these tender experiences with me, we both were in tears as
she bore her testimony with me of how she knows this gospel is true
and how she loves serving The Lord. Sister Beames knows why she is
here. As many of you know I always wanted to serve a mission and my family is 

very missionary minded and right from being young, I set my sights to
serve a mission and to prepare. You also may know that I dated Jonny
before coming on a mission at BYU. The time came when I needed to
decide what to do next. I remember that time being very difficult for
me as I was torn in my feelings and not quite knowing what to do. I
hold close to me several experiences while on my knees in prayer,
studying my scriptures, pondering upon the words of my patriarchal
blessing, listening to talks, being in church, and being aware of the
quiet and tender promptings of the spirit. In many ways like Joseph
Smith, I was confused as he described his experience, this can be
likened to mine, "in the midst of the tumult of opinions, I often said
to myself what is to be done? Who of all these parties are right, or,
are they all wrong together, if anyone of them be right, which one is
it and how shall I know it?" I have never prayed so hard. (Ok being on
a mission I have prayed again pretty hard :) ) but I wanted to know
what Gods plan for me was and what I needed to do. Setting aside all
opinions, I dug deep within myself. I learned a lesson about prayer
that Heavenly Father trusts us. He trusted me to make a decision and
then to ask him. I pondered, reflected and studied and then asked God
if I needed to serve a mission. I bear witness that I received an
answer. My Heavenly Father has a plan for me and he loves me. I have a
testimony of this gospel and he needed me to be apart of his army in
this part of the vineyard. He needed me to train 4 beautiful sister
missionaries. He needed me be to be in parts of Pennsylvania,
Delaware, and New Jersey to preach his gospel and defend his faith. He
needed me to help people, to love them, and to guide them. He needed
me to be a sister training leader to help other sister missionaries
understand their purpose and potential. I treat them like my
investigators as I pray, study and think about them. I too know why I
am here.  

As Sister Beames and I were able to talk with one another and as we
have shared our experiences with another, it's been overwhelming to me
this week of how much I love being a missionary and how grateful I am
for the decision I made to serve The Lord. When we follow the answer
to prayer, things will work out. Things will be ok :)

One more thing, when I was on exchanges with Sister Dobson, we had an
appointment with Jim Crowley. Jim is inactive and has been so since he
was 13 years old. He is in his 30s now and has forgotten many things
about the church. As we went to see him and sister, Sister Greer, who
is an active member, we walked in and they seemed a little
uncomfortable. I asked what was wrong and Jim said,"I'm just not sure
where all this is going. I know where you want this to go, but I don't
know if I will ever be able to get my answer." We have multiple
conversations with Jim . He confuses himself because he says that he
wants to know, but doesn't know if he can know. It's a very roundabout
conversation. Coming into this lesson and knowing that he didn't know
if he wanted to meet with us again. I said, "Jim, give us one more
lesson. The things we have to share with you today I know will help
you." We opened and I told Jim that that morning I had prayed for him
and was unsure about where to go next with him. I told him that for an
hour that morning I had studied for him to know what and how we could
teach him. As I spoke, the Spirit filled the room as I showed the love
and concern I had for him. We opened up to Matthew 14 and talked about
Peter walking on the water and how Jim has so much doubt running
around in his head. He wants to know, but he doesn't know if he can.
We talked about faith and how he needs to hold onto that faith, though
small, that he does have. We have not been able to get to the second
part of the restoration (he is a big talker and gets off topic easily)
but this time we were able to teach about Joseph Smith and his
experience, the importance of the Book of Mormon and praying to know.
We shared a short clip of the restoration and of Elder Perry
testifying of the prophet. After we shared this, Jim went off and said
how he didn't believe in Joseph Smith, that he was a conman, how
people took him to be killed and that the men were right for doing
it... As he spoke it was the weirdest feeling. I felt like I was going
to explode. Here Jim was talking about the prophet Joseph Smith and
saying all these things that he had heard or thought he knew. But he
didn't know. As the conversation paused, I paused and immediately my
eyes watered. It was in that lesson, the Spirit confirmed to me how
much I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of god. I bore my testimony
of this young man, a boy who had faith to receive answers to his
prayers, and did so. Through him, the gospel has been restored. I know
it. It is so hard to describe these experiences in writing and even
telling them face to face. I know that many experiences I have on my
mission are ones that will always stay in my heart and that really
only The Lord and I will know. They are hard to retell. I told Jim,
"Before you walk away from this, do you feel like you have done your
part in coming to know these things are true?" He replied, "Well, I
have prayed a couple times." (We have been meeting with him for about
2 months). I said, "That is wonderful that you have prayed Jim. God
loves hearing from you. But before you leave all of this, do your
part. Pray every single day, morning and night. Read The Book of
Mormon, and come to church." He said he would. Church may come later,
but his sister agreed to read with him everyday to help him.
After that lesson, we walked out and got in the car. Sister Dobson
said, "Sister Haas, I needed that lesson. I feel like I doubt so much.
I know these things. I need to have more faith." On that exchange,
Sister Dobson was able to start to find her testimony and recognize
that she does have one.

Family and friends, know that I stand as a witness of Jesus Christ. I
love him and I know him. I will do anything to preach his gospel.
Thank you for reading this long winded email, it felt good to write
this all down :) i love you all!

Looking forward to another week in His service."

Lastly, I want to share my testimony with you. I know that this gospel is true. I know that no matter who it is, an investigator, sisters, elders, myself, family, or others that the invitation to come to Christ is for everyone. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve God and be a part of this great work. I love my mission. Everything about it means so much to me and each day I try to be changed into who God would have me be. This really is eternal life we are working for and we must do our part.

Love you all,

Sister Chalet Beames

Transfer 9 Week 1 - March 10, 2014

Hey family here is the new address!
2424 Shamrock Ln
Millville, NJ  08332

This week was good. I left center city and was sad to go, but feel
super pumped about the new area I'm in. I'm still a sister training
leader and I've been moved back to New Jersey. I'm in a place called
Vineland about an hr north of cape may. So exciting news because I'm
over the sisters down in that area I will get to head down there for
some exchanges!

Well it was a busy week just getting adjusted, making sure my last
companion new center city and then trying to get to know people in my
new area. It's been a blast though!

There are already so many miracles happening here, and there are a lot
of people that are prepared and ready to be taught!

Last night we stopped by a potential thAt missionaries  met maybe six
months ago. The lady said her and her sone have been reading the Book
of Mormon they left and are so excited for us to come back and teach
them! I'll have to let you know how that goes.

Welli love you all and hope things are well. Keep up the good work and
look for positive things everyday!

Love sister beames

Transfer 8 Week 6 - March 3, 2014

Hey everyone! guess what?....

I'm getting transferred! Sad but I knew it would come to an end
eventually. I know it would come to an end soon though. Things you are
enjoying can't always last but change is good. God wants us to stretch
and by creating different experiences and trials we are then able to
become the person that he wants. I'm excited for this change and hope
to see further growth in myself and the people I am going to be able
to serve!

Well this week was awesome! We had so many uplifting experiences and
we were able to work with so many people. We taught our investigator
Liuddy the wow, and he was able to accept it. He said he doesn't
really know why but he knows he should keep it because he wants
blessings from The Lord. And he said he recognizes that if it has
gotten us where we are today then it must be good cuz he said his way
'is crap.'

Also working with some of our less actives has been super good. We
were able to see some really good changes in them when they keep their
commitments, especially praying and reading  individually and as a
family.

Our eight yr old Brandon had his baptism date pushed to March 16th.
I'm so excited for him. He really does have the softest heart, and I
just hope to be able to come back and see his special day!

Love you all so much. Hope you are doing great and recognizing gods
hands in all of your experiences.

Love, sister chalet beames