Liberdade A - Week 4 - "Far Alone" - G Eazy ft. E40

2k17, now we here trick!

So far this has been the weirdest transition of my mission with a new year, but I am super pumped for 2017 and all that it has in store! It sounds like everyone partied super hard. Brody and Annie hit up D-Land and the rest of the fam ate more candy than Augustus Gloop with the Candy Bar game and fun festivities.

The week was a really good all because of the biggest homies of all time... clouds! It was raining and cloudy for a good part of the week so it helped out a ton. On Tuesday night, we had a big family home evening at Jorge and Elsa's to celebrate their anniversary. It was a really fun night but the best part came when Jorge and Elsa gave their "toasts" and they talked about how the church, getting married, and being baptized truly changed their lives, relationship and family. On Wednesday, I had a division with my dude, Elder Babu! It was a super fun day working with that joker. On Saturday, the 31st we had a busy day to get some visits in, celebrate Elder Ribeiro's bday and also party it up for the New Year. All missionaries had to be home by 18h (6:00pm) so when we got home I cut Elder Dutra's and Elder Ribeiro's hair, we cooked up a nice dinner, and then just slept. Most peaceful New Years I have ever had except for the fireworks that woke me up in the night. I legit woke up thinking I was back in Nam' haha. This next week should be just as good with lots of divisions planned and lots of people to visit. Also on Saturday, we will be having a couple baptisms for the ward of Sister Carolina and Sister Malika.

To start of the new year, President Koch challenged all the missionaries to study the Book of Mormon and finish by March 1st. Ever since I have started my study I have some really cool experiences with the Book of Mormon but to go with the theme of the new year I will just share a little thought from 1 Nephi Chapter 16. So, in this chapter Lehi and his family had been travelling in the wilderness for a minute now and they had already passed through many hard times. Then, Lehi and his family are blessed to obtain the Liahona that gave them guidance of where to hunt and travel for a good amount of time. But once they faced a couple of problems with Nephi's bow being broken and not having any food they were quick to forgot all that God had done for them and their forefathers. After receiving some chastening the family humbled themselves and looked to the Liahona in verse 29, "And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."

So, with this new year passing and good times that the Lord has blessed us with let us not forget these things when we face our first couple trials of 2017. We have been blessed with so much things in these Latter-Days that give us guidance from time to time and especially when we need it. I hope that we all can use these blessings just like the scriptures, church magazines, and church websites throughout this year with more faith and diligence to help us in times of peace and in times of trial so that the Lord can bring to pass great things for us and for others in 2017 by small means! Love you guys so much! Have such a great week!

Love,

Elder Chipman

Family Night Games

Family Night at Jorge and Elsa's

Lunch with Elder Babu

Selfie with Brother Fransico

New Year's Eve Dinner

Week 3 - Liberdade A - "The Party" by Childish Gambino

Alrighty, so shout outs to Mozambique cause they party so hard here that the festivities go until the 26th hahha not really but just because Christmas fell on a Sunday this year the Government wanted everything closed for the 26th so that is why this email is coming in a day late.

But oh my goodness guys, I feel like Buddy the Elf because of how happy I have been these couple of days. The number one reason is cause I got to see all of you guys (The Dirty 30 & 3/4's)! It was so good to see you guys and it was honestly so crazy to see how much everyone has grown up, especially the little kiddies! Thank you, guys, for all your sweet words and just for your smiles and Christmas wishes. Second reason is because I have been enjoying all that was sent in the Christmas package. I loved all the cards (which are now hanging on my mosquito net) and all the presents and treats. Third, just cause this time is "the most beautiful time of the year" as Justin Bieber says.  It is not because of the snow or cause of the 114-degree heat, but because of the spirit that comes with this great time! I am so very grateful for the chance that I have had to be in the mission field for two Christmas' now.

Since the fam has kind of been updated on most of the week so far it will be a short update section this week. So far, this transfer has gone by faster than any other on my mission with the this week helping out with it. We have been been battling with water and electricity problems but the past couple of days we have been all good. There is honestly nothing better than the energy coming back in the middle of the night after laying in your bed, sweating and rage punching mosquitoes for a couple of hours.  This week I did a division with one of my favorite Elders, Elder Mayeya. He is from Zambia and I have always told him that at least one time we would work together on our missions and it finally happened. I took him out to lunch at Maxxi's for a Christmas present where we enjoyed the most American hamburger and fries I have had on my entire mission.  It was super fun walking with him and getting to know him better. On Thursday, we had a service project helping a family in the ward prep the chickens that they would be selling for the holidays. It involved us killing and plucking all the chickens that we possibly could haha. Friday, we had Zone Conference, where we fit 60 missionaries into the mission office and had a great time. Saturday, we made it to the mission office safe through the heat and a storm to Skype. Sunday, in the morning we made some visits and then had just an hour of church at 11:30. We came home and I made lunch for everyone (shredded bbq chicken sandwiches with some rice bc Africa) and then we had one visit in the evening but then had to be home at 18:00,  So in the night we cleaned, I baked a cake and we were able to relax just a little bit.

For a just a little spiritual thought it comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson (S/O to Coach Thompson) and it says, "This time, like all times is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it." I have been thinking a lot about this little quote because it is so true for this time of year. Generally, all times are good but this time of Christmas and New Year’s is a great one if only we know what to do with it. Christmas, we have the chance to be with our families and remember the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. New Years, we have the chance to be optimistic, set goals and have a new outlook on a new year. I don’t think it is coincidence that these two times fall together. It is because of Jesus Christ that we can progress and be optimistic. He suffered so that He could know how to help each and every single one of us be better in this life. So that we can feel of His and our Father in Heaven's love, joy and happiness. I hope that with the New Year coming we all have new goals and aspirations set for 2017 and I hope that we all turn to Christ to help us with these things that we wish to change, accomplish and feel personally but also to become better in blessing the lives of others!

Love yall! Have a great week!

Elder Chipman  

Snacks with Joel

The best Mosquito Net in the World. 

Division with Elder Mayeya

The Naughty Bubble

Our Security

Zone Conference in the Mission Home

Normal

Christmas Cake

Week 2 - Liberdade B - ''All I Want For Christmas Is You'' by Mariah Carey

What is good to the people who read these emails?!? It sounds like the weather has been perfect for getting reading for Christmas and everything so I just want to wish everyone an early Merry Christmas! This time of the year is a special so I hope everyone has a great/fun/safe couple of weeks!

As for me this week was still kind of a scramble with no companion for a couple of days. So, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I walked in a trio with Elder Ribeiro and Elder Dutra trying our best to split the time in both of our areas. But then during personal study on Thursday Morning we heard a knock at the door and yes... it was my companion. I was super happy that he showed up and that we could get back to some work. With 4 days of lots of work we also had lots of activities going on as well. On Friday, we headed out to the T3 house to drop off a cake for Elder Howells bday. Saturday, we had our ward Christmas party and it was a blast. I already feel right at home in the Liberdade ward. We were able to bring some investigators that are close to baptism to the activity and they were able to interact with the members which was really nice. We had a white elephant gift exchange and so not knowing what I would bring, I just thought to myself... ''What would Barb do?'' and it came to me haha. I wrapped up some brand spanking new Nike socks in capellana and legit everyone went nuts for it!  Then yesterday, with church being at 1:00 PM we headed out to do some visits in the morning and then we went and had a little breakfast at the house of the president of the elder’s quorum, Brothre Jopela. It was super nice and we were able to hear about how he was baptized and everything, which I always love hearing about.

As for a quick spiritual thought I want to stay on the topic of how Brother Jopela, his conversion and the church in general here in Mozambique. I have had the special opportunity to meet some of the first Mozambicans that were baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From Chico Mapenda, who was baptized in Germany in the 80's, to President Samo Gonzalves, who was baptized in Portugal around the same time. We will truly never know all the work that we have done in this life. We have no idea the effect we are making on people and bringing others unto Christ. Because of  2 missionaries in Germany and 2 in Portugal there are now almost 10,000 people that have come to know the truthfulness and beauty of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don’t know those 4 missionaries and I don’t know if they know the effect that they have had but I am so thankful for them. In this Christmas Season and coming New Year I want to invite all of us to continue being abound in good works (Alma 7:24) through our service, example and testimony. We may see the fruits instantly that day, that week, that month or may not see the effect we made until the next life but I promise that if you have the desire to help others, there will always be someone that is thankful for your service.

To close... MERRY CHRISTMAS YA FOOLS!!! I hope everyone listens to the Justin Bieber Christmas Album while drinking some eggnog hahaha.

Luv,

Elder Chipman

Setting up for the Christmas Activity!

Christmas Activity Selfie with Elder Dutra. 

Galitos ft Coke Tower hahahha

I Love Mozambique

Week 1 - Liberdade A - Make Some Noise by The Beastie Boys

How is it everyone?! It sounds like everyone is doing great and gearing up for Christmas!

Well the best way I can describe this week was that it was like a Peyton Manning audible at the line of scrimmage haha. To begin, it has been super great getting back into the groove of living in Mozambique. My welcome back present has been that we have not had water in our house since the day I got there so that’s been super chill. Also in 6 nights being here we have gone 2 without electricity which is my favorite thing ever! Also, the audible came when on Thursday Elder Bindanda received a phone call saying that he had to go to Swaziland to do things for his documents so since that day I have been walking with members in an area that I am still getting to know and walking in a trio with Elder Dutra and Elder Ribeiro.

Liberdade is a pretty big area and it has lots of recent converts, inactives and lots of potential and so it’s time to work. But I have already gotten to know some really great people here! We are working with a lot of part member families right now and one is Ananeias and Aldencia. We are going to be working with them a lot to help them get married in January and have the baptism for Aldencia. They are super great and Aldencia loves the Book of Mormon. All the members have been super welcoming and loving. On Thursday I walked with Almica, who is are ward mission leader. He was super excited to hear that an American was coming to the ward so that he could practice his English and so we spoke lots of English while we walked together. I also walked with the ward secretary, Milerio on Friday.

Just to end I cannot explain to you guys the heat that I felt this week. Let’s just say that little kids make fun of me because of how much I sweat and I have been sweaty a lot these past couple of days! But everything else is going great! Elder Bindanda should be coming back today or tomorrow. Then after today it is 12 days until I get to see the fam on Skype! So, life is good - no stress! I hope you guys know how much I love you all and I appreciate all the prayers and support that I have received these past 15 months! You guys are the best! Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Chipman

Family Home Evening

Waiting for missionaries and eating Mangos.

Views from Liberdade

Waiting for the train.

Train terminal, looking for platform 9 3/4. 

Christmas Package!!!

Week 12 - Fairview B - "Good Life" by Kanye West ft. T-Pain

My family and friends how is everyone doing?! It sounds like everyone has had a super great week transitioning from Thanksgiving to Christmas! Super sad to hear that lots of the kiddies are a lil sick, sending all my wishes for them to feel better here soon!

But so, this week has been pretty crazy.  I will just start with today..

This morning all the houses in Swazi were up by 5 o clock cause we had 11 missionaries traveling to Mozambique. 8 that were being transferred and 3 that need to do documents. So, by 6 AM we were all packed into a kombi for a road trip to Mozambique. I have known for about a week or so where I was being transferred to. I am now serving in Liberdade area in the Matola Zone. Matola is on the other side of Maputo.  It is a complete different city that I am getting to know down here in southern Mozambique. I will have the dope chance to serve with Elder Bindanda! He is from Congo and so the dude speaks French, Portuguese and English. He is going into his last transfer in his mission so we are going to be doing lots of work before he goes home! I haven't had much time to adjust yet. We arrived at the Mission Office and in 4 minutes we were all packed into the Mission Chappa to head to our new areas. But all I can say is I am back to the good life in Mozambique.

Since we left this morning, Elder Feliciana and I had the entire week to visit and say goodbye to everyone! The visits weren't too bad, but saying goodbye to everyone and bearing my testimony in sacrament meeting yesterday at church was super hard. I loved every single day that I had in Swaziland! It is crazy how fast 6 months went by. I am super grateful for the Swazi people, the members, the investigators, and all of the missionaries there that made my experience so great. Ancha was not baptized on Saturday. Her baptism will happen in probably 2 weeks but she was super funny about Elder Feliciana and I leaving, she was super sad but all will be good.

Also, this past week, Elder Feliciana and I were able to put together our Christmas Cards and sent them all out. I won’t say what we did cause it will be a surprise but all I can say is that it made us feel the true Christmas spirit which is the love and light of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have seen a little of the 25 days of Christmas program that the church has going on. I encourage everyone to take part of it! Every day if we are focused on the true meaning of this time we will be filled with the spirit to help fulfill the true purpose of this time, which is to help others feel of this light and love we have in our lives.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Love,

Elder Chipman

Fun times in Ngcwilini

Cool Pic

The Avengers on their last night together. 

Going to miss this kid. 

Lembrancas

Packed up

Week 11 - Fairview B - "Thank You" by Jay Z

Aight yaaaalll! I hope everyone is still burping and farting turkey from last week and I hope everyone had a great/safe Thanksgiving! It sounds like that first snow storm came in good as well. As much as I hate the snow it is one of the things I miss the most haha.

As for the week, I can say this week was one of the fastest of my mission. It started out with us heading over to the Ezulwini chapel for a dual-zone Thanksgiving lunch and it was super nice being with the two zones and all of the missionaries here in Swazi. The Martins were in charge so you know they hooked us up nice food except for the part that everyone got sick. But it was all good in the hood for Elder Chipman's stomach so no worries.

On Wednesday morning, a couple of us went to Mozambique for some meetings and what not and all went well there! On Wednesday, Elder Stephens and I got caught with nothing to do and nowhere to go in Maputo so we just decided to go see the city. We hit up the Fortaleza Do Maputo (Maputo Fort) which is an old fort from back when the Portuguese were in rule there and built the fort as a protection from other countries and the natives. It is a now a museum with some pretty cool stuff. They have a section talking all about the cinema of Mozambique and I learned that my boy Leonardo Dicaprio touched down in Moz in 2007 to film the movie Blood Diamond so that is pretty chill. After that and some dinner it was on to Thanksgiving. Which was full of seeing tons of old faces, training, and the best Thanksgiving Lunch you could possibly imagine here in Africa. We had everything... turkey, mash potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and yes even pumpkin pie (S/O to Elder Holt).

Right after lunch and interview with President Koch we were back off on the road heading back to Swazi. Friday, Elder Griffeth and I had a division and it is always so good to walk with that kid. Saturday was the regular routine head out in the morning, hit up Galitos for lunch and then head straight back out and "ball out" as my good friend Elder Ramirez would say down in Peru. So, all in all everything is going great down here. We are in the last week of the transfer so we will have to wait to see what happens to Elder Ol' Dirty for the next 6 weeks but I will keep yall posted.

As for a spiritual note, I would just like to share a scripture that President Koch shared with us. He shared with us D&C 59:21 after we had a second to explain to everyone who didn’t know what Thanksgiving was. 21 says, "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." I realized that Thanksgiving isn't about the Turkeys, football or even Black Friday the next day... although those things are super nice. Thanksgiving is a time for us to put our gratitude on steroids and remember all the things that we have been giving in our life. I can just say that I am so grateful for all that I have been given in my life. I could go on and on about the things that I have been blessed with and the things I am thankful for but I don’t want to bore you guys. But in one statement I can sum it all up. I am so very grateful for the knowledge that I have that we have a Loving Heavenly Father that loves us so much He sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to earth to live and to die for us. I hope that we can keep our gratitude going all throughout the rest of this year and especially this special time of Christmas!

Love and miss you guys soo much! Have a great week! And remember don’t eat the yellow snow lolz

Elder Chipman

Thanksgiving Lunch in Ezulwini.

The Comps

Photo with a statue

Fortaleza Do Maputo

My boy Nathi is passing the Sacrament every week now.

Just like ol' times. 

Week 10 - Fairview B - "It’s our thing, Dudesgiving" -Schmidt

Alright sports fans, what is up?! So, I have officially been away for two high school football seasons which means next season it is nothing but Billy Bob Thornton and Friday Nights Lights for me haha. But s/o to Berg and East for the the back-2-back state championship win! Also, Happy Birthday to Colin last Friday and Happy Birthday to Brody this Thursday!  Also, Happy Thanksgiving for all ya jive turkeys out there.

This past week was yet another good on out here for ya boys Rev Run and DMC (Elder Feliciana and I). This week has been full of long days, lessons falling, new investigators, lots of Coke, lightning strikes, Mozambicans, usithiles, and lots of love from our Heavenly Father. This past week we started teaching a Mozambican lady named Ancha. Ancha works super close to where we stay at a fruit stand. About two months ago she had a dream that she was in a church that she had never seen or never been in, she said she felt like she was at home. Then about a month ago some missionaries just invited her to church when they were buying some bananas and she decided to come. When she got to the church she realized it was the exact same church that was in her dream and ever since then she has been coming to church. So, we have stopping by every day to teach and to read with her. She is super funny cause every time we visit her she says, "Ok vamos revisar porque eu naõ demoro para esquecer!" ("Let’s review because it doesn’t take long for me to forget!") But she is doing great and has a baptismal date for the 4th of December. Also, this Saturday we headed out in the morning to get some work done and visits in before lunch but right as we got close to our visit a big ol' lightning strike cracked right above our heads and then the rain commenced and it was legit like someone turned the shower on full blast. It cleared up though and we able to get in a visit and some contacts before heading and getting some lunch. That night we had a really great night with three of our lessons falling and being able to find 3 different families that we hadn't planned to visit.  The work is coming a long every day here "kancane kancane" (little by little).

On Sunday, José and Zethu were confirmed which was great to see because they had been waiting for the wedding process to get all finished up. Also, Bheki (recent convert) received a calling to teach the young men and Sakhile (a perspective elder we have been working with) was called to be the Branch clerk! It has been super cool to see how the gospel can truly help people progress in their lives and be able to fight through struggles and difficulties.

For a spiritual thought, it will also come from a talk that was giving by a sister during sacrament on Sunday. She opened her talk by saying, "Today, I am celebrating the death of my oldest daughter, November 20th, 2012. The reason why I say I am 'celebrating' her death is because I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and because of that I know about the Plan of Salvation and I know that I will be reunited with my daughter again with my entire family and feel the joy and happiness that our Father in Heaven has for us." First line of her talk and I was already in tears. My fellow sister went Mike Trout and hit it out the park with her talk but ever since I heard that opening line I haven't been able to get it out of my head because it is honestly so true. We know about the Plan of Salvation, it gives us hope, comfort and joy and it’s up to us to help others come to know of this special, perfect plan as well.

I hope y’all have a great week! Eat some turkey, play and watch some football and watch the Thanksgiving episode of New Girl for ya boy down here!

Love and miss you guys!

Elder Chipman

Our dinner with the Dlaminis's...Prince was already digging in. 

Street names aren't much help here. 

Couldn't fit all of the house in the pic. 

S/O to the 0 contacts that we made in this area. 

Visiting Sister Gill at work.

Lunch with the Martins.