First week of "Parenthood"

Hello to my wonderful family and friends whom I love so very much,

This week has been one for the books that's for sure! :)  Tuesday night, Sister Wiest was feeling very sick and we ended up taking her to the ER at around 8 PM just to make sure everything was okay...well...we end up being there until 1 AM, then go back on Wednesday afternoon at 2 for what we thought would be a quick check up; but ended up being there until 9 PM!  ...then had to make sure everything was packed, cleaned, and ready for transfers Thursday because both Sister Thompson and Sister Wiest were being transferred!  So yes, a very crazy start to the week to say the least!

Thursday = TRANSFERS = I PICK UP MY BABY! haha.  I, for some weird reason, was not worried or stressed at all once I got to the meeting.  Apparently it had reached the entire mission that I would be training, so I had Elders and Sisters cheering me on from the second I walked in the doors. haha.  It didn't really hit me until after the Trainer's Meeting though, that I would actually be a trainer: I like to think of it more as a helper, especially in my case.  As President introduced all the new missionaries on the front 3 rows (don't worry, only like 40 of them....) I had it narrowed down to 2 sisters.  By the time he announces the trainer/area for Iowa City: AKA ME: only one of those sisters hadn't been assigned.  I stand up, and of course he has to say "And doing something that I've never done before, having Sister Alston train after being here just 6 weeks...blah, blah, blah." haha...and SISTER HILL is my companion!  Yes, the one that hadn't been assigned that I had picked out!  :)  I immediately knew she was going to be an amazing missionary, and just what I needed.  After the meeting, both President and Sister Jergensen pulled us aside and told us that this was one of the most clear and strong promptings and answers they had received; to put the two of us together...and in just 3 days, I already know why. Sister Hill just turned 22 years old, from Herriman, Utah, the oldest of 5 kids, so down to earth and real, and we teach great together!  I know I'm the one called to train her, but we really are training each other, and helping each other realize and reach our full potential as missionaries.  She is so personable and loving, and very determined to do the work; which is awesome!  I feel so blessed to have her in my life, and as my companion for the next little while.

We started off our companionship with a super busy weekend!  Friday, we had studies in the morning as usual, had an appointment with a member family; which changed into a lunch appointment which was a blessing because we had no food...District get to know you meeting which is always a riot, service at the food bank: where we met a couple potential investigators, a lesson with Trisha (which are always my favorite!)...Trisha is so amazing!  She loves the lessons, and really feels like she wants to get baptized (I'm glad I didn't scare her away when I invited her to be baptized over lunch. haha), but her boyfriend doesn't want to get married anytime soon.  He's supportive of her decision to meet with us and go to church, but we just pray that his heart will be softened and things will work out so Trisha can be baptized.  I know she will get baptized sooner or later, but I would love to be able to be here for it!  She even went to an institute activity after Friday's lesson, came to the Relief Society activity Saturday morning, and church yesterday!

Saturday we had the most wonderful stake relief society activity all about the Atonement and how it's relevant in all of our lives.  It was a great reminder of how we can use the Atonement each and every day, and how it brings so much peace and joy into our lives.  One of the emphasis' was on the Prayer of Faith, or as I like to explain it: praying as if Heavenly Father were there in the room with you.  This has changed my life.  When I pray with this in my mind, I am able to talk more sincerely with my Father in Heaven, and I feel that He really is there listening to every word.  Prayer has been my strongest source of peace, comfort and direction, and I know it can be like this for everyone.  I feel so blessed to have the knowledge that we do have a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of each one of us, our needs, our struggles, our worries and concerns, and as we ask Him...He WILL answer.  I know that as we obey the best we can, and seek in faith, that we will find.

I love you all so much, and hope you know how appreciative I am of your prayers on my behalf.  I feel closer to you than ever before, and I know it's because of your prayers and support.

THANK YOU!!!

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Alston

After more than a year of studying with missionaries from
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Brion was Baptized!

Spent the two days before transfers in the ER with Sister Wiest

3 generation photo: Nana Thompson, Mama Alston, and Baby Hill 

Mom and Daughter haha

Talents, Exchanges, Transfers, Oh My!!!

HELLO EVERYONE! :) HAPPY MONDAY!

This week has been an exciting one that's for sure!  Last Monday, we had a little district talent show which was amazing!  All 5 companionships did a talent, then individuals as they wanted.  Sister Thompson, Sister Wiest and I shared our talent of singing MoTab's "Circle of Life" in the mini van...yes...it was quite the hit if you can imagine!  We set up chairs on the stage like the mini van and pretended like we were driving down the road jammin' out as we always do! :)

Monday night we started our journey to Peoria for exchanges, but since it's about 2 1/2 hours away from Iowa City we were able to stay the night in Bettendorf with the sisters there and made it to Peoria, Illinois Tuesday morning.  It was fun to be in a different area and see the work being done there, and spending time with other sisters!  We did a lot of tracting, but did have a couple teaching appointments which were fun.  It was one of their recent convert's birthday, so we took her over cupcakes and read scriptures with her!  It was so amazing to see her excitement and enthusiasm about the Book of Mormon, and said it was the perfect end to her birthday.  It was a perfect end to my crazy day as well and reminded me of the importance of the Book of Mormon, and how every chapter relates to us personally if we let it.

On our way back on Wednesday morning, we hit a HUGE STORM!!!...thunder, lightning, downpoor rain...it was way cool but somewhat scary driving on the highway when we couldn't see in front of us!  But don't worry, we made it back alive and well! A lot of Iowa City was flooded, so we had to be careful where we went, oh!...and we stopped at the World's Largest Truck Stop IOWA 80!  My companions laughed when I told them I've stayed a few nights at truck stops on our summer camping trips!  Good times with the fam! :)

Thursday, we were asked to do training for district meeting on Revelation through the Book of Mormon.  I was reminded of an activity in the MTC I did; where we got in small groups, pondered a question we had, wrote it down, then prayerfully and slowly read a chapter together while discussing every few verses.  We decided we would try it out with our district, and it went so well!  I know the Lord guided me in choosing Alma 26 as the chapter for my group, and knew who needed to be in my group...every single one of our questions were answered, and the spirit was so strong as we discussed this amazing chapter.  I can't really describe it well, but it was such a neat experience to know Heavenly Father knows exactly what each of us needs at all times.

TRANSFER CALLS came Saturday morning... President talks to Sister Thompson first, telling her she is being transferred to finish-training someone that came out with me; which is was I figured would happen, leaving Sister Wiest to finish-train me.. BUT NO!!! He then says, and Sister Wiest, you are being transferred to another area as well to break someone that came out in your same group.  By this time, my heart is beating quite rapidly... President says, "And Sister Alston...I am doing something that I have never done before...you are going to finish training yourself...." pause for like 5 seconds... "Oh, and I am calling you to train a new sister in Iowa City".  So yes...2 days before my 2 month "birthday", I will BE A TRAINER!!! I'm happy to be staying in such a wonderful area, but kind of freaking out because I've barely been in Iowa 6 weeks!  haha...so...PRAYERS ACCEPTED from anyone and everyone please! :)  It's so humbling to know that President Jergensen, and the Lord trust me to already train a new sister, and I know it will be fine...we will learn from each other, and just trust that the Lord knows what He's doing with me!  My mission scripture sure is beginning to take on a greater meaning now... "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."  I know that this experience will help me grow and become an even better missionary, that as I put my whole trust in the Lord and not worry, He will direct my paths.

It has been such a pleasure working with such incredible sisters, and in this area as my first transfer...and I look forward to hearing of their success in other areas!  I know we are being split up so we can strengthen others, that Heavenly Father needs me here and with "Baby April" for a reason!  I was reading in Mosiah and Alma this morning and read just the right scriptures I needed... Alma 31:31 "Oh Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful (or anxious and nervous); wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ.  O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions (new responsibilities) which shall come upon me..."  and with an answer to that prayer in Mosiah 24: 13-14 "Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me...and I will ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs...and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."

I know that I will be strengthened through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my strengths, weaknesses, and needs...and as I serve Him in faith, diligence, and obedience, He will be with me always.  I love this gospel with all my heart, and am so happy to share it with those around me.  I'm so grateful for the testimonies that you all share with me, they strengthen my own testimony and keep me going.

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Chantae Alston

Mormon Handcart Park Cleanup

Nauvoo!

Climbing in the back of the van to get a water bottle for SW

The district photo :)

The Largest Truck Stop in the World! IOWA 80

Last full week of 1st Transfer!

Due to transfers next week, if you send Natalia a letter, please send everything to the mission home address! Thanks! 

Sister Natalia Alston

Iowa Des Moines Mission

8515 Douglas Ave. Ste. 19

Urbandale, IA 50322

Happy Tax day to all! haha.  So I was thinking yesterday about what I was doing this time last year...GRADUATING BYUH!  Holy Moly where does time go?!  And...it's the last full week of my first transfer here in the field!  We have NO idea what will happen this next transfer, but know that I won't be staying in the trio because there are so many new sisters coming and they need trainers.  We find out who gets to pack their bags on Saturday night, but that's it until transfer meeting next Thursday!

On Tuesday, the sisters from Bettendorf came for exchanges with us which was such a neat experience!  It was fun to meet 2 new sisters, and be able to work with them and learn from them.  We talked about the choice of becoming the 4th missionary, and how we should all strive to become the best we can be.  It truly is our CHOICE, and we can become whoever we want to become.  When we choose to become who Heavenly Father wants us and needs us to become, that is when the miracles and change happen, that is when we are the happiest.  I know this to be true, and have seen many instances where I have been blessed and seen miracles because I have chosen to submit to the Father's will.  Tuesday in itself we saw many miracles.  We were able to visit a recent convert family that hasn't let us in for a couple weeks, the mom of another recent convert wants to learn more and get to the temple this summer, and we had a total of 11 lessons in one day!  The power of planning effectively, and working hard!  Now...if that could be the case every day we'd be good! haha.  Just kidding, "every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!"

Another miracle of the week: Trisha, the girl I thought I might have scared away with the baptismal invitation, CONTACTED US for a lesson and we were able to teach her on Friday afternoon.  She is such a gem, and intrigued by the gospel.  We were able to teach her the restoration, and invite her to read the Book of Mormon.  She said she knew we don't drink coffee and stuff, and said (without us even teaching her about the Word of Wisdom) that she is willing to give it up.  She also made it to church yesterday, and stayed all 3 hours...AND called to set up another appointment for this week. :)  I know Heavenly Father is placing these people who are so prepared and ready to accept the gospel in our paths and I am so grateful for them.  Another one that was placed in our path was Bryan, but I have to tell you the whole story first!

On Saturday, we were able to go to NAUVOO with the ward and a couple recent converts to help at the font.  We left at 5:30 AM, and got to the temple at 8:00...it made me SO grateful to have so many temples close to my house and I've never had to drive more than 20 minutes to get to one!  Anyways...Nauvoo is such a special place!  I felt such peace and reverence, and felt of the special spirit that can only be felt there.  Nick, the 12 year old that got baptized a couple weekends ago was able to do baptisms for the dead and it was the sweetest thing ever...every time he cam out of the water he got this sweet smile on his face and I know he could feel the presence of those he was doing the work for.  It reminded me of my first time at the temple, doing baptisms at the Salt Lake temple with my grandpa Alston, and what a special experience that was for me.  I love them temple and know that it is the house of God.  After the temple, we were able to go see Brigham Young's house, visit a few other places and walk around old Nauvoo.  It is beautiful!  So peaceful there on the Mississippi River, and a perfect sun shiny day! :)  Making it back to Iowa City around 4:30, we went to the Library so Sister Thompson could get an exchange report into President.  While I was reading on lds.org and marking some scriptures, I look back and see this guy holding his son and say hi and get talking to him.  He asked if I was reading the Bible and I was able to teach him about the Book of Mormon and a little about our church.  He had studied many religions and all of their books, but never the Mormon Book...so I gave him a copy and invited him to read it and to come to church if he could.  It was so neat to be in the middle of a library, teaching someone about my favorite thing...I could have easily passed by the opportunity, but I'm so glad Heavenly Father trusted me and put Bryan in my path.

I feel like I barely covered any of what happened this week, but I guess that's how it is every week!  I'm so grateful for the experiences I am having here, and for the knowledge and understanding of the gospel I am gaining.  I know this church is the true, restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today and I am so happy I get to share it with others.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

With Love,

Sister Natalia Alston

oh! I forgot the best part of the week!  BRION WAS BAPTIZED!!!  After waiting 2 years, he was finally able to be baptized on Friday night...and his wife who said she would never set foot on church  property came and supported him!  :)  SO MANY MIRACLES!!!

oh I also forgot fun fact: Last week I ran into KYRA ENGLISH, well now PEERY...my best friend from 5th and 6th grade!!! Randomly at Chipotle....it was weird, but so cool!  haha.  

I love conference!

Was it just me, or did conference go by WAY too fast?!  I honestly can't believe it's already come and gone... but the messages were so simple, clear, and straight forward.  FAITH. OBEDIENCE. REPENTANCE. VIRTUE. PEACE and LIGHT through Jesus Christ. LOVE. PATIENCE. HUMILITY. RIGHTEOUSNESS. BELIEVING. Yep, that's it in a nut shell! :)  One talk that particularly stuck out to me was President Eyring's, "Draw near unto the Savior, and He will draw near unto you."  We have to be willing to do our part, do everything we can to follow Jesus Christ, and the Lord promises to be with us.  I think this is essential in today's world, because it is so easy to get caught up and busy with life and forget to do the little things.  As we pray with sincerity, study the scriptures and words of the prophets, help lift one another's burdens, serve those around us, and go forward in faith and obedience - we will come closer to Him and He will come closer to us, and be able to pour out the blessings He desires for us to have.  We need to trust that Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves, that His plan is far greater than any plan we could come up with on our own.  As I have looked back on the past few years, I realize how true this is.  Heavenly Father had specific things He had in mind for me to do, people He needed me to meet, and lessons I needed to learn.  As I continue to learn the importance and blessings of submitting my will to the Father, I am humbled and grateful to know that I do have a loving Father in Heaven who is very much aware of me and what I am going through.  I know that serving a mission is just another thing that He needs me to do...for Him, for His children, for me, and for my future.  I know that as I continue service Him faithfully and diligently, He will lead me along.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE BIRTHDAY WISHES! :)  I can officially say I am 21!  woot woot! haha.  It was a great day, and one that I will never forget!  My wonderful companions made me a delicious pancake breakfast, complete with sparkling cider even!  We had zone training meeting, and when we got to the stake center I was confused because all the lights were off where we were meeting.  All I could see were 6 lit up balloons on a table...and then the lights came on and the whole zone was already there and sang Happy Birthday to me!  I know, I suck at telling stories via email...but it was such a wonderful surprise!  The zone leaders had decorated with my favorite colors: balloons and streamers all around the table, and even got everyone to sign a giant shirt for me! haha...it was awesome! :)  Anyways...the meeting itself was very inspirational and reminded us how we are all converts.  We are all continually growing in the gospel and becoming better each day (or at least trying to).  We should focus on having SPIRITUAL EYES...seeing everyone as the Savior sees them: not seeing them as they are, but as they can become.  The best birthday present though?!?...TAYLOR WENT INTO THE MTC!!!!

Thursday was an interesting day...Both Sister Thompson and Sister Wiest went to meetings, so I got to stay with Sister He for the day in her area!  We were able to street contact, bus contact, knock doors...it was fun!  It was different being on campus, trying to talk to students who are not interested in the slightest, and have classes to get to...but it was fun!

We were able to have a different investigator at each session of conference which was awesome!  It was interesting to sit there and try to process the information like they would.  In between Saturday morning and afternoon sessions, we were invited over to lunch with Trisha, a non member who came and watched the morning session with us and her friend in the University ward.  She was very interested in the Priesthood and wanted to know what else made our church different from others.  We were able to teach her about the Priesthood being the power of God, and how when we are baptized we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  She thought it was so cool that the Holy Spirit could always be with someone, and that God's power is still on the earth.  As we were wrapping things up over the lunch table, I had a very strong impression to invite her to be baptized.  Uh....what?!  We hadn't even taught her the first lesson!  haha... yeah...I was totally fighting with the spirit and didn't exactly know what to do; and it ended up just coming out and surprising everyone, including myself!  Sister Thompson said she bets that moment was on instant replay up in heaven, and I have no doubt it was!  Trisha's friend's mouth dropped, my companions were just staring at each other, and I had no idea what had just happened!  The first thing out of Trisha's mouth was, "Right now?!?"  ...then I had some time to somehow calmly explain that we will teach her all she needs to know, if she prays and asks if its true, etc. etc.... and she said yes she would like to keep learning and if she knew it was what she needed to do she would!  A relief on my end that's for sure!  I am still in shock of the whole situation, but so grateful that I was able to follow a prompting from the Holy Ghost and hopefully gain greater trust with Heavenly Father.  Let's just say, none of us will ever forget this conference!

I am out of time, but I want you all to know how much I love and appreciate you and your prayers!  I would be a mess if it wasn't for all the support, love and prayers I feel each day.  :)  I love it here, and there is no where else I'd rather be!  "I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it."  There are definitely ups and downs, but as I focus on the ups, the downs don't matter.

Keep on Keeping on!!!  :)

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Alston

Happy Easter!

Well first of all...I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter weekend!  Yes, the Easter Bunny found me and my companions just fine and we enjoyed our treats! :)  Our favorite Easter treats were: 1) we had 4 investigators at sacrament meeting!  2) Amber and Nick (brother and sister converts) were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!  They both received beautiful blessings, and it made for an even more spiritual meeting.  I LOVE EASTER!!!  It couldn't have been a more beautiful day outside, the sun shining bright, the music and speakers were spectacular, and we were able to meet a few potential investigators at dinner and the stake music/scripture fireside!  My favorite talk in sacrament meeting yesterday was from Sister Watson, an 80 year old woman who often accompanies us to our lessons.  She spoke with such simplicity and strength, everyone KNEW what she was testifying was true...not to mention with the sweetest Oklahoman accent you could ever hear!  haha.  I want you all to know that I know that my redeemer, our savior Jesus Christ, lives; and loves us more than we could ever imagine.  I know that He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for every single person on earth, and completed the atoning sacrifice so that we might live with him and our loving father in heaven again.  I know that He arose from the garden tomb, a perfect resurrected being...that we too will be resurrected one day; and that we will be able to join our families, loved ones, friends and neighbors who have all come before us in the kingdom of heaven.  I know that if we remain faithful, always striving to do our best and become as Christ was, we will gain eternal life: the greatest of all the gifts of God.  I am so grateful for this Easter season, but hope that we can always remember our Savior and what He did for us no matter what day it is.

A cool experience from this week:  Nick(12) and Amber(9) were supposed to have their baptismal interviews on Tuesday evening, so we go over to their home and share a little message until the district leader arrived to do the interviews.  Nick went first, and finished...then Amber was being extremely hesitant, not wanting to do the interview at all...bribery didn't even work!  haha.  ;)  After unsuccessfully trying to get her to complete the interview for about 45 minutes...we scheduled to come back on Thursday evening and she promised she would be ready.  My companions and I decided we would fast for her, because honestly we weren't even sure she would want to be baptized anymore...so Wednesday night/Thursday we fasted so that Amber would have the courage and strength and comfort to complete the interview and be baptized.  Thursday evening comes around and as soon as we walk in the door to their home Amber has a different light about her.  She was calm, and more enthusiastic than I had ever seen her!  She cheerfully completed her interview, and was excited for her baptism on Saturday.  This experience truly strengthened my testimony of fasting and prayer. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of each of His children's circumstances and struggles...that we have the power to help not only ourselves, but those around us...if we are willing to do our part. 

Saturday was one of my favorite days...Nick and Amber's baptism was perfect, and they had so much support not only from the ward, but from their family...their mom is the only other member in their family so it was incredible to see her parents and brother there, as well as her husband who never really wanted to be involved.  I kept looking over at their father during the talks and service, and I could tell he was feeling the spirit.  It would be so neat to be able to teach him and see him baptized as well...and to have their family sealed for time and all eternity in the temple.  I know it might not happen while I am here, but it put things in perspective for me as a missionary.  That's why we are here.  "Missionaries leave their families for a short while so they can help other families be together forever."

This week we were able to visit with quite a few less active ladies who have really been struggling.  I love talking to them, and hearing their stories and trying to help them and serve them in any way possible.  It has been so neat to be able to bring the spirit back into their homes, and help them see the importance of having the spirit and gospel in their lives.  Sometimes people just need to talk and have someone there to listen...and that's what I love to do!  ...and as long as we are truly listening, we can ALWAYS tie in the gospel somehow.  I have been able to use a few life experiences of my own; which helps me realize that I really did go through every single thing for a reason.

This really doesn't cover even half of my week, but I'm glad I was able to share a little bit! :)  I can't believe I've been gone a month and almost a week already!  I'm so excited for my brother and I to have this experience at the same time, and I want everyone to know how grateful I am for his example and strength and courage.  I LOVE YOU TAYLOR!!!!  You really are going to be such an amazing missionary and I can't wait to hear about it.

Remember, even if you are not a set-apart full time missionary, YOU ARE STILL A MISSIONARY!!!  Don't be afraid to share the gospel with those around you.  Share your testimony through your example, through simple words of love, and inviting others to read the Book of Mormon, attend church events, and pray. General Conference is this weekend! ;) hint. hint. nudge. nudge. It's because of members that the missionaries are able to have such success...and we need you!  :)  Get back to me on how you were able to share your beliefs or invite others in some way this week!

I love you all so so much and hope you have a wonderful week!  And THANK YOU FOR THE EARLY BIRTHDAY WISHES!!! :)

With Love and Gratitude,

Sister Natalia Chantae Alston

Culver's Click Day tradition (a mid-west restaurant)

Our sweet quote wall

Girl's night in

Nick and Amber

in district meeting we cracked confetti eggs on eachothers heads..... haha.