Letters from Sister Alston: 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