Iowa Thunder Storms

Hello from the stormy Midwest! :)

HAPPY TUESDAY!  and HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY yesterday! What an exciting week it has been! Thursday we had our first zone conference; which was incredible.  Hearing from President and Sister Jergensen, the AP's, and the Stake President was so spiritually uplifting and a great pick me up as always.  (I'm so glad we have district and other meetings once a week...I don't know what I would do without them!)  Elder Moore and Elder Van Woerkom spoke on concerning being “Messengers to Match His Message”: The differences between spiritually mature and immature missionaries and making efforts to become those that are spiritually mature.  They had us each read our ministerial certificate, which reminded us of the power that we have as missionaries.  It reads, "This certifies that the bearer, Sister Natalia Chantae Alston, who is in full faith and fellowship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has been duly called and set apart as a missionary of the church and as such has authority to preach the principles of the gospel.  We Invite all people to heed her message."  WOW.  That was the first time I truly read that and felt and understood the meaning.  I have been called by a prophet of God, and set apart for these 18 months to invite ALL people to listen to this great message.  I'm so grateful I have the Lord's trust in teaching Heavenly Father's children. Sister Jergensen talked about treasuring up the word and earning trust.  As we earn trust with Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost we will also earn trust with all those around us.  President Jergensen emphasized the importance of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ and how we access the atonement through the Doctrine of Christ.  Everything in the gospel truly does go back to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Lesson Learned:  Well, there are many; but this week I experienced the power of the Atonement like never before.  Being able to finally understand and fully use the Atonement and repentance in my own life...feeling my burdens, sins, worries, etc...literally lifted off my shoulders.  It took longer than it probably should have on my part, but I know the Atonement is real, I know that Christ suffered for each and every one of us.  We shouldn't be afraid to access the power of the Atonement, because only good will come of it.  :) 

Saturday morning Sister Hill and I had a incredible opportunity to join the Bishop and 2 of our recent converts, Toussaint and Paul,  to go to the Nauvoo temple for baptisms!  I just love being able to see new members first experience at the temple...it is special!  AND THEN....Saturday afternoon Sister Hill and I had our first baptism!!! :) :) :)  Kagulo got baptized, and Toussaint (one of the recent converts) was able to baptize him!  I will never forget the service, for it was unlike any I've ever been to that's for sure!  The Elders in our area had a baptism the same day, Magali, so we combined the services into one big one.  The whole thing was done in French, Spanish AND English!  There was such a sweet spirit there, I can't even explain how cool it was!  It does help, of course, that Bishop Gelder is trilingual and speaks all of those languages!  One day, One day... haha. On Sunday, bishop confirmed Kagulo in French, and Magali in Spanish...yep...he's amazing!

The Young Women's president called us Friday night to see if we would be able to teach young women on Sunday, and oh my heavens...it was just wonderful!  I love being with the youth, and miss the amazing youth back home so much.  There are a total of 12 of them, all have such strong testimonies and when we asked who wanted to serve missions, I think 9 of them raised their hands!  YAY!!!!  I wasn't even thinking about serving a mission even a year ago!  They are truly prepared and know it's part of the reason they are here today.

Well, time is running short, even though I have so much more to say...but I want everyone to know that I testify of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  I know it is the only true and RESTORED church on the earth today, and I am forever grateful for Joseph Smith and his faithfulness and trust in the Lord.  I strive to become like him...and as I study more about him I can feel more of the love he had/has for the people and desire to bring others closer to Christ.  He went to through so much, and never allowed himself to question if God asked too much of Him.  He did it with a smile, because he knew why it was so important.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and testify that it answers the questions we may have each and every day.  Just this week I had the neatest experience with reading from the Book of Mormon and receiving a very clear answer to my prayer the night before.  I am so grateful for the Plan of Happiness, for the comfort it gives me.  I love my Father in Heaven and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart, and am honored to represent Him at this time.

I love you all so much, and thank you for being a part of my life and shaping me into the person I am becoming. 

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Chantae Alston  

Liberty and Teagan

Dee McCue 

Temple with Toussaint and Paul for their first time! 

Kagulo got baptized!!! :) And Toussaint, a recent convert, baptized him!   

Tornado season begins...

I can't believe it's Monday again already!

This week has been quite exciting, busy...the norm! :)  I'm so happy to hear that Elder Taylor Alston made it to Arizona safe and sound, and is enjoying it so far!  His trainer sounds awesome and I'm glad they have similar interests.

Let's see...this week started off with a wonderful lesson with Trisha at the Mormon Handcart Park!  We were blessed to have Sister Jergensen with us for the evening for specialty training (the mission mom), and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect lesson!  Her testimony and teaching added so much!  Being on such sacred ground was neat, because we were teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ...and the pioneers are a major reason why we are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives today!  We grow up learning about the pioneers, and knowing why they picked up their families and homes and moved west...it was so cool to walk around the path and have Trisha realize and feel that same love for the pioneers and know that they did it so they could be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She even bore her testimony about how she knows it's true and knows that baptism is the next step she needs to take.  She said that at first, it was just interesting to learn about, but she's received answers and comfort through the Book of Mormon and coming to church.  She is incredible and I'm so excited for her!  It strengthened my appreciation for my ancestors who crossed the plains, and I know it is because of them that I am able to have the blessings and comfort of the gospel in my life.

Tuesday morning Sister Hill and I were asked to teach seminary class, so that was different!  It sure brought back early morning seminary memories for both of us! haha.  It's really interesting being here in Iowa, where there really aren't a ton of members; so the youth have to be super strong!  And they are!  We taught them about personal revelation and how important it is to develop a relationship with Heavenly Father while they are younger so they can make the decisions they will need to in a few years.  Later that day, we had an unplanned lesson with Kagulo, from the Congo.  We have taught him a few times, but he disappeared for a little while.  We taught him, and invited him (again) to be baptized and he said he would pray about it.  I, out of nowhere, asked if he would pray about it right then with us...and he said he would!  So the 3 of us knelt and he prayed silently as both Sister Hill were praying/pleading that he would receive an answer.  When he got up, we asked how he felt and he said, "it feels good". YAY!!! So....Kagulo is getting baptized on Saturday!!! :)  He's awesome, and even though Mario, his friend, isn't getting baptized that day anymore, he is still strong and is excited!  Prayer sure does work!!! :)

For district meeting on Thursday, we had a testimony meeting.  The whole mission is really struggling right now, and it was very humbling and comforting to know that we all know how each other feels.  The testimonies were all so sincere and strong, and the spirit was teaching us all.  I was prompted to tell everyone that no matter what happens, as long as we are working our hardest and relying on the Lord in all we do...we will be blessed.  We just have to continue in faith and trust that Heavenly Father is working miracles even if we don't see them right now.  I think a lot of times missionaries get too caught up in the numbers and goals, and forget that we are helping PEOPLE.  As long as we are loving the people and helping them come closer to Christ and helping them realize their potential and serving them...we are doing our job.  Sister Hill told me the other day that she loves how I just talk to everyone I see and love everyone the second I meet them.... I don't even notice I do it... but I'm glad I have given that gift!

Thursday evening we had an appointment set with a potential to do a church tour.  We walked there from the church to get her, and she wasn't home.  :(  On our way back to the church, I saw a woman that was putting her girls' bikes in her car and asked if we could help.  We started talking and asked her if she would be interested in seeing the church (since we already had it set up for a church tour!)...and she said sure!  It was the most powerful church tour I've been a part of!  She had never been in the church, even though it's her back yard, and was happy to know that we are just normal people!  As we taught her, I could see in her eyes that this is what she has been searching for.  We invited her to baptism and she said yes, but still wants to learn more!  MIRACLES!!!!!! :)  We weren't supposed to take that other lady through the church that day, it was for Ebony!  She invited us over the following morning, and once again we had a really neat lesson.  I shared my favorite scripture from proverbs, which ended up being her favorite as well.  I'm constantly amazed at the many miracles and blessings I continue to see each day.  Every day may not be good, but there sure is something good in every day!

Last night we got word that there had been major tornadoes in Oklahoma and we were on tornado watch.  At about 11pm, the alarms sounded and we awoke to a terrifying storm of wind, pounding rain, and green lightning...we didn't really know what we should do, so barricaded ourselves in the hallway and bathroom for the rest of the night.  haha.... we woke up to blue skies and birds chirping, and only little aftermath!  Tis' the season for tornadoes I guess!

Well...I just want everyone to know that I love you and appreciate all you continue to do for me.  Being a missionary, and wearing Christ's name over my heart 24/7 is amazing.  The work is hard, but I am learning so much.  I know this church is true, that as we strive to become more like the savior each day, we will be safe...not only from the "real" storms around us, but safe from the adversary who is working harder than ever.  Honestly, I'm glad I'm in my little bubble right now, and have this time to help others feel of the happiness and comfort the gospel brings.

Have a fantastic week!

I LOVE YOU!!!

xoxoxoxox

Sister Alston

lesson with Trisha at Mormon Handcart Park

First midwest BBQ!!!

Studying in the park :)

cool park

a lilac "bush" = TREE

Sleeping in the bathtub for the tornado....

they have pianos set up downtown!!!! don't worry....we are planning to do some finding through music this week!!! :) 

Happy Mother's Day!!!

What a blessing it was to see and talk to my sweet family yesterday, it was so nice to hear their voices and see their beautiful faces.  I am truly blessed with the most amazing family in the whole entire world!  It was hard being away for yet another Mother's Day, but I just want everyone to know how much I love and appreciate my mom.  She is the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I look up to her so much more than words could ever express.  She is a perfect example of love, faith, charity, and just pure goodness...and SHE'S MY MOM!!! :) 

This week has been a bit stressful, but we are blessed and always end up where we need to be.  On Thursday, I had to leave my baby home (who went with another sister) while I went to training meetings in Davenport.  Weirdest feeling ever, leaving your companion behind that you've been with 24/7 for the past 2 weeks....anyways...the meetings were great and helped me realize more of my purpose as a trainer.  Luckily, my trainee is patient with me and understands that we are learning together...and that's truly what we are doing and I love it!  I couldn't ask for a better companion!  SHE'S AMAZING!!!  ....and not to mention we have a lot of fun! :)

I was reminded this week of the importance of having a foundation built on the gospel.  There are so many things that weigh us down and fight against us that if we aren't firm and steady in our beliefs and relationship with Christ, we will fall.  The greatest gift we have ever received is the gift from God: His only Begotten Son...who came to this earth to take upon himself all our sins and afflictions and pains and sorrows...that we are able to overcome them.  As we practice both the redeeming power and enabling power of the Atonement, we are able to "build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you because of the rock upon which ye are built..."  There is a cross reference to Isaiah 28:16  that I related to this foundation.  it says, "a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation."  Our foundations don't start of sure...they are tried and tested...and as we overcome hardships and endure to the end, they become that sure foundation.

I'm sorry I didn't have much time today, but through the highs and the lows...all things are possible through our Savior Jesus Christ.  I know He lives and loves each and every one of us...He knows our weaknesses and struggles, and WANTS to help us.  I know Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.  I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that as we read we come closer to Him.  I am so grateful I will be with my family for time and all eternity through the blessings of the temple.  I know this church is the only true and restored church on the earth today.

I LOVE YOU!!!!

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Alston

Happy Mother's Day!

I love spring!

Pretty trees all around

Blossoms!! 

Exchanges

We're sexy and we know it.  I mustache you a question..."will you be baptized?!?" hehe

3 generation photo

The whole mission for Elder Anderson

Attractive...

Tender Mercies Every Day

Happy Monday to everyone! :)

Oh how I love hearing from you, and all the exciting things going on in your lives!  Congratulations to Ray and Megan on their wedding! I can't wait to see pictures!  Welcome to the Alston family Megan!!!  :)

It was Sister Hill's first full week in Iowa City!  So far, so good!  Of course, every day has it's ups and downs...but there are far more ups than downs that's for sure!  SO MANY TENDER MERCIES FROM THE LORD!  Thinking that we could have done a bit better (I mean, we can ALWAYS do a bit better), last night we were reporting numbers...and we actually broke a record of 30 lessons in one week!  WOW!!!  We didn't even realize it!  haha.  That helped us realize that as long as we are doing our best and being the best we can be, the Lord makes up the rest.

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to have our sister rep. visit for exchanges!  We separated for the day, and came home learning so much!  We saw so many miracles in just one day!  Sister Collazos taught me the importance of finding by the spirit.  We had a few minutes to spare before an appointment, so we prayed to know how many potentials we could find, or if we should go somewhere else.  We both received the impression that there were 2 potentials in the apartment complex...the 2nd door we knocked we found one, and I felt like we should walk over and talk to these African women sitting outside and ended up placing a Book of Mormon and setting up a return appointment with one of them.  It was so neat to be finding with a purpose...knowing that the Lord had prepared 2 potentials for us in that area at that time, and in less than 20 minutes we found them!  It made "finding" so much more enjoyable!  The next miracle was getting in to teach Sylvie.  Sylvie is an investigator that we have been trying to contact and teach since before I arrived here in Iowa City.  Every time we would try and set an appointment, something would happen...and their apt complex is impossible to get into.  So Sister Collazos and I sit outside and say a prayer asking to somehow make it possible for us to get in the locked door and be able to teach Sylvie.  About 5 minutes later, this man pulls up, gets out of his car and walks up to open the door and lets us in!  MIRACLE!!!!  :)  We had a great lesson with Sylvie; in fact she, her husband Moses, and their 2 babies came to church yesterday which was another miracle!  Bishop had told us about a girl he wanted us to try and contact who was less active, from Albania!  He had no idea I had been to Kosovo, and knew a tiny bit of Albanian.  Anyways...we were able to go see her and remind her of the plan of salvation.  It was so fun to speak the little bit of Albanian I knew with her, and teach her about the plan of salvation.  She was baptized a year and a half ago in Albania by missionaries, married an American and moved here 6 months ago not knowing any English.  Now her English is great, and she is 7 months pregnant!  We hope to be able to help her come back to church, and hopefully teach her husband as well!  At church yesterday, one of the stake presidency came up to me and thanked me for going to visit her...because a couple weeks ago he had an impression to send me to see her but didn't know why.  He had no idea I had been to that part of the world, but felt like I should meet her.    

On Saturday morning, the entire Iowa Des Moines mission came together for a powerful meeting where we were privileged to be a part of and receive instruction from Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Edward Dube of the First Quorum of the Seventy and with Elder Michael J. Reall of the Seventy in attendance.  To shake the hand of an Apostle of the Lord and then be taught by him is a treasured experience.  Elder Anderson instructed us to put our lives and trust in the Lord as HE knows the end from the beginning.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  He quoted PMG p 2 and said that as our understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, our desire to share the gospel will increase.  We will become seers of the unseen.  He talked of the merits of Christ being what brought about the Resurrection, His mercy being his love and forgiveness for each of us… (We need to experience it then teach it) and His grace which is the enabling power of the Atonement to do what we cannot do for ourselves. Elder Dube told of his conversion and emphasized the importance of developing a relationship with leaders as it will bless you the rest of your life!  Elder Clayton told us to “work hard and be good!”  Be ‘whole’ saints.   Sister Jergensen stressed the importance of loving your companion and loving your area because love is the motivating factor in all we do.

The power that entered the room when Elder Anderson entered us undeniable.  I feel so blessed to have been able to be in the presence of and be instructed by an apostle of the Lord who holds keys that make up the full restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today.  I know that he is called of God, that this church is true, that as we continue to practice the Atonement in our everyday lives we will become who Heavenly Father needs us to become for these the last days.

I love you all and hope and pray you remain healthy and strong!  

Thank you again for all your words of encouragement, love, and support.

Love with all my heart,

Sister Natalia Alston