Letters from Sister Alston: 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