Letters from Sister Alston: Transfer #3 Arrives!

Holy Cow, I can't believe transfers is this week already! AND some more exciting news as always!!!

TRANSFER DOCTRINE

1. I will be staying here in Iowa City at least one more transfer

2. We are moving into a member's basement!

3. I will be finish-training Sister Hill

4. I will be training another new sister! (Yes, I now have TWINS!!!...haha) She is a visa waiter to Brazil, so we'll be in a tri for a transfer or so.

5. I was called as a sister training leader!

Apparently I have a lot of growing and learning to do out here on my mission, but I know through the strength of the Lord I can do hard things... I can do all things with Him! :)

This week was full of exciting events, we found a few more solid investigators which is always nice! Jacob is the YSA Sister's neighbor who approached them and wanted to know what they did, and we get to teach him! He grew up Baptist, but really likes and believes what we teach. We had an amazing church tour with him, and taught him the restoration. The spirit was so strong and he felt like it was right and good. Trisha continues to progress and is getting more and more involved with the ward and constantly wants to read more church books (has already gotten through Teachings of the Living Prophets : Lorenzo Snow...so we gave her the Joseph Smith one)... SHE IS AMAZING! She was so excited when we talked about the temple and the work that is done there...and can't wait to do the work for her ancestors! We will be teaching her about family history and familysearch this week so that will be fun! I know Heavenly Father is very much aware of her and her situation, and will provide a way for her to receive the many blessings and miracles in store for her. We were at an apartment complex (we call it "little Chicago") the other day, and a man walked by and asked us if we were the Mormons...not knowing they sent out girls on missions now and asked is we could stop by sometime. We did and found out he had the weirdest thought to talk to us as he passed, and made the connection with Alston to Walter Alston of the Dodgers...and took that as a sign or something... haha. He's awesome and I'm excited to see him progress and come to know for himself that this church is true. He has always believed there should be a prophet on the earth today, so when we taught him about the restoration he got really excited! It was great! :)

On Friday night we had the incredible opportunity to go clean the temple!!! IT WAS AMAZING!!! We cleaned the sconces in the sealing rooms, and were able to walk around a bit. What an incredible experience to be in Heavenly Father's house, to clean it and make sure it is perfect for him and for those to visit the next day. As we walked into the celestial room, I felt so much love and warmth and peace... just what I needed. I just felt at home. The truly is what the temple is...it's home...it's what we are all striving for, to make it back to live with our Father in Heaven and with our families forever. I am so grateful for the temple and the blessings the comfort that come from it. After we finished cleaning, they took us up into the bell tower...a tall spiral staircase all the way up to the top where Moroni is!!! It was so amazing! We looked out of a window and saw the statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith on their horses, leaving Nauvoo, with the Mississippi River in the background and an overwhelming spirit came over me.

I love this gospel, and know it is true. Even though days get tough... I know that there are always better and amazing days around the corner. (Thanks dad) haha. I love you all and pray for you always!!!

With Love,

Sister Natalia Alston