5 months (July 29, 2013)

Hello everyone!  

This week Sister Lloyd and I were out of our area more than we were in our own area!  haha. Monday night we stayed the night in Cedar Rapids on our way to exchanged in Cedar Falls.  Cedar Falls is a fun little college town and we were able to work the sweet sisters there and help them see how amazing they really are.  It was amazing to be guided by the spirit and see how talking to everyone makes the biggest difference.  We were able to come in contact with quite a few potentials.  A Muslim family even invited us right in and listened to the Restoration lesson and took a Book of Mormon.  Tuesday we drove to the opposite end of the state to Washington and had an interesting exchange with the Spanish sisters.  I'm glad I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with so many sisters, to use even my social work/peacebuilding skills a bit and hopefully help them in some way.  We made it back in time for District meeting Thursday afternoon, then Friday we picked up our "mini missionaries" for the weekend!  It was fun having 2 sisters from the stake join us and let them see what missionary work is like for a couple days.  It was funny because both had been Nauvoo visitor center mini missionaries last year and were shocked at the difference!

Well let's see, I know this email isn't very exciting this week and I apologize!  

Miracles this week:

We taught a recent convert's son on Thursday who has already read to Enos in the Book of Mormon and can't wait to be baptized on the 17th.
Yesterday morning we taught another recent convert's granddaughter, who sat down and immediately asked us when she can be baptized...and will most likely be getting baptized on the 10th.  

The weather has actually been quite cool and feels great!...not normal for Iowa in the middle of summer!

We are running low on funds and food for the month, and yesterday a member gives us a big box of delicious fruit and nut bars!  

This is honestly the hardest thing that I've EVER done, but I know I am needed here at this time.  I strive to become the disciple of Christ that He needs me to be, even though sometimes it's not something I can see right now.  I'm grateful that I am able to serve alongside such incredible people, especially with my brother at this time.  We truly are as the Army of Helaman, and Satan is working hard; which means we must work even harder.  

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Alston

PS... please write me! :)  8515 Douglas Ave. Ste. #19 Urbandale, IA 50322

hahaha!!! my "new" sister missionary outfit...what do you think ma? ;  )

Exchanges in Cedar Falls

This is what Sister Lloyd and I feel and look like after  3 days straight of exchanges! 

our mini missionaries for the stake "Called to Serve" program this weekend

Jambo from Iowa City!!! (July 22, 2013)

Another week in Iowa City, oh how I love this place! :)  Transfers were rough, having to say goodbye to Sister Hill; but she is opening up an area in Ames, IA with Sister Browne who just got here from the MTC...they are going to rock it and I can't wait to hear all about the work they will do! :)  It's so fun to go to transfer meeting and see so many missionaries!...we truly are as the ARMY OF HELAMAN!!!   

Sister Lloyd has joined Sister Campbell and I here in IC, and it's going to be a party!  Seriously...I am blessed with the best companions ever ALL THE TIME!  Oh and exciting news!...Sister Wiest came back with this set of missionaries and surprised us all after getting surgery and all that fun stuff! YAY!!! It was so good to see her again.  This transfer is going to be crazy...Sister Lloyd and I are over 21 other sisters in 9 areas and we have exchanges set up pretty much every week for 6 weeks!  CRAZY!  It will be so fun!  This weekend we will be joined by 3 mini missionaries from the stake; who puts on "Called To Serve" for the youth!  Isn't that such a great idea?  The young men and women get to go out and serve with missionaries for 3 days, set apart and everything!  I'd never heard of anything like it, so I'm excited to be a part of it!  

Just an update on the work here:  

Jacob and Scott have progressed so rapidly, it's been amazing to watch the spirit work with them and see their changes even if they can't see them.  Jacob has quit smoking and Scott has given up coffee which he was addicted too...THE PRIESTHOOD IS AMAZING!!!... they will both be getting baptized August 1st, next Thursday!! :)  We were approached yesterday by a recent convert whose 41 year old son is now interested in talking with us, and our first appointment is this Thursday.  We had 7 non members at church yesterday, 5 of them being our investigators and 2 who we haven't taught yet!  The work is surely rolling forward, even if sometimes its difficult to see! ...I just keep having to remind myself of the eternal perspective.  

So I've been thinking a lot lately about my relationship with my Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ.  To be honest, I always knew they were there and knew me...but I have learned that it is so much more than that.  I now KNOW that Heavenly Father knows and loves me and I am his daughter.  Jesus Christ is my older brother, my savior and redeemer, my best friend.  I feel so blessed to have this time to build and strengthen my own personal relationship with them, and it's been so neat to learn that my Father in Heaven is so much like my father here on earth.  Even though I may not be with them at the moment, I know they are always there and thinking of me, and wanting the best for me.  I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!  I invite everyone to pray and ask is Heavenly Father is there.  HE WILL ANSWER, and HE LOVES YOU.  

I love you all so so so much, and am so grateful I am serving here in this sacred place at this time.  The church is true! :) 

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Chantae Alston

Sister Lloyd and I are crazy....CRAZY AWESOME!! ha ha

my daughters and granddaughter!!

Times Flies when you're having fun!!! (July 15, 2013)

It’s transfer week already, I can’t believe it!!! I’m going to be a Grandma!!! Haha!!!  Sister Hill is leaving Iowa City and opening a new area, and training; Sister Campbell and I are staying here in Iowa City (yep…I’ll be here at least 6 months of my mission! YAY!) as well as being joined by another companion: who I believe is Sister Lloyd, my sister training leader companion! Even though I'm super sad to not be with Sister hill anymore, I know she is needed elsewhere.  She came to Iowa City to serve because I needed her, and I'm so grateful for the friendship that we will forever have.  I'M SO HAPPY I GET TO STAY HERE IN IOWA CITY!!!!!  We decided that I'm going to serve my entire mission here...just kidding...that probably won't happen... anyways...that's the transfer doctrine! :)

We had the amazing opportunity to go to the Nauvoo Pageant with Trisha this weekend, and it was so fun!  She loved it all...and oh man, her first reaction to seeing the temple was priceless!  :)  I can't wait to come back with her when she goes through!  The pageant was very well done, and I feel so blessed to be serving here in this special historical area filled with the spirit of the early saints.  I LOVE IT!!! :)  Oh PS...uncle Russ...We were in the Nauvoo Mercantile and a man saw my nametag and asked if I knew any Alston's that lived in Wichita Falls, TX!... Connoley O'Brian?  He said he was the bishop while you were there and said to say hi! :) haha It's a small world, isn't it?

Thursday I was asked to give a training at District Meeting on the Plan of Salvation, specifically our time here on this earth.  It ended up being exactly what I needed to remind myself about...how our lives on earth really are a little tiny speck in the eternal scheme and plan that Heavenly Father has for us.  We CHOSE to come to this earth, and knew it wouldn't be easy, but it was the only way to truly learn and grow and become who Heavenly Father needs us to become.  I'm so grateful I have this time to really strengthen and build my personal relationship with my Father in Heaven, and my older brother, Jesus Christ...to learn how to fully rely on them because without them I really am nothing.  

Well, I'm sorry this email is short, but I love you all so so so so much and truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers in my behalf.  This is hard work, but it's so worth it! :)

All my love,

Sister Alston

PS... I bought a firefly jar, and put it to good use last night catching fireflies! :D hehe

Nauvoo pageant with Trisha!!!

You can't really see it, but its Agency Drive! ha ha

Why yes...I did catch a firefly in my firefly jar! ha ha

There is Beauty All Around (July 8, 2013)

Hola! Jambo! Tung! Bonjour! Hello! :)

Okay, I can't believe this is the last full week of the transfer AGAIN!  This past week has been full of tender mercies, miracles, blessings, and SO much to be grateful for...but I am also being shown many weaknesses.  I never fully understood the scripture in Ether 12:27 "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."  Heavenly Father is so amazing.  I am learning the importance of asking to be shown my weaknesses that I may humble myself and come unto Him so that He can make those weak things strong and so I can become who He needs me to become.  He has sacrificed His Son, so that we can get through our weaknesses and know that it's okay not to be perfect.  He doesn't expect us to be perfect, He expects us to try.  I think this is a major reason why I needed to come out on a mission.  My whole life, I have put so much pressure on myself to be perfect and not have any weaknesses...but weaknesses are what help us grow and I am grateful for them; for they have taught me, especially recently, that I can only have control over so much...but Heavenly Father can see the whole thing and has a plan for me; for each of us.

Anyways..Monday we were able to go bowling, which was a much needed activity with the companions and our friend Grae.  After bowling, we got to pull weeds and plant new flowers for a less active lady in the ward with a few of the relief society sisters.  It was so amazing to see her face light up when she kept seeing people show up to help, and we got it all done in 2 hours!!! :)  I love doing service.

Wednesday we were finally able to meet President and Sister Jensen!!!  They are so great, and have already brought so much to the Iowa Des Moines Mission.  They are spunky and fun, and I was so happy to find out they went to BYU Hawaii!!!!!  Small world, aye? haha.  It's amazing to feel of their love for us already, and to feel so much love for them as soon as we met them.  I know they were called of God to be here at this time for a reason.  You know, missions are funny like that...as soon as you meet someone, you just automatically love them!  :)  Well, I guess I've kinda always had that problem...but I love being able to truly feel Christ's love and God's love for them when we teach and talk to people even on the street.  Cristal is our old apartment neighbor who we weren't allowed to teach: but since we don't live there anymore, we were finally able to meet with her!  :)  It was one of the most powerful first vision experiences so far.... she was silent for about 2 minutes, and all she could say was "wow".  It has really put into perspective how amazing this gospel really is.  I grew up knowing that we had a prophet on the earth today, that the Priesthood power is available to us...but seeing someone hear it for the first time, and feeling the spirit testify to them is my favorite!  :)  She is going through some really hard things right now, and feels like this could be her answer.  I knew the second I met her that there was something special about her, and that was 3 months ago.  I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to bring this message to her.

The 4th of July couldn't have been better.  We started off the day with a great lesson with Scott, then were able to meet with Cheryl (who we met at the crisis center a couple months ago and she finally came to church and was able to meet with us)...and holy cow; you know how they talk about people who are Mormon and just don't know it yet? Yep, that's her! She's been through SO much, and basically taught US all the lessons in one conversation.  haha.  She already knows she needs to be baptized, just doesn't know when.  She calls us her "angels" and her sisters.  I love her.  She is moving in a couple weeks, so we were also able to help her clean and pack up her apartment a bit because she has a bad back and can't do a lot.  After Cheryl's lesson, we had a lesson with Jake...another incredible lesson.  He had questions about the prophet and book of Mormon last time, but came in this time knowing he got his answer and that it's right.  He's getting baptized on the 27th!!! :)  We had Brother Flynn with us, and we know he is the one that needed to be there and who would help Jake the most.  It's amazing how Heavenly Father places us with who we need to be, where we need to be...at all times.  I'm so grateful to be surrounded by such strong members, who are so willing to help even at the last minute.  I'm grateful for the power of the priesthood and the comfort it gives me knowing that I can receive guidance and counsel directly from my Father in Heaven not only from prayer and personal revelation, but from priesthood blessings.  I love blessings.  Anways...we had to be in by 6 on the 4th, and decided to have our own little BBQ.  The family that we live with is out of town, so we were able to fire up the grill and have a fantastic hot dog dinner on the patio to the sunset, then watch a few firework shows going on in the countryside!  :)  ...then of course play with sparklers!!!

I am so grateful to be serving the Lord at this time.  I know that even though sometimes I don't know what the coming days bring, I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me, and as I lean on Him and rely on the Savior and the Atonement, all will be well.  I know we are surrounded by so much opposition because this is the work of the Lord, and it is true. Satan is working harder than ever on everyone; which means we must work harder than ever ourselves.  I'm so grateful I am given weaknesses to help me build my personal relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ...I'm so grateful to know that no matter what happens, I am never alone.  This truly is the work of salvation, these truly are the last days.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO SO SO MUCH!!!

XOXOXOXO

Sister Alston

Bowling with Grae last P Day!

My companions are crazy...

4th of July BBQ!!!! :)  Yes, we had the house to ourselves, and had to be in by 6...so we had our own BBQ on the patio! :)  Had a great view of a few firework shows done in the countryside even!

All missionaries need a little sparkling cider on the 4th right? ha ha

Sweet Sparkler pics...we had way too much fun

Happy 4th!

Lightning Bugs and Lightning Storms! (June 24, 2013)

Welcome to the great Midwest!!! :)  It is GORGEOUS!!!  ...and I love the storms, and the lightning bugs are finally coming out and multiplying rapidly! haha.  Last night I just sat by the window and watched a lightning storm and all the lightning bugs flashing in the backyard.  It was awesome!  ...then was awakened to the true Midwest rolling thunder! 

This week marks 4 months, can you believe it?! I can't!!!  Time is flying on by! (even though the days and weeks sometimes last forever, haha)  Monday night we had a great lesson with Jacob, who we met through the YSA sisters - he is their neighbor - about the word of wisdom.  He said he wanted to stop everything cold turkey!  It's amazing to see the power of the Atonement work and change people even in such a short amount of time.  Tuesday we had a sick day and were quarantined in our little room all day which wasn't so fun...but that's okay!  Wednesday we had our goodbye zone conference with President and Sister Jergensen.  I hope to be like them when I grow up! haha.  I was asked to put together the musical number, and did an octet of Because I Have Been Given Much...which ended up tying in perfectly with their message.  I know it wasn't me who chose that song!...I love witnessing the hand of the Lord in all things.  Wednesday-Thursday Sister Lloyd and I went on our first STL exchanges in Mt. Vernon and were able to get to know the sisters and the area better.  We saw little miracles and helped them realize their purpose and potential.  I love going on exchanges and being able to interact with such amazing sisters and see the other areas!  We had an incredible lesson with a recent convert/less active who was baptized in February just before I got here.  He realized that he has been missing Christ in his life again, and he knows it's important to continue acting in faith and moving forward, and coming to church.  He was deeply touched by a scripture Sister Campbell shared, and even asked her how she knew to share that scripture with him...once again, a testimony builder for me of how the Lord knows these people so much more than I ever could...that He knows what they need and as we are listening carefully and doing all we can do, He makes up the rest.  I love the people here. :)

Once again I have so much more to say, but out of time... but I do have to tell you about Saturday!  We had a family fun day at a park with the ward, and invited a few families we are working with but none of them came.  As we were leaving, we noticed a lady sitting alone on a picnic table that we didn't recognize and decided to go and talk to her.  We learned that she recently became homeless with her 3 young boys and has been praying to find God in her life again.  She told us that we are the first ones in the 3 years she has been here that have approached her and wanted to get to know her and talk to her.  She was so excited when we invited her to church, and were able to introduce her to a few of the members who so graciously welcomed her.  SHE CAME TO ALL 3 HOURS OF CHURCH YESTERDAY and we are so excited to meet with her this evening.  I know the Lord continues placing people in our path, and as long as we follow the spirit and are aware of those around us and talk to everyone, we will continue having miraculous experiences such as this!  Saturday night we had the opportunity to sit in on African Music practice and a recent converts, then go have authentic Mexican food for dinner!  I love being surrounded by so many cultures!  Who thought it would be like that in IOWA?!?  hehe.

Last night's broadcast was incredible.  It gave me a renewed sense of excitement for the work, and reminded me of how blessed I am to be serving a mission at this time.  With the help of members, working together to bring our friends and brothers and sisters into the gospel, the stone surely will roll farther and wider than ever before.  I am so grateful I have this opportunity to be here serving Heavenly Father's children here in the Iowa Des Moines Mission...THE BEST MISSION EVER!!! :)  haha. I know this church is true...this work would not progress as it is if it weren't true!  I love and appreciate you all so much and am continually uplifted by your prayers and inspired words through cards.  Particularly my sweet family...every single card/letter is ALWAYS what I need to hear right at that moment.  I love this gospel, and am so grateful I have the knowledge of Heavenly Father's Plan...knowing that this work is not only moving forward here on earth, but in heaven as well.

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Alston

Sister Lloyd and I love each other can you tell? 

we have fun on exchanges!

the corn is growing!

haha look familiar?

This was Elder Anderson's mission conference with ALL the missionaries of the IDMM!!

Happy 4th of July!!! (July 1, 2013)

HAPPY JULY!!!!

I don't have much time, we are headed to a doctor's appointment for Sister Campbell - poor thing has vertigo! :(  It was fun to hear about Millie's Princess Run, Tyler Chatterton's Eagle Court and Farewell, Miss Sandy, EFY, and other exciting things happening at home!  Thanks for the updates, and for the constant love and support!  I am so blessed with the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for...so THANK YOU!!!

This week I was able to go on exchanges with 2 other areas while my sisters stayed in IC 4, so that was fun!  I love seeing other areas and getting to know the other sisters in the mission...boy are they all so amazing or what?! I LOVE THEM ALL!!!!  We were able to help the sisters recognize that they are doing a great work and have so many talents and abilities.  It really is so neat to see all those talents and be able to help them develop and use them to benefit others!  After all, that's why we have them right?! :)  We decided to try some fun finding with the YSA sisters and went downtown and drew the plan of salvation and book of mormon out on the sidewalk with chalk!  SO many people stopped to look and it was so fun to just talk to them and explain what it was and who we are! Even though the majority ended up not being interested, it made it fun!!! :)

I just want to share with everyone how blessed I am to have 2 such wonderful, dedicated companions.  They seriously keep me going each day and I am so grateful for them and their examples.

I know this church is true.  I know Joseph Smith restored it to the earth today in it's fulness.  I am so grateful for the Priesthood, and for all the incredible worthy Priesthood holders around me.  I know Heavenly Father loves me, and has a plan for us all.  I know Christ suffered so that I could be forgiven each day, and continue moving forward in faith.

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!

and I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!

Love always,

Sister Alston

Plan of Salvation and BOM chalk style!!