Letters from Sister Alston: 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!