Life as a tri-state Missionary! (September 9, 2013)

It's been an exciting week here in the Kuk! :)  

Tuesday we drove down to Kirksville, MO and worked with Sister Hunter and Sister Johannson for the day, and Wednesday we spent in Quincy, IL working with Sister Winger and Sister Farnsworth!  We had great exchanges in both areas and it was cool to leave them with a greater love and desire for the work. 

Friday night we were able to go to the high school football game with the Salyers family.  It was awesome and we had so much fun!  It was cool to be able to see a few investigators, and meet more of the community and show that we are just normal people too! 

I am constantly reminded of the importance of having the spirit with us.  Heavenly Father is willing to help us with anything and everything, if we just ask!  :)  As long as we are doing our part, we will be blessed.  Each day we see miracles from hard work and obedience, and I am so grateful for the many tender mercies Father in Heaven gives me.  Whether it be from a cool breeze blowing by, stopping to talk to someone who really needed it, being offered a bottle of water from a stranger, to having the strength and energy to make it through the day! The enabling power of the Atonement is real and I know that it is only through Christ that I am able to continue pressing forward.  Being here in Keokuk, there are SO many churches in such a small town...we have a lot of opposition, but we continue being led to those who the Lord has prepared.  Just yesterday, we were at a less-active's home and as soon as we left, Sister Andersen said we needed to go see a former down the road.  We get there, knock on the door twice and no one answers.  A 17 year old boy comes around the corner of the house with a baseball bat thinking we were crazy people or something, apologizes, and we start talking to him!  He is the grandson of the former investigator, knows quite a few of the youth in the branch, and is excited to learn more and come to church!  I know that THAT is where we needed to be right at that moment.  Even if we weren't able to see his grandma, we needed to be there for him. 

I know this email isn't very long or detailed, and I apologize for lack of time (having been kicked off the computers earlier because the library was so busy)... but know that I love and appreciate you all.  I know that this is where I need to be, that I am learning and growing more each and every day.  Prayer works.  The Atonement is real.  The Book of Mormon is the word of God.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true, restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today. 

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Alston

PS... Beth got baptized in IC on Saturday! :)

PSS... General conference is in T minus less than a month! CAN'T WAIT!!!