The Field is White

I LOVE CONFERENCE!!!! So sad to have it over already, but so grateful for the messages shared, and spirit felt!  What an incredible conference weekend it was.  I was reminded of the importance of truly KNOWING who we are as children of God, and knowing of our responsibility as members of the church to share the gospel message and blessings with EVERYONE!  I am so grateful to have heard such sincere testimonies and witnesses of the truth and reality of our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ.  I would just like to add my testimony that I know that President Monson and His apostles are called of God to lead and guide us in these last days.  As we prepare for the second coming of Christ, I know we will be protected and not lead astray as we listen and head their words and counsel.  I know that it is up to us to exercise our faith in following His teachings and commandments, that as we do so...the windows of heaven will be opened unto us.

This past Tuesday Sister Lindgren came and joined me here in Keokuk, and Sister Andersen went with her companion Sister Stoffers to Hamilton.  Sister Lindgren and I had such an amazing day together!  Not going to lie, I was a bit nervous because we only had one solid appointment planned, and the rest was following up and finding people... but oh holy cow, Heavenly Father never ceases to amaze me at placing us exactly where we need to be and with whom we need to be. 

Miracle #1  So last week we received a referral from a lady we met on the street, but they weren't home when Sister Andersen and I went, so Sister Lindgren and I went back.  On the door was a sign saying something to the extent of "don't you dare knock on my door, or else..."  so we decide we would knock on the neighbors ajoining home...and Alexis opened the door and let us right in!  She is a single mom of 2 adorable little boys, grew up here in Keokuk and has always had a love for Nauvoo and didn't really know why or what was different when she was there.  She has been to churches, but never felt comfortable at any of them.  When we read the intro to the Book of Mormon, she said she could feel the spirit and that it makes her want to know more.  :D   

Miracle #2  A few weeks ago we had met Morgan, another young single mom of 2 cute kids, who grew up in Keokuk and had a rough past.  She had met with elders before, but just talked with them.  We hadn't been able to see her since.  Sister Lindgren and I go up to her house and her door is wide open and she's sitting on the couch and welcomes us in as well!  We had a great discussion on faith and the importance of having faith and acting on that faith.  She wants to turn her life around, but hasn't been quite sure how to do so.  We talked about the healing power of the Atonement and what Christ did for her, how Heavenly Father loves her and wants her and her family to be safe a happy.  It was one of those lessons where we don't remember what exactly was said, but we know she felt the spirit. 

Miracle #3  On our way to see the Salyers, we see 3 people outside on a porch and go up to them and start talking about God and who He is.  The mom and friend of the mom said they are comfortable with where they are, and don't feel like they need anything else...when we asked Brittany, the 16 year old daughter, she said she would love to learn more.  She lives with her dad, but is with her mom a lot and when she said she would like us to come over, her mom says "you're going to have them come to your dad's house?!"...and she replies with, "It's my belief and I don't care what he thinks!..."  haha. Yep.  She's a keeper. 

So many more miracles every week; I will never be able to express the gratitude that I have for Heavenly Father allowing me to serve here at this time.  Keokuk is truly ready to be harvested, and each week is evidence of that.  By the end of this week, we have the potential to be working with a total of 25 investigators...of all walks of life.  The branch is becoming more involved than ever before, it's the start of another new transfer, fall is here... I know this is where I am needed right now and I am so grateful to be here.

All my love,

Sister Natalia Chantae Alston

We cut Rachel's hair last week!

We're sexy and we know it!