Happy Tuesday!

I am grateful for all the veterans in my life!  :)  To be in a family of military, I am blessed and so very grateful for their service for our country, there examples of compassion and service to all, and constant hard work and dedication to all they do!  ...and Happy Veteran's Day yesterday!  Sadly the libraries were closed and we couldn't email..but that's okay, here it is now! haha.  :) This past week was pretty crazy and busy!...which is fantastic! :)

We had the privilege of attending a Mission Leadership Training in Iowa City with Brother Jarmin and Brother Steinegel who are the directors of the MTC...it was amazing!  It was an inspired training on how we as a mission and as missionaries are going to achieve the goals we have set...and it will really apply to the rest of our lives!  It's always amazing to be sitting in a meeting and have been talking about what was being shared just the day before!  The spirit is real, and I know this work is the Lord's.  We talked about the importance of CPR (Church, Pray, Read) and how these things are essential and central to our lives here on earth.  This is how we are able to build a relationship with our Father in Heaven, and receive revelation from Him and be lead in all we do...as well as partake of the ordinances of salvation.  It is our privilege to HELP people to these things as well...and even though we are here to invite them, we have to help them as well.  :)  We had incredible roleplays and trainings on these basic invitations and received inspiration on how we can better and best help the people we are working with.  I was reminded of the importance and power that comes from the Book of Mormon...and how 1 Nephi 1 is the first chapter for a reason!  I can't explain in words the spirit that was felt as we opened the Book of Mormon and started at the VERY beginning, explaining Lehi and his family, etc... Every single person can relate to this family in one way or another.  I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon!  I could go on for hours about this training, but I guess you want to hear about other things too!  It has been so fun having Rachael here with us, I don't know what I would do without her!  Its funny because whenever she comes with us, it's like having my best friend here and it's amazing!  Makes things so much more fun, funny, and real!  I don't know how I got so lucky to serve here!

Friday night was a first! haha.... we had a Joseph Smith Movie night with 4 50+ year old ladies, and Rachael!  It was so funny!  I never thought I would ever have a Friday night movie night like that one!  Yesterday for P-day we got together with the zone in Burlington and played bball, and kickball....then some ultimate frisbee in the snowstorm!  FREEZING, but SO FUN!!!   

Jim and Kathy Gilbert are the sweetest people ever!  We were over at there house Saturday, and we heard all about their past!  It was so cool to hear how they have changed their lives around completely, and are now wanting to truly come to know the truth.  Jim told us we are his angels....and boy was that a blessing to hear.  It's moments like that where I know I am exactly where I need to be, and doing exactly what Heavenly Father needs me to do.  Kathy last night (who had't wanted us coming over 6 weeks ago), told us she loves having us over.  Oh I just love them! :) 

AHHH! I only have five minutes left....and have so much more to say!  But I just want to tell you all Iove you and am grateful for you! 

 

Love Always,

Sister Alston