Howdie Ya'll

I have been truly blessed.  And just to start off, I know that prayer is real and that Heavenly Father knows us all PERFECTLY!  Thank you for all the prayers on my behalf, I can feel them each and every day.  

I love Keokuk so much!  Being in a small town really is the best.  Yeah, you deal with a lot of drama and everybody knowing everything about everyone all the time...but I know them and am grateful Heavenly Father knew this is where I have needed to be.

This past week was great!  Monday we played bball with the elders in a park (oh that's another thing I love about Iowa...Parks...EVERYWHERE!)  and we kicked some trash with our mad bball skillz! haha.  Tuesday morning we helped a branch member clean and pack up her kitchen so she could move up to Ft. Madison the next day.  Sad to see her and her husband go, but happy that they will have a much needed change.  Sister Andersen and I had felt like we were needed up in a certain area so head up there before an appointment and knock on a door which we were both "feeling", but no one answered...we knock on a door around the corner and this nice older lady comes out and talks to us.  She lost her husband a year ago, and her daughter and her little girl just moved in because the dad left them.  They were both so friendly and welcoming and we know they are in need of the gospel.  After talking to them for a bit, we went and saw Jim and Kathy Gilbert (an older couple who had met with elders years ago)...and holy cow!  Kathy has done a complete 360!  At first, Jim was the only one that would listen, but now as we have focused the discussion on Jesus Christ and what He has done for us, her heart is completely softening!  Jim began reading the Book of Mormon again, and reads aloud to Kathy as well; who says it sounds a lot like the Bible and they both believe it's true.  They accepted the invitation to be baptized, and we are excited to continue working with them.  We had received a referral from a member in Ft. Madison for a lady in our area named Marsha.  She has worked around members for awhile, but never knew much about the church.  Grew up Lutheran, but very open to what we believe and such a sweet lady!

Wednesday we had interviews with President and Sister Jensen, who I just love so much!  It was nice to talk about my struggles, health issues, and such, and be reassured that everything will be alright.  I know that no matter what, this is where I am needed at this time.  After interviews we drove up to Burlington for exchanges with the sisters there and had such a great time!  The sisters in this mission are so wonderful, powerful, and strong in testimony and faith!  It was fun to get to know them better and spend the day seeing miracles!  We were even able to set a new date with one of their investigators who had been struggling.

Thursday we drove back to Keokuk, and being Halloween we either had to be home or with members starting at 6...so we were able to go to Nauvoo for the youth Halloween party!  So much fun!

Let's see.... we are so blessed with wonderful families in this area, and I am grateful for their stories and testimonies, and willingness to help us in any way!  The branch is slowly catching the missionary vision and we are excited to see what it becomes!

I love you all so much and am forever grateful for all you have done and continue to do for me.

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Chantae Alston