What an amazing Christmas we had here in Keokuk! I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with the Brumble family, where we ate some delicious food (their pig, Pinky, who went to market this summer) haha, and way too many sweets! But hey...I guess that's what the holidays are for, right?! ;/ We played some games, and just had fun with them! Christmas morning we got to sleep in till 8! ...and we got to sleep upstairs in the comfy beds since the Brodegards were out of town all week! woo hoo! We came down and made some gluten free cinnamon rolls which were the bomb.com and don't worry....we ate them all! haha. Then it was time to SKYPE!!!!.... I decided to call Tasia's phone because they wouldn't expect it...to tell them to get on...so she answers and then screams when she finds out it's me...it was awesome. haha. Finally get skype working at the Pena's, and as soon as the video went on I saw Elder Taylor Alston on the other computer screen looking at me and I lost it! ...it's been 10 months since I saw/heard him, because he was in the MTC Mother's Day, so that was the best thing ever!!!! He's growing up so fast!!! haha... it was a great surprise to have both grandparents there as well and to see that they are alive and well (other than grandpa Ted looking like his face got hammered in)... but I LOVED just being able to see all my family and hear their voices and feel like I was hangin out at home for a bit! Tasia even performed one of her dances for us, and oh holy cow that girl is gifted... I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!! We spent the whole day with the Pena's playing games and hangin out, eatin some more good food! Shari even got the recipe for my favorite peachy pear salad from my mom and made it for me! :) :) :) We are surrounded by such incredible families and I am forever grateful for the love they have shown me and support which I feel. They are truly home away from home and I am so blessed to be here!
We also spent Christmas night with the Salyers family which is always a blast. We are spoiled that's for sure! It has been so fun to see how different families celebrate the holidays, and to have them open up their homes and hearts to us. I have learned so much this holiday season of how I want to have my home in the future, and am eternally grateful for the friendships I continue to make here. Sister Andersen and I went to the temple with Elder and Sister Warner on Friday. It was just what we needed, and I was reminded of the importance of the temple. So grateful I am serving in an area just 20 minutes away, and to the Nauvoo temple! How did I get so lucky?!?! Even though this is a difficult area of the world, it is THE BEST MISSION EVER! :) Yesterday (Sunday) I never thought I would be so excited to go to church in my life! Having to go one week without the sacrament was driving me insane! haha... yesterday was so uplifting. It's amazing what church will do. Sunday school was neat talking about building a Zion society, and what Zion really is. Creating a Zion society is support, love, faith, service, obedience... and that is our whole goal as latter day saints; to bring that type of society to the world. To be the examples of goodness and light and to help others along the way. How blessed we are! :)
Anyways... I'll get off my soap box now, but I am so grateful for all of you and love you so much! Have a happy happy new year and ring in 2014 with smiles and love to all! =D
Love Always,
Sister Natalia Alston
PS... Sister Andersen is being transferred and I am staying here in Keokuk!
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| Christmas Eve and Christmas! |
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| Russian dancing! |
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| Keokuk missionaries for life! |
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| the Brodegards |
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