Letters from Sister Alston: It's Raining, It's Pouring!!

Wow... We had an amazing week! So many miracles each and every day...and I'm sure many more that I didn't even see. Let's just start at the beginning, it seems like a good place to start I guess:

Last Sunday, Easter, we went to the nursing home and saw Mickey Williams, one of our 8 year old investigator's moms. We were getting the information for Phoenix's baptism form, but when we were done something told us to talk about the Plan of Salvation with her. Sitting on the floor next to her bed, we pull out the Plan of Salvation pamphlet and talk about the picture of Christ coming out of the tomb on the cover. We remind her of how because of Him, we will be able to overcome all sicknesses, disease, pain, sorrow, sin...and be free from our physical cares one day and be resurrected just as Jesus Christ was. We talked about how Heavenly Father knows her perfectly, and how Jesus Christ knows exactly what she is going through and is there for her. As we spoke, the spirit was so strong, and her eyes lit up. She knew what we were saying was true and was so happy that Phoenix was learning more about God and His plan for her, and was so happy she wants to be baptized and keep going to church. We left not thinking much about it. Tuesday morning we got a call from Brittany, Mickey's sister, telling us she had passed away in her sleep the night before. Our hearts dropped, but we were able to share with Brittany, and her mom how we had seen Mickey and what we had shared with her and how happy she was. I guess Mickey just needed to hear that everything would be alright and she was able to finally quit fighting and let go. It was really neat to share our testimonies with them of how real Heavenly Father's plan is for each of us. My testimony of that plan was once again strengthened with this experience. Though it's hard to lose loved ones unexpectedly, we have the wonderful knowledge that they are in a better place, doing a wonderful work and cheering us right along.

Tuesday: such a great and busy day! It was beautiful outside and we were able to walk all day long...even got a little sunburnt! haha. It's so nice being able to walk and talk to everyone, and always be lead to more people to teach...and even if they don't want to learn, just talking with the people makes me happy! :)

Wednesday: We had a great church tour with Stephen, a 25 year old from California who is here working at the Academy. It was cool to see how sincere of a desire he has to know the truth, and to better his life. We were able to go to young womens and have Laura there. I love the young women! They were having "cupcake wars" so we had some fun decorating cupcakes with them. :) We stopped at the Walls on the way home and were able to help Donny continue making goals to quit smoking. After we left, we got a text from his wife telling us he had picked up the Book of Mormon and read! Something that he has never done on his own! It was so amazing! :) Tender mercy.

Thursday: We were able to teach Lydia the Plan of Salvation. It seems like I've taught the plan of salvation more in the past couple weeks than I ever have before!...it's been good though. :) Helps remind me of the eternal perspective of life. Lydia told us how the information we shared made her think a lot and brought up a lot of questions that she wants to study. The spirit was so strong; we all learned by the spirit! I was reminded of how incredible our brother, Jesus Christ is and what a blessing it is to know of the sacrifice he made for each of us. Speaking of which: if you haven't seen the new video "Because of Him" on lds.org go look it up and watch it! :) We skipped out on district meeting, oops, and attended Mickey's funeral. It was a wonderful service, but man am I glad I have the gospel in my life! I also decided I don't really like funerals, and when I die...I want a party, or celebration of sorts. None of this somber, sadness stuff... remembering people alive is how I'll keep things. :) Mickey looked so good though.

Sunday: MIRACLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we had met Phoenix's cousin, Alice on Saturday who said she wanted to come to church...so a member picked up both of them and brought them to church. Cody Moore (another 8 year old investigator) who is getting baptized this coming Sunday came with his grandma and siblings, and we had seen the Cain family (a part-member less-active family) Saturday night and watched the Restoration video with them and invited them to church but weren't sure they would come... Anyways... it was already a miracle to have Alice, Phoenix, and Cody there...then about halfway through sacrament meeting, Malissa and her 6 kids walked in!! Oh man... we just about cried! It was such an amazing day! Brother Holker was speaking on exercising faith, and how he had sent 12 people invites to church the night before and how he knew at least one of them would show up...and Malissa came!!! :) What an incredible experience that built all of our faith! When missionaries and members work together, miracles happen people!!! :) My faith was strengthened yesterday and I am so grateful Heavenly Father let those wonderful people who I love so much come to church! Anyways...all 3 hours were just awesome. I love church! After church, Cody had his baptism interview, we ate lunch, then we went to Carthage jail! Jewels and Eugene drove Charley and Leona out there, then Rachael took Sister Pratt and I, Fia'a and Laura. It was a party and a half! I love going to Carthage jail. The fun part, however, was on the way back!... okay...so I suck at telling stories...but I'll try: as we were driving back, it started POURING RAIN and we couldn't see out the windshield. Rachael pulls over to the side of the road, and we say a little prayer that we would get home safe. The rain lets up a little bit, but as Rachael puts on the gas, we get stuck in the mud and the tires start spinning. haha.... so yeah...we were stuck! Sister Pratt, Laura, Fia'a and I get out (soaked the second we get out of the car) and push the car, which quickly got unstuck and we were safe... but holy cow! FUNNIEST THING EVER! Man, I wish we could have filmed the whole thing so you could watch it...cuz it was awesome! Needless to say, we had to go to Rachael's house and teach the Olsens in sweats while our clothes dried. Then we went to the Pena's and ate dinner and had a birthday party for Sister Pratt with them, the Salyers and Rachael which was fun! :) It was a great day! :) :) :)

So pretty much that wraps up the week...there's always so much more that I wish I could write, but it doesn't really make sense in words when I try to type. But I love you all and appreciate all you do for me! Keep being amazing and changing the world one person and smile at a time! :)

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Alston