On Monday evening we were able to have a wonderful lesson with Virgil (whose baptismal date is July 26th) on the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we got there, he told us how he had started reading the Book of Mormon, and was enjoying it...so we decided to teach the doctrine of Christ with the actual doctrine of Christ found in 2 Nephi 31, and it was so powerful! It's amazing to see everything come together and make sense for those we are teaching, and to literally see and feel their hearts changing. Virgil loves the gospel already, and has such a sincere desire to know the truth and come closer to the Lord.
Tuesday was spent in Iowa City at my last Mission Leadership Council...so sad!!! It was a fantastic meeting, and the spirit was so strong as we received trainings on obedience, helping people keep commitments, and the power of a testimony. It's always fun to be with President and Sister Jensen, and be able to see how they are truly called by God to lead and guide us, and help us become the missionaries and people our Father in Heaven needs us to be. They are incredible, and I love them so much!
Wednesday was Zone Training Meeting in Cedar Rapids, Thursday was Zone Training Meeting in Cedar Falls. Luckily, Sister Hill and I got to train on the same thing in both meetings! TESTIMONIES! It was incredible! As we were preparing, we both had the thought to have 3 missionaries share their testimonies to start off our trainings. In both meetings, the spirit was welcomed in so strong from the simple testimonies born, and we knew that it was exactly what was needed for everyone in attendance. Being able to feel the difference and the power that comes from a simple testimony, we were able to feel for a moment, what those we teach feel when we share our testimonies of all we teach. We were reminded of how when we share our testimonies, we are reminding those we teach of the simple truths they have already heard...and continue to hear from the spirit. WE ARE SURROUNDED by an army of angels, also bearing testimony through the spirit. 3 things about a testimony: 1. It is the purest form of Communication; 2. It brings truths from our eternal home; and 3. It is a constant in an ever-changing world. As I thought of these 3 things, I thought of how blessed I am to have a testimony and how I never want to hesitate to share it with anyone. I do know that as we keep our testimonies strong, they will hold us together while the world around us is falling apart.
Brother and Sister Anderson (who we live with) had some friends over from Des Moines the other night and were trying to think of how they could get them in the church to feel the spirit. Sister Anderson asked if we could come home a little early and go over to the church with them and have a personal piano concert. Not exactly quite sure how it would go, we get there and everyone sits down, and I just play my little heart out on the piano. The spirit was really strong, and it was such a neat experience. I'm so grateful Sister Anderson asked me to use my talents. Each time I do, I am more and more grateful to my father in heaven who helps me each day to not only know how to express myself through words, but also through music. I listened to an interview with David Archulette this past week, and he talked about how music has always been a way for him to express himself and share his testimony, and I feel that same way. Music has a way of expressing so much more than words.... okay, sorry for going off on a music tangent...but yes, it was an incredible experience. First time I've ever had a private piano concert! haha. ...I've had a lot of firsts on my mission that's for sure!
Sister Hill and I had an amazing 4th of July!!! Much better than our mini bbq last year! It's still really weird that we got to celebrate the same holidays together 2 years in a row! Anyways... this year, we were invited to a member BBQ with 6 families at a park. We got our faces painted, played on the playground, and...wait for it... LEARNED HOW TO USE A BULL WHIP! bahahaha! Sorry, the video is too large to attach so you'll have to wait 3 weeks to see it, but it was so fun! After the picnic, we went back home and played phase 10 with the Andersons, then went and watched fireworks! Sitting up on a hill, it was a panoramic view!...so fun!
Yesterday, even though none of our investigators came to church, it was an incredible Sunday. My last fast Sunday as a full-time missionary...weird... The spirit was so strong, and I was reminded of the beauty and simplicity of the gospel. We taught Fred after church, and it was so neat to see how the spirit has already worked within him...he asked all the right questions, and continues to pray and search out the truth. He will be baptized on August 2nd! Miracles continue all around...what miracles did you see this week?
I'm so grateful we are able to have our freedom, especially our religious freedom. It's so amazing to look back on history and see how Heavenly Father prepared this land for us, to be a place where the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ was possible! We are so blessed! I know that God lives. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and that we are preparing the way for his second coming. I know that the power of God has been restored to the earth, through the Prophet Joseph Smith; which allows us to enjoy the full blessings of the gospel through baptism and temple ordinances. FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!!! I love you all so much and am forever grateful for the love, support, and prayers in my behalf. Thank you for EVERYTHING.
Love Always,
Sister Natalia Alston
P.S...I'm a bit safer this week...our investigator, Jacob, was not comfortable with us walking around town without anything to protect us (but the spirit)..so he bought us each pepper spray...in a little pink container which looks like lipstick...it's the best! haha. Watch out everyone, Sister Alston knows how to use a whip and now has pepper spray to go with it.... ;P
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| Last MLC |
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| Last ZTM! : ( |
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| 4th of July fun! |
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| Hungry hungry hippo... |
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