January 20, 2015

Well, I'm going to have to make this email pretty quick, cuz we don't have much time today.

Just know that I'm the busiest I have ever been in my entire life. Our district is doing well. And the work continues on. I promise next week, I'll have a better update. Just know, all is well. Love you all! Love, Elder Taylor Alston

one of the young women drew me a couple of my favorite things : )

January 12, 2015

So, this week was BUSY. Monday night we didn't get home till about 10. Elder Ruiz called me saying he was sick. So we dropped what we were doing, ran to the store, bought him some meds, ran to his house, and gave him a blessing. After we got home, I sent out a mass text to the district asking them to pray for Elder Ruiz to get better enough to work the next day. Miracles are real. Tuesday, I called him, and he didn't even sound sick anymore, and he hasn't had any symptoms since. Gotta love the power of prayer.

 Tuesday, we were able to go to the temple with Brianna to do baptisms for the dead. She LOVED it. of course, I just cried the whole time. haha

that night, we had Stake Correlation and the ZL's had a lesson at the same time, so we split up. I went to correlation with Elder Mariluch and Elder McKenna went with Elder Hardy. After we got back home, Elder McKenna told me of some concerns he has with his ability to teach, and not feeling like he is reaching his full potential, we talked for a good 2 hours, and I gave him a blessing.

 Wednesday, we did a training at zone meeting, and Elder McKenna did an amazing job.

Thursday we did service literally all day. painting, and carpeting a house.

Friday, we were able to go to the temple as a zone... my last zone temple trip:(. But it was still amazing:)  Friday night, I had an interview with an investigator that is getting baptized. She was having second thoughts, as they always do. We were able to give her a blessing and do the interview. It was really weird, I felt like a bishop, her telling me all the things she needs to work on, and me giving her advice and tools she can use to overcome the issues. I love helping people on a more personal level. I'm so grateful for this opportunity.

Saturday, I went on exchanges with Elder Muench. His companion and he are not getting along the greatest, and don't seem to have the work ethic that needs to exist in this setting. Anyway, we will be working closely with them this next week to improve the situation.

 I think that's all I have for this week! Here's the quote of the week!

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.

Rabindranath Tagore

 I love all of you! remember, when it rains, remember where the rain comes from:) Keep on keepin on! -Elder Taylor Alston

First time for Brianna! 

January 5, 2015

Holy cow, I can't believe it's 2015... I didn't even think a number that high existed! I hope everyone's new year celebration was fun!

 Our was great! Brianna go baptized on new years eve, And then I got to confirm her yesterday.

Confirming her was one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had. As soon as I said "Receive the Holy Ghost", The room went silent, and the spirit was so strong. my fingers were all tingly the rest of the blessing. And when I sat down, I realized I was shaking. I felt like I was In the Book of Mormon. trembling because the spirit was so strong.

 The rest of the week went pretty well. We had mission unity day on Thursday. That was fun. Everyone in the mission got together in Tucson and had pretty much just a massive P-day. playing games and sports and eating food.  

I know this is the most exciting email you've ever read, but unfortunately, it's coming to a close. so here is the quote for the week!

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.

Vince Lombardi

 Hope Y'all continue to do well and have fun! keep on keepin on! Love you! -Elder Alston

Brianna's baptism