Called to know the richness of His blessings

I cannot accurately or eloquently express the feelings of my heart at this time, but I will share with all of you some of my thoughts and feelings.
My mission is literally the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can honestly say that this has been not only the best 18 months of my life, but the best 18 months for my life.
As I sat entered the Nauvoo temple for our departing temple trip, I was completely overwhelmed with a feeling of peace. It has continued through this week as I've began to say goodbyes, as I've left my testimony with our investigators, and especially today as I began packing my bags. I know that while I am imperfect, I was called here by my loving Father in Heaven, and that I have fulfilled my calling. I know that in a couple days, I will have finished all that He sent me here to do.
In the time that I have been on my mission, I have learned so much. I have come to understand true service, true love, and true joy. I have come to know my Savior, and seen and felt his atonement take full effect in my life as I strive to help and teach others to do the same. I have come to know the reality of Heavenly Father's hand being in the very details of our everyday lives. I have learned how to listen to the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, and seen the miracles both big and small that come as I follow its quiet promptings.
I could go on and on. I feel so full, so changed, and so happy. I have truly been blessed in ways that I could never have anticipated, and for that I am eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven.

I love each of you so much. Thank you for helping me get here and stay here.

I close with my mission scripture:
Alma 29: 9
 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

How great is my calling! How great is my joy!
-Sister Alex Monroe

My incredible mission President and his incredible wife. I love them so very much.

I love this place so much!!!

This week sure was eventful! Let me just tell you some of the things that happened;
Sister Heathcock hit her 3 month click day! My baby girl is growing up so fast! I love her so much!
We spent new years eve with, guess who.. the Raisors. Cory, who is a physical therapist had actually had his torn meniscus operated on the day before, so he was not doing so well. Basically we spent the evening with Crystal and the kids. Cory is doing a ton better now, but has a long way to go and is still in plenty of pain, so if you wouldn't mind praying for him, he would sure appreciate it. :) Anyway, It was a fun night. No, we did not stay up, we were in bed by 10:30.  Missionaries gotta sleep!
Thursday we had a good district meeting, and later that night we had dinner with this couple in our ward, the Zieglers. brother Ziegler is a chef, and made us PRIME RIB for dinner. OH, and dessert was served in chocolate bowls, topped with chocolate pearls. So awesome. We felt very loved- and full!
Friday night we met Justin and Hayleigh for a late dinner. It was good. I love Them. Unfortunately, they will not be getting baptized this week, and it doesn't look like it'll be anytime too soon. They need to get married, and satan is trying to make that as difficult as possible. They just need some time to grow in faith. We will keep working with them for the time being, and try to help them! Please pray for them.
Saturday, I HIT MY 18 MONTH MARK!!! What!?!? We had dinner with our landlord's family, the Morgans. They are so sweet. They are catholic, and always tell us what an incredible thing we are doing, and how much they admire us. Again, I felt so loved.After dinner, we went to a members house, the Saints, to teach their grandson, Quinnell. He is the sweetest, most intelligent, most prepared 9 year old boy I've ever met. He is living with his "Nana and Papa" right now, and has been coming to church and reading scriptures everyday for 2 months. He is like a little sponge, it's amazing, he retains everything he's learning- and he believes all of it. We taught the restoration, and when we asked him if he would be baptized, he said "Yup!" Haha, kids are the best! They are so close to the spirit. We also set a tentative date for valentine's day. :) Pray for him!

I love you all so much. I can't believe how this time is flying by. I feel so blessed every day.
See you all in a week and a half!
-Sister Monroe

 Fried alligator! It tastes like chicken and fish together. Pretty interesting!

 Prayed, went to the bathroom, and came back to this on my bed. My companion is so cute.

She got me a sunstone necklace for my 18 month click day. :)

 We woke up to this beautiful sight on Sunday morning.

Luckily we made it to church without any trouble!

This is what it looks like right now. The snow went for about 5 hours

this afternoon, and left a thick, slippery blanket on everything.