Week One Update

8/20/13

It's been a week and this place is truly fantastic.  It's the perfect study environment.  Not everyone takes it as seriously as my district, but we see the results.  The amount of Portuguese we already know and can use is ridiculous.  You teach an investigator (volunteer member) on day 3, in your new language.  We try to constantly improve though.  Sorry, p-day isn't until Friday, so e-mail will  have to wait.

We did our service today Dad, and not toilets for me.  Though toilets are supposed to be one of the easiest things.  Just sweeping and trash taking out for me!

My companion's name is Michael Youd (rhymes with "loud").  He's from a tiny town in Missouri.  We are verrrry different, but we use that to our advantage.  Our thinking styles are opposite.  He's great though!  We get along awesome.  No problems whatsoever.  My whole district is really great.  We're friends now, and awe eat and study together.  We have good laughs, but we also get stuff done super well.  Everyone gets along fantastically.  And they sure keep you moving around here.  If you do what you're supposed to, there's never a free moment.  I love it.  No distractions, and the spirit is always prevalent.

Fun to see the masses of missionaries going out from the Marriott Center headed back to apartments.  I've figured out that Provo West is primarily America bound missionaries who only stay two weeks anyways.

Sunday we had a fireside from someone pretty cool.  Day may recognize this name, Vai Sikahema.  BYU football star, played pro in the NFL, NBC Broadcasting Sportscenter.  Super cool.  He spoke to us about one of the experiences on his mission, which was phenomenal.  He made me realize that ht missionaries really are an army.  But we don't fight Satan.  We fight the second coming, filling the world with good, trying to give every last person the opportunity to realize the truth of the gospel.  It's so easy to share with people.  Don't be afraid.  Kelsey told me of your ward conversion challenge.  It'll be fun and easy!  And, I'll be right with you, teaching people in Brazil.

I'm taking brother Mott's suggestion and writing in my journal every day.  That, on top of my notebook that I fill with what I feel inspired to write.  I even date everything so I can match up journal feelings with notes from people.  I know, super green.

I seriously learn so much from everyone here.  It's fantastic.  I can see that each person I interact with has something I can learn from.  It makes me so excited!  I feel like I've been here months from all the stuff I've learned.  This is seriously cool, and thanks for the packages!

Love,

Elder Ashford

P.S.  Everyone is jealous I get so much mail.  Keep it up!  Just expect slow returns!