Well, That was a bummer....

Hey y'all! I had a great week! We got to teach lots of people and it

was fantastic! There was just one kinda overly-large downside... Elder

Nelson was supposed to talk to us, and it was all planned out

perfectly. The day before the meeting, we were working with one of the

President's Assistants here in our work area, when he got a phone call

from President. They had cancelled our meeting with an Apostle!!! It

was crazy. There was a planned strike of all the police and bus

drivers in 13 of the Brazilian states, including the state of São

Paulo. They were protesting their low wages before the World Cup

began, because it would mean tons of more work with their already

super low wages. To ensure our safety, they cancelled the meeting and

we all had to stay inside our homes for the entire day. Luckily, the

strike didn't happen and nothing went wrong, but it still stunk. Oh

well! No use crying over spilt milk! We were super excited though,

also since the missionaries from the São Paulo East and West Missions

were going to be there as well, and we would have gotten to see

friends from those missions. Of course though, we were more excited

for the Apostle.

Beyond that though, our week went well! We met some super cool people.

One day, Elder Hossaenian had to use the bathroom REALLY bad while we

were walking, so he knocked on a random house to ask to use the

restroom. Turn man was a little hesitant at first, but then let us in.

We marked an other day to meet with them, and taught them about the

Restoration of the Gospel on our return. The spirit was super strong

there, and they really understood everything. They thanked us for

sharing the Book of Mormon with them, and the tear-full look of

gratitude they gave us was just absolutely unforgivable. Too cool! I

just felt super good at that point and super grateful for God and all

He does to help us!

Beyond that, we have transfers this week! This time it was only 5

weeks, not 6, which is why it seems early. We'll see what happens! I

really hope I get to stay in this area, but I'll go where the Lord

calls us! I hope everyone is doing well and having fun and working

hard! Love you all!

Sincerely,

Elder Ashford

"All progression is spiritual things is dependent upon the attainment

of humility."

    -Elder Bruce R. McConkie