Back with the Brazilians

Once again I'm back with a Brazilian companion! I think Heavenly Father wanted me to learn to love Brazil especially well, because I have now had 8 Brazilians for companions. It's cool! Elder Abdom is from the state of Pernambuco and is good to work with. He has exactly a year less on his mission than I do on mine. He learns quick though and is doing great! He's a little quieter than normal, but that's fine. We're getting along fine and working well together. I sent pictures of our baptism from last week, Tom, as well as the baptism that happened a couple days ago. Pierre was baptized by his grandpa who used to be bishop here! It was a great baptism and everyone got choked up. It was sweet! We also had five baptism interviews done and all five passed, so we'll work to have these people all baptized this weekend. Things here are great! I'm working past mental and physical tiredness. I get home exhausted and go to sleep quickly, which is nice. I love being with these people so much! There's so much I can learn from them, and I'm making sure to learn it all!

This week I said goodbye to a lot of great friends, including two of my companions, Elder Palhares and Elder Vieira who I served with in Vila Medeiros and then Vila Progresso respectively. It was sad. I don't know when I'll see them again and they were truly great companions and friends. I'm just happy how much easier things are nowadays to keep in touch with people. Time is going by super fast, and I have more great companions and friends who will leave soon, and then it'll be my turn. So weird! I love doing this work though and I'm taking advantage of every opportunity I have to help people and work here as well as play. It's too fun and gratifying. I love it! I hope that everyone has a great week and works hard! Have fun and always continue strong, doing the things that Heavenly Father has asked us to do! 

Elder Ashford