NEW BLOG

Hey, just a heads up that this blog.spot thing isn't working so good so a friend mentioned a new place to put Braidens stuff. From now on everything will be on missionsite.net. Just type his name in "find a missionary" and it should bring him up. Let me know if there is a problem. Thanks for all of your support. I think the reason that he isn't homesick is because he is getting so much mail that he feels like he's here. Thanks again.

Earthquakes and Hurricanes

Hey All,

That is a crazy story!!! I can only hope that I can touch someone the way that Dad did. (Paul had an investigator from his mission 22 years ago find him last week. She had been looking for him for a long time and when she found him she was so excited that she flew in from Parker, Colorado.)I keep thinking I don't have any amazing stories, but as I look back on the greatest 3 months (AHHHHHHmoving too fast) of my life, I have been blessed.

This week was really busy. The SWEETEST thing that happened is we found a family. I think I might have mentioned them last week, but I will go over the story again. We were coming back from corilation to our apartment for dinner. It's about 30 minutes, but with rush hour, broken down buses and accidents, it took us around an hour to get home. As we neared home we got a phone call from the Don Valley elders. They told us that they had a BBQ invite that they couldn't make it to and wanted us to go since it was in our area. I will admit it, we didn't want to go. We wanted to relax and then head out to see Collin (new convert). We looked up where they lived and they lived in the area of Collin. Figured, what the heck, let's go. We took another 45 minutes to an hour to get there. Buses usually are really fast, but for some reason they sucked that day.

When we got there we met Ryan, a man from Vietnam who is being taught in Markham. He was way cool and introduced us to the host, JP and his wife, Alice. They are both Canadians and JP is from Quebec. They have 2 daughters, Marrissol (13) and Evelynne (11). They work for a Utah based company called Monavie. Monavie is gospel based or it has to be anyway. Translated it means tree of life. They are super prepared for the gospel. When we went and taught them the first time I was worried because they gave us a tasting for Monavie, but we taught them a little about our church and invited them to attend. Alice said they had been looking for a church for a while, that was close and they would come and check it out.

They loved church. We are metting with them on Wednesday and we are going to get them BAPTIZED!!!!! JP also offered to help us if we wanted to do this Monavie thing when we get home. Not a bad idea. Check it out online some time. I know Alexandra will love it. (I googled this also and it looks like a nutritional supplement thing).

Earthquake...I was on a bus and that always feels like an earthquake. A member in Weston that I talke to said he had just finished a lesson on the signs of the times when it hit. I laughed so hard. I guess the hangers started jumping around and the doors were opening and closing on their own. They thought they were in a haunted chapel. This is the second earthquake here in two years....divers places, eh?

Hurrican....On its way. We had a sweet storm not long ago that reduced visability to zero. I have heard that this one (I think it's called Irene?) is supposed to be a tropical storm when it hits Toronto. I'm going tracting, just for fun. Maybe we will have success because of mercy. Ha. Ha.

We had some kind of fesival going on last weekend called Buskerfest (I googled it and Buskerfest is a street performer festival that raises money for Epilepsy research. Performers come from all over the world so it sounds like a big thing). I don't know exactly what it was but we got to go down and "soapbox" outside of the carnival. It was so much fun. I talked to somany crazy p0eople. I also talked to a woman who has wanted to be a Mormon for so long but hasn't been able to find us. There are only 4 that work in her area and they typically avoid it because it's commercial.

Residential is better for finding and teaching. She was so excited to finally get a Book of Mormon. Made me think. How much to I care about this book? I know I can get more attached to it, but I really love the Book of Mormon. That is what makes us different. We have the truth.

Mom, you forgot something verrrrry important. WHAT WAS THE SCORE FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS GAME!!!!! (Salem lost to Payson by one point 38-39. Park had a great game. Gammons teams lost to Payson the next day in overtime. Two very well matched teams across the board.) I know it's football season! Now I have to wait 2 weeks and I can't even call Elder Meservy unless I find a referal for him!!!! How can I live without knowing how the Skyhawks are doing!?!?!? Ha. Ha. Just kidding.

Parker: I hope you're doing good in football. Kicken trash and all that good stuff. Keep up the good work. Prepare yourself for a mission and make sure if the missionaries call, you go out with them. Take Alec with you too.

Lyza: I met a Liza the other day. Made me laugh. She was from the Phillipines. I love Phillipinos...and their food. We get to eat at the Souters on Thursday. That should get me through the rest of the transfer. Keep being awesome. Stay away from the boys:{) Ha. Ha. He has a mustache.

Special (Gammon): You still special? Just had to ask :) Sounds like you are beginning to cook a little. Be careful. Don't light yourself on fire. He. He. More about that later. Keep working hard and let me know when you start games, eh?

Jex: I am going to get in trouble for reading "unapproved literature". That joke book is terrible. I am sending it to Elder Duce so I can be rid of it. Ha. Ha. You make me laugh, kiddo. Stay out of trouble, K buddy?

So.....fire. This morning I had a string that was bugging me on my shirt. I didn't want to go and get the scissors and there was a lighter within reach. Lighters work really good for getting fuzzies off of your ties. Elder Bode was talking about his studies. I just lit the end on fire. Little strings burn fast. Luckily I got it put out before it burned a hole in my shirt. That is the second time I have lit myself on fire on my mission. At this rate, I will probably light myself on fire 17 more times, or once a transfer. Fire is fun.

Well, I gots to get going. You all have a wonderful week and know that I am praying for you. I love you all.

Down the road, eh!!

Elder Ashton

Friends With An Iranian

Hey All,

This week has been crazy and amazing. Just plum full of miracles. We are now meeting again with Michelle and Devyne. They will be getting baptized sometime in the coming weeks. It is only a matter of time with their Uncle working with them. He was a Baptist Minister who converted to Momonism and now preaches to congregations of Baptists about the restoration. Just what we needed.

I had a really interesting experience this week. I met a Pentacostal preacher on the street. I began to discuss gospel principles, prophets an so forth with her. I don't have any idea where the scriptures were coming from, but every time she would bring up a point, I could use a scripture, then testify. It was amazing. She wasn't getting it at all. All of the sudden, I felt the Spirit begin to withdraw. Just like a candle burning out. It just faded and then exingruished. I sat there as she ranted about soemthing, I had no idea what she was talking about, and felt so empty. I just couldn't understand what had happened. It dawned on me that I had done all that I could do. I bore my testimony, offered to visit another time, and excused myself. As we left, I was pondering why the Spirit had left me. I was ging over things I had said right beore, trying to figure out if I had offended the Spirit by saying something stupid. I couldn't figure it out. Then I felt the Spirit come back and I learned a very valuable lesson. I will fight for as long as I feel the Spirit to save a soul. I will not give up, but there is a scripture that talks about how if you don't have the Spirit, you shall not teach. When I feel the Spirit leave, that's my que to shut my mouth. The next day, a similar experience happened. In the middle, I felt it stop me. I turned to Elder Bode, who doesn't usually say much in a discussion on the street and he took over. He confounded this man. Valuable lesson. Teach by the Spirit, but if you don't have it, let the one who does speak. Without the aid of the Spirit, I am a fool.

Yesterday we were getting ready to go out and visit a recent convert and I decided to look outside and see what the weather was like. The clouds to the north were black and I could tell it was going to rain. No big deal, I have been out in the rain before. We checked again before we headed out and the building in North York had disappeared. Pretty soon, we could see a wall of rain moving our way. It was cool to watch. The next thing we knew, the rain was blowing sideways and coming down so hard we could not see the buildings across the parking lot. The roads filled up with water...and trees. It was so funny. Then it stopped and the sun came out and dried up all the rain (and the intsy, wintsy spider...ha ha I'm so funny:) Weather patterns here are strange.

Parker: Sounds like you are getting some playing time. That is sweet. Even got a sack! Way to go. You guys hung with Juan Diego better than we did. Keep up the good work. It will pay off. Remember what you are learning too. It will help you in the mission field.

Lyza: I haven't heard about much going on with you. Are you going to do the plays this year at the high school? You and Alexandra should. It would be fun and get the both of you busy. Stay out of trouble.

Special: (In Gammons last letter to Braiden he said, "I'm not Special. I'm just better than you!") What's up? When do you start your football games? I want to hear about all your adventures. Shoot Cade for me eh? (airsoft) By the way, I am saying eh instead of huh now. Don't you make fun of me when I get home.

Gex: He he he, I know you hate that. So guess what? Chicken butt! Ah, ha, ha, ha, just kidding. I have a friend in Scarbourogh named Elder Langston. He called the other day and was really bored so I read him that stupid joke book and we laughed so hard. Thanks kiddo.

We had a really cool experience with ESL this week as well. We always talk about church with our students. Five came to church yesterday. Son Jin and Kelly adn from Korea and Elder Jung and Elder Payne are working with them. Angela is from China and is Catholic. She came to our ward once and like it so much she said she would have to ask the God if she needed to change3 churches. Tha's fine by me. That's all we ask anyway. The best is my good friend Talebi. He is from Iran, and was an officer in the Iranian Nathional Air Force. He worked on the Tom Cats long ago. He is Islam but doesn't like it. Elder Davis, a farcy elder, and I taught him yesterday. He is getting baptized on September 18. I never thought in a million years I would be friends with an Iranian. I have also made friends with a couple from Russia and they are teaching me some Russian. I can say "hello" in quite a few different languages. I am also learning how to say "feed me". It works too. I am getting fed twice this week. I have also picked up an interest in Spanish and can now have a minor converstion in Spanish. Can't teach, but I can bear testimony, ask for a number, and introduce myself as a missionary in Spanish. Figured I could help the Spanish find some investigators. (When Braiden was set apart a full time missionary by our Stake President he was blessed several times with the gift of tongues. What a wonderful thing in such a diverse place!)

Well, I got to take off and get somethings done. Thank all of you for being such a great support for me. Remember, nomatter what happens, no matter what you suffered through, someone has been through worse. Don't whine and complain, it's just not worth it. I love you all so much. I can feel your prayers. Thanks for everything.

Elder Ashton

Miracles!

(Apologies to everyone waiting for me to post this. It came, I read it, and then I proceeded on my way and wouldn't have even remembered to post it if Grandma Ashton hadn't asked me why he didn't write. Opps!)

Hey Everybody,

I have had the craziest week. It started out pretty crappy. Azim had the Jehovah Witness come over. Any friend of Jesus is a friend to him so he let them in. They saw his Book of Mormon and freaked. He is childlike. Not childish, but childlike. He believes everything anyone tells him. He is still on good terms with us, and we are still welcome, but he won't be getting baptized any time soon. I have faith that he will turn around and come to a knowledge of the truth.

From then, we have not taught many people. We taught a recent convert, Doug Bristow, who is the man. Doug was in Canadian Intelligence and has been through a lot. He found the church in Ecuador and wanted to get baptized there. He had to wait because of his history in the intelligence. His wife "googled" the church and got offended about what she saw. That is sad. He worked for two years to get baptized and was finally baptized in June. He is meeting with us so he can learn how to teach and better use his priesthood. We are going to take him teaching with us. I am stoked! He knows so much about the church and he cannot be antied. Love it!!!

We had a slow week this week but we worked hard all week. We were always on the buses, talking to people on the streets and trying to get appointments. It didn't look like we had any hope at all. We were disappointed, but not discouraged. We had a goal to get two baptisms this month. I wanted it really bad, and so did Elder Bode. We had kind of lost hope, when a miracle happened.

We had a fireside last night with a member of the stake presidency. We didn't know if anyone would show up for us and we debated on even going. I am so glad that we didn't. Donavan and Karla Kerr, former investigators with a baptismal date, came to the fireside. They are way cool. Donavan is from Jamaica and is one of the top massage therapists in Canada. Karla is suffering from type 2 diabetes, but they both want to be baptized. We are going to meet with them later this week and set a date for, hopefully, September.

I was so excited about that, and then it got better. We had another former investigator with a baptismal date show up. Michelle and her 9 year old son, Devyne. I didn't really think anything would come of it, but guess who happened to show up.Her Uncle is a member in the Weston Ward. SICK!!!!!They talked for a long time and her Uncle has agreed to help us get Michelle to become a member of Jesus Christs church. She is now meeting with us again and is so much more serious. I was so excited last night. We needed this after that long week we just put in.

Funny story for you. We got a referral from the Spanish Missionaries fro a man named Omar. He is from Yemen. We went and spoke with him and it turns out he is a Muslim missionary. He tried to convert us!!!!! that is the third.....no wait.....fourth time I have tried to be converted to Islam and the fifth or sixth that someone has tried to convert me. Makes me laugh. We are meeting him again this week. I got him thinking when I understood the Koran. It always confuses me how they believe the Bible, and say they are not Muslim if they do not believe the Bible, but they do not believe the teachings in the Bible. They only read the Koran. Don't ask me. It is easy to get them to think about it though.

Parker: I just laugh at you driving my car. I thought I sweated a lot. (The truck rotors need to be replaced so Park is driving Braidens car but the windows don't roll down and the AC doesn't work) So what is wrong with the truck now? I know the rotors on my car were bad. I should have replaced them when I did the brakes a year ago. You can figure it out. By the way, It's a 10mm allen to get the caliper off. Didn't know if you knew that:)

Lyza: How is everything going? Are you excited to start high school? You are going to do great. Make sure you keep Park in line and stay away from those boys! I would hate to have to fly home and kick you butt!!! (can missionaries write that word?) You're doing great. Keep up the good work.

Special (Gammon): How is football going? Are you still playing wide receiver? Are you guys doing any airsoft? I can tell you, I miss airsoft. I found some bb's the other day in the old apartment and it was like a smoker smelling tobacco. AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I need it!!!! Ha, ha. Keep it goin eh.

Jex Edward: Your words are really big. (It was Jex's turn to write our email and he wrote it in some seriously big font) You're a good kid Jex. I read your joke book to a missionary in Scarbourogh. We laughed so hard because they are terrible. They really aren't that funny, but when you are bored it makes for a good laugh.

Well, everyone, I thank all of you for your letters. I received letters from Aunt Becky, Grandma and Grandpa Spencer, Alexandra and Thomas Hayward. Thank you all. You're the best. Love you all.

Elder Ashton

Forgotten:(

Just a little background. It was Gammons turn to email this week but he forgot until this morning. He only wrote one small paragraph because he didn't want it to miss Braiden. I told him that Braiden never writes this early so I proceeded to write a little more and sent it. As soon as it was sent at 8:53am I saw that he had sent his at 8:54am. This is what it said.

I get on the computer today and I have been forgotten:( It has only been 3 months!!! Ha.Ha. Hope everything is good anyway. All is well here in Don Mills. I got a letter from the family last Friday at Zone Conference. Looks like you are all doing well and you are probably really busy getting ready for school to start.

A lot has happened this week. We are working very hard to find new people to teach, but everyone keeps bombing on us. It was so frustrating! We had 3 bomb in one day, all of them really good potential investigators. So instead, we spent a lot of time out on the streets talking to people. I feel alone when we do that. Elder Bode is an excellent teacher, which helps me out a lot.

Azim Moloo is the best. He is still set for baptism on the 21st. He came to church yesterday and "bore his testimony" in Sunday School. I was laughing so hard. He just went on and on about how he was an abused kid and how Jesus had found him. Then after church he called me and ranted for an hour about how his mother is driving him crazy. I was just laughing. He wants his mother to leave him alone because they are Muslim and want to run his life. He is such a good guy. He doesn't want to bring his troubles and put them on the ward. He is a really good guy, but I think the alcohol went to his brain.

I talked to a man ion the street who we are going to be teaching this week. He was so happy and as I talked with him I began to wonder why. He is legally blind because of a coma, and now is fighting cancer. He was certain that he would get through it though. We talked for a while and agreed that we could come over. I look forward to meeting with him.

Another potential investigator is a man named Marvin. He approached us and wanted to learn more about Mormonism. His concerns are so much easier (right now) than what I am used to. Things I expected in the MTC. Things like no more prophets and no other book besides the bible. I am looking forward to the break from the crazies.

Parker, getting excited yet for football? I know it is getting close and that you are probably exhausted. That is funny now as I look back on it. Two a days will help you with missionary work. I know that. It has helped me. You default to those things when things get tough.

Lyza, how are you doing? I keep looking for spoons for you (Lyza collect them) but it is hard to find them anywhere. Especially when I spend hours on the buses and subways. Keep helping Alexandra out and stay out of trouble. I look forward to jumping on you when I get home:) (Lyza told him the thing she misses the most about him is at bed time when he would come out of the bathroom and run into her room and jump on her.)

Special (his nickname for Gammon), How are you? You're getting excited for football too aren't you? That is a good thing. Keep working hard. I will look for you a key chain (he collects them). I don't know when I will send it but you will get it....eventually.

Jex E

(This is where the email ended. I think as he was writing our email came through and he left to read it and it sent his. It seemed like forever before we got the continuation)

Well, I guess I am not forgotten. When I got that email, my computer freaked and it sent the mail I was halfway through typing. Sorry. Where was I...

Jex, how are you, Squirt? You staying out of trouble? What is going on there? Are you picking on Lyza for me? You are so dead when I get home. That joke book drives me crazy!!! ha. ha.

Sounds like Dad did a marriage last week. That's fun. I laughed just picturing dad with a bible, marrying people. Ha. ha. Oh boy did I laugh! Your getting old, Dad.

Funny story of the week. I was talking to a man on the street who turned out to be a former drug dealer. Made me laugh. (He sure laughs a lot. Glad he's happy) He is now taking the lessons from Elder Peterson and Elder Raikes in the south area. It was funny when he just straight up told us he used to run drugs. Sorry, not the funniest story. I will get a good one this week for sure.

Well, we are all going golfing today for P-day. Just the driving range but it will still be fun. Oh, I almost forgot. At zone conference we were role playing with the Whitby companionship. The Elder I was role playing with was Elder Kilmer from Morgan, Utah. I knew that sounded familiar. Turns out it is the Kilmers cousin (the Kilmers are in our ward). It was awesome to meet him and laugh at how small the world really is. (It is a small world. I don't think he realizes that Elder Kilmers family rented the home we bought in Salem and built the home across the street before moving to Morgan)

You would be so proud of me. I am COOKING!!!!! I am also spending more time in the bathroom, but soon that will even out. Ha. ha. Seriously though, I am cooking. It is great fun. I'm getting better too. When I get home I will have to cook mojo for all y'all. I laugh thinking about the looks on your faces.

Alrighty, I guess I had better sign out and get some other things done. Say "i to everyone for me. I can feel your prayers and I hope that you can feel mine. Talk to you next week and hopefully I have a couple of really good funny stories. See you later eh!

Elder Ashton

What A View!

This view is from Braidens 17th floor apartment window. Pretty cool.

Comments

We have had some problems with Braidens blog allowing posts. We may have fixed the problem for anyone who would like to try it. Also, here is the picture of Braidens 1st baptism of Pricilla Port-Louis.

Schwarma & Boiled Duck Eggs?

Hey All!!!

First of all, I would like to send my condolences to the Stillman family (Vickie Stillman, our friend and neighbor passed away Friday). I'm very sorry to hear of her passing, but I know that she is in a place free of pain. Isn't the Plan of Salvation a great and wonderful gift, to know that we can be with our loved ones forever. I teach this simple truth every day and it amazes me how many people don't believe that families can be forever. Families are forever.

Hey Lyza, did you have a HAPPY BIRFDAY!!!!! Ha Ha couldn't help it. Happy Birthday to you and to Jex Edward. I wish I could be there for you, but I will have to take a rain check seeing as I am out of the area. Glad to hear you had a good birthday. Tell Alexandra Hi and thanks for picking on you in my absence:) You are a very good friend to people around you. Keep supporting Breanne. She needs your help right now.

Jex, you little stink. I got this big package in the mail the day after Elder Duce left (Jex loved telling Braiden horrible jokes out of joke books. He decided to send a joke book to Braidens companion, Elder Duce, so he could carry on for him). I will make sure to get that book to him as soon as possible so I don't have to deal with any of those AWFUL jokes! Just kidding kiddo, I loved it and it made me laugh.

Gammon, How is everything going buddy? Are you staying out of trouble? You need to let me know when football starts up. I also got a letter (I think it was from you) that asked if I had ate any strange foods. Yes. I have had Schwarma (Afghanistan's Subway), Mojo (sweet potatoes with chili beans and TONS of cheyenne pepper), and multiple Filipino foods. The Bishop says he is going to make us eat Belut, which is a duck egg boiled just before it hatches. Sounds good eh?

Parker, good to hear that football camp was well...again. All the letters I am getting are way past date but it is still good to read about everything going on. You're a stud, bro. If you and Alec get a chance to go out with the missionaries, DO IT!!! Members are a huge help, and it is fun.

Oh the adventures continue. We are teaching a man named Azim Moloo from Tanzania. I can't remember if I mentioned him last time (come to think of it, I can't remember if I mentioned anything last time). He is my favorite. I just love that man. He is 41 and he is going to be getting baptized August 21st. I am so excited for him.

We don't have too much else going on in the teaching pool, so we have been walking up and down the streets like crazy. I had some funny things happen too. I am making a list of really crazy things I have seen on my mission and I am somewhere around 17 right now. I know there is going to be more than that by the time I come home. This will help me remember all the funny stories. Just to name a few things that happened.

There is a place we eat for really cheap in our area. Recently, a Pentecostal man has been trying (in vain) to convert me. I laugh every time I see him now. He is from Iran, but was converted from Islam to Christianity when "Jesus spoke to him". Not too crazy right. It gets better. He went on to tell me about how Jesus spoke to his children, but not his wife. His wife thought Jesus didn't love her. Then, he claimed, when she died, she was resurrected and taken up to heaven right before his eyes and his children. He then prayed for me, right there in the Schwarma place. Very strange them Pentecostals. Later when I told him more about our beliefs, he prayed for us again and rebuked my "lies and untruths" about God and Jesus Christ. I don't get it. Oh well, I did my job.

Me and Elder Bode were walking down the street yesterday and saw a car parked on the side of the road with its hazards (lights) on. The mechanic me kicked in and I started looking around for the owner to see if I could help. To my surprise, I saw the owner up in the trees, squatted down, with her underwear down around her ankles, doing her business, right in the middle of town. I'm not in Utah anymore, Toto. Ha. Ha.

So how is everything in the USA? Are the kids getting excited to go back to school? Is moms voice getting loud enough to scream at football games? (I had my thyroid removed and haven't been able to yell but I think I'm ready) How is Mrs. Surgery doing anyway. Ha. Ha. I love you Mom. (I also had knee surgery a month ago. Smart elic kid anyway!) I got a box from Grandma and Grandpa Spencer, which I really appreciated (and so did Elder Duce). I also got a letter from the Moores. I get mail about once a week at the district meetings. That is the story of my mission. Odds are, when I write you, I will answer questions that you asked months ago. (mail is still screwed up from the strike).

Dad, I got your letter you sent me about forsaking sin being an ongoing battle. It came at a perfect time. Priscilla had a relapse last week and drank a little beer and smoked part of a cigarette. She felt really bad and didn't know what to do. That letter helped out a little bit there, but she still has to clear that one up with the Bishop. Thanks for your advice. It makes a difference.

Well, I am going to try and send some pictures of baptisms home. I love you all very much and wish you could be here to share in these experiences with me. Thank you all so much for being a support to me. Tell Alexandra, the neighbors, the primary, the Bishop (he he) and all of the family that I am dong well and praying for them.

Love you all,

Elder Ashton

Hotttest Day Ever!

Hey all,

I'm gonna answer questions first since they are foremost on my mind today. (Asked him if Ossington was a town or street) Ossington is a street just outside of downtown. It is a lot like Payson Main except all the buildings are houses. I am actually there right now with Elder Sitton, Elder Te'o and Elder Duce. We are cruising again today. Pday is so much fun with those three.

(Asked him what the weather was like right now) HOT AND HUMID! Last Thursday was the hottest day on record for Toronto EVER. It was 51 C. That's about 123 degrees F. We had to go sit in the apartment for a while because it was so hot. Our apartment was around 75 but it felt soooo good. Most days are about 105, but today is cool because we had a thunderstorm last night. It is strange, when there is thunder it doesn't echo like at home. (Asked if he was getting enough to eat) I am not actually getting fat. I have lost about 5-10 pounds. I am being fed really good though. I have tried Filipino foods, curry, and everything in between. Love the food here, but you never know what you are going to get.

I also got news last night that Elder Duce is being transferred and I am staying in Don Mills. I am getting a new companion, Elder Bode, from Germany. He seems like a cool guy. Unfortunately he cannot drive so I am going to be the driver. The biggest town I have driven in is Salt Lake and that was cake compared to here. Ha Ha. I know how to handle it though after riding shotgun with Elder Duce. I will be fine.

We met some new investigators the other day. Axin is from Tanzania or something like that (Tanzania?) He was investigating the Jehovah's Witness, but he doesn't like their bible. He asked us how to tell them he wasn't interested. It was funny. He is now coming to church and we are going to baptize him this transfer. Kai and Brian are Pentecostal and Methodist, but they are interested in our church. It will be weird to teach without Elder Duce, but I need to step up to the plate.

So I met a sister a few weeks ago who had served part of her mission in Payson. She actually lived in the Close Apartments (in our ward) and in the Brinkerhoffs basement (our friends from Springlake). She was wondering if she could get their into, but she is moving to Ottawa on Saturday. I gave her Moms email, so don't freak out when a stranger emails you...again. (I didn't "friend" someone he had given my name to because I didn't know her)

We ran into the Muslim guy that was tearing down our ESL fliers again. We started talking to him and have made peace with him. He actually gave me a Quran. I read some of it. It is interesting but obviously I don't believe it as scripture. The best part about it is it challenges anyone to come up with a book that can compare. Joseph Smith found that book that can compare. I am going to use that, have them compare it and see what they think.

Sounds like all the boys are having fun. Gammon, you're a stud. Keep up the good work and get that EAGLE!!! Jex, when I get home you can hang out with me instead of going to craft fairs and junk like that. You're a crazy kiddo. Parker, let me know how football is going for you. I need to know how all that is going. Keep me posted and knock some heads, eh. Lyza, keep up with the seminary thing. It is a great program and I thank the Lord that I attended. I needed it more than I realized. Tell Alexandra hi for me.

That's awesome that Caleb is out already. Before he know it he will be gone two months AHHHHHHHHHH! I cannot believe how time flies out here. I just emailed you yesterday...or anyway that's what it feels like.

I hate using the library. I got to go. Next week the family history center will be up and running and I can send baptism pictures and such. Thanks for the letters and thank you Grandma for the box. Loved it. Keep praying for me as I am praying for you. Down the road.

Elder Ashton

Short But Sweet This Week

(Letter from the Editor: So sorry about the delay posting this. I live for Mondays (we call them eh day) and Braidens emails but when it was so short I was sad and forgot to post it.)

Hey, I don't have much time because I have to go to Ossington, but I just want to let you know I love you all. We baptized 2 people this week, Collin Tjroze and Priscilla Port-Louis. Exciting stuff. It's weird to baptize someone for real, but it is an awesome experience.

Gammon, I went to Schofield when I was a scout. Take the small boat sailing merit bade if you can. It is really fun and you get to go out farther on the lake. Keep me posted on all your scouting, school and football. I read every word of every letter. (Gammon had said that Braiden never replied to his letters and he was going to start writing jibberish to see if Braiden even noticed so I had to give Braiden a heads up)

You guys are great. Say hi to everybody for me. I will send some pictures and a longer email next week. Elder Duce and I are goint to Ossinton with Elder Te'o and Elder Sitton. We had to drive all the way to Eglington Town Center to use the internet. I am telling you all these places so you can look them up on google earth if you want.

You all have a wonderful week. Stay out of trouble.

Elder Ashton

Old Friends, Detox & Angry Muslims

Dad, I know exactly how you feel about everything falling apart and then working out alright. We had a recent convert hear some nasty rumors about racism in the church this past week and she decided to investigate it out...on google. That lead her to apostate websites and all this garbage. She is now trying to tear down the church. She will com around, hopefully. A good thing though is that Sonya decided to read SCRIPTURES and pray about them. She is now so solid and this apostate member can't touch her. Got to love the power of the scriptures and personal revelation.

Well, enough of that crazy crap. So to Shawn Hughes and Barry Prettyman (if I spelled them wrong, it's because of the water here:) I met an old friend of you guys in Scarborough. I'm really sorry if I spell these wrong. Just sound it out:) I was talking to her and she got excited when I told her I knew you two. It's Rose, the Phillipino Princes. She now wants me to transfer out to Scarborough. I laughed so hard. I also taught a man on an exchange in Southern Don Mills named Ken Wiseman who remembered "Elder Hughes". Kinda crazy. He is still working on the gospel, but someone needs to pick up the ball and run with it down there.

Collin was supposed to be baptized yesterday, but he got stuck in Brampton and was unable to get an interview. We were going to do it next week, but his immigration attorney called and wants him to come to Montreal. He was so mad he started swearing in the church! He has had his date bumped 3 times now. We decided to baptize him on Friday.

Priscilla is also getting baptized next Sunday. She is so solid. She believes everything and is willing to do anything to get baptized. She quit smoking and drinking because she ran out and didn't want to buy anymore. She is awesome. She surprised me though and asked me to baptize her. Hopefully the first of many.

I went on an exchange with Elder Sitton on Friday and Saturday. It was only supposed to be one day, but because of Collins interview fiasco, it bumped it to a two day. We were just outside of down town on King street heading west and Elder Sitton says, "I think we are in a really ghetto, poor part of town right now." Just as he said that, we came around a corner and saw a man taking a leak in his front yard. We busted up laughing. It was so funny in the contest of what he just said. Man I love Toronto. You never know what you're going to see next.

We are moving apartments right now. It's crazy. We lived in the south area on Broadview and now we are moving to St. Dennis, just down the road from the chapel. It's crazy going from a lowest level apartment to a penthouse, but it is awesome. We are about 18 stories up. The Mayo's used to live there and when they went home the church picked up the apartment. By the way, the Mayo's are from Pleasant Grove and own the Car Doctors. They came home after closing down the East Mission office. I guess I had better give the new office address. It is easier just to send mail to the mission office than trying to track me down wherever I am. In case it hasn't been given, 197 County Court Blvd. #203, Brampton, ON L6W 4P6, Canada.

I almost put the phone number. Ha ha. Grandma Spencer would be calling every week if I did that. Just kidding Grandma, I love you.

Another funny story. We teach a free ESL class and to get people to come to it we tape fliers on the posts. For the past few weeks, someone has been tearing them down. As a joke, I said it was probably an angry Muslim. Turns out I was right. While I was on the exchange Elder Duce and Elder Te'o caught him tearing them down. Elder Duce reamed him. He asked him why he had done that. He said it was because we were Christian. On the post right above our flyer was a Muhammad flyer so Elder Duce asked him if he could tear that down because it was Muslim. The man freaked out. "NO, that would be wrong!" DUH!! Some Muslims here are awesome and fun to talk to, others......well.

Along the lines of repelling, I have wanted for some time now to go repelling Zions. You repel down the cliffs and into the river. Look into it. That would be a blast!

Sounds like moms knee surgery went well. That's good. I got a letter from home (finally) and it said you would be going in on the 5th. It was the 5th. I laughed at that.

One thing that stinks about the mail right now is that I only get it every now and then. It now goes to Brampton, so I only get it at Zone Conferences and firesides. Oh well, it's not about the mail. That doesn't mean I don't want it though. Ha ha.

That's awesome that everyone is getting ready to go on missions. Tell them it is not at all what they can even dream of. No matter what, you will feel like you took a 2x4 to the face several times. The best thing is to laugh. My companion in the MTC, Elder Green, didn't laugh at first, he being a Marine and all. He had a rough time until he could really brush things off. It makes it easier when you can laugh. Tell them if they want to know anything about missionary work or the MTC, I will answer their questions. Just shoot me an email and I will get back to you on that.

Another BIG TIP for missionary work that I learned from Elder Sitton and I love now. ENJOY AWKWARDNESS!!!!! You talk to everybody on the street. Imagine walking down the street in Salt Lake and talking to pretty much everyone. It's a blast, but it is awkward. If you can enjoy it, it makes it so much more fun. Example, there were some girls on the escalator in front of us that were sunburned way bad. Elder Sitton started to laugh and asked them how they did that. One just turned and glared at him and he stopped laughing. Then they started speaking Russian to each other. We busted up as soon as they got out of earshot. It's those stories that I will love to tell when I get home. ENJOY AWKWARDNESS!!!

So, Alexandra will like this one. Yesterday we had a lesson with Priscilla. She did a "detox" thing for Sonya and wanted to do it for me and Elder Duce. It's the one that you put your fee in water and electricity brings the toxins out of your blood. I went last. I found out that I have a lot of toxins in my blood. In 5 minutes it was darker than Sonya's. In 10, it was darker than Elder Duce's and I went for 45 minutes. At the end, I couldn't see my feet it was so black. I have pictures to show you, but I forgot my camera at home with this moving thing. It was so gross. All this oil and garbage from working on cars came out. She now wants to do that until I get my blood clean. Can't complain, it's a 45 dollar treatment I am getting for free. Alexandra would like Priscilla. She likes reflexology and natural remedies.

WELCOME HOME CADE!!!! It is so good to know you are home safe and sound. I talk to a lot of people from Afghanistan here. Most all of them are so grateful for what you were doing. Thank you. You are a stud. A letter should be coming for you in the mail. It's a little more personal. Good luck and stay out of trouble. Down the road, Cuz.

Well, I guess this concludes another week. I have now been in Toronto for a month. Time is flying by....for me anyway. This is awesome. I encourage everyone to serve missions. I love you all and I think about you often. Keep the goin on goin on if you know what I mean. Have a good one.

Elder Ashton

The Mail is Moving!

It sounds like you guys are having fun. That is good. Just to show you what we are planning for this week, Monday, today, we need to go shopping, hit up the post office (THE MAIL IS MOVING!!!!!), do our laundry and then tonight we have a lesson with Pricilla. I will talk more about her later.

Tuesday: We will spend most of that day finding (I think this is what they say instead of tracting). I think we have an appointment at 2 with Michelle. We also are going to try and contact one of our Muhamads. That night we will be meeting our new mission president.

Wednesday: No district meeting so we will be doing more finding and then we will have 2 appointments, one with Pricilla and Michelle and one with Erica Tan.

Thursday: Same mostly. Baptismal interview for one of our investigators, Collin, who will be getting baptized on Sunday.

I would keep going but now I am getting tired. That is basically how my week works. We are constantly going. We still have 8 dates and are finding more and more interested people.

So a little about a few investigators. Pricilla is incredible. She didn't like who she was so she decided to change some things. She went and got a membership at a gym down the road from the stake center. On the way home she told the taxi driver to stop and see what time our church had "mass". The driver told her to google it. She looked on the internet and luckily, couldn't find anything. She came by on the 15th of June, which was my first day working, and we happened to be there. The AP's showed her around and committed her to baptism that day. She is getting baptized on 7/17, which happens to be her lucky numbers.

Audrey was confirmed on Sunday. It was really cool. Since the AP's are now in Brampton, Elder Duce had me do it. I have never done it before, but it was a cool experience. I have seen thew change in her. She is going to be an awesome "Mormon".

Michelle is an interesting one. She is Pentecostal, and was only interested in the church because of Elder Dewey, one of the AP's. Now she is reading the Book of Mormon and going to church. She wants to get baptized, if we teach her what we believe. She doesn't want to be in it half way.

Collin is sweet. He is from Namibia (southwest tip of Africa). We see a lot of them here. He is finally getting baptized on Sunday. He has been set before, but because of the building he lives in, it is difficult to feel the Spirit. He lives in 390 Dawes. Bad stuff happens there all the time. Killings, rapes and robberies are a daily occurrence. It's creepy to go there.

Ok, to answer some questions. (We asked him why so many go to Toronto) The whole world comes to Toronto, and Ontario really, to get free health care, disability and all that good stuff. There are also a lot of refugees here. For instance, 390 Dawes is where Namibian refugees are placed. There are also a lot of good schools in and around Toronto.

(Asked him if he saw President Monson or the Tabernacle Choir when they were there) President Monson was here, but he was in Mississauga and Etobicoke mostly. I would have gone there to see him, but I would have to leave my area and our work. It's o.k., we get General Authorities all the time.

(Asked him what scripture he wanted on his mission plaque) D & C 6:33-36.

(Told him a reminder notice came from the dentist and was wondering when he would like his appointment made for. (Make me an appointment for June 22, 2013 at 10:30, please. I am going to need to get my teeth cleaned from all this crap I take with a smile on my face:).

(Asked him about Canada day) What's a holiday? Ha Ha. I did notice that there were more drunks hanging around. Man are they funny. We had a drunk guy come up to us in the subway station trying to beg for money to get on the train. We started laughing because when you are in the station, you have already paid.

(Told him about Sister Kippens phone call) Sister Gail Kippen was a woman I met in the SLC airport just after I talked to you all. She was nice and offered to call you when she got home from Toronto. To clear up a couple of things she said, we actually by milk in a pack of 3, 1 liter sacks. It is cheaper that way, but is still 6 bucks for a gallon.

We have a 3 lane freeway. It is called the Don Valley Parkway. We call it the Don Valley Parking Lot. During rush hour, it's worse than Vegas. Driving here is insane. I don't drive now but I might be in the next transfer. There are no parking areas on the side of the roads and no turn lanes in the middle. It's like that game where you drive along and try to miss cars. Toronto is also packed with Afghanies and the like where they have no driving laws. It's a third world driving experience with first world cars. It's also funny to see Osama Bin Laden driving a Mercedes and flipping you the bird while swearing at you in Farcey. Ha Ha.

(Jex was concerned that Sister Kippens said he couldn't see the stars) I will probably get to see the stars and the sunset when I am out in the country...if I ever go there. During the winter is will get dark really fast too. It's all good but I would like to see what the stars back home look like compared to here. Oh, by the way, I am too far south to see the northern lights.

Message for Cade (his cousin that is on his way home from Afghanistan) is coming in the mail. Don't open it or read it because I am going to send it to our address with his name. Hopefully it gets there before I come home. The mail is sorting right now and there is a lot to do. Give him a big hug for me would you. Tell Alexandra that she has a whole mess of letters coming as well.

Well, I hope you all don't miss me too much. I have had hardly any time to think about home. I am having the time of my life. Toronto is an amazing city. I wish you could all come here and see the funniest things that I have seen. I got a picture of a Muslim dressed in his middle east clothes, carrying a hockey stick and a Nike bag. I have also seen Muslim women in their "ninja suits" playing badminton. That was funny and very unexpected.

I love you all. Keep working toward this younger brothers. You will never regret the decision to serve a mission, no matter how hard is was to leave everything behind. I love you all. Take care and have a good one eh?

Elder Ashton

Phone Call

No, not from Braiden. Thursday we received a phone call from a nice lady who flew from Salt Lake to Toronto with Braiden. Her name is Gail Kippen. She said that Braiden did very well on his first flight and that he was very kind. She said when they got to Toronto he offered to get her bags but she declined. Then she said she changed her mind because "if he had been raised to be a gentleman, then I should let him be a gentleman." She told me a little about Toronto. She said he will have a hard time getting used to the traffic. She said there are 8 lanes going each way plus 4 more in the middle (don't know what for). She said it never gets dark, even on the outskirts and that he won't be able to see the stars. She said it's just starting to get humid and that food is expensive, $6 for a gallon of milk. She sounded like a really nice lady and she wants to call every few months to check on him. It was a fun phone call but things like that make me miss him. Went and had a good cry when I hung up.

I'm Glad He Types Fast!

I guess I did make it sound like we have a laid back mission. A lot of it has to do with the Eyres going home today. It was our final barbeque with them. The soccer game was on Saturday. It was a ward tournament and the missionaries were invited to play and bring investigators. We had a couple show up, but ultimately, it was more building the members trust in us. We learned in the MTC that if the members don't trust you, you will not have much success in an area.

We are so busy right now. We baptized 2 people yesterday. Doug Bristow, who has been investigating the church for 2 years. His wife threatened to divorce him if he was baptized. We fasted and prayed for him. He talked to his wife and she agreed. We dunked him fast so she couldn't change her mind. Ha! Ha! The other was Audrey Dover. She is a single mother of a crazy little Ethan like 5 year old (Ethan was a little boy in Braidens primary class before he left). She is the first baptism that I actually count because I taught her for the past 2 weeks. Now, we hand her over to the ward for the new member lessons.

We still have 7 baptismal dates and the AP's just left our area so now it is all on me and Elder Duce. We need to pick up quite a bit of slack, but we have a few potential investigators we haven't contacted. I think we are shooting for 10 by the end of the week. There is something like 7 million people just in the east mission. Now that we have combined (today makes it official) we have a ton more. There is no end to it.

So the other day me and Elder Duce were walking down the road and this man called us out from the other side of the road. He almost got hit by like 6 cars crossing the road. When he got to us, I was getting drunk off of his breath. He started to tell us we relied on God too much. I laughed because we believe and rely on God and Jesus Christ completely. We could tell he didn't know what he was talking about. Man I hate people that waste the Lords time.

On the bright side, I talked to a man on the subway (which is awesome by the way:) named Muhamed. He is from Saudi Arabia. I talked to him about Jesus Christ and our message and he agreed to meet with us this week. I am excited to teach him. He used to be a Muslim, but he didn't like the religion.

We also committed Michelle yesterday. Michelle is a very interesting woman. She is a single mom of a nine year old boy (there are a lot of them here). She originally was taking the lessons only because Elder Dewey (one of the AP's) is a good lookin fellow if you know what I mean. The other day she started reading the Book of Mormon. Now she is coming to church, singing at baptisms and praying for those who are being baptized. She is uncertain about herself and her son being baptized, but as we continue to meet with her, she will come to a knowledge that this is what she needs to do. I have seen that change already in the last two weeks. She was on of the first people I taught.

Something interesting that they do here is that they perform their baptisms on Sundays after church. It gets more of the members there so they can support the newly baptized. It is also crazy being in a ward where practically everyone is a convert. Its funny, a lot of people have tattoos, earrings, sing like a Baptist or Pentecostal, but they are all members of our church and I love them.

So one thing I think I need to tell everyone. It has been an eye opening experience for me to serve a mission. You don't teach every now and then. I teach every single day, and not just once. There was a day last week when we taught 6 lessons. You are constantly talking to people. You need to learn to be bold in what you say and learn the scriptures and stories. I have ordered a book from Deseret Book called New Testament Made Easier. It goes into a lot of depth, verse by verse. I am excited to get it for personal study.

Oh, I almost forgot. The Toronto Ontario Temple is an awesome temple. We went through as a zone last Thursday. It is all going to change now, so we got a lot of things done beforehand. It is interesting though, the temple is only 1 level above ground. It is very flat. I enjoyed it. I get to go about 4 times I think.

So we found out who our third mission president is going to be. His name is President Scott. He is from Utah. He is the CEO of Stephens Hot Chocolate. I am excited to hear that. Maybe we will have free hot chocolate during the winter or something. Ha ha.

Mom, you asked a lot of questions. Lets see if I can answer them. The sun sets at 10ish and rises at like 5. There are no mountains, so it just kinda goes from dim to dark way fast. I have yet to see color out of one, but who knows. I also have not seen the stars since I left Utah. Its always light here.

Its not breaking rules to keep in contact with Sonya. I keep my mind on the work. I am so busy it doesn't faze me. Its also a good way to get quick info to you if I need it.

So can you believe I have already been out a month? I can't. It is just cruising by. I have come to a point where now I get into bed and thin, "what am I doing here already? I just got up!" However short it has been though, it has been packed.

We get to move into another apartment in a few weeks. It is on the 17th floor of a building right across the street from the church. It is so much nicer than the ghetto apartment we live in now and it is actually in our area. I have also got to take pictures of the Don Mills Chapel. It was originally going to be a high rise, but they got up 8 floors and went bankrupt. The church picked it up for pennies and downsized it to 3 floors. It is a huge building. I keep forgetting my camera, so you won't see them in the pictures, but that's o.k....yes you are getting pictures. I am going to send another email with pictures attached. I will tell you some of the people in them. Figured you would want some pictures. (It did work)

Cade hit a roadside bomb huh? (Cade is Braidens cousin in Afghanistan) I laughed when I read that. I figured if I hadn't got a phone call all was well with him. That nut. They said it was his last mission though eh? That's good. You give him a huge hug for me. Tell him that he needs to go to church. Make sure all the Moores are still doing my challenge.

Well, another week come and gone, and I am still in Canada. It is great here. If I had to live in a city, this is where I would live. Say "hi" to everyone for me. Love you all. Down the road. Elder Ashton

Can I Cry Yet?

So the newspaper lied. I tried Fed Ex and they want $15 just to mail a letter. UPS can't even get into Canada! All I want to do is send my baby a letter! If anyone has any ideas let me know. Frustrated. Need a vacation!

Mail Strike

Due to the mail strike in Canada, the US Postal Service has quit accepting mail to Canada. I did read an article that said Federal Express (Fed Ex) would send a letter to Canada for 80 cents. Thats about the same price so we are going to try it today. Braidens mission office address is at the bottom of this page. We'll keep you posted.

We've Got News!

Where do I begin? Monday is my P day so expect things coming on Monday K? Also, do me a favor and print this off and give it to Alexandra (I don't think he remembers that I post all his letters). There is a postal strike going on and nothing is moving. We heard rumors that they might be going back to work today, but I don't trust them.
We3ll, the plane ride was awesome and a really coll experience. Parker is going to love flying if he can keep from throwing up. It was cool. I got a window seat and as we picked up off the ground I could see dry mountain, Spanish Fork Canyon and about where our house is. It was kind of a goodbye moment and it was really cool. I love flying.
We spent the night at the Eyers house. They will be going home next Monday. We also found out that when the missions combine, President Brower will only be here for about a month and a half. His wife is really sick. I will be one of the few missionaries to be called to a mission that no longer exists and have 3 mission presidents. Ha. Ha.
Last Wednesday I met my trainer. He is Elder Duce. He's a rancher from Cardston, Alberta Canada. He does rodeo and all that jazz. He is awesome. He has no fear of talking to people or anything. I have already opened up and talk a lot more with other people thanks to him. The funnest people to talk to are Muslims and people that don't want to talk to you. I love it.
I guess I should explain who Sonya is huh (Sonya friended me on facebook last week). Sonya is a member that was baptized a few months ago. She is always teaching with us and is a great support. You don't realize how much members make a difference until you use them. I would encourage you all to help the missionaries out some. I know they don't get that in Payson.
I live in the most ghetto apartment. I will send pictures later. Sorry I am so all over the place. There is just so much to tell you and I can't tell you everything over an email. I will do my best though.
Dads gonna flip when he hears this. Right now, in my area, we have 8 baptismal dates. Overall as a mission we have 104. We will be baptizing two people next week. The work here is soooooo much. There is no way that we can even scratch the surface of what needs to be done. Everyone we talk to on the street is a non member. It is just crazy.
Toronto...is awesome. There are no mountains, but I still know which way is north. I am currently serving in the Don Mills North Area. Its just north east of downtown Toronto. I have never lived in a city before but I adjusted really fast. This is a great place. There are people from all over the world. I have met people from Greece, Bosnia, Jerusalem, Pakistan, Afghanistan, South America, Korea and all parts of the world. There are a ton of Muslims here. Some of the nicest people I run into on the street are Muslims. They love the missionaries. We will talk with Muslims forever. I really like them. I need Cade to tell me some APPROPRIATE things to say in Farsi. Ha. Ha.
Well, I am getting ready to go to a mission BBQ right now. We do a lot of cool things like that. Next Saturday we will be having a soccer tournament (did he just say SOCCER??? He hates soccer!) with all the other wards in the city (by city I mean Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Ossington, Don Mills, Scarbourough, and the Yorks). There are also some huge wards here. Our ward alone has 2 missionary areas in it.
Lyza, there are what is called ASL missions. I actually had a few deaf missionaries on my floor at the MTC. If you want it, go for it. I can get you a spoon but I have 2 years. Don't expect it right away because we have something around 16 investigators. I have a lot of work to do if you know what I mean.
If you want to see more of what happens at the MTC just go and volunteer to be investigators at the TRC. Just if you do, don't tell them you are members until after they have taught you. If you do, it ruins it.
I think you would all love it here. Every time I think of home or anything, I always wish you were here with me to see all these people. Some of them have a few screws loose, but overall, this is an amazing place. There is even a scripture about this area. D & C 100 talks about upper Canada, which is Toronto. Read it when you get a chance. I miss you all, but I don't want to be anywhere but here. Tell Alexandra, Aunt B, Grandma Ashton, Grandma and Grandpa Spencer and all the rest of the family that I love them. Stay out of trouble. You are all in my prayers.
Always, Elder Ashton
P.S. People really say "eh" here a lot. It's more like a question mark though and not used as often as in Strange Brew. Course, I don't know how it is out in the country...

New Mission/New Address

We have not heard from Elder Ashton since he called Tuesday but we did receive a friend request on facebook from a lady in Toronto who said she knew Elder Ashton. I'm assuming that means he arrived safely.
On June 27th his Mission President is going home. When this happens the East and West Missions will become the Canada Toronto Mission. I am going to give you the address to the new mission home as of the 27th. One reason is because it takes 7-10 days to get a letter to Canada. Second is because there is a postal strike and if you sent a letter in the next few days it probably won't make it to him for a while. Just his luck but he will sure love the bag of mail he will receive when it's over!
Thanks to you all for your support!

Canada Can Keep Him

Tuesday morning around 5:50am the phone rang. Anytime it rings before 8am or after 9pm my heart skips a beat. Braidens Father was in the bathroom getting ready for work so I answered it. I was kind of annoyed when the person on the phone casually asked for Bishop Ashton. I got up, knocked on the bathroom door and handed the phone to the Bishop. As I walked away to go back to bed he started laughing and said, "If your mother knew it was you she never would have handed me the phone." I ran like a crazy person for the other phone and headed downstairs to wake up Braidens brothers while his dad woke up his sister. We all crowded around the speaker phone and listed to a very happy, excited missionary. He said he couldn't talk long but had been planning his little prank since they told him he could call his family from the airport. He is soooo happy and was ready to get to work. It was nice to hear his voice but also hard. He was heavy on our minds the rest of the day. I wish they had let him call or email from the mission home so we knew that he had arrived safe. Heaven help Toronto, Braiden has arrived!

Travel Plans

Hello, My what a week this has turned out to be. We have a new Elder in our district. He had to stay behind when his group left yesterday. I was so shocked to hear he would be with my companionship, because he has pars planitis (Braiden had this eye disease between 2-5years old and went through several surgeries. Finally they drained the vitrious in his eyes and refilled them with saline solution). He is undergoing steriod injections right now. He is officially companions with Elder Saucy from Quebec, but he is English while Elder Saucy is Romainian. I don't know if I spelled that right and really I don't care.

So something really cool happened the other day. We were talking about the first vision and learning to memorize Joseph Smiths words and how he described it. We were practicing with a new companionship and we had all gone through except for Elder Green. The two missionaries are going to his area too. Forgot to tell you that. All of a sudden Elder Green just shuts his preach my gospel and starts bearing his testimony to us about how we are in it till the end and there is no going home until we are finished. The spirit was so strong that everyone was crying. Then one of the new missionaires told us that he had a meeting earlier that morning with his branch president to go home. He is now sticking it out even with an upcoming tonsilectomy. I didn't tell him my story though...thought he wouldn't appreciate it:) (Braiden had a lot of problems with his tonsilectomy with hemorraging and bloody noses. Spent a lot of time in the ER).

Just a little FYI, I only get 30 minutes on the computer and then it kicks me out. I like letters more than I do emails as well because I can't print.

So I got my travel plans last Friday. I leave Tuesday morning at 4am. My plane leaves Salt Lake at 7:30. I have a lay over in Detroit for an hour and then I should be landing in Toronto at about 3:30pm their time. I am traveling with a Chinese companion. I don't know if he even speaks English. Elder Hornberger and Elder Green leave Monday so I get to move into the "infirmery/outcast ward" with Elder Bowerman and Elder Saucy for a night. The rest of my district is going to sac town at 8ish I think. I am going to miss them. They are so cool.

I am learning so much about the scriptures. Brothers Murray and Smith are my teachers. They are so amazing. I feel the spirit so strong every single day. I write in my journal every night and I am so surprised to see how much I have grown in two weeks. I looked in the mirrow the other day and I scared myself. My eyes have changed, my face has changed, I have changed. I got a tape recorder and found out even my voice has changed. I will be sending a tape in a few weeks or so. Tell Alexandra I got a tape for her too.

I love hearing from you guys. Tell Dad thanks for the letters. I LOVE THE MTC AND I LOVE THE MISSION FIELD!!!! You guys are always in my prayers. When you get a chance, look at section 130 of the Doctrine and Covenents. Also look at section 87. We found an investigator proof of revelation. Joseph Smith knew about the Civil War before it started. Kinda cool.

Well, got to go. Thank you for everything. I love you all. Elder Braiden Paul Ashton

First Email From Our Missionary

Hello Family!!! My P day is on Wednesday, so I was finally able to write you today. I am enjoying the MTC. The spirit here is just incredible. I don't know how much I put in my letter, but I am in a trio with Elders Green and Hornberger. They are goin to the India, New Deli mission. The rest of my district is going to Sacramento California. Needless to say, I need Uncle Shanes address. I am sicking all 8 in him cuz he didn't come to visit me. Ha. Ha.
Parker, I need pictures of the room. It sounds like you didn't waste any time at all ripin down my bed. I know it may be hard to believe, but my room is clean and my bed is made. It helps too that Elder Green has been a Marine for 2 1/2 years. Ha. Ha. You are going to love it here. It is a blast. The food is awesome. I will send you a picture of an average but small serving at the cafeteria. You won't go hungry. But just to let you know, the weight room sucks.
Lyza, Thanks for everything. I hope that now you are able to connect with everyone that has had missionary brothers out there. Thanks for helping Alexandra. She needs a friend like you. Keep up the good work. Stay out of trouble and away from Cole Slaw (Lyza's boyfriend). Good luck at Girls Camp.
Gammon, Your a stud, Special!!! I keep thinking about all the ways you used to make me laugh. Thanks for that bro. You keep working hard. It will get easier. Make this your goal. It is all worth it. I walready know that the mission was a great decision and I am going to love every second of it.
Jex, NO JOKE BOOKS!!! (Jex was going to send a joke book to Braidens companions so they could bore him with jokes like he liked to). I told my companions about it and they just laughed. I hope you know that I am doing this for the Lord. It's all worth it. Oh, by the way, get your pig (basketball) skills going cuz when I get home I'm gonna tromp you:)
Mom and Dad, Thank you so much for helping me get to this point. Dad, this is the most incredible feeling. I have not suffered any home sickness and I don't plan on it. It is a lot of work and teaching. There is a place called the TRC that we go to teach investigators. Soemtimes they are real and sometime not. We are teaching Bobby Jamason and James Sinquefield. They are really cool people. It's weird though. I can't find anyone else going to Toronto. I don't know if there is anyone. I might be all alone.
You guys have fun and stay safe. I'm doing great. Don't worry about me. The Lord is watching over me. I have the best district. There is even an Elder Nalesoni from Australia that is teaching me a little Tongan. I love you all, and I am praying for you, which we do a lot here.
Love, Elder Ashton
P.S. I am getting used to answering to that. Kind of strange though. Whever someone says it I start looking for Dad. Ha. Ha. Love you all.

Braidens 1st Letter Home

Dear Family, It's only been one day since I have been here. I have already learned so much. I feel different and I have never been so close to our Lord. It's been hard to believe that I'm a missionary. My name tag looks like my Fathers. Makes me proud to be an Ashton. I am in a trio. Elder Green from Syracuse, Utah and Elder Hornberger from Orem. I got real lucky. They are way cool. Dad, today something was said that I think you would like. A speaker said, "Obedience brings blessings. Strict obedience brings miracles." I though you would like that. I love you all very much. Thank you for all your support. I'm praying for all of you. Don't worry. I'm fine and the Spirit has never been stronger. HOORAH!! HOORAH!! HOORAH FOR ISREAL!! Down the Road, Elder Ashton.

The MTC

Well, Braiden made it. He entered the MTC today at 12:45pm. He was a little nervous but super excited. He has been waiting for this day his whole life. We all slept out in the living room last night (well I don't know about the slept part), went out to breakfast this morning and then wandered around the Provo Temple. He sure kept looking at his watch a lot. Think he was afraid they might start without him. Loved the new system of dropping them off at the MTC. No time to wallow in tears. A beautiful goodbye. Thought it would be harder. Thanks for all the support you have all given him over the years to get him to this point.