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
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