4/11/16--First Week in New York

Well I am alive and well. I have made it through my first week in the field. I have to say at first it was a little over-whelming. There was a lot to learn and such little time but what I learned was that is a feeling I will have for this entire mission especially since it will be in Spanish.

However I love it here so much. First off I have carpet, a nice apartment and no bad smells everywhere. (Compared to the MTC). Second, because I just love these people already so much.

So I have a new companion who is awesome and is amazing!! Her name is Hermana Williams. She is from Utah Oregon and Florida. She claims Florida though. She is 19 and the most amazing person ever!! I love her so much. As well she has helped me so much with getting used to the mission and life here. She has helped me with my Spanish. I am so excited for the time I will have with her.

Well conference was awesome!! I think is the first time I didn't fall asleep watching conference. I really tried doing what president Erying encouraged us to do by praying before all the talks for me, the speaker, and everyone listening. I missed a few talks but overall it really helped me stay focused on learning something and giving my love and faith to the talk. I love all of the talks but I think the one that stuck the most with me is Elder Hollands talk because he talked about not being afraid of tomorrows. My district at the CCM all looked at each other and cried because we were all afraid of the tomorrow and leaving each other. We weren't ready for the tomorrow and saying goodbye. The same goes right now. Sometimes I get afraid of tomorrow and am not prepared for what awaits me the next day you never know until it comes. I feel like now I am not as afraid of tomorrow.

Well now I am here in New York. The mission president (President Reynolds) and his wife are the cutest!! Also they are super nice!! I love them so much already!!

I am serving in a branch in Brentwood. We cover most of the area because we are looking for the Spanish speakers. We cover like three or four small towns. We have a car so that we can get to all of the areas. So far I am doing alright. I haven't done terrible bad yet. We have knocked quite of few doors and talked to quite a few people. I really need to work on Spanish. I thought it was going to be ok because I might have been able to understand them when they talk to me but hahaha nope. I don't talk that much and kinda keep quiet during lessons. Sometimes. I am getting better at saying something during the lesson.

Here is my testimony for you guys in Spanish. I will give it it first in English for you English folks. I have a simple testimony. But I am very excited to be here in New York and to serve a mission for God. I know that God sent me here to New York for a reason. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and he has a lot of love for all of the people, his children. I know that Jesus Christ is the son of God and atoned for our sins. I know that through Jesus Christ we can live with our families forever.

Mi testimonio Es..... Tengo un simple testimonio. Perro soy muy emocionada estoy en Nueve York también servicio una misión para Dios. Yo sé que Dios envió me a Nueve York por un razón. Yo sé que Dios es nuestras amoroso

Padre Celestial y él tiene muchísimo amor por todos personas, su hijos. Yo sé que Jesu Cristo es un hijo de Dios y expiada por nuestros pecados. Yo sé que por medio de Jesu Cristo nosotros podemos vivir con nuestras familias para siempre.

I miss y'all so much!!!! I hope you guys have a great week and enjoy your adventures. ¡Les quiero!


Mucho amor,

Hermana Ashford