Week 1 at the CCM (Spanish for MTC)

Hello to my dear family,
The weather here is OK, not exactly what I would love, but is OK. Two days ago it was so hot and humid. The humidity only makes it feel hotter. I don't know exactly what the temperature is because we don't have anything to tell at the CCM. The food is authentic and very good. I have had cold cereal for breakfast and meat with every other meal so far. I am pretty sure I am going to gain a ton of weight while I am here and just hope I can lose it when I get in the field. Yes the CCM is right next to the temple. It is cool to see the construction going on. I can only take pictures here every 3 weeks when there is a transfer but will send some when I can. I study all day and it gets sort of boring but am trying to stay focused. We have a physical activity every day for an hour and a half and we usually play soccer. I am not very good against the latinos but am getting better. I learned how to flip the ball up with my feet and am almost pro...just kidding. I do have one advantage over the latinos which is height. The only two goals I have scored have been with my head! I hope I answered most of your questions, sorry if I didn't cause I only have 30 minutes to email. Thanks for all your support, keep up the good work with your school work, sports, and church. I love you all and wish you the best. The church is true and always will be, share it with who ever you can. Be grateful for all you have cause you will miss it when you don't have it. Jesus is the Christ and he is our Savior. Keep building your faith and testimonies everyday it will only make you happy. I am slowly learning Spanish and know exactly what the foreign exchange students feel like now, it very difficult. I am going out on Saturday for prosilitismo. I am kinda nervous but pray for the spirit to be with me and Elder Bentscheider. I have learned how to pray, bear my testimony, and get contact information so far. I didn't know any words in Spanish about the gospel before and now that is all I know!

Love you all tons,

Elder Matthew Braun Bowden

P.S. Go Steelers....haha

Greetings from Argentina!

I have arrived at the MTC and things are going well. I haven´t picked up on all the spanish yet, but I am learning very quickly.
It is very different and pretty hard but I will keep working as hard as I can to do the Lord´s work here. I eat lunch at twelve fifteen everyday
and I am rooming with Elder Bentschiender from Springville. The weather is not as bad as I thought it would be but is way humid. I can finally
feel my legs after the 13 hour flight. It was fun, but very long. My preperation day is every Thursday so I look forward to talking to you then.
Tell Annalee Happy Birthday and I will talk to you next week.

Love Your missionary,
Braun

Goodbye's at the Airport!

We made it through...with only a few tears shed! :) It was an AMAZING DAY and Elder Bowden was more than ready to leave! He is traveling with 3 other elders and 1 sister who are all serving in the Montevideo Uruguay Mission! We already miss him tons...but can't wait to get his first letter! On the way home from the airport, as we were watching his flight take off, we got a surprise text message saying that all 5 missionaries made it safely to the gate!

Family photos at the Airport...

Leaving Today!

Elder Matthew Braun Bowden was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints last night at 6:30 pm. He will embark on his 2 year journey today at 12:30 pm from the Salt Lake City airport. He will fly to Dallas Texas and from there he will be on a 10 hour flight to Buenas Aires Argentina. He will report to the MTC tomorrow morning at 9:00 am pending his Visa and everything works out (we are keeping our fingers crossed that we have everything done)! We are so proud of Braun for his decision to serve a mission! Although today will be bitter sweet, we couldn't be more excited for him! Please view his blog regularly as we will post pictures and letters that he sends home to keep everyone updated with his hard work and progress!