Happy New Year!

HOLA FAMILIA Well.....this week went pretty good. We didnt end up having the baptism of Felipe but he is going to be baptized by his grandpa this Saturday! I guess it will be a very good B-Day present! He has progressed really well and knows almost everything. We can tell that he is very excited and has even said that someday he would like to serve a mission. We have also seen how the experience has helped his grandparents progress who are recent converts. We had a great week meditating about Christmas and the birth of the Savior. I am eternally grateful for Him and our Father in Heaven who was willing to send Him. On Christmas day we got together with the other elders and sang carols or chirstmas hymns. It was a productive use of our time and I hope that we will be able to return to some of the families. If not I feel like we shared tidings of great joy and reminded everyone about the true meaning of Christmas. We are having a difficult time finding new investigators and with the ones who do find helping them to progress, but we are setting goals and we are going to follow the spirit to know what they need. We also saw how the use of technology can help as we invited a young woman to check out the church website....she said she liked it! We are going to follow up on Tuesday. My comp and I are excited as the new year comes rolling in to make goals and reach our potential as servants of the Lord. We know that our goal of 4 baptisms in the month of January is very possible if we are commited and do all we can. The district is doing good. We are having a hard time getting people to come to church but no one is letting it discourage them. They told me that they are doing all they can and are going to patiently wait for the blessings to come. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to work with such great missionaries, starting with my comp and moving up to my leaders. They teach me so much that I feel as if they are the leaders. I am definetely very blessed. This week I will be having an intercambio with the elders in Centro and then we will have to have an interview with the zone leaders for the baptism. I havent recieved my packages yet but the zone leaders are going to Deo on Wednesday and I think that theyll pick them up then. Ill let you know! WOW! Youre all so lucky to have recieved snow! I guess Ill get my time but for now its heat(its good for the weight loss program)! I hope that everyone also has a good new year and that you yet those goals and resolutions to do better. I have very excited to make and reach my goals and to see myself and other progress. I hope youre not too trunky because it brings with it consequences. I am trying my best to help as many people as I can and to stay focused. My comp is a stud and helps me a ton. I also have my Heavenly Father who is always willing to help. I am definetely prepared to have the best month of my mission and I sure hope it slows down a little if not I wont be able to enjoy it! I love you all and miss you too. I hope that you are all spiritually preparing for my return as well as the return of some one much greater, the Savior. I know that He lives and loves us. I know that He died for us and His atoning sacrifice is the only way to be purified, prepared, and happy! I know that this is His chruch and that He leads us through a living prophet. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, it has changed my life and can change the life of anyone who has sincere desires to follow Christ, read, and apply it. Thanks for everything! UN ABRAZO Y CON AMOR Elder Bowden

2nd Christmas in Uruguay!

HOLA FAMILIA Well this week went pretty good. We did quite a few things and are excited for tomorrow and this following week! I will let you know tomorrow for Skype! Love you all and thank you for everything! Elder Bowden

It's Almost Here!!

HOLA FAMILIA This week went very well. We had a lot of things happen this week that helped me to realize I need to be more grateful and focus on what I can do to help others! On Monday we worked for only an hour and a half cause we had to go to Durazno to go to changes on Tues. We passed by a less active family and helped them with a small service before a rain storm hit. We also did a few contacts and then headed out. On Tues we did nothing in our area cause we weren't here. I said goodbye to Elder Hudson and Elder Denny who were in the CCM with me this week. It feels really wierd to see them leaving! We had a good leadership meeting and I learned how to be a better steward (stewardship) with my responsibility as a leader and missionary. Wednesday we had some pretty good charlas. We talked to one of our investigators (Daisy) who commited to being baptized after she gets married(we are working with the family as well but the baptism will be later). On Thursday we did our weekly planning that went well and we are excited to see what will happen next week. We also started a fast that day as a zone. The objective was to help us to find a family and prepare them and to help the ones we already had to commit to a date and progress to be baptized. I have to be honest....fasting as a missionary (walking a ton) in 85-90 degree weather wasnt something I was enjoying. I felt I lacked energy and a good attitiude. My comp helped me to realize I needer to do better and ask for additional strength. The rest of the day went well and on Friday we had zone meeting. It was really good...we talked about doing the work in the Lords way and not ours and how we needed to become more like Him. I felt lots of inspiration of what I can do better. We returned to our area and went to work and the miracles from our fast played out. We were able to place two baptismal dates and find two new invesitagators as well. It was a testimony to me of the power in fasting. So we finished the week yesterday with an alright Sunday...could have been better but it went well. Felipe came to church and will be getting baptized on the 29th of this month. He is very excited and played a big part with the primary this week as they put on their program. They talked about how they learn how to choose the right this year and sang quite a few songs. We also had a pretty windy day yesterday which brought rain today. Good thing its P-Day and we dont have to leave in the rain! Elder Chumpitaz said yesterday he laughed harder than he had in his whole mission so far(and I wasn't even trying to be fuuny!). As we were doing contacts and heading to a charla the wind picked up.....I raised my arms and began to sing ``I believe I can fly.`` Then a bunch of sand flew into my mouth! I turned around to spit it out and had my eyes closed at the same time(so the dust didnt get in my eyes). Supposedly a car drove by with an older couple and the lady had a facial expression that can't be described. I dont know cause I didn't see but he laughed for a good 10 mins straight. We talked to our dueños or home owners today and they said everything is ready for Skype! They are also preparing some yummy food and we have to take the drinks! It should be a good time to pass Christmas (I mean besides working to find all the people we can who want to come unto Christ). They have a daughter who lives in Ogden and they talk to her often. So thanks for the invitation and news letter from the ward...I'll have to look up the scriptures. We are going to do our best to focus on the real meaning of Christmas this week and share it with everyone. We might even be singing carols with the other elders as we go from door to door and hang out in the plaza(park). I know that Chirst lives and that He was sent to earth to die for us. He made possible the atonement and the opportunity to repent. I am eternally grateful for His sacrifice. I know that this is the true and restored gospel and our lives are extremely blessed as we abide by its precepts. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and testifies of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that families can be together forever(it was our Sunday school lesson yesterday). I know that in life we have struggles, trials, and temptations but we can overcome them with the help of our loving and ever-willing Heavenly Father. It comes through constant, fervent, and sincere prayer. I know He hears us and he answers our prayers. I hope that everyone continues to do well and will have Christ in the hearts and minds as you go about this week with the many things to do! I love you all! Until next week! UN ABRAZO Y CON AMOR Elder Bowden

He's Coming Home!

The time has come...Elder Matthew Braun Bowden is due to arrive home on January 25th at 2:05 pm to the Salt Lake City International Airport!

Last Changes! Only 6 more weeks! EEK!

HOLA FAMILIA Well....this week went pretty well. Yesterday we got the change calls.....are you all anxious? Are you currently on the edge of your seats to know what is going to happen? Do you want me to tell you? Okay....I am staying here! I will be finishing my mission here in Paso de los Toros and with my oro(Elder Chumpitaz). He is my first and last comp that I have been with for more than 3 months! I am still district leader so I'll be going to Deo on Tomorrow to have a small leadership meeting. Elder Bennett who was my zone leader and is from my origanal group that came to the mission is training his last change and he is in my district! The hermanas or sister missionaries are no longer here, so the district is all elders. It looks like all is well on the homefront. Everyone seems to have built a nice gingerbread house....I hope you made them earthquake proof cause the end of the world will be here soon and I dont know if they will survive the trembling!?! I have to tell Ash thanks for doing my job....I wasn't there to eat the frosting so I guess someone had to do it! This week we had our ward Christmas party or dinner (la cena). It was a really successful activity and lots of people showed up(less active and active members). The only bad thing is that they started it at 9:00pm so we were only there for enough time to grab some food, say hi, and then bounce! But we did have 7 people come that aren't members. We hope that we will be able to make contact with all of them this week and make them new investigators. On the flipside...we only had one investigastor come to church on Sunday. His name is Felipe and his is the grandson of two recent converts. He is really excited and is loving the church. We are planning on inviting him to be baptized for the 29th of december even though he has already come to church twice cause we´ll need to time to teach him everything. Our other investiagtors are doing well....reading and praying...for some reason they just couldnt make it to church on Sunday. My comp and I are very excited to continue working together here in Charrua. I honestly feel as if we are doing many great things and we have seen many miracles. We have not found a family to invite and be baptized yet but we are constantly looking and asking as we contact and ask for references. I know that as we repent and strive to do better, and do all that we can the Lord will guide us to the people that are prepared. I am going to all that I can to be the most powerful teacher I have been in my entire mission. We have set many goals and are working to have the spirit with us at all times to testifiy to the people of the truthfulness of our message and the restored gospel. I think it will be good to have elders here in Paso with us and it should have a large impact on the other ward. The elders in Centro also seem to be excited to continue working with the investigators they have found and Elder Phillips will work very well with Elder Chavez. Elder Walker who was here before is going to Toledo...the area where I started my mission! So I told him he has to say hello to all who are there. So...you are going to temple square on the 21st? Are you sure that the world is going to end? haha I am not for sure what will happen but it think things will be a little crazy. At least I think so...there won't be any problems here cause we will all be at our mission Christmas conference! Oh speaking of Christmas.....I will be calling on Tuesday the 25th from our neighbors house. I am pretty sure I'll be calling at 8:00pm here which means it will be 3:00pm there! It will be by Skype again so if there are any problems let me know. Thanks for the packages.....even though I said not to send them! I'll will be waiting to see if they arrive on time! I am ready to give it all I have and leave it all on the field! I have set a lot of goals and Im going to do the very best I can to do all that our Heavenly Father wants me to do and become. This is going to be the best six weeks of my mission! I am not excited to leave Guay....a large portion of my heart belongs to this country and the people here. I am sure going home will feel similar to when I left. Have you heard anything about my flight? I mean you should know by now...I am have one more fast Sunday left in the field! Anyways....I love you all and I am very grateful for you love and support. I have learned so much from everyone of you and you are all example in one way or another. I couldn't ask for better parents who have taught me the gospel and helped me to obtain a testimony and become truely converted. I know that the gospel is the only thing that will bring us true happiness and in the end its all the really matters. Often times I believe what Pres Uchtdorf says...we waste our time and talents in things that don't even have significane in the eternal perspective. I have seen this on my mission as I have strived to do good continually and work in the most efficant way to help others come unto Chirst. I know that He lives and I love Him! I have no greater hero or idle than Jesus Christ himself. I want to be exactly like Him. I know that it isnt easy and that it will probably take me a very long time but it is done, day by day, and decision by decision. I know that it is only by His infinite, eternal, and atoning sacrifice that is is possible. I have grown so close to my Savior in these two years and I know that I will continue to grow closer after as long as I am obedient and diligent. I know that anyone who desires to improve their relationship with the Savior can also do it and it starts with a simple desire and prayer. I love the mission and being involved in the service of God. I am going to serve Him for my entire life cause thats what makes me happy and I know thats what really matters. My mission is the greatest blessing that I have been given next to the atonement itself. I am grateful for this time of season to meditate a little more on the Savior and what He has done for me. I know that we should remember Him always but I feel that many at this time of the year need to know even more that Christ was born, came to the earth, died for us, resurected, and that He lives today. I love you all, miss you too, but its all worth it! UN ABRAZO Y CON MUCHO AMOR Elder Bowden

More Miracles and Baptisms!

HEY FAMILY Well....this week went great! We had an amazing week filled with lots to do and many miracles! We had our last district meeting of the change on Tuesday and it went well. We read Mormon chp 9 and how we need to have faith, work our hardest, and be worthy to recieve miracles. We also talked about how to improve our verifications every day and to tell the Lord in our prayers how our day went. On Wednesday we went to a small town (really small like 50 people small) called Chamberlain. There we visited a family that has come to church the last two Sundays in a row. The mom and kids our coming, none of the kids are at the age of baptism yet but it will be great to be baptized when they turn eight. The father still hasnt come but when we talked to them he listened and seems very reciptive. It is a young family they are only 23 and 22 years old but we are already seeing how the gospel is helping them. The other days were also filled with lots of charlas and success. On Sunday we had the confirmation of Camila! She seemed to be really happy and is excited to continue in the gospel. We also have five investigators come to church for which we will invite to be baptized this week and prepare them for the month of December. We are doing great and giving it all that we have. I can't believe that this is our last week before changes, on Sunday we will have the calls. I have already been with Elder Chumpitaz for three months. We have learned many things, have seen many miracles as well as trials, but more than anything have worked to help all the people we can. We hope that many more people will make the choice to follow the Savior and be baptized and we continue to pray for the revelation necessary for their progress. We are working to find a family that can be baptized in the month of December and have a few possibilities. The district is doing well. I am glad that you had fun making gingerbread houses and I'll have to see how you did next week. The ward Christmas party also sounds like it was a success. We are also having our ward Christmas party this Friday. We will be eating lots and I think there will be some sort of a program but I'll let you know next week how it goes. We are excited to celebrate the birth of the Savior as well and I can't wait until Christmas arrives. Today we are going to put up the tree and the other decorations. It should be very excited and we hope that as we work on focusing more on the reason for the season that the people we teach will also feel it. I am eternally grateful for the Savior in my life. That our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His only Begotten Son to suffer and die for us. I know without a doubt that this was an act of eternal love and that is was and is necessary to return to Gods presence worthily. I know that as we repent and strive to change our lives, to do good works continually, that they power of the atonement changes us. We can forget the past and move on to the future. I know that as we pass through trials and tests that the Savior will comfort, guide, and give us the strength we need. We will always be able to move forward with faith and be obedient to the commandments. I know that we are blessed as we strive we all our heart, might, mind, and strength to serve God and to love Him enough to be completely obedient. I know that God leads us in our lives. I know that if we are humble and follow the promptings of His Holy Spirit that we will recieve even more revelation and be even happier. I know that the church and restored gospel of Jesus Christ are true. I know that as we follow these principle through out OUR ENTIRE LIFE we are blessed. I know that we are all children of God and He loves us and desires that endure to the end. I know that families can be forever and I love my family. Thanks for all you do and love you, miss you, and will talk to you soon. Tell Chris and Zach congrats and I will have to write them. Hey my comp already has a Book of Mormon in english I just thought it would be cool to get him the small one the pocket size but what ever you can do is fine. I said only ONE package but I guess you guys are never obedient so I hope you dont lose out on blessings. Have a great week and I will anxiously wait to hear from you next week. UN ABRAZO Y MUCHO AMOR Elder Bowden

Many Miracles!

HEY FAMILY! Well...this week went really good! Faster than normal because of every thing we had to do! We had a pretty good P-Day last Monday....we took it easy and cleaned the house. This week we are in Durazno for a zone activity! We are going to cook some food and then we are going to play soccer...but I brought my basketball so we´ll see! We had district meeting on Tuesday which went well. Last week the district had two baptisms and this week we had one! We had a good thanksgiving as well. About a week ago I started writing down a list of all my blessings. We had lunch planned on Thursday but the hermana (sister) forgot. So we went out to buy a few things and we made Thanksgiving dinner! It wasnt exactly the same but pretty close and turned out being tasty! Yesterday we had the baptism and it went great! We had lots of members show up and had lots of support from the primary! Camila was very happy and was glad to finally be baptized. We had her mom and her dad come (neither of them are members but very supportive). She has lots of other support from her grandma, aunt, and cousins and I dont doubt that she will contine to be strong in the church. We have many future possible baptisms and we are going to do all that we can to help them progress. We had a great day at church! A day filled with miracles! We had four people show up that we werent even planning on coming. 0ne is an young mother who lives in a really small town out in the middle of no where! Her neighbor who is a member has been teaching her a few things and she wants us to teach her more! The only thing is we dont know if we can travel there or not cause we would have to take a bus and then walk two kilometers! But hey they are souls and its worth it! Her daughter also came with a cousin and a husband of another less active member came! We are going to try to place many fechas this week and invite as many people as we can to follow the Savior and be baptized. I hope that I can continue to do all that my Heavenly Father requires of me to help as many as I can and be worthy of His many blessings! My comp (Elder Chumpitaz) is progressing very well and already knows every thing that he needs to know. He continues to teach me lots of stuff and what I can do to improve. We are working well do together and we dont know what will happen with changes in two weeks! I am willing to do what the Lord wants and go where ever He needs me but I think that I could finish with Elder Chumpitaz here in Paso de los Toros. I am definetely loving the mission and have grown to love the people here as well as all my other areas! Yes you are right when you say that December has arrived quickly! I cant believe that we are almost there but it should be a great time to celebrate the birth of the Savior and find lots of people who need the restored gospel. No I dont feel bad that you only write emails and not letters. At least I get to hear from you! But yes I do feel bad when I dont hear from anyone else (all of those who dont write)! If any one decides that they want to write tell them to do it fast cause in about a month it wont be worth it cause there will be no time! I dont know what you could send me for Christmas? I was thinking that you could send me a pocket size Book of Mormon and a small Hymn book in english cause Elder Chumpitaz is learnig the language and I wanted to give him those! You could also send me the Ensign (conference addition) and whatever else you feel would be helpful. Please dont send more than one package (one is enough, it costs lots, and I dont have much time left). I still have all my stuff from last year so we will be putting up the tree and decorated in the near future! Think of some yummy treats that you could send but be careful with the chocolate cause it will melt! Pop Tarts! Whatever mom thinks of.....I am your son and you should know me well enough! I hope that dad is doing well....at least walking and that everyone else is behaving themselves! I love you all and miss you lots! I hope you can all embrace the gospel in the same way I have cause it has changed my life forever and has made me extremely happy! I know that this church is true and that there is no other on the face of the planet! I know that Christ lives and that He was foreordained to give His life so that we could repent, be forgiven, and return with our families to the presence of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and it is another testament of Jesus Christ. That at this time of year when we meditate more the birth of Him it will up us feel His love and draw closer to Him by reading it! I know that we are lead by a living prophet. I know that God knows and loves us. I know that we are required to be obedient to the commendments in order to recieve the promised blessings. I know that we are free and happy as we make correct decisions and live the gospel. I know that miracle happen today and the more diligent we work to serve those around us that more we will she Gods hand in our lives. I know that when we are worthy we are lead by the Holy Ghost to know what to do, where to go, and how to help. I love you all.....Until next week! UN ABRAZ0 Y MUCH0 AM0R Elder Bowden

The "Bowden Tree"

HOLA FAMILIA Well.........this week went well. Our day at the temple was great but the rest of the week was kind of ahi. I went to the temple waiting to feel what I should do and reiceved the answer that I have to finish my mission strong and not to worry about the other stuff now. I dont worry about the future and I know that if I rely on the Lord and I am obedient to Him I will we blessed. I told that we were going to have a couple of baptisms this week but do to the oppistion and a few other things we didnt. On of the girls said that she just didnt feel the same as before but what we think really happen is her parents said something. They used to go to another church and told her that she cant go changing religions all the time or she is playing with God. We went to talk to them one day but didnt talk to us, they only yelled from inside the house that theyre not from our church. We hope that she will still be able to be baptized cause some ward members are going to talk to them. Camila is the other girl and she is progressing well and will be baptized on the 25th. She is very excited knows almost everything but is waiting for her mom to come back from Montevideo so she can she her baptism. It should go well and we are happy for her. We had an intercambio with the zone leaders this week and it went well. I learned new things and realized that we can never stop learning. I realized that there are many ways that we can ask for references and that we must be persistant. I know that if we are we will be blessed with results. We had a ward activity on Friday and it went really well. We had 5 investiagators come and we are now seeing more unity in our ward as far as helping the new people who come to church (recent converts and investigators). The district is doing well.....everyone has their challanges but I am doing my best to recieve the revelation necessary to help them. We are excited for this up coming week and are going to strive to be more worthy of the blessings and miracles that Heavenly Father has in store for us. Sounds like things on the home front are normal. I know that its not always easy but everything happens for I reason. Tell dad he needs to be more careful(I am not suggesting he switches to four wheels but be careful) and I hope that his foot gets better soon. I will be praying for the young boys who need help in as many ways possible. I know exactly how the curiosity of fire is but in my case I dont believe anything too bad every happened. I know Heavenly Father will watch over them. Well dad....I dont think its too early but you sure seem trunky....but yes I can do Skype for Christmas. The only problem is that on the 12th of December we have changes. If I stay here than I already have a place to do it but if I go some where else I am not for sure? I will let you know what happens. It seems like everyone is good and ANXIOUSLY waiting the famous return. I can't believe that this week is Thanksgiving already! Time has flown by and it feels like just a couple weeks ago I was in Carmen having Thanksgiving. Oh I heard from the elders in Carmen that the Hermana Ester named one of her trees after me. She now has in her garden the ´´Bowden tree.´´ She is definetely one of my grandmas away from home. Im sorry about my email last week I was kind of bumbed and didn't feel like writing too much but I'll try to do better....after all we only have like 10 emails left! I love you all, I love the mission, and I love my Savior. I desire to serve Him and do all that is in my power to purify myself and others to return to His presence. I know that it is only possible because of His atoning sacrifice. I know that His church and gospel has been restored on the earth today. I know that times can be hard but I also know they help us to rely more on Him and less on ourselves or the world. I know that obedience to the gospel, commandment, and covenents brings true and lasting happiness. I know that we must take advantage of every minute of everyday to help those around us and prepare us for judgement day. I love you all and miss you too! Until next week! CON AMOR Elder Bowden

Going to the Temple!

HOLA FAMILIA Well......this week went alright. Our two investagators that are going to be baptized didnt come to church....actually no one came to church. We announced the baptism anyways because they have been going to church for like a month now. We are excited to continue working diligenty and to go to the temple this week. I am grateful for my family that always writes and inspires me. Thanks for your love, support, and testimony; you are great examples. I hope that everything continues to go well. Its kind of a bummer Romney isnt president but hey I guess its not what Heavenly Father wanted. Thanks for the poem dad....thats cool that Ryan or Elder Erwin shared it and you heard it. It is definetly true, we are changed in the hands of the Savior as we travel through lives journey. I know this church is true and I always will. I know that we are blessed as we are obedient. I know that God loves us and guides us daily. I know that nothing can stop His work from going forth. You are in my prayers as always. Until next week, UN ABRAZO Y CON AMOR Elder Bowden

This week was AWESOME baby...with a capital A!

HOLA FAMILIA Well.....this week went.....AWESOME! We are being extremely blessed for our efforts to be more obedient and diligent. It was a little bit shorter because Monday we didn't work in our area and on Tuesday we were at changes all day! I enjoyed the leadership meeting and I am excited to continue to put into practice what we have learned from Elder Oaks. We have seen a difference in our area as we have invited all to repent and to CHANGE. We also studied about the Book of Mormon this week in the 12 week program and applied this powerful tool to many of the new investigators we found last week. Because we didn't have the two days we got behind on our contacts and I fell into the mistake of just doing contacts and not giving everyone the best opportunity to accept this glorious message. I have to repent and do better this week to find more new investigators. The news that we found last week have shown good results. There are only a few that we haven't been able to find and teach again. We had an amazing day at church! Silvina and Camila our two progressing investigators with a baptism date came! They are very excited and are making true progress. They will actually be baptized on the 17th instead of this Saturday cause we have to teach a few more things and plan the baptismal service. We also had another girl come, her name is Melany. She is only 8 years old but loved the primary and says she will continue coming. We will do our best to teach her all she needs to know and hopefully place a fecha this week. Most likely she will be baptized on the 24th. We doing great and I couldn't ask for a better area, companion, members, or investigators! I can honestly say that I am in love....with the mission and striving to give it all that I can for the short time that remains. If you would have asked me at the beginning how I thought time would pass, I think I would have said slow but I have learned now that is doesn't slow down for anyone! Elder Chumpitaz is doing great! I hope that he continues to grow as much as he has in this first change and I know that he will continue to be a hard working missionary for his entire time here. He has helped me to have patience, charity, and to help everyone I can. The district is doing well and working hard. We also heard this week that we will be going to the temple on the 14th! We are so excited to go to the temple next week and are going to work hard before to be able show our gratitude for this great blessing! I will also be going to Montevideo AGAIN this week for another leadership meeting but it should be great. I hope that I can be the best example to my comp, district, and all who are around me. More than anything I hope to be an example of the Savior so all will want to follow Him and be even as He is. I love my Savior and don't know how to express in words my gratitude for Him. I am eternally in debt to Him for His atoning sacrifice and the opportunity I have to repent and be cleansed. I am not any where near perfection and I need to repent of even more things but I want to get there some day and I know that it is only possible through Christ. It looks like everyone back home had a good week.....I hope that they teeth had a good week as well and didn't eat too much candy! I LOVE the costumes and those are some dang good looking missionaries! Good thing they only have a few more years and they will be where I am now. Its all good though cause we will forever be in the service of our Heavenly Father in one way or another! Congrats to Tal for making to the choice to follow Christ and be baptized and to the Chappells with the new tike....Daxton. Hey is that a birthmark on his arm? Whats up with that? I remember you told me that he was fine but had something....I don't remember but maybe that's it? I am definitely grateful for all I have been given.....my blessings are uncountable! I hope to continue to be even more grateful and to express that gratitude as well as Christ like love! I am also excited for Thanksgiving and I told my comp that we are going to be eating an American meal as we celebrate. I hope that you worked out the deal with the paper route and my future, mysterious job. Thanks for the pizza crust recipe...I think we will be making today. UMMMM.....Pizza. I don't actually have to many desires to eat hot foods now cause it is stinkin' hot. I am not for sure if its the same as last year, worse, or I just don't remember but for real I am bakin'. Its alright though cause its helping with my diet and keeping those extra pounds off. I am super happy and I know that it is cause I am in the service of our Heavenly Father and helping others. Even though we are not all full time missionaries we can feel this same joy as we actively live and apply the gospel in our lives. I know that it is true and we have it because God has restored His church in this last days. I know we have a living prophet we guides us be revelation. I know that the scriptures are true especially the Book of Mormon. I know that families can be together forever through obedience to our covenants and gospel principles. I know that our Savior lives and He loves us. I LOVE being so happy and desire that all can do what is necessary to have the same happiness. Until next week. UN ABRAZO Y MUCHO AMOR Elder Bowden

Baptism Dates Set! Missionary work is AMAZING!

HOLA MI QUERIDO FAMILIA INCREIBLE Well.....thanks for the great report and to hear that so much good is happening! We also had an amazing week filled with so much success! This was one of the weeks that makes me want to be a full time missionary forever! I LOVE THE MISSION! So I hope that all who are going or preparing to go can grow to love it as well. So on Tuesday we had the last district meeting of the change. I don't think that I told you last week cause I didn't think anything was really going to change. I was right....our entire district is exactly the same. So we will be here for at least another six weeks! I'm excited to see what happens! Then after our district meeting we did an intercambio with the other elders. I worked in my area with Elder Phillips from England. He is also a new missionary but is progressing very well and is learning all he needs to be an excellent missionary. Elder Chumpitaz is also doing well and I see that he prepares himself more and more everyday to give it his all. We placed a couple of baptism dates this week. One with Camila who is the 10 year old girl who rode her bike to church. She is excited to learn and is preparing herself so be baptized on the 10th of November. We gave her a Book of Mormon and is hopefully reading it. We also talked to another girl Silvina that we found last week and came to church. She is 13 years old and also showing lots of excitement to be baptized. They both came to church on Sunday and are progressing very well! We are working hard to teach them all they need to know, to gain a testimony, and to become truly converted. We also found seven new investigators this week! We are anxiously waiting to go back to visit them this week and invite them to come unto Christ and be baptized. We had the conference with Elder Oaks on Saturday! IT WAS AMAZING! We all got to shake his hand and meet him. Just so you know he even said or pronounced our name right. We also heard from Elder Viñas of the seventy and Elder Hallstrom of the presidency of the seventy and you cant forget their wives! We were all edified by the spirit and I learned of my new things I have to improve. He didn't talk about anything complicated but did only as the prophets of old....cried repentance. He talked about how we must be examples of repentance and to help the members and the investigators to do it as well. He said that it mentions the word baptism 980 times in the scriptures and that less then 10 times it mentions it without the word repentance. He talked about how we must change to be converted. That new members have to be called unto repentance, they have to understand that this is a new way of life and they must change to become like the Savior. They have to understand that they must change to be at church every Sunday, that they have to be married to live with someone else, to live the word of wisdom, etc. We are going to teach more with the spirit and apply all that we have learned. It was great to also see some of my buddies from the CCM or MTC that went to the Uruguay west mission! They are all doing great and are closer to finishing then I am! I also had a get together with the Box Elder gang. I sent the photo with Elder (Ryan) Erwin, Elder (Jake) Olsen, and me! I also met Sister Shaw. I didn't know her before but she graduated when I was a sophmore and finishes in February. I think you might have mentioned her before and I am sure that dad knows the family (after all who doesn't dad know?). Elder Erwin is going home this week! I cant believe he is already finished....you should see his photo in the Box Elder News Journal. Things are going very well and I am loving the mission more and more everyday. This only bad thing about that is that when I finish its going to be even more heartbreaking. I don't know what or why but I guess I am changing. One of the members in our ward, actually our ward mission leader said I was different than when I got here and I had changed a lot....I hope that's a good thing. I feel great desires to do good continually and to also help those around accept and live the gospel. I can honestly say that I am a converted disciple of Jesus Christ and am willing to do whatever He requires of me. Our ward here is kind of struggling but we are striving to strengthen them and leave the area stronger than we found it! Our bishop is great and very willing to work so we are going to take advantage of that and help the rest of the members. I know that this church is true and this testimony brings me such great joy! I love being a member of the only true church and enjoying the blessings and happiness that is brings. I am excited for Tallin and Daxton and hope that all goes well for the Chappell family this week. I know that making and keeping covenants is what Heavenly Father want us to do and is what draws us closer to him. I know that He knows and loves us. I know that He sent His son, Jesus Christ to suffer and die so that we could return to His presence. I know that His sacrifice is infinite and eternal and we can be cleansed of whatever mistake we have made by truly repented and applying the atonement. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is another testament of him. I feel my Saviors love for me through the Holy Ghost as I read it. I know that the gospel is the only path, the only possible way to live in this world and feel secure, full of hope, and true happiness. I know it and I can never deny it. I hope that everyone where ever they may be can obtain this same testimony and know that they can by sincerly praying. I love you all and miss you lots but not enough to be distracted from my purpose as a representative of Christ! Until next week! CON MUCHO AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

Working hard and continuing to baptize!

HOLA FAMILIA Well.....another week has come and gone and we continue to do well. This week contained a lot of traveling. We went to Durazno for district meeting as normal. The district meeting went very well. We played a game which I created with missionaries and investigators and how to help them progress on the journey to the temple as well as exaltation(the game board was organized that way). Each companionship had to draw cards and each card had a commitment for an investigator and whether they kept it or not. This determined how fast and how many squares they could move. We realized that the invitations we give to people have a lot to do with how well they progress but as we learn from second Nephi they also have their own agency. We watched a video from Preach my Gospel on how to focus on their needs and finished it up with practices. The district is doing well. The elders are working hard despite the opposition they seem to be having. A few of their investigators have decided to wait a while but they will be baptized for sure (and they are probably moving). They are finding news and progressing well, they only thing is right now they are kind of in a slump. The sisters are working as well. They say that they are doing well and excited about the future. They had two in church, the same two with fecha, and the same two progressing. I hope that they continue to push themselves to do better. Then on Friday we had a meeting in Montevideo. It was with all the trainers and their comps. I enjoyed it a lot and learned of more things that I can do better. It was basically to evaluate ourselves and how the new missionaries are doing. We had lunch after and then came back on the bus. We left at about 4:30am and return at about 6:00pm. After that we had a FHE with the Marques family (the family with the little girl,Camila, or the miracle!) the good thing is that is was a successful FHE. The bad thing is she wasn't there, but we found some one else. Her name is Silvina and she is 13 years old. She is a friend of the family and just happen to be over at the same time we came. We watched a video talked about the importance of baptism and she accepted the invitation. She then asked when she could come to church and we told her Sunday. The best part is that she came and liked it! The only thing we have to do now is talk to her parents to place a baptism date. We are excited and pray that she continues to progress. This week we will meet with the same family and talk to the others! We also had another lady show up at church. She is an older lady who my comp was talking to and said ``hey come to church tomorrow at ten.´´ She showed up for the first two hours but then didn't feel so good so she didn't stay for sacrament meeting. We hope to help her as well. We continue to see that the Lord blesses us in so many aspects of the work and mostly because of our diligence and obedience. We found a couple other news this week and are waiting for our return date to invite them to be baptized on a specific date. We are going to do all that we can to take care of these new sons and daughters of God and help them embrace the fullness of the gospel. I am enjoying the work and I have never felt greater love for what I am doing until now. I am also realizing a lot more of the small things and steps I need to take to improve. I hope that I can get all of my personal challenges out of the way so I can focus 100% on our investigators. I have a goal to work my hardest every day. To work as if every day was my last and be able to say to my Father in Heaven at night, that I did all that was in my power to help my brothers and sisters as possible. I know that this is the work of the Lord and He leads us in it. I am so excited to hear from Elder Dallin H Oaks this week! I am waiting anxiously to receive more revelation on how to improve and help our area grow, but real growth! I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us. I know that He send His Son the rescue us from physical and spiritual death. I know that only through repentance and the atonement can we be forgiven of our sins and sanctified to return to the presence of God. I love and miss you all! The family looks great! Thanks for the pics! I can't believe how grown up everyone is! Tell Michal that I like the hair cut and now I won't be able to call him goldy locks! Thanks for the updates and I cant wait to hear from you next week! CON MUCHO AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

"You are a Hall of Famer in my Book!"

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! Chris is already home? Anyways....this week went well. It was actually a week that tried our faith but we are excited and looking forward to this coming week. We only found one new investigator named Oscar this week. In the beginning he didn't really want to listen and said he had already listened to the Mormons and that he had read the Book of Mormon. We asked him a few questions and then he began to ask us questions. He wants specific answers to questions that we could have showed him in the Bible but my comp applied what we learned in conference! We explained that God requires us to act with faith....to continue doing what He wants not always knowing what the end result will be. That he could receive all the answers to the scriptures in the Bible but he wouldn't be truly converted. I know this to be true. I know that conversion comes on a personal basis and that no one can truly know on a borrowed light. We found out that he hadn't actually read the Book of Mormon either but only passed through the pages. I know that this Book is the key of our religion and more than religion its the key to knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love the Book of Mormon and I have seen over the course of my mission how this book, how this powerful instrument has changed me as well as my other people. I am eternally grateful for the atonement in my life and the great comfort, strength, and purification is has provided. I know that we are always going to commit mistakes and sin but we must turn ourselves completely over to God and allow Him to heal, edify, and transform us. We didn't have any of our investigators come to church but we did have a miracle show up. A 10 year old girl whose name is Camila. Her grandma is a member and had already arrived at church. Camila rode her bike for quite a distance to be able to come to church. She had never been before cause she lived in Montevideo but is now living at her grandmas house. We have a family home evening planned with them this week and will hopefully be able to give her a baptismal date. We are working hard but not hard enough. I know that I can give a lot more. Some times I feel that I will never reach the point where I can say ´´I gave it my all.´´ There is always something I can do better. I just hope that I can strive to do my best, rely on the Savior, and wait with faith as our Heavenly Father works miracles in our lives and well as those around us. We had an alright attendance, not what we want but we did have very good retention with the recent converts and are waiting for even more as well as less-actives next week! ! Hey not that Im not focused or trunky but I have a few questions? We have a DQ in Perry? When did they build it and where? Payton Manning is the QB for Denver? Mom said that he was off and on but I dont know what she meant? And last but not least.....could you send me the dates that we were sealed in the temple? As well as the date for Chappel fam? I want to get you some souvenirs but I need these dates....and maybe some cash? If you cant I guess Ill see what I can do. Thanks! Oh....for you mom! We are in the fourth quarter and down by a touchdown and two point conversion! Don't give up or lose hope cause you can easily make the points.....even easier with the help of the Savior. Rely on Him. Everyday strive to do what He wants. Dad I know that you're not too much of a football guy but the analogy is for you too. Endurance! and before you know it your will be Superbowl champs! I love you and I am so grateful for your examples in my life. They are not my words but those from the movie Remember the Titans......´´You are Hall of Fame in my book!´´ I know that the gospel is the only way to true and lasting happiness. Some people just don't see it and cant understand it but it is true. I know it because I have experienced both. I know that only through the Savior and His atoning sacrifice we can be cleansed from sin and i

mperfections and become what our Heavenly Father desires us to be. I know that life (or the mission) is never easy and was never meant to be other wise it wouldn't be worth anything. I know that Gods love for us is infinite and we can feel it and we strive to follow Him and put our lives in order with His will. I love my family, each and every member and want whats best for you. I cant force you, mom and dad cant force you, and neither can your Father in Heaven. They only invite and promise you greater happiness, more success, and eternal life as we obey the commandments. Nothing in your life will ever be as great as it could be as long as you choose to disobey but your life can my magnified and multiplied as you keep the commandments and covenants. I know its true because I have seen it in my life. I will never deny it or cease to live it cause God has told me this it what I need to do to live with Him again. Pray with sincere hearts and He will answer and will help you with whatever doubt or problem you may have. I love you all so much! Miss you as well and know that the only thing more important than the family is what I am doing now....the work of the Lord. And even then they are a work that needs to be done together. Until next week! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO FUERTE Elder Bowden

General Conference Wrap Up

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! I am totally in agreement with the fact that general conference was absolutely amazing! I received a lot of answers, felt the spirit, and was edified. I was super surprised when I heard that the changed the missionary age. Just two days ago my comp and I were talking about why the ages were 19 and 21 and then they went and changed them! It is exciting news and is only going to help build Gods kingdom here on earth! Last week our interviews with Pres Armstrong went great as well as a zone conference. We learned about seeing things with the eyes of faith and being happy as we work for the Lord. I feel that the main topics of conference were becoming truly converted, being truly happy, and relying on the Savior. I definitely have a lot of things to do better and will strive to make the necessary changes to become more like the Savior. I got my package this week! I still haven't read the letters but I am doing that today and will see if I can respond...its a lot to write! I was super excited and my comp and I are enjoying the content. I also received my ballot to vote! I have filled it out and will send it today or tomorrow! Go Romney! I was doing my newspaper reading this morning and found the article about him...it seems as if though all is going well and his reputation is positive! This week was full of a lot of rain! I believe that it rained 5 of the 7 days. It was fine it just made it a little more difficult for investigators to make it to church. We only had one come to the conference along with a handful of recent converts. I hope that you all enjoyed conference and were inspired to do better just as I am. Tell dad that I don't like his new job cause he never writes anymore....but hey if he doesn't have time Sunday night tell him to write me on Friday-his day off! My comp and I are doing well as we continue to learn lots and help as many people as we can make covenant with their Father in Heaven. We are anxiously waiting for the conference with Elder Oaks on the 27th and hope to have a few baptisms in between. Some times I get frustrated with myself and then feel down but after all that I heard in the conference I know that I have to always be positive and happy as I go about my Fathers work. I know that as we give it our all and do our very best, there is nothing else that can bring greater joy or satisfaction then then living the gospel and sharing it with everyone! I know that this church is true and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. It has helped me to become who I am today and continues to help me to be more like Jesus Christ. I know that Christ lives and he atoned for our sins in the garden and gave His life on the cross. I know that as we gain a greater understanding of the atonement it compels us to make righteous decisions and do act in the way the Savior would act. I know that families can be together forever. I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves us and is guiding us daily. I know that we are happy and without regrets as we live worthy of the spirit and follow His promptings. Thanks for everything! You are all amazing! Until next week....´ CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO GRANDE Elder Bowden

Lots of Investigators and Deportes (Sports)!

HEY FAMILY! WOW!!!! Another week bites the dust! I can't believe that the weeks pass like days and the days like hours! This week was great.....the only thing we didn't have were investigators in church! We had lots of people say they we coming and then when the morning showed up they confronted opposition. I hope that they will be able to come to the conference next week because it will be an amazing, edifying experience like always! I'm sad to say it, but its my last conference here in the mission! Bueno....this week we found a couple new investigators....their names are Giovanna who is about 25 and has her five year old daughter. Their husband and father left them and they are going through some hard times right now. The best thing is they are willing to follow Jesus Christ and she said if she feels that these things are true (which I believe she already has) then she will be baptized! We invited her to be baptized the 20th of Oct. We also have a youth who is 11 years old and his name is Facundo. All of his family are already members but for some reason or another he was never baptized but I think he is excited to do it now. We are going to do all we can to make sure he knows what he is doing. We also found another women yesterday whose name is Olga. She has been going to another church for 25 years she said but was willing to listen to us. Although we had the charla or lesson outside her door we talked about the restoration for about 30 min and we left her with a Book of Mormon. I know that she will read it and that she will feel the spirit because it is a promise from our Heavenly Father. We also hope that she makes it to the conference. Luckily I will be able to watch it in English like always and I am excited to receive many answers. I will be the only one cause my comp and the hermanas or sisters only speak spanish! My comp is amazing and he is working really hard. I don't know if I told you last week but he loves reading and especially from the scriptures. Some times I feel bad cause he has only been a member for two years but knows so much! On Saturday we had an activity for the World Service Day! It was a great activity where we painted the school! Lots of members from our ward showed up and it was combined with the other ward as well. I feel that our ward unity is increasing and that everyone is catching the spirit of missionary work. We want the strengthen and edify the members in every way possible. It was also the fifth Sunday and everyone was combined. We watched a video from the Area Presidency on how members can participate in missionary work and it went really well. We have made a calender for the members to sign up for one night of the week to do a Noche de Hogar or FHE. We asked them to invite their friends and neighbors who aren't members as well as our investigators and members less active. We feel like this will work really well and the members seem to like the idea. Our district is working very hard as well. I am excited to have interviews also this week! Pres Armstrong as well as his wife are coming to Durazno on Friday! It is going to be a busy, exciting, and full of productive days. We are striving to be more diligent and work more efficiently with Elder Chumpitaz! I love you all and miss you lots. I hope that you all have a great week this week! I know that you are super busy but just remember to make time for the most important things! I am praying for you as I know you are for me and I know that they Lord will bless you. I know that this church is true and it brings me great joy! I love being a member of the church and to also be a full time servant of the Lord to proclaim His gospel! Today we had an activity with our district and we make tacos while playing sports! We played basketball (ya Im a little rusty) and some soccer. My old comp Elder Denny also came and brought two mitts! It was fun to play a little baseball as well. He said it hasn't thrown hard with anyone in a long time cause no one else really ever played. He is the one the is playing college baseball and hopefully makes it pro. Of course he wasn't throwing his hardest! My comp plays soccer alright and I am slowly teaching him the basics of basketball. Anyways....Christ lives and He loves us. He gave His life so that we could be cleansed of sin and free from guilt. I am eternally grateful for His sacrifice. I know that families can be together forever and I cant wait to go back we all of you to the BC temple! I think we will be going here in Nov! I love you all, until next week! UN ABRAZO Y CON MUCHO AMOR Elder Bowden

New Companioin=Elder Chumpitaz from Peru!

HEY FAMILY! WOW! Well today was an alright day....we already went to Montevideo and back....I am so sick of riding buses! But hey I guess that's the life of a missionary sometimes. My comp had to go and do a medical check up that they do for every one of the new missionaries. We had a pretty good week....it was a trial that's for sure! We got back to our area on Wednesday and after having some crazy weather and all the traveling I happen to lose my voice...ya that's right....I could only whisper! It was kind of hard to teach my new comp how to contact people or how to teach lessons if I couldn't even talk! It finally decided to come back on Friday along with the sun and from there on out we had an excellent week! My comp is from Lima Peru from an area called Villa Salvador. Pres Armstrong was in Peru before here and he says it is a pretty dangerous area. My comp was asking me about our area and he found it very surprising that no one there really robs and that people don't lock their houses, etc. We are lucky to be in this area and are very excited to keep working and find as many people as we can that are ready to make and keep covenants with the Lord. His name is Elder Chumpitaz and is a the only member in his family and has been a member for only two years. He has a large knowledge of the scriptures and has done a lot of studying. He isn't a nerd but you can tell he has studied a lot. He says that history was he favorite subject and he always tells me stuff about Peru, Spanish, etc. He was pretty tired this week because of the plane ride and adapting to the mission, but this week should be great. It looks like the temple dedication went great and that everyone enjoyed it. It looks like the cultural festival was exciting. I am so excited to go through when I get home as I'm sure you are as well! I can't believe that my what seemed to be like a very long journey is coming to an end.....I have to work as hard as I can and give it all I got! Thanks for all your love and support! Our district is doing well....we all have our trials but everyone is working hard and spiritually progressing. I know that this is the Saviors work and that He guides it. I know that this is His church and the only true one on the face of the planet. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is evidence of the divinity of this gospel. I love it and it has changed my life. I love serving the Lord full time and am not looking forward to when it ends. I am who I am thanks to the teachings of the Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to repent and to receive forgiveness of my sins and errors. Sorry that the email isn't too long this week but we got to bounce! I love you all and miss you tons. I am always praying for you and know that Heavenly Father watches over and protects as well as guides you. We are truly blessed and forever will be if we are obedient to the commandments! Until next week! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

Elder Bowden is now a TRAINER!!

Hola Familia! Well....its kind of crazy new this week.......I'm currently in Montevideo again. It was along bus ride of about three hours and now I am waiting. Don't worry too much cause I am going back to Paso de los Toros again tomorrow. The only thing is I had to come and pick up my new comp his plane flies in today! That's right...I am getting an ´´oro´´ or a greenie. Whatever you want to call it I am training a new missionary! I don't know where he is from or anything for now but I will let you know next week. President Armstrong is going to assign us at the mission home after he has interview with us all. It is all exciting news for me. I am still the district leader and there is another elder in my district training as well. I am kind of bummed to only have one change with my Mexican comp...well Mexican/American but I guess that's the mission. We had a good and very fast six weeks together and now it's onto something else. I hope I helped him to be a better missionary and that he as well as my new comp and I can continue to bless the lives of many! I will be coming back to Montevideo again next week cause my comp has to do a medical check so it will be even more time on the bus...hopefully I don't get car sick again. Ummmm....I don't know what else to tell you....we finished last week well. We found a new family and another mom/daughter. I hope that we will be able to teach them and that they will accept the restored gospel. We worked a lot harder this week and tried to be more diligent than normal...I think that you can see the difference and we are excited to continue working just as hard. This Sunday was great! We had stake conference and it was broadcast from Salt Lake City! We heard from Elder Gonzalez(from Uruguay) of the seventy, from Sister Reeves from the RS presidency, from Elder Anderson, and the prophet himself! The cool thing was that all the talks given were in Spanish except for the prophets(he had a translator). I really enjoyed it and learned some new things. They talked a lot about how the gospel starts in the home. That the values and standards our children have at start with striving to be good parents. They explained how if we do this then everyone is more likely to grow spiritually, stay active, go on missions/temple, etc. Then they said that the church has grown a lot in Uruguay and South America since it opened but for it to continue to grow we need to start in the home and then rescue those outside of the home who have gone astray! This is what my amazing parents are doing right now! Don't ever give up or doubt the importance of what you're doing cause its one of the most important works to be done! I hope that you all continue to do your best as I know that the Lord is blessing you. I know that this is the true church. I know that it contains the restored gospel and the it will lead us to true happiness. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and it changes our lives and we study and apply it! I know that the Savior lives and this is His work. I know that He only requires of us our best and asks us to do only what He knows we are capable of. I know that through His atonement we can be transformed and cleansed from sin. I know that families can be together forever! I love you all and miss you lots! Not that I am "trunky" or counting time but there is only four months left! Ya mom...I know that you're excited! Until next week! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

Time for changes again!

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! I can't believe we have a new member to the family already! I honestly wasn't expecting anything for like two more weeks but hey...when Heavenly Father sends him he has to come! Thanks for the pics! Everyone is looking happy! This week went alright for us here in Guay. It was not the best week considering the fact that I got sick for the second time in my mission. I am pretty sure it was something I ate but my comp was fine so I don't know? I was throwing up, had a fever of 101 degrees, and spent most of my time in the bathroom. I felt pretty achy but after 48 hours my body had got it all out of my system and I am now fine! We also had a couple days of rain which doesn't ever help but nonetheless we had a alright week. The district had another baptism and we are planning some more for the upcoming weeks. The only thing is we don't know who is going to be here and who isn't cause this week is changes! I cant believe that I have already gone through 5 weeks here in Paso de los Toros or Charrùa! I think that my comp and I are going to stay the same but you never know there could be changes. We had another little zone conference this week which was good. We talked about working better with the members but I was honestly feeling kind of out of it. I will also be having our last district meeting of this change tomorrow so it should go well! We are striving to work hard, be more obedient, and be more diligent. It is a great challenge to be one of the missionaries that acts to make things happen and not let the results of what happens around him effect the work. I know that if we turn to the Lord, are humble and do the things His way then we will always find some sort of success. I know that God loves us and knows whats best for us. I know that we are and we be held accountable for our actions here in this life. I know that we are blessed and happy from being obedient. I know that Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and the only name given by which we can enter into the kingdom of God. I know that forgiveness of our sins has conditions which come from sincere repentance and true desire to change. I know that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is one of the biggest/greatest blessings we have been given to help us find comfort, peace, hope, and joy in this life. I know that when we live these basic principles, when we apply them in our personal lives and not just go through the motions, we are transformed by the power/grace of Christ. I know that is is possible to return to live with God and our families forever but it depends on us. I testify that we have choices to make everyday which prepare us to live with them or not. I know that the being worthy of and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost is what guides us to make the correct choices. Heavenly Father will never abandon us or leave us to be tempted until miserable, His power is always greater than Satan's and He will eventually win. I know that we are required to make sacrifices and even suffer a little in this life but it the only way that we can grow. I love you all and am eternally grateful for the influence of each and everyone of you in my life. I love you more than I could ever say or show in an email. Have a great week and I will too! Until next time! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

It's heating up in Uruguay!

HOLA FAMILIA (LA MEJOR DE TODO EL UNIVERSO) Well.......where should I start? This week went pretty good. We didn't have a lot of success but we are striving to do our best and always improve. All of the investigators that we had or have are also having difficulties progressing. Whether it be coming to church, reading the scriptures, praying, or evening accepting a baptism date they are having their trials. We are going to continue to do our very best to follow the spirit and meet their specific needs. We also did two intercambios this week which went well but cut a chunk out of the time we had to work do to traveling. It was worth it though because the elders from the district that are in Durazno had two baptisms on Saturday. It was truly amazing to see how the Lord blessed them to be able to be baptized. We show up to do the interview and they said that they didn't feel like they could be baptized now cause they were have lots of problems. We explained that Satan didn't want them to get baptized cause that is what helps us return to the presence of God and that he was doing all that he could to keep them from making these covenants. We said it would be a trial of faith but it would be worth it. After that they decided that they needed to be baptized and with the help of the ward they did. They are an older couple and he has troubles walking. The other intercambio we had was with our zone leaders. I worked here in my area with Elder Bennett...the missionary from Morgan that was with me on the plane to Buenos Aires. It was a hard day of work but worth it. The temps are starting to heat up here. It feels like it is already summer and we still haven't started spring. That just means it will be an even hotter summer. It should be good though....after all my comp and I have officially started our diet! That's right I have to be in good shape for the ladies when I get home! It sounds like dads job is super awesome! I always knew that in the first grade fights of ´´my dad is better than your dad´´ that my dad would win! Continue to work had and try to enjoy the time as it some how vanishes before our eyes! Hey I have two quick questions.....1) I don't know if you already have it or not but you should receive my flight itinerary that tells me when I go home and on what planes, etc. If you love me I should receive that the week after you guys. (NO IT WONT MAKE ME TRUNKY) Thanks a million! Anyways.....thanks again for the pics last week! I just wanted to let you know that you are amazing! I have truly been blessed with incredible grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters. We are sealed as an eternal family and will live together forever if obedient and faithful to our covenants. I know that there is no other path that leads to true and lasting happiness outside the gospel. I know that Satan wants us to be miserable like he is and will do all in our power to make us fall into temptation. I know that we can overcome his temptations. I know that no matter how great you think the world is or how much easier you feel it may be it is only another deception from the evil one, the father of all lies, and the one who seeks to make us suffer. I know that each one of us has agency and the right to make choices. I know that there is power in following the principles of the gospel and promptings of the spirit to make our decisions. I have seen so many times while here on my mission that people dont always make the choices they should. I have found people here in Uruguay, grown a deep love for them, sought their eternal happiness, done all I that I could to help them and they still choose differently. I have felt very sad to know that people dont want to repent, dont want to follow Christ, dont want to obey the commandments, and dont want to be happy; but after our most diligent efforts their is nothing more we can do. Believe it or not investigators and missionaries is very similar to children and parents. Dont ever quit or let up and always strive to have charity the true love of Christ. I know that as we love those around us unconditionally they we see it and it will make a difference in their lives. I know that Christ lives and loves us. He desires the best for us and does all in His power to help us gain eternal life. I know that this is the restored church and gospel and has changed and transformed my life. I know that this life is not easy but this is why we are here to be tried, and not to fail but to succeed. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and contains the fullness of the gospel. If we apply its teachings in our lives it will make us true disciples of Jesus Christ. I know that we are lead by a living prophet who receives revelation for us. I cant wait for general conference in October! I love you all and miss you tons! But the time is coming faster than you know it when I............well I will let you fill in the blanks! Have a great week and remember how important each and every one of you are to our Father in Heaven! CON MUCHISIMO AMOR Y UN ABRAZO FUERTE Elder Bowden

Striving for Eternal Families!

HOLA FAMILIA Well.....this week went pretty good. We had our zone conference on Thursday with Elder Viñas and it was really inspiring! I am glad to hear (and see) that everyone did well at the fair and to know that the temple open house is going good as well! Congrats to everyone and their achievements and am proud of all of you! I was super happy to hear that dad has found a job! It was an answer to my prayers as well as everyone else. I know that for some reason Heavenly Father needed dad there and through a trial of faith lead him. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who always knows best and guides us daily! We are starting our week off today and are hoping to do a lot more and be more dedicated to finding the people we know are ready to receive the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope and pray that everyone does well at school and work! I cant believe that my ´´little´´ brother and sister are now officially seniors in high school! Thanks for all the photos and I am enjoying them as well as my comp(after all not too many people have seen sheep in costumes! haha) Our investigator that was going to get baptized this week couldn't make it to church yesterday...that was a bummer. He could still be baptized but we feel that he isn't quite ready so we will continue to help him prepare. At our zone conference they talked about ´´crecimiento real´´ or real growth and how we as missionaries need to do our best to strengthen and build the kingdom of God where we are serving. Here in Guay we have a lot of baptisms but the thing we usually don't have is people being endowed, receiving the priesthood, and serving missions. We need to strengthen each ward here as if it were our home ward and do all we can not just to baptize but to prepare future leaders and active members of the church. I don't actually have a lot more to tell this week but I just wanted to say that I love you all and miss you lots! I have some pics that I wanted to send so you can take them to the missionary mall and get me some new stuff but the computer wont let me upload them, so I guess I will have to do it next week! Our area is doing ok but there is lots more to do. Tomorrow I am holding our district meeting so we should be able to talk about some stuff and help one another to be edified and excited for the week. There is a companionship in our district that is having a baptism on Saturday so we will be doing an intercambio and I will do the interviews. I hope that everyone continues to work hard and I know that the Lord will bless and protect you. I know that God lives and He is our Father in Heaven. I know that His Son is Jesus Christ and is the only name under the heavens in which we can be saved. I know that it is through faith, repentance, making and keeping covenants, and enduring to the end that we can receive the grace of Jesus Christ and live forever with God and our families. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is evidence of the restored gospel and church. Who ever reads it and asks Heavenly Father if it is true with real intent will receive an answer and it will change their life. I know that we are lead by a prophet today and that he holds the keys of the priesthood. I know that doing the basics things inside the gospel change, transform, and build us from day to day. I love you all so much! Until next week! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

Baptism=Success!

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! It sounds like you all had an amazing super spiritual week at the temple! I am kind of jealous that you get to be there for the open house and all but I guess its one of the blessings I miss for being on a mission! That's so cool that you got to meet the Davidson´s....they are pretty cool people. This week was very good...fast...and very good! The baptism went great and we have our other one now planned for the 31 of August. The hermanas or sisters in our district had a baptism and so did the elders in Carmen! That is three in the zone! The only bad thing about this week is that it rained all week. It was a real blessing/answered prayer because Sunday it cleared up and now its raining again. Thank you tender mercies! We also bought a 25kl bag of potatoes this week so we will be eating lots of tatos! We had our first district meeting last Tuesday. It went really well and I taught about repentance and how we need to invite all to repent. We talked about how we could invite others to repent so they would feel our Saviors love, desire to be clean, and fully understand how to do it. We also received news at district meeting that Elder Oaks is coming to Uruguay! I cant actually remember when but it is going to be next month and we are having a combined conference with the Montevideo West Mission. We are also have a conference this Thursday where Elder Viñas from the Seventy will be talking to us! I am so excited to be able to listen to and meet that apostles of the Lord. I know that we will be edified and receive the revelation necessary to help the people in our area and to continue to build Gods Kingdom here in Guay! I guess you could send a package if you want...they said that they are allowing one mail truck to leave the airport a day. So the strike is still going but slowly and surely I should get what ever you end up sending. I know you are going to be super busy this week with the fair and I wish the best for all of you! I will include you in my prayers as always and I know that the Lord will watch over you. Don't forget to send pictures next week and tell me how everyone did! Oh and if you could can you send a picture of my shotgun...my comp wants to know what it looks like? So...I was thinking the other day(not to say I am trunky) and you have almost figured out everything for when I get home....work, school, etc. The only thing you have to work out now is finding me some dates so I can find my wife ASAP! Haha! I guess you can keep your eyes open and let me know. But for real, I am loving the mission and don't want it to come to and end. Its sad to say but yesterday I completed 19 months. I don't really think that I can extend my mission so I just have to work my hardest with the time I have left. My comp and I are very excited for the future and are fine tuning everything to help as many people as possible. We are going to help the investigators we have take the steps necessary to progress and be baptized and at the same time find more people to teach. We just got permission for Pres Armstrong to go onto the church website and I was watching the mormon messages! WOW are they great! I don't have much more to tell you and I feel as if I am rambling on. We are emailing in the church today so my comp is waiting to use the computer! I know that this church is true. I love this gospel and it has changed my life. I know that anyone who wants to follow the Savior can receive this same confirmation by the Holy Ghost. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and applying it in our lives with help us become more Chirstlike. I know that He lives and loves us. He loves us so much he suffered beyond comprehension and gave His life so that if we would repent we could be worthy to live with God and our families again. I know that this is the path to true and lasting happiness. It leads us through obedience to the presence of our Heavenly Father where if faithful we can and will receive blessings we cant even imagine! I love you all so much! Miss you too and will look forward to hearing from you next week! Have a great week at the fair and continue to look for ways to bless those around you...who ever it may be! CON MUCHO AMOR UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden