HOLA FAMILIA!
Well here I am sitting in the library.....it was raining but has
stopped. I don't know if I am a huge fan of the rain but I sure do
enjoy the cooler temperatures. This week went really well! It was very
exciting because for the first time in 5 months we had someone come to
church! We asked our ward mission leader for a reference this week and
his wife said that she knew someone. She said that she would invite
them to the activity and to church. When we showed up to our activity
on Saturday she came with her two sons! She was even helping with the
pizza we ate afterwards. She couldn't make it to church on Sunday but
her son came and I am pretty sure he enjoyed it. I hope that the
branch here will continue to look for missionary opportunities and
those who need our service. We haven't actually talked to the reference
(Maria) yet but I am sure that she will be baptized in the near
future. We also did another intercambio with the zone leaders this
week and it went well. The purpose was to help my comp with his desire
to serve and continue to work here in the mission. I felt like I
should write him a letter (cause he says he never gets anything) to
help him out. I felt like I could describe all that a mission meant to
me and how it could also help him. He ended up reading it that day
(which he shouldn't have done, we read letters on P-Day ) but later one
of our ZLs told me that he cried, decided he was going to stay here in
the mission, and even said he likes having me as a comp even though he
doesn't show it. I am really glad that through the spirit we can help
others, whether it be our family members, companions, friends, or
those who don't even know the gospel. I will be giving my last district
meeting of the change tomorrow and hope that all goes well. Last week
we talked about Nephi being lead by the spirit without knowing before
hand what he had to do and how us as missionaries can receive that
same guidance. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost in my
life and the way my Heavenly Father blesses me when I follow these
promptings. Ya I cant really believe it but this week is General
Conference and we will be having changes! I cant wait to again here
from the prophets and his apostles and to apply the revelation I
receive this weekend in my life! I am not 100% positive but I think I
am leaving Carmen...after all it has been 6 months (even though it
doesn't seem like it!). It looks like the family is having fun and Matt
is enjoying the famous sport of South America! I hope that our new
exchange student is enjoying his short time here and that you can also
plant those seeds! I know that this church is true and that it is the
only church on this earth that has the authority from God to baptize.
I know that Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves and
that He knows what is best for us! He will send us trials and also
blessings to lead us in the direction that we need to go. I know that
serving God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength brings true
happiness. I know that serving a full time mission makes a boy into a
man and not only that but a stronger, more worthy holder of His
priesthood. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that
it contains the fullness of the gospel in these the last days. I know
that as the prophet Joesph Smith said...it is the most correct of any
book and a man can grow closer to God by reading it than any other
book. I know that families can be together forever through the
ordinances in the temple. I am so grateful for this blessing because
I cant imagine how I would feel if I had to be separating from such
loving and amazing people! I hope you are all doing well and I pray
for you always. I love you more than you know, miss you lots, but know
that the short time apart is worth it for both of us. I know that the
Savior lives and that He broke the bands of death as He was
resurrected. I know that He also suffered beyond our comprehension so
that we can repent and be cleansed. I know that repentance is an
invitation of love and that we are truly happier as we repent and
change our lives to follow God. Thanks for everything!
CON MUCHO AMOR
> Elder Bowden
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Another week in paradise!
HOLA FAMILIA!
Wow! Thanks for all the crazy news.....most of which I had no idea. Ashlee is having another baby! AAAAHHHH! I wont even be home yet....not cool cause I am feeling left out. No its all good I know we will all be blessed for the short time of sacrifice. You dont know if its a boy or a girl yet right? I better know as soon as they know! You are getting an exchange student like right now? Is he going to go to school? That's super cool! I hope everything goes well with Sharlee and I hope she gets the letter that I sent last week. Sounds like you are all excited for spring and are enjoying March Maddness! I hope to hear who is winning and how the schools from Utah do...thanks! Ouch! I cant believe that Jay broke her arm! Yeah I know how that feels and it must be even worse for someone that's only 4 years old! Tell her that I sent a kiss to make it better and that she should be more careful. Tell all the brothers and sisters that I love them and good luck with all they are doing whether it be science fair, choir, or sports! This week went pretty well, a lot better than last week as far as what we got accomplished but not so well as far as my comp. We taught quite a bit this week and are anxiously waiting for the people to keep their commitments so they can get baptized! We found another lady yesterday...taught her the restoration and invited her to get baptized on the 13 of April and she said she would if she gets an answer that it is true! I love that fact that we can teach by the spirit and help people to feel that this is true and then have confidence that if they pray about it they will receive an answer. I realized at the beginning of my mission that we are they only ones who have that promise...ask God and He will answer....hmmmm...it must be true! We are still doing all that we can to have a baptism but the Lord definitely requires all from us. I hope that I will be able to give it my all and leave it all on the field these last two weeks of the change. I don't know if Ill be staying or leaving but know that I will be where the Lord needs me! I am so flipin pumped for general conference! Besides Christmas, Mothers Day, and baptisms it is by far some of the best days in the mission. It was kind of a weird week cause my comp says he wants to go home. He called Pres Da Silva and asked for an interview but Pres said that he should wait until next change. I am going to do all I can to show lots of charity for him and help him realize that this is the best place for him to be. He says that no one is going to change his mind but I know that he is here for at least two more weeks for some thing. We are having a branch activity this Saturday and I hope that we can help the members see their vitally important role in missionary work, feel the spirit, and have fun at the same time. Our ward missionary leader is really working hard, despite all the trials he has personally and I know that the work will start to move very soon here in Carmen. I am loving the assignment as a district leader but its not easy. It gives me lots to do and more to help me work harder. I have to talk on the phone for at least a half hour every night but ya....its fun! I am looking forward to all that the Lord has in store for me and the rest of my mission! I cant believe that I have been out for 14 flippin months! CRAZY! I love you all and am grateful for all that you do! I know that this church is true and that we are children of our Heavenly Father. I know He loves us, knows us, and wants the very best for us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it contains counsel for us in these last days. I know that the Savior lives and that He suffered beyond our understanding so that we can repent and be cleansed from sin. I know that it is a life long journey to become like our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ but that as we strive daily we are making progress. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to true and lasting happiness in this life and in eternity! I love you all and cant wait to hear from you in what is literally seven days but feels like only hours! Oh and a few other questions? Box Elder wrestling? Grandma Bywater...when is her B-Day? And has anyone else left on missions or got their calls? Thanks for everything....your are awesome and I am so glad that I can call you my family!
CON MUCHO AMOR
Elder Bowden
Wow! Thanks for all the crazy news.....most of which I had no idea. Ashlee is having another baby! AAAAHHHH! I wont even be home yet....not cool cause I am feeling left out. No its all good I know we will all be blessed for the short time of sacrifice. You dont know if its a boy or a girl yet right? I better know as soon as they know! You are getting an exchange student like right now? Is he going to go to school? That's super cool! I hope everything goes well with Sharlee and I hope she gets the letter that I sent last week. Sounds like you are all excited for spring and are enjoying March Maddness! I hope to hear who is winning and how the schools from Utah do...thanks! Ouch! I cant believe that Jay broke her arm! Yeah I know how that feels and it must be even worse for someone that's only 4 years old! Tell her that I sent a kiss to make it better and that she should be more careful. Tell all the brothers and sisters that I love them and good luck with all they are doing whether it be science fair, choir, or sports! This week went pretty well, a lot better than last week as far as what we got accomplished but not so well as far as my comp. We taught quite a bit this week and are anxiously waiting for the people to keep their commitments so they can get baptized! We found another lady yesterday...taught her the restoration and invited her to get baptized on the 13 of April and she said she would if she gets an answer that it is true! I love that fact that we can teach by the spirit and help people to feel that this is true and then have confidence that if they pray about it they will receive an answer. I realized at the beginning of my mission that we are they only ones who have that promise...ask God and He will answer....hmmmm...it must be true! We are still doing all that we can to have a baptism but the Lord definitely requires all from us. I hope that I will be able to give it my all and leave it all on the field these last two weeks of the change. I don't know if Ill be staying or leaving but know that I will be where the Lord needs me! I am so flipin pumped for general conference! Besides Christmas, Mothers Day, and baptisms it is by far some of the best days in the mission. It was kind of a weird week cause my comp says he wants to go home. He called Pres Da Silva and asked for an interview but Pres said that he should wait until next change. I am going to do all I can to show lots of charity for him and help him realize that this is the best place for him to be. He says that no one is going to change his mind but I know that he is here for at least two more weeks for some thing. We are having a branch activity this Saturday and I hope that we can help the members see their vitally important role in missionary work, feel the spirit, and have fun at the same time. Our ward missionary leader is really working hard, despite all the trials he has personally and I know that the work will start to move very soon here in Carmen. I am loving the assignment as a district leader but its not easy. It gives me lots to do and more to help me work harder. I have to talk on the phone for at least a half hour every night but ya....its fun! I am looking forward to all that the Lord has in store for me and the rest of my mission! I cant believe that I have been out for 14 flippin months! CRAZY! I love you all and am grateful for all that you do! I know that this church is true and that we are children of our Heavenly Father. I know He loves us, knows us, and wants the very best for us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it contains counsel for us in these last days. I know that the Savior lives and that He suffered beyond our understanding so that we can repent and be cleansed from sin. I know that it is a life long journey to become like our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ but that as we strive daily we are making progress. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to true and lasting happiness in this life and in eternity! I love you all and cant wait to hear from you in what is literally seven days but feels like only hours! Oh and a few other questions? Box Elder wrestling? Grandma Bywater...when is her B-Day? And has anyone else left on missions or got their calls? Thanks for everything....your are awesome and I am so glad that I can call you my family!
CON MUCHO AMOR
Elder Bowden
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Pressing Forward!
SALUDOS A MI FAMILIA
Well first off......we had a really good week. It wasn't the best as far as what we accomplished because we didn't even work in our area Mon or Tues. I had to go to the leadership meeting in Deo which went really good. I learned lot of new things and most importantly renewed my desires to keeping looking for the people that Heavenly Father is preparing for us. We received really good new this week and I hope that all goes well, but there is a lady who's name is Norma who moved to Carmen. The missionaries were teaching her before and she even went to church this last Sunday! She is practically ready to be baptized! I know that the Lord is aware and He works and always blesses us for our efforts. I know that He loves us and want us to have success as well as be tested to grow and learn. I feel like the unity with my comp and I has increased a lot this week and I hope it continues as we both strive to do all we can to baptize. I know that this is the gate in which everyone must enter to be able to live with our Heavenly Father again. I know it is the best way in which we can help our brothers and sisters and children of God. I am glad to her that you are all doing well and even enjoyed the temple! I miss it lots but cant wait to go when I get home to the completed BC Temple! I cant believe Sharlee is getting married on Saturday! That seems so crazy and it feels like I am behind cause she is younger than me. Tell her congrats and I'll be writing soon. Elder (Garrett) Jones from Denver who is in my district knows her. I opened the invitation and he said the he knew her cause she was in the same EFY group...small world! We are seeing lots of miracles in the mission, in my district, and in our own area. I am really excited to see what will happen in these next couple of weeks. I have not received any g-mail from Ashlee yet......so you better tell me the news in the next email next week or I wont know! You know I hate surprises and cant wait for anything! Oh before I forget can you attach some talks with the email next week? The first one is Place no More for the Enemy of My Soul by Elder Holland and the other is The Way of the Master by President Monson. Thanks you're great! I cant believe how fast time is going! Next week I will complete 14 months in the mission and it seems like yesterday I just started. I am really enjoying the call to be district leader but it isn't easy! I have noticed that is has helped me to focus more on my area so I can be the example of the other missionaries. I know I shouldn't have to have an extra calling to motivate me to work but I am grateful for the blessing! I am glad to hear that you received my pictures and hopefully Ash got her birthday card on time also. I honestly don't know what else I can tell you this week. I am conducting my fourth district meeting tomorrow, after which we will be doing an intercambio! I hope that working with the other companionship of elders will help them. It sure has been hot here. It cooled down for a while and I thought that fall was coming and then the heat came right back. It sounds like you guys are also enjoying warmer weather! Hey we are only like 3 hours difference now cause Sunday we fell back and you sprang forward. Hopefully it works a little bit better for our Skype call on Mothers Day! Its not to far away! I love you all SO MUCH! I miss you but know that really its only a short time and it is worth every second! I love the mission, the changes I can see and experience, and the person it is making me! I know I will miss it when I get home. Hey our new mission president, do you know lots about him? Let me know if so....I know that he is from the states and he starts on July, but other then that nothing. I know that this church is true and it blesses my life DAILY! I know that the Savior lives and loves us. I know that through His atoning sacrifice we can be cleansed and purified if we repent. I have received many more blessings in my life as I strive to change the desires of my heart and repent on a daily basis. I know that one day we can become like our Father in Heaven. I know that we can live with Him and our families forever through covenants in the temple and being faithful to them. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and for what others see as simply a book, I see as an instrument from God that has changed my life. I know that we are lead by a prophet today and it is highly important that we follow his council. I am super excited for General Conference again.....even though it seems like yesterday we had it. I know that as we apply these teachings and those from the scriptures in our lives, we will be lead back to our Father in Heaven prepared and worthy of His judgement and reward! I LOVE YOU ALL! Until next week!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
Well first off......we had a really good week. It wasn't the best as far as what we accomplished because we didn't even work in our area Mon or Tues. I had to go to the leadership meeting in Deo which went really good. I learned lot of new things and most importantly renewed my desires to keeping looking for the people that Heavenly Father is preparing for us. We received really good new this week and I hope that all goes well, but there is a lady who's name is Norma who moved to Carmen. The missionaries were teaching her before and she even went to church this last Sunday! She is practically ready to be baptized! I know that the Lord is aware and He works and always blesses us for our efforts. I know that He loves us and want us to have success as well as be tested to grow and learn. I feel like the unity with my comp and I has increased a lot this week and I hope it continues as we both strive to do all we can to baptize. I know that this is the gate in which everyone must enter to be able to live with our Heavenly Father again. I know it is the best way in which we can help our brothers and sisters and children of God. I am glad to her that you are all doing well and even enjoyed the temple! I miss it lots but cant wait to go when I get home to the completed BC Temple! I cant believe Sharlee is getting married on Saturday! That seems so crazy and it feels like I am behind cause she is younger than me. Tell her congrats and I'll be writing soon. Elder (Garrett) Jones from Denver who is in my district knows her. I opened the invitation and he said the he knew her cause she was in the same EFY group...small world! We are seeing lots of miracles in the mission, in my district, and in our own area. I am really excited to see what will happen in these next couple of weeks. I have not received any g-mail from Ashlee yet......so you better tell me the news in the next email next week or I wont know! You know I hate surprises and cant wait for anything! Oh before I forget can you attach some talks with the email next week? The first one is Place no More for the Enemy of My Soul by Elder Holland and the other is The Way of the Master by President Monson. Thanks you're great! I cant believe how fast time is going! Next week I will complete 14 months in the mission and it seems like yesterday I just started. I am really enjoying the call to be district leader but it isn't easy! I have noticed that is has helped me to focus more on my area so I can be the example of the other missionaries. I know I shouldn't have to have an extra calling to motivate me to work but I am grateful for the blessing! I am glad to hear that you received my pictures and hopefully Ash got her birthday card on time also. I honestly don't know what else I can tell you this week. I am conducting my fourth district meeting tomorrow, after which we will be doing an intercambio! I hope that working with the other companionship of elders will help them. It sure has been hot here. It cooled down for a while and I thought that fall was coming and then the heat came right back. It sounds like you guys are also enjoying warmer weather! Hey we are only like 3 hours difference now cause Sunday we fell back and you sprang forward. Hopefully it works a little bit better for our Skype call on Mothers Day! Its not to far away! I love you all SO MUCH! I miss you but know that really its only a short time and it is worth every second! I love the mission, the changes I can see and experience, and the person it is making me! I know I will miss it when I get home. Hey our new mission president, do you know lots about him? Let me know if so....I know that he is from the states and he starts on July, but other then that nothing. I know that this church is true and it blesses my life DAILY! I know that the Savior lives and loves us. I know that through His atoning sacrifice we can be cleansed and purified if we repent. I have received many more blessings in my life as I strive to change the desires of my heart and repent on a daily basis. I know that one day we can become like our Father in Heaven. I know that we can live with Him and our families forever through covenants in the temple and being faithful to them. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and for what others see as simply a book, I see as an instrument from God that has changed my life. I know that we are lead by a prophet today and it is highly important that we follow his council. I am super excited for General Conference again.....even though it seems like yesterday we had it. I know that as we apply these teachings and those from the scriptures in our lives, we will be lead back to our Father in Heaven prepared and worthy of His judgement and reward! I LOVE YOU ALL! Until next week!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Eating Armadillo and finding Baptisms!!
HOLA FAMILIA
Well here I am again......sitting in a place called cyber.....ya its kinda weird not to have access to internet in my house, but none the less I am writing the family! I think I am just going to stop saying how fast time flies and then maybe it will slow down...who knows? This week went really good even though it was really busy. We had a baptism this week in our district and I had to come to Durazno to interview him. It was the first time I have done it but it went really well and I am excited to continue doing them as my district works hard and baptizes. Friday I worked with Elder Plyler here in Durazno on an intercambio and Elder Conder worked with Elder Sanchez. It went really well and we learned lots. It is nice to work with other missionaries to see what you can change to do better and also to get to know more. Tomorrow I am going to Deo again for another leadership conference and then on Wednesday I will be holding my third ever district meeting. It seems like we have already accomplished a lot in these first few weeks of the change and are looking forward to the success we will have! I cant believe that you guys are playing in the SNOW! Oh how I love and miss it, especially now that it it really hot. Fall is coming though and I am excited for the cooler temperatures. I don't know if I have already sent these photos but I am sending them again, I don't have lots cause I have pretty much taken pics of everything I can for now. When something new happens I will for sure snap some and send them home. We are working really hard this change on being committed to our goals. Working as hard as we can each day to meet all the goals we have set and then be able to baptize every week. I talked to President Da Silva the other day and he seems excited to hear that we are slowly changing the area. He said it has the confidence on me to get it done. More then the mission president I know that the Lord has confidence in me and that I am responsible for the souls of every person in Carmen. I know that as I follow the spirit and strive to be the example for my district that the Lord will guide us to the people He is preparing. I am so grateful for you guys and the support I ALWAYS have! I am not going to tell you I need anything cause if I do, you will send what I need with five other boxes. But yes the inserts and shoes are working great! Yes Hna Ester loved her gift, was very appreciative and said that your letter was precioso or precious. I love you all and thanks for everything you do! Hey you didn't mention anything but I will ask....did you receive a letter that had my card in it with all my photos? I sent it like last week so it should be there by now, just let me know! Tell Ash happy B-Day and not to feel super old! I sent her a card also and should be arriving.I know that this church is true and it has changed my life. I know that there is power in obedience to the gospel and we are happy/protected when we live it! I know that through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed without stain to stand before our God and Maker one day. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it is another testament of Jesus Christ. I don't really like reading that much but love to study the Book of Mormon because I feel its power and closer to my Heavenly Father every time I do. I know that through the ordinances in the temple families can be together forever! Until next week! LOVE YOU!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
Well here I am again......sitting in a place called cyber.....ya its kinda weird not to have access to internet in my house, but none the less I am writing the family! I think I am just going to stop saying how fast time flies and then maybe it will slow down...who knows? This week went really good even though it was really busy. We had a baptism this week in our district and I had to come to Durazno to interview him. It was the first time I have done it but it went really well and I am excited to continue doing them as my district works hard and baptizes. Friday I worked with Elder Plyler here in Durazno on an intercambio and Elder Conder worked with Elder Sanchez. It went really well and we learned lots. It is nice to work with other missionaries to see what you can change to do better and also to get to know more. Tomorrow I am going to Deo again for another leadership conference and then on Wednesday I will be holding my third ever district meeting. It seems like we have already accomplished a lot in these first few weeks of the change and are looking forward to the success we will have! I cant believe that you guys are playing in the SNOW! Oh how I love and miss it, especially now that it it really hot. Fall is coming though and I am excited for the cooler temperatures. I don't know if I have already sent these photos but I am sending them again, I don't have lots cause I have pretty much taken pics of everything I can for now. When something new happens I will for sure snap some and send them home. We are working really hard this change on being committed to our goals. Working as hard as we can each day to meet all the goals we have set and then be able to baptize every week. I talked to President Da Silva the other day and he seems excited to hear that we are slowly changing the area. He said it has the confidence on me to get it done. More then the mission president I know that the Lord has confidence in me and that I am responsible for the souls of every person in Carmen. I know that as I follow the spirit and strive to be the example for my district that the Lord will guide us to the people He is preparing. I am so grateful for you guys and the support I ALWAYS have! I am not going to tell you I need anything cause if I do, you will send what I need with five other boxes. But yes the inserts and shoes are working great! Yes Hna Ester loved her gift, was very appreciative and said that your letter was precioso or precious. I love you all and thanks for everything you do! Hey you didn't mention anything but I will ask....did you receive a letter that had my card in it with all my photos? I sent it like last week so it should be there by now, just let me know! Tell Ash happy B-Day and not to feel super old! I sent her a card also and should be arriving.I know that this church is true and it has changed my life. I know that there is power in obedience to the gospel and we are happy/protected when we live it! I know that through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed without stain to stand before our God and Maker one day. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it is another testament of Jesus Christ. I don't really like reading that much but love to study the Book of Mormon because I feel its power and closer to my Heavenly Father every time I do. I know that through the ordinances in the temple families can be together forever! Until next week! LOVE YOU!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
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