The hard work continues! Warmer Weather is on it's way!

¡Hola mejor familia del mundo!
Congrats to all the hard work and success you had at the fair this year! It sounds like everyone was happy with the results, even though the judge didn't exactly like what you had to offer...oh well, at least we know they will taste good! Good work to my niece and nephew who were also successful! I hope everyone is doing well and enjoyed your first day at school. I can't believe I have brothers and sisters as juniors/sopohmores in high school, one at ACYI, and one still at good ole three mile creek. I hoped you all enjoyed your summer and feel like you accomplished all that you were working for. It is definitely a blessing to be able to work hard for something you really want and eventually see the results. I have learned even more of the value of hard work while I have been here in the mission field. I really miss the farm and all the physical labor I was able to do at home, but now I have the opportunity to work spiritually, strengthen my testimony, and change the lives of others. How marvelous is this work! This week was really good. It continued to rain and was pretty cold, but things are starting to get warmer, I hope it gets hot soon. I hear the missionaries lose lots of weight during the summer and I definitely need to get rid of all the stuff I have gained. We had 2 of our investigators in church on Sunday. One of which is coming on crutches and the other who is 10 years old. She comes with her aunt who is preparing to go on a mission right now. We also had a less active member come (he hasn't been to church for the entire time I have been here), and he brought his wife (they´re not married, but live together) who isn't a member. I always love Sundays because of the sacrament and the time I have to re-consecrate myself to the Lord. We had talks about the temple and missionary work this week, all which were really good. One of the talks was from the returned missionary who served in Pocatello. He talked about the blessings you receive from serving a mission. I know that my family and I are being blessed for the short time that we are apart. I miss you all so much and the great times we had together, but serving a mission is an experience I can't entirely describe. It is AMAZING to be a full time servant of the Lord, to represent Him in all times, in all things, and in all places. I have grown so much in this 7 months I have been out and continue to grow daily! I have never felt the spirit so much and never been so close to my Heavenly Father and Savior. It definitely isn't easy, but it is totally worth every sacrifice to be where I am today. I am so grateful for everyone in my life that has helped me become what I am today. My family, friends, ward members, companions, and most of all my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and it is a testimony to all that He suffered and died for us. I know that Christ in the only way, the only name under heaven in which we can return to our Heavenly Father´s presence. I know that His gospel provides happiness beyond all that we have ever felt before, and that if we live worthy, the happiness will only increase. I love you all so much and thank you for your support and examples. Continue to enjoy the warm weather, have fun at school/work, and always remember you are a child of our Heavenly Father and you have great potential. I don't need you to send me new shoes but check with the missionary mall to see if they can replace the ones I have (the two year guarantee). Oh? and they announced in sacrament meeting this week that we have the ´´Service Day´´ for the church the 17th of Sept. Is that the same for you guys too? I am so excited to finally be able to do some physical labor and serve all the Uruguayans I can! If you could, send me a recipe for scones, pancakes, and banana bread that would be wonderful! Oh and check the regulations for what liquids you can have in a suitcase while on the plane and if they can be flammable or not. Thanks so much! Love you all more than you know!
Love
Elder Bowden