The work continues...as hard as it may be! And--It's almost CHRISTMAS!

HOLA FAMILIA

Yo no puedo creer que estamos tan cerca de Navidad! Estoy tan animado para hablar y usar SKYPE! I hope you got that if not then you can use google translator. Oh what technology we have! Wow this was a pretty good week, average for here in Carmen. We were not able to do email yesterday cause the Library was closed and they still haven't fixed the internet in the church. We are still searching far and wide and re-knocking houses to find those who Heavenly Father is preparing for us here in Carmen. I have to be honest, this is by far the hardest area of my entire mission and it isn't getting easier. I think that Heavenly Father has sent me here to learn how to be more diligent and work with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. I am struggling with being positive in an area where things don't go as smooth. I know that everything happens for a reason but almost everything here seems to fall through. I often wonder what I have to learn in the time that I am here and don't know if I will realize it before I leave. All I have to do is to continue working and do my best. I don't know if we will have a baptism, but I know if I do my part and follow the Lords will then all will be well. My goal now is to leave the area better then when I found it and in hopefully more than one form. It hasn't been as hot this week but its still summer. It rained a little today and has actually cooled down. Tonight we are heading to Durazno so that we can leave for the Christmas conference tomorrow. It is in Montevideo so we will have to leave at like 3:30 in the morning. I don't have a lot to tell you as far as the obra or work. We found an investigator who wants to be baptized and even sealed but it will take time. He is the son of a member and has lost two children do to some complications at birth. He told us that if God would save his son then he would change. Maybe it was Heavenly Fathers answer to help him turn his life around. I am excited to see him progress and make the necessary changes in his life. Vamos a ver. Oh ya about the Skype thing.....no one here has a web cam. I don't know what I should do cause I really want to SEE and talk to you guys. I can call by the phone as usual if you want, if not then I can buy a web cam. Let me know what you think and then we will act accordingly. Thanks so much for the pictures! I love them all. Its not that I am super trunky or anything just nice to see some things to help me remember what its like over there. I am glad that you are all doing well and are just excited for Christmas as I am. The only difference is that we wont be having a break here. I am not exactly the same as dad when he was in Japan but am still trying to focus on the work, the Savior, and staying busy. Sorry that the email isn't too long this week but I cant think of too much more to tell you and I am basically out of time. You don't have to send my B-Day package yet, actually if you want then you can wait and then it will spread the excitement out a little longer. Thanks for all you efforts to help me, here and at home (especially with the cards). I LOVE my family so much and will always be grateful for you. Tell the boys at home that I like the future missionary pics, keep up the good work, and don't stop with the cool poses. I know that this church is true. I know that our Father in Heaven knows and loves us. I know that no matter how hard things in the mission or life get, it will always be worth it to live the gospel. I know that it will bring joy to every life that I share it with and because of this it helps me to always keep going. I am so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ and the time I have to meditate on His life and birth at this time of the year and always. I am amazed every time I realize the He has trusted me to be a full time servant of Him. I know we have trails for a reason and that they also help us to grow, exactly in the direction that the Lord needs and wants us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and I love the book. I enjoy reading it everyday as I am touched by the spirit through its pages. I know that it was written for our day and we have it because of prophet called of God. I know we have these same prophets on the earth today that hold all the keys of the kingdom. I know that Heavenly Father is proud of us when we make and strive to keep our covenants with Him. LOVE you all, until next week (email), and then the Christmas call!

CON AMOR
Elder Bowden