HOLA FAMILIA
Well....I have some not so good news to tell you this week. We started this week off very well and had an intercambio with our district leader. I worked in Durazno and my comp stayed in Carmen. The next day we had our district meeting and headed back to our area. Thursday morning I woke up and was feeling really wierd....different than usual. It got progressively worse Friday and Saturday and then Sunday I couldnt hardly work. I dont know what it is and I havent been able to go to the doctor because we have to travel to Montevideo. According to my self diagnosis....I am really sick....I would guess that the sickness is.....well its not quite like a cold...or the flu....some thing like ``trunky-titis.`` I am sure I got it from the food I have recently been eating, which would include peach shakes and homeade hangaburs or hamburgers. If not the food I got it from a member from Sarandi de Yi who has been to Utah and told me of the amazing experiences he had at temple square and going to the Manti Pagent. DONT WORRY, I am sure Ill be fine I just have to work a little harder and take the proper medications. Despite the sickness we actually had a really good week as far as work goes. Our numbers have increased from the past week and we are slowly progressing to a baptism. Yesterday we had a lot of good things happen at church. We had 29 people come...the only thing is that nine of them were from the stake presidency and came cause we had branch conference. We had a lady who was inactive for over a year come back for the first time and found out that our branch president has vacation time for the next 20 days. We are excited to be able to work more with him and hopefully reactive some more members and find the few who are waiting for the gospel. We are also going to do an intercambio with the ZL`s this Wednesday and hopefully be able to place a few baptisimal fechas. VAMOS ARRIBA! Elder Condor and I are still excited to work and keep pushing everyday. I found a quote that has really helped me and has become my theme for this time in my mission. It is from Elder Wirthlen and says ``Perseverance is a positive, active characteristic. It is not idly, passively waiting and hoping for some thing good to happen. It gives us hope by helping us realize that the rightoues suffer no failure except in giving up and no longer trying.`` I am going to work on being more diligent, perservering, and doing all I can to make some thing good happen. No I havent recieved any packages yet...I should get them in about a week to two weeks, I will let you know when they arrrive. Thanks for all your constant love and support. You guys are one of the things that helps me keep going when I feel I can't go anymore. Tell Kyle congrats on his mission call and I will be writing him. That's pretty cool that Aaron and Kyle both went and are going to Argentina. That means one more person I'll be able to talk to when I get back! I had some thing else I wanted to tell you this week, but I didn't write it down and at the moment I can't remember. Have fun watching the super bowl and let me know how it goes next week. I am sure it will be about the same for me as far as doing contacts. It is a FOOTball game and not a Fùtbol game, so the Guayans dont really care to much. :) I cant believe that I am already half way through this change and when its over I'll have 13 months! It is going by really fast. I am glad the Annalee got her birthday card and had a good day! I am not for sure what the future holds for me but I know I can look forward with faith. I think I might be here in Carmen for another change which means...ya...6 months in the smallest area in the mission. Its all good though and know it is where the Lord wants and needs me! I know that this church is true and that it is lead by Christ himself. I know that He has called a living prophet to guide us and he recieves revelation for us. I know that no matter how many people reject us and the gospel, it brings greater joy in our lives than anything else! I know because I am living it and enoying the blessings that come daily! I know that families can be together forever! I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It is another testament of Jesus Christ and it along with the Bible contains the fullness of the gospel. I LOVE you all SO MUCH! I am grateful for an amazing family and the amazing oppurtunity I have to share peace and comfort that comes from the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I will be waiting to hear from you next week and know that you are doing great and the Lord is blessing you as He is blessing me!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Elder Bowden is determined to get a BAPTISM in Carmen!!
HOLA FAMILIA
Another week has come and gone and here I sit writing to family. I remember hearing that time doesn't stop for anyone but never really paid attention, now I know what it means. Prophets have also said the that work of the Lord will always go forward, no matter who or what tries to stop it. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to be a part of His work and do my best to serve Him. This week was pretty normal as far as the work goes but a lot different in the way I view my area. We had interviews with Pres Da Silva on Thursday and they went really well, not anything like I expected but well. We had to go to Durazno (where the stake center is) to have the interviews and we also saw all the other missionaries. We had a same discussion with our zone leaders about our goals what we can do to have more baptisms. I was thinking to myself, that in my area (Carmen) we won't have a baptism, it is way to hard. I was preparing to tell President all about the branch, the people, and the ``bad situation`` we were in. Well.....that didn't happen! I got in my interview with Pres Da Silva and he told me that he was still waiting for a baptism. He said ``Elder the Lord didn't send you to Carmen to fail. The Lord and I trust in you and know you can have a baptism. Don't use excuses (area, members, people, etc.) as a reason not to have success.`` It definitely wasn't anything that I was expecting to hear but it helped change my attitude about my area. I felt a lot this week that it isn't as easy as I thought it would be to be senior comp. I find that I have to do a lot or some times almost everything by myself while teaching my comp what to do. I am grateful for an inspired mission president to help and guide me. I am grateful that the Lord sends me every where He needs me in order to learn and become what He expects of me. I am eternally grateful for the atonement and the blessing I have to repent. To be able to change, progress, and to become more like our Heavenly Father. I am more focused in finding someone to baptize now and I hope that I will be able to do my part and follow the spirit to achieve that goal. Don't worry I will also work to help those that I fallen away and to rescue the less active. Thanks for the email and all of the updates about the fam. I never doubt that the Lord is guiding and protecting you. Go Giants, not that it really matters. Wow, 107 degrees that is hot! I don't have a lot to write this week I hope that you wont be disappointed in my some what short email. I will be waiting for my packages......as will all the other missionaries, since there are five again. I guess it is alright because you wont be sending me any for my next Christmas or birthday. Its like receiving them all at once instead of over the two years. I know that this church is true. My testimony of it grows daily as I study the doctrine and teach it to others. I love the mission and all the things I get to experience, every thing it makes me learn, and all the changes that occur. I know that our Savior lives. I know that because of Him we can be clean of sin. Often times we remember the things we have done, and feel guilt, but this too can also be cleansed. I know that God knows and loves us and because of this He has revealed His gospel again on the earth today. I know that it was restored in its fullness through the prophet Joesph Smith. I know that we have evidence of all of it and that is the Book of Mormon. I know that book is true and it contains powerful counsel for us in these latter days. I love you all SO MUCH and know that as we live faithful to our covenants as to everyone that has made them, we will one day live together forever! Until next week!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
Another week has come and gone and here I sit writing to family. I remember hearing that time doesn't stop for anyone but never really paid attention, now I know what it means. Prophets have also said the that work of the Lord will always go forward, no matter who or what tries to stop it. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to be a part of His work and do my best to serve Him. This week was pretty normal as far as the work goes but a lot different in the way I view my area. We had interviews with Pres Da Silva on Thursday and they went really well, not anything like I expected but well. We had to go to Durazno (where the stake center is) to have the interviews and we also saw all the other missionaries. We had a same discussion with our zone leaders about our goals what we can do to have more baptisms. I was thinking to myself, that in my area (Carmen) we won't have a baptism, it is way to hard. I was preparing to tell President all about the branch, the people, and the ``bad situation`` we were in. Well.....that didn't happen! I got in my interview with Pres Da Silva and he told me that he was still waiting for a baptism. He said ``Elder the Lord didn't send you to Carmen to fail. The Lord and I trust in you and know you can have a baptism. Don't use excuses (area, members, people, etc.) as a reason not to have success.`` It definitely wasn't anything that I was expecting to hear but it helped change my attitude about my area. I felt a lot this week that it isn't as easy as I thought it would be to be senior comp. I find that I have to do a lot or some times almost everything by myself while teaching my comp what to do. I am grateful for an inspired mission president to help and guide me. I am grateful that the Lord sends me every where He needs me in order to learn and become what He expects of me. I am eternally grateful for the atonement and the blessing I have to repent. To be able to change, progress, and to become more like our Heavenly Father. I am more focused in finding someone to baptize now and I hope that I will be able to do my part and follow the spirit to achieve that goal. Don't worry I will also work to help those that I fallen away and to rescue the less active. Thanks for the email and all of the updates about the fam. I never doubt that the Lord is guiding and protecting you. Go Giants, not that it really matters. Wow, 107 degrees that is hot! I don't have a lot to write this week I hope that you wont be disappointed in my some what short email. I will be waiting for my packages......as will all the other missionaries, since there are five again. I guess it is alright because you wont be sending me any for my next Christmas or birthday. Its like receiving them all at once instead of over the two years. I know that this church is true. My testimony of it grows daily as I study the doctrine and teach it to others. I love the mission and all the things I get to experience, every thing it makes me learn, and all the changes that occur. I know that our Savior lives. I know that because of Him we can be clean of sin. Often times we remember the things we have done, and feel guilt, but this too can also be cleansed. I know that God knows and loves us and because of this He has revealed His gospel again on the earth today. I know that it was restored in its fullness through the prophet Joesph Smith. I know that we have evidence of all of it and that is the Book of Mormon. I know that book is true and it contains powerful counsel for us in these latter days. I love you all SO MUCH and know that as we live faithful to our covenants as to everyone that has made them, we will one day live together forever! Until next week!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Elder Bowden is Senior Companero! His "little comp" has only been out 6 weeks!
HOLA FAMILIA
WOW! I cant believe again that another week has already past! This past week went good as usual and a pretty normal week here in Carmen. You wanted to know a little about my new comp so before I forget Ill tell you. I really think he is a great kid and has potential to become a wonderful missionary. He is the only member in his family and has only been a member for almost 3 years. He actually knows a lot about the gospel and teaches well. He has asked me a few questions that I thought he would have know but he didn't...oh well. We work pretty well together and are striving to help our area to progress. We got word from the assistants to Pres Da Silva that they want to do an intercambio here in Carmen to see why our area has been about the same for the last 3 months. I don't know what will happen but I hope that when they come they can up us to improve in any way that we can. I don't want to be negative but this area has got to be one of the hardest in the mission. It is really hard for me to think positively but I strive to do the will of the Lord and find the chosen. I don't know what is going to happen but they might even decide to close the area again if they find that there isn't a lot of potential. I really have enjoyed the time that I have been here. It has been hard but it has been worth it and I have really learned lots. Well an update about the weather...ITS HOT! It has been really hot especially these last two weeks. We have heard and seen that it has been above 40 degrees. I am not for sure what that is in Fahrenheit but 42 here is really really hot and I feel it! I luckily haven't really been sun burnt but I am looking good with my nice tan! I bought a watermelon last week... it was really yummy and the best part was that it only cost me 28 pesos or like a buck fifty! I was actually going to ask you how the elections for President are going. There is an hermana here in our branch that told us the Romney has won in Iowa and a few other states. She said it looks like it is going pretty well for him. Let me know all that happens and send me that stuff so that I can vote too! I got lots of Christmas and birthday letter which was really good! One from the stake presidency, grandma Bywater, grandma Bowden, Ashlee, Trent, Elder Durrans, and Aunt Becky and Fam. Speaking of which can you get me their address (Uncle Rod) so that I can send them a letter back. Thanks so much I appreciate it tons! My comp and I are in another district now, we got changed. We are together with the ZL`s and we have a companionship of hermans also. One of them was in the CCM with me and her comp was in the CCM with Elder Condor. We are excited to keep working and to see some changes here in Carmen. I hope that I can do all that the Lord sent me here to do and to fulfill His will and not mine. It is definitely a change being senior comp but I am enjoying it. It pushes me to do a lot better cause I am more responsible. I have been trying a lot harder to rely on the spirit and to seek the prompting that come when we are worthy and looking. I know that this church is true. I know it with all my heart and have no doubts about it! I know that Heavenly Father loves us, everyone of His children. He know us personally and is fully aware of what we need to be happy and return to His presence. I know that families can be together forever and I am so grateful for this blessing! I LOVE my family so much and hope that they invent some sort of technology that will allow me to give them a BIG HUG when I call home for Mothers Day! I know that we can be closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as we live the gospel. I know that in their holy houses, the temples we can feel their presence. I love the temple and cant wait to be able to go every week when I get home! YAY BC TEMPLE! Let me know how the progress is doing. I am doing great here in Guay, I am glad to here that the rest of the world loves it and thinks it beautiful. I don't think that I need anything else so you should be good to send my package. Just make sure that you send photos....that's really all I want. :) I love and miss you all so much. I know that our Savior lives and that He suffered and died for us. That He knows exactly how we feel no matter what is happening in our lives. His blood contains that power to purify us from all our sins and mistakes and that we can be clean to return to His presence. I know that He can comfort us always and that anyone who will turn to Him through prayer can feel this. I am excited to have hit the half way mark. I cant believe that I have been out for a year all ready and know that it is only going to go faster from here! Ill be writing you next week and maybe some letters! I don't know if Ill send a package cause its kind of pricy but if something shows up then you'll know its from me. You guys are the best! I don't think there is another family in existence that is more incredible than you guys!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
WOW! I cant believe again that another week has already past! This past week went good as usual and a pretty normal week here in Carmen. You wanted to know a little about my new comp so before I forget Ill tell you. I really think he is a great kid and has potential to become a wonderful missionary. He is the only member in his family and has only been a member for almost 3 years. He actually knows a lot about the gospel and teaches well. He has asked me a few questions that I thought he would have know but he didn't...oh well. We work pretty well together and are striving to help our area to progress. We got word from the assistants to Pres Da Silva that they want to do an intercambio here in Carmen to see why our area has been about the same for the last 3 months. I don't know what will happen but I hope that when they come they can up us to improve in any way that we can. I don't want to be negative but this area has got to be one of the hardest in the mission. It is really hard for me to think positively but I strive to do the will of the Lord and find the chosen. I don't know what is going to happen but they might even decide to close the area again if they find that there isn't a lot of potential. I really have enjoyed the time that I have been here. It has been hard but it has been worth it and I have really learned lots. Well an update about the weather...ITS HOT! It has been really hot especially these last two weeks. We have heard and seen that it has been above 40 degrees. I am not for sure what that is in Fahrenheit but 42 here is really really hot and I feel it! I luckily haven't really been sun burnt but I am looking good with my nice tan! I bought a watermelon last week... it was really yummy and the best part was that it only cost me 28 pesos or like a buck fifty! I was actually going to ask you how the elections for President are going. There is an hermana here in our branch that told us the Romney has won in Iowa and a few other states. She said it looks like it is going pretty well for him. Let me know all that happens and send me that stuff so that I can vote too! I got lots of Christmas and birthday letter which was really good! One from the stake presidency, grandma Bywater, grandma Bowden, Ashlee, Trent, Elder Durrans, and Aunt Becky and Fam. Speaking of which can you get me their address (Uncle Rod) so that I can send them a letter back. Thanks so much I appreciate it tons! My comp and I are in another district now, we got changed. We are together with the ZL`s and we have a companionship of hermans also. One of them was in the CCM with me and her comp was in the CCM with Elder Condor. We are excited to keep working and to see some changes here in Carmen. I hope that I can do all that the Lord sent me here to do and to fulfill His will and not mine. It is definitely a change being senior comp but I am enjoying it. It pushes me to do a lot better cause I am more responsible. I have been trying a lot harder to rely on the spirit and to seek the prompting that come when we are worthy and looking. I know that this church is true. I know it with all my heart and have no doubts about it! I know that Heavenly Father loves us, everyone of His children. He know us personally and is fully aware of what we need to be happy and return to His presence. I know that families can be together forever and I am so grateful for this blessing! I LOVE my family so much and hope that they invent some sort of technology that will allow me to give them a BIG HUG when I call home for Mothers Day! I know that we can be closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as we live the gospel. I know that in their holy houses, the temples we can feel their presence. I love the temple and cant wait to be able to go every week when I get home! YAY BC TEMPLE! Let me know how the progress is doing. I am doing great here in Guay, I am glad to here that the rest of the world loves it and thinks it beautiful. I don't think that I need anything else so you should be good to send my package. Just make sure that you send photos....that's really all I want. :) I love and miss you all so much. I know that our Savior lives and that He suffered and died for us. That He knows exactly how we feel no matter what is happening in our lives. His blood contains that power to purify us from all our sins and mistakes and that we can be clean to return to His presence. I know that He can comfort us always and that anyone who will turn to Him through prayer can feel this. I am excited to have hit the half way mark. I cant believe that I have been out for a year all ready and know that it is only going to go faster from here! Ill be writing you next week and maybe some letters! I don't know if Ill send a package cause its kind of pricy but if something shows up then you'll know its from me. You guys are the best! I don't think there is another family in existence that is more incredible than you guys!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Still in Carmen...as SENIOR COMP!!! :)
HOLA FAMILIA!
WOW! Well I was going to tell you lots of exciting news and some other random things to keep you on your feet about changes or ``transfers`` but it's really the best news I have. So here it is.... I am staying in the tiny city of Carmen! I know its great right? The other crazy thing is that Elder Taylor is leaving and my new comp is Elder Condor. He is from Peru and has only been in the mission for six weeks! Thats means that I am finally senor comp! I am really excited but also a little bit nervous....I will have to do mostly everything cause he is so new and doesnt know the area. I really hope that he comes with the desire to work and strive to be obedient. It was kind of hard this change and I did actually slack in a few things but I am looking forward to the future and improving lots more! I will be staying here in Durazno to work tomorrow with an other elder and then my new comp will come back on Tuesday night and will go to work! Thanks for all your love, support, and (I cant think of the word but it means your worried about me) that! Its really good to here that Denver is still hanging in there. Hopefully they do just as well or better then the Packers... You will have to also let me know next week who won the national championship today....GO LSU! Anyways the work is slowly progressing and we are finding the few people to teach. I have been trying to plant lots of seeds like you said and I am starting to see that some day it might make a difference. I only wish that I could be the same farmer that planted, took care of, and harversted. I guess its all what the Lord has in store for me and my area. I will continue to strive to do my best and always seek His will. It isn't the easiest thing in the world, especially when we have the natural man that always wants us to do the opposite. I dont have a lot to tell you other than that. They fixed the internet on the computer in the church. So that means that we should be able to email you every week on time whether or not the library opens! I love you all so much and you mean more than anything in the world to me! I often think of you, what I am missing out on, and wish to be there. Then I re-think things and realize that this is where the Lord and you guys want and need me to be. The blessings that come from serving a mission are beyond measure and know that it is all worth the sacrifice. I had a pretty good birthday, it wasnt the same as home and Ashlee didnt make me a cake? What the heck sis? JK I went to a members house to have a charla or lesson on Friday, it was the same member that we went to for Christmas. It was really good cause we studied from the Book of Mormon and then we ate PB&J`s! I know we dont have peanut butter down here but my comp shared his that he got for Christmas with homeade jam! It wasnt quite as good as the ones from our house with our peach jam, but they were tasty! Then Hermana Ester gave me a ``humble`` gift as she called it and it was a thing of shaving cream. I said she didnt have to get me anything and that I was grateful for anything. She said she just wanted me to have a good birthday and I did! She is a really sweet lady and does so much for the missionaries! I love all the great members and people here in Guay and all over the world. Some times I think they dont always realize the differences that they make. I feel almost the exact same....it seems really wierd to be 20 and out of the teens. I have to start telling people that I am 20 in our all contacts now. It is so funny cause everyone always says that we are so joven or young and then ask our ages. They always guess somewhere around 25 or 26 and then we say 19 and 20...its great! Well only one more Christmas and B-Day in the mission and then I'll be home with the gang! :) I feel that I am at a changing point in my mission and it's for the better. Not that I was a bad missionary before, but I still have lot to improve on for the down hill stretch! I know that the church is true. I know that it is lead by Jesus Christ Himself through a living prophet. I know that they recieve revelation the guide us, I feel it is all directed to me as I read and study the conference edition of the Ensign! I know that we have trials for a reason and that as we work to overcome them then we are blessed with necessary strength. I know the God knows and loves us personally. He knows what is best for us and always want us to be happy even when we dont always strive to follow Him. I love you all SO MUCH! I will let you know how this week goes with my new comp on Monday. I hope that you all have a amazing week and continue to work hard and see success in your lives! (I am sure mom will do fine on her test!) I am so grateful for the gospel in my life, the most amazing gift and blessing I have ever received. I am so grateful to share it with my brothers and sisters here in Guay! LOVE YA! NOS VEMOS
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
WOW! Well I was going to tell you lots of exciting news and some other random things to keep you on your feet about changes or ``transfers`` but it's really the best news I have. So here it is.... I am staying in the tiny city of Carmen! I know its great right? The other crazy thing is that Elder Taylor is leaving and my new comp is Elder Condor. He is from Peru and has only been in the mission for six weeks! Thats means that I am finally senor comp! I am really excited but also a little bit nervous....I will have to do mostly everything cause he is so new and doesnt know the area. I really hope that he comes with the desire to work and strive to be obedient. It was kind of hard this change and I did actually slack in a few things but I am looking forward to the future and improving lots more! I will be staying here in Durazno to work tomorrow with an other elder and then my new comp will come back on Tuesday night and will go to work! Thanks for all your love, support, and (I cant think of the word but it means your worried about me) that! Its really good to here that Denver is still hanging in there. Hopefully they do just as well or better then the Packers... You will have to also let me know next week who won the national championship today....GO LSU! Anyways the work is slowly progressing and we are finding the few people to teach. I have been trying to plant lots of seeds like you said and I am starting to see that some day it might make a difference. I only wish that I could be the same farmer that planted, took care of, and harversted. I guess its all what the Lord has in store for me and my area. I will continue to strive to do my best and always seek His will. It isn't the easiest thing in the world, especially when we have the natural man that always wants us to do the opposite. I dont have a lot to tell you other than that. They fixed the internet on the computer in the church. So that means that we should be able to email you every week on time whether or not the library opens! I love you all so much and you mean more than anything in the world to me! I often think of you, what I am missing out on, and wish to be there. Then I re-think things and realize that this is where the Lord and you guys want and need me to be. The blessings that come from serving a mission are beyond measure and know that it is all worth the sacrifice. I had a pretty good birthday, it wasnt the same as home and Ashlee didnt make me a cake? What the heck sis? JK I went to a members house to have a charla or lesson on Friday, it was the same member that we went to for Christmas. It was really good cause we studied from the Book of Mormon and then we ate PB&J`s! I know we dont have peanut butter down here but my comp shared his that he got for Christmas with homeade jam! It wasnt quite as good as the ones from our house with our peach jam, but they were tasty! Then Hermana Ester gave me a ``humble`` gift as she called it and it was a thing of shaving cream. I said she didnt have to get me anything and that I was grateful for anything. She said she just wanted me to have a good birthday and I did! She is a really sweet lady and does so much for the missionaries! I love all the great members and people here in Guay and all over the world. Some times I think they dont always realize the differences that they make. I feel almost the exact same....it seems really wierd to be 20 and out of the teens. I have to start telling people that I am 20 in our all contacts now. It is so funny cause everyone always says that we are so joven or young and then ask our ages. They always guess somewhere around 25 or 26 and then we say 19 and 20...its great! Well only one more Christmas and B-Day in the mission and then I'll be home with the gang! :) I feel that I am at a changing point in my mission and it's for the better. Not that I was a bad missionary before, but I still have lot to improve on for the down hill stretch! I know that the church is true. I know that it is lead by Jesus Christ Himself through a living prophet. I know that they recieve revelation the guide us, I feel it is all directed to me as I read and study the conference edition of the Ensign! I know that we have trials for a reason and that as we work to overcome them then we are blessed with necessary strength. I know the God knows and loves us personally. He knows what is best for us and always want us to be happy even when we dont always strive to follow Him. I love you all SO MUCH! I will let you know how this week goes with my new comp on Monday. I hope that you all have a amazing week and continue to work hard and see success in your lives! (I am sure mom will do fine on her test!) I am so grateful for the gospel in my life, the most amazing gift and blessing I have ever received. I am so grateful to share it with my brothers and sisters here in Guay! LOVE YA! NOS VEMOS
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy New Year...Elder Bowden turns 20 this week!
Hola mejor familia del mundo!
WOW! I can't believe that we are in the year 2012! This is the year that the world is going to end....right? I don't really know but in the scriptures it says that no man knoweth the day or time in which Christ will come again so I hope I`ll make it home to see you all! Ya reality hasn't really set in yet, so I don't really realize that by the end of this week I will be twenty years old. I'm sure that it will feel just like any other day and I be working just as hard. Hey I don't know when you are going to send my B-Day package, you don't have to send it any time soon, but when you do, could you include some spitz (sunflower seeds). That's my only wish for now, if I think of anything else then I will let you know. Actually no one never sent me the photos of the family that I asked for for Christmas so you should send those also! :) I'm sorry if I ever sound demanding or like I need all these things. You don't really have to send me anything if you can't or don't want too. Elder Taylor was really disappointed that I didn't receive a single newspaper, he really enjoys reading them. This week was alright, it was an average week for Carmen. We had one more person in church yesterday then we had on Christmas. We (the missionaries) were not informed that we only had one hour of church again, so we showed up at nine and there was no one there. We waited until sacrament meeting and then people started showing up. I don't know why they didn't have the whole thing? We always had all our meetings in Utah on New Years? Tell Bishop P that he needs to be more careful when he is riding...he isn't as young as he used to be. :) Tell him that I hope he gets better and is ok cause I want to go riding with him again when I get back. This is the last week of the change, we get the calls this Sunday. It seems like it has been quite a long time but at the same time it seems like it has also flown. I mean I am only like three weeks away from being half way. It seems really weird cause I still think that the mission is two years long and that I still have that much time left. I already have more time in the mission then more than half of the missionaries here but it feels like I should still be one of the new guys. I have definitely learned lots though and am not the same missionary as I was before. I got Ashlee's Christmas card last week and the family looks so cute! That's way cool that you all went to the temple with the family, I cant wait until I get to go with you all to the temple in BC! I am working on staying more focused this week and from now on. Its just really hard for me in an area that doesn't have much to do. I know and could tell by the Christmas call (which was super duper awesome!) that you all want me to be a great missionary that loves the work. I really do love missionary work and am eternally grateful for the opportunity I have been given to be a full time servant of the Lord. I found a quote this week that I really like that is going to help me, it says `` Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the LOVE of the work is SUCCESS. Genius undoubtedly is little more than the capacity for hard, sustained work,`` (-David O. McKay) I know that as I continue to STRIVE to do my best and continue to reach farther and farther, my hard and sustained work will pay off. I know that our Heavenly Father knows and loves us and puts us exactly where we need to be. I know that no valiant effort to help on the work of the Lord is wasted. I know that the more I focus and look for the will of God, the greater more prepared missionary and priesthood holder I will become. I don't really know if I am leaving to go to another area or not, but I think that I will be staying here....we`ll see! I love you all and thank you millions for all you support and desires to help me always become a better missionary. I'm not too worried about my plans for when I get home, but it would be nice to know when I have to be ready (when the time is appropriate please tell me) for school or if you find me a job then what Ill be doing for work. I know that my life is changing daily and that the blessings my family and I are receiving are uncountable. I love you all and look forward to hearing from you again next week just like every week! Thanks for the birthday wishes and I am sure I will have a great B-DAY! Love you all SO MUCH! I know that this church is true, always has been and always will. I know without I doubt the Joesph Smith saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I know the the Book of Mormon is true. That it is inspired words written for our day to help and guide us. I know this not because my parents told me or because I learned it in primary. I know these things are true because I have prayed about it and asked God, with a sincere heart and a desire to know, and He answered. I know that anyone who is truly seeking a testimony can do the same and receive the same conviction. I know missionaries are called of God to serve in the places they are and I LOVE being one of the 55,000 here in the small country of Uruguay! Thanks again for everything, you are the BEST!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
WOW! I can't believe that we are in the year 2012! This is the year that the world is going to end....right? I don't really know but in the scriptures it says that no man knoweth the day or time in which Christ will come again so I hope I`ll make it home to see you all! Ya reality hasn't really set in yet, so I don't really realize that by the end of this week I will be twenty years old. I'm sure that it will feel just like any other day and I be working just as hard. Hey I don't know when you are going to send my B-Day package, you don't have to send it any time soon, but when you do, could you include some spitz (sunflower seeds). That's my only wish for now, if I think of anything else then I will let you know. Actually no one never sent me the photos of the family that I asked for for Christmas so you should send those also! :) I'm sorry if I ever sound demanding or like I need all these things. You don't really have to send me anything if you can't or don't want too. Elder Taylor was really disappointed that I didn't receive a single newspaper, he really enjoys reading them. This week was alright, it was an average week for Carmen. We had one more person in church yesterday then we had on Christmas. We (the missionaries) were not informed that we only had one hour of church again, so we showed up at nine and there was no one there. We waited until sacrament meeting and then people started showing up. I don't know why they didn't have the whole thing? We always had all our meetings in Utah on New Years? Tell Bishop P that he needs to be more careful when he is riding...he isn't as young as he used to be. :) Tell him that I hope he gets better and is ok cause I want to go riding with him again when I get back. This is the last week of the change, we get the calls this Sunday. It seems like it has been quite a long time but at the same time it seems like it has also flown. I mean I am only like three weeks away from being half way. It seems really weird cause I still think that the mission is two years long and that I still have that much time left. I already have more time in the mission then more than half of the missionaries here but it feels like I should still be one of the new guys. I have definitely learned lots though and am not the same missionary as I was before. I got Ashlee's Christmas card last week and the family looks so cute! That's way cool that you all went to the temple with the family, I cant wait until I get to go with you all to the temple in BC! I am working on staying more focused this week and from now on. Its just really hard for me in an area that doesn't have much to do. I know and could tell by the Christmas call (which was super duper awesome!) that you all want me to be a great missionary that loves the work. I really do love missionary work and am eternally grateful for the opportunity I have been given to be a full time servant of the Lord. I found a quote this week that I really like that is going to help me, it says `` Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the LOVE of the work is SUCCESS. Genius undoubtedly is little more than the capacity for hard, sustained work,`` (-David O. McKay) I know that as I continue to STRIVE to do my best and continue to reach farther and farther, my hard and sustained work will pay off. I know that our Heavenly Father knows and loves us and puts us exactly where we need to be. I know that no valiant effort to help on the work of the Lord is wasted. I know that the more I focus and look for the will of God, the greater more prepared missionary and priesthood holder I will become. I don't really know if I am leaving to go to another area or not, but I think that I will be staying here....we`ll see! I love you all and thank you millions for all you support and desires to help me always become a better missionary. I'm not too worried about my plans for when I get home, but it would be nice to know when I have to be ready (when the time is appropriate please tell me) for school or if you find me a job then what Ill be doing for work. I know that my life is changing daily and that the blessings my family and I are receiving are uncountable. I love you all and look forward to hearing from you again next week just like every week! Thanks for the birthday wishes and I am sure I will have a great B-DAY! Love you all SO MUCH! I know that this church is true, always has been and always will. I know without I doubt the Joesph Smith saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I know the the Book of Mormon is true. That it is inspired words written for our day to help and guide us. I know this not because my parents told me or because I learned it in primary. I know these things are true because I have prayed about it and asked God, with a sincere heart and a desire to know, and He answered. I know that anyone who is truly seeking a testimony can do the same and receive the same conviction. I know missionaries are called of God to serve in the places they are and I LOVE being one of the 55,000 here in the small country of Uruguay! Thanks again for everything, you are the BEST!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden
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