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
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