Going to the Temple for his first family sealing!

HOLA FAMILIA! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant believe how HAPPY I feel right now!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a personal testimony I have that God helps us in the times we are down. That He will always lift us up, give us blessings, and help us endure to the end whenever we do our part. It sounds that you are all doing amazing as well as I am. Its sad to hear that the neighbors are having some trials but it will all work out the way our Heavenly Father wants and will always be for our benefit. I have amazing news to had to the great stuff you have already mentioned. I am so glad Shane is going on his mission and it makes me super happy to know all he will do while he is out. Too bad I wont see him for almost four years! Thanks so much for all that you do. I have the most incredible family in the world lead by the greatest parents. I don't know about souvenirs yet...but I'll be thinking and let you know. I know that everyone at home is in need just as much as I am....just cause I am on a mission doesn't make me an exception! Oh sorry that you just barely received this email today...yesterday the internet was down in our area and we couldn't email. But nevertheless....I AM GOING TO THE TEMPLE TODAY! I received news from my ZLs that Pres Da Silva gave me permission to go to the temple with Pedro! He is one of my converts that I had when I was with my trainer in my first area! I can honestly say that this is one of if not the happiest moment of my whole mission! To know that someone I helped receive the gospel is now going to have an eternal family is indescribable! We have the sealing at 6:00pm and he even asked if I would be one of the witnesses! I am so excited and can hardly even wait! We just barely finished our last district meeting of the change. I cant believe that another six weeks has already gone by! So on Sunday we are going to receive change calls...I don't know if anything will change (probably not) but I will let you know! This week was good as usual and we had another investigator (Luiz) come to church on Sunday! I hope and pray that he will continue to progress and can eventually be baptized. We are still planning on the baptism of Carlos on the 14th. (I guess I will have to send some more B-Day cards, July is a big month) I know that there is no other work greater than this. At times I become discouraged and feel down but I know this is what Satan wants. I know that as we strive to be happy and give it our best, that Lord will always bless us with spiritual, edifying experiences that testify to us of His divinity! I know that Heavenly Father lives and that His son Jesus Christ gave His life so that we can be cleansed of sins and mistakes to return to their presence. I know that true repentance brings us to a higher level, closer to our Heavenly Father and as we repent daily, keep and renew our covenants, it is as if we take small steps up towards the Celestial Kingdom. We have to remember that we don't want to go downstairs and hold tight to the railing(the gospel). I love you all and miss you tons! I am not trunky but waiting for the day the I get to see you all again. As the time comes closer I honestly feel nervous and don't want to give up my calling as a full time servant of the Lord. I love doing His work and being an instrument in His hands and have grown an even greater to serve Him the rest of my life. I hope that all of the kids are doing well, working hard, enjoying the summer, and strengthening their testimonies. I guess that goes for the adults as well! I don't have to much more to say and kind of have to go. Ill try to make up for the short email next week but just know that I am doing great and always will be not matter what happens. I know that this is the only true church on the face of the earth. I know that keeping the commandments is essential to our person conversion and happiness here and in the eternities. I hope you have a great week as well and I am always praying for you too! Until next week! CON MUCHISIMO AMOR UN ABRAZO GRANDE Elder Bowden