A baptism and Pumpkin Pie!

¡HOLA MEJOR FAMILIA DEL MUNDO! Hey just so you know...the baptism went great(as you can tell from the pictures)! The other pic was of the pumpkin pie I made....it was entirely from memory but ended up turning out good. You should send me the real recipe anyways and then I will be able to compare. This past week was great and luckily not as stressing as your week. We did have the baptism in cold water and Carlos forgot his white clothes at first but we overcame Satan's opposition and had the baptism! Its feels good to finally have one after quite a while....It wasn't me but only the spirit working through me and my comp to help him. We had another one planned for this Saturday but he didn't make it to church on Sunday....so maybe in another week? I also know that it is extremely important to assist church on Sunday and be prepared before to partake of the sacrament and renew our covenants. Our new mission President is great! Different than Pres Da Silva but still great. Our entire interview was in English which was weird but really good. He gave me some advice on making decisions and being a successful missionary. I have thought about it lots.....made the list of pros and cons, and even fasted and prayed. I honestly feel that I should stay here in the mission until I finish and come home to spend time with the family. Then I will be able to go with everyone else in the fall (bros, sisters, and cousins). I just hope that you guys can land a job for me and I'll have lots to learn and do. Pres Armstrong has a fairly large family and most of them are already married, but he does have a daughter who is studying here and a son who just finished his mission in Texas. They have made a blog for the mission and the address is...missionmontevideouruguay.blogspot.com.....there will be updates and photos there also! I cant believe I only have 6 months left! I know that 6 months is 6 months but it will pass faster than I know it! I know that I have to work my hardest and give it all I got. I am striving to follow the advice of giving by Pres Eyring who said ``a missionary is successful when......he is worthy to have and follows the spirit. I also have a new goal....to be the second best missionary in the mission and make my companion the first. It has a lot to do with charity and I hope that I can love my comp as well as all those with whom I speak to. I miss you all and love you lots but know that the mission is all worth it. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything! I LOVE being a full time servant of the Lord and striving to help as many people as I can. I will see if I can get the flag sent this week and it should be there in about 2 weeks. I hope that despite the fires....things are going well and that fireworks ended alright. I hope that all are enjoying the summer break and the fun camps. I know that the church is true and that Christ is at the head of it. I know He lives and loves us. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Him and guides us in our lives. I know that gospel principles followed and covenants we keep are the true way to happiness and nothing else matters! Until next week! LOVE you all! CON AMOR UN ABRAZO FUERTE Elder Bowden