New Mission President and RAIN!!

HOLA FAMILIA! WOW! Just a quick question? How many emails have I sent home that start with the word WOW? I assume its lots because I always feel the same way....oh well? This week was good....it went by fast to say the least. We are working well and getting excited to have our baptism on the 14th! I cant believe all of the great but crazy stuff that is going on back home. Congrats to dad who is having is interview tomorrow (or actually today). I will be praying for him and know that he we be guided by our Heavenly Father. Congrats to Ash, Char, Tal, and Jay for their exciting day on Saturday and even though I wont be there I know that making their family eternal is whats most important. Sorry to hear that sales are down this year but I hope things end well with the fires. If you want I will send you some of our rain...its rained almost three days in a row. Someone here told us that it was really bad in Colorado and that some even had to evacuate. I am glad that everyone received their cards and letters and there will be more on the way. Tell Katie happy B-Day and that I didn't forget but didn't have time to send a card so it will be a little late. I will for sure find a Uruguay flag and send it home (that way I can say I played a part in the temple dedication). We received an email today from our new mission pres, Presidente Armstrong. I cant believe that we have already changed and it wasn't too big of a deal. I am excited to continue working and eventually get to know him and his wife as well. It will be a short time but it will be a great 6 months. I will for sure fill out the ballet stuff when it gets here...thanks a million! I have been excited for Independence Day...the Fourth of July! Today my comp and I are celebrating by cooking good ole` hamburgers and hotdogs! It should be tasty and is an appropriate way to celebrate. After we are going to relax and write letters. I am honestly feeling scared knowing that my time as a missionary is coming to an end. I don't want to give it up and love the amazing opportunity I have to share this glorious gospel! I have to work my hardest and give it all I got so that I can finish on top. At least to say I did all that I could and I have no regrets. I love you all so much and am eternally grateful for the amazing family I have. I am grateful for all that you do for me and all the love/support I receive. I pray for you daily and know that Heavenly Father is watching over you. I know that the mission is a sacrifice in many ways but it is definitely worth it. I wouldn't trade this time I have to serve for anything else in the world. I know that God lives. That He loves us and wants the best for us, His children. I know that Jesus Christ is His Son and our older brother and that He suffered incomprehensible pain so that if we repent and endure to the endure to the end after making the required covenants, we can live with them again. I know that we have been given the gospel of Jesus Christ to guide us on this journey. I know that through the restored church which is lead by a living prophet this saving ordinances by the correct authority are available to us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that with the Bible we are giving wise counsel for our day. If we study them and follow the spirit through humble prayer we will not be lead astray. I know that families can be together forever and I hope that everyone can see that this is why we do this great work. I love you all so much and miss you even more! Until next week! CON AMOR UN ABRAZO FUERTE Elder Bowden PS- Other question...could you ask Dr. Terry about this....I am having headaches whenever I use my contacts. I think its because I use them so little and then when I do put them it it strains my eyes/head. Let me know if he says different and what I can do to help it? Querido Barrio de Perry! I cant believe how fast time flies! I am sure you are all thinking.....only a few months ago Elder Bowden left and I am sure he is doing great. You are right about the fact the am I doing great but it has been a little more than a few months! I just wanted to let you know that I am grateful for the amazing people you are. I have been forever touched by all of you and the many great leaders I enjoyed having as a youngin`. If it wasn't for such a great ward who also supports me and gave such a great example I might not have got to where I am today. I know that serving the Lord in any way we can (missions, home/visiting teaching, fulling callings, raising families, tec) brings us great joy. I know that we were sent to this earth with a plan and a purpose and as we live the gospel of Jesus Christ we will remain on course to return back to our Heavenly Father. I know that Christ lives and He died to provide for us the opportunity to obtain exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. Never doubt the power that we all have as children of God. That we can and must reach out to all those we are in need of our help whether they realize it or not. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is the keystone of our religion. It is a manual given to us in our day to help us personally and as a family. I know they as we study it, we will be edified, enlighten, and guided by the spirit. I know that prayer is a sacred privilege and not just a duty. That we need more than anything to communicate daily with our Father in Heaven. Remember the scripture in Mosiah 2:41 and always strive to live the commandments. I know that we are blessed by obedience. Until I get home! CON AMOR LES QUIERO MUCHO Elder Bowden