It's heating up in Uruguay!

HOLA FAMILIA (LA MEJOR DE TODO EL UNIVERSO) Well.......where should I start? This week went pretty good. We didn't have a lot of success but we are striving to do our best and always improve. All of the investigators that we had or have are also having difficulties progressing. Whether it be coming to church, reading the scriptures, praying, or evening accepting a baptism date they are having their trials. We are going to continue to do our very best to follow the spirit and meet their specific needs. We also did two intercambios this week which went well but cut a chunk out of the time we had to work do to traveling. It was worth it though because the elders from the district that are in Durazno had two baptisms on Saturday. It was truly amazing to see how the Lord blessed them to be able to be baptized. We show up to do the interview and they said that they didn't feel like they could be baptized now cause they were have lots of problems. We explained that Satan didn't want them to get baptized cause that is what helps us return to the presence of God and that he was doing all that he could to keep them from making these covenants. We said it would be a trial of faith but it would be worth it. After that they decided that they needed to be baptized and with the help of the ward they did. They are an older couple and he has troubles walking. The other intercambio we had was with our zone leaders. I worked here in my area with Elder Bennett...the missionary from Morgan that was with me on the plane to Buenos Aires. It was a hard day of work but worth it. The temps are starting to heat up here. It feels like it is already summer and we still haven't started spring. That just means it will be an even hotter summer. It should be good though....after all my comp and I have officially started our diet! That's right I have to be in good shape for the ladies when I get home! It sounds like dads job is super awesome! I always knew that in the first grade fights of ´´my dad is better than your dad´´ that my dad would win! Continue to work had and try to enjoy the time as it some how vanishes before our eyes! Hey I have two quick questions.....1) I don't know if you already have it or not but you should receive my flight itinerary that tells me when I go home and on what planes, etc. If you love me I should receive that the week after you guys. (NO IT WONT MAKE ME TRUNKY) Thanks a million! Anyways.....thanks again for the pics last week! I just wanted to let you know that you are amazing! I have truly been blessed with incredible grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters. We are sealed as an eternal family and will live together forever if obedient and faithful to our covenants. I know that there is no other path that leads to true and lasting happiness outside the gospel. I know that Satan wants us to be miserable like he is and will do all in our power to make us fall into temptation. I know that we can overcome his temptations. I know that no matter how great you think the world is or how much easier you feel it may be it is only another deception from the evil one, the father of all lies, and the one who seeks to make us suffer. I know that each one of us has agency and the right to make choices. I know that there is power in following the principles of the gospel and promptings of the spirit to make our decisions. I have seen so many times while here on my mission that people dont always make the choices they should. I have found people here in Uruguay, grown a deep love for them, sought their eternal happiness, done all I that I could to help them and they still choose differently. I have felt very sad to know that people dont want to repent, dont want to follow Christ, dont want to obey the commandments, and dont want to be happy; but after our most diligent efforts their is nothing more we can do. Believe it or not investigators and missionaries is very similar to children and parents. Dont ever quit or let up and always strive to have charity the true love of Christ. I know that as we love those around us unconditionally they we see it and it will make a difference in their lives. I know that Christ lives and loves us. He desires the best for us and does all in His power to help us gain eternal life. I know that this is the restored church and gospel and has changed and transformed my life. I know that this life is not easy but this is why we are here to be tried, and not to fail but to succeed. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and contains the fullness of the gospel. If we apply its teachings in our lives it will make us true disciples of Jesus Christ. I know that we are lead by a living prophet who receives revelation for us. I cant wait for general conference in October! I love you all and miss you tons! But the time is coming faster than you know it when I............well I will let you fill in the blanks! Have a great week and remember how important each and every one of you are to our Father in Heaven! CON MUCHISIMO AMOR Y UN ABRAZO FUERTE Elder Bowden