New Companioin=Elder Chumpitaz from Peru!

HEY FAMILY! WOW! Well today was an alright day....we already went to Montevideo and back....I am so sick of riding buses! But hey I guess that's the life of a missionary sometimes. My comp had to go and do a medical check up that they do for every one of the new missionaries. We had a pretty good week....it was a trial that's for sure! We got back to our area on Wednesday and after having some crazy weather and all the traveling I happen to lose my voice...ya that's right....I could only whisper! It was kind of hard to teach my new comp how to contact people or how to teach lessons if I couldn't even talk! It finally decided to come back on Friday along with the sun and from there on out we had an excellent week! My comp is from Lima Peru from an area called Villa Salvador. Pres Armstrong was in Peru before here and he says it is a pretty dangerous area. My comp was asking me about our area and he found it very surprising that no one there really robs and that people don't lock their houses, etc. We are lucky to be in this area and are very excited to keep working and find as many people as we can that are ready to make and keep covenants with the Lord. His name is Elder Chumpitaz and is a the only member in his family and has been a member for only two years. He has a large knowledge of the scriptures and has done a lot of studying. He isn't a nerd but you can tell he has studied a lot. He says that history was he favorite subject and he always tells me stuff about Peru, Spanish, etc. He was pretty tired this week because of the plane ride and adapting to the mission, but this week should be great. It looks like the temple dedication went great and that everyone enjoyed it. It looks like the cultural festival was exciting. I am so excited to go through when I get home as I'm sure you are as well! I can't believe that my what seemed to be like a very long journey is coming to an end.....I have to work as hard as I can and give it all I got! Thanks for all your love and support! Our district is doing well....we all have our trials but everyone is working hard and spiritually progressing. I know that this is the Saviors work and that He guides it. I know that this is His church and the only true one on the face of the planet. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is evidence of the divinity of this gospel. I love it and it has changed my life. I love serving the Lord full time and am not looking forward to when it ends. I am who I am thanks to the teachings of the Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to repent and to receive forgiveness of my sins and errors. Sorry that the email isn't too long this week but we got to bounce! I love you all and miss you tons. I am always praying for you and know that Heavenly Father watches over and protects as well as guides you. We are truly blessed and forever will be if we are obedient to the commandments! Until next week! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden