New changes coming again!

Hola Familia! I can't believe that only yesterday, a day I thought would never come this quickly has already passed! I just hope that I am doing everything I need to and everything Heavenly Father wants in these short two years (and continue for the rest of my life!) It was great to see and hear from you all and I LOVED doing Skype again. I cant believe how much everyone is changing and growing up. I love you all so much and miss you lots but it doesn't matter cause I am where I need to be. I have news about changes.....I don't know if its good or bad but kind of sad. I am staying here in Aeroparque but Elder Whiting is leaving. I really had a great but short six weeks with him and we have become really good friends. I know he is a great missionary just like all my comps before and the new comp I will have. My new comps name is Elder Jenkins (I don't know if that's how you spell it?) and he is an American. I am not for sure which state cause he is fairly new and no one really knows him, but I'll let you know next week. I'm not exactly for sure why (I don't think I am racist) but I have had a lot of American comps and only two latinos. I guess it is who ever the Lord sees I need help from and who we help me to become the best missionary I can. I had one more quick question....could you send me a cinnamon roll recipe? Thanks you're the best! Anyways....I don't know what more to say because I told you all that I had in mind yesterday? I'll be here for at least another six weeks but most likely it will be 3 more months. I like the area and I am excited to continue working with all the great people here. I will be going to changes in Malvìn tomorrow...I have to pick up my new comp! I will probably see all my companions, friends, and others there. I will be sure to give Elder Condor his letter! I am loving the mission, gaining lots of experience, and hope that I am becoming the priesthood holder Heavenly Father needs me to be in the future. I talked with Elder Whiting about changing on the mission. He says in his six months he doesn't think he has changed, but I think that he has. I don't see a lot of big differences with me but I think its because it happens gradually and over time. I hope that you can all see the changes and know its for the better. Don't worry cause I'm still the same Elder Bowden who likes to goof off but with a redefined and stronger outlook and testimony of the gospel. Sorry about the language but I think I am forgetting English, at least some words and using a lot of Spanish ones in place. I know that this church is true. I receive a testimony of it every day as I speak with others here in Guay. I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us beyond our comprehension. I know that He knows whats best for us and will always lead us to where we need to be if we follow His counsel. I know that His Son Jesus Christ walked the earth, formed His church, and eventually died for our sins. I know that because of Him we will be resurrected, cleansed of sin, and stand before our God again someday. I know that Mothers are amazing! and that we have been blessed with incredible moms to bless our lives. I am grateful for the gospel and all that it is in my life. I am grateful for an amazing family who is always positive, uplifting, and strong in their faith. I love you all and want you to know that TRUE HAPPINESS comes from living the gospel every day and in the simple actions. Remember who you are and what you stand for, why your'e here and who you can help. Until next week, CON AMOR Elder Bowden

6 Mas Dias y nosotros hablamos a Elder Bowden!

HOLA FAMILIA! Well.....what should I start with today? It has been a pretty good P-Day. We started at 10:00am after completing our studies and went to the supermarket. I bought today a large bottle of Tabasco sauce which I am very excited to use! After we waited for the bus and went to Camino Carrasco. It is our ZLs area. We went to visit them and pick up my package! Thanks for the candy, s, and girl scout cookies! It was literally just a few days ago I was talking about how much I love the peanut butter ones! Now we are here in the cyber emailing and we will have about two hours just to relax and clean up a bit when we get home. We dont have a lot of places to visit on P-Day that our inside our area and we have to have permission to go to the others outside the area(even then they dont always give permission). We have to work all day every other day so we usually just take P-day pretty slow. Our work days are normal. We leave at 10 to proselite(doing contacts and visiting investigators). We have an hour for lunch which is usually with a member but lots of the time they just give us the food and we eat at our house and then an hour to study spanish. We finish our work day at 9 at night and then we have planning for a half an hour and get ready for bed after that. I was kind of joking about the photos but would really like to have some more (current if possible). I am also super pumped to Skype and now we only have 6 days! It seems like just yesterday we were doing it for Christmas! I will be calling you guys on Skype at about 6:00pm here which would be about 3:00pm there. I hope that this works out and we wont have any problems! I love you all and cant wait to see and hear from you all on Sunday! This week went pretty good. As far as all the charlas or lessons we taught we reached our goals and had the most with member we have ever taught. I sure hope that we can find some one to be baptized soon cause it seems like forever since I have had one. I am doing very good and cant believe that the time continues to pass. I feel really wierd being one of the older missionaries that I always looked up to before. I hope that I can be an example to all those around me and always work hard. I am kind of sad to see Pres Da Silva leave in June....I really love him as our mission president and I know he is an inspired man. I also know that our new President will be just as good and continue to lead the misison in the direction that it needs to go. I know that this chuch is true and I love saying I am a member of it. Even more I love saying I am a missionary and representative of Jesus Chirst. I have to say that there is not any other feeling in the world thats like it. I feel that power of the Lord help靚g me, uplifting me, and guiding me daily. I know that He lives and that He loves us more than we can even comprehend. I know that as we pass through this life we have trials. We should strive to overcome them and seek the Lords help and after we will see them as blessings. I know that He sends them to us to help us return to our eternal destination and live with Him again. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is the evidence we have that our church is true. I testify if anyone who really wants to know the truth and reads the book and prays will recieve thier own witness of its divinity. I know that families can be together forever. I know that through little things like daily prayer, scripture study, church and temple assistance we are greatly blessed. I know that the Lord some times requires us to sacrifice but it is always worth it and will one day recieve it all in one hundred times full! Until Sunday! Love and miss you tons! CON AMOR Elder Bowden letter

Continuing to Pray for the people of Uruguay!

Hey fam! (I thought I would change it up to some ingles!) Well this week went very well.....it was another normal one but full of spiritual learning experiences. I am always amazed at all the Lord continues to teach me even when I think I know whats going on. I know this is one of the biggest blessings of serving a mission. Hey before I forget....I need to mention something.....Mothers Day is in two weeks! I was wondering if you all wanted to Skype again? Ill assume that you are all saying yes.....so listen up. This time there is a little bardering going on.....I will trade a phone call on Skype....for more photos of the family. Let me know if you think its worth the trade and remember thanks for doing business with Elder Bowden Inc. (HAHA, but seriously its not a joke) We should be able to get every thing in order and Ill let you know next week what time and all that good stuff. I am so grateful that I have an amazing and supportive family who prays for those area even where I am not serving. I am sure that Heavenly Father understands and will bless us all accordingly. I dont have a lot to tell about this week....its getting stinkin cold! I have offically busted out all the stuff for winter. I am excited to finally for the first time in my whole mission to have my suits dry cleaned! There is a huge store ( the Uruguayan version of a Wal-Mart) that has one really close to our area. We are going there today and we are also going to play pool! The first pool table I have found in this country thats not in a bar! We are still working hard and we really hope to see some baptisms in the near future. Time is going by really fast and I hope I can just keep up! We have a ward activity this week and its my comps birthday on the 5th of May! Its kind of wierd cause he is older than me but has less time in the mission. He will be turning 21 and I still have one of the cakes left that you sent for my B-Day so we are totally making it! Im sorry it was a kind of short and pretty boring email but I love you all! I know that this church is true and the Chirst is at the head of it. I know it is the only church on the earth today that has the authority from God. I know that we have a living prophet who recieves revelation for us. I know that Christ lives and without any doubts He gave His life for us. I know that as we strive to keep the commandments and repent we are healed by His atoning sacrifice. I know because I have felt this amazing power in my own life. I know there isnt anything in our life that cant be healed, cleansed, fixed, or change through faith in Him and His atonement. I know that as we sincerly pray, with real intent, we can improve our relationship with our Father in Heaven and recieve answers to our prayers. I know what matters to us also matters to Him and in His time and His way He will bless us. I know that families can be together forever. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and strengthens us personally and as a family when we dilligently study it! I love and miss you all! Until next week! CON AMOR Elder Bowden

I'm Just Sittin out here watchin Airplanes!

HOLA MEJOR FAMILIA DEL MUNDO! Hey! Thanks for the great email(they are great every week) and it made it great to see some pictures! I don't have lots to say this week....kind of a bummer week. We found out of Thursday of last week that our baptism probably wasn't going to happen. Her dad wouldn't give her permission but her mom said that she would convince him to let her. We filled up the font and were waiting with the members and they never showed up. It really makes me sad when people don't have any idea about the church but assume that its not for them and even worse prevent those who they should love from doing it also. Well she is now 17 and will be turning 18 this year so I guess if she still wants she can get baptized then. Don't worry though....we wont get discouraged and we are going to keep working. It sounds like everyone at home is doing well and staying nice and busy. I miss you all and often think of dad now.....yea airplanes are constantly flying over our area and it reminds me of when we would be driving on the freeway and be surprised cause dad was driving of the road. Mom would then say....what are you doing? Dad would respond...there's an airplane. We had a pretty good day yesterday, filled with lots to do and we ate with the bishop. I am still trying to eat Guayan food...its good...but really repetitive. I am looking forward to some nice home cooking! We have lots of goals this week and are excited to keep improving in all that week do. I cant believe that I have already been here in Aeroparque for three weeks! That means that the change is already half way over! We are also having interviews with Pres Da Silva this week and I am excited to talk to him for one of the few times that we still have with him. I am glad to hear that you received the letters and are looking forward to Mothers Day! Don't worry I am looking forward to it also and am pretty sure we can do Skype again. Hey I had a question? I know that when Michael goes to APTC that he gets letters from the parents but could you ask if it would be alright to get one from me also? Let me know. I am honestly drawing blanks as far as what to write now so I guess I just use what we do in the mission and testify when nothing else comes to mind. I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ and that it is the only true one on the earth. I know that the Savior died so that we can be cleansed from sin. I know that His sacrifice is infinite and we cant understand it all but as we strive to live that gospel it heals us. I know that God calls prophets always and we have a living prophet today! I know that families can be together forever and I love you all! Until next week! You're great and I love you all so much! CON AMOR Elder Bowden

Baptisms for the next 3 weeks!!

HOLA FAMILIA
WOW! This was a very exciting week but not as good as it could have been. We had a baptism planned for a girl who is 17 years old and her little sister just recently got baptized. Her name is Jessica and she is finally getting baptized this Saturday! There was a young women's activity at the church on Saturday and the bishop said he couldn't make it, so to continue having the confidence of our bishop and ward leaders postponed it. I am super excited to finally have a baptism again, not just to have a baptism but to see another child of God make covenants to return to His presence. That's super cool to hear that the temple will be done in July! I am totally stoked to go when I get home....hopefully every day....at least once a week! Congrats to dad for finally driving his dream car, I don't know which one I like better though the old ones or the new ones? We had three investigators come to church and should hopefully have baptisms every Saturday for the next three weeks. I heard from Elder Condor yesterday and it sounds like he is doing a lot better. They still haven't found anyone to baptize in Carmen but keep working and he seems to have caught the spirit of missionary work. Elder Whiting is doing great and he never ceases to amaze me at how similar we are. I am excited to finally have a comp that has common interests but at the same time it doesn't matter how well we get along if we don't use it to work for the Lord and achieve what He has in store for us. We have a nice big golf course in our area but its private and we cant even go in. We have lunch with a member today and she is cutting our hair after. That's what she does for work but says she can do it for us in her house for free....yea blessings! It sounds like you are all doing well amidst the trials that have come. Keep looking to the Lord in all that you do and I know He will guide and bless you with what you all need. I am so blessed to be here in the mission and to be serving the Lord full time. I continue to see daily all that He does for me and is helping me to become. I feel super weird and not too excited to when everyone tells me that I ´´falta pocito´´ or only have a little bit of time left before I go home. The truth is that it has flown by and I don't even feel like I have been out here for almost 15 months! I don't know what it will be like to go home cause I am so used to and love the life of a missionary. Thanks for your always great emails, your never ending support, and your wonderful love! I count my family as one of my greatest blessings in life next to the gospel, the atonement, and the opportunity to serve a mission. I continue to miss you all but in a good way that inspires me to work harder and not to be trunky. I know that this church is true without a single doubt. I know that it changes lives and prepares us to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. I know that we have a living prophet today who holds all the keys and authority of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it contains revelation for our day. That as we prayerful read and ponder about it that we receive the answers that we need. I know that God loves all of us His children, with a love that is infinite. I also know that He requires us to keep His commandment and to always make and be faithful to our covenants. I know that there are always blessings and often times more than we can even imagine! I love you all SO MUCH! Until next week, your son, brother, uncle, bro-in-law and many more!
CON AMOR
Elder Bowden

Loving the new area!

HOLA FAMILIA!
WOW! I cant believe how fast this week just flew by! I am enjoying my new area and am still getting to know it all! It is a ward called Aeroparque and the actual airport is in our area! Good thing I am not too trunky cause we have to go there to take out money from the ATM. I love my new area and it is a lot bigger! We have a really young bishop who is fairly new but has a great plan for the ward and is excited to baptize every week! Speaking of which I am pretty sure we are having a baptism this Saturday! If all goes well and we teach her all that she needs, then she passes the interview, all we will need is the water! My new comp is awesome! His name like I said is Elder Whiting and he is from Kuna, Idaho. He is the first comp that I have had so far here in the mission field that I feel has a lot of common interests! He likes riding bikes(motorcycles), lived on a farm/ranch, wrestled/played football, and even has the same taste in music. The best part is that he is excited to work and has strong desires and drive to get stuff done! I am so excited to work here! Today was a busy but great and exciting P-Day. We got a call this morning from our ZLs asking if we wanted to help clean the temple. That's right....I am not missing out on any opportunity to go to the temple so we went! How many people can say that they cleaned a temple in a foreign country before? Well I am one of them! It was a great experience and even though we were just cleaning the spirit was still amazing. I am glad to here that you all are doing well and had a good Easter weekend. I continue to pray for you all and to help us to understand the will of God and what He has in store for us. It sounds like you guys are having some trials and it isn't always easy, but I know the best thing I can do for you is to serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength! I know that all will work out and that we will always have the things we need. I love you all and am so grateful for your love and support. I know that this church is true, without a doubt in my mind. I know not because my parents told me or because I grew up in the church, but because I have prayed and received an answer. I know that as I continue to LIVE the gospel, I will be blessed and lead back to the presence of my Father in Heaven. I know that as we apply the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives we become more like Him and it becomes a part of us and not just an outside influence. I know that all the small sacrifices we have to give to be faithful, serving, members of His church and kingdom are always worth it. That this life is never fair and never will be but as we endure to the end we will receive what we deserve. I know that we are all children of God and that He knows and loves us. I know that families can be together forever and how grateful I am for that! I know that the authority from God is again here on the earth and the best place to find that is in the temple. I LOVE the House of the Lord, miss it lots, and cant wait until I can assist regularly! I love you all SO MUCH! I cant even describe how grateful I am to you, my Heavenly Father, and my Savior for all the I have had, now have, and will have in the future! Never lose faith, always pray and study the scriptures, and don't forget there's someone in a country called Uruguay who loves you tons!
CON MUCHO AMOR
Elder Bowden

Moving back to Montevideo!

HOLA FAMILIA
WOW! I dont exactly know how to describe all of the feelings I have right now? I am sad to say that I am leaving Carmen....after six months. I will be leaving the campo, cows, and tractors...yes I am going back to Montevideo. I am excited but a little nervous, but know that the Lord will protect me. My new comp is Elder Whiting, I think that he is from Idaho and I am also his second comp, he only has like three months in the field and five months in the mission. We had a great week that boosted my spirit and I learned a lot of new things that I have to apply now. It was interesting the way we watched conference but I was still able to do it in english. We used wirerless internet form the school that is next to the church cause ours wasnt working. I watched it on a little laptop that the kids use here for school. It wasnt the same but still great! We had 4 baptisms in the district this week, all for which I had to do interviews. We traveled a lot and didnt have lots of time to work in our area but still say some success. I loved all the conference talks this weekend that we all have trials but we can always over come them. I am not too worried about me but more for you guys. I might have to sacrifice a few of the blessings I had before to help out with the family. What ever I can do or what ever you need of mine...its yours! I love you tons and am so grateful for an amazing family and parents. I will be going to Deo tomorrow to meet with my new comp and return to our new area. I will let you know next week how it goes! Thanks so much for the talks and for your always wonderful and inspiring email. I just have two things for this week. If you could let me know what the Braithwaites address is so I can write Kyle back that would be great and I dont know if dad has one or you can get me one, but a line of authority? Thats all I need for now! Just remember that Heavenly Father loves us and always knows whats best for us. I am enjoying the mission and am not looking forward to leaving the amazing spiritual experience that it is. I cant believe how fast time is flying and how it continues to go always. I guess we just have to do our best, learn from all our experiences, and dont waste a minute on anything that is the most important. Well I have to go now. We are in Durazno now and we will sleeping in the ZLs house tonight cause the bus leaves at 6:30 in the morning! Thats right...bright and early! I dont know what else to tell you? I honestly can say that some times we dont realize the power of the gospel or our testimonies until they are put to the test. We must always have faith and rely on the Lord, when the times are bad as well as good. I know that Heavenly Father is always watching over you and me and without I doubt in my mind is guiding us both daily as we follow His spirit. We are all intitled to recieve revelation for ourselves and our families. Dont ever doubt this and seek the Lord in all you do. I am going to continue working hard and am trying to become a lot better missionary this change. I know that I have a lot to change and make better to become the missionary and priesthood holder the Lord wants me to be. I know that as we do the small and simple things that we some times dont think matter, we are blessed in big ways! I hope you are all enjoying spring and the warm weather as well as I am and the cooler temps. I will be waiting to hear from you next week as always and dont forget.....I LOVE YOU ALL! I cant possibly ask for a better support team then you! I know that we can live together forever through the faithfulness of keeping our covenents. Remember the power of this covenents and the blessings that come as we renew them (every Sunday and in the temple!) Until next week!
CON MUCHISIMO AMOR
Elder Bowden