"You are a Hall of Famer in my Book!"

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! Chris is already home? Anyways....this week went well. It was actually a week that tried our faith but we are excited and looking forward to this coming week. We only found one new investigator named Oscar this week. In the beginning he didn't really want to listen and said he had already listened to the Mormons and that he had read the Book of Mormon. We asked him a few questions and then he began to ask us questions. He wants specific answers to questions that we could have showed him in the Bible but my comp applied what we learned in conference! We explained that God requires us to act with faith....to continue doing what He wants not always knowing what the end result will be. That he could receive all the answers to the scriptures in the Bible but he wouldn't be truly converted. I know this to be true. I know that conversion comes on a personal basis and that no one can truly know on a borrowed light. We found out that he hadn't actually read the Book of Mormon either but only passed through the pages. I know that this Book is the key of our religion and more than religion its the key to knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love the Book of Mormon and I have seen over the course of my mission how this book, how this powerful instrument has changed me as well as my other people. I am eternally grateful for the atonement in my life and the great comfort, strength, and purification is has provided. I know that we are always going to commit mistakes and sin but we must turn ourselves completely over to God and allow Him to heal, edify, and transform us. We didn't have any of our investigators come to church but we did have a miracle show up. A 10 year old girl whose name is Camila. Her grandma is a member and had already arrived at church. Camila rode her bike for quite a distance to be able to come to church. She had never been before cause she lived in Montevideo but is now living at her grandmas house. We have a family home evening planned with them this week and will hopefully be able to give her a baptismal date. We are working hard but not hard enough. I know that I can give a lot more. Some times I feel that I will never reach the point where I can say ´´I gave it my all.´´ There is always something I can do better. I just hope that I can strive to do my best, rely on the Savior, and wait with faith as our Heavenly Father works miracles in our lives and well as those around us. We had an alright attendance, not what we want but we did have very good retention with the recent converts and are waiting for even more as well as less-actives next week! ! Hey not that Im not focused or trunky but I have a few questions? We have a DQ in Perry? When did they build it and where? Payton Manning is the QB for Denver? Mom said that he was off and on but I dont know what she meant? And last but not least.....could you send me the dates that we were sealed in the temple? As well as the date for Chappel fam? I want to get you some souvenirs but I need these dates....and maybe some cash? If you cant I guess Ill see what I can do. Thanks! Oh....for you mom! We are in the fourth quarter and down by a touchdown and two point conversion! Don't give up or lose hope cause you can easily make the points.....even easier with the help of the Savior. Rely on Him. Everyday strive to do what He wants. Dad I know that you're not too much of a football guy but the analogy is for you too. Endurance! and before you know it your will be Superbowl champs! I love you and I am so grateful for your examples in my life. They are not my words but those from the movie Remember the Titans......´´You are Hall of Fame in my book!´´ I know that the gospel is the only way to true and lasting happiness. Some people just don't see it and cant understand it but it is true. I know it because I have experienced both. I know that only through the Savior and His atoning sacrifice we can be cleansed from sin and i

mperfections and become what our Heavenly Father desires us to be. I know that life (or the mission) is never easy and was never meant to be other wise it wouldn't be worth anything. I know that Gods love for us is infinite and we can feel it and we strive to follow Him and put our lives in order with His will. I love my family, each and every member and want whats best for you. I cant force you, mom and dad cant force you, and neither can your Father in Heaven. They only invite and promise you greater happiness, more success, and eternal life as we obey the commandments. Nothing in your life will ever be as great as it could be as long as you choose to disobey but your life can my magnified and multiplied as you keep the commandments and covenants. I know its true because I have seen it in my life. I will never deny it or cease to live it cause God has told me this it what I need to do to live with Him again. Pray with sincere hearts and He will answer and will help you with whatever doubt or problem you may have. I love you all so much! Miss you as well and know that the only thing more important than the family is what I am doing now....the work of the Lord. And even then they are a work that needs to be done together. Until next week! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO FUERTE Elder Bowden

General Conference Wrap Up

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! I am totally in agreement with the fact that general conference was absolutely amazing! I received a lot of answers, felt the spirit, and was edified. I was super surprised when I heard that the changed the missionary age. Just two days ago my comp and I were talking about why the ages were 19 and 21 and then they went and changed them! It is exciting news and is only going to help build Gods kingdom here on earth! Last week our interviews with Pres Armstrong went great as well as a zone conference. We learned about seeing things with the eyes of faith and being happy as we work for the Lord. I feel that the main topics of conference were becoming truly converted, being truly happy, and relying on the Savior. I definitely have a lot of things to do better and will strive to make the necessary changes to become more like the Savior. I got my package this week! I still haven't read the letters but I am doing that today and will see if I can respond...its a lot to write! I was super excited and my comp and I are enjoying the content. I also received my ballot to vote! I have filled it out and will send it today or tomorrow! Go Romney! I was doing my newspaper reading this morning and found the article about him...it seems as if though all is going well and his reputation is positive! This week was full of a lot of rain! I believe that it rained 5 of the 7 days. It was fine it just made it a little more difficult for investigators to make it to church. We only had one come to the conference along with a handful of recent converts. I hope that you all enjoyed conference and were inspired to do better just as I am. Tell dad that I don't like his new job cause he never writes anymore....but hey if he doesn't have time Sunday night tell him to write me on Friday-his day off! My comp and I are doing well as we continue to learn lots and help as many people as we can make covenant with their Father in Heaven. We are anxiously waiting for the conference with Elder Oaks on the 27th and hope to have a few baptisms in between. Some times I get frustrated with myself and then feel down but after all that I heard in the conference I know that I have to always be positive and happy as I go about my Fathers work. I know that as we give it our all and do our very best, there is nothing else that can bring greater joy or satisfaction then then living the gospel and sharing it with everyone! I know that this church is true and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. It has helped me to become who I am today and continues to help me to be more like Jesus Christ. I know that Christ lives and he atoned for our sins in the garden and gave His life on the cross. I know that as we gain a greater understanding of the atonement it compels us to make righteous decisions and do act in the way the Savior would act. I know that families can be together forever. I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves us and is guiding us daily. I know that we are happy and without regrets as we live worthy of the spirit and follow His promptings. Thanks for everything! You are all amazing! Until next week....´ CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO GRANDE Elder Bowden

Lots of Investigators and Deportes (Sports)!

HEY FAMILY! WOW!!!! Another week bites the dust! I can't believe that the weeks pass like days and the days like hours! This week was great.....the only thing we didn't have were investigators in church! We had lots of people say they we coming and then when the morning showed up they confronted opposition. I hope that they will be able to come to the conference next week because it will be an amazing, edifying experience like always! I'm sad to say it, but its my last conference here in the mission! Bueno....this week we found a couple new investigators....their names are Giovanna who is about 25 and has her five year old daughter. Their husband and father left them and they are going through some hard times right now. The best thing is they are willing to follow Jesus Christ and she said if she feels that these things are true (which I believe she already has) then she will be baptized! We invited her to be baptized the 20th of Oct. We also have a youth who is 11 years old and his name is Facundo. All of his family are already members but for some reason or another he was never baptized but I think he is excited to do it now. We are going to do all we can to make sure he knows what he is doing. We also found another women yesterday whose name is Olga. She has been going to another church for 25 years she said but was willing to listen to us. Although we had the charla or lesson outside her door we talked about the restoration for about 30 min and we left her with a Book of Mormon. I know that she will read it and that she will feel the spirit because it is a promise from our Heavenly Father. We also hope that she makes it to the conference. Luckily I will be able to watch it in English like always and I am excited to receive many answers. I will be the only one cause my comp and the hermanas or sisters only speak spanish! My comp is amazing and he is working really hard. I don't know if I told you last week but he loves reading and especially from the scriptures. Some times I feel bad cause he has only been a member for two years but knows so much! On Saturday we had an activity for the World Service Day! It was a great activity where we painted the school! Lots of members from our ward showed up and it was combined with the other ward as well. I feel that our ward unity is increasing and that everyone is catching the spirit of missionary work. We want the strengthen and edify the members in every way possible. It was also the fifth Sunday and everyone was combined. We watched a video from the Area Presidency on how members can participate in missionary work and it went really well. We have made a calender for the members to sign up for one night of the week to do a Noche de Hogar or FHE. We asked them to invite their friends and neighbors who aren't members as well as our investigators and members less active. We feel like this will work really well and the members seem to like the idea. Our district is working very hard as well. I am excited to have interviews also this week! Pres Armstrong as well as his wife are coming to Durazno on Friday! It is going to be a busy, exciting, and full of productive days. We are striving to be more diligent and work more efficiently with Elder Chumpitaz! I love you all and miss you lots. I hope that you all have a great week this week! I know that you are super busy but just remember to make time for the most important things! I am praying for you as I know you are for me and I know that they Lord will bless you. I know that this church is true and it brings me great joy! I love being a member of the church and to also be a full time servant of the Lord to proclaim His gospel! Today we had an activity with our district and we make tacos while playing sports! We played basketball (ya Im a little rusty) and some soccer. My old comp Elder Denny also came and brought two mitts! It was fun to play a little baseball as well. He said it hasn't thrown hard with anyone in a long time cause no one else really ever played. He is the one the is playing college baseball and hopefully makes it pro. Of course he wasn't throwing his hardest! My comp plays soccer alright and I am slowly teaching him the basics of basketball. Anyways....Christ lives and He loves us. He gave His life so that we could be cleansed of sin and free from guilt. I am eternally grateful for His sacrifice. I know that families can be together forever and I cant wait to go back we all of you to the BC temple! I think we will be going here in Nov! I love you all, until next week! UN ABRAZO Y CON MUCHO AMOR Elder Bowden

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

Elder Bowden is now a TRAINER!!

Hola Familia! Well....its kind of crazy new this week.......I'm currently in Montevideo again. It was along bus ride of about three hours and now I am waiting. Don't worry too much cause I am going back to Paso de los Toros again tomorrow. The only thing is I had to come and pick up my new comp his plane flies in today! That's right...I am getting an ´´oro´´ or a greenie. Whatever you want to call it I am training a new missionary! I don't know where he is from or anything for now but I will let you know next week. President Armstrong is going to assign us at the mission home after he has interview with us all. It is all exciting news for me. I am still the district leader and there is another elder in my district training as well. I am kind of bummed to only have one change with my Mexican comp...well Mexican/American but I guess that's the mission. We had a good and very fast six weeks together and now it's onto something else. I hope I helped him to be a better missionary and that he as well as my new comp and I can continue to bless the lives of many! I will be coming back to Montevideo again next week cause my comp has to do a medical check so it will be even more time on the bus...hopefully I don't get car sick again. Ummmm....I don't know what else to tell you....we finished last week well. We found a new family and another mom/daughter. I hope that we will be able to teach them and that they will accept the restored gospel. We worked a lot harder this week and tried to be more diligent than normal...I think that you can see the difference and we are excited to continue working just as hard. This Sunday was great! We had stake conference and it was broadcast from Salt Lake City! We heard from Elder Gonzalez(from Uruguay) of the seventy, from Sister Reeves from the RS presidency, from Elder Anderson, and the prophet himself! The cool thing was that all the talks given were in Spanish except for the prophets(he had a translator). I really enjoyed it and learned some new things. They talked a lot about how the gospel starts in the home. That the values and standards our children have at start with striving to be good parents. They explained how if we do this then everyone is more likely to grow spiritually, stay active, go on missions/temple, etc. Then they said that the church has grown a lot in Uruguay and South America since it opened but for it to continue to grow we need to start in the home and then rescue those outside of the home who have gone astray! This is what my amazing parents are doing right now! Don't ever give up or doubt the importance of what you're doing cause its one of the most important works to be done! I hope that you all continue to do your best as I know that the Lord is blessing you. I know that this is the true church. I know that it contains the restored gospel and the it will lead us to true happiness. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and it changes our lives and we study and apply it! I know that the Savior lives and this is His work. I know that He only requires of us our best and asks us to do only what He knows we are capable of. I know that through His atonement we can be transformed and cleansed from sin. I know that families can be together forever! I love you all and miss you lots! Not that I am "trunky" or counting time but there is only four months left! Ya mom...I know that you're excited! Until next week! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

Time for changes again!

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! I can't believe we have a new member to the family already! I honestly wasn't expecting anything for like two more weeks but hey...when Heavenly Father sends him he has to come! Thanks for the pics! Everyone is looking happy! This week went alright for us here in Guay. It was not the best week considering the fact that I got sick for the second time in my mission. I am pretty sure it was something I ate but my comp was fine so I don't know? I was throwing up, had a fever of 101 degrees, and spent most of my time in the bathroom. I felt pretty achy but after 48 hours my body had got it all out of my system and I am now fine! We also had a couple days of rain which doesn't ever help but nonetheless we had a alright week. The district had another baptism and we are planning some more for the upcoming weeks. The only thing is we don't know who is going to be here and who isn't cause this week is changes! I cant believe that I have already gone through 5 weeks here in Paso de los Toros or Charrùa! I think that my comp and I are going to stay the same but you never know there could be changes. We had another little zone conference this week which was good. We talked about working better with the members but I was honestly feeling kind of out of it. I will also be having our last district meeting of this change tomorrow so it should go well! We are striving to work hard, be more obedient, and be more diligent. It is a great challenge to be one of the missionaries that acts to make things happen and not let the results of what happens around him effect the work. I know that if we turn to the Lord, are humble and do the things His way then we will always find some sort of success. I know that God loves us and knows whats best for us. I know that we are and we be held accountable for our actions here in this life. I know that we are blessed and happy from being obedient. I know that Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and the only name given by which we can enter into the kingdom of God. I know that forgiveness of our sins has conditions which come from sincere repentance and true desire to change. I know that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is one of the biggest/greatest blessings we have been given to help us find comfort, peace, hope, and joy in this life. I know that when we live these basic principles, when we apply them in our personal lives and not just go through the motions, we are transformed by the power/grace of Christ. I know that is is possible to return to live with God and our families forever but it depends on us. I testify that we have choices to make everyday which prepare us to live with them or not. I know that the being worthy of and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost is what guides us to make the correct choices. Heavenly Father will never abandon us or leave us to be tempted until miserable, His power is always greater than Satan's and He will eventually win. I know that we are required to make sacrifices and even suffer a little in this life but it the only way that we can grow. I love you all and am eternally grateful for the influence of each and everyone of you in my life. I love you more than I could ever say or show in an email. Have a great week and I will too! Until next time! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

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