Monday, April 30, 2012
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
Thursday, April 26, 2012
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
Monday, April 16, 2012
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
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
Friday, April 13, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
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
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
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Possible Changes Coming for our District Leader
HOLA FAMILIA!
Well here I am sitting in the library.....it was raining but has
stopped. I don't know if I am a huge fan of the rain but I sure do
enjoy the cooler temperatures. This week went really well! It was very
exciting because for the first time in 5 months we had someone come to
church! We asked our ward mission leader for a reference this week and
his wife said that she knew someone. She said that she would invite
them to the activity and to church. When we showed up to our activity
on Saturday she came with her two sons! She was even helping with the
pizza we ate afterwards. She couldn't make it to church on Sunday but
her son came and I am pretty sure he enjoyed it. I hope that the
branch here will continue to look for missionary opportunities and
those who need our service. We haven't actually talked to the reference
(Maria) yet but I am sure that she will be baptized in the near
future. We also did another intercambio with the zone leaders this
week and it went well. The purpose was to help my comp with his desire
to serve and continue to work here in the mission. I felt like I
should write him a letter (cause he says he never gets anything) to
help him out. I felt like I could describe all that a mission meant to
me and how it could also help him. He ended up reading it that day
(which he shouldn't have done, we read letters on P-Day ) but later one
of our ZLs told me that he cried, decided he was going to stay here in
the mission, and even said he likes having me as a comp even though he
doesn't show it. I am really glad that through the spirit we can help
others, whether it be our family members, companions, friends, or
those who don't even know the gospel. I will be giving my last district
meeting of the change tomorrow and hope that all goes well. Last week
we talked about Nephi being lead by the spirit without knowing before
hand what he had to do and how us as missionaries can receive that
same guidance. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost in my
life and the way my Heavenly Father blesses me when I follow these
promptings. Ya I cant really believe it but this week is General
Conference and we will be having changes! I cant wait to again here
from the prophets and his apostles and to apply the revelation I
receive this weekend in my life! I am not 100% positive but I think I
am leaving Carmen...after all it has been 6 months (even though it
doesn't seem like it!). It looks like the family is having fun and Matt
is enjoying the famous sport of South America! I hope that our new
exchange student is enjoying his short time here and that you can also
plant those seeds! I know that this church is true and that it is the
only church on this earth that has the authority from God to baptize.
I know that Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves and
that He knows what is best for us! He will send us trials and also
blessings to lead us in the direction that we need to go. I know that
serving God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength brings true
happiness. I know that serving a full time mission makes a boy into a
man and not only that but a stronger, more worthy holder of His
priesthood. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that
it contains the fullness of the gospel in these the last days. I know
that as the prophet Joesph Smith said...it is the most correct of any
book and a man can grow closer to God by reading it than any other
book. I know that families can be together forever through the
ordinances in the temple. I am so grateful for this blessing because
I cant imagine how I would feel if I had to be separating from such
loving and amazing people! I hope you are all doing well and I pray
for you always. I love you more than you know, miss you lots, but know
that the short time apart is worth it for both of us. I know that the
Savior lives and that He broke the bands of death as He was
resurrected. I know that He also suffered beyond our comprehension so
that we can repent and be cleansed. I know that repentance is an
invitation of love and that we are truly happier as we repent and
change our lives to follow God. Thanks for everything!
CON MUCHO AMOR
> Elder Bowden
Well here I am sitting in the library.....it was raining but has
stopped. I don't know if I am a huge fan of the rain but I sure do
enjoy the cooler temperatures. This week went really well! It was very
exciting because for the first time in 5 months we had someone come to
church! We asked our ward mission leader for a reference this week and
his wife said that she knew someone. She said that she would invite
them to the activity and to church. When we showed up to our activity
on Saturday she came with her two sons! She was even helping with the
pizza we ate afterwards. She couldn't make it to church on Sunday but
her son came and I am pretty sure he enjoyed it. I hope that the
branch here will continue to look for missionary opportunities and
those who need our service. We haven't actually talked to the reference
(Maria) yet but I am sure that she will be baptized in the near
future. We also did another intercambio with the zone leaders this
week and it went well. The purpose was to help my comp with his desire
to serve and continue to work here in the mission. I felt like I
should write him a letter (cause he says he never gets anything) to
help him out. I felt like I could describe all that a mission meant to
me and how it could also help him. He ended up reading it that day
(which he shouldn't have done, we read letters on P-Day ) but later one
of our ZLs told me that he cried, decided he was going to stay here in
the mission, and even said he likes having me as a comp even though he
doesn't show it. I am really glad that through the spirit we can help
others, whether it be our family members, companions, friends, or
those who don't even know the gospel. I will be giving my last district
meeting of the change tomorrow and hope that all goes well. Last week
we talked about Nephi being lead by the spirit without knowing before
hand what he had to do and how us as missionaries can receive that
same guidance. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost in my
life and the way my Heavenly Father blesses me when I follow these
promptings. Ya I cant really believe it but this week is General
Conference and we will be having changes! I cant wait to again here
from the prophets and his apostles and to apply the revelation I
receive this weekend in my life! I am not 100% positive but I think I
am leaving Carmen...after all it has been 6 months (even though it
doesn't seem like it!). It looks like the family is having fun and Matt
is enjoying the famous sport of South America! I hope that our new
exchange student is enjoying his short time here and that you can also
plant those seeds! I know that this church is true and that it is the
only church on this earth that has the authority from God to baptize.
I know that Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves and
that He knows what is best for us! He will send us trials and also
blessings to lead us in the direction that we need to go. I know that
serving God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength brings true
happiness. I know that serving a full time mission makes a boy into a
man and not only that but a stronger, more worthy holder of His
priesthood. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that
it contains the fullness of the gospel in these the last days. I know
that as the prophet Joesph Smith said...it is the most correct of any
book and a man can grow closer to God by reading it than any other
book. I know that families can be together forever through the
ordinances in the temple. I am so grateful for this blessing because
I cant imagine how I would feel if I had to be separating from such
loving and amazing people! I hope you are all doing well and I pray
for you always. I love you more than you know, miss you lots, but know
that the short time apart is worth it for both of us. I know that the
Savior lives and that He broke the bands of death as He was
resurrected. I know that He also suffered beyond our comprehension so
that we can repent and be cleansed. I know that repentance is an
invitation of love and that we are truly happier as we repent and
change our lives to follow God. Thanks for everything!
CON MUCHO AMOR
> Elder Bowden
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Another week in paradise!
HOLA FAMILIA!
Wow! Thanks for all the crazy news.....most of which I had no idea. Ashlee is having another baby! AAAAHHHH! I wont even be home yet....not cool cause I am feeling left out. No its all good I know we will all be blessed for the short time of sacrifice. You dont know if its a boy or a girl yet right? I better know as soon as they know! You are getting an exchange student like right now? Is he going to go to school? That's super cool! I hope everything goes well with Sharlee and I hope she gets the letter that I sent last week. Sounds like you are all excited for spring and are enjoying March Maddness! I hope to hear who is winning and how the schools from Utah do...thanks! Ouch! I cant believe that Jay broke her arm! Yeah I know how that feels and it must be even worse for someone that's only 4 years old! Tell her that I sent a kiss to make it better and that she should be more careful. Tell all the brothers and sisters that I love them and good luck with all they are doing whether it be science fair, choir, or sports! This week went pretty well, a lot better than last week as far as what we got accomplished but not so well as far as my comp. We taught quite a bit this week and are anxiously waiting for the people to keep their commitments so they can get baptized! We found another lady yesterday...taught her the restoration and invited her to get baptized on the 13 of April and she said she would if she gets an answer that it is true! I love that fact that we can teach by the spirit and help people to feel that this is true and then have confidence that if they pray about it they will receive an answer. I realized at the beginning of my mission that we are they only ones who have that promise...ask God and He will answer....hmmmm...it must be true! We are still doing all that we can to have a baptism but the Lord definitely requires all from us. I hope that I will be able to give it my all and leave it all on the field these last two weeks of the change. I don't know if Ill be staying or leaving but know that I will be where the Lord needs me! I am so flipin pumped for general conference! Besides Christmas, Mothers Day, and baptisms it is by far some of the best days in the mission. It was kind of a weird week cause my comp says he wants to go home. He called Pres Da Silva and asked for an interview but Pres said that he should wait until next change. I am going to do all I can to show lots of charity for him and help him realize that this is the best place for him to be. He says that no one is going to change his mind but I know that he is here for at least two more weeks for some thing. We are having a branch activity this Saturday and I hope that we can help the members see their vitally important role in missionary work, feel the spirit, and have fun at the same time. Our ward missionary leader is really working hard, despite all the trials he has personally and I know that the work will start to move very soon here in Carmen. I am loving the assignment as a district leader but its not easy. It gives me lots to do and more to help me work harder. I have to talk on the phone for at least a half hour every night but ya....its fun! I am looking forward to all that the Lord has in store for me and the rest of my mission! I cant believe that I have been out for 14 flippin months! CRAZY! I love you all and am grateful for all that you do! I know that this church is true and that we are children of our Heavenly Father. I know He loves us, knows us, and wants the very best for us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it contains counsel for us in these last days. I know that the Savior lives and that He suffered beyond our understanding so that we can repent and be cleansed from sin. I know that it is a life long journey to become like our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ but that as we strive daily we are making progress. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to true and lasting happiness in this life and in eternity! I love you all and cant wait to hear from you in what is literally seven days but feels like only hours! Oh and a few other questions? Box Elder wrestling? Grandma Bywater...when is her B-Day? And has anyone else left on missions or got their calls? Thanks for everything....your are awesome and I am so glad that I can call you my family!
CON MUCHO AMOR
Elder Bowden
Wow! Thanks for all the crazy news.....most of which I had no idea. Ashlee is having another baby! AAAAHHHH! I wont even be home yet....not cool cause I am feeling left out. No its all good I know we will all be blessed for the short time of sacrifice. You dont know if its a boy or a girl yet right? I better know as soon as they know! You are getting an exchange student like right now? Is he going to go to school? That's super cool! I hope everything goes well with Sharlee and I hope she gets the letter that I sent last week. Sounds like you are all excited for spring and are enjoying March Maddness! I hope to hear who is winning and how the schools from Utah do...thanks! Ouch! I cant believe that Jay broke her arm! Yeah I know how that feels and it must be even worse for someone that's only 4 years old! Tell her that I sent a kiss to make it better and that she should be more careful. Tell all the brothers and sisters that I love them and good luck with all they are doing whether it be science fair, choir, or sports! This week went pretty well, a lot better than last week as far as what we got accomplished but not so well as far as my comp. We taught quite a bit this week and are anxiously waiting for the people to keep their commitments so they can get baptized! We found another lady yesterday...taught her the restoration and invited her to get baptized on the 13 of April and she said she would if she gets an answer that it is true! I love that fact that we can teach by the spirit and help people to feel that this is true and then have confidence that if they pray about it they will receive an answer. I realized at the beginning of my mission that we are they only ones who have that promise...ask God and He will answer....hmmmm...it must be true! We are still doing all that we can to have a baptism but the Lord definitely requires all from us. I hope that I will be able to give it my all and leave it all on the field these last two weeks of the change. I don't know if Ill be staying or leaving but know that I will be where the Lord needs me! I am so flipin pumped for general conference! Besides Christmas, Mothers Day, and baptisms it is by far some of the best days in the mission. It was kind of a weird week cause my comp says he wants to go home. He called Pres Da Silva and asked for an interview but Pres said that he should wait until next change. I am going to do all I can to show lots of charity for him and help him realize that this is the best place for him to be. He says that no one is going to change his mind but I know that he is here for at least two more weeks for some thing. We are having a branch activity this Saturday and I hope that we can help the members see their vitally important role in missionary work, feel the spirit, and have fun at the same time. Our ward missionary leader is really working hard, despite all the trials he has personally and I know that the work will start to move very soon here in Carmen. I am loving the assignment as a district leader but its not easy. It gives me lots to do and more to help me work harder. I have to talk on the phone for at least a half hour every night but ya....its fun! I am looking forward to all that the Lord has in store for me and the rest of my mission! I cant believe that I have been out for 14 flippin months! CRAZY! I love you all and am grateful for all that you do! I know that this church is true and that we are children of our Heavenly Father. I know He loves us, knows us, and wants the very best for us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it contains counsel for us in these last days. I know that the Savior lives and that He suffered beyond our understanding so that we can repent and be cleansed from sin. I know that it is a life long journey to become like our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ but that as we strive daily we are making progress. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to true and lasting happiness in this life and in eternity! I love you all and cant wait to hear from you in what is literally seven days but feels like only hours! Oh and a few other questions? Box Elder wrestling? Grandma Bywater...when is her B-Day? And has anyone else left on missions or got their calls? Thanks for everything....your are awesome and I am so glad that I can call you my family!
CON MUCHO AMOR
Elder Bowden
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