The battle of Mante
Hello, friends and Family! It's me again, Elder Bowlby.
The week has brought some new and interesting challenges. We said goodbye to our Mission President, President Ramirez and his family. They are returning to Monterrey after three years of service in the mission field. Our new Mission President will be arriving soon and he'll be going around the mission getting to know us all. I'm sure it'll be as equally great to serve alongside him as it was Presidente Ramirez.
We had to return to Ciudad Victoria to say goodbye. It was really weird because I was able to see my last companion again... only a week after I had said goodbye. He told me that the last two investigators we had in Victoria did end up getting baptized. That was good news to me.
Our week was very interesting. There were many days where we lacked food because the members forgot, but we kept on chugging. Looks like I've got my first case of athletes foot too. I'm surprised how much one can sweat! The area here is very humid. Victoria was an area very, very dry, so I never had to worry. But now, Mante has lots of rivers and canals! Wherever there's water, there's more humidity and heat. I have to drink a lot of water.
I also did a sort of double-take this week, and ended up giving away some of the Yu-gi-oh cards I bought! There's a recently baptized kid in our area who has a lot of rip-off cards that people make out of cardboard to snag pesos from the kids. I felt kinda bad that he only had pirated cards so I gave him a bunch of official cards that I probably wasn't going to use anyways. He was happy to have them.
We're working hard to try and memorize scriptures and study more in-depth about the gospel. We're also trying to pray and fast with more real intent.
Here's a scripture that I liked during my studies:
1 Nephi 15:11
Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.
There are many things that even I have to learn. God has many mysteries and missions for us. We have so much to learn, and we have so much yet to do. We need to learn how to increase our faith in the Lord! He gives us the answers, but we need to search, ask, believe, and act. That is the formula for an answered prayer.
I love you all. I'm glad to hear of your adventures and I hope that you are all finding little joys and successes in your daily lives. Trust in God!
-Elder Bowlby
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Mom of a Missionary...Emails from Mexico June 18,2018
El Mante-Week 1
Hello, Friends and Family!
It's me, Elder Bowlby again.
This week was my first week in El Mante. Things are going interestingly. We've been putting ourselves to work, focusing on talking with everybody possible, inviting people to baptism, and working hard. This area has a lot of needs and I hope to work hard in order to re-activate families.
The ward is even smaller than the last one I was in, and there are a lot of inactive families. The area is bigger than my last one too. We're partially in a part of town that's really nice but then part of our area has some really big needs.
I still keep drawing! I've been becoming really interested in what goes on in my dreams. I've been updating my journal with little mission memories and I've also been writing down the dreams I've had and I keep updating my drawing books, so the future generations will look at everything that I've written and drawn and be like "What the heck was going through Great Grandpa Bowlby's head?"
I'm eating well, the members are giving us a lot of food and there are plenty of Mangoes to eat. I'm also sleeping better, too! The bed here is much more comfortable.
I'd like to share a scripture from the Book of Mormon that called out to me recently.
33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
34 These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.
There are many difficulties, challenges, and problems we can face in our lives that may appear as mocking voices and pointing fingers. The important thing is that we press forward with faith in the Lord. When we are partakers of the joy of the Gospel, we need to take no heed of the often noisy distractions of the world, and focus more on the eternal life we are preparing for.
I love you all! I miss you a lot. I have a lot of changes to make here on the mission and I'm excited to see what these next few transfers have to tell me! I'm going to be seeing you next week!
-Elder Bowlby
It's me, Elder Bowlby again.
This week was my first week in El Mante. Things are going interestingly. We've been putting ourselves to work, focusing on talking with everybody possible, inviting people to baptism, and working hard. This area has a lot of needs and I hope to work hard in order to re-activate families.
The ward is even smaller than the last one I was in, and there are a lot of inactive families. The area is bigger than my last one too. We're partially in a part of town that's really nice but then part of our area has some really big needs.
I still keep drawing! I've been becoming really interested in what goes on in my dreams. I've been updating my journal with little mission memories and I've also been writing down the dreams I've had and I keep updating my drawing books, so the future generations will look at everything that I've written and drawn and be like "What the heck was going through Great Grandpa Bowlby's head?"
I'd like to share a scripture from the Book of Mormon that called out to me recently.
33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
34 These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.
There are many difficulties, challenges, and problems we can face in our lives that may appear as mocking voices and pointing fingers. The important thing is that we press forward with faith in the Lord. When we are partakers of the joy of the Gospel, we need to take no heed of the often noisy distractions of the world, and focus more on the eternal life we are preparing for.
I love you all! I miss you a lot. I have a lot of changes to make here on the mission and I'm excited to see what these next few transfers have to tell me! I'm going to be seeing you next week!
-Elder Bowlby
Mom of a Missionary...Emails from Mexico June 12,2018
A week without water!
Stuck my USB into this here computer and it got Viruse'd again. Heh. This always stinking happens. Unless you have anti-virus, DON'T DOWNLOAD MY PHOTOS please for the protection of your device, because who knows how stinking evil this virus could be. It could be... possibly one of the worst. Just makes everything direct access and hides the photos. Its what's called a shortcut virus. It's a nasty little sucker. Invades memory devices and everything. I'm banking on the hope that it doesn't ruin the camera/spread through e-mail.
Well, surprise! I've been moved to a new area. I'm now serving in Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas. Everybody told me that this here city pushes more heat, but eh, I don't mind.
I'm already running out of time because I tried to get rid of the little sucker of a virus but he just won't go away... this is why I don't like cibers too much.
Well then! This week was my last week in Puri. I did everything that I could in order to work hard and push myself... only that we didn't have water. The water dried up about tuesday night... and we didn't get water back until friday night... and then it vanished again saturday night! We had to travel to a different area in order to bathe ourselves and it was awful because the closest area is still a bus-ride away.
We had two baptisms planned for this saturday. Too bad I got transfered! My companion is going to get them all arranged and set away.
My new companion is Elder Lopez from Honduras. He's rad! We're going to do a lot of work together. We get along great and we actually already know each other from another zone.
I was sort of sad and sort of happy at the same time to leave Purification, mostly because I loved the ward so much that I began to become really worried about the ward's problems and I couldn't have peace. Now that I'm in Mante I can re-focus on missionary work in new ways. I'm going to get to know everyone the best I can.
Well then. I'm going to send a few more photos. I hope that they don't infect your device. Probably not going to use this USB after the mission unless I get it fixed :'(
Well, surprise! I've been moved to a new area. I'm now serving in Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas. Everybody told me that this here city pushes more heat, but eh, I don't mind.
I'm already running out of time because I tried to get rid of the little sucker of a virus but he just won't go away... this is why I don't like cibers too much.
Well then! This week was my last week in Puri. I did everything that I could in order to work hard and push myself... only that we didn't have water. The water dried up about tuesday night... and we didn't get water back until friday night... and then it vanished again saturday night! We had to travel to a different area in order to bathe ourselves and it was awful because the closest area is still a bus-ride away.
We had two baptisms planned for this saturday. Too bad I got transfered! My companion is going to get them all arranged and set away.
My new companion is Elder Lopez from Honduras. He's rad! We're going to do a lot of work together. We get along great and we actually already know each other from another zone.
I was sort of sad and sort of happy at the same time to leave Purification, mostly because I loved the ward so much that I began to become really worried about the ward's problems and I couldn't have peace. Now that I'm in Mante I can re-focus on missionary work in new ways. I'm going to get to know everyone the best I can.
Well then. I'm going to send a few more photos. I hope that they don't infect your device. Probably not going to use this USB after the mission unless I get it fixed :'(
(A view from the mountainous purification)
(Tecolota sends a "hello" from Victoria. She posed for this photo).
(I found this in a liahona from 2007. It translates roughly to: "Don't let text messages run your life". They tried to warn us but we didn't listen!!!!)
Well, I love you all! Good to see and hear that you're doing alright. I hope things go well for you out there and that you can manage the stresses of your daily labors!
Stay strong!
-Elder Bowlby
Stay strong!
-Elder Bowlby
Mom of a Missionary...Emails from Mexico...June 4,2018
104 degrees outside and I'm feeling fine!
Howdy, Family and friends!
Its me...
... Elder Bowlby! AKA: The Gringo; Slim Jake!
My companion says that I look like a Vaquero with my sombrero... I think he might be on to something! I don't care, though. It's the only thing keeping my face from being fried!
It's reaching 104 degrees out here! The high temperatures this week are in the 90's and 100's, while the low temps are only in the 70's! The sun doesn't help either, really! But it's a good thing that I'm built to last. I'm like a solar battery! Bring it on, sun! I've been needing some of you to make up for that time I was cooped up in my room!
The week went by oddly fast. We've been walking, talking, and working! We're teaching lessions to prepare a young child for baptism. His family is all members, but he had fear of water at age 8 so he wasn't baptized in that year... apparently that makes it a job for the missionaries! Pronto we will have him connected to his eternal family.
My companion and I started talking yesterday about reasons for coming on the mission. He asked me if I think God sent us to this mission to learn something. I went on for about 10 minutes about every little blessing I had/have at home that I don't have now, and how grateful I am for them! Central air! You have houses cooled by central air! Wow!
There are many more reasons that God decides to send us missionaries out there! I'm sure I'm going to figure out all of the reasons why he's sent me here!
Love you all! Miss you, and have a great week!
-Elder Bowlby. AKA: The Missionary; Él que tiene que comer más tortillas.
Howdy, Family and friends!
Its me...
My companion says that I look like a Vaquero with my sombrero... I think he might be on to something! I don't care, though. It's the only thing keeping my face from being fried!
It's reaching 104 degrees out here! The high temperatures this week are in the 90's and 100's, while the low temps are only in the 70's! The sun doesn't help either, really! But it's a good thing that I'm built to last. I'm like a solar battery! Bring it on, sun! I've been needing some of you to make up for that time I was cooped up in my room!
The week went by oddly fast. We've been walking, talking, and working! We're teaching lessions to prepare a young child for baptism. His family is all members, but he had fear of water at age 8 so he wasn't baptized in that year... apparently that makes it a job for the missionaries! Pronto we will have him connected to his eternal family.
My companion and I started talking yesterday about reasons for coming on the mission. He asked me if I think God sent us to this mission to learn something. I went on for about 10 minutes about every little blessing I had/have at home that I don't have now, and how grateful I am for them! Central air! You have houses cooled by central air! Wow!
There are many more reasons that God decides to send us missionaries out there! I'm sure I'm going to figure out all of the reasons why he's sent me here!
Love you all! Miss you, and have a great week!
-Elder Bowlby. AKA: The Missionary; Él que tiene que comer más tortillas.
Mom of a Missionary....Emails from Mexico April 16, 2018
WOOAAAAAAAAAAAAHH WE'RE HALF WAY THEE-EERE
WOOOO-AAAH! Livin' offa prayer!
Hello, Family and friends. Elder Bowlby here. Basically, the one year mark is at hand. I am about 50% through with the mission. This week was really strange. I went to Tampico to renew my visa to the country, and it dumped buckets of rain on me. I was lucky that I had brought my rain jacket because it was a mere drizzle back in Victoria. I was the only one prepared to face the rain.
The weather here keeps shifting from a blazing, burning heat... to a chill breeze. When I wake up in the morning it's cold, but by mid day the heat is soldering. The members have advised me to take more caution into wearing sunscreen. I have been taking the required precautions.
Every now and then my companion reminds me that I complain a bit much. As such, we start 24-hour positivity cycles! For 24 hours we don't say anything negative. Yeah! It's great.
Friday we had a Ward Family-Home-Evening where we tried to join up as many members of the church to have a night of activity. My companion and I hosted the event. We talked about Charity and love, and had a lot of games to play. It went really well.
We have had moderate success this week. We've been looking and sifting for people who are willing to make an effort in hearing and moving towards Christ.
This week has ended in a splurge by me in celebration of my year mark in the mission. I went and changed out some americamoney that Mom had sent and bought. Thank you, Mom.
Can you believe that I actually got a lot of good cards from these random packs? I'm very satisfied.
As the year is this wednesday, So begins the "countdown" as many are telling me. It's strange to think about. One night I woke up with a bit of a panic attack over attending college and finding a job. I had to try and force myself to sleep knowing that these things will work out. I'm just going to try and take it one step at a time.
Love you all! Until next time.
-Elder Bowlby
It seemed like my sons first year on his mission really flew by. And while he may not be counting down the days until he returns we are. An interesting little note about this email, I often work a very early shift on Mondays and I am constantly checking my phone for my sons e-mail. It's the best thing about Mondays. When I opened his email, the song that he starts the e-mail with was playing on the radio where I work. I think that was God Winking at me. Saying everything is going to plan.
WOOOO-AAAH! Livin' offa prayer!
Hello, Family and friends. Elder Bowlby here. Basically, the one year mark is at hand. I am about 50% through with the mission. This week was really strange. I went to Tampico to renew my visa to the country, and it dumped buckets of rain on me. I was lucky that I had brought my rain jacket because it was a mere drizzle back in Victoria. I was the only one prepared to face the rain.
The weather here keeps shifting from a blazing, burning heat... to a chill breeze. When I wake up in the morning it's cold, but by mid day the heat is soldering. The members have advised me to take more caution into wearing sunscreen. I have been taking the required precautions.
Every now and then my companion reminds me that I complain a bit much. As such, we start 24-hour positivity cycles! For 24 hours we don't say anything negative. Yeah! It's great.
Friday we had a Ward Family-Home-Evening where we tried to join up as many members of the church to have a night of activity. My companion and I hosted the event. We talked about Charity and love, and had a lot of games to play. It went really well.
We have had moderate success this week. We've been looking and sifting for people who are willing to make an effort in hearing and moving towards Christ.
This week has ended in a splurge by me in celebration of my year mark in the mission. I went and changed out some americamoney that Mom had sent and bought. Thank you, Mom.
As the year is this wednesday, So begins the "countdown" as many are telling me. It's strange to think about. One night I woke up with a bit of a panic attack over attending college and finding a job. I had to try and force myself to sleep knowing that these things will work out. I'm just going to try and take it one step at a time.
Love you all! Until next time.
-Elder Bowlby
It seemed like my sons first year on his mission really flew by. And while he may not be counting down the days until he returns we are. An interesting little note about this email, I often work a very early shift on Mondays and I am constantly checking my phone for my sons e-mail. It's the best thing about Mondays. When I opened his email, the song that he starts the e-mail with was playing on the radio where I work. I think that was God Winking at me. Saying everything is going to plan.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Mom of a Missionary...Emails from Mexico April 9, 2018
It's been another week here in victoria (and it's felt pretty lengthy). My companion got sick from eating too much, so we stayed in again this tuesday. Little by little, we're starting to see progress in this area, but it's very slow. We're working very hard.
Some of the things we struggle with the most are the first appointment and getting the investigators to go to church. We set up appointments with everyone who will set one, but will they really be there? We never know. It's a case of Schrodingers Investigator. We must consider the investigator at home and not at home at the same time.
If we get the first cita, it's very easy to return, the hardest part is then getting them to come to church. Many people here in mexico, even though the population is somewhat like 90% christian (and even that number is a majority of catholic), work on sunday. It seems that many churches don't teach the 10 commandments out here. It's really odd.
We have a few investigators out here who actually do the additional study we assign, but they just don't go to church. They love learning about the gospel, they read the Book of Mormon, and pray... but they just don't come to church.
That's not to say nobody attended, though! We have had some luck here and there. We're doing what we can to bring people to a stronger relation with Jesus and our Heavenly Father. There's only so much that I personally can do, really. It's all in the hands of the Lord.
I'm chugging a long, little by little. Can you believe there are only 9 days left until I complete the year mark? I hear that it goes by really fast after the year mark (probably because it becomes a quickening count-down).
Here's a scripture that I enjoyed reading during my personal study:
Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.
I know that the Lord speaks peace and assurance unto those who search for him and seek to do his will. I know that if I do my best, the Lord will make up the rest.
Love you all. Miss you loads! Take care and stay safe!
-Elder Bowlby
Mom of a Missionary...Emails from Mexico April 3,2018
An untimed, but timely, change of time change.
Hello, friends and family! Elder Bowlby here. Nice to greet you.
This week was a normal week of work as usual. Lots of walking, lots of knocking, and lots of people going on vacation. This past week being the holy week (semana santa), there were a lot of celebrations among the various catholic and christian families out here. We often walked by people carrying large, wooden crosses. On good friday, the people swarmed to their churches to participate in the services of what was the celebration of the crucifixion... but on Sunday it seemed that nearly nobody did anything. The streets were very quiet. It seems that, like the actual resurrection of the Lord, only his disciples were able to see the miraculous event.
We focused a lot of our teaching on the resurrection, emphasizing eternal families and the ability, gift, and joy of living again with our families.
The members gave us a lot of fish this week. One day we arrived at a members house to a fully fried tilapia! An entire fish, bones and everything. I was very happy and satisfied.
The time change in mexico started the saturday of conference, so actually, for the past few weeks, I've been running on Utah time zone! For that, I arrived at the saturday session thirty minutes late. Oops.
It's darker in the mornings but much lighter during the day. The sun is near unbearable sometimes. It's really difficult to be out for long periods of time.
I would send a photo, but sadly, I forgot my camera at the house today :(
Well, I love you all! Please take the time to re-visit and review the sessions of general conference.
Stay safe, I miss you loads, and please, don't forget to do the basics! Read, pray, and attend church!
-Elder Bowlby
So some how I skipped most of the April Emails, so I've gone back and put them in, sorry they are not in order ...
Hello, friends and family! Elder Bowlby here. Nice to greet you.
This week was a normal week of work as usual. Lots of walking, lots of knocking, and lots of people going on vacation. This past week being the holy week (semana santa), there were a lot of celebrations among the various catholic and christian families out here. We often walked by people carrying large, wooden crosses. On good friday, the people swarmed to their churches to participate in the services of what was the celebration of the crucifixion... but on Sunday it seemed that nearly nobody did anything. The streets were very quiet. It seems that, like the actual resurrection of the Lord, only his disciples were able to see the miraculous event.
We focused a lot of our teaching on the resurrection, emphasizing eternal families and the ability, gift, and joy of living again with our families.
The members gave us a lot of fish this week. One day we arrived at a members house to a fully fried tilapia! An entire fish, bones and everything. I was very happy and satisfied.
The time change in mexico started the saturday of conference, so actually, for the past few weeks, I've been running on Utah time zone! For that, I arrived at the saturday session thirty minutes late. Oops.
It's darker in the mornings but much lighter during the day. The sun is near unbearable sometimes. It's really difficult to be out for long periods of time.
I would send a photo, but sadly, I forgot my camera at the house today :(
Well, I love you all! Please take the time to re-visit and review the sessions of general conference.
Stay safe, I miss you loads, and please, don't forget to do the basics! Read, pray, and attend church!
-Elder Bowlby
So some how I skipped most of the April Emails, so I've gone back and put them in, sorry they are not in order ...
Mom of a Missionary....Emails from Mexico, May 28,2018
Double Dragon Round 2 + a new way to contact!
Hello, family and friends!
It's me, Elder Bowlby again. How are you?
Its been a normal week. A lot of walk, a lot of talk, a lot of work. I got sick this past friday and had to get an injection. It was crazy. I hadn't been that sick since tampico! Hahaha.
This week, I tried a new way of contacting. I've been looking for ideas on how to better reach out to people, and I tried giving away my artwork! I try to talk with five people per day, so I try to make five drawings every night and give them all away. It is not easy because I don't have much time to make the drawings. Here are some examples.
Batch 1
Batch 2 (The theme was mountains)
Batch 3.
The card idea has had moderate success, and I'm looking into new ways to do the work. Little by little I'm going to find new ideas to try out.
Sorry that there are no photos of me, we haven't had much time today. My companion had to go and fix a molar at the dentists office today.
Remember to think in long term! Think for the future! Where do you want to go and who do you want to be? What is your goal?
Love you all! Miss you! Have a great week.
-Elder Bowlby
As I look through my son's Emails and all the times he sends drawings, I wonder just how much art work will be traveling home with him in April. I'm glad that he continues to draw and tries to use it as a way to make contact with people.
Hello, family and friends!
It's me, Elder Bowlby again. How are you?
This week, I tried a new way of contacting. I've been looking for ideas on how to better reach out to people, and I tried giving away my artwork! I try to talk with five people per day, so I try to make five drawings every night and give them all away. It is not easy because I don't have much time to make the drawings. Here are some examples.
The card idea has had moderate success, and I'm looking into new ways to do the work. Little by little I'm going to find new ideas to try out.
Sorry that there are no photos of me, we haven't had much time today. My companion had to go and fix a molar at the dentists office today.
Remember to think in long term! Think for the future! Where do you want to go and who do you want to be? What is your goal?
Love you all! Miss you! Have a great week.
-Elder Bowlby
As I look through my son's Emails and all the times he sends drawings, I wonder just how much art work will be traveling home with him in April. I'm glad that he continues to draw and tries to use it as a way to make contact with people.
Mom of a Missionary....Emails From Mexico...May 21, 2018
Hello. It's me.
Beep-Boop. It's me again. Elder Bowlby.
It's been a week again. The normal. A lot of walking, a lot of talking. Chugging along at the pace I can.
The sun is getting closer and hotter. A member family loaned us some sombreros to use (not the big kind, but a smaller type). It's made out of dried up palm leaves and covers my neck and face very well. Now I will only have to use sunblock on my arms.
We had a baptism this weekend, with an investigator to the church that we have been teaching for over a month. She was very happy to be baptized! A member who is a close friend of her daughter baptized her, and I was able to confirm her member of the Church.
It went very well. Now she wants to make preparations to enter the Temple with her daughter.
We are working hard to find other people to bring to the Lord. Little by little we push forward our efforts.
Thank you for reading. I hope you're all having a nice week/month.
Love you! Miss you!
-Elder Bowlby
I am so happy for my son that he has had this little success in his mission to see a person decide to be baptized and join the church. The fact that she wants to prepare for the Temple is wonderful. What great blessings this little family will have.
In our house we have a little missionary plaque that says : Mis-sion-ary {Noun} A person who leaves their family for a while, so others can be with their families forever...
Beep-Boop. It's me again. Elder Bowlby.
The sun is getting closer and hotter. A member family loaned us some sombreros to use (not the big kind, but a smaller type). It's made out of dried up palm leaves and covers my neck and face very well. Now I will only have to use sunblock on my arms.
We had a baptism this weekend, with an investigator to the church that we have been teaching for over a month. She was very happy to be baptized! A member who is a close friend of her daughter baptized her, and I was able to confirm her member of the Church.
It went very well. Now she wants to make preparations to enter the Temple with her daughter.
We are working hard to find other people to bring to the Lord. Little by little we push forward our efforts.
Thank you for reading. I hope you're all having a nice week/month.
Love you! Miss you!
-Elder Bowlby
I am so happy for my son that he has had this little success in his mission to see a person decide to be baptized and join the church. The fact that she wants to prepare for the Temple is wonderful. What great blessings this little family will have.
In our house we have a little missionary plaque that says : Mis-sion-ary {Noun} A person who leaves their family for a while, so others can be with their families forever...
Monday, June 25, 2018
Mom of a Missionary...Emails from Mexico May 14,2018
Everyone asks the question:
"So, do you wanna go home yet?"
Hey all. It's me. Elder Bowlby. I remember that one year ago, I was in the confines of the CCM in Mexico city, with a small amount of time to call my family for a short telephone call. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to call my family once again. It was very welcomed. I was very happy to talk and to share experiences! Of course, they've already begun the countdown.
It's funny, really. Now that I have a year on the mission, the questions people are asking me are strikingly strange. Many people ask if I want to go home already, some ask me how I feel to be halfway through, others ask if I'm going to miss Mexico... and I'm still kind of: "Uh, I'm still here. Still have an entire year.
The week itself was pretty normal. A lot of door knocking and many interesting results. Our progressing investigator passed her baptismal interview, and as of now we are planning the baptismal services and everything. The members are really happy and excited for her.
(Here's me. I promised photos. Hello everyone!)
(I also promised a photo of all of my purple ties. Including the one I am wearing, I have 10.)
"So, do you wanna go home yet?"
Hey all. It's me. Elder Bowlby. I remember that one year ago, I was in the confines of the CCM in Mexico city, with a small amount of time to call my family for a short telephone call. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to call my family once again. It was very welcomed. I was very happy to talk and to share experiences! Of course, they've already begun the countdown.
It's funny, really. Now that I have a year on the mission, the questions people are asking me are strikingly strange. Many people ask if I want to go home already, some ask me how I feel to be halfway through, others ask if I'm going to miss Mexico... and I'm still kind of: "Uh, I'm still here. Still have an entire year.
The week itself was pretty normal. A lot of door knocking and many interesting results. Our progressing investigator passed her baptismal interview, and as of now we are planning the baptismal services and everything. The members are really happy and excited for her.
Love you all! Have a great week. Please remember Jesus during the week! I've been learning a principle of how to increase faith and strength in the gospel. When you have a moment, remember the Savior! He's always there to help, and if we look unto him in faith constantly, we'll have the Holy Ghost as our companion.
Stay strong! Miss you!
-Elder Bowlby
Stay strong! Miss you!
-Elder Bowlby
Mom of a Missionary.... Emails from Mexico May 7,2018
Corto pero poderoso
Hello, Family and friends! Tis I again, Elder Bowlby.
The week was a normal week. Elder Grande and I are working hard and working smarter. We're searching for families where not all in the family are members.
We knocked a lot of doors and did a lot of talking. The basics of the week, really. Work goes on in the Lord's timing and pace. I give thanks that I'm able to be serving for this year of 2018.
Elder Grande and I talk pretty openly and I think we're already becoming good friends. He's from Puebla, the Mexican state where the 5 de Mayo celebration comes from, because it's "The Battle of Puebla". 5 de Mayo is not the independence day of Mexico. It was also really quiet this May 5th. Not a single firework.
Elder Grande tells me that Puebla is really cool. I might want to go some day just to check it out. He says that there are volcanoes near his town! Nice.
Here's a scripture that I liked recently. Read and see how it applies personally to you!
3 Nephi 9:14 (This is Jesus Christ speaking): Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
Eye will be seeing you later. Love you all, and stay safe! Be strong, firm, and true!
-Elder Bowlby
Hello, Family and friends! Tis I again, Elder Bowlby.
The week was a normal week. Elder Grande and I are working hard and working smarter. We're searching for families where not all in the family are members.
We knocked a lot of doors and did a lot of talking. The basics of the week, really. Work goes on in the Lord's timing and pace. I give thanks that I'm able to be serving for this year of 2018.
Elder Grande and I talk pretty openly and I think we're already becoming good friends. He's from Puebla, the Mexican state where the 5 de Mayo celebration comes from, because it's "The Battle of Puebla". 5 de Mayo is not the independence day of Mexico. It was also really quiet this May 5th. Not a single firework.
Elder Grande tells me that Puebla is really cool. I might want to go some day just to check it out. He says that there are volcanoes near his town! Nice.
Here's a scripture that I liked recently. Read and see how it applies personally to you!
3 Nephi 9:14 (This is Jesus Christ speaking): Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
-Elder Bowlby
Mom of a Missionary ....Emails from Mexico April 30th
And now: The Weather
Yes, hello. It has been raining all week. How do you do?
Hello Family and Friends! My name is Elder Soaked- er, I mean, Elder Bowlby.
This week was the last week of Elder Jensen here in Purification and we worked very hard to combat the rain and flooding. It appears that one of my shoes has a hole in it, and when it rains, it floods. I have to put bags inside so my feet don't soak.
We did a lot of contacting and had various appointments throughout the week. Nothing too exciting, really. We have an investigator to the church who is really enjoying the friendships she's making and also the ambiance of the church. Her daughter has been member for a while, and because she's seen a change in her daughter, she's considering joining the church. We're teaching her in her home and she's very nice.
Elder Jensen and I enjoyed this last week together. Elder Grande from Puebla has arrived in my area, and he's my new companion! He actually has about the same amout of time in the Mission as Elder Jensen had.
-Elder Bowlby
I'm excited for this new transfer and new chapter in the mission.
Stay strong! Love you all. Please remember to count your many blessings and give thanks to God for what you have.
Hello Family and Friends! My name is Elder Soaked- er, I mean, Elder Bowlby.
This week was the last week of Elder Jensen here in Purification and we worked very hard to combat the rain and flooding. It appears that one of my shoes has a hole in it, and when it rains, it floods. I have to put bags inside so my feet don't soak.
We did a lot of contacting and had various appointments throughout the week. Nothing too exciting, really. We have an investigator to the church who is really enjoying the friendships she's making and also the ambiance of the church. Her daughter has been member for a while, and because she's seen a change in her daughter, she's considering joining the church. We're teaching her in her home and she's very nice.
Elder Jensen and I enjoyed this last week together. Elder Grande from Puebla has arrived in my area, and he's my new companion! He actually has about the same amout of time in the Mission as Elder Jensen had.
-Elder Bowlby
I'm excited for this new transfer and new chapter in the mission.
Stay strong! Love you all. Please remember to count your many blessings and give thanks to God for what you have.
Mom of a Missionary ....E-mails from Mexico April 23rd...
Counting up on the countdown.
Welcome to the halfway point.
It's been a bittersweet kind of journey. Bitter because it's not easy, and sweet because I've learned so much. Every day I learn something new, and often times I learn them from the most unexpected people. My companion Elder Jensen teaches me a lot, and he has half the time on the mission that I do. He wants to be a great leader, and I honestly think that at the rate he's going to be amazing.
Every now and then I wonder where I'm going and I can't see it very well. It's hard to see just how far i've come sometimes. The good thing is, even though I can't see very well in the fog of life, I know i'm getting somewhere!
Welcome to the halfway point.
It's been a bittersweet kind of journey. Bitter because it's not easy, and sweet because I've learned so much. Every day I learn something new, and often times I learn them from the most unexpected people. My companion Elder Jensen teaches me a lot, and he has half the time on the mission that I do. He wants to be a great leader, and I honestly think that at the rate he's going to be amazing.
Every now and then I wonder where I'm going and I can't see it very well. It's hard to see just how far i've come sometimes. The good thing is, even though I can't see very well in the fog of life, I know i'm getting somewhere!
(This literally translates to "Street Without Name". Look how far i've come!)
The week itself has been very difficult. We've done a lot of walking, a lot of knocking, there's been a lot of sun and it hasn't been too fun... mostly because of the heat and all. We still chug onwards! We're striving to be better every day. We're working little by little to strengthen the ward.
The week itself has been very difficult. We've done a lot of walking, a lot of knocking, there's been a lot of sun and it hasn't been too fun... mostly because of the heat and all. We still chug onwards! We're striving to be better every day. We're working little by little to strengthen the ward.
(Here's me, one year on the mission. 18th of April, 2018)
(Woah! Talk about a difference. This is one year of constant drawing and doodles).
I love you all, stay safe, and stay strong! Here's a scripture that helped me recently:
It's in Alma, chapter 26: verses 27 and 28.
27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.
Remember, patience is a virtue. We need to trust in the Lords timing and the Lord's lessons.
I miss you loads and I hope that you're all doing great! Thank you for your e-mails and photos. I'm very happy to hear from you all, always!
-Elder Bowlby
I love you all, stay safe, and stay strong! Here's a scripture that helped me recently:
It's in Alma, chapter 26: verses 27 and 28.
27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.
Remember, patience is a virtue. We need to trust in the Lords timing and the Lord's lessons.
I miss you loads and I hope that you're all doing great! Thank you for your e-mails and photos. I'm very happy to hear from you all, always!
-Elder Bowlby
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
My Bee Feeding Dandelion Catastrophe ..Or the lawn of a million wishes....
There are a million wishes on this lawn. What would you wish for?
What would you wish for if you had one million wishes growing on your lawn?
G.G
Friskas Dandelion weeder ad from Amazon.com
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