"God is a God of Miracles."

Hello to everyone,

In her first paragraph Camille answers a question I had about her companions physical condition and I was wondering if she really hurt as much as Camille made it out to be.  I guess she does.  Her companion has Fibromyalgia AND Arthritis.  Poor girl trying to ride a bike and walking and the heat is probably just killing her.  Definitely a challenge for her and for Camille.  But challenges help us all grow!  Thanks for your prayers and support.

Love,

Rosalee

 

 

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 8:50 AM

 

CIAO AMICI E FAMIGLIA!

 

I am so glad to hear that most of you, if not all, were in stitches with my last email. I try to recount all the amazing things that happen, so you all can have these experiences right along with me. Let's say, the language barrier is still the same...with funnier comments here and there, but she IS improving!! Mom, you asked if it was really that bad...and I'll be completely honest...it really is. The Lord is putting me to the test to have patience and remember that I can still be a good missionary...even if I am inside...all day long. I can't complain because I cannot focus on the negative and hardships. It's not her fault...but when we teach lessons, we really make them count. Miracles come in every shape and form.  KATELYN BAIR...I need an address to send you a letter...where are you staying now? AND...if you feel like sending some music David Osmond "Road Less Traveled" would be super amazing!! Okay...enough hen pecking...here are our adventures for the week:

 

 Friends and family...it is hotter than an oven here. We have been on foot for the past week because BOTH of our bikes are broken. I turned a corner and got a flat tire, and my companion practically ran into me because her brakes are completely out! So, we have been chugging water like crazy..sleeping with fans on, and freezing all of our food just to cool our bodies down. I'm not saying like, oh wah it's a little warm...I'm talking 104 degrees...and that is WITHOUT the humidity factor. You can pretty much call me Drippy McSweatface. Yipes. You pretty much get used to sweating and being thirsty...and getting ready in the morning consists of how fast you can tie your hair up, and what little clothing you can wear and still be a presentable missionary. We are making it, but my companion just struggles with the heat. So, patience is something the Lord is making me work on this transfer. I've passed and failed at times...more recently failed...but thank goodness for the Atonement and repentance process. I haven't  been frustrated except for yesterday. We had an opportunity to do some casa, and we totally botched it because our New Converts couldn't get over the fact that we have NEVER eat porcupine, or tiger, or elephant, or...whatever else. He kept saying that a porcupine was a grasshopper...those dang things don't even hop!! But, you know...we WILL do better next time.

 

Despite the challenges, there also ALWAYS comes the miracles. Friends and family...I TESTIFY that God is a God of Miracles. When I look at our investigator chart and see the names being erased, one by one, and our prime baptismal date freaks out and no longer wants to meet with us...it would break my heart. Nephi's psalm has been a good friend of mine these past few days...as well as the newest Liahona. Just when I ask the Lord, what is it that I need to do to be better...I find that I need to be even more prudent with time and work as hard as I can when we CAN go outside. But even then...the Lord still blesses us with miraculous people. Dina is our prime example. About a month ago, before this last transfer, I was with my previous companion, Sorella Johnson. We were coming home from a dinner appointment, and my companion took a wrong turn to get home..but I could still find our way just the same. As we were going home, someone called out to us a few times, and I turn over my shoulder, and there is a woman lugging these huge bags. She asked us if we could help her with our bikes, because they have baskets, and of course we answered "certo"! As we got to her house, she gave us her number and told us to call her and set up an appointment.I was searching for names to call one day, flipping through my book, and I stumbled upon her name in the phone. I figured, why not give her a try...So I called and last Saturday, we had our first appointment with her...and she is AMAZING! She is a true Italian and so warm and inviting. I just LOVE HER!!  She was asking all the right questions, AMAZING questions, like, straight from Preach My Gospel!! She would ask why the Catholic church thinks that they can give people pieces of Padre Piu's clothing and charge people money for it. She goes, C'mon, if you think about it, how many clothes does this man have?! One euro gets you a small piece and 3 euro gets you a large piece. The amount of people that buy these things...WHERE are they getting the clothes?! Haahaha and then she goes to say that she doesn't believe ANY of the stuff she learned...it just doesn't make sense...and she has been looking for faith...and just doesn't know where to find it. The lesson went amazingly, the Spirit was so strong, and my heavenly days, we got another appointment! Monday night we had our return appointment and this woman had read everything we asked her, prayed AND got her companion to read with her...as to which he says he wants us to teach him too...and he'll make us pizza because he owns a pizzeria. Throughout the lesson she just knew it was true...her mind, as she explained, just seemed to be opened. She was so intrigued with the golden plates and why she hadn't heard of them before...but she just knew that what we were saying was true. She needs to know more...she says it is as if she is hungry. She is surprised at our ages, and how much we can give her..and so WE MUST COME BACK AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. As I am reading back over this letter, words can't even describe the experience. She would turn to me every so often and ask these heartfelt questions, and if we could teach her companion...YES?! Together? YES!? And then, the pivitol point came...but it was on her own accord!! She turns to me and matter-of-factly states that she is coming to church with us on Sunday. And then asks if it is possible for her to be married in our church and be baptized right afterward. She wants to be baptized IMMEDIATELY. My eyes just popped. Sorella Smith had no idea what was going on poor thing! Sorella looks at me and asks, Sorella, do we do the invite now? And I look at her and say, Well, we can't yet...we have a wedding to plan! And Sorella is so confused. So, I elaborate: "Sorella, we can't baptize her yet...she wants to be married in our church and then have the baptism right afterward with her companion" And when she heard this...She just about exploded!! My companion is the CHAMPION at charades. It is such a blessing because people tell me that even though they can't understand what is coming outof her mouth...they see her spirit through her eyes....and they do not doubt what she is saying. God is a God of Miracles.

 

With all of this, I am just PRAYING that the Lord doesn't have me transferred. For a while,and still..I feel like I'll be transferred...but I am HOPING that this is NOT the case|! I have a wedding and 2 baptisms to plan for heaven's sakes!! So, pray for me and my companion that all goes well. Felix Wahurulo, one of our New Converts, keeps saying that God answers his prayers because he is faithful, and he has been praying for me to stay...and God keeps His promises!! hahaha

 

Well, my time is far spent...until next week my friends!

Con tutto del mio cuore e anche mi amore,

Sorella Bowman

8.17.11

Wednesday August 17, 2011 9:45 AM

 

Wow!

 

That is about how much I can say right now. Life really does go on even when you are serving the Lord. Seeing all of my friends start their families, babies being born, friends getting married...wow, it is SO CRAZY!! But, just the same, I am STILL loving my mission....if not more now.

 

The Lord knew that I needed this...the blessing of being a trainer. I cannot tell you the amazing perspective you get when you have the priviledge of working with someone just barely in the field! Sister Candace Kealani Smith is my new companion and she is from Spanish Fork, Utah. She is 22 years old, LOVES red lipstick, has 2 older brothers and a younger brother and sister...and can't speak a lick of Italian. But you know, you would think I would be totally stressed right? Honestly, I am stressed...there is a LOT of new responsibilities that I have to do that I haven't ever done...but...I am happy. I don't think that I can express how happy I am right now. It is a fresh feeling...seeing someone else grow and being blessed with so many thing. I just feel like I am back to myself again. I have to bend and adjust to things, but I think the Lord just blesses me with a peace in saying that it is okay. As we know, Modena is one of THE HOTTEST cities here in Italy and it is VERY difficult for Sorella Smith. She has fibro myalgia as well as arthritis...so severe that she almost didn't come out to the field. This has not bothered me yet, and I am positive that it won't. I just smile and let things go...and so far it is working. She is just joy...with an opinion and a heart to work, that is for sure. I love working with her because there is ALWAYS something to laugh about, especially with the language barrier. SHe tries SO HARD, and the people we have taught just love her because even though they can't understand what comes out of her mouth...they see the Lord's spirit in her eyes...and that is totally true.

 

We have had so many experiences this week. It has been a week of reflection for me...truly...and really looking and relying on the Lord to teach and help her grow in as many ways as possible. As well as myself!! Sometimes she goes off on tangents, but I have learned to bring the conversation BACK to what we are teaching, and she is learning. We read from the Book of Mormon in Italian EVERY NIGHT and I really think that is helping her too...if anything, it is helping me. I have felt this like, "mantle" placed upon me, where I can understand pretty much everything that others are saying...It's absolutely amazing. We have constructed an awesome language study plan for this transfer, but haven't quite gotten to it yet because the work has been taxing for her AND myself...we had to do quite a bit of walking one day because she had Fibro Fog (where she can't concentrate...nonetheless ride a bike) and we just passed out when we got home. But nonetheless, with the adjusting, we still see miracles. :)  

 

We started off the week on a GREAT start, I am just thrilled to have her as a companion. There are so many laughs and so many things that she brings with a fresh perspective. We were teaching an African couple named Matilda and Robert and they just couldn't understand WHY they needed to be baptized again. I was stuck...i didn't know what to say...so I turned to Sorella Smith and she explains baptism like a jelly donut...and it WORKED!! She said that when they were first baptized, the people only gave them a regular donut, just the dough. But we are here to offer you the donut that you wanted...with the best jelly you have EVER tasted. "I GET YOU MY SISTAH" was all they could say. Thank heavens. We had another contact in the park and started talking to these people. THe conversation was going so well and I bore testimony of what we were teaching. I turn to her so that she can testify, and she takes a big breath, smiles sweetly and in her Italian says "I don't believe any of this". HAAHHHAHHAHAHHAHA!!!! I look at her and my eyes get big and her eyes get big and she goes "Wait, what did I just say?" Haahaha Sorella, you just said you didn't believe anything I JUST said!! Hahahahhaha we were then able to go back and fix it. Gotta love it...hahaha

 

I do think that miracles are going to be accomplished this transfer. Felix and Seth showed up to church this past week in a white shirt, suit pants, and Felix in a tie. Felix was asked to say the opening prayer and has been called to be an usher and let teachers know when they have 5 minutes left. He takes the calling VERY seriously. They both received the priesthood this past Sunday and have given us 2 referrals...one of which has a baptism date and the other is soon to come. They want to be at EVERY LESSON and introduce Sorell Smith to Italian Fufu (pizza).

 

Another miracle we saw this week was with our investigator Rita...I was slightly hesitant with her progress because it just did't seem like she was understanding. We are struggling talking with her in English, thinking that the language barrier was because of Twi...then all of a sudden, the citof rings and she starts speaking beautiful Italian. My eyes pop open and ask "Rita...do you speak Italian?" And She responds yes...and then I just start talking to her saying that I never knew!! And she just laughs and just starts expressing herself like there was no tomorrow. She had been struggling to understand, and Sorella Smith said that when we switched to Italian, even though she didn't understand...she saw the spirit touch Rita and that there was just this veil lifted from her face. Rita had been trying to ask some questions, but couldn't express herself...but when we switched to Italian all she wanted to know was how to become clean and start her life over from all the experiences she has had in the past. She was SO open about it...and I was able to talk about the atonement and how she can TRULY become clean from her sins...And the Spirit was SO STRONG! She is going to be in Bologna this weekend, so we have the Elders down there getting her to church so she can start her path to baptism!! MIracles!!

Eva is doing great, and Ursula is on her way. There are people find and people to help and we are going to make a difference this transfer...I just know it! Please help us find those who are searching and to allow our tongues to be loosed when we do our invites...I think that is the hardest right now...just knowing how to continue when people don't respond...BUT I'm working on it!

 

I'll be praying for Isaac...we'll get this figured out!

 

Con amore,

Sorella Bowman

 

p.s. I LOVE ALL THE EMAILS AND PICTURES AND LETTERS...they just keep me going!! Thank you so, so much!!!

Attitude of Gratitude

Thursday, August 11, 2011 7:10 PM

 

Dear Family and Friends,

 

I canNOT express how GRATEFUL I am for all of the wonderful emails and pictures I received!! Autumn, HOLY SMOKES!! I was just DYING...the pictures are BEAUTIFUL and yet, I am really looking forward to the letter about the car...everything's okay, right? But Mom, it sounds like you have been as busy as ever...and it's okay that you missed last week. I finished my email session, went and did grocery shopping and a lesson, and it wasn't until AFTERWARDS that I thought <Sorella Johnson...my mom didn't write me this week! Weird...> And then I kept pedaling. But I am SO glad to hear from you now. I LOVED the pictures...Briellie really DOES look like me..and the cake Cadha did was BEAUTIFUL!! I can just picture Briellie shaking at the cake...hahaha that is SO FUNNY!! I just loved the pictures and everything...I was laughing and smiling the whole time.

 

So, the baptism of Eva went BEAUTIFULLY!!! The Spirit was just SO strong, and the confirmation was that much more beautiful too. It is just amazing to see these people change and the process that they take. We had a lesson with Felix and Seth yesterday...they are going to be receiving the Priesthood on Sunday and they are taking it VERY seriously. Last night's lesson was on Missionary Work and Sorella Johnson and I shared our mission scriptures on our plaques. As we bore our testimonies on Missionary Work, they both started talking and just shared POWERFUL testimonies of how THEY KNOW THAT THIS CHURCH IS TRUE. I am telling you, it was the most BEAUTIFUL thing I had heard. Felix is praying constantly that his wife's heart will soften, and when he goes home for Christmas that she will see he is TRULY happy..and he has direction in his life, and he KNOWS who he is. Seth is looking forward to sharing the gospel with his friends because he FINALLY found the truth...and he believes that he is going to be a savior for his family, so that they TOO will accept the gospel someday. The phrasing that Ghaneans and Nigerians use is so much different than the American culture, so just trust me that they were completely sincere in all their words and you just KNOW that they know the truth of what they are learning. Nonetheless, I got all teary eyed and just felt SO BLESSED!! They presented Sorella Johnson with parting gifts and tried to give us money again for a meal...Felix was so funny! He looks at me and goes <Sistah Bowmahn, I know we can't give you money, but we wanted to take you for food. Seth explained to me that this cannot be so, and so we have money here...and I am going to put it in the bag> And the whole time he is looking at me like I'm a bomb about to explode..which is NOT my facial expression at all. But, as he is trying to, I gently say <Felix! You KNOW we cannot accept the money!> And they went on and on about how we shouldn't disappoint them and so I came up with a brilliant idea. I said, <You know, we are teaching your friend Samuel tomorrow night. You both are members now, and he is an investigator. Save the money and buy us pizza...we will eat together in the park with Samuel tomorrow night.> And they accepted this WHOLE HEARTEDLY...phew...problem solved and completely acceptable!

 

We went to Eva and Gricelia's home the other day for a lesson and Ursula now has a date! We are praying for her to be ready for baptism on September 10...it is going to be wonderful. They had us over for dinner and they just love me...because I can really eat...and I have no shame. I had some shame during dinner because I really WAS eating so much...but I was  SOOO HUNGRY!! They just laughed and loved it just the same. Eva, once she realized that her son is my age...that she is old enough to be my mother...she just has this twinkle in her eye, she's adopted me as her daughter of some sorts. I don't mind...she is a WONDERFUL person...and I don't blame her...she must miss her son a LOT.  But everything is going beautifully here and I am just loving my mission right now. There is soo much to learn about and so much to experience. The weather is cooling down too, so the days are MUCH more enjoyable and not so miserable. My legs are still VERY scarred from all the mosquito bites...we have smoke things and spray, and they STILL bite... I don't really know what to do! So, I've been putting bag balm on the scars and they aren't so firey red anymore...Anyone have any suggestions to minimize the scarring??

 

I am sure you all are on pins and needles about transfers and what is going on. I'm telling you, NC (new convert) prayers are SO POWERFUL! Really quick, Chris (Anna's 6 year old son) prayed that we would have some wind one day so that it wouldn't be so hot. Next thing we know, Sorella Johnson and I are biking with ALL our might because the wind is just blowing us which way direction. Next time we are going to ask him to ask for wind AFTER we get home. Felix has been praying for me to stay here in Modena. He says I still have so much more to teach him, and he says his faith is strong so God WILL listen to him. And in fact, the Lord has. We have to catch a 6:25am train tomorrow to Milano because...I have been called to serve as a trainer. Yes, my friends and family..3rd transfer in and I have my first greenie arriving today. I'll be doing a few workshops and then meet her, and off we go. I KNEW it was coming...I think I mentioned something in my last email. But, I was just waiting all day for the phone call, and right after lunch the AP's called and said that the Lord desires me to train one of His newest missionaries. It's a LOT of responsibility now, and it is a LITTLE daunting because I realize how MUCH I need to work on. But the Lord needs me to do it, and so, with His help...I know I can. I can really do anything when I rely on the Lord. So this will be a fun adventure and I will keep you posted. I called the ZL last night to know the train times, and Anziano Neilson just started laughing because he was SO excited for me. I am the only Sorella training in our whole Zone (yipes!!) but all he could say was that I was more than prepared and I would be just fine. He asked me how I felt when the AP's said I would be training and I calmly told him and said that I already had a feeling that I would be doing it...and he just laughed SO HARD and kept saying NO WAY, that is SO AWESOME! Gosh, I love my zone hahahha

 

So that is our latest adventures...thank you all SO MUCH for your support. 

 

Con amore per tutti,

Sorella Bowman

 

p.s. ...may I have some more peanut butter?? Please??

7.27.2011

Sounds like things are going well for her and making much progress.

Rosalee

 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:44 AM

 

Buongiorno tutti cari amici,

Things are going SO WELL here in Italy! I know most of you are concerned with my contact with my Bishop...but you know what? You just have to love the people you work with. President Wolfgramm is HIGHLY involved...he actually had a meeting with the bishopric here and his counselors to discuss this problem. President spoke to us on the phone the other night and he has been considering taking out the missionaries due to the lack of support. If this happens...the ward WILL die. When I heard this, it broke my heart. But, if the Lord finds this to be the necessary thing...then so be it. Speaking of the Lord's will...ha, I think I might be training next transfer....but we'll see what happens.

 

We just got back from Verona today and I just feel so blessed to be here. My life is just where it should be and I see that when we do our part, the Lord ALWAYS does His. Sorella Johnson and I have made a goal to make 20 lessons a week and do 20 inviti a day...with this, we have a PROMISE from President Boyd K. Packer that if we do this, our baptisms will double. We still teach whoever and the work is still going strong. Every smile, every hello, ALWAYS makes a difference.

 

I know that the Lord protects His missionaries and things happen everyday to testify of that. So many experiences I would never DREAM to experience are happening...and it's such a blessing to see. We have been teaching 20 lessons and we do see the difference in everyone's life that we teach. But, as far as the protection is concerned, I testify that the Lord IS protecting me...thank you for your prayers!!

 

The other day, Sorella Johnson and I were at the park riding our bikes to an appointment. I was turning, watching a drug bust happen...and I look ahead of me and see this HUGE man coming towards me on HIS bike. I gently go to the side to get out of his way, and he turns TOWARDS me TOTALLY surprised!! As I see it, I can't avoid it...and I hear our bikes smash...but the thing is, I gently set my bike down, no scratch whatsoever, and run over to the man. Sorella Johnson saw the whole thing, and she thought my leg had been smashed and ripped to pieces...The man's bike swerved OUT of control and he went FLYING...literally FLYING. As I check to see if he was okay, he seemed fine but was apologizing like crazy. He thought I was Italian and was going to make a big scene because he was straniero, but I just made sure all was alright and kept going. EVERYONE in the park saw...and came to check on me randomly. My leg should have been smashed and I SHOULD have been seriously hurt...but not a scratch at all. The Lord is directing me so that I can do His work.

 

There is not much to report this week...the Lord is just here and I feel His spirit now more than ever!! We have 2 baptisms on Saturday...and pictures will come. Mom, I'm SOOOOOO GRATEFUL for the package. Everything came completely whole and absolutely delicious...thank you thank you thank you for ALL you do!! The package DID come when the post office said, I just didn't get it because we didn't have conference until last week :) BUT I am SOOO excited to make the reeses things...I'll take pictures. As far as needing things...I would like some more journal pages...and maybe Macaroni and Cheese....and Fruity Dyno'Bites or Cinnamon Toasters...Odd I know...but our AP's gave us a bag of Fruity DynoBites frome the military base and they were ABSOLUTELY delicious!!! He gave them to me because of all the hard work we are doing...hahahah miracles happen!! I also got letters from a few of you...and thank you so much!! I felt SOOO special hearing from you all :) Thank you for your prayers!!

 

Love always,

Sorella Bowman

7.27.2011 (I've lost track of what week it is...sorry Mom)

Sounds like things are going well for her and making much progress.

Rosalee

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:44 AM

Buongiorno tutti cari amici,

Things are going SO WELL here in Italy! I know most of you are concerned with my contact with my Bishop...but you know what? You just have to love the people you work with. President Wolfgramm is HIGHLY involved...he actually had a meeting with the bishopric here and his counselors to discuss this problem. President spoke to us on the phone the other night and he has been considering taking out the missionaries due to the lack of support. If this happens...the ward WILL die. When I heard this, it broke my heart. But, if the Lord finds this to be the necessary thing...then so be it. Speaking of the Lord's will...ha, I think I might be training next transfer....but we'll see what happens.

We just got back from Verona today and I just feel so blessed to be here. My life is just where it should be and I see that when we do our part, the Lord ALWAYS does His. Sorella Johnson and I have made a goal to make 20 lessons a week and do 20 inviti a day...with this, we have a PROMISE from President Boyd K. Packer that if we do this, our baptisms will double. We still teach whoever and the work is still going strong. Every smile, every hello, ALWAYS makes a difference.

I know that the Lord protects His missionaries and things happen everyday to testify of that. So many experiences I would never DREAM to experience are happening...and it's such a blessing to see. We have been teaching 20 lessons and we do see the difference in everyone's life that we teach. But, as far as the protection is concerned, I testify that the Lord IS protecting me...thank you for your prayers!!

The other day, Sorella Johnson and I were at the park riding our bikes to an appointment. I was turning, watching a drug bust happen...and I look ahead of me and see this HUGE man coming towards me on HIS bike. I gently go to the side to get out of his way, and he turns TOWARDS me TOTALLY surprised!! As I see it, I can't avoid it...and I hear our bikes smash...but the thing is, I gently set my bike down, no scratch whatsoever, and run over to the man. Sorella Johnson saw the whole thing, and she thought my leg had been smashed and ripped to pieces...The man's bike swerved OUT of control and he went FLYING...literally FLYING. As I check to see if he was okay, he seemed fine but was apologizing like crazy. He thought I was Italian and was going to make a big scene because he was straniero, but I just made sure all was alright and kept going. EVERYONE in the park saw...and came to check on me randomly. My leg should have been smashed and I SHOULD have been seriously hurt...but not a scratch at all. The Lord is directing me so that I can do His work.

There is not much to report this week...the Lord is just here and I feel His spirit now more than ever!! We have 2 baptisms on Saturday...and pictures will come. Mom, I'm SOOOOOO GRATEFUL for the package. Everything came completely whole and absolutely delicious...thank you thank you thank you for ALL you do!! The package DID come when the post office said, I just didn't get it because we didn't have conference until last week :) BUT I am SOOO excited to make the reeses things...I'll take pictures. As far as needing things...I would like some more journal pages...and maybe Macaroni and Cheese....and Fruity Dyno'Bites or Cinnamon Toasters...Odd I know...but our AP's gave us a bag of Fruity DynoBites frome the military base and they were ABSOLUTELY delicious!!! He gave them to me because of all the hard work we are doing...hahahah miracles happen!! I also got letters from a few of you...and thank you so much!! I felt SOOO special hearing from you all :) Thank you for your prayers!!

Love always,

Sorella Bowman