Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Friday, February 10, 2012 9:34 AM

 

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!

 

This week the letter had to be sent later in the week because we had special training on our usual p-day. Things have been off and on this week because of the cold, I feel good, but my ankle doesn't. It swells up and gets hard as a rock!! But, the other day, Wednesday, we put this clay stuff on it to take the swelling down, and I woke up swollen!! I guess the clay activiates all the toxins in your body and so i felt like I got hit by a truck!! We cancelled all our appointments, which took me most of the day to not feel guilty about doing..because I was really wanting some lessons that day...but in the end it was a good thing for my companion. She did a LOT of learning and growing while I slept...so for her, the day was not a total waste. The Lord's work is always done, even if we don't realize in what ways.

 

I recieved the death call on Tuesday...am I staying 11 or 12 transfers? Man, it was just a reality shock for me because they are already needing to order my plane ticket and arrangements taken care of. I can't believe how fast things are going. And the frustrations that I have been having with my health and with my ankle, well, come to find out...I know that was apart of the Lord's plan too. It gave me time to rewind and really put my thoughts in order. I felt so tranquil during these past few days and just coming to realize what I really want in my life. I think that has been the BIGGEST amount of growth that I have made and it has really put things in order for me. I am very grateful for that.

 

Liz still isn't baptized and we have had some trouble getting ahold of Christele. But I know we'll make progress with both and everything will be okay. Yesterday's appointments were with Liz and also her mom later that night...but everytime I prayed about going out, it didn't feel right. by the end of the night I felt fine, so I was frustrated why I couldn't have gone out during the day. But the feeling I got was that LIZ needed to step up and bear her testimony to her mother...to work on gaining a relationship with her and just telling her mom how important the gospel is in her life. I don't know if she did it, because we asked her to when we had to cancel the appointment...but I am ready to get back out there and get the work rolling again.

 

That has been one of the challenges for me...learning to listen to the Spirit. I have...trouble...we could say, when it comes to knowing what I want and what the Lord wants. I second guess myself...like right now, I keep saying "I should have gone out yesterday" but I really just didn't feel good...I ended up sleeping the whole day even though by the night I felt much better. Is that okay? I keep saying "I can't let this happen again" but my ankle is also issues too! Members tell me not to go outside because it's so cold and it really does bad things for my ankle...and I can't really get on busses without people kicking me or stepping on my foot...*sigh* I just have to accept the decision and move forward. Everyone knows it's been in bad shape, and that normally, I would NOT just want to rest and eat nothing and stay in bed...There has been a big flu going around and my companion thought I was starting the symptoms...and now I realize, reading back over...could I have been justifying my decision to reassure myself? Gaaaghh...and then I think and realize, I felt what i felt, to stay inside...and I have to remember that my decisions also affect my companion...and for her, it was a real blessing..something that has changed her life. Okay, basta Sorella Bowman...when you want to serve the Lord, even if it means staying inside, you are doing what you are supposed to.

 

OH! So the subject line, yeah, what the heck? It's been snowing here in Genova!! In fact, ALL OF ITALY hasn't seen weather this cold in close to 30 years!! NUTS RIGHT?! So, the ankle has been a blessing because my companion gets woozy more often than not with the weather changes. But this time around, I have SO much patience and the sickness she has doesn't bother me...I surprise myself at how understanding I've become! can I actually say patient?? I think the Lord is now teaching me how to be patient with myself...and well...it's taking longer than everything else...but I'm working on it :)

 

Thank you all so much for the letters and pictures and pick-me-ups...You'll never know how much joy they bring to my life!! Keep standing up for what you believe in, and look for the hands that hang down....just so you can lift them up!!

 

love always,

sorella bowman

 

p.s. the ankle, yeah, I tweaked it on Wednesday and it's still swollen around the joints. I'm looking for a brace today to see what we can do...but, I'm making myself walk and going forward from there. Still bruised, still purple, but good enough to walk on :)

Sausage Making

Sausage Making, a set on Flickr.

To see the pictures, CLICK THE LINK! :)

No News

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 2:14 PM

Well, no news from Camille today.  Don't know why but I'm hoping that no news is good news.  I'm a bit worried about her leg/foot.  Keep her in your prayers, please.
Thanks!
Rosalee and Anthony

Colors Seem to Fade

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 7:48 PM

That's the only line I can remember from that song from way back when...It's amazing how much you forget on your mission! I've chosen this as my title, because that was my first thought when I took a look at my right foot this morning...

Let's backtrack to last P-day and not having time to complete my letter:

Liz did not get baptized. In fact, she is wanting us to meet with her mother now and start teaching her the lessons. Liz thinks it would be wonderful to have her mother get baptized with her! This little girl has so much faith, it's absolutely amazing!

Tuesday we were actually heading to go see Kerly and we got onto the bus that we normally do. I had taken it upon myself to start changing. I'm tired of keeping my mouth closed! So I turn to the ecuadorian woman next to me and start talking to her. For quite some time, she doesn't really respond...just polite, yes's and no's here and there. As I'm teaching, this old Italian woman keeps interrupting me like I'm talking to her...but I'm really not. Ugh! It was so frustrating at the time, but it is such a joke now! Anyway, as I am talking to this Ecuadorian woman I just get down to the point and bring out the Book of Mormon and testify of the first vision. All of a sudden I see this hand reach from behind me and a young voice say, "Can I see that book please?" And I immediately turn, it was almost like a vaccuum to her! This bright, 26 year old girl from the African Cameroon Islands starts flipping through the Book of Mormon and says " I have to have this book. I have been searching for answers and I KNOW that I need this book. Can I please have it?" Then the Italian woman pipes in and says that it was condemning to read another gospel. You have study the right one! And she goes to say that if this girl is feeling empty (Like she explained to me from going to the Catholic church...she goes to mass every day to try and feel something and nothing is coming..She is tired of having her faith fall and rise...she wants consistency) she needs to go see the nuns! And then this beautiful girls says "Well, their tag says they are from Jesus Christ...that means they work for Him, and that works for me!" ANd the woman says, "NO! You can't! THey are Evangelists! They teach false doctrine!" And then I had this power surge within me, like when Iron Man pumps up to blast his enemies...yeah like that! And I turn to her and say " No! Signora! We. ARe. Not!" And she just looks at me and hushes...she has been interrupting the whole time...so she finally got the hint. But we made an appointment with the young lady and we were so excited to see her on Saturday...but Friday night comes around... I have these shoes. These cute little Dansko shoes that...like to be a little wobbly sometimes. BUt anyway, after getting ANOTHER scheda for our phone and having Lina Salazar activate it for us, we had to run for the bus...a brand spanking wonderful welcome for Sorella Smith into Genova. As I am running for the bus, I hop the curb, and the next thing I know, I hear a snap and out goes my right leg. My whole body fills with this paralying pain that I literally cannot lift myself. My leg feels like a gigantic brick. So there I am, sprawled in the middle of 3 bus lanes, and this little Italian woman stands in the street so the busses don't hit me. Sorella Smith picks me up and helps me hop to the curb, where the little lady gets me a box. I start shaking like crazy and just start trying to make phone calls. NO ONE IS ANSWERING!! And we can't call emergency because, well, I don't know what the number is, (I don't even know if it's 9-1-1) and I finally ahold of President and say, sobbing, "President, this is sister bowman. Please call the Anziani so they will pick up their phone. I'm at Brignole Station and I've broken my leg." End of story. I look at my foot and it has swollen to the size of an orange and so Sorella Smith removes my shoe. People pass by, willy nilly, not thinking anything, not willing to even help. It made me so sad...UNtil this one Romanian man asked me if someone had called the ambulance, I said no and laughed a little. He looked at our tags and said "You work for Jesus Christ?" And I said, Yes! We're missionaries (As I sound like I'm in labor) and he goes "That's wonderful. You two are doing soemthing great for this country. I keep Christ right over my heart...and he pulls his shirt down to show us a tattoo of Jesus! I say "That's great, it's good to keep Him near" and he wished us luck and boarded the bus. Finally the Anziani show up and Anziano Fulcher (Australian) just starts talking to me, trying to get my mind off of things. I explain everything to Christian Salazar and Anziano Mina and we decide to take me to the ER and get me x-rayed. Jokingly, I laugh and mention that I sound like I'm in Labor and I don't think the elder's knew what to do with that...oh well...it's better than crying! So we get to the hospital and Christian says I need to start crying again, they won't treat me as fast if I'm laughing. So they set me on a stretcher and the first thing I see "I've ripped my tights! My mom is going to kill me!!" And then Christian sees that I split my knee and ripped the hole bigger! DAH!! THESE ARE THE NICE ONES!!! But, I ended up taking them off and cutting the legs for knee highs...sad day. SO they do the x-ray and nothing's broken...for a while we thought I had a fracture...they didn't really treat me well. The x-ray guy didn't put a lead vest on and then when he checked for a break, he grabbed the top of my toes and SHOOK THEM!!! DO YOU REALIZE HOW MUCH PAIN THAT IS?!?!?!??!? ALOT!!! But, Christian bought me a popsicle and placed it on the swollen parts..and then Anziano Fulcher had to take his turn....ugh I was so embarrassed..in the winter, you don't shave your legs...OR CARE ABOUT YOUR FEET!! Needless to say, Sorella Smith gave me a pedicure the next day...still working on the shaved legs part...but it's coming. So, they wrapped me up in a sticky ace bandage and sent me away...luckily I didn't have to pay. Christian felt that we needed to go see his wife, Lina and have her look at it. And it's a good thing too because my leg started reacting to the sticky ace-wrap. Needless to say, they re-wrapped me and gave me some pain killers and all was well. They have been taking care of me ever since!! CHristian and Lina came a few days ago and he did some "trrrreuhk trrreuhk" for my foot, and now it's popping normally. But, I have some really nasty bruising going on and I am still swollen. So for the past week I have been doing a LOT of sleeping and a lot of just trying to walk again. Sorella Smith and I have had some re-touching and a great study on the word of wisdom...heh heh heh..in the bible it says..no blood. But that's besides the point. So it's a few more days being at home until I'm back to normal. I get pains all the way up my calf and spasms at night because it's so cold. But it's all for some reason....President thinks the whole mission is on the brink of some outburst because a LOT of missionaries have been having problems of SOME SORT...the adversary just knows where to get us...I guess I just fall into the category of being so stubborn that the Lord has to get my physically...the Lord or the Adversary...probably the latter, but I have turned to the Lord to guide me through it all.

I know the church is true and I know I'm supposed to learn something here. I feel like my mind has been reswiped and recharged for my last stretch. I just need to keep it that way. Dad, I know what you mean....you got my letter and I am proud to say that I am ready to spring forward and not fall back. I am taking things I am learning on my mission now to use for the rest of my life...and how excited I am to be a changed person!! LOVE IT!! So until next week, I salute you all from my bed!!

love,
sorella bowman

p.s. the ward has been helping me so much! I have never received so many calls and meals...ever!!!

There Can Be Miracles...When You Believe

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:23 PM 

Dear Family and Friends,

I honestly just don't know where to start! Everything has been topsy  turvy this week and a little stressful with transfers. I had a sure feeling that I was leaving, but everything flip-flopped when Sorella Nilson got the call to be serving in Verona. I am VERY excited for her and know she will do so well, but I am VERY sad to see her go. She has been a huge blessing in my life. Some of you will be surprised as I was to hear my new companion, again I have been assigned to serve with Sorella Candace Smith. My first trainee. President called me in person to explain some things, of which I don't fully understand. But all in all, he just explained that she is in need of an understanding and patient companion, but a strong one at that. I accepted the call and about 20 minutes later, I bawled in the shower and afterwards. I love that young lady with all my heart, but it was the hardest transfer I have ever served. This next transfer is only 5 weeks, and President told me that after this transfer I would be for sure out of Genova...so it will be short, but I feel that the Lord has a lot for me to do with her and also our miracles we have found this week. I know this is selfish, but please pray for me to be strong and to not shy away from this challenge or become overly stressed. I know the Lord has a plan, and where fear exists, faith cannot. So thus, I must press forward.

But onto the miracles!! We'll first start with Liz...This past Saturday the sisters from Genova 2 had a a beautiful baptism of a mother and her daughter, as to which the Spirit was so strong. Before the baptism, we had a lesson with Liz and was trying to figure out where she wanted to go from here. She asked her mother if she could go to the baptism, and her mother said no...at first. Little Liz has so much faith, because in her prayer she asked God to soften her mother's heart to allow her to go and to be baptized. But, according to faith, after a little more explaining and a little more prodding, her mother agreed to let her go. As she came with us, Liz bore testimony to me on the bus that everything was going to be okay and that God is with us. She knew everything would be alright. After the baptism, which we had to leave early to get her home on time, we asked her how she felt. She looked at both of us and said, "I know it's true. Every doubt I had has been washed away. I know it's true." And we were just estatic!! She gained the courage to talk to her mother on Monday and her mother agreed to let her be baptized. WE WERE SO EXCITED!!!! The only problem is...the mother doesn't know Liz wants to be baptized THIS Saturday. Yesterday, Liz's mom showed up at the church and asked us to meet her. And we happily abliged...I thought about saying a prayer, but we had just finished one so we scuttled down to meet her mom because she was in a hurry. I shouldn't have done that. When we met her mother, I was shocked. This woman was haggard...worn from difficulty and struggles in her life...frail and just sad. My heart thumped in my chest and I didn't really know what was going on. I started talking and explaining how proud of her daughter we were and how grateful we were to her to allow Liz to come and meet with us. It was SUPER awkward because the mother was only there to ask why Liz needed to be baptized again. I started to explain the Restoration, and the authority and she still didn't get it. Sorella Nilson invited her into the church but she rejected the invite. She looked at me and said that Liz had been baptized by immersion when she was 9 months old (NEVER heard of that in the Catholic church...you've got to be kidding me) and so she said that she saw no difference and would like to know our side. I had NO ill will inside, NO hard feelings, I was just trying to be optimistic and loving and then all of a sudden word throw-up happened and I said, "The difference is when Jesus Christ was on the earth, He gave His authority to His apostles. When He died, that authority was lost and only through a Restoration of the Gospel do we have that authority again. Your daughter's baptism was not valid" And then nothing. In my mind I'm thinking " WHAT THE HECK DID YOU JUST SAY?!" Her eyes bugged out and got a little defensive, but I scrambled and asked if we could meet with her and explain the beautiful message that we know. She said alright and just walked away...not even saying goodbye to her daughter or even us. We have an appointment with her tomorrow and I'm hoping all goes well. I have to have faith that I was listening to the Spirit and that her mother will understand. Liz was surprised as to how her mom acted but stood firm and said "My Mother said I can be baptized and I'm holding her to it." So Liz is on the road to baptism...as far as this Saturday, we don't really know...but I'll fill you all in next week.

Last week, on Thursday we had a conference with Anziano Causse, a member of the 70. It was a BEAUTIFUL conference and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. The Spirit of the Lord was so strong in the session before lunch as Sister Simkins said the closing prayer...it was as it the Lord was directly in the room with us. At the end of the Conference, Anziano Maughn, the head Assistant to the President pulled me aside and said that Anziano Causse would like to speak to me personally. I was FLOORED and waited right outside the Bishop's office, where he was waiting for me. I was panicking a little because I thought I was going to receive a chastising because things were so difficult for me last week...but no such thing. Matt Stone asked me what have I learned that I'll take with me and use for the rest of my life due to my mission. Anziano Causse asked me the same thing. He asked me what are my thoughts on my mission and how will it be to return to normal life. In my mind, it didn't really register that I would be returning to "normal life". What does that mean anyway? I started crying, out of no where, in just testifying how beautiful my mission has been for me. I have come leaps and bounds, out of a hole I didn't know I was in. I have learned to fully rely on the Savior and to testify of the truthfulness and REALNESS of the Atonement. My character has changed, I'm becoming more patient and learning so many things that I love. I have gained a stronger testimony of the importance of scripture study, prayers and even family night. How blessed we are to have the gospel. Anziano Causse thanked me for my work and the joy I exude when I speak to people. He also told me not to worry about my family, but to start MY LIFE as soon as I get home. To go right into life and to start looking for my eternal companion. My family can take care of themselves. (And byfamily emails, it sure looks like they are) He counseled me NOT to return to normal life, but to live on this high plane that I am on right now. To keep these key principles and incorporate them into my life. An interview for which I am eternally grateful, and another piece to my testimony that Heavenly Father knows me and how grateful I am for worthy men to receive inspiration for the needy souls out in the world. Me included.

There is so much more I would like to share, so many more miracles, but I will have to do that next week. Thank you for all your support and I love and miss you all..but like I always say, there is NO WHERE ELSE I would rather be. Families are eternal and Heavenly Father's work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. I exhort you all to live for that promise. You must be worthy for it.

love, sorella bowman
p.s. I feel prompted to say "Go to the temple" I don't know who it's for, but whoever it IS for...go!!

There Can Be Miracles...When You Believe

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:23 PM

Dear Family and Friends,

I honestly just don't know where to start! Everything has been topsy turvy this week and a little stressful with transfers. I had a sure feeling that I was leaving, but everything flip-flopped when Sorella Nilson got the call to be serving in Verona. I am VERY excited for her and know she will do so well, but I am VERY sad to see her go. She has been a huge blessing in my life. Some of you will be surprised as I was to hear my new companion, again I have been assigned to serve with Sorella Candace Smith. My first trainee. President called me in person to explain some things, of which I don't fully understand. But all in all, he just explained that she is in need of an understanding and patient companion, but a strong one at that. I accepted the call and about 20 minutes later, I bawled in the shower and afterwards. I love that young lady with all my heart, but it was the hardest transfer I have ever served. This next transfer is only 5 weeks, and President told me that after this transfer I would be for sure out of Genova...so it will be short, but I feel that the Lord has a lot for me to do with her and also our miracles we have found this week. I know this is selfish, but please pray for me to be strong and to not shy away from this challenge or become overly stressed. I know the Lord has a plan, and where fear exists, faith cannot. So thus, I must press forward.

But onto the miracles!! We'll first start with Liz...This past Saturday the sisters from Genova 2 had a a beautiful baptism of a mother and her daughter, as to which the Spirit was so strong. Before the baptism, we had a lesson with Liz and was trying to figure out where she wanted to go from here. She asked her mother if she could go to the baptism, and her mother said no...at first. Little Liz has so much faith, because in her prayer she asked God to soften her mother's heart to allow her to go and to be baptized. But, according to faith, after a little more explaining and a little more prodding, her mother agreed to let her go. As she came with us, Liz bore testimony to me on the bus that everything was going to be okay and that God is with us. She knew everything would be alright. After the baptism, which we had to leave early to get her home on time, we asked her how she felt. She looked at both of us and said, "I know it's true. Every doubt I had has been washed away. I know it's true." And we were just estatic!! She gained the courage to talk to her mother on Monday and her mother agreed to let her be baptized. WE WERE SO EXCITED!!!! The only problem is...the mother doesn't know Liz wants to be baptized THIS Saturday.

Yesterday, Liz's mom showed up at the church and asked us to meet her. And we happily abliged...I thought about saying a prayer, but we had just finished one so we scuttled down to meet her mom because she was in a hurry. I shouldn't have done that. When we met her mother, I was shocked. This woman was haggard...worn from difficulty and struggles in her life...frail and just sad. My heart thumped in my chest and I didn't really know what was going on. I started talking and explaining how proud of her daughter we were and how grateful we were to her to allow Liz to come and meet with us. It was SUPER awkward because the mother was only there to ask why Liz needed to be baptized again. I started to explain the Restoration, and the authority and she still didn't get it. Sorella Nilson invited her into the church but she rejected the invite. She looked at me and said that Liz had been baptized by immersion when she was 9 months old (NEVER heard of that in the Catholic church...you've got to be kidding me) and so she said that she saw no difference and would like to know our side. I had NO ill will inside, NO hard feelings, I was just trying to be optimistic and loving and then all of a sudden word throw-up happened and I said, "The difference is when Jesus Christ was on the earth, He gave His authority to His apostles. When He died, that authority was lost and only through a Restoration of the Gospel do we have that authority again. Your daughter's baptism was not valid" And then nothing. In my mind I'm thinking " WHAT THE HECK DID YOU JUST SAY?!" Her eyes bugged out and got a little defensive, but I scrambled and asked if we could meet with her and explain the beautiful message that we know. She said alright and just walked away...not even saying goodbye to her daughter or even us. We have an appointment with her tomorrow and I'm hoping all goes well. I have to have faith that I was listening to the Spirit and that her mother will understand. Liz was surprised as to how her mom acted but stood firm and said "My Mother said I can be baptized and I'm holding her to it." So Liz is on the road to baptism...as far as this Saturday, we don't really know...but I'll fill you all in next week.

Last week, on Thursday we had a conference with Anziano Causse, a member of the 70. It was a BEAUTIFUL conference and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. The Spirit of the Lord was so strong in the session before lunch as Sister Simkins said the closing prayer...it was as it the Lord was directly in the room with us. At the end of the Conference, Anziano Maughn, the head Assistant to the President pulled me aside and said that Anziano Causse would like to speak to me personally. I was FLOORED and waited right outside the Bishop's office, where he was waiting for me. I was panicking a little because I thought I was going to receive a chastising because things were so difficult for me last week...but no such thing. Matt Stone asked me what have I learned that I'll take with me and use for the rest of my life due to my mission. Anziano Causse asked me the same thing. He asked me what are my thoughts on my mission and how will it be to return to normal life. In my mind, it didn't really register that I would be returning to "normal life". What does that mean anyway? I started crying, out of no where, in just testifying how beautiful my mission has been for me. I have come leaps and bounds, out of a hole I didn't know I was in. I have learned to fully rely on the Savior and to testify of the truthfulness and REALNESS of the Atonement. My character has changed, I'm becoming more patient and learning so many things that I love. I have gained a stronger testimony of the importance of scripture study, prayers and even family night. How blessed we are to have the gospel. Anziano Causse thanked me for my work and the joy I exude when I speak to people. He also told me not to worry about my family, but to start MY LIFE as soon as I get home. To go right into life and to start looking for my eternal companion. My family can take care of themselves. (And by family emails, it sure looks like they are) He counseled me NOT to return to normal life, but to live on this high plane that I am on right now. To keep these key principles and incorporate them into my life. An interview for which I am eternally grateful, and another piece to my testimony that Heavenly Father knows me and how grateful I am for worthy men to receive inspiration for the needy souls out in the world. Me included.

There is so much more I would like to share, so many more miracles, but I will have to do that next week. Thank you for all your support and I love and miss you all..but like I always say, there is NO WHERE ELSE I would rather be. Families are eternal and Heavenly Father's work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. I exhort you all to live for that promise. You must be worthy for it.

love, sorella bowman

p.s. I feel prompted to say "Go to the temple" I don't know who it's for, but whoever it IS for...go!!!

Alma 14:28; Doctrine and Covenants 42:6

It's interesting....as I read my kids letters, so often I get chills.  I know it's the Spirit testifying to me of all that they are doing.  Please pray for both Camille and Daniel's continued protection and ability and worthiness to listen and follow the promptings they receive.  I love my kiddos so much.  I miss them so much but look at how they are growing.  There is nothing in this world that can replace this wonderful time in their lives.  It will bless them forever.
Thanks for all your prayers and support.  They are felt.
Love,
Rosalee and Anthony

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 9:04 AM

I feel empowered. I can't explain why, and yet it might be because of the miracle story I recountered to President Wolfgramm. At this time, I think I'll recount all of the crazy things that have happened this week and then top everything off with my testimony of the work I am blessed to be performing as well as the work of the Lord.

First things first, Mauro and Cecilia are doing marvelously! They came to church this past Sunday and really enjoyed themselves. We explained that they can come to church in normal clothes if they would like, but we explained what they will encounter...everyone in their Sunday best! Nonetheless, when they showed up in church (before we did!) they were both in Sunday best. Mauro had read the Plan of Salvation pamphlet we left him and in the back "it clearly says that we must be in our Sunday best! Cecilia go and change, I don't want you looking like a gramma on our first Sunday at church!" And sure enough, she was in a skirt and blouse, and Mauro was looking like Indiana Jones...leather neck thing and everything...hahah it was great!! Sunday school was a bit more challenging for them because Cecilia isn't receiving this great testimony to keep going forward. She's going to go forward because she doesn't give up easily, but then Mauro piped in and said, "Cecilia, it's because you aren't reading! That's why you aren't feeling anything." Mauro is already talking about baptism...his hunger is IMMENSE for the gospel, and sometimes Sorella Nilson and I don't even know where to begin with answering his questions!! But the Lord has blessed them with peace in their home and Mauro with much more patience; they recounted that to us in our last lesson. YEAH!! But anyways, they enjoyed church and as they were leaving they invited us to come and join them for lunch...at a Chinese restaurant. EERRRRRKKKKK!!!! BRAKES!!!! Shamefully my thoughts were "shoot...what do we do? We know we don't go to restaurants on Sunday...but we don't want to offend them!!" But, I knew we had to be a good example...so we thanked them graciously and declined. After even more pushing and prodding, and recounts of how delicious the food was, amongst all this and our grumbling stomachs, we still declined. They were pretty put out, but inside (amidst the "I feel so bad!! sentiments) we knew we did the right thing and that the Lord would bless us. It was an even greater strength to me as the Spirit recounted a little story I heard at the beginning of my mission about 2 Elders serving in Asia somewhere. One of their investigators had invited them over for a lesson and prepared a special tea for a revered friendship ceremony. He invited them to drink, and for fear of offending him, they did. Through this action, sneaky as that man was, he never joined the church because he didn't want to be apart of a church who has double standards. Sure, it's his own choice not to join the church...but it told me of HOW IMPORTANT it is to live our standards because SO MANY PEOPLE are watching and taking into account!! I gained a strong testimony that day of keeping the Sabbath Day Holy...so next family trip Mom and Dad, I'll buy bread and peanut butter and jelly for our Sunday dinner as well as personal boxed cereal with milk for a delicious breakfast...one day of sandwiches, Dad...really won't hurt. Besides! We'll be blessed!! So my companion and I went forward with faith, and by the end of the evening the offenses were gone and they happily joined us for dinner at Lina's house for FHE the next day.

Let's head to Liz, and then Marlene. Liz is our 16 year old who has FINALLY gotten the courage to talk to her mother! Everything is clear and set for...attending church and studying with us. This week we are praying for her mother's heart to allow her to be baptized, as Liz has asked her date to be NEXT WEEKEND!! So, as soon as we get her mother's permission, all will be well! She is blossoming and flowering in so much confidence in herself, it's really really wonderful!! She has some bounds because of home rules, but I know in time all will be well.

Marlene is progressing so well too! She can't get baptized this week because there is so much more to teach her. But, the biggest step was to hear her testify of the gospel and of baptism to Cecilia this past Sunday. Marlene humbly stated that she doesn't know everything either, but she does know that baptism will help her come closer to God and change her life. The struggles that she is going through, are only struggles, and she has the faith after baptism, that all will be made right in the end. HOORAH FOR ISRAEL!!

Now Lina...or rather, the Salazar family. They are such an inspiration to me, and will truly be life long friends/family. They have DOVE into their callings of being ward missionaries and have encircled us with so much love! It's truly amazing. Their have such strong testimonies and are so grateful for what the Lord has been blessing them with, I just love being around them. I just have to recount the things that Lina has humbly and happily prepared for us...As I learned of my dad trying his hand at making sausage, I cringed a bit. NOTICE: IF YOU ARE SQUEAMISH DO NOT READ ON!!! Only because Lina invited us over for lunch one day...she was making sausage!! And the sausage here is delicious, so we had no issues accepting the invite. We get there, and there is a strong aroma of iron...She lifts the pot lid and we see a soup..full of pig ears, lungs, hearts, feet (WITH THE HAIR ON IT STILL!! YAAAHH?!!?), liver and something else I didn't know the translation for. So the soup was good..but then she invites us to watch her make the sausage...I see a huge pot of rice, which looked absolutely delicious...and then a little bowl of tripe. Yes, she put the rice INSIDE the tripe to make the sausage...but that's not all. With the rice she added a nice liter of fresh pig's...blood. Yes...In my mind I am screaming "THIS HAS GOT TO BE AGAINST THE WORD OF WISDOM!!!" I can say to you all, that it was the HARDEST MEAL I have EVER had to eat...but we did because we KNOW it took so much work for her to do. At least we finished the meal (she gave us a peice of everything...I couldn't eat the feet..it was just too fatty...and the ears too...yipes) The soup broth was DELICIOUS but the sausage...just was so...I'll leave it at "iron-y" that it was a struggle and every bite included a prayer. Suprisingly the day after it was better because she cooked it more and gave us some...and that was actually yummy...but the day before...mamma mia...never again. I have also decided that I LOATHE liver and I LOATHE tripe. I don't remember if I mentioned Lina serving Liver and Tripe for dinner once...but...I just prefer to eat with them when they are "poor". Simple potatoes with rice and lots of fruit and vegetables. Nonetheless, this family has served us and I pray every day that the Lord will bless them with the things that they need. Also, because of this family I can say I have now eaten every single part of an animal that is edible...accept...an organ specific to males...but Christian said that that will be coming in the future...yuuugh I pray not.

So other than the adventures with food and other crazy encounters are church, I have seen many miracles by the hand of the Lord. Yesterday was an example that strengthened my testimony very strongly. May I share with you the miracle I shared with President now: "I would have to say that yesterday was a miracle that happened. As my companion and I were riding the bus, I saw 2 Jehova's Witness board. At least I thought they were, they didn't have side bags like usual, but plastic colorful boxes. And then I saw more, and more, and more, until there were about 16 of them. They were loud, obnoxious, and I was quite surprised as to what my eyes were beholding. (They were yelling at one another, yelling at the bus driver, and even making fun of the name Jesus.) One, in a purple shirt and matching tie, saw our name tags and called all his friends to swarm us. My companion and I were calmly against the standing seats of the bus, and then they literally boxed us in. My companion and I truly experienced what it meant to be mocked and scorned for the Lord's sake. Missionary mode told me to speak, but a bit deeper inside myself, I felt impressed just to smile and respond if asked a question. These men would look at us, sneer, and make rude comments, and a young lady looked at me with such hatred, it was shocking! Eventually, they left and took a seat near us and asked us where we were preaching today. As they made fun of us more, and made the work of the Lord a competition, we simply got off the bus and wished them luck. As we went inside the church, my companion and I were a bit shaken up. We both recounted later to one another, that we felt the Spirit of the Lord within us, and had the power within our hearts to testify of the truthfulness of our message. I opened the Book of Mormon as I had a question within my heart as to what I should of done, or if I had done the right thing. And I opened in 3 Nephi where we read "contention is not of me, but is of the devil". We both knew that these people were looking for a fight, and yet, we were firm in our faith and truly felt the magnificence of our calling. HOW GREAT IS THIS GOSPEL!!! It was a miracle to me to feel the manifestation of the Spirit and how powerfully we can feel the sustaining of the Lord's angels amidst shame and scorn. HOORAH FOR ISRAEL!!" Thus I left the subject of this email as such. I truly felt strength from the other side, and no fear or doubt was within my heart. As I told what happened to our other companion at home, Sorella Simkins, her mouth just hung open. She told US stories of people she taught in Milan who were converts from JW's. One woman said of how, for 5 years, she frequented the church and her soul just seemed be sucked out. When people would go out and proselyte, they would call the people "damned" if they didn't accept their message. Oh, how grateful I am to be a missionary for the Lord Jesus Christ. As I still struggle to open my mouth, from that incident I have a new found affirmation of what I am sharing. I know that this gospel is true and that the Lord LIVES!!

We had an hour to go do some proselyting, and things were slow because there was a HUGE strike of busses and taxies, so no one was out and about. But, we felt impressed to go to a piazza nearby. We started walking, and as we got to the piazza, no one was there. Okay, sure there were young kids doing drugs and drinking and couples making out...yeaah not quite ready for that. We walked around the edifice and saw a young girl in a corner and I looked at my companion and off we went!! Her name was Marta; a beautiful 17 year old girl with no belief in God whatsoever. She had a firm belief in science...and as I had a desire to teach this young lady, I knew began to testify of how God used science to create this world and that God DOES have laws to follow. I even shared a story of one of my aunts who struggled with evolution and her testimony, but in the end God won. The girl caught me up for a second when she said that science explains things that God can't. I said si, but then went forward and said "or so my aunt thought!" And the girl was locked in!! She didn't take a Book of Mormon or anything...but I felt confident that the Lord was looking out for her and that the Lord wanted her to hear that message. Who knows in the future...but we testified of the Living God...and I hope her heart was pricked.

3 Nephi 11:3 has become a new favorite scripture of mine, I am ALWAYS intrigued when I read this scripture because I have learned that this is how we must teach!! Quietly and calmly and through the power of the Holy Ghost. TESTIFY TESTIFY TESTIFY of the Living God...not only through your words but also of your actions!! Friends and family, how grateful I am for this gospel and how grateful I am for the help from the other side! He lives! He lives! And I leave this letter with you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

bacci e abracci,

sorella bowman

Sausage Making, a set on Flickr.

lina making her own blood sausage.. with a little pig soup yum!