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!

Don't know what to say, don't know what to do...

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 11:24 AM

 

Don't know what to say, the monkies won't do...

 

There is NO monkie business around here. I have FELT the work just jump forward and the promises from the Lord come full swing for me. As I have struggled with my health, I really felt that enough was enough. I have to stop thinking of home, and I have to stop thinking about how frustrated I am. I knelt down and I asked the Lord to help me. All this came about from a letter we received from our Zone Leaders. Are you a social, honorable, or sacred missionary? It's not enough to just be an honorable missionary, and I have decided to jump right into working on being a sacred missionary. The blessings are so much more profound. I am not perfect, but I am trying my hardest to do my best and really turn my mission around. Honorable missionary...thinks of home and sometimes uses Zone Conferences and other things to count time, but doesn't let it distract them completely. Sacred missionary...is aware of how much time is left and pushes forward, knowing that there isn't much time left. That hit me so hard...I can't count down, even though I am fully aware of what's going on. And so, I felt that the days were just passing and that I was just trucking along. Still seeing miracles, but only because the Lord is merciful. After I read that, I got down on my knees and repented. I asked Heavenly Father to help me with my health, both mentally, spiritually, and physically. I promised Heavenly Father that I would get up EVERY MORNING at 6:30, no matter how much it hurt, and I would stay awake as long as I could, because I knew that this work was important. The next morning, I got up, and I read even more from the sacred misisonary and decided to talk, to everyone...stop hiding in the corner. And by golly, the Lord is helping me do wonders within my own life!! Mind you, it's only 3 days in, BUT I have gotten up everyday at 6:30 and I have been able to exercise and be careful with my eating. And people on the bus, the Lord is helping me overcome the awkwardness!! It's difficult to carry on conversations when people. don't. care. Punto. But, I just figured, you have to act dumb...and keep asking. It's hard because I feel the "do you honestly think I want to talk to you?" feeling, but you just have to push through...and eventually, they realize that we AREN'T going shove religion on you...we just want to talk and help you recognize the Lord's love for you.

 

Since then, the week has gone by FABULOUSLY. I've really enjoyed just jumping right in, and just having a constant conversation with Heavenly Father. It's such a blessing to feel the Spirit because I am reminded that the Lord has forgiven me and things are okay. A member mistook something I said last week, the humors are just super different, and became offended. It was a big mess...and I won't have a chance to apologize faccia e faccia, but I have begged the Lord for forgiveness and things should be alright. I was more worried about losing the trust of the members I work with, but then I remember, that the Lord's work will still be done. I am not a person to speak ill-will of people!! That's not right! Anyway, when someone approached me with this concern, I cried! I felt so terrible that it was a complete, and truthfully, misunderstanding. I just hope in the future this person can forgive me...whoever it was...and the encounters in the future won't be awkward. It was a whole "someone heard this through the grapevine" and my leader approached me and down went history. You just have to be careful and sensitive with other cultures, and I have gained a SINCERE testimony of not gossiping...and how harmful it is. Needless to say, even without gossip, you still need to be careful. Trim your T's and dot your I's my friends...

 

We FINALLY had a lesson with Liz this week!! She is SO brava!! AND FINALLY gaining the courage to talk with her mother. She asked her mom if she could go to church and if she could meet some friends and the church, and her mother was completely okay with it. LIz asked us to change her baptismal date to the 29th of January as to which she WILL invite her mother! What a blessing!! We were so happy and said the date would be fine...without mentioning that one of us wouldn't be here...but that's in the Lord's hands. We have our solid investigators Cecilia and Mauro. WHO ARE SO AMAZING!! I am humbled and excited by their eagerness to learn and question and digest! Mauro is the one who just GOES TO TOWN!!! He was so excited to recite back everything he has learned and he has said, many times, how excited he is to be a Mormon someday...it just makes sense that the Book of Mormon is true...it hasn't been changed!! He is a big, tatooed, mafia, teddy bear and I just love him to death and can't WAIT to see him baptized. His wife Cecilia (Ecuador) is the most energy filled person. She has some...strange ideas...but she is excited to learn and hear the simple truths. She talks about her evangelical family and how she always would laugh when her family would start dancing...and she happily shows us how in our meetings. It's NEVER a dull moment with them. They wanted to come to church this past weekend, but Mauro called us at 8:40 apologetically saying that work was just exhausting and he just can't get up, but he wants to see us today and could we come after church. That call, nonetheless, tells us that they are VERY promising. They keep their commitments, they ask questions, and they are eager to do the right thing. You just gotta love them. Let's see, our other investigators...aren't progressing as fast...but Marlene came to us on Sunday just in tears. She is concerned that she will be alone when Antonietta leaves (the one who introduced the church to her and is going back to Ecuador) and just said that it wasn't right for her to be in church now. We took her aside and comforted her and said that all would be okay. I feel very strongly that we need to pass her to the Sorelle in Genova 2 and get Marlene going in the right ward and just promise her blessings of obedience. I felt prompted to ask her how she felt about being baptized, if she felt scared, and she stopped crying and said "No, I'm not scared. I KNOW I need to get baptized. I want to!" And then she started crying all over, and I'm flabbergasted in the chair with happiness. Mamma mia what blessings! Another, on Monday (when I decided to buckle up) I passed a woman on the bus...an African woman (big smile). And I took a seat behind her. But without thinking, I went and turned around and sat right in front of her and started speaking African with her. Holy Moly am I out of touch and Praise Be that I was able to speak African again!! But we started talking, and she mentioned that she had seen missionaries like us before...and we started talking about God and got on the subject of miracles (another heck yes) and totally taught her the first vision. She immediately gave us her number and asked us to come see her on Saturday. (Napolean...YUSSSS) I just feel so good about how things are going right now and just submerging myself in uplifting talks and spiritual experiences.

 

The Book of Mormon has become SO delicious to me...one day I was reading and I TRULY felt my soul HUNGERING for more!! I just read and read and read!! It was absolutely beautiful. So the work is going well and I am feeling so much better.Thank you so much for your prayers and your willingness to support me and my brother!! The gospel is true...if you don't know it...get on your knees and ask. When trials come, it is only to better us. I TESTIFY OF THAT!! For those of you who read my brother's email, and the tragedy that occurred with the family, his testimony was shaken a bit and he was disturbed. I want all to know that we must NEVER deny promptings. I know that my brother is a worthy priesthood holder, and the prompting came as he felt inspired...and knowing that inspiration comes from God, he did no wrong. The only thing is, when we are inspired to do something we have to have faith when it doesn't go according to our plans or ideas. Heavenly Father is in control, and we will never know why we are inspired to do somethings...but we will have the comfort and peace that Heavenly Father is always in command. I told my brother that it may have been possible that he was comforting the Spirit of that young boy and that maybe the Spirit didn't understand what was happening to his body...but that all would be well and he would go forth into the Spirit world and continue the work the Lord had him to do. You never know...but you always know that Heavenly Father gives inspiration and loves His children very, very much.

 

Time is up and until next time...

sorella bowman

It's a New Year!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 8:58 AM

Where did you come from Cotton Eyed Joe?

Yes, a dance move that was taught at our Ward New Years Eve Party. I've been teased since kingdom come because of this, but, it was done completely by accident. As we were standing around at the New Years Party, no one was doing anything...hardly talking. Sorella Nilson and I were in a corner, and all of a sudden a 4-count song came on and we started doing the Cotton Eyed Joe...subtley. Then all of a sudden, EVERYONE in the ward was jumping in, asking us to teach them. Next thing you know, the whole ward is watching with a handful of people doing it right along with me! It was so much fun getting the ward together, uniting through means that were foreign to both. I've been hassled because missionaries aren't supposed to dance, but...Bishop thanked me, as well as a member of the Stake Presidency for getting everyone together and excited for the New Year. I've let President know, but in my mind...it did more good than harm. Needless to say, it won't be happening again..unless asked to instruct to do so. :)

 

This week has had it's ups and downs, and recognition for the Lord's tender mercies...and how merciful He is to me. Instead of punishing me for my tiredness or lack of motivation, He blesses us with miracles, right and left. We have been struggling to find new investigators and really struggling to make appointments with the investigators we DO have. But we keep trying and we keep trying to have a good attitude about things. Nonetheless, it doesn't help that a lot of my dreams consist of nightmares about going home...Metro's taking me around BYU-Idaho and activities to be done that I can't do because I haven't been set apart...yeesh! Gotta let my brain relax!! But anyways, New Years Day we received a phone call from a Chinese young lady named Nikki who we met at the Questura, and made an appointment with her the next day. We had to start from square one...she knows absolutely NOTHING about God. Who He is..or anything. We slowly taught the plan of salvation because that was something she could relate to through the religion her family raised her...Buddhist...which she doesn't believe in, but we could build off of it. We gave her a Chinese Book of Mormon and was So excited! She accepted a soft baptismal invite and is going to ask permission from her family to keep learning with us. She is 26, and technically can do what she wants, but her family permission is VERY important and so, we pray that her family's heart will be softened.

Another mercy happened on Tuesday, quite a few actually. With this new gluten free diet, it is taking my mind and body for a loop, that's for sure. But the results are good, aside from the tiredness I still have. Anyway, I had to sleep yesterday morning for quite a while...all the time being frustrated that I couldn't get my act together. But, my companion is the best and just assured me that she wasn't frustrated and that she'll still get things done. I'm humbled by her kindness everday. We received a referral from the Genova 2 Anziani...a woman named Cecilia that they met on the bus. Her brother recently passed away and wanted to know more about the Mormon's...his religion. They called us with the referral on Monday, we called her immediately and set an appointment with her Tuesday afternoon at 4:30. I force myself to get up and shower, and pray for Heavenly Father to strengthen me...and He did. We arrive at the appointment and this wonderful Ecuadorian woman welcomes us in, and all of a sudden a HUGE Italian Man, who could be mistaken for the Godfather walks in. She asks us "Is it okay if my husband learns too?" OF COURSE?!? And he just goes from there...questions were being asked right and left and how they really wanted to come to church. What makes us so different? Why can't you drink coffee? No coke? What?! You're crazy! It's a drug?(Which his wife said...) I've never heard of that!! It came down to me taking the wife because she was more comfortable speaking spanish, and Sorella Nilson taking the husband.... All in all, Cecilia stated that she wanted to learn with us and become baptized. It was time she changed her life around. She's never done it, and she wants to do it right. WHAT?!?! We have an appointment with them on Saturday to pump them up for church. This Italian man, Mauro, is just a big teddy bear and is more than anxious to read the Book of Mormon!! After that appointment, Lina Salazar calls us with a referral. One of their neighbors was in a car accident and needed some help. We go over and start helping this woman, with Lina, make her home more comfortable to work with the wheel chair that she was confined too. We got her number and plan to slowly introduce the gospel into her life. Here's hoping. And last but not least, we've been having a hard time contacting Nelly. The Lord has blessed her with SO MUCH WORK that she can't make time for Him. That's not how SHE sees it, but that's how it is here. ANyway, she called us last night, by accident because she was giving our number to one of her friends. This woman is Brazilian and really wants to start knowing God in a better way...so who do you call? MORMON MISSIONARIES!!! The Sorelle to be exact! So things are looking up, not only did we have a successful night of doing casa, a wonderful and helpful district meeting, but also some new areas to hunt and appointments with some Jehova's Witness families. If the Lord can make an axe float, He surely can soften the hearts of this family. They were very kind and more than willing to talk...I felt really strongly that we need to throw out ALL pretenses, and just accept them as God's children who are confused...and teach them with love, ALL referring back to the Book of Mormon.

 

Even though I'm on the downslope, I gotta keep my head up and look forward to the beautiful days ahead. Still going strong and still doing my best...each day is a new lesson to learn! Thank you for all your support and I love hearing from you all!! Letters ARE appreciated!! ;)

 

con amore,

sorella bowman