As far as this side of the world is concerned

Hello everyone!

So, it's been kind of a stressful few nights. A few months ago, a cruise ship (well renouned) crashed off the coast of Italy, not that far from Genova, and many MANY people died and were drowned. The news has been saying that it was a miniature Titanic. I don't know how many of you know, but my family is enjoying the warm coast and waters of the Carribbean and I've been having nightmares that something has happened to the ship or that one of my siblings have drowned. The captain of the Italian ship had left his post to mess around with a passenger and wouldn't let people abandon ship, he ordered people to their cabins. Because of this, he is is prison...the ship is sunk...families have died and people are missing. So yes, as I haven't heard from my family...there is a bit of anxiety but I have to have faith that the Lord is protecting them.

Anyways, over here it's rainy, wet, and freezing. My companion and I have been taking turns with a nasty virus that has been going around and so it's been a trial judging whether or not we can go out for the day. I had to stay in Monday because with this virus you feel nauseated ALL THE TIME and your heart starts racing like you need to purge, but then nothing happens and it's all you can do but stay down in bed. You get a nasty sore throat a quite the headache too...which came at full force yesterday morning for me. But we went out anyway yesterday and taught 5 different people, all of which were really important lessons. Today the weather is even colder and rainier, but we are in our black coats and umbrellas doing our shopping and getting prepared for next week. Tomorrow we have Zone Conference and I am SUPER excited for that. It's always an awesome spiritual boost and helps me improve in every aspect of my life.

We had to drop Domenico this past week but have made some appointments with some potential investigators who were lost in the phone and area book. Today we have an appointment with an Ecuadorian woman who was SO excited that we called and wants us to teach her family. If it means getting new investigators, then it is worth losing an hour on our p-day :) Francesca came to church and really, truly loved it. Her testimony is so strong and it seems there is no shaking her. She prayed for us yesterday to get better and not miss an appointment with her...she is literally like a sponge, soaking EVERYTHING up. There are a few things that we are working on to help her change her "pointing finger" attitude, but the family is getting better. We are praying that her son and husband with soften their hearts to have a desire to start listening to the gospel :)

This past Sunday was Easter Sunday and it was probably the best Easter. I think back on Christmas and I am grateful for the Christmas I experienced because it made me appreciate and look forward to the family Christmas we have each year. Our family, which I am so grateful for, really takes Christmas as it is and truly celebrates the holiday season...looking forward to that again. But this Easter was really special. I think because it gave us missionaries a chance to show who we are in the ward. The Bishopric asked each of us missionaries, President Wolfgramm, and also the older missionary couple to take charge of Sacrament meeting. Anziano Barnes went first in talking about faith, Anziano Jensen went next and talked about the Book of Mormon. They are the AP's. Then Sorella Hanks spoke about praying to know the truth and I spoke about how God is our Loving Heavenly Father. For me it was truly a wonderful experience because I was nervous as to how I could put all my thoughts together. I get up to the stand and everything just flowed. I didn't even have to look at my notes, and I felt the Spirit of the Lord testify through me that these things were true. We then sang (the AP's, myself and my companion) Savior, May I Learn to Love Thee as a special musical number. Then Elder Lynch spoke of he and his wife's conversion stories and President spoke on the Atonement. As he was speaking, a new convert named Ruth, to me showed the beauty of this gospel. After Ruth was baptized 2 years ago, she had a stroke which left her a mess. She's been in the hospital ever since...except this Sunday. Ruth is SUCH a special lady with a smile as warm as the sun and a personality that is so kind and caring, even though she can't say or do much. But the family who brought her to church had to leave early, well on time because we went over, but as President was speaking about the Atonement and Christ's love for each and every one of us...Ruth was slowly walking with her cane, smiling as big as ever making sure that she said goodbye to each and every one. President just continued talking, but it was such a beautiful thing to see this ward come together to love a little sheep who has been pent up in the pasture for a while. I hadn't seen this before. Usually my companions and I have had to work SO HARD to unite the ward in EVERYTHING...but Sunday was such a special experience. I saw people get up from their chairs to hug and baci Ruth to wish her a happy easter. Buona Pasqua. I was a little anxious that no one was listening to President's talk...but I tried to see it through the Lord's eyes...instead of leaving Ruth to herself and she slunking away unnoticed because of her condition, she made every effort she could to say hello and goodbye to everyone...Seeing the happiness on her face and the joy she had within her...I'm sure she truly awaits the Resurrection...which we were celebrating that day. Our bodies are corrupted and would have been this way forever. Disease, disfigure and everything else...things we would wait to overcome us and live forever...only to see a fate under the cold earth. But grazie al' nostro Salvatore, Gesu Cristo, we too can overcome death. The spirits which we cultivate here will shine through in our glorified and perfected bodies because HE overcame it all. We will NEVER be able to comprehend the Atonement, but when we try to use it, I testify that we become steps closer to Him and we come to understand His love for us and everyone each and every time. I have taken the Atonement into my life many times, some more strongly than others...and I come to find that my testimony has grown.

After the sacrament service members flocked to us with referrals and invitations to Easter lunch. But a humble sister and her son had invited us a few days earlier, and we knew that that was the home to go and visit. As we arrived, this family was out of sorts...kind of grumpy and unhappy. But, as we visited and tried to cool things down...it ended up being a wonderful experience. The son, who is divorced and on the verge of inactivity, asked us how we gained our testimony. As I sat and pondered...I realized that my testimony has solidified all thanks to my mission experiences. I have come to see the Lord Jesus Christ as a closer friend, I know that NO ONE is too far to taste the relieving waters of the Atonement, I have gained a greater testimony of the experiences of the prophet Joseph Smith and realize what a miracle the Book of Mormon is for us to have. The gospel means EVERYTHING to me...it what makes and holds happy forever families together. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and we truly DO become closer to Him if we read it every day. As I have been sick, I haven't had chances to read the Book of Mormon, and when I feel better I feel distant from the Lord...and when you feel this way, we are counseled to dive into the sacred books and repent del nostro allontanza...um...we repent of our farther...um...we repent from moving ourselves away from Him. And then we are blessed with His spirit once more. I am nervous for the day when I have to board the plane...it's getting closer and closer...and i don't want to lose this beautiful gift which I have been given...of always feeling the Spirit. It makes me think of what movies am I going to see...what music am I going to listen to...it seems like NO MOVIES and only EFY are in my category...but I am sure it will take some prayer and sincere pondering to see what music and what movies are good in the sight of the Lord. You see that beautiful pan of brownies and you want to take a bite...but would you still take a bite if you knew it was made with just a little bit of dog poop? Or you see that DELICIOUS ice cream sunday and it is everything you are craving...but then just half a cockroach is sticking out of it....would you eat it anyway? 

It's such a fine line in keeping the Spirit with us and not being as the jews...hypocrites in word and deed. It is so important to stay close to the Lord, do wholesome activities that bring your families closer together...you won't have this time again. It makes me a little sad to not be apart of all the fun things that my family is doing back at home, but I am learning key tools that will not only change me but also my future family and will bless us through the eternities. Which in turn, I too can make little memories with my siblings and parents upon returning home...with the little time that I will have.

The Lord has a plan for each and every one of us...and my companion is reminding me daily that the Lord really is aware of every situation that we find ourselves in. As Joseph and Hyrum Smith would always say "Whatever happens...the Lord is in it." Oh! That brought tears to my eyes....I know it's true. Whatever happens in your life, the Lord is in it. Whatever sorrow or pain you may be suffering, our Savior Jesus Christ has already suffered and wants to relieve you of it all...He's in our sufferings to bless us. Allow Him to help you...allow Him to heal you. He paid a debt that we can never repay, and all He asks is for us to follow Him and keep His commandments.

I testify that Jesus is the Christ, and that He is our Savior and Redeemer. Even though my time in Italy is drawing nigh, my mission will not stop here. Your mission continues. You learn things to change you and your life here in the mission, and upon returning you magnify it all and live as a disciple of Christ for the rest of your life. Pray to the Lord to place someone in your path that you could help today...maybe consider bringing a Book of Mormon with you and giving it to someone who may be searching. If you don't know that the Book of Mormon is true...the Lord will tell you in His own way that is personal to you...if you TRULY desire to know. We did not come to this earth to be led astray...but to be shown the way and magnify it. I testify that the Prophet Joseph Smith did INDEED see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Why couldn't he have seen them? God can do whatever He wants. I know that President Monson has been called of God to lead and guide this people unto repentance and salvation...and how grateful I am to my ancestors who accepted this gospel so that I could be raised by goodly parents and be born in the covenant. I too will do the same someday, and how grateful I am for the sealing powers...for whatsoever shall be bound on earth shall be bound in heaven if it is found good in the sight of the Lord. Death, where is thy victory? Thy sting has been muted for the eternities are true! This I testify in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

p.s. Every time I step out into the cold, I remember that April showers bring May flowers! And even the gray skies emphasize the beauty of the...well...grafiti :) And flower blossoms when we see them :) So, when skies are gray in your life...look for the beauty because it's still there!! 

Until next time!!

baci e abbracci,

sorella bowman

Ohhhhh....my sweet daughter.  Sometimes (more than sometimes) she worries too much.  I just have to laugh.......BUT she is very insightful.  Just gotta love her!!!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 8:29 AM

 

"Dear Dad,

I'm sitting here in the chapel in Milano 1 and as I was listening to the YW Conference (which was GREAT even in Italian) I had some questions come to mind that I am pretty sure you can answer.

   My feelings came stronger when I heard President Monson speaking to the YW. How am I to raise a righteous family? How am I to fin a companion to discipline my children in a righteous way and through the gospel, just as you have done?

   I thought back on some of my friends in HS...their father's being Bishop's and Stake President's...and their standards less than admirable. I even think of some family members who are in this same boat! And I puzzled and just...don't get it! One of my friend's turned openly gay and married a man. I must find a righteous husband who will openly help my sons and raise them in righteousness. Okay conference is starting...

   And so we jump ahead to April 3, and how grateful I am for the servants of the Lord. I wrote questions down this conference and I KNEW that the Lord would answer. I could FEEL it; it was a feeling of complete confidence and almost a buzzing inside. My greatest question was asking the Lord HOW am I to search diligently for my future companion, just as Elder Causse counseled me to do? And I had a feeling that Elder Scott would be the one to answer...and he was. In order to search diligently, I must remain close to the Spirit and scriptures. I need to heed the counsel of the prophets and the Savior and His teachings. I was afraid that I would be coming back into "life" blindly, but it won't be s. I'm excited and feel more assured in this gospel than I ever have my whole life. 

   I also went to the Lord with questions about my health, as to which Elder Nelson responded beautifully. In personal study, I asked myself what exactly is the meaning of "Christ" because we always hear Jesus THE Christ. Brother Hallstrom answered it by saying that Christ means Messiah or Anointed One. Before the Sunday Morning Session, I had struggled over my weaknesses and how frustrated I was...over how many chances I have missed. What were the words out of Jeffrey R. Hollandìs mouth?Direct quote of my sorrow answered with a  direct promise of the Atonement of the Savior..."

And so that is where we stand...I am just so grateful for the prophets and how BLESSED we are to be watching General Conference with ALL sessions available to us!! I can't BELIEVE I would fall asleep!! Never again....it gave me a spiritual recharge and has CHANGED my mission. I am taking leaps and bounds and feel like I really CAN continue....thank you for your prayers!! Love you!!"

And thus you all see the letter I have written to my father, which summed up this week EXACTLY for me. I feel so reinforced that I cannot even explain myself. My life has taken a complete turn, and I feel now, MORE THAN EVER so close to my Heavenly Father. I am finding JOY and HAPPINESS, TRULY in the work, and I pray for charity every day...which the Lord is blessing me with. It's like a shade has been lifted from my eyes and I SEE people as they are...Children of God. And I don't really have a fear anymore to talk to people...This gospel is what will SAVE the world!! 

We had a lesson with Francesca the other day and it went BEAUTIFULLY. She made these HUGE cookies and I had to reject them because of the gluten issue and she forgot! SHe gave me an orange instead...and I just chuckled to myself because LAST time she made these DELICIOUS cannoli and I ate them anyway because she was so proud of them..."I made these special for you because I know you are Celiac (that's just what I tell people for easiness) and so I left out eggs!" hahaha...one thing I CAN eat...So I "died" happy because they were truly delicious. But the lesson...we broke it down into little pieces because she has SO many questions!! But, at the end...as we were talking about miracles, she began to cry. She's VERY heavy and doesn't know what to do about losing weight...Here in Italy they don't help you much in that matter...hello...Mission suit? But, as we testified that if she worked hard to get to church, the Lord would bless her and we talked about Sacrament Meeting and she asked us to sing a Hymn....I opened right up to Abide With Me Tis Eventide, and mentioned how this was not only my favorite but also my father's and I testified of the truthfulness. I sang soprano and Sorella Hanks sang alto..and Francesca silently cried throughout the whole thing...saying she never heard anything sound so beautiful and that she was grateful to God for giving her this blessing. It was all I COULD DO to not cry the Spirit was so strong. It was such a blessing to feel the Lord's love for this special daughter. 

This Sunday is Easter Sunday and the ward has asked the missionaries to be in charge....2 weeks ago my companion and I shared a lesson in Relief Society which went really well...It Is Better to Look Up by Elder Cook. And this week, President asked me to speak on God is our Loving Heavenly Father..as to which I need to share a personal experience. How could I not declare that God is my loving Heavenly Father? I am so excited for this experience and please pray for us to have a family ask us to Easter Dinner...or else we're spending it alone.

Jesus Christ lives. He died so that we might live and broke the bands which hold us tightly, so that we may brake them to. Go to the Lord in prayer and allow the Savior's atonement change you life. Anything important to you, is important to the Lord and He WILL help you change! I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple and the sealing ordinances which will take place in my life..the next ordinance I have been asked to prepare for by the apostles themselves. The Lord ONLY wants our happiness and we will find it, only through Him. I Know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives who once was dead...I know that my Redeemer lives. He is real and He is there. This I testify in the name of my loving Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

p.s. I felt another prompting right before I sent this letter, but I had to stop myself....I feel that whoever I am speaking to....You need to go to the temple. Don't make excuses, just go. Someone on the other side is waiting for your help! GO!!! LOVE THE BLESSINGS OF THE TEMPLE BECAUSE LIFE IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE THE BLESSING TO GO WHENEVER YOU WANT!! I KNOW THIS AND AM LIVING IT!! GO!!!

Here A Little, There A Little

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 11:40 AM

Seems to be the theme of my mission right now :)

Everyone has struggles, right? I have been doing a lot of studying and pondering about the Prophet Joseph Smith and really refocussing on what my purpose is here in Italy. I know that I am on my last leg, and yet I feel I have so much more to learn and do and with all of that...everything started to bog me down. Thoughts of frustration as to my being sick all the time and not getting up to study and then just being unmotivated, mainly because I didn't feel well. And just when you are at the end of your rope, and you can't find the strength to tie a knot and hang on, the Lord does it for you. The Lord tied the knot at the end of my rope for me through the realization that General Conference is in only a few days and that President was inspired to do training with just the Sisters. I had been having nightmares that I was being sent home, released and that the Lord wasn't pleased with my work. Yeah, definite nightmare. I just have this fear of jumping right in and talking with people about this gospel, and I haven't yet learned how to conquer it. And then our beautiful training helped me out so much and I gleaned some tips to help me.

I have come to truly love my mission and that it has really shaped my life for the rest of eternity. Sorella Wolfgramm gave me so much comfort in her words that our mission doesn't stop in Italy. We gain the tools here in the mission to help us be missionaries for the rest of our lives. And just as I am thinking "I only have so many months left and I better do EVERYTHING in order to receive the Lord's promised blessings..." It's not true. As long as I am growing and learning and pushing towards the goal, the Lord still will bless us and myself. Each area has a different form of missionary work, and I have come to see that my mission has been working with members and bringing back the lost sheep. Helping people understand what unity is and how to bring in the fold. That has been such a blessing...for members to come up and hug me, just because we went and saw them that past week. People actually excited to see the missionaries and then helping them realize that they CAN share the gospel. The work dies without the help of members, and so my companion and I are trying to light the fire within them and go from there.

I hope you all read my brother's email this past week, a letter which touched my heart and was so grateful that he had the blessing to experience what he did. The world is so different in every country and even between genders of missionaries. I see so many people, and I want to help them...but we can't. We can't offer money, and I try not to let my heart be hardened because a lot of these gypsies choose this life...to beg and live on the streets. It frustrates me sometimes to see these women get on the busses and metro's and put on their "moaning voice" and have their children be dirty and hungry. Jesus Christ helped those He could, but I KNOW that we must help ourselves. I always want to offer them the gospel of JEsus Christ but they don't want to listen. If you can't give them money, you are no use in their life. BUt to have seen my brother and his companion offer that man a fishing pole and a pizza, I cried. How I remember that December day, and how I wish I could have acted faster. I just can't help but say, if you feel impressed to do something, you must do it. I testify that we, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ, must do as my brother did and lift the weary hands that hang down. Yes, okay, we must remember our own safety, but I must remember that the Lord will guide us to those who WILL receive our word, or who we CAN share a bit of bread.

And thus I realize that if this letter is a little whiney, I apologize. But missions are not always roses and candy canes. THe times you struggle are the times that the Lord is preparing you for something bigger than yourself. Jospeh Smith, whenever he would play the game of stick-pull would always say that "The Lord brings us low so that He can lift us higher" How blessed we are to have the prophets and apostles to speak to us, and how my testimony has grown in their behalf. I KNOW that if we come to conference with questions, the Lord will answer them. Conference for missionaries is like Christmas..and when we receive the conference issue in English...the best present in the WORLD!! How grateful I am for this.

WIth all these hard times, I have come to have a greater testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and how true this gospel is. I know it is true, and I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. All in all, my struggles come from beating myself up at my lack of ability to just tell someone about the Book on the bus or the metro. BUT I AM working on it, and that is what is important. I KNOW that people see the difference in our lives, and that they DO see the light, but then they choose to pervert it and say horrible things. Ugh, what a fine balance between loving the sinner and hating the sin..even when the words they use are vulgar and crude. And I guess I am so fired up about this because on our way to the QUESTURA today a man approached me on his bike and was a...nasty. And thus it made me SO ANGRY to think that men think that THEY can talk to me like that. Yesh, I am madder then a wet hen about it all!!!!!!!! WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE?! What a noob. Well, anyways, getting into the QUestura it was a little crazy, and a long time of waiting, but we ended up meeting a beautiful woman from Egypt named Emmy. She had been waiting in line, and when they told us to go wait in another room she freaked. Her face was just flustered and she called her friend and started speaking in perfect English. She was panicking because she didn't know what to do and couldn't understand what was being said and was about to cry. And I just opened my mouth, while she was on the phone, and asked her if she would like for me to translate. And she looked at me...looked at me like I was a ghost or something. She couldn't believe I spoke English. Next thing, she tells her friend that two angels have come to help her...and so we did. I translated for her and helped her get her permesso and by the end of leaving she asked if we could meet with her again. She is muslim, but she would like to know more...and that she was grateful that we literally were her angels and that we saved her. I laughed and said, "well, you could say that this is our job :)" We exchanged numbers and we look forward to meeting with her again.

Okay, miracles do happen still... Yes, they sure do. Speaking of which, we have a new family named Francesca, Vincenzo, and Fillipo. They are a family that needs all the help that the gospel brings...they are making progress and have been a testimony builder for me that the gospel really starts in the home. Haha, they make me laugh after every lesson because PATIENCE comes through them :)) 

Happy Conference and listen intently, the Lord has much for us to learn at this time! This I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

baci e abracci,

sorella bowman

You first must be in the way in order to get out of the way...

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 9:37 AM

Does that make any sense? We had a training specifically about this this past week. In order for someone to say to you "hey get out of the way..." You have to be in their line of direction in the first place, right? So, our training was all about being in the way of the Lord and coming to understand what He wants for you. You first have to be in the way, and then be willing to step out of it so that He can direct you to where EXACTLY He needs you to be. We had some wonderful training by President and then we watched a WONDERFUL MTC talk given by Elder Holland in January 2011...Which I am pretty sure you attended Elder Bowman..(I need an older sister moment...) WHAT THE HECK!??! WHY DIDN'T YOU WRITE HOME ABOUT HOW AMAZING THAT TALK WAS?!?! PROPRIO...JUST AWE INSPIRING AND LIFE CHANGING!! It's a good thing you're a bit of a ways off because you would SO be in castigo right now ;) And speaking of which, you should tell your Italian friends that I am here in Italy! I am sure they would have SO much fun stuff to tell you about!! Okay, so anyways, I hope you learned as much as I did from his talk...

Elder Holland has, once again, changed my life and my mission. He spoke about how precious our missions need to be and how hard we really do need to work! Elder Hudson! I am SO EXCITED for you to go and labor in the Lord's field in good ol' Utah! You are NEEDED there and people are WAITING for YOU to find them! We must treasure up our missions and work hard to allow the Lord to use us in His plans. Sorella Wolfgramm and President Wolfgramm had a Mission President's training in Germany and they spoke to us about being justified and sanctified through the Atonement. And what a light that brought into my life...something I have been searching for. My past mistakes were justified...I have repented and I have moved on the greater and better things...but when does the sanctification come? When does the guilt leave and the scarlett is washed white through the blood of the Lamb? Sanctification, I believe, comes in many different ways and only in ways that the Lord knows you will pay attention to. During that conference, I received such a wonderful sense of peace and a strong confirmation on many things...as to which I broke down in tears and felt the Lord's love for me...and felt the CLEANSING power of the Atonement and the washing away of all guilt. It's real. The Atonement is real. Most times, if not all, the most beautiful miracles come in unanswered prayers because we see how the Lord guided us to what was "best" for us in our lives. Thank you Dad.

Each week we have to share a miracle with President Wolfgramm...I included this insight with him, and I will go ahead and explain further what the "white jacket" is...He has been using my experience in these last trainings to share with others and so I didn't repeat it to him...nonetheless: 

 I have already mentioned the "white jacket" miracle but I must say a miracle that I saw happened yesterday when we had a lesson with a certain family of the bishopric. As we entered their home, things started out a little crazy..what with kids showing off and all that jazz. But eventually we got right to the lesson that turned out to be so spiritual it was absolutely amazing. THe daughter, only 14 (which freaked me out because she's the same age as my sister and doesn't look like it) was having some troubles that I could relate too. The miracle of it all was me finally learning and coming to terms with how the Lord has beautifully guided my life. As I sat there and taught, bearing my testimony of things I KNOW to be true....the things that I knew coming only through struggle and frustration, prayer and desire. You come to find that, sometimes, the greatest miracles unanswered prayers and the Lord loving you enough to cut you down. I am really grateful that I'm a currant bush which is lovingly being trimmed by the Lord's all knowing hands   

This week has been difficult for me. I have been struggling with headaches, fatigue, tiredness and swollen everything. I have been really, REALLY struggling to get up on time...in fact I haven't been able to do it at all for the past week. But my companion continues to tell me that "Rome wasn't built in a day...We'll get this, little by little." But thus, I know that the Lord knows of my frustrations and how I am trying SO HARD to finish my mission waving the Title of Liberty to everyone I can...I  really am! And yet, I still fall short. But, a tender mercy was given to me from the Lord...just to let me know that He hasn't forgotten me. President Ucthdorf's talk from the Women's General Conference last year: "Forget-Me-Not"...Sisters, read it again. I testify that it is true!! But, on Friday night I put it into my heart that I really want to gem this city and I really want to bring it BACK to the Lord. (Milano 3) A LOT of mistakes have been made and are BEING made and so Sorella Hanks and I have been doing a LOT of clean up and still have a LOT of cleaning up to do. People are just slipping through the cracks! But Friday night I prayed unto the Lord to forgive me, to thank Him for His gentle mercies, and also if He would be willing to help us reach 20 lessons or at least find someone to teach and talk to. As I sat there pondering, I had...well a "visions" you could say. I felt that at 12:00 noon we would need to go down to the Metro Station and there would be someone in a white jacket near a pole. And as I sat pondering, I remembered that we had an appointment at 1:00 and we wouldn't be able to be by the station at noon because we needed to figure out where the appointment lived. Nevertheless I just said "Okay Heavenly Father, if that's where we need to be, I know thou wilt make it happen." And thus I went to sleep. NEXT MORNING: Things are just going great! Started the day off with a great breakfast of a healthy green drink and started our planning right off the bat! We started having some really great success and then, we get a call...our 1:00 appointment cancels. I look at my companion and share my experience. She looks at me and we decide to pray about it ...Noon it is, right at the Famagosta Station. So we keep planning and 11:30 rolls around...then 11:35...and I panic a bit because we REALLY need to plan! But we pray about it again and all I could feel was this peace and a little voice saying "Go" Alright, I make the final decision and we go. So we start walking and for some reason, my mind starts filling with doubt. "Who's going to be wearing a white jacket? Who even WEARS white jackets?" And then it was like the Lord being funny...I rememberd that I wear a white jacket. So I left all doubt behind and started looking. We arrive at the station at 11:58 and we see a man IN A WHITE JACKET board the bus....okay, that must not be him. Then off in the distance my companion sees SOMEONE walking in a white jacket...and so we "casually" go after, what we find out to be, her. As we arrive, we look at the clock and it says 12:15...but on the other side it says 12:00. For some reason, I felt to just play along and check a few times....and this young lady starts laughing and talking to us. She is 26, named Paola, searching for the light and the road that she needs to take. She was leaning by a pole, in a white jacket, at exactly 12:00 noon. She was waiting for a bus that she has only had to take for this second time in over 3 years...she was going to get a package that her mother sent for her. As we started talking, we couldn't teach much, but we testified and promised her that this was the road she was searching for. IN the back of my mind, I also remembered from my "vision" that we wouldn't have a lot of time...maybe 20 minutes...mainly 15. So we teach, talk, and testify and she says that she would like to learn more. ANd thus, I move in, exchange numbers and right then the bus comes. I look wave goodbye, say we'll call, and look at the clock 12:18...Miracles.

I know that the Lord lives and that He loves me and each and every one of us. I am so grateful for His love and the tiny miracles He shows me, each and everyday. That's all for now!

until next time,

sorella bowman

p.s. Gaetano doesn't really want to learn anymore...He brought beer to the last activity (after we explained that it wasn't okay) and he didn't think it was all that great. But he still wants to come to the activity..so...little by little eh? Funny things DO happen!!

You Can't Help But Think of the Future...

Saturday, March 17, 2012 12:50 PM

BUONGIORNO TUTTI!!

Yes, yes, I know...Don't think of the future, just think of right here...right now! But honestly, when dates and times start piling up and panic sets in that you only have THIS MUCH TIME LEFT...it's amazing how the Lord helps you submerge yourself in the work and forget...if only for a little bit. But, I can't help but notice how FAST the days go by...I don't remember time flying like this when I was home!! For crying out loud, we are getting ready for CONFERENCE!! That was 6 months ago!? And...in 2 days, (I just noticed the date on the clock here in the internet cafe), I'll have reached my year mark. Holy Moses...flies by way too fast!! I did receive some emails asking a couple things about my return...I'll be back in the US August 24, 2012 and yes, I will be starting school at BYU-Idaho in September. I'll have like 2 weeks to seem normal...I'm pretty sure I'll be carrying around my planner and such..timing travel time and studies. Haha...it'll be interesting the adjustments I'll need to make :) Haha Ams-I got your letter and don't worry, I'll happily go to the temple with you and I will HAPPILY watch your little chunker so you and Kevin can go on a date. No worries there. When you asked if I would go with you, my first thought was, well heck! I'll just watch Jack-Jack so she and Kevin can go together....and then you beat me to it! So, come middle of september, plan a good one with your hubby because the little chunker is mine!!!

So adjusting to the whole gluten and lactose free thing has been hit and miss every so often. I have been gluten free for quite a while, but I am finding milk does a little trouble too. Yet, I'm getting better and I am FEELING so much better...it's just my ankle now that still gives me troubles. But, all in a day's work, right?

This week was full of miracles...truly! We had 4 investigators in church on Sunday. The Lord literally placed these people in our laps! We found some long, lost less actives and part member families that we are really excited to call and get a move on with them. As we are working with the Assistants, we all felt that it would be really important to work with less actives and get this ward growing again. HOw can we bring in more sheep, if we can't even take care of the flock we have? We are so stressed for BAPTISMS!! BAPTISMS!! BAPTISMS!! And yes, it's truly important, but the scripture about finding the lost sheep has been ringing so strongly in my heart ever since I came to Milano. I can't imagine the joy we will have if we can help these sheep who have really wandered, RETURN unto their Savior once again.

I can't help but be so grateful as to how my mission has changed my life. If any of you reading this are thinking of a mission...do it! Or even if there is a missionary in your family, WRITE THEM! I can't express the joy we feel when we get letters..it's like Christmas on top of the amazing conferences we would have just had. (And yes...NOTE TO ALL MY "FRIENDS": If you haven't written me...awe c'mon! EPIC FAIL!! I want to hear from you!! And of course the " "...I was just joking ;D sort of hahah) But truly, the Lord has blessed my life with so many beautiful experiences, life changing moments, and tools to use in the future to make me a better person, student, wife and mother. Yes there are challenges, but you ALWAYS SEE the hand of the Lord in EVERYTHING that I experience. He has come closer to me in my life than ever before. And now that i think of it, HIS distance hasn't changed...It's me who's done the moving and changing and growing. And this I must be grateful for, and I am.

The Relief Society President said that the work here in Milan is going to grow TREMENDOUSLY and that we all have such a work to do. We have our 19 year old Evangelist Group Leader investigating, and his name is Gaetano. I have to have a LOT of patience with him because he asks SO MANY QUESTIONS and yet listens to NONE of the responses. ONe of the members approached me after church on Sunday and laughed telling me just to relax (he saw me praying during sacrament...and I admitted that yes I was PRAYING that Gaetano would be QUIET!!) But he just laughed and said to allow the ward take care of it. It's amazing how welcoming and friendly this ward is...how patient. I was stressing out because the past wards I've been in, if your investigator isn't "behaving", you better take care of it. Well, this ward isn't this way...and it's such a blessing. The other 2 investigators are a little shaky, but we haven't given up hope. New converts and LA are really a focus right now and the work is going in SUCH a different direction, but I'm sure it's going the way the Lord wants it to be...

That's all there is to report now! Keep us in your prayers to keep up the work of the Lord and bring back the Lost Sheep of His fold!!

love you all,

sorella bowman

Smoggy Skies, Tired Eyes, and Messes that Make You Cry

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 8:45 AM

 

Haha, yeah yeah, I promise this email isn't all glumbum...but..I must say this past week has been such an adventure.

 

Yes, I am now in Milano 3 and the ward is HUGE!! They are so fast paced here, my companion (Sorella Bethany Hanks from Boise, Idaho) and I were WIPED OUT this past Sunday. We left with our heads spinning!! But we are excited for the work and are actually working with the AP's as our companion elders. Our focus is going to be reactivating less actives and baptising part-member families. We have been feeling really bad because of how much cleaning we have been doing (50 euros later and 5 days)...we are finally clean. Any of my guy friends out there...I sure hope you kept your apartment's clean...and are now keeping them clean. If not, for goodness sake...use a broom!! Mom, I will NEVER leave a mess ever again. It was a MONSTER to clean up...grease and dust EVERYWHERE. But now, we feel the Spirit (TRULY...cleanliness is next to Godliness) and now we are working on the area book. We don't have any current investigators, but a boy we keep seeing on the street...I think he and his mother will be future investigators, if not members. THey are Evangelist, but so kind and welcoming. We have an appointment with him tomorrow. He keeps saying to his mom that WE are evangelist too...errr...we'll clean that up tomorrow. :)

 

I am actually super stoked to be here in Milan. Sneezing was our constant companion the first week, but now we are getting used to it. We live in a more tranquil part of the city and are really excited to be here. We walk everywhere (which doesn't help my ankle, it still swells every morning, but I can walk without a brace! FLAT STREETS!!)  and are finally starting to get our feet wet in the city. Sorella Hanks is a GEM to serve with and I'm super blessed to know her. We found a gluten free store just around the corner from our house and that has made all the difference in my ability to work. When I actually ate normal food, I was SO TIRED every single day. I couldn't wake up until at least 10:00...but Sorella Hanks was so kind about it all..."we are only cleaning". So I know I need to be here in Milan and the Lord has blessed me greatly.

 

The weather is finally changing and we are finally moving into Spring!! We actually have been without tights and have actually worn sandals! I love it and am so excited to dig my feet in and let the Lord guide me. Things have been hitting me right and left...next week I'll hit my year mark. MY YEAR MARK!! I'M OLD IN THE MISSION!!! And I feel like I'm just now getting the hang of things...but, thankfully the mission never really ends. You just keep growing from here! I just feel so blessed and am really excited to be in the tranquil part of town...NO SIRENS and NO CRAZY GUIDO YELLING AT 3 IN THE MORNING!! Woo hoo! Sorella Smith went to Firenze and Sorella Nilson is doing very well in Verona.

 

There isn't much to report, only please pray for Sorella Hanks and I to find those who are searching and to lift those families who have sunk down. It would be a wonderful help, seriously. Tonight we are making lasagna but using eggplant instead of noodles...we want to eat as healthy as we can and so far so good! We went to the HUGE fruit and veggie market today, as well as the street market, and are super excited about the treats we can eat!!

 

I really hope this letter isn't sounding whiney...if anything, it's a rough patch but we are still laughing and having so much fun. The work is going to take off and I know the Lord's hand is REALLY in my life right now. It has to be...there isn't any other explanation to anything else :) Love you all!

 

baci e abracci,

sorella bowman

The Mission Suit...

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 12:13 PM


Is unfortunately a VERY REAL THING!! I have seen, eaten, and oh mamma mia...SO. MUCH. FOOD!!! Italy...joke about losing weight...Summer is just around the corner and it's time for me to start losing my "pasta pants"...So here's hoping. Hahaha..VIVA IL CIBO!!

Alright, so I don't know how long this letter is going to be to you all because I have to communicate with my mom and aunt about classes! YIPES! I'm already registering!! And even with this whole process, I just see that the Lord has a plan for each and every one of us. I had registered to attend BYU Provo and I felt ever so strongly about it. And come to find out my application was denied. I had been looking at housing for a while, on account of a letter my grandmother sent me, all back at BYU Idaho. I can't BELIEVE the growth it has all taken!! So, here I am heading to, probably, my final city in my mission and already registering for classes at BYU IDAHO come September. So exciting and so surreal.

Milan. that's where I am headed. A city that I have actually been terrified to serve in. It's dirty, huge, and I have heard such scary stories of men doing weird things to sisters on the trains and busses. Luckily, I have my cute pink bottle of pepper spray...so I carry that around now. But, with all this...I had a feeling that I would be serving there. We are white washing the city...both me and my companion will be brand new...not know a thing of what's going on...haha...I'm pretty sure the Lord just keep re-emphasizing how much I need to rely on Him. And looking back on my experience here in Genova...He sure has blessed me greatly.

I had some wonderful studies this past week...actually reading in the Bible the story of Christ's sacrifice for us...chapter after chapter. With my companion being ill so much, I had so many opportunities to just DIVE IN and I have learned so much with it all. The Book of Mormon and Bible correspond so clearly and pieces that are missing, you find in either of the books! I can't believe how people can skrewy-wompus such a simple and beautiful gospel.

As I leave this city, I ask myself "Have I done all that I could do?" And immediately I just felt within me that the Lord is pleased with my work. *sigh* SUCH A HUGE RELIEF!!! Liz never got baptized, but that does NOT mean she won't...Mauro and Cecilia...when I called them to say goodbye they asked me and my companion to come to dinner and they told me that they were going to surprise me and come to church on Sunday. Little by little right? Oh what a beautiful experience this has been and how grateful, grateful, grateful I am to have served here. It has, literally, changed my life.

I want to testify of the power of the Spirit and how the Lord really, truly does have a plan for all of us. He only asks us to trust Him, and the only way we can do that is through Faith. GROW YOUR FAITH. Read the scriptures, FEAST upon them and learn to love the Lord with all your heart, might mind and strength...that you can stand blameless before God at the last day. He isn't looking for our mistakes to punish us...but looking for us to admit our mistakes so that He can cleanse us. That's all He wants...is for us to wash our hands and enter into His rest. I love the Lord and am so grateful that He has allowed me to serve Him.

baci e abracci,

Sorella Bowman