Cookies and Pears

Hello my friends! I have officially been out for 2 months! Only 22 more to go but I don't think anyone is counting. My week was pretty great so listen up!

Tuesday was pretty uneventful to say the least. Elder Dixon and I were going to go street contacting with this awesome sign we made to get people to come to us, but we took so long making the sign that we didn't actually use it. It kind of stank, but that's missionary life. We also were going to have a lesson with this guy named Marius (who by the way, wants to be baptized!) but he had to clean up a street accident for his job. Kind of a bummer but as long as he has the desire to be baptized, I'm all good. 

Our sign we took so long to make (Roll a dice and win a prize!)

Wednesday we went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders and I went on a short exchange with Elder Redenbaugh (another elder from Iowa!!!!!). We went on a short 2 hour exchange, but I learned a lot and we had great success just talking to people on the street. Super awesome experience and we were able to gain 6 more contacts in about 2 hours! The more, the merrier! However, the day became a flop when 2 people we were going to have lessons with bailed on us. Really rough experience to go through. But we finished the night at a member's home and they showed us cat videos which is one way to bring spirits up haha.

Thursday was a slow day because it was cold and rainy and the people are usually very anxious when the weather is cold. So we really didn't have much success. We did, however, talk to a man who gave us a chance and we have a conversation about church and the Book of Mormon and it lead to us getting his number and a potential person to talk to which is a plus!! We also set up a lesson with another person, but due to traffic, the man was not able to come. Another failed lesson, more rough missionary life. But the highlight of the night was when we went to a member's house named Sora Delia. She is a very recent convert but she is so strong in the gospel. We read from 3 Nephi 12-14 which is Jesus' visit to the Nephites. While we were reading, Sora Delia would stop every few verses and analyze the words of the Savior. She told us how simple the words Jesus said are to follow. It was such a cool experience because she is new in the gospel, but she taught us missionaries in simple terms that made so much sense.

Friday was honestly the weirdest day of them all. We started my visa work so I can legally be in this country. It was so hectic and we really didn't do much because of that. But all we could do, we met this girl named Andrea who seemed interested in what we had to say. So she invited me and Elder Dixon to go talk with her and her friends. The great thing is, they invited us into a bar to talk. So basically, I taught about the gospel in a bar to people. One of the weirdest experiences so far, to be honest. Then later that night, we had a game night with college students from our English classes. We played minute to win it games which was super fun to play and watch. I can successfully say I can get a cookie from my forehead to my mouth in less than a minute. Then we went out for dinner with a family whose kids had a birthday. It was super fun and I love the family to death. they are so energetic and fun and it was a great way to end the night!

Saturday we were gifted by pears by an English student which was very confusing. I mean free pears are great, but why?? I don't know but it lead to a great English class so I am excited! There are college girls in our class who have so much potential to be baptized. They are so receptive to our small spiritual thoughts and they are willing to help us out in any aspect, whether it be English or game night, they want to help. I am pumped to see how all that goes! That being said, the rest of the day flopped. 2 more people we were going to have lessons with did not show up and it is pretty annoying. I just want to teach people and have blessings come upon them!! 

Elder Dixon and me with our pears

Sunday was church and we had probably the simplest church service ever. Only 11 people showed up, but they were awesome. Sora Delia brought her friend and we talked with her and she said she is very interested in our message so we are going to see how that goes! The talks were given by 2 13 year olds in our branch and they did a great job. They spoke on faith and how important faith is in this church. Faith is the first thing we must have if we want to change or improve. It fuels action and leads to a strong foundation if we grow our faith in good things and let faith grow within us. Super powerful coming from youth. We finished the night with another lesson failing and it was definitely a hard one because we went to the person's door, waited, and were essentially denied. It was a hard way to end the night for sure.

While this week was rough, I am reminded of Alma 26:30. Ammon is rejoicing in God and he is describing the mission he had. He and his brothers had many sufferings and trials and were rejected and beaten by many. But they did this to bring some souls unto Christ. And when they did, they rejoiced and were so happy because one person was willing to listen to their message. Ammon demonstrates a missionary who is humble and rejoices in God's power before his own.

I love you all and miss you all! I hope you have great weeks and continue to be awesome people!

Va iubesc,

Elder Bowen