letter from Brian

Hey everyone,

The baptism was a real big success! They made it and it has been a real good thing for that family. The Spirit was strong at the baptism. Oh, and when I baptized Isaiah his big toe came up so I had to do it again and the second time was good. One of the members said that it was a good thing we did it again because they didn't want his big toe to still be filthy. I thought it was really funny. They were confirmed on Sunday and were extremely excited and had a wonderful day at church. We had dinner with them at the Poe's home and had a wonderful time. The Poes were the escorts for Marcalina and Isaiah and they invited all of us to their home.
So, I think that your illness has begun to travel through your e-mails because I have had a nasty cough and now a not so desirable cold. I will be just fine though because I have learned how to take care of myself.
The Wallaces told me that it was supposed to be the end of next month that they were going to be in Utah because they will be driving through Boardman and want to see me on their way. I am excited for them to come and see me because I miss them so much and I honestly wish that I could have stayed in their home my entire mission because I really felt at home their.
So big news of the week, I'm staying in Boardman and... ladies and gentlemen hold on to your hats because I am going to be training a new missionary!!!! I am excited and a bit nervous to be doing that but it is going to be a really good experience for me and I know I will learn so much just like I have my entire mission. I know that as I rely on the Lord he will help me to teach this new missionary all he needs to know to be a successful missionary.
I am going to see if I can get some pictures printed off today of the baptism and send them home so that you can see them.
Although my companion and I have had our differences we have really become good friends and we enjoy one another's company. We have worked through our differences and learned to love one another for who we are and for the opportunity to have been companions. I know that the Lord put us together to help us learn to love others who are vastly different than ourselves and so it has been a great, yet challenging six weeks and I will miss the time that we have spent serving the Lord together.
I think that is all the news that I have for the week but I love you all very much and I hope that things are looking to be better everyday as you remember how merciful the Lord has been to you in your life and how he has given you all that you need to be successful in your lives. It brings me much joy that as I have learned that as we truly lose our lives in the service of the Lord that we find the life that we have always been looking for: peace, joy, love and fulfillment in our lives. He will always love you no matter what may happen in our lives we have the assurance that He will gives all that we need, not necessarily all that we want but most certainly all that we need. I love you all, remember John 14 :27. The Lord is our LOVING Heavenly Father!

LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER