{Letter from Brian}

Hey everyone,

It is that time again and transfers are next week. So, the BIG question is, what is going to happen to Elder Bowler for his final transfer?

So, to answer your question Mom, FLY ME HOME! I don't want to worry about changing plans yet again besides I think that coming in the summer would be much more enjoyable seeing as the 'green' will be all about.

I wanted to wish a very HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY to Buzz. It is a great day for you and I hope that you make the most of it. Don't get into too much trouble but, have a wonderful day!

We have the baptism this weekend on the 19th of September and they are excited for it. It sounds like we absolutely will be teaching Kaitlyn's father and probably being the next baptism that we have. My companion is going to baptize her and I will be confirming her on the 20th at our Invitation Sunday. It is just so amazing to see this family make the right steps in life.

Now, I suppose I need to explain a bit further in the fact that most of my challenges with my companions have been with my own personal feelings and inadequacies. I get along with them as well as I got along with people back at home it is just that here you are learning more about my internal struggles in coming to grips with the fact that I can't get along with everyone but I can still love them for who they are. I can honestly now say the i love each and everyone of my companions because they all taught me so very much about life and learning what kind of personalities I will be faced with in the future. That does not, however, take away from the fact that they still do play a part in the 'having the hard time'. Many of my companions from states other than Utah have put me down because I am from Utah, and OREM at that. I love living there and I will never denounce my love for that place, because it is a great place. They have also put me down for the size, number wise of my family because there are fewer and fewer families with 6 children outside of Utah and my parents are still together. I don't know why these would be so to pick about but they do but I love them anyway.

My companion and I have been doing better because I realized I just needed to have a better attitude even when he puts me down. He knows how I feel when he does so but he doesn't seem to care. I know that in the long run I don't have top worry about what he thinks but it hurts when he does treat me with disrespect. I keep my head up and love life to it's fullest because as much as it sounds like I've been in the dumps I have truly enjoyed all of my learning and growth here. I have truly learned to love it and cherish every moment. I know this is but a short time so I want to make the most of the time I do have. Please don't think that I hate my mission. Please just remember that even though it is the most difficult, most faith-trying, most challenging experience I've had so far, I have learned a billion times more than I would have ever learned had I not gone on a mission. I truly am a positive, upbeat, and loving person I just have challenges that I am working through that reflect in these letters often but you ask most missionaries and members and others and they will tell you that I am just a happy guy.

The work is going great this week, we have the baptism this Saturday, we are teaching I believe nine investigators actively and tracting about an hour a day. We are keeping ourselves busy with all that we do and we hope to continue to do so.

People seem to be happy now that it is starting to get near the end of the 'sunny season' and into the 'rainy nine-month season'! It is really funny because people are so opposite from Utah and many other states in that direction. I love the people here but I will be happy to experience the Utah weather again.

I hope that this letter clears up any misconceptions that may have come forth in the past letters. To recap: I love ALL my companions (I still actively talk or e-mail to half of them), I understand that I am not perfect (which has been my biggest problem), the work is absolutely wonderful, and Life is Truly worth living to its fullest in the Lord. I love you all very much and I hope that your days take you on the adventures that keep you hoping for that glorious day when the Lord truly will come again. that all will find that true happiness comes from the Lord and that you all remember John 14:26.

LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER