This is Alison, Preston's mom. I will be posting things on this blog during Preston's mission. Preston will not have access to this blog until after his mission. If you would like to send him an email please see his contact information, located to the right of this blog. Thanks

Monday, October 12, 2015

#15: "Ponderize"

Hola! Mi Amigos!  Sorry I haven't been the best about writing my experiences each week.  Some of you may have thought I was kidnapped by the Cartels in Mexico!  But, the real reason is that we've been really busy teaching investigators and finding new ones as well. We had our first, "cambios" or transfer changes not too long ago and my companion, Elder Vergara and I are still here in Anáhuac.  Our area was cut in half so there are 4 missionaries serving in Anáhuac.  The only thing that's difficult about it is living in the same house.  It was a lot easier last transfer cycle when it was just my companion and I.  But we make it work.  Whenever I go on exchanges with my District Leaders, I feel out of place.  Anáhuac has become my home and I know the city so well.  I never thought my mission would help me learn directions and street names (Preston wasn't good with that here in the states), but it definitely has, along with other things.  Earlier this week, I bought two sweaters and a tie for 260 pesos! That's like 21 US dollars!! The best part was, the tie was only 19 pesos-just over a dollar!! Score!
I did receive the package from home this week on Thursday and it's amazing!!  I absolutely love everything you put in it!!  The speaker and music and conference talks are great!! So thank you so much!!  Something I may need soon is a winter jacket. I could possibly find one her but idk.  Oh, and TIES!!!!!!!  I love ties and want like a million more!! haha
NOTE: (For the next two years, we decided to take the challenge that Brother Durrant gave us during General Conference and choose a scripture a week to ponder and memorize- "Ponderize" a made up word of course :)  Last week's scripture was 2 Nephi 33:3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people.  For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry)
I too thought about the scripture of the week and what spoke to me is the importance Nephi knew about writing about his people.  He testifies to all readers that he himself wrote his words and not Joseph Smith who many people want to claim.  It gives the Book of Mormon validity!  The scripture I want us to "ponderize" this week is really powerful:  Moroni 7:48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
This current week was a little more difficult to find people to contact because the weather wasn't the  best for people to be outside.  It was really cold, rainy and windy; we were the only people crazy enough to be out in it!  This week we've had a couple of amazing contact in the streets.  They were only possible because we listened to the small, but firm promptings of the Spirit.  These are the people that the Lord has prepared specifically for us.  The Lord knows that we have something special to offer these investigators.  I have a strong testimony that Heavenly Father prepares those who are ready to hear the Gospel specifically from my companion and I.
 This weekend, we had what's called "Conferencia Distrito" which is pretty much the same thing as Stake Conference in the US. On Friday night there was a Cultural Program with singing and dancing. Saturday was a Priesthood meeting and an Adult session for all on Sunday.  It was really good.  About 6-7 hours of talks in Spanish; my mind was fried!  But, the messages were great.  Presidente and Hermana Chavez were there and they spoke to us as well.  Next week, during our sacrament meeting, Elder Martinez who is a member of the Seventy, is going to be there. It should be really good.
This Thursday, (October 15th) will be my 100th day in the mission!!! I can't believe it is already October!  Time flies by when you're on the Lord's errand!  I Love all of you back home and I'm super grateful for your support.
Always remember that you're in my prayers,
Elder Fowler

Spaghetti and Tacos!!
Reminded him of the Nickelodeon TV show-iCarly

It was hailing for a little while.

Elder Fowler, Elder Vergara-sweater weather

Sporting his first sweater-bought there in Mexico

His caption for this was: "Riding in the back of a truck going 65mph!
Probably shouldn't have shared this picture 'til after my mission for your sake, haha"