#45: Mother's Day Skype on the 10 Month Mark May 8, 2016

(Elder Fowler's mom- This Mother's Day was extra special since Elder Fowler was able to Skype with us AND it was his 10 Month Mark!  He was actually Skyping from an investigator's home.  So grateful for her.  His mission president allotted them 1 hour and 30 minutes to Skype.  This was 30 more minutes than at Christmas time.  We noticed that he is sounding more and more like the people their in Mexico.  He has their lingo and accent in his voice.  We also noticed how he says a drawn out, "Uh-Huh" when asked things.  He says that's pretty common to say there with the people.  It was nice to here him pronounce the areas that he's been in and we realized that we've pronounced some of them wrong.  We learned that his Spanish has improved, in fact, he's even had dreams in Spanish!  One thing we had him do, was at the end of our Skype session, we asked him to say a family prayer in Spanish for us.  I recorded it and will enjoy understanding what he said, soon.  Although, I did feel the Spirit as he prayed.  He is happy and healthy and not homesick at all, which is a blessing because he is able to put all his focus on the important work he is there to do.  We look forward to Skyping again with him in December.  That already feels like a long wait.)

Madre-I really enjoyed the time I had to see and hear from everyone this weekend! :)  I hope you had a great Mother's Day and you felt my love I have for you here in Mexico! 

I feel the love from all of those in the the family!  Did you guys record the whole video chat or not? haha.  Just something I was thinking about.  

On Monday, we were in LaJunta for a Zone meeting and we ended up sleeping there as well, but we came back to Guerrero this morning (Tuesday) and now we are emailing.  My companion (Elder Herrera) will Skype with his family today (Tuesday).  (In Mexico, Mother's Day is always on May 10th, so the natives Skyped on Tuesday, but the American's were able to on the 8th)

The work is going good!  We have a handful of really awesome investigators, some others-not so much, and people that want nothing to do with us! haha We have an investigator name Pepe who we have been working with, and we hope that he will want to make the commitment to be baptized this week and not push it off any longer... I will let you know how he is doing next week.

Le amo,

Elder Fowler

This week's scripture to "Ponderize" is:

Job 19:25

25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Our family all together for our Skype session.

Elder Fowler and his Missionary Momma

Kylah and her missionary brother

While on divisions, Elder Fowler's companion, Elder Herrera
and Elder Ashworth were able to interview and baptize these
three siblings in this river.  Elder Fowler was able to be at their
confirmation on May 1, 2016

#44: May Goal Met :)

This last week was super, super cool and went by really fast!  So many things happened.  We were busy all week long and we saw so many miracles from the Lord in our area and our Zone.

On Monday, we had a Zone meeting in La Junta, which was super good.  We are all energized as a Zone to baptize a goal of 40 souls in the month of May.  Then, after the meeting, my companion and I were sent on some crazy divisions with the Zone Leaders!  Monday night, I went back to Guerrero with Elder Zohner, while my companion, Elder Herrera went to San Juanito with Elder Ashworth.  The plan was to work my area until Wednesday afternoon because Elder Zohner needed to go to Madera to interview people there for baptism.  While we were in Guerrero, we had an investigator
who was needing an interview, so  we went to Hermano Alfredo's house, interviewed him on Wednesday morning, then brought him to La Junta to be baptized.  He loved being baptized and it was awesome!!!  After the baptism, Elder Zohner and I headed off to Madera and my actual companion (Elder Herrera) and Elder Ashworth went back to Guerrero until we returned from Madera.  While in Madera, we were able to interview their investigators but was unable to baptize them this week.  We are hoping the following week, we will be able to bring them to baptism.

But, what was really cool, Elder Herrera and Elder Ashworth interviewed, and baptized THREE siblings from my area!!  It was super awesome!  I wasn't able to make it to their baptisms because we were coming back to Guerrero Madera that same morning.  But, I was able to see them confirmed today (Sunday) into the church!

This last week has really flown by super fast with all the events that happened!  We have been super busy running around everywhere, getting people ready for baptism and then seeing them be baptized. Elder Herrera and I had a goal to baptize 6 people from our Area in the month of May.  I never thought we would be able to meet our goal in the first week!! But we aren't going to end there, we still want to see the miracles God has for us this month.  I can't wait to see who else we can teach, baptize and bring closer to their Heavenly Father, and Savior Jesus Christ.

As for Mother's Day, I believe that this time we will go to La Junta because there isn't a computer here in my area.  What time will work best for the family, as well as Brooke and Dylan?  Will dad be coming home right after church?  Also, we got word from the assistants that this time we can Skype for an hour and a half!!!!  That's 30  minutes más!!!!I hope we can finalize the plan for Mother's day to Skype.  I can't wait to see everyone :)

This week's scripture to "Ponderize" is:

2 Nephi 25:26
And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.


Love,
Elder Fowler

Selfie with Elder Zohner when we were going out to a
pueblo called El Pinito.

Elder Fowler, Alfredo and Elder Zohner.
April 27, 2016

#43: Awesome Baptisms of Two Sisters

(Today was transfer Day)
Well, I'm still here in Guerrero for another transfer!  If I'm here until the end of this new cycle, I'll have 7 ½ months in Guerrero!  My companion is still Elder Herrera.  I did get the package from the Lesters; it was really nice of them to send me something!

With this week being the last week of the transfer cycle, we were working pretty hard each day to find people to teach.  On Monday, we had a Zone Conference in La Junta.  It was pretty good and I learned some new things.  After the Zone Conference, we always play soccer, but this time we played American Football!!  It was super fun, but I realized that my stamina isn't like what it was before my mission...haha.  And, to make things worse, I was really sore for about 3 days after!!!

On Tuesday, we were informed that we had a training meeting with President Chavez, in Cuahtemoc. The meeting was really cool.  President and Sister Chavez spoke to us.  Training meetings with our Mission President are always enlightening and inspirational.  He teaches doctrines of the gospel is such cool ways. , with great examples to understand the lessons.  On Tuesday, he taught us about the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ, and the difference and functions of both.  It was really interesting and fascinating to me.  I'm looking forward to the next training with President and Sister Chavez.

This Sunday, we were planning to have two awesome baptisms!  Their names are Loana and Yenelly; Two sisters that live together.  We actually found them April 2nd after General Conference.  We invited them to come to Sunday's General Conference and they were the first people to show up!  They were "Golden Investigators".  Their only thing was that they wanted to learn every principle and doctrine we could teach them right away.  So, each time we taught them, we'd share with them the Teaching Record and before we knew it, we had taught them everything!!  We invited Loana and Yenelly to be baptized and they accepted, and even made a date to be baptized themselves!  After church on April 24th, they were baptized and you could see in their faces how happy they were.

Bringing people into the baptismal font is one of the best feelings in the world.  It makes all the hard work worth it.  You can tell how happy they converts are to have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives.  I love the church, and I know that it is true!!!

Elder Fowler

This week's scripture to "Ponderize" is:
Alma 37:6

Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

Elder Fowler and Elder Herrera baptized these sisters:
Loana & Yenelly

April 24, 2016

A torta as my favorite restaurant

A trompo of lamb meat

After 2 months, the package from Sister Lester arrived.

A fun picture on a vase at an investigator's house.

#42: Looking Forward to Upcoming Baptisms

I'm emailing late today because we had a zone conference in La Junta  and tomorrow we have a training meeting with President Chavez in Cuautemoc, so we are spending the night here in La Junta. Kylah will be happy that I wore the Flash shirt she sent me for my birthday when I was here in La Junta for the zone conference!

I can't tell you everything quite yet because it hasn't quite happened....just that we might be having a LOT of baptisms in my Zone!!!  I will defiantly let you guys know when everything happens and is completed, but we have 2 potential baptisms this week, and two for sure the following week.

That's pretty sweet to hear about the change in the bishopric.  I really like Brother Averett.  I'm enjoying being the senior companion.  It feels good have have some real responsibilities.  I send the data each night to our district leader and I let them know how we are doing each day and tell them about our investigators.  The mission has flown by, to say the least, but I'm really ready for changes next week. We will see if I stay in this area and/or one of us are leaving the area.

Tu hijo,

Elder Fowler

This week's scripture to "Ponderize":

Doctrine & Covenants 6:36

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

Elder Fowler & Elder Herrera

#41: Tenth Baptism

This week was pretty sweet! :)  We had one baptism this last week, which was super cool and exciting.  This is the 10th baptism that I've been blessed to be a part of.  His name is Manuel Games Marquez.  He was baptized on April 6th. Our investigators seem to be growing fast!  We have found some really chosen people to accept the gospel, and hopefully they will be baptized this month or early next month :)  We have goal to have 4 baptisms.

We did hear from President Chavez (his mission president) this past week about his time in SLC and saw lots of photos as well!  We saw Elder Oaks wearing a fake mustache!! hahaha, we all laughed!!

On Sunday our branch president couldn't make it, so he asked me on Saturday to lead and direct the church meetings!!!!  It was CRAZY!!  I was super stressed Saturday night through Sunday because there's so much that I had to do to make sure that everything would run smoothly! haha  (I told him that I'm sure that this is preparing him for callings in the future)

Sounds like there are a lot of things happening back home!!  That's exciting and stressful at the same time!  (Our stake was split this last Sunday which will effect a lot of callings in our ward) I can't believe Brother Mooney isn't in the Bishopric now!  But, I'm excited for his new calling :) (he was called to be on the high council) You will have to keep me posted on the upcoming changes with the other stakes and the ward.

This week's scripture to "Ponderize" is:  Alma 32:35  I really like this scripture and how I marked it in my scriptures!!!  I can't wait for you guys to look through all my scripture and stuff like that!  You will like it a lot! :)

le amo,
Your missionary,
Elder Fowler

Alma 32:35
 35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect?

(I just love this picture-I can hear his laugh)

I stacked three golf balls!  Try it!  It's hard!

Baptized Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Manuel Games Marquez and Elder Fowler

Elder Herrera, Manuel and Elder Fowler

#40: President Chavez' New Calling

I have really enjoyed this last week because a lot of cool things happened.  First off, last Monday was my birthday...my 20th to be exact!  I really enjoyed celebrating on Preparation Day because I was able to talk to my family and friends.  We had cake, ice cream and lots of fun.  I only have one more birthday here in the mission and I think that makes me a little sad.  I wish I could serve longer, because I'm having a great time.

On Wednesday, I was on divisions with one of the Assistants to President Chavez, named Elder Meyer.  I look up to him a lot and he taught me many things that day.  We were in the streets contacting people, and we started talking to this one gentleman.  He's been looking for happiness in his life and hadn't found it yet.  We told him we can go to his house and share a message of God's plan for him.  He accepted and let us into his home.  At the end of the lesson, we invited him to pray.  At first, he didn't want to, but he felt like he should.  He began praying and pouring out his heart to his Heavenly Father.  It was one of the most powerful, heartfelt prayers I have ever heard.  He was so overcome with emotions.  He began to cry.  The Spirit was so strong during the lesson.  This is an experience that I won't forget.

This weekend was quite special because of General Conference.  We had to go to La Junta to watch Conference because our Prayer House (church building) doesn't have internet.  We were able to bring quite a few of our investigators to this special weekend.  They really enjoyed it, as did the missionaries.  I wasn't able to watch the first session because I was outside trying to get people off the streets to come in and watch conference with us. haha  I watched two of the sessions in Spanish, and the other three in English with the gringos.   It was really good.  I think I like watching in English because I like to hear the voices of the prophets and apostles, but overall, I learned a lot from the leaders of the church.

All of the missionaries were watching the session where President Chavez (his mission president) was called as an Area Authority Seventy.  We all FREAKED OUT, in fact we went Bizerk!!!haha How exciting!!! We knew he had gone to Salt Lake City but didn't know why. Now it all makes sense.

This week has been great week, full of great, powerful, and spiritual lessons that I will remember throughout my life.  I love where I am, and the work I'm doing as well.  I'm looking forward to October, when we have the opportunity once again to hear from the servants of the Lord.

Love you much,

Elder Fowler

This week's scripture to "Ponderize" is:

Helaman 5:47

Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.

(How exciting to see the word, RENO when
you're so far from home)

(Elder Meyer celebrating Elder Fowler's 20th birthday-cake and all)

(Birthday boy-someone brought him cake)

If I've learned anything, it's how to improvise when you don't
have the things you need!  One time we even made a strainer
out of a milk carton for our Mac and Cheese! haha
(Love how they used their ironing board as a table)

(List of those who were called as an Area Authority Seventy
in this last General Conference- if you look in the row where
the mouth is, you'll see his mission president' name,
Ulises Chávez)

#39: HaPpY BiRtHdAy ElDeR FoWLeR!!

(Today is Elder Fowler's 20th Birthday)

 I opened up everything from my birthday box this morning and I'm super thankful for everything that you sent!!!  I feel the love you guys have for me so much, thanks!! Love you bunches!! :)  I've watched the awesome videos!! Thanks so much for the love and Birthday wishes.  (We sent him 5 short videos, expressing 20 things we love and miss about him) Easter was really good! I feel like it was just Christmas and now it's almost April Gee-WIZ!

 The Easter box came this week also!  Thanks.  Elder Herrera really liked getting something too.  Elder Herrera and I are getting along good!  He's been teaching me guitar!  I can play (the song), Book of Mormon Stories!!!

This week's scripture to "Ponderize"is:

 Moroni 7:42
 Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.

Thanks for the Birthday Wishes!!
Elder Fowler

Happy 20th Birthday!!!

(His birthday package came weeks ago and he was so good to
wait on opening several of the items until his actual birthday!
There were a few items we told him he could open early)

(His Birthday Box)

(Finally able to celebrate!)

(He even put the candles on the cupcakes so he could blow them out)

(Wonder what he wished for-hope it comes true)  :)

20 Years Old!!

(He said he wears these thin, comfy pants only
on special occasions-I think it's appropriate for
today.  I like that he's wearing the tie we got him too!)

Elder Fowler, Fernando, and Elder Herrera
Fernando leaves tomorrow (3/29/16) for his mission

(Easter Basket-I sent two so that his companion
would have something also)