Week 91 April 7, 2008

Family,

Wasn’t conference just wonderful!! I wasn’t able to see the priesthood session and I’m pretty bummed about it. We were told that it was being broadcast at 9:00 at night and that we wouldn’t be able to watch it that late. On Sunday morning we found out that they rebroadcast it on Sunday morning but we missed it. That’s ok though. We get the Ensigns each month but we get them usually 3 or months behind. I absolutely loved the conference!! I’ve honestly never felt like a conference was that fast. All day everyday we do the teaching and it’s nice every once in a while to get taught.

Elder Ballard gave a wonderful talk on the importance of the family and everyone’s roles as mother, father, children, and the churches role. The whole time I was thinking about how blessed I am to have you mom and dad as my parents. Each of you have helped me in such a special way in my life and everything that Elder Ballard stated, I have a memory of you two doing many times for me. After the talk, I just felt a big desire to tell you both thanks for everything and thanks for sticking with me over the years and showing so much love for me. Sometimes I see parents here who are really impatient with their kids and it just makes me appreciate more the work you two do for me.

This week we also had our zone conference so we were full of conferences. I learned a lot but last night I was mentally exhausted and after President Monson spoke for the last time, it was hard for me to think clear. It was good to sleep that night.

Right now things on the mission are changing. My mission President, Pres Myrrha is such an optimistic person and the mission is changing a lot. It’s so great to be a part of this and it’s so exciting for me to be a part of the people’s lives here. Some days it’s hard for me to find the desire I want to just get out there and work. I try not to get too discouraged and just forget myself. Of course you know all about this, Dad. Your mission was certainly a lot harder and you had to face a lot of rejection I’m sure. It’s definitely a life changing experience for me though when I feel discouraged and down but then feel the joy and happiness of finding someone that is interested in the gospel. But I just wanted to let you know that I’m doing great here, I’m having fun, and I hope that I’m making you proud.

I still haven’t gotten my package but I’ll let you know when I do. How long ago did you send it? I’m sad to hear that Anna didn’t make the squad. Could you tell her that I’m proud of her too for doing her best and that she should never settle for less than that. She has so much talent.

Today for p-day we had an amazing time. I’ve been talking to one of the elders in Uruguay and we set up an activity today that was so much fun. We cooked hamburgers American hamburgers- Brazilian hamburgers have peas, corn, and lots of maionese and we wanted to try some hamburgers from home), and we all played soccer. There were about 20-25 elders and we all had a blast. It was great to be able to talk to the missionaries in a different country and see how the works going there. Right now my whole body is hurting. I probably shouldn’t have played as much as I did and my legs, back, and knees are hurting. Tomorrow’s going to be a rough day that’s for sure.
I hope that you all are having a wonderful time and thanks for all the support! I love you all and I’ll talk to you next week!!!

I love you infinity!!!
Elder Fowler