miracles and parasites and dog bites, oh my!

FAMILY! WOW. HI. 

This week was great, as usual. I love the mission. 

Monday, we taught some old investigators from the area book, and tonight we have a Family Home Evening (FHE) with them with the Bishopric, should be good! 

Mt. Cotacachi, you are so majestic and beautifulllllllllllllll!

The Otavalo sistas! ...and assistants

Found these graffitis in different parts of town heh heh, scavenger hunt! 

Tuesday, I was about to die. I couldn't eat anything for the past 2 weeks because after like 3 minutes of eating, I'd just throw it up. It was pretty horrible. But alllllll the members were offfering me aguita de oregano (oregano water), which has become a part of my daily routine, hah! It seems like pizza water at first, but it really does help calm down your tummy. 

Asleep in a hammock. 

JK I WASN'T ASLEEP, I WAS PLAYING WITH PUPPIES!

We had an all day capacitation (training) with our President and the assistants. It was waaaayy gooooddd. We learned about virtue and studied two talks:

 "Which Way Do You Face" by Elder Lynn G. Robbins 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/which-way-do-you-face?lang=eng&cid=email-shared

and my FAVE "Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence" by Elder Jorg Klebingat 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/approaching-the-throne-of-god-with-confidence?lang=eng&cid=email-shared

We also learned how we need to give Lesson 6 (about Tithing... the Area Presidency has asked us to reteach it) before people can be rescued or baptized. It was a really good capacitacion from 2-8pm.  

Hermana Allred, from McKinney Stake! 

Pres Packard set her apart, HELLO SMALL WORLD!!!!! Texas pride, y'all.

We went out and contacted before we went home 'cuz we had a whole hour left, and found a REALLY prepared investigator! Her name is Jacqueline and she just moved into our sector from Peguche (my first sector, awww). We went back and taught her later this week and when we whipped out the Book of Mormon... 

She was like, ¨I´VE SEEN THAT BEFORE! Does that book change? Is it the same? Because I read it 8 years ago.¨ We were like, ¨¿Qqqueeeeeeee?¨ ("Whaaaaat?") and we have continued to teach her. She's got amazing questions and is so awesome. Goes to show that it's always worth it to work up to the last minute because the Lord has prepared people on every corner. 

Here are the Lema Campo fambam and were my mamita (gave us lunch) every Wednesday more than a year ago, when I first started in Peguche. After we visited them for a little while, they went to the Temple and got SEALED! I love this family so much! Hermana Rocio is the Primary President now and Javier is the Ward Secretary. I love them so much!!!!

Hung out with my fave fam of members and made brownies with them. Their son Byron is SO CUTE - AHHHH.

THEY ARE SO CUTE IN THEIR BOOTS, LOOK AT THEM!!! AHHH! :) They were playing teacher and ripped apart all the pamphlets that we gave them and stuck them on the ice cream fridge thing. Thats Illariy and Nahima, Cristina and Marcelo's kiddos.

Our next door neighbor, Abby. She is holding FUXION, it's like the biggest thing here. It's actually kinda annoying. It's like Cristal Light on steriods and it's like Mary Kay or whatever where you have to sell it and get other people to sell it too. Ya know!? ANYWAYS, point of the pic is that she's SUPER CUTEEEEEEEEEE. She always knocks on our door and says HEMANAS HEMAAANAAAASSSSSS.  And then gives us a kiss. So sweet.

Thursday I got bit by a dog. IT WAS INTENSE Y'ALL. Gotta love the mission. Hahah, I called the nurse and she said that there hasn't been a case of rabies in Ecuador for about 20 years -- so I'm fine. 

QUITO LYFE BEBE 

Friday I went to Quito and saw my favorite Dr. Freddy Andrade. (I've gone to see him with a handful of my comps, but this time he pointed out, I was the patient, LOL) But he said that I'm lactose intolerant (we already knew this), that I have parasites AGAIN, and that I may have some other digestive disease that lots of missionaries tend to get here... But gave me a ton of pills, one called the ¨BOMB¨ which should clean anything and everything out.... And I FEEL LIKE A NEW PERSON!!! I've been taking them for about 3 days but have seen such a big difference. We went to the offices for a little while too. 

ME WITH ALL MY PILLS! Hollllllaaaa. Gotta love that parasite lyfe.

Saturday we had a miracle! So y'all remember Sindy, right?! (BTW SHE FOUND MY BLOG, WHAT. And lots of missionaries tell me that they religiously read my blog before their mish... oh... hahaha HI TO ALL THE FUTURE MISSIONARIES FOR MISION ECUADOR QUITO NORTE THAT ARE READING THIS!) Well, we taught her a couple times the 1st week of the change and she seemed to be really interested. She then dissappeared off the face of the planet and we weren´t able to find her for about 4 days. 

We were going out to visit with a member, Cristal, who is one of the ward missionaries and said a prayer before we left her house... in that prayer I asked for the people who needed us that afternoon to be put in our path. We were headed up the mountain and then all of a sudden, lo and behold, there was SINDY POTOSI! We went into her house and taught about the Book of Mormon, well, she was already in 2nd Nephi! WAIT WHAT!? After only a few days. It was a miracle. 

Cristal and she really hit it off.  They got along really well. She came to church yesterday and we introduces her to all the Jovenes Adultos Solteros (Young Single Adults) and then she went to a movie night they had at the Chapel where they watched the Restoration. She's doing very, very, well. I love her!

SINDYYYY AND CRISTAL! They're so cute. 

Cristal is her fellowshipper (one of many). 

We are so cute, aw. 

Hanging out with the JAS, I mean, YSA (Young Single Adults). Well, we weren't hanging out, we were actually dropping Sindy off to have a movie night with them in the chapel to watch the Restoration video. 

Y'all, I know that the church is most definitely TRUE. The Book of Mormon is amazing, it can help answer our soul's questions. I know that Christ loves us, I know that aaallllll that we're doing here on Earth has a purpose, maybe bigger than we even can comprehend at the moment. 

At choich. Marty B, to my left, will be sending off her papers for the mish on Weds, eeeee! We helped her fill them out and everything. (That's why she's wearing my nametag, haha.)

Know that I love each and every one of y'all and I constantly pray for y'all. I actually prayed for almost 3 hours one night this week when I couldn't sleep, and I KNOW that the power of prayer is just so big and so powerful. I know that God hears us, knows us, loves us, and anxiously wants us to choose the right and choose to let Him help us. The Lord's arm of mercy and grace is continually extended towards us. I know that Christ's love and Atonement is infinite!

REMEMBER WHO Y'ALL ARE AND MAKE GOOD CHOICES! :) 

Con amor (with love), 

Hermana (Sister) Bowman

These are what we call "the stairs of death"..... 

they go on for what seems to be 6 miles.

Everyone is family in Ecuador.

HELLO FAMILY!

Wow. I really don't wanna leave Ecuador. But at the same time, I know it's supposed to happen eventually. THIS IS A WEIRD TIME IN MY LIFE -- AAAHHHH. It's like mid-mish crisis (except I only have 4 months left...) 

So this is called lengua, aka a REALLY delicious type of fish.

Here we are. All the greenies with their trainers. It was a really small group this time.

ANYWAYS, I spoke in Church on the obra misional (missionary work) and the mic went out right as I got up. Typical. But good thing I've got a loud voice! Bishop was teasing me after, when we were eating lunch at his house saying that my message came through very loud, and very clear (I spoke on the Work of Salvation and how members need to pitch in). After Sacrament meeting, a kid came up to me and asked for all the scriptures I used in the talk. It was so cute - awwww. Future Elder right there! ALSO, an hermana (sister) from Quinchuqui moved into the ward and totally recognized me and said "HERMANA, WE MISS YOU! " and I was like, "Woah, that was a year ago, how do you remember me!?" It was so cute, aw. I LOVE EVERYONE IN ECUADOR SO MUCH. 

Our investigator, Sindy. She's SO CUTE!!! this is after we gave her a tour of the Chapel. Hahaha, she wants to go to BYU but we're like, hey girl, let's get you baptized first, okay?

This week has been really great. Hermana Pérez, my new compa, is so sweet. Her story is truly incredible, she's a convert of a yer and 4 months. Her family all got baptized together and then they all got sealed in the Temple! (EVERY MISSIONARY'S DREAM) and now she's serving here, her sister is serving in Chile (Osorno, not Rancagua), and her brudder is gonna serve in Medellín Colombia! (crazy 'cuz thats where me, Jordan, and Dallas are all at...) She's super sweet. She's 26 and is from El Salvador. She is super powerful here in Otavalo too because we've got two families of recent converts who have their eyes set on the Temple, and her story is going to help them so much! 

When I got my new person! My HIJA ("DAUGHTER")!!! Hermana Pérez from El Salvador. Weee. And there's Pres, photo bombing -- heh heh heh.

Her first lesson, :´) They grow up so fast, *sniff, sniff*

Our sector is doing great. All of the members are amazing, as usual. I started crying a couple days ago when we were watching "The District" (training DVDs) for the study training I'm helping Hna Perez with, and it was about a fam where the husband was inactive but then the wife got baptized and he reactivated and it was IDENTICAL to Familia Cabascango! (Cristina and Marcelo) and I was bawling just because I am SO grateful to be here right now. I really do feel like I've been here before. I feel like I've known all the people before... Cristina´s family, especially. They have the biggest place in my heart. She was baptized the 27th of December and her husband, Marcelo Cabascango was rescued yesterday! 

THEY ARE SO CUTE!!!!! Segundo was ordained to the Aaronic priesthood on Sunday. So awesome.

Me with the view of Plaza de los Ponchos. This is where the other Hermanas (sisters) of our ward live! SO COOL. We went and cleaned the house in order to prep for the arrival of Hermana Deveraux´s compa.

So this is the view from our bedroom window. A cross... and a giant bird building! Hahahah.

We saw some great little mini-miracles contacting. We've found some really prepared people, and that's motivating my comp a little more. I'm giving it all I've got in helping her. Training again has actually helped me see how much I've progressed. It's crazy. I never wanna leave the mission! It's the best thing that has ever happened, aaaah.

Oh my gosh, hey it's the fam! Hahaha - my desk.

So it's tradition that they give a dozen hens and a dozen cuyes (guinea pigs) whenever the guy goes over to ask for the girl's hand in marriage. LIKE "JOHNNY LINGO" - EIGHT COW WOMAN!!!!!!

Y'all, I can testify that God is SO big and SO great. I know that Christ is our Savior and our Redeemer. He knows us and loves us. His grace is sufficient. I know that we can repent and become better every single day. We can do absolutely anything with Him on our side. I know that this gospel CHANGES LIVES. I have seen it so many times out here on the mish, but also VERY presently in my own life. I am infinitely grateful for the love and patience and guidance that our Father in Heaven offers us. I know that as we manifest our love to Him and our gratitude to Christ, through our actions and obedience, we will be blessed beyond comprehension. When the going gets tough, think about how it wasn't ever easy for Christ either... He did something hard for us, so we cn most definitely do things that may seem hard that He asks of us, because He will be right next to us, every step of the way. 

Look how cute: we have matching monederos (coin purses). I also bought my hija (trainee "daughter") a doll. That has an hija (daughter) too. Hahahha, so cute.

Hadta rehydrate. I am obsessed with green mango Gatorade. Do they have that in the States?!

This is the map of our area. I'm pointing to where we live.

REMEMBER WHO Y'ALL ARE AND MAKE GOOD CHOICES!!!!

Con amor (with love),

Hermana (Sister) Bowman

OUR ZONE!!!!! We are such happy people :) Otavalo Norte FOR LIFE

RAN INTO PEOPLE I TAUGHT IN MONTESERRÍN IN QUITO like 7 months ago. They were at this proposal party. Turns out they're fam. This shouldn't suprise me. Everyone is family in Ecuador.

Attitude of Gratitude

Dearest Family and fwiends, 

HELLO! 

THEY'RE SO CUTE

We had changes today, but I stayed here in HEAVEN, barrio (ward) Otavalo. Aaaand, guess who is gunna train again!? Meeeeee! I'm stoked. Who will it beee!? The suspense is killing me, ha! Right now I'm hanging out with Hermana (Sister) Deveraux, she´s from Nauvoo, Illinois and will go home in like 3 months. She's awesome. She's gunna train too, so we're comps for a couple days until we go to Quito on Wednesday to go and pick up our hijas (daughters)! Wooo. That'll be fun. This ward is probs the best ward everrrrr to start out a mission in, so that hermana (sister) will be blessed. 

Hanging out with my favorite Young Single Adult girlzzzz:

Gabi, Cristal, Diana, & Sandry

FAMILIA TITUAÑA, after teaching about HOLA  (Hello) [Hay que, Orar, Leer, Asistir] (Need to, Pray, Read, Attend) the three pilars of our conversion, and playing a fun game with spoons and cups. We made it so it balanced stuff.

Tuesday, we went to Quito and did divisions with the two nurses to help them with their medical appointments (SO MANY SICK MISSIONARIES, it's crazy) because we had to stay the night anyways 'cuz we had a meeting with President that night at the mission home. It was way fun. We went to the offices and helped a lot, too. I like being in Quito, but I LOVE OTAVALO.  That day I missed giving lessons and contacting and stuff (JUST ONE DAY, imagine when it's over, I think I might die). But it was great. We went to the mission home that evening and I chatted with Hermana (Sister) Richardson while President Richardson talked to my companion about some stuff. I love being in the mission home! It's like being in the temple. The spirit is just SO strong there. Then we went over to the nurse's house and had a giant sleepover with all the other missionaries that were in town for medical appointments. We made arepas and talked and stuff. Also, I TURNED 14 MONTHS OLD. Nooooo. Only 4 months left. I don't wanna think about it. I don't like my birthmonths anymore, they're sad!!! 

Making arepas with my convert last night.... I'm not a karishina anymore - jejeje. SHE'S SO CUTE! I Love Margarita so mucccccchooo. 

Saying 'bye to our next door neighbors this morning 

when Hna (Sis) Corne left for Quito.

Thursday, we discussed the talk, WHICH WAY DO YOU FACE in our mini conference with our zone. It is SUCH A GOOD TALK. I invite all yall to read it this week and ponder about which way you´re facing. It kinda goes along with the Appraoch the Throne of God talk, too. ( https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/which-way-do-you-face?lang=eng )

le view

Friday, I had divisions with one of my faveys, the MUIR. Hermana (Sister) Muir from Utah. She's awesome. She's actually going home tomorrow, she's finished her mish! AH! But it was way fun, we worked pretty hard and visited a ton of less-actives. and then had some tacos for dinner. I love her! 

The view.

Sunday, took all the pictures because we realized we hadn't taken any all week, heh. Oooopsss. It was a good Sunday. I love Sundays. 

Inti and Abraham 

GRATITUDE is so key, y'all. When we are gratfeul in any circumstance, and just pray to thank the Lord and to count all of our many blessings, tender mercies, and mighty miracles, our spiritual eyes are opened and we are able to receive even more light and more happiness in our lives. It's a true principle and I invite all y'all to put it into practice in y'alls lives. :) ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE --- WEEEE! 

Hahaha, 'Gangstas'

Also, I know we can find answers in the scriptures. Personal revelation is so direct. It comes straight from Heaven when we are ready and open to it and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Prayer is a powerful tool -- I can totally testify of that. I am continuing to develop a better and stronger relationship with Heavenly Father and putting more and more of my trust in Christ and the results are incredible. 

LOVE ALL Y'ALL 

MAKE GOOD CHOICES AND REMEMBER WHO Y'ALL ARE!!!

ñuka kanda juyani ( I LOVE YOU in Quichua, hehe)

Con amor (with love),

Hermana (Sister Missionary) Bowman :)

PS These talks are good:

https://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/2014/10/living-the-gospel-joyful?lang=eng&clang=eng

CLIIIIIIIIIIIIMB EVERY MOUNTAAAAAAAAAAAAAINNNNNNNNNNN ('Sound of Music' voice) 

Just call me Sister Batman

Short and sweet. 

HERMANA BATMAN!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Me and Illariy. 

Hope y'all did y'alls homework. Turns out the President wants us to read the Klebingat talk for a special training we will have soon, WEeeeEE!!! It's one of my faves.

Us with Cristal, a recent convert (she got baptized in April). This is right after she told us she's getting engaged to a fellow member/returned missionary.

Getting ready to burn the old year!!!! 

The dolls without faces....

I know that my Redeemer lives, that He loves us, and knows us. I know that He will never leave our side and that we can do annnything through Him. 

DIANA AND YULI AND MARIA AND TATI CAME AND SUPRISED ME AT CHURCH ON SUNDAYYYYYYYYY AHHHHHHHHH I LOVE MY CONVERTSSSSSSSSSSS

The way they sell chicken... super sanitary...NOT!

A ñañagu selling New Year's masks at the copacabana next to our house.

Random market pic.

Classic Jan 1st pic... so sad.

MY CALENDAR IS FULLL - AAAHHHHHH, NOOOOOOOOO.

Coke present, weeee.

Cristina's wall...

Have a wonderful week and write me with y'all's goals! :) 
LOVE LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELVOE
y'all!
Hermana (Sister) Bowman

Hahahehehhehohohoho.

REALLY cool thing that happened in the sky yesterday... 

PREACHIIIIING THE WORRRRRDDDDDDDDDD

ME and my new boyfriend.