Dearest family of mine!!!!
Well, usually I bring my journal to write bits and parts to you so
you know how each day is, but today is different. We went to the
temple and did initiatories because our branch president's wife
forgot to give me names for the temple. So, we have about an extra
hour and a half of free time today. So, I'm just going to wing my
best without the journal!
So, we are now the oldest district in our zone! The other district
left on Sunday and now it's just us "old guys." It's so odd because
I feel as if I look so much younger than everyone here but in fact
we're all the same age! I can't believe how slow the days are and
how fast the weeks are. The MTC has its way with time. . . Well,
anyway, with Sunday being 9/11, our devotional on Sunday was quite
different. President Brown wanted to use that time to remember the
events of 9/11. So, we watched a video about it and then proceeded
to watch the performance of Motab. It was really relaxing and
exactly what everyone needed!
So, our teachers have been telling us that we can see a miracle
before we leave the MTC. I decided I was going to try and read the
entire Book of Mormon before I left and circle any reference to
Christ! So, I bought a mini military size approved BoM and started
on Sunday morning. Now, I'm half way done with Alma. It's amazing
how many times it references Jesus Christ! In just the first Book of
Nefi it references him over 700 times!!! You think we're Christians
now? Ha ha! Anyway, it's helping me have the spirit continually.
Elder Holland had told us the best way to bring the Spirit is to
open the BoM and dive into the scriptures! So, I decided I could use
a little more spiritual upliftment before I leave here. And boy has
it worked a mighty miracle for me!!! So the beginning of the week
was a bit frustrating because I couldn't feel the Spirit very much.
But Tuesday night I pleaded and begged the Lord to please answer my
prayers before I leave the MTC so I can see the miracle that's been
promised me if I do what I'm supposed to. So, Wednesday, with our
investigator Juan Bustos, it was answered. I don't think the Spirit
has guided me so much in my whole life! It was like getting hit with
a brick in the head how noticeable it was! So, the lesson started in
an empty classroom. Juan usually is kind of depressed and very dull,
but something was different today! Juan had a smile and a great
attitude! He said his day was great because of his attitude. I felt
prompted to ask why he thinks that is and he responded because he
has been reading the BoM. What a blessing!! Then he continued to ask
questions about Alma ch 40 which we had assigned for him to read in
a previous lesson. Right then, the lesson ceased to be ours and
became the Spirit's and the Lord's. Our plan literally went 180
degrees in the other direction. We ended up talking about the Plan
of Salvation a lot more and about his son who passed away in a
motorcycle accident. (Yes mom, I still want one. ) Anyway, he wanted to
know what is going to happen to his son because he hasn't been
baptized and we had told him that it is necessary in order to return
to live with God. So, we told him about temples and how we have the
opportunity to act as proxy's for the dead. He REALLY liked this! In
fact he wanted to know if this is something he is able to do. We
showed him a picture of the temple and told him he would have to be
baptized first and then be a member for at least one year. He then
asked US when he can be baptized! Shocked, we gave him a baptismal
date of the 24th of September! AMAZING!!!! AHHH! I love being a
missionary! Anyway, he accepted and wants us to return as soon as
possible! It was the most powerful experience with the Spirit in my
life and this is only a mock investigator! I can't wait to get to
the field!
Speaking of the field, I did receive travel plans for the district
as planned! You won't even believe how nuts it is! So, 3:00 a.m.
Monday morning of the 26th I have to report to the travel office
completely packed and ready to go! Then, our flights are as
following:
LV: Salt Lake City - 6:20am
AR: Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX - 10:00am
LV: Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX - 2:05pm
AR: New York Kennedy, NY - 6:40pm
LV: New York Kennedy, NY - 9:50pm
AR: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - 9:15am
......Yeah, I know it's a little ridiculous. That'll be a long day
and a half of traveling. AND I'm going to be right by Carly in a lay
over for FOUR HOURS! That just about killed me. I need to get out of
the country ASAP. I can't be tempted with all my friends here at BYU
any longer. I am so excited to go to Argentina! Well, in regards to
our phone call, I have no idea when I'm allowed to call. . . I'll
let you know as soon as I can! if not, well, be ready to answer
random phone calls!
SO, I might be one of the luckiest missionaries because I have
gotten to hear from TWO apostles now! Yeah, that's right, Tuesday
night we were privileged to hear from M. Russell Ballard! Way cool!
He gave us a bunch of advice basically for our time out in the
field. The thing that spoke to me the most though was when he said,
"We should all happy and excited and declare, 'I am a servant! I am
a missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ!'" That stuck out to me so
much! I am so glad to be a missionary. It is the biggest blessing in
my life so far and it's only been about 7-8 weeks! I can't even
remember now how many weeks it has been. I just know I leave a week
from Monday!
That's about all I have to report on with this week. It was a great
week! as are all of them! But this one had a special place in my
heart. I can't believe the van broke down on Kevy! That's going to
be a great story to make jokes about throughout high school! Mom,
maybe you should try looking into a new car. It might actually save
you money to get a new one then having to keep reparing the
mini-machine! Dad, it's always great to hear from you! I love the
advice you give me. Kevy, I'll write you a hand-written letter
later, but thank you for your letter! I always wonder how you're
doing. I hope I can talk with you on the phone soon. Justin! I want to hear
from you. I want to know about your life! I know your back is s a
litttle crazy, you've been hanging out with nathan, and some girl
named Christina? Tell me about it all! I'm glad to know my busy parents are taking
some time for themselves! You two are ridiculous. And don't forget
your challenges! Mom - Spanish. Dad - Exercise. That way I can run
with my pops after my mission which is a huge dream of mine, and
then I can bring my mother down to Argentina and experience the
culture in it's fullness! Well, I love you all! Trevor, I don't
mention you much because I can see you basically whenver for now.
But thanks for your great example! I hope to be a fraction at least
of the missionary you were! Thank you all for everything! Oh and
Dad, if possible, I would love to get some stories of your
experiences of your mission. I would love that! And if anyone is
planning a package soon, it'd be nice to get more picture book
things from the dollar store. Like two more! Love you! Have a great
week! Look for the hand of the Lord in everything!
Love,
Elder Blake W. Cowan
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