Highs and Lows

March 15, 2021 

My SLC companions, Sister Hooper and Sister Sheppard 

I hope you’re all having a great week! I’ve been serving with two sisters in the Wasatch Stake for just over a week now, and it’s been an amazing experience so far. I’m already learning first-hand that missionary work is a roller coaster, but the highs definitely make the lows worth it! For example, this week we were so sad when a lady we set an appointment with cancelled at the last second. It was a total miracle that we were able to set up an appointment because no one has been able to reach her in months, but she had something come up and the lesson fell through. Sadness :/ BUT this week we were also able to have an amazing lesson with a family we’re teaching about Jesus Christ and what His love looks like in our lives. We shared some Easter videos and each family member bore their testimony about Christ! Like I said, highs and lows!!! There’s a really sweet 11-year-old girl in the family who we think has a TON of potential and said that when she prayed about Joseph Smith she “got the chills.” She’s is the coolest. Keep Seattle in your prayers if you can!! 

I’m honestly so surprised by the love I feel for the people I’m teaching, because I don’t even know them that well yet!!? I just have absolute conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will change their lives and bring them joy like they’ve never felt before. And I feel so blessed to be a witness of their conversion to Christ! 

This week I got an email saying that the travel department still doesn’t have any information about my visa and that it will likely be a month or so before I get to England. So naturally, I looked up Elder Uchtdorf’s talk, “Continue in Patience.” Haha Here’s one of my favorite quotes:

“Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!”

I know that the Lord has something to teach me from this waiting period. I’m sure it will take time before I can claim the knowledge He intends me to gain, but I have faith that He’s helping me become who He needs me to be. Thanks so much for your love and support—you all are the BEST!! 

Lots of love from SLC

Xoxo Sister Bowler 

P.S. Shoutout to Sister Peery who’s headed across the pond this week!!! She’s the best. England doesn’t even know what’s coming!!!

One last Sweetaly with Sister Peery