February 28, 2011: Elder Bowles

Hey mom and Dad. My first week of California was crazy. I left last week on tuesday Feb 2 at 5:00 am in the morning. Before my flight took off to go to California I tried calling you to let you know I am going to California. It's okay if you weren't there. I called around 8:15to 8:30. I got to California at 9:30 in the morning. I met the mission president. He is very nice. I am trying to take pictures but I haven't taken any pictures the first week I have been here. My companion is Elder Roberts--good companion. When I was back home I was saying that I might not drive a car till 6 months. Wrong!! I am driving a 2010 or 2011 Chevy car. I am driving it because my companion lost his driving priviliges. He made a dent in the front of the car while parking so I drive all the time. The Car is very nice wow!! You know how I gained all those ten pounds at the MTC? Now I think I lost it all. I feel like I am 126 because there is nothing to eat. Chicken, cassideas and cereal almost evey day.

On the 26th me and my companion ate at this member's house. I told my companion that I don't like (healthy food).The members were having beef stew. Meat carrots and onions. gross. After the prayer my companion takes my bowl just like that and dumped beef stew in my bowl. I was just going to try and pick the meat out. Nope I have to eat one big meat and like 8 carrots. The taste was awfull. Good thing I thought my stategy before I eat the food. I ate the carrot then after that I drink it down with water. I am drinking a lot of water for almost every dinner. that's genius of me. Well the next day we had another diner with the members. Dinner is very good. I dinin't know what it was, but I didn't care because it was good food. I am not finished yet. Dessert. Dessert dessert dessert. Dessert was strawberries fillied with chocolate pudding and crushed oreos at the top. It was very good but why did the member have to put strawberries in the dessert? It would have tasted much much better without the strawberies. Chocolate was good but the stawberries were yuck yuck. I ate 8. Are they trying to kill me with heathy food? Don't worry--I am still alive and I did my strategy. Eat the strawberries and swish it down with water. All the elders said, "Dessert is good-- especially with the strawberries." I had to say yes because the member was there. I am surviving it day by day. Ttoday I am going shopping and I will buy food. Bread, bagles, cereal, jam and more chicken breast, too. I was feeling a little homesick this week, but since writing to you I am not. I am slowly starting not to feel homesick. It's going to take some time. I can do it. I will serve the Lord for 2 years. I will try and take lots of pictures. Okay, what's BYU ranked?
I forgot to tell you. I am in the city of Norwalk. It's about 15 to 30 min away from Knottsberry Farm.

Elder Bowles

February 22, 2011: Elder Bowles arrives in California

Garrett left the MTC at 5:00 in the morning February 22 and headed to Long Beach.  He tried to call us at the airport but the call didn't go through.  At about 8:30 that night we get a phone call from California!!  Yes, it is the mission president's wife, Sister Bubert.  She was so kind and told us that he got there safely and had a nice interview with the president.  The communication was great.

February 15, 2011: Elder Bowles

Hi mom thanks for sending all the treats and I will definitely share it because I don't think I can eat it all. If I did I would have gained lot's of weight!!! I gained ten pounds. no big deal. now grandma can stop worrying about me. I leave in a week to sunshine California. It will be fun there and I will enjoy the warmth. As I study preach my gospel and the scriptures, it's a lot to put on your minds in 2 weeks. I forget a lot of the scriptures and the lessons. It's hard to put itno words. But I can wlways share the book of Mormon stories. I just have to have faith in the Lord and pray everyday that I can understand the lesson and the scriptures. It's just about faith right now. Thanks for supporting me on going on a mission. I am really having a great time here. I love my friends here. One of them said going up to the temple, "Now is your chance to make a run for it!!!" So funny. I love you. Thanks mom and Dad. I need Brother Nelson's home address. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Elder Bowles

February 8, 2011: Elder Bowles

Hi mom how are you?   Hope you got my letter. Everything is fine at the MTC. The food is great you can get seconds or thirds. I have gained some weight at the MTC. About 4 pounds but I just lost 3 pounds so I really gained a pound. Tuesday is my P Day And I am in the laundry mat. I never seen so many dryers and washers. I love the MTC. I am really enjoying it. We sit in the class room all day long. My companion name is Elder Robison. He is okay?????. Say hello to Harley for me. I miss him a lot. My schedule is waking up at 7:00 sit in the room till 9:30 It was worn out for the first 3 days. Tell everyone hello. I need Brother Nelson's home address so I can write to him. Ask me if you have any more questions about the MTC. It's Fun. I love you

Elder Bowles

Elder Bowles' MTC drop-off

Today we dropped Garrett off at the MTC at 12:45.  As you enter the gate there are volunteers that tell you which way to go.  We turned left and followed the curb until motioned to stop.  MTC Elders are lined up on the curb waiting for the cars.  We stopped and immediately an Elder opened our car doors and said "Welcome to the MTC."   They took the bags out of the back and we gave Garrett a hug and tried to take a few pictures.  It was pretty intense and we felt hurried but excited.  Garrett was pretty nervous but tried to act confident.  We watched him walk down the sidewalk.  I think that was the hardest part--the walking away.  We got back in the car and headed home.  It was hard but exciting at the same time.