WEEK 75 CHRISTMAS SKYPE!!!!! 2018

Christmas SKYPE 2018 Review!!! December 25, 2018

A wonderful family reunion began on Christmas Day 2018 at 1 pm as a family we gathered around our computer for our Missionary Christmas Skype! Our whole family together at last for 45 minutes of pure happiness, even at times of bad connection and all. Here is a review of some of the detail he shared!

Elder Bowen is currently on the island of Tarawa with his companion who is newer on the islands, Elder Richins. We enjoyed a fun visit with Elder Richins who is from Idaho and loves playing basketball at Moroni High School which is a 10 minute bike ride.

Elder Bowen celebrated a great Christmas receiving his family Christmas box and enjoying a Christmas party hosted by President and Sister Larkin and all the helpers! They are soooo good to them!

To see Carson's face on the computer took my breath away for a time as I saw this changed boy turning into a man. Each of us in the family began by taking a moment to talk one on one with Carson and update details in life.

Jaxson kindly ATE in front of CARSON his favorite Oatmeal paddie's showing every bite of goodness to his face....7 months and he will personally enjoy! haha!

Trevor shared how wonderful Carson's bed felt sleeping in it during his current stay.

Bryson stood tall and Carson couldn't believe how tall and manly he was becoming.

Tyson talked cars and how he shared snowboarding stories along with Robert...one of Carson's favorite things to do!

Katelyn and Linzi shared events of life as we all felt family is truly a blessing of living on this earth!

Elder Bowen continues to prefer to sleep on the ground with his Pandanus mat while others sleep on mattress as provided where he is currently living.
Loves the people and members. He winked his eyebrows (specifically just once which is custom) to answer YES to questions.

Hearing about his quarantine story of his companion having chicken pox was challenging. People will often bring their children to touch those infected so they can get virus and get it over with. Elder Austin woke up with red spots one morning, called the nurse, and she said quarantine for 21 days and no contact with anyone. However devastating this news was as many plans and progress was being made with investigators, they only had 4 very painful board days for Carson. He stated that Satan was working hard to mess up their great progress with their investigators and their big LIGHT THE WORLD party which they DID have and over 200 people came and missionaries hard work and planning was a huge success.

Carson showed us parts of a fun video of a Dance Competition that the elders participated in. They were doing a dance of singing in the Kirabati language (which Carson sang right along with the video loud and bold) and smacking the floor much like cultural haka style. It was fabulous and funny seeing Carson dressed in cultural dress performing 'THE' moves.

Elder Bowen states he gives blessings often, every chance necessary and one day was called to bless a very sick 19 year old girl who when taken to a hut, found her crying under a blanket because of being so sick. He spoke to her a lot and blessed her as the words flowed from his mouth. After the blessing she appeared to be much better as she continued suffering with cancer.

There are 2 stakes (which consist of many wards or boundary of people) on Tarawa island in the Kiribati Islands/Marshall Islands. They are in the East Stake. Recently there was a funeral and following custom Carson's words were..."let the body chill (relax) on the table while everyone looks and talks to the body for days."

Great experience of feeding a great lady who is not a member and whom they named Grandma! She has one leg and one day Carson went fishing and caught a big fish and held the slippery fish while riding his bike for many miles to give to her for food. Made them both very happy!

Carson has a prized whale tooth the size of his finger or a banana from a dead whale that washed on shore.

Currently he enjoys the most food ever had while on his mission in this area. People are very rich (from most all Kiribati islands) and will try and make pizza. December is the rainiest month!!!

Time went by in a flash and Brother Hansen poked his head in the door saying time was up. Brother and Sister Hansen have been a great blessing to Carson and other elders as well. We all sang Carson a song, shared our love, and blank went the screen. What a great blessing to support Carson and his decision to currently serve the Lord giving hope and knowledge that Jesus Christ lives!