21st Birthday

Hola everyone!

I hope you all had a great Thankgiving.  THANK YOU all for emailing me on my birthday.  It was so nice to hear from people I love at home.   

I actually had forgotten that it was my birthday until my companion reminded me.  The family that invited us to lunch made pasta, ribs, and a massive cake.  Later that night the Barriga family had a surprise birthday party.  Sister Barriga (my Chilean mother) made us 3 pizzas and a huge cake with my name haha.  I love them so much.  Then, Brother Barriga drove us to Angel's house where I thought we were going to have a lesson.  But no.  Mi familia Venezuelana had another surprise - arepas, empanadas, and another cake.  After celebrating we went back to our house where both Brother Giovany and Brother Valdebanito were waiting outside of our house, one with a pizza and the other with a bag of candy.  President and Sister Catala called and sang HBD to me in English, Spanish, and Chinese haha.  It was really nice to feel the love from everyone today.  Oh, and on Sunday, Seba and Karen make a cake and ice cream!  So, lots of desserts this week!

This week I also had a few intercambios with some great Elders - Elder Rocha (Brasil), Elder Toledo (Ecuador), and Elders Macdonald and Theobald (US).  I always learn so much from them.  

President and Sister Catala presented a lesson on the temple to Juan, Katarin, and Sebastian.  We met in the gardens at the temple.  I love the temple.  There is an unmistakeable spirit the moment you step on the grounds which is gone the second you leave.  

We also had a great zone conference with President Catala.  It was about teaching with the Spirit and how to recognize that.  

We had some really spiritual lessons with Rocio and she is really excited to be baptized.  Please pray for her as well as Carlos, Jesus, Angel, Krishna, Simonei, Mariana, and Fabiola.  

I tried to get in a nap on P-day but it's impossible to sleep when I live with an Argentine and 2 Brazilians who are constantly screaming haha!

I love you all,

Elder Vincent