Birthday Wishes

When I hopped out of bed at 6:00 a.m. this morning, I thought for a minute that it was an office day. I guess having the mission conference yesterday threw me off. We have never had one on a Saturday before. But, I quickly came to my senses and realized it was the Sabbath.

We actually look forward to going to church each Sunday in Tigre. Even though it is such a small branch, we are feeling more comfortable there all the time and everyone is so nice to us and seem happy we are there. I can't communicate very well with everyone, but I do feel needed because of their lack of musical talent. I enjoy being able to provide the music for sacrament meeting. That's the least I can do.

Elder Kroff's Gospel Principles class was on the priesthood and having proper authority. He prepared the lesson with Brother Rodriguez in mind. He comes to church with his wife and daughters who are members, but he hasn't accepted the gospel because he wants to prove the church logically instead of letting the spirit testify to him that it is true. He really likes Rich and he comes to his class every week. So Rich felt the lesson on proper authority and how it was passed down from the time of Christ until now, through Joseph Smith, would be something he could grasp. He was listening, so maybe he will give it some more thought.

Anyway, after class Rich asked him how old he was and he said 67. I was surprised because he looks way older than us. Rich said, "Really? I will be 67 on my next birthday in December." And he told him the date. Brother Rodriguez said, "Will you be here in Argentina for it?" And Rich said, "Yes, I'll be at your house." Brother Rodriguez got all excited and laughed, and said, "Let's shake on that." So I guess his birthday is already planned. The 13th is on a Sunday, so we will be in Tigre. Maybe we'll be going to their house after church. It was funny!

Today is Karina Soler's birthday, and her husband brought a goodie from a panadaria. It was a cherry tort. So after church many gathered in a classroom for a rendition of Happy Birthday and a bite size taste of the postre. She is a colorful person in style and personality and well liked by all. The R.S. President even had a homemade card and had all the sisters and others sign it. Karina turned 40 today.

After making a wish and blowing out the candle, it relighted. Maybe she didn't get it all the way out, but that made it possible to . . . . .

have Sister Howard blow it out again. Last week was her birthday, and I think she turned 23. She goes home in November.

After riding the colectivo home from Tigre, we ate stewed chicken over mashed potatoes, and fresh green beans. It tasted good and there are leftovers for another night. Yea!!

We cleaned everything up and had just about an hour to rest and get ready to go to the San Fernando ward where we hold the fireside for the missionaries going home this transfer. We have only two to send on their way this time. Other missionaries can come to this fireside if they bring investigators. And, the ones leaving can invite their converts, or friends they wish to tell goodbye. The President asked Elder Nelson to arrange the music so he immediately asked/told me I would be playing. I protested, but it did no good. We were also to be there at 4:30 to open the church and provide prelude music.

We were there at 4:30 and got everything ready and I played, and played, and played. Only Elder Vega was there by 5:00, and three people that knew Elder Turnbow. At 5:30 still no Elder Turnbow, so the President decided we should start. So, add it up! I played straight for 1 hour. Good grief! A few minutes later, Elder Turnbow and a nice group of people came in the chapel. They had taken the train from the Capital and it took longer than they expected.

The President continued on with his remarks and then Elder Turnbow bore his testimony. (Elder Vega already had the opportunity) It was short, but sweet, then everyone congregated in the cultural hall to visit and take pictures.

Here's the tall and short of things. Elder Turnbow is tall, but not to the extreme. Elder Vega is just really short. Sister Argyle told me that Elder Vega is her hero because of what he has endured in his life. He is the oldest of four children and when he was 12 years old, his mother died. His father had abandoned the family years before. So Elder Vega had to drop out of school and work to bring money to help support the family. He never graduated from high school. There must have been some kind of adult supervision for the children, but they were probably still very low on money, so he could never go back to school.

He knows the Bible inside and out, and can recite any Bible story. He came on his mission when he was around 25 years old because he had to wait until he had his three younger siblings grown and on their own. He has learned English since being here in the mission field and he speaks very well. If he passes the English test which the Latinos can take, it would be a big benefit in finding a better job. He is from Argentina.