Queen for the Day

A conference with recurring dates the week before US Thanksgiving is basically always going to fall over my birthday. Such was the case in Madrid last year, and such was the case in the DR this year. Darn, I get to celebrate somewhere different every year with work friends I don't see nearly often enough! 

Dana and I had a full day of Mission Education planned; here's a rundown of what my day looked like: 

A quick peek at the CMSCR premises and chapel with the students. 

A ride on Santiago's new-ish cable car. We drove from the seminary to the main station in two carloads. Dana, who'd arrived first with her group, greeted me with a birthday tiara when I walked up.

Lunch at Centro León followed by an [English!] tour of two different exhibits. Can you tell I was really missing my fiancé by the end of the hour? 

Intentional interaction with the residents at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Homes group home. 

Visits in Palmar. Ashley & I were grouped with Bolivian student Edwin (left) and church member Miguel. At our first stop, Lenny (center, in red) began probing into the doctrine of infant Baptism. I drew on what I'd learned in confirmation and jumped in with some supplemental commentary!

Dinner ("la bandera" - stewed chicken, rice, and beans) with everyone who'd accompanied us on visits.

Divine Service at Iglesia Luterana Buen Pastor. When the congregation learned that it was my birthday during the announcements, they sang to me in Spanish. 

Leaving church, I sent Josh the following text at 8:30 pm: 

Leaving now. I’m in for ONE game of Telestrations and then it’s YOU time.

Little did I know I was helping out whomever had organized THIS! 

Needless to say, we shared fellow missionary Katie's delectable pumpkin chocolate chip cake (someone knows me well!) with cream cheese yogurt icing and then played multiple games of Telestrations ;)

Until next time, blessings in Christ!