Week 35 - B-Day Surprises

Hey Family,

Well this week was a lot better than last week that is for sure! Bishop invited us to his house for dinner which was awesome! We had some good turkey and he loves snails so we ate quite a few of those.

I did miss all of you on my birthday but the people here made up for it. Being a Ruggles, I did not want many people to know it was my birthday so I only told my comp... I had told my investigator Keily a few weeks before but only because she asked and I did not think she would remember. We went to her house on my birthday and we taught her like everything was normal but at the end of the lesson her 5 year old son took me into another room to show me something and there was cake and treats in there and they sang me happy birthday haha it was embarrassing. Then, we went to ward council meeting and my comp had told bishop that it was my birthday during our family night with him the night before so he brought out a cake and they sang to me. I was embarrassed yet again but he said, "We don't forget anyone here" which was nice.

I got your guys' package the other day and I loved it. I especially loved the Dr. Pepper because that doesn't exist here unless your area has an American store which mine does not. The night before my birthday I got a call from a very special friend. That's right, Elder Bianucci got permission to call me and we talked forever! It was so cool and it was like I was at home talking to him like the good old days. The night of my birthday I got a call from a member in my first area, Oeiras which I thought was weird cause I didn't speak to anyone in my first area and I said, "I thought you forgot about me" and he said, "I never forget my elders." He went through a lot of trouble to call and get my number and area so it meant a lot.

We didn't have any investigators at church this week which sucked but Keily is almost ready to be baptized. She still doesn't have a date but she should soon. She is trying to give up coffee and wine which shouldn't be too hard! I did a division this week with the Zone Leaders which was awesome. I went with Elder Neilson and he is way cool and hilarious. Pretty great week! Love you guys thanks for the birthday wishes and all the support and especially the package! 

Love,

Elder Ruggles