Mmm... So Good!

Visiting churches is one of the best parts of missionary life.  We get to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ and renew long-time friendships.  Being in God's presence in the services with His family is always awesome and there is no match for the kindness and generosity of the Body of Christ.  Then there's the food...the best cooks in the world serve up their most delicious dishes at church meals.  Yumm!

Sunday we were welcomed at the Centro Cristiano Restauracion in Des Moines, Iowa.  Even though we do not speak Spanish, there was little communication barrier as we worshiped the Lord together.  Nancy's sister Leona and her husband Nick attend this church and were our interpreters for the day. 

The entire congregation, including the children, was attentive.

Mike spoke and Nick Venditti interpreted.  (It's not often we are translated into Spanish!)

After the service, everyone stayed for an Hispanic meal.  We were served nachos, chicken in bean sauce with rice, tossed salad and fruit salad.  Everything was delicious! As we were finishing our meal, the pastora came to our table and asked us to save room for dessert.

There was so much good food, we couldn't eat it all.

The pastora asked for those who had August birthdays to come forward.  Leona Venditti's birthday is August 9 and Mike's is August 20, so everyone sang a birthday song to them in Spanish and then one in English.  Happy birthday, Leona and Mike! 

Leona Venditti and Mike were the August birthday honorees. (The cake was Tres Leches, Three Milk Cake. Try it sometime.)