Happy 21st Elder Gatten

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We are so pleased for our son Spike and his dedication the past 2 years serving on a mission for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been in Manaus, Brazil serving the people there. He left 2 years ago just before thanksgiving and spent 3 months in San Paulo, Brazil training and learning the portugese language. He then went to Boa Vista, Brazil to serve for 7 months. Then, he got transfered to Manaus to finish his mission. He will be coming home next month! We are so pleased for his great sacrifice and willingness to serve his Heavenly Father, teaching His gospel and baptizing so many who were willing to listen and change their lives. We are so humbled and thankful for the blessings our family has received because of Spike and his service. He has written to us faithfully each week and helped us to increase in our faith and love for Jesus Christ and the atonement, the greatest gift our Heavenly Father has given us. Spike has been such a geat example to each of us, and everyone he has had the priviledge of serving with and teaching. Spike has always been a spiritual son and we have been taught by him, and to see the growth he has experienced on his mission has been totally awesome! He left 2 years ago our youngest, and a little spoiled, however, he returns to us a man of intergrity in his beliefs and a great leader and faithful son of his Heavenly Father. We are so greatful for him and his mission and are sure we will all continue to learn from his wonderful example of Christ like living and fun personality. The people of

Brazil will truely be missing a giant of a man and missionary. We love you so much Spike as we are sure the people in Manuas do. Have a wonderful birthday.