¡feliz día de san valentín!

I just remembered something pretty funny, and, in honor of this holiday, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share my experience. It happened on this very day...8 years ago. I was serving in Burzaco, my first area, which is part of the province of Buenos Aires. My companion and I arose early to make special Valentine's bookmarks for everyone that we would be visiting throughout the day. Included on each bookmark was the scripture found in John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. We had prepared a special message about the ultimate act of love, which of course is the Atonement of our Savior. We were anxious and excited to go out and spread this message of love and to give away our special commemorative bookmarks. We noticed that throughout the day, we were getting some pretty strange looks, a few weird remarks, some scoffs...but continued spreading our message, passing out our bookmarks, and wishing everyone in sight a "¡Feliz día de san Valentín!". Well, it wasn't until the very end of the day, and during our very last appointment, that Hermano Rierra, a member of the ward, informed us that Valentine's Day is not typically observed in Argentina, and when it is, it is only done so intimately between lovers and in more of a "sexual" respect. Ah ha, no wonder people thought we were crazy. Who in their right mind would share a message of the Savior's love and sacrifice in connection with a passionate and erotic saint's day? Only a couple of dumb gringa missionaries, I guess!
Well, being that I'm now back in the US, I think it's safe to wish everyone a "Happy Valentine's Day", without implying that I want to have physical relations with you!

hahahaha....