Weekly Update 12-18-07

Here it is Tuesday evening already and I am just getting around to the weekly update. Internet support has been terrible lately. Not sure why unless it is because all the kids are on break from school or just the Christmas crunch. The number of investigators in the Kyambeke group grew to 11 but as I was reading in the Book of Mormon with them it is evident that it could be a few months before we get them all comfortable with the English familiarity. The Ilima group has grown to 8 but there are two of them who will not be ready for a couple of months and I am struggling with whether to try and keep them as a group. I sure don't want those two older sisters to get discouraged and give up.

Sister Bishop's 10 additional keyboards arrived last week and I am not sure who was more excited, her or her students. She is getting them placed so those who desire to put forth the effort have the opportunity to practice which has not been possible too much with just 1 available in each location on a permanent basis. She is having a positive impact on the music quality in each branch but it does continue to surprise us from time to time to hear some versions of the hymns that they have developed on their own. We are trying to teach them that it is important for them to be able to go to any church unit in the world and feel comfortable singing with them. Yes I know for those who are familiar with the quality of my singing voice, or lack there of, it is inconceivable to think I could teach them anything and I don't even try. These people do have beautiful voices and are not bashful at singing but there grasp of tempo and timing has been self taught for the most part which makes for some very interesting music at times. One of my more interesting events is the several times the brethren have sang the last hymn in the LDS song book for a priesthood selection. Remember they have not been an English Colony for over 34 years now. When we were ferrying the prospective Missionaries last week we had some Christmas Carols playing in the vehicle and I don't think they recognized any of them.

We spent Saturday procuring enough crayons and plain paper notebooks for the 150 primary kids in the 3 branches to get at their respective Branch Parties but because of the elections on the 27th and President Taylor's desire for us to be inconspicuous we will not be there to party with any of them but maybe next year. We are delivering the gifts along with a little candy on our visits this week.All the missionary couples were invited for a pre-Christmas dinner courtesy of the Bestors and Gundersons at the Embassy Housing last Saturday and 8 of the couples were able to make it. It was pretty close to what we have at home and was sure appreciated. Both those families rotate to other assignments this next year and their willingness to bring a little bit of America to us displaced oldies will sure be missed.

Hope this short report finds all well with our support group there. Remember to keep Christ in Christmas but do have a great holiday season. Elder & Sister Bishop