Missionary life here in Uganda continues to be very good.  We seem to have our fingers in enough pies to make life interesting.  Speaking of pies, we spent Thanksgiving with two other couples - both from the same ward in Hurricane, Utah - in the city of Mbale, about five hours east of Kampala where we live. The meal was much like the traditional American Thanksgiving dinner including some great pumpkin pies. The turkey was replaced with a plump chicken baked and set in the middle of the table just as you would expect.  Although a little tough, it tasted good and was soon devoured.

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During our visit to Mbale, we traveled to a nearby mountain sight called Sipi Falls.  The mountain was covered with clouds which we hoped would dissipate before we arrived at our destination.

 Instead, it rained, which made the event even more memorable, since we were driving on fairly steep dirt roads which were muddy and like driving on grease.  Thanks to four-wheel drive and divine intervention we survived the trip with only occasional screams from the sisters when the vehicle would begin to slide sideways.  Can’t fault the rain, since that is what makes the area so beautiful and lush.

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                                   If you look closely, you will notice one of the local rain makers.

An ancient cave provides us protection from the rain.  This is where large groups of families would secret themselves during tribal conflicts.

Coffee beans are the most lucrative crop grown in this area.  Sister Thayn has been working on mastering the art of carrying objects on her head.

                            A typical scene of life a mountain village on a rainy day.

                               
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 Last week we went on a safari to Murchison Falls for the third time - our sixth safari- since being here.  We probably shouldn’t say anything about our safari trips since we are on a mission.

However, in defense of our trip, it did includ the mission president and the 12 senior couples we serve with, and we had a meeting at the lodge.  Sister Thayn and I also placed all the pamphlets and copies of the Book of Mormon we had.  In fact, if you look closely you will see a Book of Mormon in my hand.  I offered a copy to each of the barge operators if they would take us across the Nile an hour and a half earlier than the scheduled crossing.

Squeezed in between the missionary moments were game drives, boating on the Nile aboard the African Queen, and an abundance of great food.  It was a great three-day retreat which Sister Thayn and I - with emphasis on Sister Thayn - were in charge of putting it together.





                         These Cape Buffalo obviously enjoy playing and laying in the mud.

This hippopotamus lost in the battle for supremacy in his pod.   Another day in the sun and it will probably explode.

                                       Here you can see the beauty of the Victoria Nile.

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The day after our return, we attended church at the Kololo Ward where we witnessed the baptism of a young man we introduced to the church many months ago and have been waiting for his work scheduled to allow him an opportunity to worship on the Sabbath.







                                                      Francis on the day of his baptism.

We were pleased to have four of our most recent converts with us at the event.  Jane, whom I baptized about six weeks ago spoke at the baptism on the blessings which come from receiving the ordinance of baptism.  Her sister Justin, who gave a great talk in sacrament meeting last week, bore a powerful testimony in fast and testimony meeting.  We are pleased to see the influence the gospel is having in their lives.  Both are now teachers in primary.

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This coming Saturday we will travel to Jinja to teach another session of the Self-employment Workshop we started there several weeks ago.  While in Jinja we will demonstrate for some key priesthood leaders how to actively engage members in missionary work, providing referrals to the missionaries and preparing friends to be taught the gospel.  We are also scheduled to meet with a minister and his wife to introduce them to the church.

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As usual, Sister Thayn is bringing the spirit of Christmas into our apartment with her decorative talents.  Everyone who comes to our apartment comments on the Christmas spirit they feel here.  Now if we can arrange for some snow on Christmas Eve . . . .   On Christmas day, we will travel back to Jinja to attend the baptism of a great young man and his wife whom we introduced to the church a few weeks ago.  I feel he will soon become a leader in the church here.

Our testimonies of the gospel and power of the Book of Mormon are strengthened daily as we enjoy their influence in our lives and witness their influence in the lives of those who come into the church.  We marvel at the Lord’s generosity in blessing us and our family.  And to think that it all stems from those sacred events which took place over two thousand years ago as described in the first two chapters in the book of Luke where is recorded Mary’s preparation to become the mother of the Savior and the angelic ministrants heralding His birth in Bethlehem.  We honor and love Him, and are grateful for the opportunity to serve as missionaries proclaiming the restored gospel of light and truth to the people of Uganda. We trust that all of our family and friends are living to enjoy the peace, happiness and security which comes only from a personal knowledge and living testimony of the reality of the Savior’s birth, atonement, and ongoing mission to bring salvation to all mankind.  May your holidays and Christmas be joyous and memorable.   We wish for each of you all the best.

Elder & Sister Thayn