I think it was our September meeting with the President that he just casually said that we needed a program for our Christmas Zone Conferences. Last year we had Elder Miner and his wife from Lindon and he was a musician. He actually plays in a band at the MAC Center in Murray. He had planned a beautiful program with several missionaries participating in quartets, organ solo, cello accompaniment, singing solos, etc. Dad and I were the only missionaries in that meeting who had witnessed the previous Christmas program. We left that meeting and Sister Bouy and I looked at each other and asked each other if he had just given us the assignment? He had said he would like it centered on Christ. Yes, that is how he does things. The men didn't get it at all. So we talked about it a little and started wondering what to do. We decided that we did not want to do the same as last year. Sister Van Komen brought us a program that has been written in one of the New York missions. We just kept tossing it around and then thought about the Beebe's in Independence 2nd Ward. I called to see if we could come and talk to them about getting some music, etc. They have a recording studio and publish lots of music. If you sing in your ward choir, chances are you have sung some of their songs. While there Sister Beebe looked at the program we had and offered to write a program for us. We were blown away. So we just kind of turned it over to her and relaxed a little. Not only was she the RS president, but she worked full time with her husband at the studio and was getting orders out, printing, etc. After several days, several days, we called to see if there was anything we could do to help, because we needed to start calling kids and assigning parts. Finally she called and had the written program and we picked that up and started the debate on who to ask. You know, lots of missionaries want to participate and so it is a real hard thing to narrow it down. We ended up with 16 kids that we used. The program was full of beautiful music with the congregation joining in on several of the songs, a lot of narration, and some short solos and most of the songs sung by the choir. We have some very talented musicians who sing and play piano and so had no problem with that. Also a glorious viola solo by one of the Elders.

We had our first practice on 20 November when the entire mission was in Topeka for a conference since Elder Scott, one of the twelve came out. Very interesting practice and Sister and Brother Beebe were both there to conduct the practice. She had made music CD's for each person so they could practice at home with the music. Our next practice and dress rehersal were on 7 December, the night before the first Zone Conference. You would not believe how hard it is to get missionaries all together for something like that. Some had to come from Wichita, we had to arrange rides for others, get extra miles from Elder Linde, the list goes on. Most of the Elders were 50 minutes late. That meant that we went late and missionaries are supposed to be in at 9:30, but at 10 we were just taking kids to where they were staying and the Elders could not find the keys to their car. It was crazy. The logistics of it all was a job. Kids in cars, where to sleep them, rides the next day.

The first conference on the 8th was in Lenexa and then in Independence the next day. Both of those days the Beebe's had control of it all and we just sat and listened. Then they told us they could not go to Wichita the next day, so guess who led the choir!! I have never done anything like that. Talk about being out of your comfort zone. I do not like standing in front of people with all eyes on me. But guess what, the kids knew the program prety well and I only forgot a couple of things and they came in anyway and I did bring them in most of the time. It was a very interesting experience and I was able to do it without sweating bullets and quite enjoy it. I truly was blessed. President and Sister Van Komen were so pleased with the program. It was all they had hoped it to be. And the Beebe's are angels who donated their time and varied talents to do such a beautiful program for us.

I just deleted the pic of the entire Christmas cast. How do I do that? Above is Elder Allred. A very talented musician who can sing solo so beautifully and plays piano amazingly well. He did both in the program. Here he took my camera and took a pic of himself in his Buddy Holly glasses. He is great.

These three got together and told me to take an OREO pic. Sister Ika, Sister Criddle, and Sister Fakai.

Is there such a thing as catching up! It has been far too long since I have been here and so much has been going on that I cannot forget about.

I can't remember if I put Sister Sasaki in here. Dad and I got to take her to the airport and she is such an angel. I think I told you about her earlier. But she did say at one time how hard it was to come to America and try and fit into our culture. Just the differences is food and customs and all and she also wondered if people would accept her. Oh my, we absolutely love her. Another that I would like to bring home. We hope to see her in Hawaii someday. And Dad does give hugs when the Sisters leave!

I love this girl..........................

Sister Bouy and I ran to JoAnn's one night and both indulged in new irons. We had just begun a project and my iron has always been awful and Sister Bouy wanted one of these forever. We got either $30 or $40 off. It was a steal! Yipee This was the beginning of our project and I knew I needed a good iron.

I know that I have this thing with clouds, but you cannot believe how different the clouds are out here. They are just beautiful and unique all the time.

Lots of long, whispy kinds.
Another of the breakoff branches of the church.

This was a Christmas dinner and entertainment for all the Senior missionaries and lots of the Independence missionaries that the Independence Stake does each year. The Stake Presidency and High Council plan it and it was great. This is Elder Thomas, Brother Olvera, and Elder Diaz de Leon. The Elders are the Assistants to the President at this time and Bro. Olvera is on the High Council. All speak Spanish and of coarse Olvera is Spanish and Diaz de Leon was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and so their song was in Spanish and they walked around to every table and serenaded everyone. They each had an instrument of some kind. It was fun. They really relaxed and had a good time doing it. Very out of the ordinary for them, at least in public.

The newest senior couple to come on board. Sister and Elder Wagner from Billings, Montana and the best part is that they are living in our building. They are great people. They are working in the Employment Office with the Stutz's.

Sister Stutz grabbed my camera as I was up leading the singing at the Senior Conference at the mission home. Tomorrow I may tell you about how I have been stretched and out of my comfort zone on this mission.

Who says missionaries cant let loose once in awhile?