We have had a very full weekend of Christmas festivities here in Foumban. On Friday night, we had our missionary Christmas party with all of the missionaries from here in Foumban and from Bandjoun, a city about an hour away. Events for the night included a Christmas skit put on by the elementary kids, a few rounds of charades by the adults, and a white elephant gift exchange. The highlight of the charades game was definitely when Uncle R acted out Frankenstein, only to discover that he had misread his card and he was really supposed to act out “frankincense.” It’s probably a good thing he misread his card. I have no idea how he would have acted out frankincense. The white elephant gift exchange was also immensely amusing. The most stolen prizes of the night were a mini mp3 player and a thumb drive. The most entertaining moment was after Walter had his gift stolen and he had to grab a new gift from the pile in the middle. There were two gifts there. Carol, his wife, specifically told him not to grab one of the bags since it was from them. Walter must not have heard, because he went straight for the bag … and got some Bath & Body lotion and body wash.
Tonight we had our Christmas recital with the missionaries here in town. All of the kids were involved in at least one song. Five of my students played a violin piece. I’m so pleased with the progress they’ve made this year. We’ve had some difficulties with the changing humidity. Going from the rainy season to the dry season is having a major effect on the instruments. Last week I changed three strings from three different violins in two days. But, despite all of that, the music tonight was a blessing and definitely reminded us of the real meaning of the season.
This coming week we have school through Wednesday. The girls keep trying to get me to lighten their load. I don’t think I’m going to give in, though.
