Merry Christmas!
"Apoyo Karama"
To you!

December 8-14 2025

Sister Keina and Sister Kwijili

We have been asking about Christmas traditions here in Gulu and all over Uganda for a few weeks now. Here is what we know.

Saying Merry Christmas in Acholi is Apoyo Karama which translates to "Thank you Christmas." FYI they pronounce "apoyo" as "afoyo." We are teaching you proper Acholi.

Saying Merry Christmas before December 24 and 25 often surprises the locals. They do not typically extend Christmas wishes any sooner than that. Sister Kaiser has a goal to greet and thank people with Merry Christmas, the response is usually smile and a laughter. One bishop said that I was saying it too soon. Not so! We can celebrate the birth of the Savior of the World, the Prince of Peace, The Lamb of God as much as we want for as long as we want. Sister Kaiser intends to change the tradition going forward one person at a time.
Since many people do not have electricity in their dwellings there are no lights strung up on their homes.
The homes are small, there isn't much, if any, disposable income. That means no decorative lights, no decorations, no tree, no sending Christmas cards or making treats to share and having parties and celebrations all month long. No new Christmas pajamas, no Christmas books, no stockings hung up, and no Christmas presents. Maybe some middle class or upper class citizens have or do some of these things but in general, Christmas is not celebrated much.
We did see a set of four live evergreen trees in front of a business which were about 8-10 feet in height, decorated with Christmas lights - at night! It made us happy!
The local grocery store, Cynibel, recently put out Christmas decorations for sale and we have heard Christmas music playing in the store for the last two weeks.
Different ward members say they plan to go caroling. We've asked to be informed and invited when that happens. 🎼♪🎵
We've been told that there will be Christmas programs at Church.
The choir sang "Joy to the World" at the Gulu Stake Conference. That made us happy.
When we suggested singing a Christmas song, "Silent Night," at a temple preparation class, one sister said, "I never knew this was a Christmas song." 😲😲
The people here in Gulu and Uganda in general know who Jesus is and even better Love Jesus. (There is also a strong muslim community as well). The people are open and welcoming to us because our name tags have His name, "Jesus Christ," on it. Don't ever think that they don't love Jesus. Their Christmas season is simply less commercialized than what we are used to in America.

Sister Trainer Leaders.

Sister Sikwera and Sister Mafa

On Monday, preparation day, we were shopping for an odd, very specific, probably impossible to find item. A CD Player. We arrived at the fourth electronics store with low expectations. After we blew the managers mind asking for a CD player, he took the time to find out more. Nathan, the manager, was so nice and gave us updated technology options that his store could help us with. He even "Has a guy in Dubai" who he called to see if he could get a CD player for us. We worked our way through that conversation then shook Nathan's hand and wished him a Merry Christmas. He took the time to look at our tags and call us by name, Elder Kaiser and Sister Kaiser, (they pronounce our last name, "Kai-zah") We rarely correct them. Then he asked where our church headquarters was and that he wanted to come get a book. Elder Kaiser said, "You like to read?" "I have a good book for you in my truck." It was as natural as Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows, Silent and Night, Merry and Christmas. He followed us outside and was glad to receive a Book of Mormon. We plan to go back and visit Nathan about our technology options (once he gets more information) and ask if he has questions about the Book of Mormon, the best book ever, along with the Bible.

Elder Kaiser and Nathan

Gulu Stake Orgnization Continues

The people of Uganda are over-comers. On Sunday, December 7 when the Gulu Stake was created one young adult woman started her talk by saying, "We have been ravaged by war, and ravaged by poverty, but a Stake being created here in Gulu shows how much we have overcome." She is not wrong and there is still more learning to do but we saw progress happening on Sunday December 14. All of the wards sustained their bishoprics and later that day those leaders were set apart along with some executive secretaries and clerks and Elder's Quorum Presidencies. Several other stake leaders were sustained in each ward but only 2 out of several sisters called to serve in stake callings were set apart when the stake presidency was holding that time for them.

Setting apart means to receive authority, through the priesthood,

to serve in a position of service for a period of time.

While people were to be set apart for their various callings, Elder and Sister Kaiser were asked to share information that was taught last Sunday by Elder Pieper to the Stake Presidency. During this time there was a plan for people to be coming and going as their turn became available to be set apart. It turned into a time where we all sat together and no one came and went. After we shared our notes we realized that the stake presidency had slipped into the group and was sitting with everyone. They added their comments.

Thank goodness we took good notes from Elder Pieper. It was good training. Here is what was taught by Elder Pieper in a nutshell:

Ask permission from Holy Ghost before giving an opinion.
Unity is vital. "If ye are not one, ye are not mine." Jesus Christ to His disciples. See also, Doctrine and Covenants 107: 30-31.
Have a unified plan.
Use the Handbook, use experience, use the Holy Ghost and area objectives.
Be intentional for periods of time. Don't do too much all at once. 3 Nephi 27:1-3.
Ask yourselves (presidency) what principle should we study to solve problems. Invite your spouse to study with you.
Teach correct principles and let the people govern themselves.
Teach true doctrine.
Ask other leaders what they want to learn. Don't assume you know. LISTEN before STARTING to teach.
Spread responsibility. Don't always rely on the "seasoned" experienced members.
What does it mean to preside over a meeting? Make sure the LORD accomplishes the needs of the members. That can happen through a speaker, the music a prayer.
Plan a meeting but leave room for the SPIRIT.
3 Nephi 27:10-11 Build church on the Gospel.....then the Father will show forth His own works in it.

Another teaching week

On Tuesday we taught English to about 10 boys who were reined in and prepared ahead of time by Uncle Geoffrey. Some boys attend school but sat with us anyway because school is on break for 3 months. Maybe we could use them as teachers helpers. There are some cousins that shouldn't be sitting next to each other when learning. They feed off of each others energy and get silly fast. The problem is there is only one small table and 2 benches and a couple of chairs for everyone and it isn't enough elbow space for that many boys. Bless our hearts. We sure do love them and they make Sister Kaiser laugh but she can't laugh out loud or it would all come undone. She might get scolded by Uncle Geoffrey. Elder Kaiser is used to a classroom with access to materials and supplies and knows how to keep order with his teacher voice. He is learning how to be adaptable.

We planned to go see Calvin and Eunice were on Wednesday in the morning unfortunately they were called to the village. We didn't see them, but Calvin sent a photo to us of him and his grandfather who is 106 years young. The Ugandan people work hard and stay fit, they eat vegetables, grains and beans and spend a lot of time outside.

Grandfather and Grandson

We've jumped into a Temple Preparation Class that is in progress. It started while we were away. The class is being taught by President Pius Ochanda, now Bishop Ochanda of the Gulu Ward. It makes us happy to share our love of the temple and the sacred ordinances and covenants with members of the church.

Helping to teach seminary has been on our to do list. It has been simmering on a back burner and this week we were asked to teach the young people about preparing now to serve a mission when they are old enough. We invited the full time young missionaries to join us and take a large portion of time. The students were shy and didn't ask too many questions after we taught them but the teacher, Brother Charles, was curious and asked good questions. Charles is preparing to serve a mission. He's just waiting to have been a baptized member long enough before he can go. He's such a delight, He works at the school next to the church building and is almost always popping out from between buildings to greet us when we arrive at Lacor. He is cheerful and welcoming. He will be a blessing to his future mission president and those he serves with.

Seminary at Lacor.

There were several young men to my right along with a young woman.

Later 2 more young men showed up.

Meeting Mama
Ellen and Esther

Ester, Mama Ellen, Florence and Israel

We knew that Florence's mother, Ellen, was coming from Kitgum and bringing Florence's daughter, Esther with her. We looked forward to meeting both of them. Mama Ellen has been gracious and kind in sending us her best wishes through Florence as they talk regularly on the phone. Esther is 5 years old and stays with her grandparents and attends the school where her Auntie teaches. This is a great blessing to Florence. School fees are lower, Esther is in good care but Florence misses her girl.

Israel 2yrs and Esther 5 yrs

That is why it was our honor to be invited to meet the both of them. Mama Ellen is so kind and mostly quiet, both She and Florence laugh easily. Esther looked sharp and is a little princess but as is the custom of well trained children she greeted each of us with offering her hand and a curtsy. Her brother, Israel, was giddy and silly because of having his sister arrive. Esther loved reciting a poem for us about Mother. It was very sweet. Later Esther's hands and mouth got dirty from eating a messy bisquit (cookie). She moved a tub of water, meant for washing up, to her chair and proceeded to thoroughly clean her hands and face better than most adults I know. It was very impressive!

Esther recites a poem called "Mother"

THE BIG EVENT!

There was a big wedding on Saturday which meant that Temple Preparation and Literacy Classes for Bardege 1 were cancelled for the day. For several weeks ahead everyone was invited over several platforms, WhatsApp, verbal invitations and announcements over the sacrament meeting pulpit. We squirmed at this last part but it's also hard to communicate here in Uganda so they take every opportunity to share important upcoming information. Not everyone has a phone that allows them to be on WhatsApp. Not everyone has a phone. The couple chose not to distribute invitations, probably cutting costs but they did a nice job at planning a happy celebration.

There was excitement and curiosity on our part about attending a Ugandan wedding, specifically an Acholi church wedding with fanfare included. We were in our seats at the Bardge building well before the 10:30 am beginning time, as was announced. The chapel was sparsely filled. By 11:30 there was activity in the church yard and the chapel was full. The procession began with sprinkles of rain that turned into a heavy rainfall as the bride, groom, family and wedding party departed for the reception at 1:45pm.

Both the men and women came into the church with a slow rhythmic step to music.

The women ululate to express strong emotion.

Delwin's 3 sisters followed her in the procession.

The reception took place outside at a rented venue so the couple provided tents for their guests to sit under. Oddly enough it is the dry season and they were undoubtedly thinking about protecting guests from the hot sun. It was probably the coolest day we have experienced since we arrived in Uganda. The tents kept guest dry from the drizzle which dissipated early in the festivities.

Brandon and Delwin danced the same small small slow steps through the reception area to music.

The wedding party led then followed.

They fed everyone a generous meal. There was entertainment, dancing, speeches, a band played and sang and they had a professional emcee keeping guests informed, entertained and making sure the program was moving forward as planned.

The Sisters and Elder Missionaries were down a few in numbers.

Transfers had happened sooner than the missionaries expected and

some companions were still coming to Gulu. Some in this photo are new to Gulu.

The Sister and Elder Missionaries were asked ahead of time to provide service. Setting up food tables, bringing hot covered trays from the kitchens and serving the food. They ate and then they began to leave. We began to leave with them when Elder Kaiser was suddenly the best friend of a little girl who appeared at his side. We don't know her. She led him on a game for a few minutes then we started to go. She held on to his hand so we picked her up under her shoulders and swung her as we walked. Little brother wanted a turn. It was sad when we left them. We went home a little chilled for the first time ever since arriving in Uganda. We put on pajama pants and thick socks to get warmed up.

Its a small world in the church

The groom, Richard Brandon Ocott once attended a free school for children affected by war. It was provided by a non-profit organization. He connected well with one of his teachers, Bill and brought him home to meet his parents. Bill was honored. That started a long term, long distance friendship between the two.

Richard, became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served an honorable mission. Upon returning home he re-met Delwin, who was investigating the church and became a baptized member. Richard, now known to us as Brandon paid the bride price for Delwin at a traditional marriage, which Bill and his wife attended. This year Bill came back with his 9 year old son to attend the Church Wedding. We met Bill. He is from Colorado. Specifically Greeley Colorado. He knows Linda and Scott Valentine. Linda and Scott served on the same temple shift in the Fort Collins Colorado Temple as Sister Kaiser did for 8 years. Sister Kaiser served as Sister Valentine's assistant shift coordinator. It was another example of how closely we are connected in the Church. If you know, you know. Sending my love to my sweet friend Linda Valentine.💖

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Merry Christmas!
"Apoyo Karama"
To you!