Started calling Sara at 6:00 Christmas morning. The line was always busy. She was in Nutttigangou in the Far North, arriving on the 23rd. I finally got through at 8:34 AM Utah time.

One of her friends parents visited and they put on a party for them. The King came to the party, and there were drummers for hours and hours and hours. It was Awesome with traditional dancers. There girls and guys and two little kids. One little girl had the biggest attitude and was the best. She danced very very fast. If you liked their dancing you put money on their forehead. They all had matching outfits.

Jennifer, her closest friend, is going to be visited by her parents in mid-March. They will throw a party for them. I asked if the dancers were topless, like the ones I'd seen in Senegal back in 1978, and she said no. I asked if she was going to throw me a party if I make it there to visit. She said, `Sure, but you have to pay for it.'

The traveling was hot and very long. She is making pineapple pie, and preparing tarts and fixing a grill so they can cook pork chops.

She wants to start tomorrow being a cook. She currently pays $75/month on her loans and is very worried about paying off her loans.

Andrea told her about renting a car to ride to Cedar City with a returning missionary, David Grant's son. Sara said there are 4 missionaries in Benin. They meet at 9:00 in Contoneau. One of the new volunteers is a member.

She is enjoying doing her radio program. It is very hot right now. Was telling her about Grant's birthday and the phone cut off. She has been cooking since yesterday. There were 13 volunteers together doing Christmas. It was very hot in the afternoon. It was a very nice Christmas phone call.