We had a wonderful conference with the eight of us that are serving in the Ghana Accra Mission. I am not sure why it is called a conference but then maybe I don't know the meaning of the word. It was so good to socialize and share the experiences we are having with each other. Each couple has quite different responsibilities in many ways, yet alike in our purpose in serving the Lord while we serve His children.
Each couple was asked to take an hour and talk of our life's lessons. It was so delightful getting to know each other this way. At first we thought how can we possibly take an hour, but actually, how can anyone share what they have learned or are learning in an hour.
 We talked about doing a number as couples for our upcoming Christmas Conference and voted that different words put to the tune of  "The Lion sleeps tonight" from Lion King would really delight our missionaries. Now we just need to find time to practice so we do a fun but hopefully well rehearsed song.

Between the Area Office couples, Area Presidency, and the two missions in the Greater Accra area, there was about sixty people enjoying a great Thanksgiving dinner. My sweet potato casserole made out of butternut squash turn out good. The pies included pumpkin, pecan, coconut cream, banana cream, apple, and chocolate cream pie, which tells what ingredients we can find here. The turkey and maybe some other items came from Utah with Elder and Sister Curtis when they were there for General Conference, but I have been amazed at what is available here.

The Christmas packages for the missionaries have been coming and Elder Lloyd, and Elder Benans-Hillard (office elders) are being kept even more busy. I wonder where they find the energy to do what they do on a day to day basis and still make time to do missionary work. President Judd requires that of them and the Assistants and it is wonderful to hear of their experiences teaching as well as seeing all they do to help take things to the missionaries, arrange meals on transfer days, keep the stock of teaching supplies filled, do the mail, and much more.

We enjoyed skyping with some of our children during Thanksgiving and hopefully during the Christmas Holidays we can with the rest of them. I think they grow a lot when we are not around to see them changing. It is so fun to hear of their accomplishments and what they are learning. There is so much to help our children grow in light and truth to help them make the right choices. The December Liahona has an article on helping our children recognize the Holy Ghost in their lives, that I found very enlightening. According to the message, it is important that we know how our children learn so we can give them those experiences with the Holy Ghost where they will recognize it and feel it more fully. I so appreciate the insights of others through their own experiences with the Spirit teaching them. I am so grateful we have this blessing in our lives and that we are never alone in this journey.

Well, it's getting late and I am ready to close this good Sabbath Day. I taught the older children about the Law of the Fast today in Senchi and I added a little different explanation that most teaching would not need. I told them that Fasting is when we have enough food to eat and we choose not eat so we can help others through our Offerings. I hope they all have enough food but I do not know their circumstances at all. I hope they understood when I told a story, they could relate to, of farmers fasting for rain so their seeds would grow. I always testify to the truths and let the spirit confirm that in their hearts.

With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)