Sometimes there has been so much that has taken place during a week, that it is hard to know where to begin. The highlight, of course, has been Elder Quentin L Cook's visit to our mission. L. Whitney Clayton, who is in the Presidency of the Seventy, was with Elder Cook. Their dear wives were with them and spoke in the two meetings that we attended. The Wednesday evening meeting for the general membership, was well attended and I felt they were so happy to be in attendance. Many of these had probably come a great distance and at a expense that did not come easy for them. The choir music added to the spirit of the meeting and was well recognized by the visiting authorities. Elder Cook spoke of the early pioneers of the church, their poverty, paying of tithing, and how they built temples to the Lord. He felt that they, the African Saints, would be known to future generations as pioneers in much the same way. Elder Cook told of his calling to be an Apostle of the Lord and how inadequate he felt. He then counseled the members to get rid of doubts in their lives and to remember that the Atonement covers all the injustices that they may experience. Love was expressed to the people by each one that spoke and I felt their sincerity. Their dear wives amazed me as to how easily they spoke words from the heart that related perfectly to the members. Elder Cook invoked a blessing of peace and increased faith on the people. Temporal blessings were promised and they were invited to care about one another and help each other.
The meeting on Saturday was with the missionaries and I was asked by Elder Boateng and Elder Chaffetz, who are the Assistants to President Judd, to play the music for the meeting. It was a special experience to sit so close to these wonderful men and their wives and hear the words of praise, and encouragement, as they counseled with the missionaries. Sister Clayton told of a women's conference she attended some years ago in another part of Africa, where she noticed a woman with no legs working her way to the area where the meetings were held. The security man that was with Sister Clayton, said he must go and carry this women to a chair in the conference room, as he could not stand idly by and not do anything. He was smaller in stature and the women was a heavier woman, but he carried her easily and placed her on a chair. What special experiences these leaders have as they go throughout the world and share their love and testimonies. Elder Clayton talked of all things being spiritual unto God; of choosing the right consequences that we want in our lives; of how they, as missionaries, are as angels declaring repentance and salvation, and that they must act as angels act and they will have the power to influence the people for good. Sister Cook led us in the hymn "Put your shoulder to the wheel" and wanted them to listen for the Christ-like attribute that was in the words. Sister Mpofu knew the attribute was diligence. Sister Cook had part of the group sing the words "push push along" in rhythm to the music, and then traded with the other half of the group singing the words "work hard" as the verses were sung. It actually turned out delightful and she praised the missionaries for their willingness. Elder Cook expressed to the missionaries, that with the new younger missionaries coming, they needed to be better prepared, spiritually mature, and more pure. He taught so well and it is impossible to share it all and words don't convey the spirit that was there. Because of President Monson's plea for us to reach out to those that not enjoying the full blessings of the gospel, Elder Cook told the missionaries that they were to be Branch and Ward Builders, and that is not all about how many people we can baptize. He pronounced a blessing on them in having an increased sense of how important their calling is, to love their companions, and to love the Lord. He blessed their families and invoked blessings of comfort and reassurance that the Lord is mindful of their families and to find joy in doing what they should be doing and not worry about home. This blessing especially spoke to my heart!
President Judd just came in and had us read a letter that he has compiled for the missionaries. It is about our mission being split July 1 and the new mission being called Ghana Accra West.This announcement should come out in the Church News this next week. The letter talked about the areas and missionaries that will go with that mission and the ones that will stay in the Ghana Accra Mission. It will make our work load easier with less apartments to inspect, etc., etc., but we will miss the missionaries that will go with that mission. We will be asked to train the new mission office couple for that mission so we need to be prepared. President Judd also made us aware that he wants to assign us to the Senchi Branch which is a distance away and will require us doing everything we can, within reason, to strengthen the branch. There will be much more to tell on that later when we know more. It is in a beautiful area up by the Volta River and will be neat to see some more of Ghana.
Anyway, I am grateful for my blessings, love my companion (made him chocolate chip peanut butter bars), and love the Lord with all my heart.
With love,
Sister Avery (Mom & Grandma)
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
While everyone at home is looking forward to spring, we are looking forward to what would be called winter here. I don't think the people of Ghana actually refer to their seasons like we do, but I sure am appreciating so much more the change of the seasons that we have at home. We had two nights this past week that the power was off and sleeping is very difficult when we can't run the fan in the bedroom. We each bought a fan that we use at church meetings and this is what we each used to help us fall asleep. I think it would have been comical to watch us as we would fan ourselves, dose off, and then come to enough to fan ourselves some more. We also slept with our heads at the foot of the bed trying to feel the air-flow from our bedroom window to the window in the room across the hallway. One night we were lucky to have a breeze which we considered a blessing. Needless-to-say, we have put ourselves on the list to get our generator in working order.
Last Sunday, which was Fast Sunday, we were in the office doing our email and blog when Elder Gurr came into the office. I have spoken of Elder Gurr before and what a dedicated missionary he is and how we have had baptisms from the referrals I have given him. Anyway, he bore his testimony in that meeting about his mother being an alcoholic when he was young and how she had been excommunicated and now has become sober and has returned to activity and is waiting for her missionary son to come home and baptize her. He shared more of the story to us of how his parents had divorced, remarried and have kept in touch with each other. Both sets of parents have asked permission to come to Ghana in August to pick up Elder Gurr and I just received information that they have been granted permission. This is certainly one of the many blessings of serving a mission. President Judd knows many missionaries that have come from similar backgrounds and worse and are faithfully serving the Lord. It really humbles me to think of their sacrifice and willingness to serve, especially when my part has been so much easier.
As we travel, whether it is for apartment inspections, grocery shopping, or to and from the office, we often see handicapped people who try to learn a living and not just beg. There are quite a few of them that do beg, but I really applaud those who peddle a bike with an awkward load attached and are able to only peddle with one leg while the other hangs loose, or use a single crutch to balance themselves while they sell goods on the streets. That is how many of these people make a living and are called hawkers (sp), which is not a negative thing here. The items that are sold this way are so many that it would take a long time to list them but just think of everything that you can buy at a 'flea market', and then some, and it is right at your car window at every stop light. It is quite a sight to behold but honorable, none-the-less.
Peter Kofi Angmor was visitor to our door one evening in December. We were skyping with our family in Michigan when he knocked on the door. We had visited briefly and then let the missionaries know that he was interested. It has been a long couple of months with John L visiting him and the missionaries, encouraging him to come to church. With the invitations, we volunteered to go to his place, which is basically a shack, and give him a ride. Last Sunday he said he had a swollen knee so he couldn't go. This Sunday he wasn't ready, so John L said he would take me to the church so I could play the prelude music, and then would come back for him. When John L went back he still was ready, but this isn't the end of the story. We feel that because John L went back that it showed he was a man of his word and that it caused Peter to stop and think about his own words of telling us he would be ready and wasn't. Anyway, as we finished the three hour block of our meetings, who should we see coming down the stairs from the Jamestown Sacrament meeting but dear Peter. He looked so nice and radiated as we expressed how wonderful it was to see him. Elder Boateng and Elder Chaffetz stayed and went to the rest of the branch meetings with him even though they had already been to their meetings for the day. We pray that, since he has finally taken the first step and felt good about it, that he will continue to come. He has a friend named John that expressed a desire to come, so we will see. At the beginning, it seemed like Peter was wanting to contact the church because he wanted a hand-out from us and we just kept telling him that the gospel of Jesus Christ will do more for him, in the long run, and that we were not in a position to help him in that way. It has been a great experience to be involved in the missionary work in a different way than we do in the office every day. We see many that come to the office with the missionaries for special interviews for baptism with President Judd and hope to see Peter here some day.
We have a full week this next week with Elder Quentin L. Cook coming for a visit and I look forward to sharing what we hear from him. I am amazed how many General Authorities come here and what a blessing it is to be here experiencing it all. It all helps to make the nights with no air-conditioning a little more bearable.
With love,
Sister Avery (Mom, Grandma)
Last Sunday, which was Fast Sunday, we were in the office doing our email and blog when Elder Gurr came into the office. I have spoken of Elder Gurr before and what a dedicated missionary he is and how we have had baptisms from the referrals I have given him. Anyway, he bore his testimony in that meeting about his mother being an alcoholic when he was young and how she had been excommunicated and now has become sober and has returned to activity and is waiting for her missionary son to come home and baptize her. He shared more of the story to us of how his parents had divorced, remarried and have kept in touch with each other. Both sets of parents have asked permission to come to Ghana in August to pick up Elder Gurr and I just received information that they have been granted permission. This is certainly one of the many blessings of serving a mission. President Judd knows many missionaries that have come from similar backgrounds and worse and are faithfully serving the Lord. It really humbles me to think of their sacrifice and willingness to serve, especially when my part has been so much easier.
As we travel, whether it is for apartment inspections, grocery shopping, or to and from the office, we often see handicapped people who try to learn a living and not just beg. There are quite a few of them that do beg, but I really applaud those who peddle a bike with an awkward load attached and are able to only peddle with one leg while the other hangs loose, or use a single crutch to balance themselves while they sell goods on the streets. That is how many of these people make a living and are called hawkers (sp), which is not a negative thing here. The items that are sold this way are so many that it would take a long time to list them but just think of everything that you can buy at a 'flea market', and then some, and it is right at your car window at every stop light. It is quite a sight to behold but honorable, none-the-less.
Peter Kofi Angmor was visitor to our door one evening in December. We were skyping with our family in Michigan when he knocked on the door. We had visited briefly and then let the missionaries know that he was interested. It has been a long couple of months with John L visiting him and the missionaries, encouraging him to come to church. With the invitations, we volunteered to go to his place, which is basically a shack, and give him a ride. Last Sunday he said he had a swollen knee so he couldn't go. This Sunday he wasn't ready, so John L said he would take me to the church so I could play the prelude music, and then would come back for him. When John L went back he still was ready, but this isn't the end of the story. We feel that because John L went back that it showed he was a man of his word and that it caused Peter to stop and think about his own words of telling us he would be ready and wasn't. Anyway, as we finished the three hour block of our meetings, who should we see coming down the stairs from the Jamestown Sacrament meeting but dear Peter. He looked so nice and radiated as we expressed how wonderful it was to see him. Elder Boateng and Elder Chaffetz stayed and went to the rest of the branch meetings with him even though they had already been to their meetings for the day. We pray that, since he has finally taken the first step and felt good about it, that he will continue to come. He has a friend named John that expressed a desire to come, so we will see. At the beginning, it seemed like Peter was wanting to contact the church because he wanted a hand-out from us and we just kept telling him that the gospel of Jesus Christ will do more for him, in the long run, and that we were not in a position to help him in that way. It has been a great experience to be involved in the missionary work in a different way than we do in the office every day. We see many that come to the office with the missionaries for special interviews for baptism with President Judd and hope to see Peter here some day.
We have a full week this next week with Elder Quentin L. Cook coming for a visit and I look forward to sharing what we hear from him. I am amazed how many General Authorities come here and what a blessing it is to be here experiencing it all. It all helps to make the nights with no air-conditioning a little more bearable.
With love,
Sister Avery (Mom, Grandma)
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February 1st marked four months since we started our mission. I guess time goes fast when you are having fun because it sure has gone quickly. Although, the 'having fun' part does not happen for me when we are traveling to our office and need to go around the dreaded circle or round-about. My dear companion was traveling with Henry to our apartment to fix the air-conditioner, when a taxi cut him off without warning and he was rear-ended again. At least this time, the driver that hit our car was totally accountable, although frustrated with the taxi driver. A good thing is, that it was in the same place we were hit before but, of course, more damage and the trunk would not open. Our car is in the repair shop this week and we are driving a diesel vehicle and will be glad to get ours back.
February is also the start of getting back to apartment inspections, which we do almost every Monday. It was good to have a break during the holiday season, and I find myself a little reluctant starting again because of the traffic and challenge in finding their apartments. It also, is not the highlight of my day to tell missionaries they need to do better. For now, we have 33 apartments that we have to inspect every quarter. In March we will be giving out awards for the 4th quarter of last year and those decisions are made by us. The Sister missionaries always have the cleanest apartments, but at least we give out a 'most improved' award also. This last Monday, I asked the missionaries of the apartments we inspected, what they thought Elder Avery and my daily schedule was. Whether it worked or not, I wanted them to know that we are at our office by 7:30-8:00 every morning and do not leave until 7:00 -7:30 most nights of the week. I was trying to teach them that they have to organize their time and do a little something every day, and then on their 'P' day they get started earlier. I tell them that my companion helps with the cleaning and dishes and that they ALL needed to be doing their part also. We are now doing the 2nd inspection on these apartments and if there are not improvements, I am going to take pictures and show Sister Judd. I know the condition of a lot of these apartments is not ideal, and I take all of that into consideration, but is all about obedience to the mission rules, their health, and 'critters' that thrive in dirty conditions. Anyway, enough of that.
We had Elder and Sister Dalton stay with us for two days this week while their vehicle was serviced. They live in Abomosu, which is one of the areas that is what we call, 'the bush'. They sure like to talk and have a lot to share, so we were their captive audience. I can't even begin to tell the experiences they have had up in that country, but if I mention that he has been referred to as a 'Crocodile Dundee' type, then, if you use your imagination, you will get the picture of what he has experienced with the villagers. The Daltons are wonderful people and truly magnify their missionary service. They work with the members in their branch and are of great help to the missionaries in that area.
An interesting bit of information to do some research on, is what is called the Harmatan. The spelling may not be correct, but it is what we have been experiencing here for a couple of months and will still have for a couple more months, although I am not sure.The atmosphere is full of the sand or dirt from the Sahara Desert and it has its good points and not so good ones. When you think dirt in the air and that it has to come down, then you know the not so good ones, but the part I like is that quite often the weather is a few degrees cooler and the humidity is lower.
I had a good piano lesson with Linda yesterday and the really amazing part,( take heed dear grandchildren), is that it took her close to an hour to walk from her home to the Stake Center. She is 17 years old and has a goal to learn to play before she goes on her mission when she is about 20 or 21. The other amazing part is that she does not have a piano and will have to practice learning on a paper keyboard at home and find time to practice at the Stake Center. I need to look through the information I received on this, before we came on our mission, and see of the possibility of her having her own keyboard at home. I pray I am successful.
Well, it has been another full busy week and I am not able to share only a fraction of it, so I hope I remember it well when I write my personal history one day,(hopefully right after this mission.)
I am so grateful to actually be seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ growing in a land so far from home. It is hard to express the feelings that this brings to my heart, especially when I hear the strong testimonies they share. Each time they declare the gospel is true, I echo yes, it is true!
With love,
Sister Avery
February is also the start of getting back to apartment inspections, which we do almost every Monday. It was good to have a break during the holiday season, and I find myself a little reluctant starting again because of the traffic and challenge in finding their apartments. It also, is not the highlight of my day to tell missionaries they need to do better. For now, we have 33 apartments that we have to inspect every quarter. In March we will be giving out awards for the 4th quarter of last year and those decisions are made by us. The Sister missionaries always have the cleanest apartments, but at least we give out a 'most improved' award also. This last Monday, I asked the missionaries of the apartments we inspected, what they thought Elder Avery and my daily schedule was. Whether it worked or not, I wanted them to know that we are at our office by 7:30-8:00 every morning and do not leave until 7:00 -7:30 most nights of the week. I was trying to teach them that they have to organize their time and do a little something every day, and then on their 'P' day they get started earlier. I tell them that my companion helps with the cleaning and dishes and that they ALL needed to be doing their part also. We are now doing the 2nd inspection on these apartments and if there are not improvements, I am going to take pictures and show Sister Judd. I know the condition of a lot of these apartments is not ideal, and I take all of that into consideration, but is all about obedience to the mission rules, their health, and 'critters' that thrive in dirty conditions. Anyway, enough of that.
We had Elder and Sister Dalton stay with us for two days this week while their vehicle was serviced. They live in Abomosu, which is one of the areas that is what we call, 'the bush'. They sure like to talk and have a lot to share, so we were their captive audience. I can't even begin to tell the experiences they have had up in that country, but if I mention that he has been referred to as a 'Crocodile Dundee' type, then, if you use your imagination, you will get the picture of what he has experienced with the villagers. The Daltons are wonderful people and truly magnify their missionary service. They work with the members in their branch and are of great help to the missionaries in that area.
An interesting bit of information to do some research on, is what is called the Harmatan. The spelling may not be correct, but it is what we have been experiencing here for a couple of months and will still have for a couple more months, although I am not sure.The atmosphere is full of the sand or dirt from the Sahara Desert and it has its good points and not so good ones. When you think dirt in the air and that it has to come down, then you know the not so good ones, but the part I like is that quite often the weather is a few degrees cooler and the humidity is lower.
I had a good piano lesson with Linda yesterday and the really amazing part,( take heed dear grandchildren), is that it took her close to an hour to walk from her home to the Stake Center. She is 17 years old and has a goal to learn to play before she goes on her mission when she is about 20 or 21. The other amazing part is that she does not have a piano and will have to practice learning on a paper keyboard at home and find time to practice at the Stake Center. I need to look through the information I received on this, before we came on our mission, and see of the possibility of her having her own keyboard at home. I pray I am successful.
Well, it has been another full busy week and I am not able to share only a fraction of it, so I hope I remember it well when I write my personal history one day,(hopefully right after this mission.)
I am so grateful to actually be seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ growing in a land so far from home. It is hard to express the feelings that this brings to my heart, especially when I hear the strong testimonies they share. Each time they declare the gospel is true, I echo yes, it is true!
With love,
Sister Avery
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Trip to Ada Foah
This picture above is of the people of Ada and their homes. They depend on this river for fishing, to wash their clothes and themselves, and anything else they need water for. We saw many of them, of all ages, doing their bathing and the young men probably felt some intrusion on their privacy. The younger children seem to care less and were cleaning barnacles off the bottom of the boats without a stitch of clothing on, which makes sense when you think about it. Even in this beautiful, peaceful setting, I saw beautiful homes right close to the grass huts. There were even some people on a jet ski and several very nice boats. I guess there will always be the rich and the poor, but I dare say that this humble people are happier than those who have more.
On the way home we traveled in a rain storm that can put so much water down, that driving in was challenging. It was refreshing this morning as it always is after a good rain, even in Ghana. It was especially nice because it was so wet, people could not burn their garbage. Some of the people can afford to have garbage picked up, but others just burn it and it can be quite unpleasant in the evenings and mornings.
Every Sunday morning at 6 am, there is a group of young men that go down our street playing a drum as they jog and do what I would call a chant type of singing. I can still hear them in the distance, as they probably go to other streets throughout our area.
The picture below is in an area that we go shopping, but not usually so late in the day. If you look close, you can see there are many black specks in the sky. Those are bats and there are probably thousands of them. It was an interesting sight to see.
This past week was a very full week and yet very uplifting. Elder Scott Grow, First Quorum of the Seventy, was here for three days on a tour of our mission. He spent those days in the various areas instructing the missionaries and we were able to attend one when it was in our area. The main thing I want to share about that,was the emphasis there is going to be on the missionaries working with the less active to bring them back. President Monson's emphasis on Rescuing those that are lost is of the greatest importance. Elder Grow shared an experience that Elder Jeffery Holland shared that he has not shared before. Elder Holland's father was not active in the gospel and enjoyed his cigarettes and coffee. The Elders Quorum president and the Sunday School president came to visit him and call him to be the teacher of his son's class in church. As he looked over at his young son, who was very dear to his heart, he walked over to the fireplace and, taking the pack of cigarettes from his pocket, threw it into the fire. This was the beginning of his return. This is what the emphasis is going to be with missionaries and I pray with all my heart that we do as President Monson has asked.
I had a young woman in the ward we are attending come up to me after Sacrament Meeting and ask me to teach her the piano. I know this wont be easy with my schedule and all, but I feel that I need to make the effort. I have been impressed with this young woman as I have heard her testimony several times. There needs to be more that can play for the meetings here and everywhere. I hope my grandchildren realize the importance of this in their own lives and pray for the opportunities for them to continue to learn.
May each of you feel the love our Heavenly Father and Savior have for you. I certainly feel their love, and could not do this work without knowing that.
With love,
Sister Avery
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Hot and Humid!
I truly think I would enjoy some of the snow and cold that family is having back home. Once in awhile we have a 'little' coolness, which give us a break, but not for very long. Family has expressed that they would like some of the warmth at least, but I don't recommend the humidity.
It was a more peaceful week and I was able to use a day calling missionaries on referrals. I could get more done on them if the missionaries would only report back better and save me all the calling. I had my first missionary recommendation for the June transfer and I am sure that there will be more to come. We also had Elder & Sister Lyon stay two days with us while their truck was getting fixed. They serve in Ho as member/leadership support missionaries and sadly, will be going home 23rd April. In the evenings, we played skipbo and visited, which livened us up some as we are usually so tired after a long day sitting at computers. We also attended the Temple Friday night, so it was a good week.
This next week is going to be quite different but good. Elder Grow arrived yesterday and is meeting with the Zone Leaders tonight. Monday he will be in Koforidua with the missionaries in that area. Tuesday he will be in our area so we will be able to attend that meeting. Wednesday he will be in Kaneshie meeting with the missionaries in that area. I think having a General Authority come to instruct us is a wonderful thing and I so appreciate the sacrifice of his time and energy in serving us here in West Africa. Thursday we will have eight new missionaries arrive from the MTC in Tema; six are from the USA, one from Sierra Leone, and one from Australia. Elder Benans will be flying home to South Africa after having served faithfully for two years. This carries on into the next week with three missionaries going home. Elder Malley's parents are coming to meet him and see this unique land. They are bringing much for us in their suitcases as we need good quality bike light batteries, and other items for the mission. They are also bringing Elder Smith's international drivers permit that I had my first experience arranging for. He is an Office Elder and needs to be able to drive as they get the mail, take things to the missionaries, and much more.
Between shopping for groceries, cleaning the apartment, and doing our laundry, I took some time Saturday and started cleaning out years of collected "stuff" in some cabinets here in the office. President Judd gave permission to do so, as I really do better working in an environment where there is not a lot of clutter. I definitely need to do something about this bulletin board that I look at every day above my computer. I am not too creative that way but will try when I have some time.
I want to close with a couple of quotes that, even though I have heard them before, they reminded me of what the gospel is all about and so pertains to this missionary experience.
"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." President Ezra Taft Benson
"A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation." Prophet Joseph Smith
With love,
Sister Avery
It was a more peaceful week and I was able to use a day calling missionaries on referrals. I could get more done on them if the missionaries would only report back better and save me all the calling. I had my first missionary recommendation for the June transfer and I am sure that there will be more to come. We also had Elder & Sister Lyon stay two days with us while their truck was getting fixed. They serve in Ho as member/leadership support missionaries and sadly, will be going home 23rd April. In the evenings, we played skipbo and visited, which livened us up some as we are usually so tired after a long day sitting at computers. We also attended the Temple Friday night, so it was a good week.
This next week is going to be quite different but good. Elder Grow arrived yesterday and is meeting with the Zone Leaders tonight. Monday he will be in Koforidua with the missionaries in that area. Tuesday he will be in our area so we will be able to attend that meeting. Wednesday he will be in Kaneshie meeting with the missionaries in that area. I think having a General Authority come to instruct us is a wonderful thing and I so appreciate the sacrifice of his time and energy in serving us here in West Africa. Thursday we will have eight new missionaries arrive from the MTC in Tema; six are from the USA, one from Sierra Leone, and one from Australia. Elder Benans will be flying home to South Africa after having served faithfully for two years. This carries on into the next week with three missionaries going home. Elder Malley's parents are coming to meet him and see this unique land. They are bringing much for us in their suitcases as we need good quality bike light batteries, and other items for the mission. They are also bringing Elder Smith's international drivers permit that I had my first experience arranging for. He is an Office Elder and needs to be able to drive as they get the mail, take things to the missionaries, and much more.
Between shopping for groceries, cleaning the apartment, and doing our laundry, I took some time Saturday and started cleaning out years of collected "stuff" in some cabinets here in the office. President Judd gave permission to do so, as I really do better working in an environment where there is not a lot of clutter. I definitely need to do something about this bulletin board that I look at every day above my computer. I am not too creative that way but will try when I have some time.
I want to close with a couple of quotes that, even though I have heard them before, they reminded me of what the gospel is all about and so pertains to this missionary experience.
"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." President Ezra Taft Benson
"A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation." Prophet Joseph Smith
With love,
Sister Avery
Sunday, January 13, 2013
We are in for the ride of our lives!
I have never been one who likes the rides that you experience in places like Lagoon. Yet, here I am in the mission field about to experience a 'ride' that will challenge even the most avid amusement park enthusiasist. With the new missionaries staying only 12 days instead of 19 days in the MTC, more missionaries coming that going, apartments to find and get furnished for the missionaries; well, it would take too many words to try to describe. I guess I have only one choice, and that is, to enjoy the ride. It may require a seat belt and even a helmet, but I look forward to how it finishes.
Yesterday, Sister Judd and I went to Macola Market to buy material for curtains. You have not experienced life to its fullest until you have experienced such a place. I don't say that negatively at all, it is just something that I can't describe and would challenge the greatest author to put what we saw there into words.There was shop after shop crowded into narrow alleys that twisted and turned, with everything and anything imaginable. I was surprised to see that if one "shop" did not have what you wanted, they took you to another one to see if they had what you wanted. There was not competition between them and they were happy about helping us. I have never seen such a beautiful selection of material, and not all of it is the African print either. One shop owner says it comes from Italy. Sister Judd and I bought 24 yards of fabric, 54" wide, so we can start getting curtains made. I suggested that we make them very simple, without hooks, but so a rod could be used instead, (it is hard to explain what I mean.) I will be able to help with this and it could be done so much quicker and be more durable as the way curtains are made to hang here is different than anything I have seen.
At this market we also saw some of the most beautiful machine embroidery done on clothing. This one man said that he has a designer for his embroidery work and I even understand that the embroidery has meaning to it or even tells a story. Anyway, it was a unique experience.
We had a missionary from Fiji that President Judd had to contact about the death of his father. He has a brother that is serving in South Africa also. He said he didn't want the other missionaries to know as he didn't want to be treated any different. He plans on staying and finishing his mission. That kind of committment is what we see very often here but thank goodness the death of a loved one very seldom happens as far as I know.
President Judd received an email yesterday from the Ghana MTC that the missionaries that were to arrive January 30 are coming a week early. He was already supposed to know this, but had not been notified, so this was certainly a blessing to get this email. The week they are coming is the week Elder Scott Grow, a Seventy, is coming to visit our missionaries and give instruction. Well President Judd was at least able to have them arrive one day later so that it would not interfer with Elder Grow's visit. Whew! Do you see a little more of what I meant about a ride at an amusement park.
We meet a young woman that attended the ward today that is a medical student from the Netherlands who is doing her internship at a hospital here for 3 months. She wanted to know if there is a institute group that she could attend and we were able to put her in touch with the right people that could help her. She also wanted to be able to do baptisms for the dead and we were able to have her talk with a temple worker. We have peole coming here quite often from other countries, either doing teaching or similar internships.
Well, I have to tell you about the chocolate chip thief before I close. The missionary couple we replaced were kind enough to leave a large bag of chocolate chips, the kind you can get at costco. They can be bought here but are very expensive and I don't see us buying them. I use them to make my hubby cookies once in a while for his sweet tooth. Well, I went to the freezer to get some frozen fruit to make a smoothie and had to search for the fruit. It was under the chocolate chip bag which was definitely out of place to how I organize things in our small freezer. That's when I discovered that the chocolate chip bag was not as full as I remembered it. Aha! I knew it could only be one person. I made him a chocolate cake today!
With love,
Sister Avery
Yesterday, Sister Judd and I went to Macola Market to buy material for curtains. You have not experienced life to its fullest until you have experienced such a place. I don't say that negatively at all, it is just something that I can't describe and would challenge the greatest author to put what we saw there into words.There was shop after shop crowded into narrow alleys that twisted and turned, with everything and anything imaginable. I was surprised to see that if one "shop" did not have what you wanted, they took you to another one to see if they had what you wanted. There was not competition between them and they were happy about helping us. I have never seen such a beautiful selection of material, and not all of it is the African print either. One shop owner says it comes from Italy. Sister Judd and I bought 24 yards of fabric, 54" wide, so we can start getting curtains made. I suggested that we make them very simple, without hooks, but so a rod could be used instead, (it is hard to explain what I mean.) I will be able to help with this and it could be done so much quicker and be more durable as the way curtains are made to hang here is different than anything I have seen.
At this market we also saw some of the most beautiful machine embroidery done on clothing. This one man said that he has a designer for his embroidery work and I even understand that the embroidery has meaning to it or even tells a story. Anyway, it was a unique experience.
We had a missionary from Fiji that President Judd had to contact about the death of his father. He has a brother that is serving in South Africa also. He said he didn't want the other missionaries to know as he didn't want to be treated any different. He plans on staying and finishing his mission. That kind of committment is what we see very often here but thank goodness the death of a loved one very seldom happens as far as I know.
President Judd received an email yesterday from the Ghana MTC that the missionaries that were to arrive January 30 are coming a week early. He was already supposed to know this, but had not been notified, so this was certainly a blessing to get this email. The week they are coming is the week Elder Scott Grow, a Seventy, is coming to visit our missionaries and give instruction. Well President Judd was at least able to have them arrive one day later so that it would not interfer with Elder Grow's visit. Whew! Do you see a little more of what I meant about a ride at an amusement park.
We meet a young woman that attended the ward today that is a medical student from the Netherlands who is doing her internship at a hospital here for 3 months. She wanted to know if there is a institute group that she could attend and we were able to put her in touch with the right people that could help her. She also wanted to be able to do baptisms for the dead and we were able to have her talk with a temple worker. We have peole coming here quite often from other countries, either doing teaching or similar internships.
Well, I have to tell you about the chocolate chip thief before I close. The missionary couple we replaced were kind enough to leave a large bag of chocolate chips, the kind you can get at costco. They can be bought here but are very expensive and I don't see us buying them. I use them to make my hubby cookies once in a while for his sweet tooth. Well, I went to the freezer to get some frozen fruit to make a smoothie and had to search for the fruit. It was under the chocolate chip bag which was definitely out of place to how I organize things in our small freezer. That's when I discovered that the chocolate chip bag was not as full as I remembered it. Aha! I knew it could only be one person. I made him a chocolate cake today!
With love,
Sister Avery
Sunday, January 6, 2013
What will 2013 Bring?
As I think about the beginning of a new year, a song from the Sound of Music comes to mind. It is one that is not well known, but I have thought of it from time to time. "What will this day be like? I wonder; what will my future be? I wonder". Some of you might recall that it was when she was leaving the Abby to go care for the Von Trapp family and she was wondering what lay ahead for her. I suppose I wonder at times what the future holds and yet know, with certainity, that it is what I make it to be. Sometimes my attitude needs checking, as I let the 'demands' of office work, apartment inspections, etc., settle heavily on me. I came to the office this Sunday afternoon to blog and found things that needed immediate attention because we will be on the road early to do apartment inspections and don't know what time we will return. I believe I know what is in my heart even in these weak moments, and that is, that I am grateful to be here and in the Lord's service. As we often here from these dear people, "it will all work out", and I feel, with the Lord's help, it will.
We had another baptism yesterday that came from a referral I gave to Elder Gurr. I am impressed with this missionary, and although I have never sat in on a discussion with him, I feel he loves the people and wants to bring them to Christ. We seem him quite often, as his area is close to the Mission Office and his has a wonderful spirit about him. He is currently serving with a young ward missionary who is waiting for his mission call. Elder Tofah could not have a better companion, to learn from, than Elder Gurr, in preparation for his own mission. It is a delight to see them working together.
We thought we would be assigned to a Branch by now, but Pres. Judd is so busy that he hasn't been able to make that happen yet. So we still attend the Cantoments Ward 8:30 Sunday mornings and I still am playing the organ for Sacrament Meeting. It was a good Testimony meeting today and we feel the spirit of these members and their committment to the Lord's work. Some time I need to remember to write down some of the unique phrases they use when talking as I find it very interesting. I do have a small complaint about how they take care of the church, however. The Bishop and his Councilors are often seen sweeping and dusting on Sunday mornings. One of the members talked about members helping to clean when she spoke last week. Oh well, I guess there is not much I can to about it. Today we received our President's manuel for RS study and I have been enjoying my reading of the life of Lorenzo Snow. His very life bears testimony of the re-established Church of Jesus Christ and I am grateful to be learning about another prophet of the Lord.
I was going to insert some pictures, but the site is not cooperating tonight. Even Elder Asay, our computer-smart office elder, couldn't figure it all out. Oh well, there will be another time I am sure.
Well, morning will come early and we have supper still to eat. I made a big pot of healthy soup to give us more fiber in out diet, (yes it means what you are thinking) and it will feed us many a meal. I told my hubby he couldn't get tired of it because it is what it is.
With love,
Sister Avery
We had another baptism yesterday that came from a referral I gave to Elder Gurr. I am impressed with this missionary, and although I have never sat in on a discussion with him, I feel he loves the people and wants to bring them to Christ. We seem him quite often, as his area is close to the Mission Office and his has a wonderful spirit about him. He is currently serving with a young ward missionary who is waiting for his mission call. Elder Tofah could not have a better companion, to learn from, than Elder Gurr, in preparation for his own mission. It is a delight to see them working together.
We thought we would be assigned to a Branch by now, but Pres. Judd is so busy that he hasn't been able to make that happen yet. So we still attend the Cantoments Ward 8:30 Sunday mornings and I still am playing the organ for Sacrament Meeting. It was a good Testimony meeting today and we feel the spirit of these members and their committment to the Lord's work. Some time I need to remember to write down some of the unique phrases they use when talking as I find it very interesting. I do have a small complaint about how they take care of the church, however. The Bishop and his Councilors are often seen sweeping and dusting on Sunday mornings. One of the members talked about members helping to clean when she spoke last week. Oh well, I guess there is not much I can to about it. Today we received our President's manuel for RS study and I have been enjoying my reading of the life of Lorenzo Snow. His very life bears testimony of the re-established Church of Jesus Christ and I am grateful to be learning about another prophet of the Lord.
I was going to insert some pictures, but the site is not cooperating tonight. Even Elder Asay, our computer-smart office elder, couldn't figure it all out. Oh well, there will be another time I am sure.
Well, morning will come early and we have supper still to eat. I made a big pot of healthy soup to give us more fiber in out diet, (yes it means what you are thinking) and it will feed us many a meal. I told my hubby he couldn't get tired of it because it is what it is.
With love,
Sister Avery
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