I appreciate this opportunity to write a brief history of what has happened during the week.The ideal is to write every day and especially during my scripture study, so as to remember those feelings that come during that process. I did this regularly at home, but have yet to accomplish it here . The thought I really want to share is, that when I begin to write my thoughts and feelings about the week, I notice that my words come out differently than what I was feeling before I started to write. It is like I begin to look at things with more understanding and gratitude. I remember when my children were young, my Mother gave me a journal and encouraged me to write. I took her advice and found, that my words expressed blessings, rather than all the things that I thought had gone wrong. I received the strength to do it all again the next day, and it has been a blessing in my life ever since.
I so enjoy the talks that are given at the Priesthood session of General Conference and I just finished reading those today as we traveled to and from Senchi. I shed tears while reading President Monson's talk, which he entitled, Come, all ye sons of God. He spoke of a formula for success in missionary work which consisted of four things: Search the scriptures with diligence, plan our lives with purpose, teach the truth with testimony, and serve the Lord with love.We don't have to be on a full-time mission to apply these in our lives. He told of the time that a young man and his mother came into his office prior to the young man going on a mission to Australia.The father did not come that day. This family was dear friends of his and as the young man spoke of the love he had for his parents and his hope that somehow, and in some way, his father would be touched by the spirit and open his heart to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Monson(as he was called then) prayed for inspiration concerning how such a desire might be fulfilled. The inspiration came and he said, "Serve the Lord with all your heart. Be obedient to your sacred calling. Each week write a letter to your parents, and on occasion, write to Dad personally, and let him know how much you love him, and tell him shy you're grateful to be his son." The young missionary faithfully did this and as it was coming to the close of his mission, his mother told Elder Monson that her husband stood in testimony meeting and told everyone that he was going to be baptized and that he and his wife would travel to Australia at the conclusion of their son's mission and he would be his son's final baptism as a full-time missionary. This so touched me and it truly is the power of love and we should never underestimate it.
I was certainly surprised in Sacrament meeting today when all the primary leaders were released. But the biggest surprise(actually it was stronger emotions than that) was when no new leaders were sustained. I was going to talk to President Ampomah right after church and ask him how he thought that was going to help primary. Well, as usual, I was getting concerned about something that would be resolved, but required patience. Towards the end of the meeting, President Ampomah realized, or it was brought to his attention, that he had not sustained any new primary leaders. Sister Duodo was called as the president (she had been serving as a counselor and teaching the younger children), Sister Enu was called as first counselor and the other counselor was gone so I haven't met her yet. Sister Boateng was released as a counselor and called as a teacher and Sister Owusu was release as president and called as a teacher. I may still be the teacher most of the time, as these two have rarely been there. But I must be positive and will find out for myself the impact of the power of love. I had the keyboard brought into primary today and we sang all the songs in our primary presentation. The children gathered around me as I played and they sang and it was delightful. I gave each of them and opportunity to play the keyboard a little and I think we may have some future piano players; Now if they only had the opportunity to learn. I wished there was a mission for only teaching piano (I guess it's possible), because it is not feasible with the responsibilities I already have. So often I am asked to teach a youth and even an adult and I am so sad to say that I can't. President and Sister Judd came to Senchi today and I always enjoy hearing them share their testimonies. We went visiting with Elder Royce and Elder Nash and had a special experience as they blessed the Sacrament while kneeling on a woven mat laid on a dirt floor. A dear sister was ill today but desired to have the Sacrament brought to her. She was also given a Priesthood blessing. I am always humbled by these wonderful people. We also visited a young man who is investigating the church, and even though there was a lot of distractions, the missionaries taught with the spirit. My companion and I sat at one end of the bench as the middle sagged and would not hold any weight, and Elder Nash at the other end. We surprised Elder Nash when we both stood up at the same time and almost set him on the ground. We did not know that would happen but he reacted quick and caught himself. We all chuckled over that.
Well I probably haven't said all I wanted to remember about this day, but it is late and my dear companion will certainly want something to eat. I just want to confirm my feelings about journal writing because I feel much better now than when I first began.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
There is always something different about each week in the mission field. We have the usual things, such as baptismal entries, referrals to send to the missionaries, and the taking care of missionary apartment problems. This past week we had a delightful couple come from Alpine, Utah and we were able to take some time out of the office to show them places to shop and get them somewhat acquainted to Africa. We also spent time teaching them about the apartments they will need to inspect and all the other responsibilities of couples. Elder and Sister Cosgrave will be a great addition to the Ho area and a blessing to the missionaries and people there. He is a family practitioner in Utah and he took a leave of absence long enough for he and his wife to serve a mission. He served in the bishopric of one of the wards in the Missionary Training Center in Provo and felt the great enthusiasm for missionary work there. On Saturday, President and Sister Judd drove to Ho to show them the way and to have them introduced to the branch on Sunday. I feel they will adapt well and their love for missionary work will strengthen us as well as the people in Ho.
We are starting the week out good with having to call Henry about problems with the electrical meter in the office. My companion has to buy the power for the electrical meter and this is the second month in a row that we have had problems with this. The first time it was the person in the power office that caused problems by not entering the amount correctly on the card and it looks like it might be something similar to that. We are so grateful Henry is willing to come in on a Sunday and help figure it all out. I wonder what else will make something different about this week.
Every six weeks there is some activity in the mission that has to be planned for. President and Sister Judd and the Assistants are continually in the process of this planning. There are transfers of new missionaries, Zone interviews, Zone conferences, and then it starts all over again. There usually is only a couple of weeks time between each of these, so it is very constant, and I am amazed at how it all goes as well as it does. We like to make sure we help out in all the ways we are asked, and we feel blessed to be able to develop talents we didn't even know were possible. Already we are planning for our couples conference around Thanksgiving, and the Christmas Mission Conference.
I have been gathering the necessary information for those missionaries who have not had patriarchal blessings to be able to get them. These are always the African missionaries because they joined the church at a older age. My filling out the form helps President Judd make the interview process easier so he can spend the time with the missionary and not in filling out the form.It is a blessing that they can get this while they are serving their mission.
The primary president, Sister Owusu, finally returned from being gone for four months. She was with a daughter who had a baby helping her during that time. Things had changed in primary with the younger and older class being divided, so she was a bit confused today. I decided to not dwell on anything negative about being gone for so long and got her back in the swing of things by having her take an assignment for next week. I asked her to invite President Ampomah to speak to the children about prayer next week in sharing time and he told me that she had asked him. That is something I wanted a member of the branch presidency to be doing, so maybe this will be the start. It is taking patience and small steps, but we are seeing progress. I always need to remember that I have know these things for a long time, and these dear people are so new to the gospel, yet are so willing if done in love. I still am amazed at how the church is growing throughout the world and the little that we do to help with that is a great opportunity. I have been bearing my testimony about the doctrine I am teaching the children and have not worried about whether they understand my words or not. I feel I am seeing a difference because I am doing this. The Holy Ghost is testifying to them and that is what they must feel in order for the words to have any meaning at all to them. They are just so delightful and fun to be with.
Well dear family and friends, it has been a long day and apartment inspections are tomorrow. The peanut butter sandwich on the way home from Senchi satisfied me then but has long worn off. Always remember to count your blessings, naming them one by one, and you will be surprised at what the Lord has done.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom, grandma)
We are starting the week out good with having to call Henry about problems with the electrical meter in the office. My companion has to buy the power for the electrical meter and this is the second month in a row that we have had problems with this. The first time it was the person in the power office that caused problems by not entering the amount correctly on the card and it looks like it might be something similar to that. We are so grateful Henry is willing to come in on a Sunday and help figure it all out. I wonder what else will make something different about this week.
Every six weeks there is some activity in the mission that has to be planned for. President and Sister Judd and the Assistants are continually in the process of this planning. There are transfers of new missionaries, Zone interviews, Zone conferences, and then it starts all over again. There usually is only a couple of weeks time between each of these, so it is very constant, and I am amazed at how it all goes as well as it does. We like to make sure we help out in all the ways we are asked, and we feel blessed to be able to develop talents we didn't even know were possible. Already we are planning for our couples conference around Thanksgiving, and the Christmas Mission Conference.
I have been gathering the necessary information for those missionaries who have not had patriarchal blessings to be able to get them. These are always the African missionaries because they joined the church at a older age. My filling out the form helps President Judd make the interview process easier so he can spend the time with the missionary and not in filling out the form.It is a blessing that they can get this while they are serving their mission.
The primary president, Sister Owusu, finally returned from being gone for four months. She was with a daughter who had a baby helping her during that time. Things had changed in primary with the younger and older class being divided, so she was a bit confused today. I decided to not dwell on anything negative about being gone for so long and got her back in the swing of things by having her take an assignment for next week. I asked her to invite President Ampomah to speak to the children about prayer next week in sharing time and he told me that she had asked him. That is something I wanted a member of the branch presidency to be doing, so maybe this will be the start. It is taking patience and small steps, but we are seeing progress. I always need to remember that I have know these things for a long time, and these dear people are so new to the gospel, yet are so willing if done in love. I still am amazed at how the church is growing throughout the world and the little that we do to help with that is a great opportunity. I have been bearing my testimony about the doctrine I am teaching the children and have not worried about whether they understand my words or not. I feel I am seeing a difference because I am doing this. The Holy Ghost is testifying to them and that is what they must feel in order for the words to have any meaning at all to them. They are just so delightful and fun to be with.
Well dear family and friends, it has been a long day and apartment inspections are tomorrow. The peanut butter sandwich on the way home from Senchi satisfied me then but has long worn off. Always remember to count your blessings, naming them one by one, and you will be surprised at what the Lord has done.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom, grandma)
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
It is Tuesday morning and I thought I would write just a few things before I forget. Sunday was a long day and by the time we arrived home at 6:30, then fixed something for us to eat, I was ready for bed.
We had a good week with 27 new missionaries arriving on Wednesday. It is a busy time but a truly wonderful experience to welcome these great young men (yes we are now having the 18 year old missionaries). We have a new office elder by the name of Elder Lloyd from Idaho who just arrived April 3rd. I think that says a lot about a young man to be called to this position so soon. We opened up several new apartments to help house some of these new missionaries. It takes a lot of team effort to have these apartments ready for these new missionaries. Elder Hall from the US is serving in one of these new areas called Akuse. I mention him because he shared with me on Wednesday that his brother was called to this mission 4 years ago and went inactive just before the time to leave. Elder Hall has always wanted to come on this mission since that time and was so excited when he opened his call letter. I couldn't help but feel some emotion over that. Akuse is close to Senchi, so we took a toilet seat and few other supplies to them. It is beautiful area, even if a good share of the road is deeply rutted. In places, the trees touch each other over the road making a lovely canopy of green.
We had a couple named Robin and Elizabeth Grey come by for a visit at our office this past week. They are from England and are sponsoring some children here in Ghana and come once or twice a year for visits. They know two of our missionaries that are serving from England and brought a package for them. We enjoyed our brief visit.
I have been working on the Primary Sacrament Program with the children and they responding very well. I promised them that this coming Sunday I would have a picture with the lesson for them to color. They love to color and so I thought we could take a break from practicing as the program is not until October 27. I just know that doing this program would be so new to them and felt we needed to start early. Sister Boateng did not show this week but Sister Duodu was back to teach the younger class. We had a meeting with the Branch Presidency after they attended a training meeting in Kpong where we discussed some of the concerns about primary and other matters. We just keep trying to get them to take baby steps in making changes and strive to have lots of patience. While they were at the meeting in Kpong, we drove up the road to the Volta Dam and went to the area where we could walk out on the dock. It was truly beautiful with a cloud cover and fog in the distance adding to the scenery. They previously had a boat that took people out on what is known as the largest man-made river in the world. The boat caught fire quite some time ago and they will start the tour service again in December. We visited briefly with the security man there whose name was Benjamin. His father had investigated the church at one time and had some books and pamphlets in the home. We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and to come to Senchi to church. He said that he would like to attend the branch when his shift changed to evenings rather than days. I hope he does come, and that I remember his face so I can greet him. Seeing someone just once, and then my memory not being what I would like, makes it difficult.
During the meeting with the branch presidency, I helped little Joann open her peanuts so you could eat them. It is so fun to be with the children and do things for them as I miss my grandchildren a lot.
Elder and Sister Cosgrave should be arriving very soon and we will spend some time with them tonight and all have a little supper together with President and Sister Judd. They will be serving in Ho which is about an hours drive from Senchi. The missionaries will be so excited to have them there; we are excited to have them there.
I need to warm up our lunch so will close with what a joy it is to be part of all of this. Even when I get an urgent email from the travel people at the Area Office asking for a list of all the non-Ghanaian missionaries to be sent ASAP. It is all good and I am always blessed to do my duty and strive to do it with a smile and a cheerful heart.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
We had a good week with 27 new missionaries arriving on Wednesday. It is a busy time but a truly wonderful experience to welcome these great young men (yes we are now having the 18 year old missionaries). We have a new office elder by the name of Elder Lloyd from Idaho who just arrived April 3rd. I think that says a lot about a young man to be called to this position so soon. We opened up several new apartments to help house some of these new missionaries. It takes a lot of team effort to have these apartments ready for these new missionaries. Elder Hall from the US is serving in one of these new areas called Akuse. I mention him because he shared with me on Wednesday that his brother was called to this mission 4 years ago and went inactive just before the time to leave. Elder Hall has always wanted to come on this mission since that time and was so excited when he opened his call letter. I couldn't help but feel some emotion over that. Akuse is close to Senchi, so we took a toilet seat and few other supplies to them. It is beautiful area, even if a good share of the road is deeply rutted. In places, the trees touch each other over the road making a lovely canopy of green.
We had a couple named Robin and Elizabeth Grey come by for a visit at our office this past week. They are from England and are sponsoring some children here in Ghana and come once or twice a year for visits. They know two of our missionaries that are serving from England and brought a package for them. We enjoyed our brief visit.
I have been working on the Primary Sacrament Program with the children and they responding very well. I promised them that this coming Sunday I would have a picture with the lesson for them to color. They love to color and so I thought we could take a break from practicing as the program is not until October 27. I just know that doing this program would be so new to them and felt we needed to start early. Sister Boateng did not show this week but Sister Duodu was back to teach the younger class. We had a meeting with the Branch Presidency after they attended a training meeting in Kpong where we discussed some of the concerns about primary and other matters. We just keep trying to get them to take baby steps in making changes and strive to have lots of patience. While they were at the meeting in Kpong, we drove up the road to the Volta Dam and went to the area where we could walk out on the dock. It was truly beautiful with a cloud cover and fog in the distance adding to the scenery. They previously had a boat that took people out on what is known as the largest man-made river in the world. The boat caught fire quite some time ago and they will start the tour service again in December. We visited briefly with the security man there whose name was Benjamin. His father had investigated the church at one time and had some books and pamphlets in the home. We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and to come to Senchi to church. He said that he would like to attend the branch when his shift changed to evenings rather than days. I hope he does come, and that I remember his face so I can greet him. Seeing someone just once, and then my memory not being what I would like, makes it difficult.
During the meeting with the branch presidency, I helped little Joann open her peanuts so you could eat them. It is so fun to be with the children and do things for them as I miss my grandchildren a lot.
Elder and Sister Cosgrave should be arriving very soon and we will spend some time with them tonight and all have a little supper together with President and Sister Judd. They will be serving in Ho which is about an hours drive from Senchi. The missionaries will be so excited to have them there; we are excited to have them there.
I need to warm up our lunch so will close with what a joy it is to be part of all of this. Even when I get an urgent email from the travel people at the Area Office asking for a list of all the non-Ghanaian missionaries to be sent ASAP. It is all good and I am always blessed to do my duty and strive to do it with a smile and a cheerful heart.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Blessings!
I am counting my blessings tonight and will name a few: It has been reported to us that our grandson Davin Avery had a very special baptism with family from both sides supporting him; Our little darling Presli (she came to our family as a wonderful surprise 3 years ago) is celebrating her birthday today; Our son Nathan, who lives in Michigan, was sustained as a Bishop today; and, I have enjoyed seventeen wonderful missionaries for the ten months we have been here and am excited about their futures as they return home from serving an honorable mission this coming Tuesday.
My companion and I had a choice experience Friday evening as we attended the Temple to do Sealings. Elder Dube and Elder Vinson were assigned this last April Conference to the First and Second Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Dube was the Sealer and it was his first time in performing this wonderful ordinance. What a privilege it was to be there and see how quickly he learned under the guidance of Elder Vinson. I enjoyed reading about their lives in the May Liahona and recommend that it is worth reading to know these men. It is amazing how they joined the Church and then grew so quickly in leadership abilities. Elder Dube is from Zimbabwe and Elder Vinson is from Australia. The experiences we are having just continue to amaze me.
It was a good day in Senchi and I felt blessed that Sister Boateng came today. I struggle each Sunday morning, wondering if I will be alone and allow myself to be agitated that these children are not a priority to these women. The Sharing Time lesson was on prayer and I told the children that I pray that they will be able to understand me. I also told them that I always listen in Sacrament Meeting and other meetings even though I do not understand the language spoken, or the Ghanaian English. I told them that I feel what the speaker is saying even if I do not understand every word. I encouraged them to do the same with me and that the Holy Ghost will bless them to understand the wonderful message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When a young man named Victor bore his testimony today, he shared how he had applied for college and was not going to be accepted because of his religion. He was able to bring truth to the interviewer, because what he believed about the LDS Church was simply not true. He boldly spoke of it and all turned out to be in his favor, and Victor will start school soon. I had the opportunity to visit with Victor after the meetings today and praised him for what he did. Among other things, I encouraged him to start dating (he is 26) and find a good woman that will be willing do all she can to help him during this challenging time of going to school. The conversation included that the time of changing the whole 'bride price' needs to come because it is not the Lord's way. Families are essential to the Lord's plan and that needs to be as much a part of his future as the education. He is one I have to really listen to as he speaks so fast, but we understood each other and it was a delightful exchange.
Transfers will be Wednesday with 27 new missionaries coming and oh has it been a challenge for Paul as he works so hard to find apartments, and then the challenge of having them furnished with beds, etc. Elder Avery seems to be buying supplies every week so that the missionaries will have fans, wash buckets, phones, etc. It is interesting to see what he can get packed into our Honda Civic. The other day he had 15 fans and 4 irons and said he had room to spare. He is able to have opportunities to share with the merchants what these items are for and so there is a missionary experience often. The leasing of an apartment here has to be two years payment in advance and the owner or landlord has almost no responsibility for the upkeep on the apartments. It is so different from what is experienced in the States and has been a real challenge. To think that the money that is spent on our mission is being done all over the world, just boggles my mind. The Church really has come miles and miles since President Lorenzo Snow counseled the people to pay tithing. It is wonderful to be a part of all this. To see all of this first hand is a opportunity I am so grateful I accepted to do. It hasn't been easy, but it certainly has been blessing I would not want to have missed out on.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom, grandma)
My companion and I had a choice experience Friday evening as we attended the Temple to do Sealings. Elder Dube and Elder Vinson were assigned this last April Conference to the First and Second Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Dube was the Sealer and it was his first time in performing this wonderful ordinance. What a privilege it was to be there and see how quickly he learned under the guidance of Elder Vinson. I enjoyed reading about their lives in the May Liahona and recommend that it is worth reading to know these men. It is amazing how they joined the Church and then grew so quickly in leadership abilities. Elder Dube is from Zimbabwe and Elder Vinson is from Australia. The experiences we are having just continue to amaze me.
It was a good day in Senchi and I felt blessed that Sister Boateng came today. I struggle each Sunday morning, wondering if I will be alone and allow myself to be agitated that these children are not a priority to these women. The Sharing Time lesson was on prayer and I told the children that I pray that they will be able to understand me. I also told them that I always listen in Sacrament Meeting and other meetings even though I do not understand the language spoken, or the Ghanaian English. I told them that I feel what the speaker is saying even if I do not understand every word. I encouraged them to do the same with me and that the Holy Ghost will bless them to understand the wonderful message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When a young man named Victor bore his testimony today, he shared how he had applied for college and was not going to be accepted because of his religion. He was able to bring truth to the interviewer, because what he believed about the LDS Church was simply not true. He boldly spoke of it and all turned out to be in his favor, and Victor will start school soon. I had the opportunity to visit with Victor after the meetings today and praised him for what he did. Among other things, I encouraged him to start dating (he is 26) and find a good woman that will be willing do all she can to help him during this challenging time of going to school. The conversation included that the time of changing the whole 'bride price' needs to come because it is not the Lord's way. Families are essential to the Lord's plan and that needs to be as much a part of his future as the education. He is one I have to really listen to as he speaks so fast, but we understood each other and it was a delightful exchange.
Transfers will be Wednesday with 27 new missionaries coming and oh has it been a challenge for Paul as he works so hard to find apartments, and then the challenge of having them furnished with beds, etc. Elder Avery seems to be buying supplies every week so that the missionaries will have fans, wash buckets, phones, etc. It is interesting to see what he can get packed into our Honda Civic. The other day he had 15 fans and 4 irons and said he had room to spare. He is able to have opportunities to share with the merchants what these items are for and so there is a missionary experience often. The leasing of an apartment here has to be two years payment in advance and the owner or landlord has almost no responsibility for the upkeep on the apartments. It is so different from what is experienced in the States and has been a real challenge. To think that the money that is spent on our mission is being done all over the world, just boggles my mind. The Church really has come miles and miles since President Lorenzo Snow counseled the people to pay tithing. It is wonderful to be a part of all this. To see all of this first hand is a opportunity I am so grateful I accepted to do. It hasn't been easy, but it certainly has been blessing I would not want to have missed out on.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom, grandma)
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Referrals!
Referrals in missionary work is somewhat like referrals when someone is looking for employment. I think that missionary referrals is a lot more fun, and challenging at the same time because it requires speaking to people when it is so much easier not to. I am in the office most of the time during the week, while my companion goes quite often because of shopping for supplies, matters to attend to at the Area Office, and the bank. President Judd has challenged us as an office couple to still be involved in finding those that are interested in learning about the church. I don't feel that I have that opportunity as much, but Saturday we had what was a unique experience for us. We have Elder and Sister Pack coming in September(I probably have already mentioned them) that will be serving as Perpetual Education missionaries. We volunteered to buy items that they will need for their apartment and we decided to get started doing that yesterday. Through the course of a few hours and three different shopping places, we had three referrals. They were two young men and one young women and they basically came up to us. It is hard to put into words how it actually happened, but when we prayed specifically that morning for just such experiences, then I know that we were in the right place at the right time. We will be passing these referrals to the missionaries who will be contacting them. In fact, we gave one of them yesterday because the one young man only had Sundays off from work and wanted to be contacted by Sunday evening. This reminds me that a week ago Saturday we were grocery shopping and had a similar experience. I was looking to see if I could find something in the way of an air freshener, that was not a spray type, when a worker was just there in front of me and a conversation started. I gave Richard's name to Elder Bagazwaga and he contacted him and then reported that he was grateful as Richard was most receptive. I do keep tract of all the referrals I give to the missionaries and often I find a baptism has taken place. I do remove names often also because of no real interest, but even finding one, out of any number of referrals, is definitely worth it. I think it might be compared to when someone gets 'hooked' on Family History work; simply exciting!
I have started the process of making all the arrangements for missionaries going home in September. I haven't even got the August missionaries in the air yet but these arrangements have to be made 2 to 3 months before the actual departure. I had some unique challenges this time with the African missionaries. As I look back on the last few days, I saw even more how the Lord's hand is in His
work, even in getting missionaries home safely from their missions. I contact the missionaries to see what airport will be closest to their home and who their Priesthood leader is to contact about their coming release. Sister Obeten, serving from Calabar Nigeria, gave me a former bishop email address and phone number and also ask that her aunty Mercy be contacted to make a place available for her to stay as Sister Obeten is the only member of her family. I was anxious to get a reply from the email I sent to her bishop, so after a day I decided to call him and was met most pleasantly by him. He will assist in contacting the aunt for me and will be the one I send Sister Obeten's itinerary to. He expressed gratitude for our concern for this Sister. Elder Belay and Elder Onen are serving from the Uganda Kampala Mission and the mission president is just new to his calling. President Chatfield was not sure how all of this was to be handled when I emailed him. Elder Belay lives in Ethiopia (Uganda Kampala Mission is over this country) in a place called Hawassa and Elder Onen lives in Uganda in a place called Gulu. With a lot emailing to find out how and who would be releasing these missionaries once they arrived in their perspective countries, I now know that Elder and Sister Wall of the Uganda Kampala Mission will be picking up Elder Onen, see that he is released by President Chatfield, and then drive him the rest of the way to Gulu. Elder Belay will fly to Addis Ababa and will be met by a counselor in the Kampala Mission who will release him and then drive him to Hawassa which is a distance of about 4 hours. I feel very responsible for getting these missionaries to their home various homes, so I was very relieved to have all of this settled. There is more details in the finding of all of this information, but too much to explain. I just know that the Lord blessed a simple missionary from Nevada, who had to learn to like computers in the first place, and then helped her to connect all the missing links to find the necessary information. It was a great experience and I am sure there will be more to come.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
I have started the process of making all the arrangements for missionaries going home in September. I haven't even got the August missionaries in the air yet but these arrangements have to be made 2 to 3 months before the actual departure. I had some unique challenges this time with the African missionaries. As I look back on the last few days, I saw even more how the Lord's hand is in His
work, even in getting missionaries home safely from their missions. I contact the missionaries to see what airport will be closest to their home and who their Priesthood leader is to contact about their coming release. Sister Obeten, serving from Calabar Nigeria, gave me a former bishop email address and phone number and also ask that her aunty Mercy be contacted to make a place available for her to stay as Sister Obeten is the only member of her family. I was anxious to get a reply from the email I sent to her bishop, so after a day I decided to call him and was met most pleasantly by him. He will assist in contacting the aunt for me and will be the one I send Sister Obeten's itinerary to. He expressed gratitude for our concern for this Sister. Elder Belay and Elder Onen are serving from the Uganda Kampala Mission and the mission president is just new to his calling. President Chatfield was not sure how all of this was to be handled when I emailed him. Elder Belay lives in Ethiopia (Uganda Kampala Mission is over this country) in a place called Hawassa and Elder Onen lives in Uganda in a place called Gulu. With a lot emailing to find out how and who would be releasing these missionaries once they arrived in their perspective countries, I now know that Elder and Sister Wall of the Uganda Kampala Mission will be picking up Elder Onen, see that he is released by President Chatfield, and then drive him the rest of the way to Gulu. Elder Belay will fly to Addis Ababa and will be met by a counselor in the Kampala Mission who will release him and then drive him to Hawassa which is a distance of about 4 hours. I feel very responsible for getting these missionaries to their home various homes, so I was very relieved to have all of this settled. There is more details in the finding of all of this information, but too much to explain. I just know that the Lord blessed a simple missionary from Nevada, who had to learn to like computers in the first place, and then helped her to connect all the missing links to find the necessary information. It was a great experience and I am sure there will be more to come.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Returning with Honor!
Whenever I get over-whelmed with mission life, I remind myself that I want to do the very best I can each day; even to return with honor. I have been reading, a loud, the Conference issue as we travel to Senchi each Sunday. I was strengthened by the words of Elder Scott and Elder Cook when they talked of peace. Each shared important personal insights that I will reflect on each time I need to be reminded of who is in charge. "When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. We need not worry if we can't simultaneously do all the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He ha spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time." Ugo Betti said: "To believe in God is to know that all the rules will be fair, and that there will be wonderful surprises." I admire people who express that the challenges of life come as wonderful surprises. In spite of the those occasional times of weakness, I know that the greatest assurance we have for peace is to live an obedient life, firmly rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We have in our mission, two dear missionaries by the name of Sister Kalola and Sister Quattara. The first is from Namibia, and the second is from Cote d' Ivoire. Sister Quattara has a beautiful French accent and Sister Namibia is a very striking, tall, woman who is dreadfully afraid of lizards. In describing that their apartment has lizards in it (that puts it mildly), that have not appreciated my companion's humor when he says to make dinner out of them. I gave the suggestion that maybe some of the children in their ward could come and catch them and they liked that better. It was also suggested that they find every possible opening and stuff it with plastic bags or paper. It will be interesting to hear of the outcome of this adventure that adds 'spice' to our mission life.
Elder Caleb, who is from Samoa and helped me with contacting Elder Mauga's bishop, loves to sing and has a good singing voice. One day I surprised him and started singing the Hawaiian Wedding song and in a few seconds, he joined in. I told him that I sang it at my wedding reception, although the setting was not Hawaii. It was delightful few moments in reflection of 44 years of marriage and more to come.
Friday night we enjoyed a meal with missionaries from the area office, the two missions, and the MTC. There was good soups, rolls, and desserts that we all were assigned to bring. We were introduced to the new Director of Affairs and his wife, and President Hill and his wife of the new Ghana Accra West Mission. I was amazed and humbled at the experience these couples have had, and their desire to continue serving the Lord in whatever way they are asked. It was good to have a little diversion from the normal routine and enjoy good company. We also found out that Tema (MTC is located there) is considered the center of the earth. Someone must have done their research because I don't understand all of it. It has something to do with the Equator and that when the two dividing points of the earth meet, it is considered the center of the earth and that is in Tema. I didn't explain that very well, but I challenge my grandchildren to check it out.
We had 4 baptized today in Senchi. I was humbled by a more mature woman, who struggled from the effects of a stroke, climb those steps and then down steps into the waters of baptism. She had those that were helping her, of course, but I feel it took a lot of courage and a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The missionaries questioned themselves, as well as the branch presidency, as to whether she should go ahead with her baptism. They were wondering how she will get to church each Sunday and so she would just become another inactive member. Elder Avery reminded them that that is not a reason to deny someone of the blessings of entering the Lord's kingdom by being baptized. He also reminded them that someone on the branch could be given a specific assignment or calling to bring her each Sunday. Brother Adjei brought her today, so the branch presidency needs to follow through on that. It was a tender experience and the Heavens smiled down on her.
Primary continues to have its challenges(part of why I struggled today) but we will continue to press forward. I have submitted a script to consider for a Sacrament Presentation in October and need to keep encouraging the leaders as well as the children. I think language is still an issue but I keep praying that the Spirit will teach them and they will grow in the gospel. The branch is definitely growing and with that comes needed improvements in the old building to allow for that growth. It is good to be a part of it all and to have the opportunity to continue to better myself in the process.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
We have in our mission, two dear missionaries by the name of Sister Kalola and Sister Quattara. The first is from Namibia, and the second is from Cote d' Ivoire. Sister Quattara has a beautiful French accent and Sister Namibia is a very striking, tall, woman who is dreadfully afraid of lizards. In describing that their apartment has lizards in it (that puts it mildly), that have not appreciated my companion's humor when he says to make dinner out of them. I gave the suggestion that maybe some of the children in their ward could come and catch them and they liked that better. It was also suggested that they find every possible opening and stuff it with plastic bags or paper. It will be interesting to hear of the outcome of this adventure that adds 'spice' to our mission life.
Elder Caleb, who is from Samoa and helped me with contacting Elder Mauga's bishop, loves to sing and has a good singing voice. One day I surprised him and started singing the Hawaiian Wedding song and in a few seconds, he joined in. I told him that I sang it at my wedding reception, although the setting was not Hawaii. It was delightful few moments in reflection of 44 years of marriage and more to come.
Friday night we enjoyed a meal with missionaries from the area office, the two missions, and the MTC. There was good soups, rolls, and desserts that we all were assigned to bring. We were introduced to the new Director of Affairs and his wife, and President Hill and his wife of the new Ghana Accra West Mission. I was amazed and humbled at the experience these couples have had, and their desire to continue serving the Lord in whatever way they are asked. It was good to have a little diversion from the normal routine and enjoy good company. We also found out that Tema (MTC is located there) is considered the center of the earth. Someone must have done their research because I don't understand all of it. It has something to do with the Equator and that when the two dividing points of the earth meet, it is considered the center of the earth and that is in Tema. I didn't explain that very well, but I challenge my grandchildren to check it out.
We had 4 baptized today in Senchi. I was humbled by a more mature woman, who struggled from the effects of a stroke, climb those steps and then down steps into the waters of baptism. She had those that were helping her, of course, but I feel it took a lot of courage and a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The missionaries questioned themselves, as well as the branch presidency, as to whether she should go ahead with her baptism. They were wondering how she will get to church each Sunday and so she would just become another inactive member. Elder Avery reminded them that that is not a reason to deny someone of the blessings of entering the Lord's kingdom by being baptized. He also reminded them that someone on the branch could be given a specific assignment or calling to bring her each Sunday. Brother Adjei brought her today, so the branch presidency needs to follow through on that. It was a tender experience and the Heavens smiled down on her.
Primary continues to have its challenges(part of why I struggled today) but we will continue to press forward. I have submitted a script to consider for a Sacrament Presentation in October and need to keep encouraging the leaders as well as the children. I think language is still an issue but I keep praying that the Spirit will teach them and they will grow in the gospel. The branch is definitely growing and with that comes needed improvements in the old building to allow for that growth. It is good to be a part of it all and to have the opportunity to continue to better myself in the process.
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Many Blessings!
It was delightful to skype Saturday evening with Ruth, Cooper, and Avery. What joy all of my grandchildren bring to me. Cooper and Avery told us they were going to have a baby brother. Now it is too early to tell that it is going to be a brother, but Cooper has been saying, for probably close to a year now, that he is going to have a brother and then a sister. Aren't children simply wonderful and innocent! Cooper was born when we were on our first mission and we will miss another birth on this one, but they come as blessings whenever they come. President and Sister Judd just had a daughter give birth to her first baby. Thanks to technology, they were able to experience it right through delivery. My family needs to be prepared to help these two 'old fogies' get updated on all the latest and greatest so that if we do another mission some day, we will be able to be in touch better.
Angela graduated from UVU this Spring in Behavioral Science, with a focus on parent/children counseling(she needs to correct me if I don't have it quite right). She has been working at facility called "Kids on the Move" and has advanced in positions in her employment there. She recently applied for a position that is for parent/child counseling and we just received word that she got the job. We are so happy for her and Dave and feel this a great blessing in their lives. She and Naomi both have recently attended Girl's camp and I just feel blessed that they sacrifice their time to strengthen the youth of their wards.
Jason just graduated from SUU in the nursing program and passed the State test soon after. After a back-packing trip to unwind from the intense schooling, he applied for jobs(even in Caliente), and was hired at the Red Cliffs Health and Rehabilitation in St. George. He will be in orientation this week and will update us more to his responsibilities. He is excited about the vocation he has chosen and we just feel blessed as his parents.
Nolan has advanced the motel to where people can make reservations online now. Those who are familiar with Caliente and his and Teva's motel, would be in awe of the improvements they have made. The office remodeling is a dream come true of mine and actually better than what I dreamed. They have continually made improvements and I feel blessed to see a family business, that my parents started, be of such high quality.
Ryan will soon be starting his last year of his Master's program. I need to have him put in writing the details of this program because I am not remembering. He graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Psychology, so it is in that field somewhere, even if I don't have it quite right. I am so impressed with his continuing with school to accomplish his goals.
I appreciate being able to talk about some of my children and could go on more about all of them and their accomplishments. My grandchildren have amazed me with their abilities and how they are applying what they are learning to their lives. I just feel so blessed and I just needed to share it.
We attended the temple Saturday with the Senchi Branch. They had two sisters and one brother who received their own endowments, and 15 youth who did baptisms for the dead.There were many who attended the session also.What a choice experience for them and for us. What an accomplishment to come that far to attend the 10:30 session, with all that that entails, and then the trip back in trotros. The branch plans these trips twice a year and that is challenging for them financially. But it could be much farther, so what a blessing to have a temple this close to them.
Lucas and Agatha Dovi, who were baptized last week with their three sons,Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were all confirmed today. Lucas and his sons received the Aaronic Priesthood today and then after meetings, Lucas was able to baptize his daughter Esther. With the gentle encouragement of Elder Dayley, he did a great job. Lucas and Agatha need to have callings as I see such potential in them and they speak and understand English well. With the primary president not attending for so long now, and the second counselor so sporadic in her attendance, we can give others the opportunity to serve. It would take time to train them, but if it helped them grow in the gospel and they would be there every week, it would be so worth all the time it would take. It seems like the children are understanding me more and more and love the stories from the scriptures and singing. Sister Duodu is enjoying teaching the small group of young children using the nursery manual and I see how much more confident she is becoming.
Well, it has been a good week, went fast, but was good. It was good to have the Scovilles arrive safely. They may be moving to another apartment, as theirs was broken into while they were gone and had quite a bit stolen. It was quite isolated, but having never been there, I am not sure what that means. We will have to visit them sometime and see what is up in their 'neck of the woods'.
I know I have said it before, but I am learning so much from this experience and it has changed me in so many ways. Even though I miss out on so much with my family, I am glad for the opportunity to better myself and which I probably would not get in any other place than here in Africa. I just simply feel blessed!
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
Angela graduated from UVU this Spring in Behavioral Science, with a focus on parent/children counseling(she needs to correct me if I don't have it quite right). She has been working at facility called "Kids on the Move" and has advanced in positions in her employment there. She recently applied for a position that is for parent/child counseling and we just received word that she got the job. We are so happy for her and Dave and feel this a great blessing in their lives. She and Naomi both have recently attended Girl's camp and I just feel blessed that they sacrifice their time to strengthen the youth of their wards.
Jason just graduated from SUU in the nursing program and passed the State test soon after. After a back-packing trip to unwind from the intense schooling, he applied for jobs(even in Caliente), and was hired at the Red Cliffs Health and Rehabilitation in St. George. He will be in orientation this week and will update us more to his responsibilities. He is excited about the vocation he has chosen and we just feel blessed as his parents.
Nolan has advanced the motel to where people can make reservations online now. Those who are familiar with Caliente and his and Teva's motel, would be in awe of the improvements they have made. The office remodeling is a dream come true of mine and actually better than what I dreamed. They have continually made improvements and I feel blessed to see a family business, that my parents started, be of such high quality.
Ryan will soon be starting his last year of his Master's program. I need to have him put in writing the details of this program because I am not remembering. He graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Psychology, so it is in that field somewhere, even if I don't have it quite right. I am so impressed with his continuing with school to accomplish his goals.
I appreciate being able to talk about some of my children and could go on more about all of them and their accomplishments. My grandchildren have amazed me with their abilities and how they are applying what they are learning to their lives. I just feel so blessed and I just needed to share it.
We attended the temple Saturday with the Senchi Branch. They had two sisters and one brother who received their own endowments, and 15 youth who did baptisms for the dead.There were many who attended the session also.What a choice experience for them and for us. What an accomplishment to come that far to attend the 10:30 session, with all that that entails, and then the trip back in trotros. The branch plans these trips twice a year and that is challenging for them financially. But it could be much farther, so what a blessing to have a temple this close to them.
Lucas and Agatha Dovi, who were baptized last week with their three sons,Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were all confirmed today. Lucas and his sons received the Aaronic Priesthood today and then after meetings, Lucas was able to baptize his daughter Esther. With the gentle encouragement of Elder Dayley, he did a great job. Lucas and Agatha need to have callings as I see such potential in them and they speak and understand English well. With the primary president not attending for so long now, and the second counselor so sporadic in her attendance, we can give others the opportunity to serve. It would take time to train them, but if it helped them grow in the gospel and they would be there every week, it would be so worth all the time it would take. It seems like the children are understanding me more and more and love the stories from the scriptures and singing. Sister Duodu is enjoying teaching the small group of young children using the nursery manual and I see how much more confident she is becoming.
Well, it has been a good week, went fast, but was good. It was good to have the Scovilles arrive safely. They may be moving to another apartment, as theirs was broken into while they were gone and had quite a bit stolen. It was quite isolated, but having never been there, I am not sure what that means. We will have to visit them sometime and see what is up in their 'neck of the woods'.
I know I have said it before, but I am learning so much from this experience and it has changed me in so many ways. Even though I miss out on so much with my family, I am glad for the opportunity to better myself and which I probably would not get in any other place than here in Africa. I just simply feel blessed!
With love,
Sister Avery (mom,grandma)
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