From July 25, 2011:
In response to one of Mom's question -Ya it's hot here all the time. I tend to drink up to ten liters a day. The weather is cooler in general as of late, but when the heat does come it kills. It will put you in a cranky mood if one isn't careful.
Well for a weekly recap, on Wednesday I interviewed two people for baptism for Saturday. It was fun to talk to them and develop a relationship with them.
Thursday I awoke from my slumber sick. I assume it was some food we ate the previous day for dinner because Elder Moses was running. I felt nauseated, had a slight fever and was also runny. As a result I stayed in the apartment all day spending most of the time lying on the bed. I took the time to start my new journal having filled the first with just under ten months of memories. It was fun to open up the new one and I'm excited to see how it will develop it's own personality from the memories contained within.
Friday was characterized by sitting at an investigator's place and when I brought up that she will be interviewed for baptism on Sunday, her husband who previously gave his consent, became angered with the comment resulting in a feeling of contention and a retraction of the woman being baptized. I felt bad because whatever resulted after we left was from my comment.
Saturday the gym we go to has a group running session on Saturday mornings and because Elder Mutuku and I are the only ones in the apartment with proper running footwear, we were sent to represent the group. The running was fun even though Elder Mutuku fell and cut his knee. I would like to continue going on Saturdays, but Elder Mutuku has retracted his interest on doing so. We have been going to this gym for around three weeks now and it's fun to exercise again. After the running, Elder Moses and I had a baptism for a granddaughter of a member named Ofeibea Thompson (11).
Sunday I hit my 10th month mark in Ghana.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
From July 18, 2011: Propane; Rainy Season Continues.....Ahhhh; Boiling Water.....Nasty
From July 18, 2011:
Tuesday I woke up to find that our propane tank had been used up. In Ghana the two most common sources of cooking fuel is coal and propane. The only issue with propane is finding a filling station when the tank runs out. Elder Acquah and Elder Mutuku went searching for a place, but returned to inform us that the two places they checked didn't have any gas apparently due to a national gas shortage. Our distress was cut short thankfully, by being able to find a filling station with gas allowing us to continue cooking the next day. Aside from no gas the only thing to mention is that recently at night I have been feeling the colder weather due to the rainy season. It's quite nice and even though in comparison to the temperature back home it would still be considered hot.
Thursday we were riding when Elder Moses spotted a father of some members so we stopped to say hello. Even from a distance it was apparent he had undergone some physical problems by the pink skin color indicating a new layer of skin. From talking to the man we found out that the former wife had tricked him to coming over to her house so she could throw boiling water at him. The water burned his chest and arms thankfully missing his face. He was still in pain from the incident over a week ago and it was definitely a memorable coversation. The woman was taken by the police, but was currently out of jail by bribing the police with 200GHC ($150) to ignore the case.
Friday my zone met the new mission president and his wife, President and Sister Judd. The two were clearly excited about being in Ghana and were wanting to pick up the culture. President Judd and his wife are from Utah. before coming to Ghana he was a professor or ancient scripture at BYU-Idaho and then BYU (Provo). His previous church calling was a counselor in the General Sunday School Presidency. The two have very warm personalities, making jokes and possessing personalities that one can't help but love.
Saturday and Sunday were characterized by the unusual occurrence of naked people peeing into the gutter.
Tuesday I woke up to find that our propane tank had been used up. In Ghana the two most common sources of cooking fuel is coal and propane. The only issue with propane is finding a filling station when the tank runs out. Elder Acquah and Elder Mutuku went searching for a place, but returned to inform us that the two places they checked didn't have any gas apparently due to a national gas shortage. Our distress was cut short thankfully, by being able to find a filling station with gas allowing us to continue cooking the next day. Aside from no gas the only thing to mention is that recently at night I have been feeling the colder weather due to the rainy season. It's quite nice and even though in comparison to the temperature back home it would still be considered hot.
Thursday we were riding when Elder Moses spotted a father of some members so we stopped to say hello. Even from a distance it was apparent he had undergone some physical problems by the pink skin color indicating a new layer of skin. From talking to the man we found out that the former wife had tricked him to coming over to her house so she could throw boiling water at him. The water burned his chest and arms thankfully missing his face. He was still in pain from the incident over a week ago and it was definitely a memorable coversation. The woman was taken by the police, but was currently out of jail by bribing the police with 200GHC ($150) to ignore the case.
Friday my zone met the new mission president and his wife, President and Sister Judd. The two were clearly excited about being in Ghana and were wanting to pick up the culture. President Judd and his wife are from Utah. before coming to Ghana he was a professor or ancient scripture at BYU-Idaho and then BYU (Provo). His previous church calling was a counselor in the General Sunday School Presidency. The two have very warm personalities, making jokes and possessing personalities that one can't help but love.
Saturday and Sunday were characterized by the unusual occurrence of naked people peeing into the gutter.
From July 11, 2011: Traditionally Low Profile Birthday Boy; Walking as Bike Gets Fixed; Dinner with the Ward Mission Leader
From July, 11, 2011:
Well for a weekly recap, my bike had some problems and was being fixed Monday through Saturday resulting in Elder Moses and I doing a lot of walking. The positive about walking is the ability to talk to Elder Moses more. Aside from that walking isn't much fun, it's more hot to walk around than it is to bike and we don't get the chance to be as productive as we would be on bike.
On Tuesday I turned 20. it was an interesting feeling being here on my birthday. I spent some time thinking what it would be like to be at home for it. It was a good day.
Friday when we were walking a crazy man came up and walked beside us for several minutes mumbling. There seems to be certain defects common here such as lazy eye, bow legs, and mad people. I don't know if it is hereditary or some other answer.
Saturday as I mentioned before we picked up my bike from being repaired. in the evening the ward mission leader, Abraham had told us (Elder Acquah, Mutuku, Moses, and I) about a dinner he would be feeding us with the help of a few other members. When we arrived there were just the three people helping cook, but after some small time we were joined by other members eating rice balls, ebba (ground casava in a sticky ball form when combined with water) and some ground nut (peanut butter) soup complimented with fish. we enjoyed the meal, ate fruit, and socialized with the other people there creating a feeling of just being at a party socializing with each other.
Sunday it rained and the apartment enjoyed its usual nightly conversations.
Well for a weekly recap, my bike had some problems and was being fixed Monday through Saturday resulting in Elder Moses and I doing a lot of walking. The positive about walking is the ability to talk to Elder Moses more. Aside from that walking isn't much fun, it's more hot to walk around than it is to bike and we don't get the chance to be as productive as we would be on bike.
On Tuesday I turned 20. it was an interesting feeling being here on my birthday. I spent some time thinking what it would be like to be at home for it. It was a good day.
Friday when we were walking a crazy man came up and walked beside us for several minutes mumbling. There seems to be certain defects common here such as lazy eye, bow legs, and mad people. I don't know if it is hereditary or some other answer.
Saturday as I mentioned before we picked up my bike from being repaired. in the evening the ward mission leader, Abraham had told us (Elder Acquah, Mutuku, Moses, and I) about a dinner he would be feeding us with the help of a few other members. When we arrived there were just the three people helping cook, but after some small time we were joined by other members eating rice balls, ebba (ground casava in a sticky ball form when combined with water) and some ground nut (peanut butter) soup complimented with fish. we enjoyed the meal, ate fruit, and socialized with the other people there creating a feeling of just being at a party socializing with each other.
Sunday it rained and the apartment enjoyed its usual nightly conversations.
From July 4, 2011: Now Sharing Apartment with 3 Africans; President Smith Leaves and President Judd Arrives; Cement Weights
From July 4, 2011:
On Tuesday the apartment spent time talking about the mission and the subject came up on how the African missionaries feel that the white missionaries are favored. It was an interesting subject to listen to as the three other missionares in the apartment, who are Africans, share their feelings on the subject which I could tell there were some bitter feelings. I have never noticed the situation much before (I figure it is because I'm apparently the favored of the two groups and it wouldn't stand out to me). After the conversation ended Elder Moses and I later in the week had our own version of it and I'm starting to see some of what they are talking about. I guess it's just one of the things with living in an all African apartment. Aside from this conversation the only other thing for note was that a drunk, shirtless man stopped Elder Moses and I on the road and proceeded to give me a hug because I was a missionary. Unlike any other person, I proceeded to also give the man a hug, smelling his wafting body odor.
Wednesday President Smith left Ghana to be replaced by the new mission president and his wife, President and Sister Judd. There have been several missionaries around my area that have met him and they speak of him as a hero and all of the good changes he is making to the mission so we will see what happens. President Judd seems like a good pick for the mission. He has a PhD in psychology and used to teach some scriptural history class at BYU.
Thursday Elder Moses and I picked up some weights I bought made from cement. We have continued to use them and it's a nice refreshing feeling to lift weights.
From June 27, 2011: Nine aMonths; Elder Acquah Replaces Elder Acquah
From June 27, 2011:
Monday was Elder Titus's last day in the mission field before he went to the mission home before his flight to Nigeria. When he was packing it appeared that he only had planned to bring home a few bracelets while he was packing hangers and other various things like sun screen. To some degree it's the culture difference for wondering why he wouldn't want to bring home African stuff, that I was excited to pack myself.
Early Tuesday Elder Titus left leaving Elder Mutuku to join Elder Moses and I until we picked up his new companion one of my old zone leaders from the Nungua zone, Elder Acquah. Elder Acquah is from Ghana and will be finishing his mission in three months.
The three of us went to pick up Elder Acquah on Wednesday and after loosing Elder Mutuku in Accra we were able to meet up and arrive at the mission home where we had fun socializing with other missionary friends. Elder Acquah brought a dumbbell from another area so it has been good to use use it.
Friday I hit nine months
Saturday Elder Moses and I had a baptism in Jones Gbor. He is a smart guy and has a member friend in another town that gave him a church magazine to read. Later in the day I came across a house that had a pair of five finger shoes. I was suprised to see them here and went to ask where the owner bought them because I want a pair. Apparently they were bought in Ivory Coast so it was disappointing
Sunday after church a missionary that is going home named Elder Clufford from Idaho had his family pick him up, and one of the stops for them was to visit the Alajo apartment. His family was two brothers and his parents. It was an odd experience to talk to them. They still had the Americaness still in them.
Monday was Elder Titus's last day in the mission field before he went to the mission home before his flight to Nigeria. When he was packing it appeared that he only had planned to bring home a few bracelets while he was packing hangers and other various things like sun screen. To some degree it's the culture difference for wondering why he wouldn't want to bring home African stuff, that I was excited to pack myself.
Early Tuesday Elder Titus left leaving Elder Mutuku to join Elder Moses and I until we picked up his new companion one of my old zone leaders from the Nungua zone, Elder Acquah. Elder Acquah is from Ghana and will be finishing his mission in three months.
The three of us went to pick up Elder Acquah on Wednesday and after loosing Elder Mutuku in Accra we were able to meet up and arrive at the mission home where we had fun socializing with other missionary friends. Elder Acquah brought a dumbbell from another area so it has been good to use use it.
Friday I hit nine months
Saturday Elder Moses and I had a baptism in Jones Gbor. He is a smart guy and has a member friend in another town that gave him a church magazine to read. Later in the day I came across a house that had a pair of five finger shoes. I was suprised to see them here and went to ask where the owner bought them because I want a pair. Apparently they were bought in Ivory Coast so it was disappointing
Sunday after church a missionary that is going home named Elder Clufford from Idaho had his family pick him up, and one of the stops for them was to visit the Alajo apartment. His family was two brothers and his parents. It was an odd experience to talk to them. They still had the Americaness still in them.
From June 21, 2011: Not Much Love at Home Between Helena and Stephen; Seeing a Moped Wreck
From June 21, 2011:
I wasn't able to email yeaterday do to a network error in the
area.
On Wednesday Elder Moses and I were at Helena and Stephen's place.
When we approached them they were obviously in an argument, but they
insisted that we sit down and eat. To satisfy them we agreed, but with
time the argument of Helena (30) skipping classes at the fashion
design school with Stephen paying for the classes continued and heated up
with Helena insulting Stephen on more than one occasion and he went to hit
her. As a result, when they were going to swing at each other Elder
Moses and I had to step inbetween them and pull them apart. Currently
the two are more civilized with their actions, but every few weeks
there seems to be a dissagreement.
The only other noteworthy thing was on Thursday. On our way to the
church we crossed a large gutter, in effect a man made river with a
bridge available to cross over. The bridge is designed for human
traffic, but is frequently used by motercycles was well. On this
occasion we were walking on the bridge, geting to the steps while a
man on a moped was on the ramp and lost control of the bike having it
swerve off the ramp, onto the stairs, hitting the railing, and as a
result hit a young boy several feet in front of us. The boy started to
cry and was taken off of the bridge, but appeared to be fine. The man
on the mopen spend his time forcing his bike out from the dented
railing and the last I saw of him was when he was able to get the bike
out. It was quite an interesting experience.
Sunday was Elder Titu's last Sunday before he went home to Nigeria.
He has currently left the apartment, waiting at the mission home
for his flight.
.jpg)
I wasn't able to email yeaterday do to a network error in the
area.
On Wednesday Elder Moses and I were at Helena and Stephen's place.
When we approached them they were obviously in an argument, but they
insisted that we sit down and eat. To satisfy them we agreed, but with
time the argument of Helena (30) skipping classes at the fashion
design school with Stephen paying for the classes continued and heated up
with Helena insulting Stephen on more than one occasion and he went to hit
her. As a result, when they were going to swing at each other Elder
Moses and I had to step inbetween them and pull them apart. Currently
the two are more civilized with their actions, but every few weeks
there seems to be a dissagreement.
The only other noteworthy thing was on Thursday. On our way to the
church we crossed a large gutter, in effect a man made river with a
bridge available to cross over. The bridge is designed for human
traffic, but is frequently used by motercycles was well. On this
occasion we were walking on the bridge, geting to the steps while a
man on a moped was on the ramp and lost control of the bike having it
swerve off the ramp, onto the stairs, hitting the railing, and as a
result hit a young boy several feet in front of us. The boy started to
cry and was taken off of the bridge, but appeared to be fine. The man
on the mopen spend his time forcing his bike out from the dented
railing and the last I saw of him was when he was able to get the bike
out. It was quite an interesting experience.
Sunday was Elder Titu's last Sunday before he went home to Nigeria.
He has currently left the apartment, waiting at the mission home
for his flight.
.jpg)
From June 13, 2011: Driving Bonku; Church Misconceptions; Paul Booren Served in the Same Ward
From June 13, 2011:
Well for the week on Wednesday I mashed some palm nuts using a variation of a large mortar and pestle or like a butter churn, but in a smashing motion and driving bonku for some people. The driving itself is like stirring a big pot, but is done with the legs holding down two iron rods attached to a pot over coal to hold down the pot when one drives.
Friday I took out one of my Twi books that I have and started to learn more on my own. Elder Moses knows quite a lot and helped me learn some phrases and I'm learning quite a lot more of the language now which is enjoyable.
Saturday Elder Moses and I were to have a baptism for a member's sister, Nathalia. When we arrived at the house we realized that Nathalia (10) was upset and wouldn't talk. Nathalia's brother, Valentine (21) told us that the father's boss told him that we use black magic to get money and that we drink blood. As a result the father said that she can't attend the church anymore. While the father was acting out of a caring manner, I find it amazing that people here think we drink blood at church. While we were there we would have liked to help the father to resolve the issue after Valentine had tried, but the father told the family to tell us that he wasn't at home while he was hiding in his house. After that in the morning we learned that some missionaries disregarded several rules of the mission which are there for various reasons. Currently the are waiting to hear back if they will be sent home. The mission has 140 missionaries so it will be interesting to see what will result from these things.
Sunday it rained so it prevented many people from coming to church. The noteworthy subject of the day was that there is a return missionary in the ward that served in this mission. We were talking about other missionaries that have gone home and we both knew of an Elder Paul Booren. Paul was in the same ward and school when we lived in Oregon.
Well for the week on Wednesday I mashed some palm nuts using a variation of a large mortar and pestle or like a butter churn, but in a smashing motion and driving bonku for some people. The driving itself is like stirring a big pot, but is done with the legs holding down two iron rods attached to a pot over coal to hold down the pot when one drives.
Friday I took out one of my Twi books that I have and started to learn more on my own. Elder Moses knows quite a lot and helped me learn some phrases and I'm learning quite a lot more of the language now which is enjoyable.
Saturday Elder Moses and I were to have a baptism for a member's sister, Nathalia. When we arrived at the house we realized that Nathalia (10) was upset and wouldn't talk. Nathalia's brother, Valentine (21) told us that the father's boss told him that we use black magic to get money and that we drink blood. As a result the father said that she can't attend the church anymore. While the father was acting out of a caring manner, I find it amazing that people here think we drink blood at church. While we were there we would have liked to help the father to resolve the issue after Valentine had tried, but the father told the family to tell us that he wasn't at home while he was hiding in his house. After that in the morning we learned that some missionaries disregarded several rules of the mission which are there for various reasons. Currently the are waiting to hear back if they will be sent home. The mission has 140 missionaries so it will be interesting to see what will result from these things.
Sunday it rained so it prevented many people from coming to church. The noteworthy subject of the day was that there is a return missionary in the ward that served in this mission. We were talking about other missionaries that have gone home and we both knew of an Elder Paul Booren. Paul was in the same ward and school when we lived in Oregon.
From June 6, 2011: Jonathan Addo Going to the Temple (Sweet!); SISTER Shaves Face Before Mission hmmm; Handing Out Over 100 Pamphlets and 20 Book of Mormons
From June 6, 2011:
Well on Monday I got a haircut. The only reason I am mentioning this that it wasn't a normal haircut. Whenever I go and specify what I desire from the barber he always nods his head and it is only after he starts cutting that I realize that he was only pretending to understand the English and what I asked for. This barber was skilled so I will go back to him to take the sides down in two weeks, but anyway, when he finished with the clippers he then took a razor blade and held it up to a comb to even the hair out. It was an interesting experience. Durring the day I received a call from a man that I baptized named Johnathan Addo. He called me to let me know that he received the Melchizedek Priestood and will be going to the temple for the first time. What really stood out to me from the conversation is that Johnathan thanked me for getting him on the path.
On Tuesday we went to a sister missionary having her farewell before she went to her mission in Nigeria. It brought back memories of my own farewell. What I realized was that the sister had shaved her face for the event-Now that I have your attention I'll tell the full story. The Africans seems to have more testosterone in their body because there are many women here with a female version of a beard and some chest hair. This particular sister was particularly hairy and it was noticeable when she shaved. Now the best part about this story is that Elder Titus, a Nigerian told me that before his mission he used to like the hair because he enjoyed stroking it like fur.
Friday our zone had interviews with president Smith. It was probably the last time I will see him before he goes home at the end of the month and the new mission president comes. On the way back to our area we went into an area in the city called circle. While we were looking for a tro tro to take us back we were able to walk around handing out over 100 pamphlets and 20 Book Of Mormons to people we passed. It was a lot of fun.
Sunday the apartment went to eat at an investigators house and Elder Mutuku from Kenya told us about how the country is and how giraffes walk through the roads there and how the people would encounter all of the stereotypical African animals as a normal occurrence. Kenya sounds so cool.
Well on Monday I got a haircut. The only reason I am mentioning this that it wasn't a normal haircut. Whenever I go and specify what I desire from the barber he always nods his head and it is only after he starts cutting that I realize that he was only pretending to understand the English and what I asked for. This barber was skilled so I will go back to him to take the sides down in two weeks, but anyway, when he finished with the clippers he then took a razor blade and held it up to a comb to even the hair out. It was an interesting experience. Durring the day I received a call from a man that I baptized named Johnathan Addo. He called me to let me know that he received the Melchizedek Priestood and will be going to the temple for the first time. What really stood out to me from the conversation is that Johnathan thanked me for getting him on the path.
On Tuesday we went to a sister missionary having her farewell before she went to her mission in Nigeria. It brought back memories of my own farewell. What I realized was that the sister had shaved her face for the event-Now that I have your attention I'll tell the full story. The Africans seems to have more testosterone in their body because there are many women here with a female version of a beard and some chest hair. This particular sister was particularly hairy and it was noticeable when she shaved. Now the best part about this story is that Elder Titus, a Nigerian told me that before his mission he used to like the hair because he enjoyed stroking it like fur.
Friday our zone had interviews with president Smith. It was probably the last time I will see him before he goes home at the end of the month and the new mission president comes. On the way back to our area we went into an area in the city called circle. While we were looking for a tro tro to take us back we were able to walk around handing out over 100 pamphlets and 20 Book Of Mormons to people we passed. It was a lot of fun.
Sunday the apartment went to eat at an investigators house and Elder Mutuku from Kenya told us about how the country is and how giraffes walk through the roads there and how the people would encounter all of the stereotypical African animals as a normal occurrence. Kenya sounds so cool.
From May 30, 2011: Eight Months in Ghana
From May 30, 2011:
Well for Monday I came across Football Club Of Barcalona's new season jerseys so I was happy about that. They also beat Manchester United on a post season final making them the best football team in Europe. I figure that this isn't a big deal for anyone in the states, but I enjoy supporting my team. Elder Moses and I were fed by a member later that night and the meal included boiled chicken in the soup. I want to take some time to tell you how I do not enjoy boiled chicken. The skin is rubbery and it doesn't taste as nice as it would be if it was grilled over the coals here.
Tuesday I hit eight months in Ghana. 1/3 of the time has gone by. Elder Moses and I have been able to become closer this week which is good. I have been implementing charity when I can so with making myself feel good we are able to develop a greater friendship. We went to Helena's and Stephens place where they were arguing about how when Helena cut their phone conversation because she had low battery and then didn't prepare dinner for him when he got home. I didn't enjoy being there sitting there listening to them argue in Twi. We eventually left which I realized wasn't a good idea after the fact because Helena said things became more heated. While I helped Helena wash dishes one night she told me that after she graduates from fashion school Stephen is helping to pay for she will leave him. I'm very confused on the relationship the two have. At most they are traditionally married. I forgot to mention this, but in the morning we were at the church and there was a man a little older than us telling us he is from Nigeria and was helped to go to school in Ghana by a Roman Catholic clergy man. Eventually with the help of another clergy man he traveled several hours to Accra looking for work and came to the church asking for a place to stay and employment. We had him talk to a woman at the West Africa Area Office about some training and that is the last we heard of him. It was an interesting situation. I'm confused on why the person came to Ghana with only with a hiking backpack to live from and why the clergy men sent him to various cities for his aid. I'm sure we didn't get the whole story either. As my time here goes on I have spent more of it recently cooking the Ghanaian dishes. In reality these foods are simple to make, but it's fun to do. I enjoy making stew that is put on rice or other foods here and Waache basically a mix of rice and beans cooked together. I have been making some fried dough though that resembles a tortilla to eat the waache and stew in making it more of an experience.
Sunday we went to church and I had fun socializing with the members. We had an investigator named Linda that came 4 hours late with her two young sisters, one being a toddler and the other a few months old. We became confused when all she wanted to do was to see the church and sit outside. Linda's English isn't great so all I could get from her was that there was a problem at the house and she couldn't go back until the next day so she would go to her relative for the night. The experience was a good opportunity to view the difference of communication between Africans and Westerners. The African was asking questions and expecting an immediate response and if no response was given they would continue to ask the same question or say "hu?" every few seconds of silence. For the Western approach we asked a question in a situation where there wasn't any pressure and waited for a response having Linda feel at ease.
Well for Monday I came across Football Club Of Barcalona's new season jerseys so I was happy about that. They also beat Manchester United on a post season final making them the best football team in Europe. I figure that this isn't a big deal for anyone in the states, but I enjoy supporting my team. Elder Moses and I were fed by a member later that night and the meal included boiled chicken in the soup. I want to take some time to tell you how I do not enjoy boiled chicken. The skin is rubbery and it doesn't taste as nice as it would be if it was grilled over the coals here.
Tuesday I hit eight months in Ghana. 1/3 of the time has gone by. Elder Moses and I have been able to become closer this week which is good. I have been implementing charity when I can so with making myself feel good we are able to develop a greater friendship. We went to Helena's and Stephens place where they were arguing about how when Helena cut their phone conversation because she had low battery and then didn't prepare dinner for him when he got home. I didn't enjoy being there sitting there listening to them argue in Twi. We eventually left which I realized wasn't a good idea after the fact because Helena said things became more heated. While I helped Helena wash dishes one night she told me that after she graduates from fashion school Stephen is helping to pay for she will leave him. I'm very confused on the relationship the two have. At most they are traditionally married. I forgot to mention this, but in the morning we were at the church and there was a man a little older than us telling us he is from Nigeria and was helped to go to school in Ghana by a Roman Catholic clergy man. Eventually with the help of another clergy man he traveled several hours to Accra looking for work and came to the church asking for a place to stay and employment. We had him talk to a woman at the West Africa Area Office about some training and that is the last we heard of him. It was an interesting situation. I'm confused on why the person came to Ghana with only with a hiking backpack to live from and why the clergy men sent him to various cities for his aid. I'm sure we didn't get the whole story either. As my time here goes on I have spent more of it recently cooking the Ghanaian dishes. In reality these foods are simple to make, but it's fun to do. I enjoy making stew that is put on rice or other foods here and Waache basically a mix of rice and beans cooked together. I have been making some fried dough though that resembles a tortilla to eat the waache and stew in making it more of an experience.
Sunday we went to church and I had fun socializing with the members. We had an investigator named Linda that came 4 hours late with her two young sisters, one being a toddler and the other a few months old. We became confused when all she wanted to do was to see the church and sit outside. Linda's English isn't great so all I could get from her was that there was a problem at the house and she couldn't go back until the next day so she would go to her relative for the night. The experience was a good opportunity to view the difference of communication between Africans and Westerners. The African was asking questions and expecting an immediate response and if no response was given they would continue to ask the same question or say "hu?" every few seconds of silence. For the Western approach we asked a question in a situation where there wasn't any pressure and waited for a response having Linda feel at ease.
From May 23. 2011: New Companion Elder Moses; Rainy Season; Washing, Cooking, Cleaning
From May 23, 2011:
Well on Monday Elder Chambers was informed that he would be leaving Alajo and be sent to Teshie (the area I had previously served in) that day making another emergency transfer. My new companion is Elder Moses. Elder Moses is 27 and from Sierra Lieon (however it's spelled). I came to find that while Elder Moses was in Teshie serving with an Elder Wardle from Wilsonvile, Oregon they had done some things contrary to the mission outline and eventually frustrated the landlord that he called the mission president with his complaints so as a result all of the four missionaries in the apartment were transferred out. Oh and Elder Moses has been on his mission for 18 months.
Elder Moses and I were at our investigators Helena and Stephen on Wednesday when they turned on the TV to watch some religious music videos. I found them very unappealing with their claiming to be religious artists because I was not able to feel uplifted with the heavy rapping and metal rock melodies.
Thursday was a rainy day and as result we walked for half the day and got our bikes later. The rainy season is here so it drives the temperature down making the Ghana sun more bearable. I think the rain will stop in a month or two so it will get hot again.
On Friday Elder Moses claimed it was too hot to go out to teach at 10 and wanted to know if I would want to stay inside for a bit while the sun reduced. We left on time, but | do find it interesting that everyone in Ghana says it's too hot, while the Westerners do go out the Africans tend to not want to go outside.
Our investigator, Helena was in a depressed mood when we came by on Saturday so we spent some time visiting with her and helped cook some rice and stew with her. it was fun cooking and cleaning the dishes. I find washing peoples clothes and dishes much more fun than some other stuff we do here. Helena came to church too on Sunday so that was good. I have come to realize that while my washing for people creates laughs and opens people up to our message if I do it too much the other natives around may judge the people we are providing service for because I am a visitor and according to them manual work isn't good for me to do. While I can understand that I am a visitor in the country, I'm not a fan of people telling me that I can't do manual service like wash, cook, and clean because I am white.
On Sunday I went on a split with the Zone Leader, Elder Thomas to the Newtown area for him to do baptisim interviews so I had fun seeing a different area of Accra.
Well on Monday Elder Chambers was informed that he would be leaving Alajo and be sent to Teshie (the area I had previously served in) that day making another emergency transfer. My new companion is Elder Moses. Elder Moses is 27 and from Sierra Lieon (however it's spelled). I came to find that while Elder Moses was in Teshie serving with an Elder Wardle from Wilsonvile, Oregon they had done some things contrary to the mission outline and eventually frustrated the landlord that he called the mission president with his complaints so as a result all of the four missionaries in the apartment were transferred out. Oh and Elder Moses has been on his mission for 18 months.
Elder Moses and I were at our investigators Helena and Stephen on Wednesday when they turned on the TV to watch some religious music videos. I found them very unappealing with their claiming to be religious artists because I was not able to feel uplifted with the heavy rapping and metal rock melodies.
Thursday was a rainy day and as result we walked for half the day and got our bikes later. The rainy season is here so it drives the temperature down making the Ghana sun more bearable. I think the rain will stop in a month or two so it will get hot again.
On Friday Elder Moses claimed it was too hot to go out to teach at 10 and wanted to know if I would want to stay inside for a bit while the sun reduced. We left on time, but | do find it interesting that everyone in Ghana says it's too hot, while the Westerners do go out the Africans tend to not want to go outside.
Our investigator, Helena was in a depressed mood when we came by on Saturday so we spent some time visiting with her and helped cook some rice and stew with her. it was fun cooking and cleaning the dishes. I find washing peoples clothes and dishes much more fun than some other stuff we do here. Helena came to church too on Sunday so that was good. I have come to realize that while my washing for people creates laughs and opens people up to our message if I do it too much the other natives around may judge the people we are providing service for because I am a visitor and according to them manual work isn't good for me to do. While I can understand that I am a visitor in the country, I'm not a fan of people telling me that I can't do manual service like wash, cook, and clean because I am white.
On Sunday I went on a split with the Zone Leader, Elder Thomas to the Newtown area for him to do baptisim interviews so I had fun seeing a different area of Accra.
From May 16, 2011: Mom is FINALLY Back in the Posting Saddle!!!; Waayke; Eating, Eating, Eating.....; Not So Reverent Sacrament Meeting
From May 16, 2011
Monday was a good day with Elder Chambers, and it has been fun to serve with him. While I was waiting for him to finish emailing I was having a lot of fun watching the person next to me in the cafe. It was this male a bit older than me in some chat room with a woman who had a web camera. The woman was a large build in her mid to late 50s. If that wasn't captivating enough the man was copying and pasting love quotes from another web page to the chat box and the correspondence was basically the ridiculous stereotypical stuff said in chat rooms by people who develop the addiction of chatting to people online. I found it sad that there are people in the world that spend their whole free time online speaking and developing relationships with people they have never met rather than to go interact with people on a healthy social level.
Tuesday is the scheduled transfer notification day and we were informed that Elder Hunsaker will be leaving and replaced with Elder Mutuku from Kenya. Elder Mutuku has been in Ghana for just over 13 months. Elder Mutuku and I were in the same zone when I served in Teshie with Elder Orchard. He is a good guy. For Elder Chambers, he is from Columbus Ohio. He has been in Ghana for a year and a half, graduated from high school in 2008 and attended a year of BYU before he came on his mission.
Elder Mutuku came on Wednesday. Elder Chambers and I also were able to teach a man named Aramah who is dealing with removing alcohol from his life. He said he was able to go to a funeral and not take a drink. He was very excited about his ability to resist and said he was fully committed to being baptized. It was sweet seeing him so excited about his ability to resist drinking and to see the progress he is making.
Saturday Elder Chambers and I went to a woman in the ward for her to teach us how to make waakye. Waakye is basically beans and rice cooked together and then eaten with peppe. I plan to try and make it. I figure it will be another thing I can actually cook at home when people want something African to eat. When we got back to the apartment from cooking it started to rain hindering the ability to see our scheduled appointments. Elder Chambers and I had a lot of fun walking through the rain though. After the rain stopped we went to our investigators named Steven and Helina. When we go and teach them they always feed us rice with some stew. It is very good food, but they always make too much rice. The meal starts with us four eating, but soon the wife becomes full and several minutes later so does the husband. As a result Elder Chambers and I are then forced to eat the remaining portion as we are much too satisfied and are resisting the urge to vomit. It's frustrating to have the couple keep preparing the same quantity of rice when we all know that even though Steven says we can always stop eating, he expects us to finish the food. Oh well, in reality it isn't a bad thing at all except when we are at the point of bursting with rice. Another thing I had thought about was the life style of married people here. The wife will be the sole one washing, cooking, and cleaning while the husband sits in a chair. As a result I like to help whoever is doing chores even though more often than not it requires me being tricky to help. I look forward to the chance of returning home and helping in the house I live in. I like to clean.
For Sunday we had investigators at church which was nice. There was a baby running around during sacrament meeting and eventually made his way to the sacrament table, pulling off the cover and causing the trays to fall on the ground during a talk which wasn't nice.
Monday was a good day with Elder Chambers, and it has been fun to serve with him. While I was waiting for him to finish emailing I was having a lot of fun watching the person next to me in the cafe. It was this male a bit older than me in some chat room with a woman who had a web camera. The woman was a large build in her mid to late 50s. If that wasn't captivating enough the man was copying and pasting love quotes from another web page to the chat box and the correspondence was basically the ridiculous stereotypical stuff said in chat rooms by people who develop the addiction of chatting to people online. I found it sad that there are people in the world that spend their whole free time online speaking and developing relationships with people they have never met rather than to go interact with people on a healthy social level.
Tuesday is the scheduled transfer notification day and we were informed that Elder Hunsaker will be leaving and replaced with Elder Mutuku from Kenya. Elder Mutuku has been in Ghana for just over 13 months. Elder Mutuku and I were in the same zone when I served in Teshie with Elder Orchard. He is a good guy. For Elder Chambers, he is from Columbus Ohio. He has been in Ghana for a year and a half, graduated from high school in 2008 and attended a year of BYU before he came on his mission.
Elder Mutuku came on Wednesday. Elder Chambers and I also were able to teach a man named Aramah who is dealing with removing alcohol from his life. He said he was able to go to a funeral and not take a drink. He was very excited about his ability to resist and said he was fully committed to being baptized. It was sweet seeing him so excited about his ability to resist drinking and to see the progress he is making.
Saturday Elder Chambers and I went to a woman in the ward for her to teach us how to make waakye. Waakye is basically beans and rice cooked together and then eaten with peppe. I plan to try and make it. I figure it will be another thing I can actually cook at home when people want something African to eat. When we got back to the apartment from cooking it started to rain hindering the ability to see our scheduled appointments. Elder Chambers and I had a lot of fun walking through the rain though. After the rain stopped we went to our investigators named Steven and Helina. When we go and teach them they always feed us rice with some stew. It is very good food, but they always make too much rice. The meal starts with us four eating, but soon the wife becomes full and several minutes later so does the husband. As a result Elder Chambers and I are then forced to eat the remaining portion as we are much too satisfied and are resisting the urge to vomit. It's frustrating to have the couple keep preparing the same quantity of rice when we all know that even though Steven says we can always stop eating, he expects us to finish the food. Oh well, in reality it isn't a bad thing at all except when we are at the point of bursting with rice. Another thing I had thought about was the life style of married people here. The wife will be the sole one washing, cooking, and cleaning while the husband sits in a chair. As a result I like to help whoever is doing chores even though more often than not it requires me being tricky to help. I look forward to the chance of returning home and helping in the house I live in. I like to clean.
For Sunday we had investigators at church which was nice. There was a baby running around during sacrament meeting and eventually made his way to the sacrament table, pulling off the cover and causing the trays to fall on the ground during a talk which wasn't nice.
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