From June 25, 2012: Long Days But Calendar Numbers Moving; Kenya Stories Told by Kenyans; Striving to Improve as Companions

 For Monday evening Elder Achola and I split with Elder Sacket Ross and Elder John, Elder Ross from Colorado and Elder John from Nigeria. I took Elder John to Adenta and it was a good time with him. He is going to hit his six month soon and was in the same MTC group as Elder Cooley, the missionary I trained. He is from a place called Calabar in Nigeria, he is almost 23, a spunky, happy and generous missionary a head shorter that me. 
  Wednesday Elder Achola and I were back together and it was a long and hot day. The individual days are long, but the numbers on the calender are moving. Elder Achola also shared stories about leopards. antelope and Hippos from back home along with these people called night runners where it's apparently a group of people bewitched at night where they develop super human strength and vandalize homes at night. Stories about Kenya told by Kenyans are my favorite. 
 Thursday Elder Achola and I were talking about our companionship and it really helped open my eyes for how we have to improve. I felt like our companionship was one where we had lost our spark as missionaries and this conversation helped open understanding to what has happened. For the remaining days of the week we were able to make progress in our teaching though we have a long way to go as companions. We are learning and growing by the Lord's refinement process. I include a portion of my weekly email to President Judd 

"One blessing that is in the companionship is that when we do have our disagreements we always talk about it rather than just keeping it in. For us the week started off by us both lackluster, and while I feel we both knew it, it didn't hit me and rekindle that true work as a missionary until Elder Achola said how he had lost motivation in the area from when he had first come. Thankfully that conversation was at the beginning of the week giving us time to work for something better by the end of the week. All in all for us I can say we are both being tested striving to learn, but not really knowing what we are here to learn. I can say that this past week I have taken more effort with my prayers and that action I feel helped the progress this week. I do feel that everything I want to do or how I do things is the wrong way which quells my talents, but I know Elder Achola feels the same way. I was thinking of your email about a certain gift of the spirit called something along the lines of the gift of working together with those who have difference, I figure this is something I can learn from this companionship. Ultimately things will pick up when we are able to unlock the spirit in out companionship. We were talking about all of this yesterday and we know the potential of the area here and we have the feeling that once one of us leaves, the area will pick up. Now this is not a good thing to think about and I can say that this isn't what we are looking for (the easy way out) but we do see where we have to improve and we haven't given up hope and effort in making this area an example for out zone. One strength our area has now is that we, with the vision of Elder Achola, have been able to bring ward auxiliary members to our coordination- such as the relief society president. One thing I feel I am starting to enhance in my teaching from Elder Achola more is more of teaching people not lessons by not working to adapt the preplanned lesson to their individual needs, but to forsake it all together if that is what the spirit directs me to do so we can touch the investigators' hearts."

On Sunday we went to do a baptismal interview in New Legon for Elder Cosper and it was nice to see people from my old area. President Judd was also there to visit the ward and gave edifying remarks during sacrament meeting.

From June 18, 2012: Waterfalls; Elder Olumatete; Temple Trip and Interviews with President Judd; Rebuilding Ward Trust; Praying to Find what will Click

For Monday the district went to some waterfalls in Elder Jones' area. Elder Jones is finishing in a nice place called Dodowa. For me when I get to go there I get more of the "African" vibes. After going to the waterfalls I went on a 24 hour split with Elder Boaz Olumatete (24) from Kenya.  Elder Olumatete is a really sweet guy. He, as a mentioned before, worked in construction and lived on his own from the age of 17, but I found out that he drove 10 wheelers and drove a truck for the Kenyan Red Cross. He is short and is a humorous guy. Elder Olumatete is around 10 months on mission and I can see missionary mannerisms that I had when I was also ten months. Time has gone by and a lot of growth has happened too.
  For Wednesday our district, along with two others, went for interviews with President Judd, and a temple trip. We ran into our Ward Mission Leader who is just over a year in the church there too. I have been trying to help the companionship really click and for this past week there have been some tough times, but growth is being made, buckets full. Later that day we had a meeting with some ward members on the missionary work and the theme was clear with missionaries in the past not pulling their weight and acting as missionaries should. We need to rebuild ward member trust which I can see happening. 
  Thursday we had our meeting with the district leaders (once every six weeks) to learn and grow from each other. I was able to see Elder Cosper from my MTC group and another mission friend, Elder Ross. Things are doing much better this transfer. 
 I will omit the next few days by saying that I have been working on finding what will help Elder Achola and I click in the area. As I have talked to him this past week I have been more seriously searching for the answer through prayer, but there is a lot of work on my part still. Elder Achola is used to a lot of success and I get the feeling that right now as we strive to do better this transfer isn't what he was expecting. I know that once I am transferred things will pick up, but I don't want the solution to come from me being transferred. I don't want to leave the area under it's potential until I learn the lessons I am to learn from this experience.   

From June 11, 2012: Over Used Knees; Zone Leader Council; Striving to Improve

On Monday we went to the cafe and the market for some food stuffs.
While the market is hectic, I always enjoy the cultural experience.
Later in the evening we showed a family how to hold Family Home
Evening with bringing an investigator to it as well. Her name was
Angela and she lives next to this member family. Angela can't read,
but she is being well fellowshipped and came to church for her second
time this past Sunday.
 On Tuesday we went to get x-rays for my knees and it was a fun
experience as I have only been in a hospital on two other occasions.
The x-ray technician was an older man, very friendly, and we had some
fun conversations during my visit. There are no bone issues with my
knees and the mission doctor thinks that the issue is that they are
being over used, whatever that means.
 Thursday Elder Achola and I went into Accra for Zone Leaders
Council. ZLC is one of the highlights of my months recently. We talked
about how we can be better missionaries for the members and not to be
missionaries that people are burdened by. After ZLC we met and taught
a woman named Ruda at the church. I spent time thinking on where I
need to improve as a missionary and a person and I feel that I need to
be more humble. I also feel that I am spiritually immature compared to
Edler Achola so that will have to improve. As of now I feel that if I
can understand the importance of the message I have to share, then I
will be able to focus more in the lessons we teach and teach with more
power from the spirit. I feel that ELder Achola is miles ahead of me
and I need to do a better job to stay on pace.
 Saturday Elder Achola and I had another one of our conversations on
what we need to do better in and for our area. One of the main things
that came as a result was that he helped open my eyes to how I before,
and durring this transfer, were focusing on people who had issues
and were not able to progress. He helped open my eyes and I hope to be
able to keep up with his vision and at the very least try and obtain
some for myself too. In the day we also met with a man named Prince
who was to be baptized several months ago, but didn't come to his
baptism. He showed up at church on Sunday and he said for his cold
feet with the attempted baptism was due to feeling that he was being
rushed into things. We will work with him to develop a serious
testimony.
 Sunday we did interviews in New Legon (my former ward) and it was
good to see the growth in the ward. Elder Cosper is doing well there
and is working hard.

From June 4, 2012: Knee Brace; False Rumors

For this week I went on a split with Elder Tribe on Monday as his
companion, Elder Olumatete, was sick. So my companion, Elder Achola who
is also from Kenya, stayed with him. It was fun to get to know him
better. I also remember that my knee was causing problems for me so I
have been using another brace for a week on both knees. Hopefully it
gets better.
On Tuesday Elder Achola and I met with the Adenta Stake President. We
are working for a better month for the zone. Elder Achola is helping me
become a better missionary.
 Wednesday I received my second knee brace so that was good.
 Friday we were teaching a good lesson with an educated woman when a
man drove up and started yelling at us and the church because he
believed the false rumors of the church using back magic and drinking
blood. Needless to say he kicked us out of the house. It was an
interesting experience. I can't recall much and I don't have much in
my journal, but the apartment is good and we are working hard.

From May 28, 2012: Transfers, now with Elder Achola from Kenya

This week was good. Elder Lindsay was transferd and Elder Achola (23), from Kenya, is my new companion. He is at 14 months on his mission and has a reputation of hard work and to transform struggling areas into places of strength. His strength is definitely seeking for and using the spirit in lessons and I need to learn a lot from him. He is bringing many changes into our companionship, area, and zone, and while I honestly don't agree with all he says, I know it is the best thing to do because I know he is using the spirit.  I need to humble myself and allow the spirit to take control. We also had three other transfers in the district and in summary - removing all the Nigerians and replacing them with an Ethiopian and two Americans. One of the Americans is new to Ghana and is being trained by Elder Olumatete. Elder Tribe is from Lindon, Utah and is a really cool guy. It's fun to talk to him as I feel that we have many things in common. Investigators who came to church: Mary, her husband, and her two children came to church with the desire to see the bishop on what they can do in order to become civily married as Mary wants to join the church. The other man is named Joseph who learns a bit slower, but we feel that he feels the spirit of our message. Elder Achola is teaching me how to teach towards commitments in order to bring more people to church using the spirit. 
 I think that's all about my week. I know this transfer will be one of growth and success.

From May 21, 2012:

We have to do an interview now and the link may not be working
by the time we get back so this is me telling you if you don't get
another reply with more info I am okay.

From May 14, 2012: No Shaved Legs in Ghana; Elder Olumatete, the Value of Education; Mother's Day Calls

For Monday I decided I was excited to go to North Dakota.
 Tuesday Elder Lindsay and I went to visit the Achimota district meeting. We are working to strengthen all of the districts to improve the zone. I was able to see my former companion, Elder Macaulay who is training an Elder from California. On the way to Achimota we sat next to two girls who were here for a study abroad program from a school in New York. They were clearly embracing the Ghana culture as they clearly stopped shaving their legs. For lessons we taught an elderly man named La Tetteh who is very well educated as well as a family who is receptive. We are working to help the progress, but at the very least we feel good about the area. 
  On Thursday I had a good conversation with Elder Olumatete (24) from Kenya. We were talking about his life and how he had only finished junior high school. I figured that it may have been from a lack of money, but I was able to see how education here is so valuable. He was working in manual construction before he came and said if he would want to pursue his old desire of being a mechanical engineer, the schooling would take him ten years to finish. He said that window was closed. I told him about BYU-Idaho's program online through the church here to obtain a degree. That day we also met with a woman named Mary who previously told us that even though she knew the gospel was true, she wanted more time, but after just sitting down she told us that she would be ready for baptism on the 26th of this month. I am grateful to see how Elder Lindsay and I are working hard and how the Lord is blessing us.
  Sunday we were blessed to have six investigators at sacrament meeting. As it was Sunday and Mothers' Day, we missionaries got to call home. I called my dad, the rest of my family, and my brother, Ben, who is working in Tennessee. I really enjoyed talking to him and it was by far the best call home. 

From May 7, 2012: Multizone Conference on The Book of Mormon; Zone Leader Council; General Conference

This week for Tuesday we had a multizone conference where we were taught on the Book of Mormon and how to use it better. I can see how I have been able to have a greater love for the book and how I don't feel uncomfortable with it. After the meeting we were called by members of the church to take pictures for their civil wedding. It was a good experience and it helped bond us together. After this we had a meeting with the stake president to talk about missionary work for the zone. 

  Wednesday I can see that I have more missionary spirit with more quality teaching with the Book of Mormon and I feel that knowing I will stay until the 25th of September has helped with this and while I'm tired all the time, I'm happy for it. 

  Friday we had Zone Leader Council at the mission home and it was nice to be a part of a group that has a lot of time with President Judd and to be able to see many missionaries around the same time as me on the mission.

  Sunday we watched General Conference for church and we were able to have members help us bring four investigators to church. While we didn't have a whole lot of time for missionary work this week, Elder Lindsay and I had a blast.

From Apr. 30, 2012: Release Date Firmed Up - September 26

Sorting through details of release date and can't recall what went on last week...I plan to return on the 25th of September.  
I know I went on a split with Elder Cosper to show him the area of New Legon as I served there for 7 months. Elder Cosper is from my MTC and it was fun to spend time with him. Elder Lindsay and I are working hard and it's good to see the results. 

From Apr. 23, 2012: Seventies Visit; Two New Stakes Formed

Well I don't have much time today at cafe because we had a devotional with Elder Calister of the presidency of the seventy and Elder Evans of the seventy. Elder Evans is the uncle to my trainer, Elder Orchard. We had a stake conference last Sunday where all of the four stakes in Accra came together at the international conference center for the formation of two additional stakes. It was great to see people through my mission.

From Apr. 16, 2012: Zone Leader in Adenta

Monday evening I was called to replace Elder Jones as a zone leader and become companions with Elder Lindsay over the Adenta zone. As my previous area was 20 minutes away from my new one, it was convenient to take a taxi for 6GH to my new apartment. It was nice being called as Elder Andrew Kirk Lindsay's companion as we have served around each other, so it's fun serving with a friend. 
  Tuesday we were just told the transfer news where Elder Cosper would replace me. Elder Cosper came to the mission the same time as I did so it will be fun to serve around him too. 
  Wednesday I went to my new apartment and went to the mission home for transfers. Elder Lindsay is from Orem, Utah and came to Ghana six weeks before I did. The apartment is bult for six and is one of the only ones to have hot water. It's a nice place just like New Legon. Along with Elder Lindsay I now live with another Elder from Utah, one from Kenya, and two Nigerians. One of the great things about serving in Ghana is that I have lived and served around missionaries from a wide variaty of African countries. For the rest of the week day Elder Lindsay and I worked hard, but enjoyed every moment of it. We have a lot of work to do to help this area and ward and I don't know what I am able to really bring to the table, but I feel that I can be a positive example of working hard, smart, and pure through my example, love, and service. We met many great people contacting, though we will readjust our efforts this week to utilize the recent converts and less active members in our finding.
  Sunday we were able to bring two people to church. One didn't have any clean clothes to wear for church so Elder Lindsay and I were able to get some for him to borrow for his baptism next Saturday.

From Apr. 9, 2012: Teaching Until 9pm

For Monday Elder Cooley and I continued to follow President Judd's council and teach up until 9pm. We were thinking and realized that if we hadn't been following this rule we wouldn't be leading any of our baptismal candidates towards baptism because we met them all at night. 
  Wednesday we were able to see Morris and he told us about his experience with telling his friends about the church. I have been able to see how the Book of Mormon has played the role of his conversion because if it wasn't for giving him one the night we met him, we would have never seen him after that night.
  Thursday I went on a split with Elder Jones who is my Zone Leader and previous companion. For the day as well as most of the other days for this week, we were able to take several ward missionaries around with us. 
  Saturday was a boiling day, one of the hottest in a long time. We were able to teach a friend of several ward members named Kobe. I felt it was a good lesson and we were able to help him pray for the first time in nine years. 
  Sunday was the last Sunday of the transfer and while I don't know what will happen yet, I have learned a lot from being companions with Elder Cooley

From Apr. 2, 2012: Eliminating Sarcasm; Temple Trip; General Conference

Tuesday Elder Cooley wasn't feeling well so Elder Jones and I split going into his area.
  Wednesday we taught a referral from a member who seems willing to learn about the gospel. President Judd also admonished us to keep contacting in the evening to locate those who are prepared to hear our message. Through this we met a man named Tony who had a roommate at college who attended the church. We were surprised with how smart he was and he later showed his pure water manufacturing machines.  It was an interesting thing to see and he said that it cost $20,000 to set up. 
  For Thursday I decided that I want to eliminate sarcasm from my humor and while I felt I did better with it this past week, I saw that I had a lot more work to do with this on Sunday and I really want to do a better job this week. We went out with the member Eric Toffa and we taught his inactive brother Sammy. Sammy is 19 and basically his entire family stopped coming to church because he took offense at a member. We tried to invite the spirit, but it was clear that he just wanted to talk about his anger. I know that the person he has the offense with has long forgotten the incident, but Sammy and his family go everyday with their hate eating them up. I thought of Alma 24:30 where the people who fall away are filled with unhappiness. 
  We taught Kwame on Friday. Kwame is an uncle of a member and it is great to see how he is prepared to listen and follow the message. 
  Saturday Elder Cooley and I took our recent converts along with some ward leaders and the youth of the ward to the temple to do proxy baptisms. It was a good experience to get them there and I ran into a man I baptized with Elder Jones who was at the temple to receive his endowments. It was a good experience to run into him. At the temple we also joined a group that traveled four hours to come. After the temple we went back to the church and we had a ward activity-goat soup. The soup was eaten with fufu or ebba. We had our two investigators, Morris and Kwame, there and it was good to see them interact with everyone.
  Sunday the Ahajies invited us over to watch the Sunday Morning of conference online at their home. Elder Ahajie was released from his calling as an area seventy so we should see him more at church. I related Elder Uchtdorf's challenge to not say anything if it isn't nice to my endeavor to eliminate my sarcasm for it will help my relationships with others. From Elder Nelson I liked his explanation on how the big bang doesn't make sense because it isn't logical that a printing press explodes and then produces a dictionary. Elder Rasband said something which I liked too on how we should good for service opportunities without being asked because like he said "the offer to help is really no help at all". For the rest of conference we will have to wait to watch two sessions recorded and sent to the church here to be watched next month.

From Mar. 26, 2012: Traditional Marriages are Sealed; Awake!; Stanley is Baptized; 18 Months

Monday Elder Cooley and I had some wonderful gospel conversations based on how we can oust the devil's advocate of the truthfulness of the gospel from our mind. I realized this goal is a lifelong pursuit and one of the reasons for that is to try our faith. I figured that continuing my commitment to read the Book of Mormon everyday for the rest of my life is one of the key factors for reaching this goal. Later at night we taught the Dogbey family. Not everyone is struggling to make ends meet here, but I do feel that this family is one of those. I can't really explain their situation for those who are reading, but I do know that they need to stay active in the church because it will open up countless doors that would be bolted shut otherwise. We also found out that this family of six will be able to go to the temple to be sealed. Until recently the church only recognized the civil marriage and not the traditional for the temple. The policy has just been changed where the traditionally married people can also go as well. Because of the former policy the Dogbeys are able to be sealed because they had been lacking the needed 50GH for a civil marriage. 
  Tuesday we taught some lessons with a member named Eric Toffa. His family had been active long time members, but when he left for four years to boarding school the family went inactive leaving him alone attending the church. I pray they will come back because of his influence. I just realized that he may have gone inactive if he had not been  at schooling as it sounded like a ward member offended the family.  
  Wednesday I read 2 Nephi 8 and I underlined the several verses that had the words "Awake, awake!" with its accompanying phrase in each verse which seemed to me like a progressing action that I took it to call me to arise and shine forth almost like a battle call. Through the week I had been feeling the spirit and it's a nice feeling being at ease with myself and my work not getting burdened. 
  Thursday we had our weekly missionary and ward meeting and we were talking about the various ways we are able to improve missionary work here in the ward. There are plans for a fireside and a recent convert temple trip and I'm excited to see where this goes. I figure  won't be around in the area much longer and while I may not see all of the blessings of this I want to believe that I had contributed to the growth of the ward and helped prepare it for the success it is going to have.
   Saturday was the baptism of Stanley Kaydick which I felt went on well, as well as Stanley being touched by the spirit during his baptism and confirmation on Sunday. I also hit my 18th month today as well.

From Mar. 19, 2012: Custom Suit for $66 - Wow!; Commitment to The Book of Mormon; Nasty Water Samples; Being My Best Self; Tiny Plywood "Home"; Stanley; Shoe Shine Boy

For Monday Elder Cooley and I met with a member who sews suits from scratch for 100Gh ($66) what a great deal. I also wanted to relay the commitment I made to read the Book of Mormon everyday for the rest of my life. I figure that it will help me reach my potential in life or it may be that it has opened up a whole new spectrum of potential. I don't really know, but I'm excited to see how it will bless my life. 
  For Tuesday the Adenta Zone had its interviews with president Judd. We heard from the mission Doctor first and he told us all about how the water and hand samples some scientists had taken all came back with them registered to contain fecal matter, in an effort to make sure we are keeping healthy living practices here. We also got a book called A Witness and a Warning by President Ezra Taft Benson.  The book is a compilation of his talks regarding the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is helping our mission go to greater heights with our investigators and ourselves. Sister Judd also talked about how we have our personal agency and that we had already chosen God in the preearth life so the question we have to answer is not are we going to follow God, but are we going to continue to follow him? This was very strengthening because it is easier to continue to choose the right if we know that we have before. With my interview with President Judd he mentioned how I am always wanting to learn and become a better me. While I am not perfect we were able to see how I have come a long way and that I want to be the best I can be.
  Thursday was good for feeling the spirit during the morning and Elder Cooley and I are really getting along. I am currently working to oust the devil's advocate from my mind with the things of the gospel. I know the church is true from it's fruits and how it has been internalized in my life; I am just not a fan of the devil's advocate to come into my head. I know that with my continued Book of Mormon studying and praying I will be able to reach my goal.
  Friday we met a referral from Nii Tackie. The referral's name is Samuel(19) who also lives with his girlfriend who is 21. They have a recently born baby and live in a place made from plywood the size of an office cubicle. There are many families like this, but I recorded this one in my journal because it was clear that Samuel needs the gospel. Elder Cooley also asked him, in an attempt to invite the spirit utilizing the subject of family, how he felt with the birth of his baby, but it backfired when Samuel said that he was distressed and burdened because of his current life situation. Oh, for a child to be a burden more than a joy! The blessings of the gospel...
  Saturday there were some mission workers to come to deep clean our apartment as President Judd had asked them to do so with every apartment. We were confused on why they were there because they didn't tell us why they were there at first. I had served in both of the mens' wards so I knew who they were. They cleaned well in preparation for all of the apartments to be painted, though until we had cleaned ourselves today, we felt that they had just picked up the dust and settled it over everything. We also had splits with our ward missionaries and I was with my recent convert, Enoch. It was great to see him teach the gospel. 
  Sunday Elder Jones and Elder Lindsay came to interview Stanley Kaydick for baptism. Stanley is a great guy; definitely quality over quantity. He had given up the small income he received from coaching and playing football in order to keep the sabbath day holy. One fun thing with Stanley is that he is a footballer and in order to play with more attention from scouts he, along with everyone else, uses a false age which is three years younger than he really is. He has even gone to the extent of having all of his government documents contain this new age. It's strange. I also had to do interviews in Adenta so Elder Jones took me back to his ward so I could do them. It was great to spend some time with him. He is my best friend. Oh, I almost forgot that the two mission cleaners had cleaned the zone leader's apartment and had thrown away their shoe polish so they had me bring mine to church where I took advantage of the situation and shined them on their feet like a shoe shine boy in the streets of London.

From March 12, 2012: Ghana's 55th Year of Independence; Running; Work with Love and PAssion; Stew with Potato Leaves; Baboon Dream

Tuesday was the 55th year of Ghana's independence and in reality; I couldn't tell unless someone told me. In general I feel that Ghanaians are more patriotic than we are, but in July we are very celebratory with get togethers, fire works, and it's the only acceptable time of the year to wear things with the design of the flag. For the independence day here,  most people just stay in the house. Elder Cooley and I talked about how members of the church are generally more happy that those who are not. 
  Wednesday Elder Cooley and I went running and we have everyday since. It's a great feeling and I'm excited to get into acceptable shape before I go home. It has helped with being stressed with everyday missionary stuff. 
  Thursday we had our meeting with the ward leaders to coordinate the missionary effort. We have a new ward representative (ward mission leader) and he has been a blessing. We have been able to have members come to teach more with us and the man, Brother Bonsu wants us to work with love and passion with the people here. If we do, he says that we will not be dissapointed and stressed with events here because we will be filled with charity. I feel that I need to do a better job at this because there are lots of times where I am stressed here. Now I know I will always have some amount of stress, but with more charity and passion for the people here, the spirit will bear testimony to the people we teach more.
  Friday I had some rice and a stew made with potato leaves. I include this because back home we don't eat potato leaves. I also had a dream the night before that I was in a nail gun fight with a baboon, but I shot him in the shoulder and then hit his gasoline truck blowing that up too. ya 
  Saturday Elder Cooley and I went way out to a place to visit a member and her fiance to find out that they don't live in our ward area which means we can't baptize the man. On the upside it was the most rural I have been in Ghana and it was fun.    

From Mar. 5, 2012: Liken Scriptures to Ourselves; Power of The Book of Mormon; Trees; Bread

Tuesday we were told that Elder Cooley and I were to stay together for
another transfer where I will complete his training. Elder Cooley also
hit his second month mark as well as time is flying! With Wednesday
Elder Cooley and I went to the ward's institute where I wrote down a
few things that I liked. One thing I liked was how I came to a more
complete understanding on to achieve goals and such I need to liken
all scriptures for myself. They don't do any good if I just read them
and then not internalize them. I also learned how the spirit won't
prompt our investigators for baptism if we are not living worthy to
teach with the spirit.
 Thursday was the first day of March!
 Friday Elder Cooley and I went for a training where we were
instructed to use the Book of Mormon more effectively Elder Cooley and
I have been much better at using the Book of Mormon in our teaching
and it is clearly helping. We are working for three persons to be
baptized by the end of the month and just like last, we are going to
have to utilize the Book of Mormon and utilize our faith to accomplish
this goal. We were able to have all our lessons be member presents and
it is one factor for success here.
  Saturday we had our highest quality lesson of the week with a man
named Stanley. When we went to his house we walked to teach him with a
member, but as it didn't work, we introduced him to her and then taught
him under a tree. Trees are great places here; the people use a good
tree to socialize and relax under where it always seems like there is a
breeze too. For the lesson Stanley had many quality questions like how
he can know he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit with a
prompting and not Satan. For all of the questions we were able to
answer them with the Book of Mormon and we could feel the spirit
strongly in the lesson. Later in the day Elder Cooley and I found this
crazy short cut to a newly baptized family. We rode by this huge
Muslim university. I'm enjoying finding new areas and roads to travel
on with Elder Cooley. It makes things fun. I also wanted to also
include another cultural thing from Ghana; this time being the bread.
All of the bread is fantastic. It's all produced how our home-made
bead is. It's great.
 Sunday we were able to get Stanley to church where we found out that
one of the adults in the ward also plays on the football team that he
coaches. We were also able to have two part member families come to
church and a guy named Michael that is related to a member in the
ward. With Michael he has several family members who attend the church
and decided to visit one Sunday when he was late for the church he was
attending. He loves it and we are working for him to be baptized this
month. Michael used to be in the Ghana Army. He currently works for the
National Security Service and is literally takes up an entire doorway
with his head at the top and his shoulders just shy of taking up the
whole width.

From Feb. 27, 2012: "Mighty Man"; Using The Book of Mormon; Faith Proceeds the Miracle

On Monday we had a Family Home Evening with the Oprae family. The
husband, Emmanuel, just moved back to Ghana to oversee the family
business, leaving his job at the nuclear power plant in Idaho. He is
the man I have mentioned to be married to the woman from Alaska.
Anyway, so we had a spiritual thought with them on Monday and banana
bread after. I include all of this because it isn't a frequent thing
to see such a family here. I found it interesting how she was learning
about the culture and to see how far I have come. On Monday I also
resolved to work for being called a "mighty man" under President Judd.
it was an interesting connection of thoughts coming from Chronicles
Chapter 11 and 12. Now while I wont be killing giants, lions, or three
hundred men like Kind David's mighty men of valor, I take it as a goal
representing the desire to be the best I can be with President Judd
being able to count on me in a crunch time situation.
 Tuesday Elder Cooley and I put President's council of using the Book
of Mormon to full force. We have started carrying six with us everyday
with giving 5, if not all, out buy the end of the day. It has really
been great with inviting the spirit into the lessons we have had and I
feel that we have to go in "guns ablazing" in every lesson to help the
people we teach feel the spirit and using the Book of Mormon is how we
are doing that. One of the blessings it has brought in addition to
Elder Cooley being my companion is to have a lot of "of course"
moments with the truthfulness of the gospel.
 Friday I hit 17 months with four transfers left of my mission. Time
is flying with Elder Cooley.
 Saturday we had a baptism for Adele, Seth, and Martha. Seth and
Martha are husband and wife with a six month baby, while Adele is a
relative of Elfrida who was baptized the previous week. All four
baptisms came from member referrals and it was a pure faith month
setting a goal of four with Elder Cooley based on faith and honestly
not knowing how we were going to achieve it until it happened. The
goal and the whole month was a faith building experience and all
credit went to God as I read Alma 26 with Ammon glorifying the Lord
after their mission of 14 years. We set a goal of three for the month
of March and I feel the same way about it as last months. I don't know
how.

From Feb. 20, 2012: Elder Holland Visits; Crab; Elfrida's Baptism

For Monday Elder Holland of The Quorum Of The Twelve Apostles came to visit the mission along with his wife, Elder Snow from the Presidency Of The Seventy, his wife, and the other West Africa church leaders. We got a mission picture with him and listened to him talk to us. For my thoughts on Elder Holland's mission tour what I recall most is that he said that we are expected to live at huge standards and that no one has lived up to them, but continued to say that he stands humbly in our presence. After the compliment he said that the blessing is our burden. I wrote five pages in my journal about the day and while I'm not a great writer I can say that I felt invigorated and humbled to have the opportunity that we partook in. I also recall the thought from Sister Dickson that was how we are changing peoples' lives giving them the most valuable thing they can receive and coupled with Elder Holland's words on how our family and loved ones don't have a clue to what we are doing here, but they do know that I am on a my mission in Ghana and I owe it to them and his grandsons to serve an honorable mission. I'm striving to live worthy of the people back home who are supporting me. I should live to what people expect from me (Sister Holland). Elder Snow said something that goes with this from a poet: "I don't want to sit at the setting sun and hate myself for what I have done". One of the cool things is that the entire West Africa trip Elder Holland took-including our devotional- was recorded for church history with them telling us it will be posted on LDS.org. 
  Tuesday Elder Cooley and I were inspired from the previous day and we have been working on using the Book of Mormon more in all of our efforts as missionaries. We typically carry 4-6 copies in our bags and often give out all of them. I'm excited to see how the usage of the book of scripture will bless the peoples' lives here. It's been a great week for feeling the joy of the spirit. 
  Wednesday was Elder Holland's devotional for the church in Accra. It was great to see people from all the areas I have lived in. I also was able to meet people I had baptized which was a great experience too. Two things I recall from the devotional was how Elder Holland recounted the story of how he was in Accra just around seven years ago to announce the temple to be built in Ghana. As it was a surprise to everyone there (the church members filling the national stadium), he said he was crying like a baby as he witnessed how the people were overcome with emotion. He continued and said how he wouldn't want to be in another place in the whole world than the very spot he was in. I felt the same way. It was a great opportunity everyone had there. One I will always remember. I also recall what I saw out the window as the plane descended under the clouds; a lot of green trees and dirt roads with dots of people and cars going about. 
  Thursday and Friday I went on a split with my Zone Leader, Elder Lindsay while Elder Cooley went to be with Elder Jones. During the split we taught a man named Emanuel. Emanuel's life is a wreck and the day before we had met him, his friend stopped him from committing suicide. On this visit he was much more enlightened with the spirit and it was great to see it. He was coming to church, but a health problem prevented him, but next week. During the day we were fed lunch where it seems like there was a zoo-full of meat to eat with goat, fish, and crab. The crab had a legspan around four inches. In other West Africa countries they remove the shell as they eat it, but in Ghana they typically eat it whole. It was the biggest crab I have eaten here.
  Saturday Elder Cooley preformed the baptism of Elfrida who was also confirmed on Sunday. It was the best baptismal service of my mission with over thirty people there and Elder Ahajie presiding. We are working for the baptism of three others next week too.
  Sunday it started to rain, but it was nice that it stopped as the rain detours people from going to church. We had four investigators at church.

From February 13, 2012:

Hmmmm........  Think Mom may have dropped the ball on this one. Sorry! I'm such a novice!

From Feb. 6, 2012: Importance of Family Unity; Crazy for Football Culture; Being a Great Man; Beware of the Adversary

 Monday was Elder Cooley's month mark. During this week I also realized that August is approaching fast with just over six months until I return home. 
  Tuesday we met with our investigator, Trigot, and his family who are members of the church. He won't be able to be baptized this month, but we are working for it though. One issue is that the family isn't a unified family. For example, when Trigot was telling us something, members of the family were speaking the local dialect. Now I don't know what was said, but I do know it was about Trigot not telling the truth and showed some family disunity. We had to address this issue telling them it wasn't helping Trigot becoming baptized and that the family had to read the scriptures together every morning if they wanted peace in the house. Watching the family I spent time thinking that I don't want such dysfunction and an unhappy marriage. We also met a man who came to the church named Michael. He has a relative who is a member and after Sunday he decided that his whole family will join the church. He didn't come to church this past Sunday due to traveling out of the country, but we are working for him to come next week.
  Wednesday (as well as Sunday) Ghana had a national football match in the tournament with the other national African teams. Ghana won both matches and around the time when they play everyone is watching leaving us to come up with ideas for proselyting The culture with football here is crazy. 
  Thursday we taught Elfrida and Adel. Elfrida is half Sierra Leonian and Ivorian. As a result she cooks a mix of foods and when we went to teach her we ate rice with a stew made from a cassava leaf (cassava is a root). It was interesting. People like cooking with leaves in West Africa. President Judd had mentioned previously how there are many great boys here, but he needs more great men. I was thinking about this and on my mission here there have been many things I have done that characterized me as a great boy, but I am working to be a great man. I look back back to my growth and it is nice to see that I am moving closer to being a great man. My goal if myself is to live my life in such a way that when people talk about me they will basically say that I am great person that they have a lot of love and respect for. It's an everyday effort. 
 On Saturday I learned how much the devil wants to thwart my work here. I learned a great life lesson that we often underestimate the power and desires of Satan because he is so careful to shroud himself and his ways to the point where people think they are being influenced by God, but it's really from the devil. As Elder Cooley and I were looking up some information we came across a method to figure out if a counsel or a revelation is from God or Satan. #1 Does it claim/state/suggest to come from God or from man. #2 does it bear the proper label with the authority of Christ? #3Does it follow ALL of the doctrine of the church (not having half truths). #4 Does the revelation come through the correct church channel/ chain/ authority? 

Also a church leader shared with us what his family does when there is a problem. One person in the family fasts everyday for a solution to the problem taking rotations until the problem is solved.

Jan. 30, 2012: Power of The Book of Mormon; 16 Months; Elder Sitati Visits; West Africa Creates 5 New Wards a Month, 6 New Stakes a Year - WOW!; Goal Setting

Monday Elder Cooley and I went out and taught a man named Baafo. On one of our earlier visits he expressed the desire to have a copy of the Book Of Mormon and we were happy to drop one off with him. We then came to learn later in the week that he had read 13 chapters from the several days we had given it to him. He didn't want to commit to baptism, but I know that he will as he continues to read the book. Elder Cooley and I are working to get all of our investigators to read it everyday as well. It's a powerful book and there is one verse in it that says that the word of God has the power to persuade men to do what is right over the sword, or anything else for that matter. (Alma 31:5) After our positive results the previous week we were determined to demonstrate that it wasn't a fluke. 
   Tuesday we had our district meeting where we (the eight of us) sat in a semi circle and talked about what we can do better to help our areas. I have liked to look back to see the growth I have made these 16 months (I hit my 16th month this day as well). I received a letter from a neighbor that said that I need to take time to take in my life here. I have also had a lot of fun taking a little note pad everywhere I go to write things that come to my mind. Elder Cooley has been doing it and it has proven to be a good idea. 
  Wednesday Elder Sitati, a general authority from the 1st quorum of the seventy for the church, came and talked to the missionaries. One of the things he said for us (everyone) to improve upon is the areabook (the binder that contains the information of the people we are sharing our message with). Elder Cooley started there and worked upon identifying other areas to improve upon for the sake of the area we are in (New Legon). As an activity we also listed things we admire about our companions. I don't have the notecard with me, but Elder Cooley is a good Elder. We also found out that the church in West Africa is creating 5 new wards (worshiping bodies about ~100-200 people ) a month and 6 Stakes (about 7 wards in a collective area)) a year.  
  Thursday Elder Cooley had our weekly meeting with the New Legon ward leaders and we are working to get back to the basics, making those strong and continue from there. We are working for our members to be more present in our lessons and to pick the investigators for church. 
  Saturday Ghana's national football (soccer) team had a match so that made it hard to do any teaching. Ghana won the match and people were really happy. 
  Sunday we had another good week and we were feeling good. We had a man walk into church because he has a few member friends and a brother who is a member of the church. He really liked the church and as we talked to him I realized that we had actually taught his daughter several times, and with the man (Michael, 50) wanting to bring his family to the church it will be interesting to see how this goes. Later in the evening we were to pray about the amount we were wanting to set as a goal for those baptized. We were inspired to set the goal at four and with the goal in our minds Elder Cooley showed me a great method for reaching goals. At the heart we have the end goal, but for the example we will call it a vision. For the vision of having four investigators baptized this upcoming month we then identified 5 things which  we called goals that we need to work for and when combined will equal us obtaining our vision. Now for each goal we then list one plan for each goal that we will do to obtain the specific goal that when all combined will equal to us obtaining our vision. It's something I never thought of, but I really liked it and I will emulate this model through out my life. 

From Jan. 23, 2012: Training Elder Cooley; Faith and Optimism; Welding the Hull Back Together

On Monday Elder Macaulay made a few preparations with his packing for the transfer. While it hasn't always been easy, I have grown a lot these 4.5 months. I was thinking of the great opportunity I have to be in Ghana changing lives by teaching them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In sharing this message and changing the lives of others, I have also become a better person as well. 
  On Tuesday we were told about the changes for the transfer. I will be training with another sister in the district. I was excited for the opportunity to train. I had a great trainer and I want to convey that to my new companion. I was thinking about how I really don't have a huge idea on what to do to make my upcoming companion's mission a success. I have to do my best. I can tell I am going to do my best because I don't even want to think of doing something that would disappoint him and cause him pain (I came to this understanding as I have been living with him for the past few days).
  On Wednesday I picked-up Elder Cooley from the mission home. Elder Cooley is from American Fork, Utah. He is 19 years old and graduated high school in 2011. He has a brother as a missionary a month behind me in Uganda. He loves scouting, the outdoors, and woodworking. He really knows all about the gospel, all he needs me to do is to convey how to teach the knowledge he has to the people here. One great thing about the companionship is how he is taking the initiative on contributing to the plans for the day, what to teach, and really all aspects of missionary work. He isn't afraid to voice what he wants to say.  While I have learned an infinite amount of things for the betterment of my life these past many transfers, I know this companionship will the be best I have had in a year. 
  Friday we had the Adenta district leader training where we talked about the districts and I felt that my district was the iceberg in the Adenta zone's Titanic. With Elder Cooley, people tell us that I am happier and with a great new mindset, determination, and unity where we are working really hard, but it seems like an ease. I am excited to weld Adenta's hull back together.
  Saturday We had a great lesson, full of the spirit, with Nii. We identified that he doesn't understand that the church can be the only one with the full Gospel and that he hadn't prayed to ask God about it. He was able to see my happy state and the optimism I have again.
  On Sunday Elder Cooley and I had 6 people come to church. Some were brought for the first time by members and we were able to get some of our current investigators there as well. It was a great Sunday and we will work with optimism, faith, and effort to show that this Sunday wasn't a fluke and that we are welding more of the Hull back together. 

 

From Jan. 16, 2012: Training; 56 Grasscutters; Goal - To Live up to my Potential

On Tuesday I was called by President Judd asking if I would train a new missionary coming Wednesday the 18th. I'm excited and this will be a big learning opportunity for me just like my upcoming companion. 
  Wednesday I went on a split with Elder Jones. It was great to spend the day with him and see how our unity was able to lead to a lot of work being done that day without any effort. We contacted a man who raised grasscutters. He had 56 the size of large fat cats and it was an odd thing to see all of them in their cages. He said he sells them for 200GHC ($150) because he uses the finest quality feeding techniques.  Grasscutters are basically huge rats.
  Friday Elder Macaulay and I went into Accra for me to attend trainers' council. It was fun to see the 11 other trainers and to feel important and valued to be considered to train. My goal is to convey the same qualities and experience to my new companion that my trainer, Elder Orchard did. 
  Sunday Elder Macaulay and I were able to get three investigators at church which was good. I have been thinking about what lessons I was to learn and the growth I was to have made with Elder Macaulay as my companion. I hope I learned them. My goal this year is to live up to my potential. 

From Jan. 9, 2012: Mangos!; Gossip Hurts; Gifty is Baptized

Well this time of the year is mango season. It is my favorite fruit here. The season really only lasts ~3 months so I am trying to get my fill. Lately I have been eating one as my breakfast and dinner. One can't be upset when they eat a mango. It will turn that frown upside down. 
  Wednesday was the interview of our investigator, Gifty, for baptism. Gifty is 17 whose family are members of the church. One thing I learned as well was the reason why gossiping is bad. I was around a person while they were gossiping about a wonderful family. I did my part by not getting involved and giving the person (the one being gossiped about) compliments. However, after the conversation ended the words the person had said stuck in my head and I began to look at the person talked about negatively. I have ousted the negativity from my thoughts, but I learned why gossiping is such a detrimental thing.  
 Thursday Elder Macaulay and I spent time talking about what makes an area- the missionaries or the area's variables. I think that the missionaries are the variable for success or failure for an area. I had the opportunity to talk to another Elder I had lived with and after the conversation I was motivated to develop more faith in the area I am in and myself. I am looking forward to the results.  
  Saturday Gifty, our investigator was baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday. Sunday we also had two investigators at church with one that we are working for baptism this month. His name is Emmanuel and he met the missionaries in the UK on two occasions and then found the church here. It is amazing to see how people are prepared over the years. In the ward, there was a woman from Hawaii who is working at a school owned by members of the church. She will be in our ward until May.  

From Jan. 2, 2012: Malaria; Boarding Schools; "Watch Night/ Cross Overnight"

On Monday we went into Alajo to pick up some things. From having Malaria last week I didn't have that much of a desire to eat anything, though I did because I knew my body needed food. I guess the medicine I took reduces the desire to eat- what a great diet tool.
  Tuesday we went to a member's house who has a daughter that would like to join the church before she heads off to boarding school on the 10th of January. We are happy for the news. One thing here is that boarding schools are much more common than they are in the states. The boarding age starts at grade school age, but it's much more common from middle school going. Also for this week as time is counting down for me to return I want to give all that I can considering the opportunity I have been given. 
 Thursday our investigator named Pearce told us that he received his US visa to move to Chicago and join his wife who is working at Northwestern Hospital. In all honesty it's starting to seem that Pearce isn't wanting to come to the church anymore, but if we do run into each other in the states that would be a lot of fun. 
  Saturday there was a little ward party for the end of the year. A lot of churches do a "watch night/ cross overnight" for the entrance of the new year. One of the cultural things of Ghana is how intertwined religion is with everyone here.