Loving every moment in Sunyani Ghana Africa

 This week was busy.  We were asked to do apartment checks for the young missionary's.  They are all amazing responsible young men and women.  Mostly, they wanted us to do an inventory of what they had so that all apartments can be mostly uniform as they are transferred around. 

We started with the Zone Leaders in Fiapra here close to where we live.  We quickly figured out why every missionary that lives in that apartment contracts milaria.  They had some broken windows that had never been reported and so the mosquitos where coming in at night and biting them.  We quickly got on that and were able to get their windows repaired.  

We had an adventure driving out to Kenyasi.  The road to Kenyasi is extremely bad.  They have big logging trucks that drive down these roads and they just destroy the roads and there is no way they can keep up with keeping the road in good repair.  There was some areas of the road we couldn't go any faster than 5 miles an hour because the road would just toss you around so much.  The Elders were so grateful to see us when we arrived.  I don't think they get visitors very often.  

While in Kenyasi visiting the Jr. missionaries they told us a crazy story about a Green Mamba snake that got into an LDS chapel.  Apparently these snakes are extremely poisonous.  If you are bit by one you have maybe an hour and and half to live.  The Branch President (ecclesiastical leader) found a club and killed the snake before anybody was bit.  Thank Goodness.  

We had many good moments visiting with these young Elders and Sisters.  They are my boys and girls and I am there Mama while they are serving.  I have grown to love them so much and admire how hard they work under harsh circumstances yet they are happily doing wonderful things everyday.  

Sunday we decided to drive out to an area called Duayaw Nkwanta for chuch.  It was Elder Udombengue's birthday and I made cookies for he and his companion Elder Muchanga.  We attended Sacrament meeting at their branch.  We were so impressed with their Branch President.  He started the meeting even though only 3 people were there and he just got up and lead the singing because the lady who does that was late.  He is a great example of making things happen and moving forward.  

sorry about the smudge on my windshield

This is Duayaw Nkwanta and the chapel is that steeple on the right.  It was a misty beautiful morning.

Monday we drove out to Domfete.  This is one of my favorite places so far.  Domfete is a very small congregation that is very fledgling.  We drive out there every Monday to support a Self Reliance class.  There are about 30 people in the entire congregation and about 10 of them attend our self reliance class.  In the class is a man named Roxon.  He had a terrible accident and his hand was cought in a piece of machinery.  The teacher Alfred works very hard all day and then runs to teach this class.  He shows up very sweaty in his white shirt and tie and a very big smile.  Then there is Rose.  She is a new convert and has 5 young kids.  Gladys always shows up with a basket of cloths on her head because she is a very busy Mother of 6 and she is just coming from the market selling.  There is such a good feeling in this class of people trying hard to better their lives.  They teach me so much.  Far more than I could teach them.  I love how faithful they are and how dedicated to God, Jesus Christ and their covenants.  They inspire me every week.  By the way Roxon is not a member of our church, but he is taking the missionary discussions and is waiting for his hand to heal so he can be baptized.  

Can you see the goat on top of this van?  Many times we see this through out the day.  Apparently a goat travels very well on top of a van!  We took this picture coming home from Domfete! Haha!

Today we attended District Counsel for the Fiapre District.  What a powerful force for good they all are!

Elder Farris and Elder Kadjanza role playing a teaching moment of how the Book of Mormon is a another Testiment of Jesus Christ and a companion to the Bible

Sister Oonda and Sister Acoli practicing their teaching

In the back is Sister Martin and Sister Januario practicing too.

Sister Akoli has my heart with her precious smile.

Elder Weaver and Elder Ashivira practicing their teaching

I love this picture that hangs in a classroom in a Chapel here

I am so grateful for the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the opportunity I have to be a missionary here on the great Continent of Africa.  Miracles are happening here every day and in a small way I get to be a part of it all.  I admit some days are hard here and I miss a lot of comforts of home.  I get on Facebook now and then and I see people complaining about things and I can't help but think how spoiled we are as Americans.  I'm grateful for this experience to know this first hand.  Sometimes I shake my head and think, "first world problems".  Yes I have been guilty of this too.  I have witnessed first hand how God the Father loves all of his children.  I want to be as humble and as the sweet Ghanian people who start every sentence with "Please"...  They are prepared to hear the gospel and readily accept the Covenants that the Lord wants to make with them.  He wants to bless these people and he is standing ready to do that.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  I have read it and I cannot deny the truth of it.  Joseph Smith was visited by God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ and has restored everything as it was before with Apostles and Prophets again walking upon the earth.  Everyone can know for themselves too.  There is a happier joyful way of living when you are serving others the way Jesus did.  He is our example, our Savior and Redeemer and I know that he lives and broke the bonds of death and has made it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father.  He gave his life for us.  I am so indebted to him.  I hope he can accept this small sacrifice of my time and money to serve him and his children.  

I love and miss all of you friends and family!  I challenge everyone to take a little time from the business of Christmas and read the Christmas story together with your families.  Please take time to ponder His gift to you!  Merry Christmas!  Much love

Elder and Sister Fuell