Chest of drawers in the kitchen!

 We payed another visit to our friends at the Orphanage/boarding school.  We have become friends with some Abrony's (white people) who run the school and now and then we like to stop by and tell them what a good job they are doing and bring the children some good cheer.  Things are coming along out there in the way of a new water tank and some shelves for their books and shoes and such.

Last Sunday we went to church in a small branch in the Estates neighborhood of Sunyani.  I felt impressed to  go to the Primary (Children's classes) to teach them a song.  We had so much fun teaching them Book of Mormon Stories.

We have a very nice handyman who helps us with repairs or any needs for our apartment.  His name is Enoch.  I explained to him one day that I needed  more drawers in my kitchen.  He brought me a chest of drawers.  I wasn't sure and even felt a little frustrated, but now I think everyone should have a chest of drawers in their kitchen.  Nice deep drawers that hold all of your kitchen tools.  

I also had this amazing opportunity to sit down with a group of beautiful Muslim women and talk with them a little about breast and cervical cancer with my friend Mary who is leading out with the "She Shell" group.  It was such a great discussion that started with a prayer.  We met leaders of other Women's groups such as the "Happy Lady's" Group.  They were so beautiful and amazing women.

We also just received an influx of Humanitarian projects that were bottle knecking the system.  Louie and I offered to make some phone calls of these and see if there is still a need and if so how can we start moving these through our system.  

There is one project that we came across that struck us as an urgent need.  There are two small villages just a little north of Kumasi near a town called Mampong that has no water.  The villagers carry water on their head for over a mile every day.  During the dry season they really have to search for it too.  Children have to miss part of the school day to help their families get water.  They are requesting 2 boreholes (wells) per village.   Friday we are going to drive out there and verify and asses the need.  We will have more pictures on our next post.

Yesterday we had a Super "P" Day (day off)  with two zones of missionaries (about 40 missionaries).  We went to Kintempo Falls and did the Canopy walk (swinging bridge).  We had a good time letting our hair down a little and just had some fun with the young missionaires.  

  

We also had a very good Self Reliance meeting with a man in Kumasi over zoom a few days ago.  The man's name is Charles and he was letting us know about 3 key points that we will be able to use in our area.  There are these great agricultural scholarships where The Church will help someone get started with growing something or raising chickens or pigs.  They also will help with small business's or to learn a trade such as shoe repair, doing hair, repairing cell phones and satellites, baking, sewing, stuff like that.  He also told us more about the perpetual education fund.  This program is a way for many who are in  developing countries to go to college.  The terms are such that its very affordable for people in this country.  I have come to know that The Lord loves all his children and stands ready to bless and to help lift them out of poverty.  They have to do their part too.  They have to exercise a particle of faith to help this to happen. 

Louie and I feel so blessed to be in Ghana at this time serving the people here.  We are just a couple of ordinary people doing what we can to help.  As a retired couple we could be traveling, spending time with our Grandkids and or just relaxing on some exotic beach somewhere.  I love my Grandkids as much as any Grandma and I want them to know how important it is to serve others around the world.  Soon we will be home and we will have plenty of time to catch up on relationships again.  President Nelson (Prophet of the LDS Church) has said that the gathering of Israel (missionary work) is the most important thing we could be doing right now.  After what I have seen and experienced I know this is true.  I know this is the true Restored Gospel  of Jesus Christ.  He leads and guides this Church.  I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he saw God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ and his prayer of what church to join was answered.  I know that our Heavenly Father will hear and answer our prayers too if we just get on our knees and ask.   I know that the Book of Mormon and Bible are the words of God and that the fullness of the Gospel are within their pages.  I know that Russel M. Nelson is a Prophet of God.  He is his mouthpiece.  I know that Jesus is The Christ, the son of the living God.  He atoned for our sins and was resurrected in 3 days and appeared to the Nephites (other sheep that are not of this fold).  He is the prophesied Messiah and he still reigns.     

 We truly have been blessed. 

It started as just jumping rope then turned into "how low can you go"

Brenda and I on the hanging bridge

Brenda just finishing the rope walk!  Do you see some missing slats?!!

Sunyani Zone - Feb2025

Sister Vousden-Senior Missionary from London, about to knock it back over!  Her and her husband, Peter, are the most amazing people!  We absolutely love them.