African dress demonstration

The Senior Missionary couples were treated to a fun demonstration of traditional African dress and ceremonial attire. This couple explained the history, culture and occasions for wearing the clothing. The material the man is wearing is Kente cloth. It is worn by the chiefs of his tribe. We were all encouraged to wear African clothing to the event.








She is demonstrating how to tie a head wrap, which is worn by many African women.








                        She is wearing a different head wrap now.




This is Sister Hill in her lovely African dress with a head wrap to match.




Here we have President and Sister Graham, our Temple President and Matron in their African attire.




This is Sister Simpson looking lovely. She and her husband are Mission President over the Accra West Mission.




Elder and Sister Pierce are in charge of the Young Single Adults (YSA) in the Area.




L-R  Sister Hill, Sister Spackman, Sister Nash, Sister Pierce, Sister Wakild, Sister Pierson, Sister Richards, Sister Brubaker and Sister Simpson.





One of the difficult things we have to regularly do is say goodbye to our friends when they complete their missions. This is President and Sister Brubaker, who have presided over the MTC for the past 3 years. This was during our farewell party for them. One of the traditions here is being presented with the Kente cloth scarfs draped around your neck.




Elder Nash and Elder Kacher, counselors in our Area Presidency, holding lights so the Brubaker's could see the words to the song they were singing.




Elder Kacher paying tribute to them for their dedicated service.




Then we have Elder and Sister McDougal, who left soon after the Brubaker's. They served as director's of the Pathway Program. This is during our Monday morning Devotional, where they were honored.





                            Receiving their wall hanging with their names and dates of service.




                                       Giving their farewell speech.

Recent Activities

          A group of us Senior Missionaries on a Saturday enjoying a round of miniature golf.





Elder Chamberlain got a hole-in-one on this hole! Each of us in our foursome got a hole-in-one at some point during the game. It was a fun outing! I actually had the lowest score of the entire group of all 10 of us.







Joseph is a Ghanaian who has been working in the Area Office for almost 2 years.  He is outstanding in all he does; including his technology, business skills and understanding of English slang used by us Americans.  (He loves to properly use the phrase "getting the cart before the horse" with me!)  He was the valedictorian of his college class.

When we arrived and were introduced to Joseph, we explained we were from Kentucky - home of KY Fried Chicken (KFC is here and well-known).  Joseph immediately kidded that we knew the "Colonel".  We explained we didn't but Linda quickly added that I was a "Kentucky Colonel" and told him generally what it was.  Thereafter, (even now) Joseph stands, salutes and smilingly greets me as "Colonel".

Joseph was so taken and having so much fun with "Colonel" that we decided to do what it took to nominate Joseph to be a Colonel.  I managed to convince the governor's office to mail the certificate to Africa and we got it framed.  We presented it to him in front of a good group of his friends and colleges, including many Sr. missionaries, who all love this guy.  Joseph truly possesses the characteristics that the organization attempts to honor - people who are leaders and givers to their communities.



The whole idea had been a well-kept secret and Joseph was completely surprised!  What made it even more fun was the fact that Ghanaians are particularly fond of certificates.  They represent accomplishments and seem to be more valuable to them than many other things that we Americans might prize more.




                                                                       
A day that none of us will ever forget.  And yes, now we both salute the other as our greetings are exchanged !!





"Wear African Dress Day." This is our dear friend, Joseph, who works with us in the Area Office. In honor of Ghana Independence Day, everyone was encouraged to wear African attire.

                                                                       

John, another friend, in a lovely outfit.



                                             A beautiful tree near our apartment.





                         This is the Gbawe Ward church building. It's a renovated leased house.  It is an upscale example of property that is something the Church likes to lease here.




This is the road leading to the building. We travel roads like this almost every Sunday to get to church  We visit a different ward (congregation) every Sunday, due to our assignment of being in charge of Gospel Literacy in the Area.






The neighborhood near the Church.






This young man played the organ during church service. He is 7 years old!!








                      Literacy Class in the Gbawe Ward.  Great class and wonderful teacher.







                          Chris visiting with two cute little brothers after church.




Renovating leased buildings is a challenge as the large room usually has pillars and frequently the renovations include removing concrete walls to make a room like this.




Beautiful Birthday Cake in honor of the anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society.