Week 41 - Queen Mother, Bernice & 1st Accident

Over the past several days, there has been a lot going on in Accra. 😏 

The late Queen Mother of the Ga State passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 at the age of 88. The Ga Traditional Council announced that the funeral and burial of the Paramount Queen Mother of the Ga State would take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023.  That day has finally arrived, 10 months later.   

Several family members went to court and tried to delay the funeral, citing that they were not allowed enough time to prepare, and not involved as much as they wanted to be.  The court overturned the request in less than 24 hrs and the funeral marched on.  

All businesses, shops, restaurants, etc. were ordered to be closed for the funeral day.  A curfew was also put in place for 6 pm.  Anyone disobeying the orders could be arrested or fined.  So, we stayed home this weekend, and I became more curious as to proceedure around funerals here in this land and culture.      

So, why does it take so long to bury someone in Ghana?

According to custom and tradition, which has been upheld by the law courts, once someone dies, the body belongs to the family.  You would think you know what and who constitute family, but once there is a death, the definition of family changes completely.  A spouse and children suddenly do not qualify as family once there is a death.  It is only the family, referring to the extended family into which you are born, that decides on who the chief mourner is and all the other titles that come with a death.  This "family" and this chief mourner might not have seen or spoken for the past 30 years with the dearly departed, but they are deemed to know more about the dead person than the spouse and the children.

There then follows the endless meetings which are presided over by the "family", where the word of the spouse and children can be ignored.  It then takes weeks to draw up an obituary notice and it is an intricate business getting the list of the mourners in the right order, to ensure no offence has been caused and family feuds have not been started or old ones rekindled.

The choice of the chief mourner is critical because he is not only in charge of the funeral, he, and it is always a he, never a she, has the ultimate word on who succeeds the deceased.  All this while the body has to be kept in the fridge as there will be disputes about when and where to bury the dead person.  Not surprising therefore that they end up in court with injunctions preventing anybody from moving the dead bodies.

Sometimes the delay has nothing to do with disputes.  They take seriously the idea of giving the dead a befitting burial.  They refurbish the house in which the dearly departed lived and died or sometimes a new house has to be built to be able to stage a spectacular funeral.  That takes time.  There is much to consider when planning for a Ghanaian funeral. 

So interesting to me how different cultures operate.  We can truly learn something from everyone in this big, beautiful world!!

BERNICE & SELF RELIANCE

     

Bernice is an amazing lady!  She is so talented and has an incredible story. 

Over twenty years ago, during a challenging time in her marriage, her husband gave her permission to attend any church she wanted, and before long she became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The main reason Bernice was prompted to be baptized into this church: “was the love, the love I received from the Relief Society sisters. I got much love that I needed at that time.”

She desired greatly to share this same love with her husband and gave him a copy of The Book of Mormon. He set it aside. One morning she begged him to follow her to church. He was so impressed by what he witnessed there that as soon as he got home he sat at the dining table and began to read. He set aside the food that Bernice put in front of him and continued to read. He turned the final page 5 days later. Within two weeks he had received and embraced all the missionary lessons and was ready to enter the waters of baptism. Listen to Bernice's Story here

After becoming acquainted with the church, Bernice participated in the Self Reliance course of Starting and Growing My Business. She loves to sew and create clothing, bags, aprons, etc.  She had the courage to begin her own business and it is absolutley wonderful!  It has grown over time and she has a large following.  If you are ever in town, you will not want to miss a trip to her shop!  We love her!!!

 

1ST ACCIDENT

Well, it was bound to happen.  As careful as you are here, driving is crazy!  You have to have eyes on every mirror at every moment.  Last Saturday while heading to get groceries, our first accident occured.  Jordan was slowly (maybe 3 mph) turning right into the driveway of the store, when out of nowhere a motorcycle tried to fly by us on the right side.  His mirror and handle bar caught our side door and front panel and down he went.  Good thing he was wearing his helmet (a traditional pink one, worn by many riders).  He only had a minor scrape on his ankle and his gear shift got bent.  We made sure he was ok and the bike was working.  As we were ready to leave (and not ask for money he didn't have to repair our vehicle), he asked us for money to go to the hospital and get his scrape looked at.  We've been warned many times as missionaries to not pay bribes.  This didn't seem like that situation.  So after giving him a little money to cover what would likely be the cost of getting a mechanic to fix the gear shift, we drove away.  We realize it could have been much worse than a couple of dents and a little rust that will soon appear given the humidity here, so this is not a complaint -- just an observation.  And we will continue trying to be as observant as possible when driving the crazy streets of Ghana!

Matthew 6: 19-21

19 ¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Sending much love from Ghana!

💓💛💚

Week 40 - Half-way, Zone Conference & Children

I can hardly believe that tomorrow will be our half-way point!  We have been on our mission for 9 months!  It seems like forever, but also like yesterday that we arrived in Ghana.  The days are so busy and crammed full of work that they pass quickly, and before we know it Friday has arrived again.  But also, when we think of our family back home, it seems like we have been gone an eternity!!  We surely miss them and our interaction with them in person.  "We so much appreciate" (this phrase is used often here to express gratitude and I've come to love it!) the support we have received from family and friends while we are out here!  We are doing our best to represent Jesus Christ and all of you the best we can!!  

ZONE CONFERENCE - Accra Ghana Mission

We had a great Zone Conference this week.  Some of the messages we heard:

Elder Fabrizio (young elder - assistant to mission leaders):  Be anxiously engaged in the work, ready to share the gospel at all times.  Just Open Your Mouth (D&C 30:5, D&C 33:8, D&C 24:12, D&C 28:16 & Moses 6:32) and share your thoughts about the gospel with those you encounter. Share the message of the Restoration - power comes from sharing this great message. 

What can I do today to love, share and invite others to Come Unto Christ?

Elder Amani (young elder from Ghana - assistant to mission leaders):  The Gathering of Israel is like fishing. Fishing happens all over Ghana.  Fishermen go out and catch the fish, skilled workers then process the fish for consumption. 

Fishermen = Missionaries who find those who are searching for truth.  

Skilled workers = Branches, Wards, Stakes, senior missionaries.  These units and people are all vital in the process of helping new converts come into the fold of the gospel of Jesus Christ and eventually to receive the great blessings of the temple. 

Sister Beeson (Accra Ghana Mission Leader):  Do your best and always strive for the ideal.  However, remember that we all have weakness.  The Lord gives us His Grace to make all things possible.   It is God who helps us prevail!  We prevail and persevere with God!   

Elder Beeson (Accra Ghana Mission Leader):  Nothing elevates individuals more than making and keeping sacred covenants with the Lord.   

Contracts vs. Agreements:  Agreements aren't always legally binding.  Contracts if executed properly, can be legally binding.  In a contract, something is offered and something is accepted.  Depending on how we stay within the covenant contract we make with God, these choices will determine the outcome.  

NIL (name, image, likeness) agreements are used to promote products by linking a famous face or name with the product.  For example, the Built protein bar is officially linked with NASCAR.  Corey LaJoie drives the car with the logo "Built" plastered on it.  What he does and how he lives his life, can reflect on the image of this product.  

After a frightening and serious Daytona crash in 2020, Corey Lajoie was seen out of the wreckage, kneeling beside his car.  People made assumptions, likely based on his personal character they had come to know over time.  Although the assumptions were only in part correct, isn't it great that the initial thought was that Corey was kneeling in prayer for those affected in the crash. The full truth is below in his own words.

  “They say a picture is worth 1000 words,” Corey LaJoie opened in an instagram post. “A lot of speculation as to what was going through my little noggin here.”

“Here’s the facts. The wind was knocked out of me so I was catching my breath, I was wiggling my fingers and toes to make sure they were still connected.”

“I was confused as my brain tried to process what my body just went through and I was hurting from the sub straps containing the force of the frontal impact.”

“While I was down there I did send up a “thank you Jesus for your hand of protection” prayer and at that moment I had no idea who I hit or the severity of it. I’m hearing very optimistic things on Ryan’s condition so your prayers are working guys, keep it rolling.”  

Covenants are like NIL (name, image, likeness) agreements.  When we enter into covenants with Jesus Christ, we take His name upon us, we strive to perfect our image, to be like Christ.   

CHILDREN

Today in Sacrament Meeting, we had the Primary Program presentation.  This is always one of my favorite meetings of the year.  This was no exception.  I was so impressed with these young children, ages 3-11.  The children came into the chapel all together, with such great enthusiasm for what was to take place that they were squealing with joy!  After partaking of the sacrament, the program began.  

One by one the children came to the microphone and with confidence and joy, boldly stated their "part" and afterwards recited a full scripture that drove the point home, then ended with "Amen!"  To which, the entire congregation said, "Amen!"  Each song was sung without piano accompaniment and led by a little 6 yr old girl.  She was filled with confidence to lead the "choir" of voices.  There were no adults prompting forgotten parts or stage fright, the children calmly stood until their minds quieted and they remembered their part.  What a great lesson to learn!

Our dear bishop Dogby then stood and praised the children and the parents for their great efforts to prepare and memorize and present what they had practiced.  He expressed love for each of them and the spirit they brought to the members of Trade Fair Ward. 

We love this humble and amazing ward.  They have very little in the way of life possessions, but they have everything they need and are so grateful to be alive. 

I love what I am learning here in Ghana!!

Much love to you all!

💓💛💚    

Week 39 - Groundnuts, Fufu, Banku & The Hills are Alive!

GROUNDNUTS

We have experienced many types of interesting food while living in Ghana.  One of the main staples we enjoy are called groundnuts.  They are a major legume crop in the northern regions of Ghana.  These nuts are also a core ingredient in many local food recipes.  We would call them peanuts.  They are small and tasty when freshly roasted.  They are relatively inexpensive and can be found on any street corner, bottled and ready to eat.  We like snacking on them in the office while we work. Not sure why I never really knew how peanuts grew.... great visual explanation below.   

  

FUFU & BANKU

The original and main ingredient for fufu is boiled cassava, plantains and cocoyams (taro).  We see young men on the streets carrying and selling cassava (huge root vegetables) up and down the isles of waiting cars at stop lights.  

 

Method of making Fufu: Separately mixing and pounding equal portions of boiled cassava with green plantain or cocoyam, or by mixing cassava/plantains or cocoyam flour with water and stirring it on a stove. Its thickness is then adjusted to personal preference, and it is eaten with broth-like soups.

  

The traditional method of eating fufu is to pinch some of the fufu off in one's right hand fingers and form it into an easily ingested round ball. The ball is then dipped in the soup before being eaten.

We were chatting with some of our local friends and asked them to teach us about fufu.  They like to eat it for the one main meal they have in the mid to late morning.  This fills their stomach.  By simply adding water occasionally, the fufu expands in the stomach, keeping them feeling full. 

Banku is another traditional Ghanaian dish, made from fermented maize (corn) and cassava dough.

The banku mixture is boiled in water until it has a smooth, white paste-like appearance before being kneaded into a dough. This process is repeated until the dough is evenly cooked.  Banku is similar to Fufu, which is made from plantain and cassava, but is eaten in a similar fashion.

This dish is a staple in many parts of Ghana and is usually served with soup, stew, or sauce made from vegetables, meat or fish. Banku has a distinctive sour taste and a slightly sticky texture that makes it ideal for dipping or scooping.

The origins of banku are not clear, but it is believed to have been introduced to Ghana by the Ewe people who migrated from what is now Togo and Benin. 

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to attend a performance at the National Theater of Accra.  We have passed the interestingly shaped building many times and wondered about the inside.  Here was our chance... to see the "Sound of Music" with an all Ghanaian cast.  Surely, this is a once in a lifetime experience! 

                   

                   

The National Theater was built for $20,000,000 by China and offered as a gift to Ghana in 1992.  Since that time, the building has significantly deteriorated.  I was shocked at the dirty and broken down condition of the premier event center of Accra.  Many Ghanaians are embarrassed of the deplorable condition and have tried crowd funding to raise money to renovate the facility.  So far, to no avail.  

The musical stageplay was to begin at 12:00, with doors opening at 11:00 for "rush seating."  By 12:00, there were 20-30 senior missionaries and a few locals gathered and waiting for entry.  Finally around 12:15, we were allowed to enter the theater and find our seats. Many of the chairs were broken, there were only 2 air conditioning units working to cool the entire theater (not a chance of that happening), the tattered curtains were wide open, revealing stage sets still being hurriedly put in place, and there was commotion happening all around us with last minute details being put in place.  Finally, at 12:40, the play began.  I wasn't sure we would make it past the first act.  But then, something magical happened.  My vision changed.  

Maria came running down the isles, singing at the top of her lungs, while the words to the song were projected on the side walls (this continued for every song).  The nuns began to sing as Maria rushed to find her place in the convent.  Maria was sent as a governess to unruly children.... you know the story.  With each "act" the stage would darken and to our surprise, commercials began playing on the side walls (we assumed correctly - sponsors for the show) as the cast scrambled to change clothes and set up one or two items on the stage to indicate the new location of the story.  The actors voices were not perfect, there were mishaps, the storyline had huge gaps, the recorded accompaniment was loud with several missed notes (we are sure they recorded their own soundtrack for the play), the microphones used by the actors picked up every breath of every actor, even if it wasn't their turn for script, it was hot, we were hungry and thirsty (we were told several times "the kernals for popping corn had not arrived yet"), our bums were numb as we slid slowly off the broken seats.  Gradually, many of the seats filled up throughout the performance with more and more locals arriving quite late (fairly normal for any movie theater also).  The locals were audibly thrilled and gave encouraging sounds and feedback throughout the play.  It was actually hilarious.  There was a camerman roaming the audience with a very bright flash, taking pictures of the audience members and blinding us on the spot.  Hilarious right?  The ushers stood in the isles and never moved, so if you had a seat that your view was obstructed by their tall hair, oh well. 

And despite all of these seemingly negative details, we were able to see the incredible effort that went into the performance, requiring several months of practice, and then more practice, all for only 1 day of 3 performances (12:00, 4:00 & 8:00).  They truly gave it their ALL!!!

At the end, we gave them a standing ovation and cheered as if they were a full cast of highly paid Broadway performers.  Their smiles said it all!!  Truly, it was a once in a lifetime experience I will always remember! 

 

Thank goodness we are not judged on the first, second or even third act of our lives.  We make mistakes, we unintentionally hurt others by our thoughtless words, we judge without thinking, we occasionally take the wrong path.  We may think there is no way we will ever make it through this life and onto the next with any degree of reward or happiness. 

The truth however lies in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ!  As we give life our best effort, despite ill-timed attempts to make things right or carelessly blundered actions, bungled words or fear of never getting it right, we can still have HOPE.  Always available to us is a perfect brightness of HOPE in our Savior Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement and ability to bring us to our Heavenly Father, clean and pure and ready to receive the standing ovation of a lifetime, hearing: "Well done!  You did your best!" 

If needed, change your VISION for the future!!  You will see that life doesn't have to be that complicated.  Just continue to progress forward, toward Jesus Christ!!  He is always the WAY!!!!

Much love from Ghana!!!

💓💛💚

Week 38 - Coat of Arms & Personal Mission Statement

A coat of arms is a hereditary device, borne upon a shield, and devised according to a recognised system. This system was developed in northern Europe in the mid-12th century for the purpose of identification and was very widely adopted by kings, princes, knights and other major power holders throughout western Europe.

The Ghana Coat of Arms is composed of a shield, divided into four quarters by a green St. George’s Cross, rimmed with gold. The followings are the symbols in the quarters and their meanings.

• Crossed linguist staff and ceremonial sword on a blue background.

Position: Top left-hand quarter. It represents local administration.

• A heraldic castle is seen on a light blue background.

Position: Top right-hand quarter. Represents National Government.

• A Cocoa Tree

Position: Bottom left-hand quarter. Represents the Agricultural wealth of the country.

• A Mine Shaft

Position: Bottom right-hand quarter. Represents the mineral wealth of the country.

• A Gold Lion

Position: In the center of the green St. George’s Cross. Represents the continued link between Ghana and the Commonwealth.

• Black five-pointed star rimmed with gold stands on the wreath of red, gold, and green colours.

Position: Surmounting (On top of) the shield. It represents the lodestar of African Freedom.

• Two Eagles, around each of whose necks hangs a black star suspended from a ribbon of Ghana colours – red, gold, and green.

Position: Supporting the shield (Coat of Arms). This signifies a protector with strength, and very clear and attentive eyes keeping watch over the country.

Finally, it has Ghana’s motto FREEDOM AND JUSTICE placed under the shield.

PERSONAL COAT OF ARMS

My brother Reed recently sent me a text, sharing a thought that has been on his mind since conference last week:

"Today's choices will always be tomorrow's reality."

I love this thought.  It made me consider again -- what is my personal motto or mission statement that I live by?  

Not too long after leaving for our mission, our Bishop Sean Covey shared this message with our ward family, suggestions I know can bless anyone, anywhere:

"Thoughts on building a strong family culture. I suggest doing three things: 1) Teaching Regularly, 2) Gathering Regularly, and 3) Creating A Family Mission Statement.  I encourage you to implement these ideas into your family, whether you have kids at home or you are an empty nester.

Teach your children and grandchildren regularly.  Send letters and emails, hold family home evenings, have family firesides, bear your testimony, and find ways to share your values and beliefs.  Your children and grandchildren should know that you love them and how you feel about the gospel and life in general.

Gather your children and grandchildren regularly.  Establish traditions and stick to them.  Plan fun family get togethers and vacations.  Gather on Sundays for meals. Do whatever you can to gather your family frequently and often. 

Finally, I encourage you to write a family mission statement, motto, or creed.  It simply represents what your family is all about.  It doesn't matter if you are an empty nester or have kids at home.  It is a good thing to do and there is no one right way to do it.  I promise that it will bless your family and create a sense of purpose that will last for decades."

We are far, far from perfect, but continue striving to do better in these very worthwhile efforts!

Our prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has shared several messages with us over the years that if adopted, could be considered a Spiritual Coat of Arms, and an identity that shows who we are:

Stay on the Covenant Path

Hear Him

Be Peacemakers

Think Celestial

These are some wonderful ideas to get our minds flowing for Personal and Family Mission Statements!!

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DIVINE IDENTITY

"Knowing who we truly are helps us find lasting happiness and peace. So when life gets hard or the voices of the world get loud, remember that our Heavenly Father will always be there to help us see ourselves for who we truly are and can become."

Much love from Ghana!!

💓💛💚

  

Week 37 - Angel Moroni & General Conference

 Our office window faces the Accra Ghana Temple.  Even though our windows are generally dirty and stained between the glass, we still have an awesome view!  Last week, Angel Moroni had a very busy time!

It all started with scaffolding being put up all around him.  We glanced out regularly to see how things were coming along, sometimes horrified at the fact that no one was wearing safety harnesses at all.  But also wishing we were the one laying on the scaffolding, looking up into the sky and completely at rest. ;)

   

 

Once all the scaffolding was in place, the statue was covered completely in tarps, in preparation for the artists to begin their magic!  

     

When Moroni was finally unveiled, it was AWESOME!!  He was shining so brightly with a fresh coat of gold leafing.  We spoke with the artists and they told us it will not have to be redone for 50 yrs!  This will stand the test of time for years to come. 

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Twice a year we are privileged to listen to General Conference, receiving messages of hope, love, counsel and guidance, but most importantly, remembering our convenant relationship with the Father and the Son.  This year has been no exception!  We have loved listening to all but the last session so far.  Since the timing is off a little, we watch in the late afternoon and evening rather than morning and afternoon.  We are so grateful to have fairly reliable technology here in Ghana that allows us this blessing.  Occasionally, the internet will pause and spin and spin.  When the words resume, we are so grateful!

We hope you can also enjoy the great messages from General Conference!  

Some of my favorite take-aways so far:

• Serve diligently, faithfully and quietly in the path of our duty.  
• No matter our circumstances, because of Jesus Christ, everything will work out. 
• Be valiant for the sake of your posterity.
• Reach out, find, nourish and show compassion to others. 
• We must not just know something... we must become something.
• Our covenants are not just transactional. They are transformational.
• Act in ways/circumstances that are consistent with our beliefs.  
• We have opportunity to learn the most during difficult times.  
• Christ heals, rescues and redeems us.  As disciples of Christ, we help and care for each other.  
• Senior missionary couples are needed.  The most important thing is desire. Promise: As we serve, we will feel the love of the Lord.  Peace and love will be multiplied in the lives of our children and grandchildren.  
• We will never be happier than we are grateful.  When nothing is expected and everything is appreciated, we find true happiness.  
• Let pride be swallowed up in a greater conviction, that God is in charge and will gently lead us.  
• See others through a lens of love.  Direction matters more than speed.  If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.  
• Be one in Christ.  Build bridges not walls.  We are all equal in our imperfect state and in our ability to grow and progress.
• We may become broken and blinded along our journey.  No matter what, the Savior invites us to again walk with Him.  If we tether ourselves to Christ, we are walking the covenant path.  
• Peaceable followers of Jesus Christ experience unique challenges.  Bad things happen to good people.  Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. 
• Jesus Christ is our strength.  Have the courage to repent, receive forgiveness and enter back on the path with Jesus Christ.  

I'm so grateful for living prophets and apostles who guide, direct, encourage and love us along the covenant path.  #soblessed

💓💛💚