We are so behind in sharing, but we have been so busy. We may put a lot a pictures on to get a little caught up.
We were out grocery shopping.  Grocery shopping is actually one of our forms of entertainment.  Topics of conversations with the other missionaries are often about what we were able to find and where.  Of course, that doesn't mean it's still there.  When stores are out they say it's "finished", and you never know when they'll get more in. We go to about 4 different stores and fruit stands to find everything.  Here's a pic of the fruit stand and fruit we purchase.  All on our sink top for $5!! 

However, we found a little place about the size of our family room at home called Hacienda, Mi Casa, American Grocery Store (strange) that carries some Costco like brands and gets shipments every few months.  Unfortunately, I got a little slap-happy and bought a few things.  Just these things cost $175 US! 

 

We had our first 2 encounters with the Ghana police today, one scary and one amazing!  It happens to all the "obrunis" (whites) often.  We'd been warned, but it was still a little hair-raising.  They stop   you for anything.  They may see you and catch a cab to flag you down.  They say they're arresting you for things like expired fire extinguisher (you have to have one in your trunk) or the like. Usually if you offer them $$ or food they let you go. 

In the 1st situation, a policeman jumped in front of our car and started yelling that we were in the wrong lane. Kind Elder Watson apologized, and said he didn't know. That didn't help.  Said he wanted to get in our car and take us to police station.  We were to be arrested. I reached for my phone and told him we'd call our "supervisor." He seemed shocked and asked , "Who!?"  We said we were missionaries and would call our leader about this.  He huffed and told us just to go on!  Ed said take his picture but I wasn't going there!  We should have given him a Book of Mormon.  That satisifies them sometimes.

The 2nd encounter was totally different.  We got going east instead of west on the highway. The next exit was 15 miles down the road. At the toll booth we explained our problem. The policeman carrying an AK47, looked at Ed's name tags and said, "You are a man of God."  He opened the side gate and let us turn around. We gave him a Book of Mormon as thanks. He kissed it, stood at attention, clicked his heels and saluted Ed.  The people here are very kind and religious and respectful. Most are familiar with of our church.

 

We have been able to meet with different congregations each week. Newtown Ward meets in a rented building and is so crowded that they brought in another bench part way through the services. All the Ghanaians sing joyfully & beautifully. They all break into parts, especially the men's parts. They even sing along with the prelude music.  When they stand at the pulpit to speak they say, "Good morning Brothers and Sisters", the congregation responds back with a rousing, "Good Morning."

 

  

    We also visited Nsawam (say letter "N" and "swam") Ward.  Elder Watson made a new friend, Shadrack. He wandered into the church about 2 months ago in tattered clothes. He lives with his grandmother. The ward members, who really have little, chipped in and got him a shirt and tie to wear. He comes every week.  I also met a new friend, Helaman.  He's about 3. Sat on my lap during church then ran out of church down the road. I had to run to catch him and bring him back. He laughed all the way.

 

We visited the Trade Fair Ward meeting in another rented hall, but they are all very excited that their new church building will be ready soon. They meet near the beach on the Atlantic Ocean, but it's not like any beach you'd want to visit, lined with shacks and very unclean conditions.

 

Last Sunday as we arrived at the Tema 3rd Ward little Eliaham, about 3, got out of a cab with his mother. Most come in small "cabs", trotro vans, or walk to church. He probably doesn't see many white people, "obrunis" (the other missionaries are the only ones we see), but he immediately reached out his little hand to shake my hand and welcome (akwaaba) me.  Bishop asked us to share our testimonies in Sacrament meeting, and we helped in Sunday School. 

 

Traveling in the city is interesting.  Often at standstill with "hawkers" walking between the lanes selling everything.  It's like a "drive-thru Target"!  But that's the way you buy many things here, and it's considered a regular job.  This is a total cash society.  Most are self employed.

 

 

We were not able to be at the meeting shown below, but I thought it was amazing. People have little but regardless of geography the Lord has a way for everyone of His children to share in the fullness of His Gospel.  This family is learning about the importance of and how to strength their family. Here, as everywhere, families are important to the people of West Africa.

 

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.  This is a very special place to be.