Peaceful Sunday morning

 I feel so thankful for Jeffrey and the fact that the Lord lead me to him and that we have been able to make a beautiful life together. I am especially grateful for his dedication to the scriptures to study them (feasting) to make sure he understands. He has brought some really significant things to my understanding and life that are enabling to the reasons it is needful and important to live a very good life dedicated to the Lord. It is important where my goals are in this life and the next. I make conscious and unconscious decisions based on those goals.

Jeffrey is also wonderful and good to me. He enables me to do so many things that I want and desire to do. He is kind, generous, and very loving. My life is so rich and full because of him. We are waiting a little bit to go to the MTC so he can convey a couple of blessings.  Life with Jeffrey has been a really good forty years in the making!

Saturday starts well

 I started Saturday out right exercising in the pool at 7. Just as I was getting out, the Wilson's came to go swimming with me. I turned around and we had a nice half hour of exercise and talking. I asked to tag along when they mentioned they were going to the Butterfly Market.

It is a very nice market held in gardens which I presume will have lots of butterflies at certain times. Saturday it was filled with booths under canvas pushups. All kinds of treasures and items to buy. Sister Wilson found some silk that was within her price range then debated and debated until we talked her into a lovely piece that came with a piece of chiffon of they same pattern so she could make a dress, skirt, or maybe a soft jacket.  She will decide later.  

I bought an apron from Bernice's shop and we made arrangements to visit her with the Wilson's on Monday. woooo, ahhhh, I just remembered that Sisters Manwaring and Braunberger are going with me to Abri......I'll have to make sure we do everything at different times. I was looking for a basket to keep at the Kaku's doorstop so I can put bread and other goodies I make for them.  I also ran across some material that looked familiar and asked if this was from Esther's shop. "Yes", the young man replied. I had to stop and get about 5 or six yards of different colors. I am going to start my African Queen Quilt and maybe a few others since I will be getting acquainted with Sister Doan. 

A lovely morning though when we left I had sweat dripping down my back and front. I made banana bread after Juliet called and reminded me I said I would make some for the people cleaning the chapel. Then I came home and made some more for the missionaries who came at 7 pm. Jeffrey got an extra two young men who had been cleaning the chapel that I told about the missionary scripture discussion. It was a good day all around.

I love Relief Society Days

 Last Thursday, the ladies came at different hours and times to my house. Comfort came first and made some jollof rice and cabbage stew. Jollof rice for Ghanaians that I froze to use when friends come. She also made jollof rice with no peppers and Cabbage stew with no peppers for Jeffrey and I - Delicious!!

A little later in the afternoon while Comfort was still in the kitchen, Baaba came and finished a few things she was making. The cool one was a pleated dress and then she put together a pleated skirt. Lots of ironing in the pleats before they are sewn. 

I love this sense of industry before we sit down to discuss what is needed in our Relief Society, and what we feel will be of benefit and blessing to the sisters. I sure hope we get it right!

Oliver's bean recipe

 When we visited with Oliver and his siblings in Sacramento a couple of years ago, he made beans for supper. It was hilarious to watch this young tyke jump up on the counter and get the things he needed and then get a chair to stand on to cook his beans. 

Well, I continue to use his recipe and when I make beans for us here. That is how traditions are started. The grandkids do something that the grandparents copy and carry on with. Thanks Oliver!

Open cans of beans, put them in a colander and rinse well. Gather oil, chicken base powder (or bullion), garlic salt, cumin. Add together in a small pot and cook until hot. 

Sunrise

 I remember one particular evening in Quezon City where the whole sky was a beautiful red orange. A few days ago, I experienced the same thing with a sunrise here in Ghana. What makes this happen? I think my friend once sent a picture from San Francisco with the same kind of sky color. She also sent a blue morning that was gorgeous. Something in the atmospheric elements that make a beautiful sky. I will have to ask my grandson who is really interested in all the weather elements. 

New Years Eve with Friends

 I started out the day with my new resolve to exercise in the pool every morning, and then went on to help Baaba with a project in the temple. 

We had invited Joshua and Erica over for a visit but didn't know when they planned to come. My efforts to have food ready from my favorite restaurant were put on hold as they won't be open again until the 2nd. 

Sister Addy texted that she was on her way, and Erica texted that she was in the compound headed our way. I ran back and forth to click open the upper and lower gates to let our guests in. Everyone arrived together. 

Sister Addy brought about 40 Addy bags for the patrons at the temple. I am excited to see them go out. Victoria Addy is a very talented and nice person. I am grateful that she will use her talents in this way. 

A lot of time and effort

Joshua and Erica with their darling little girl spent a few hours talking and telling stories and discussing the Doctrine and Covenants. Erica went online and ordered a meal - it was delicious! We have a new favorite - Thai food. 

They went home around 7:30 pm to put their little one to bed. We had such a nice visit.

I couldn't help but think of years past when the children would be at the Penovich's home. Debbie would make chicken nuggets from scratch or Regg would bring in Pappa Murphy pizzas. I do not know the games or what else they did. I just know they had a terrific time and we usually fell asleep at 10:30 or so.

That happened last night. I looked over to see Jeffrey's head nod off at a weird angle for the second time and said, "Let's go to bed Jeffrey." He was a little befuddled for a moment and off we went. It was only 10:30. I did wake up while the fireworks were going off. Jeffrey slept through the whole thing. The fireworks went off in different places for almost an hour. Fun in the city.   

Happy New Year all!

Small and Big Miracles Happen every day

 I want to start out this New Year with my knowledge and conviction that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are sending divine help, guidance, and blessings every day.

Someone we love told us about his car breaking down with his wife and children at the store. He was currently walking back to his home to get the things necessary to fix it and had a walk of seven miles to go to her aid. Jeffrey and I decided to pray and Jeffrey asked God for a miracle in his behalf. 

Taking the faith I have, I texted back that Jeffrey asked for a miracle for him. He then texted and said a lady from the ward jump started his wife's car and that he was headed back to work to take advantage of the miracle working in their behalf. Not much later, he texted back his amazing results. Prayers to God work!

I know the protection and guidance we have received while in Accra are from God also. Some things are so little that it is after I am home safely, or given a talk someone comments on, or I find what I need, or the right person asks the right question that I realize the prayers I have winged up to God have all been fulfilled. 

The truth is I pray my way through almost everyday. Walking on the sand, I prayed my ankle would not give out and that I would keep my dignity. Prayers answered. I prayed as we traveled for safety and a smooth trip. Prayers answered. I pray for help in my lessons, and I pray for what I should do for the day. All prayers are answered. All the time. Every time.