Happy Birthday Esther!!

Esther's birthday today! Holding journal she received from me, and wearing a necklace of Africa that Sister Eastmond gave her

We all sang, Happy Birthday
I just had to add the minor birthday song and Elder Eastmond kept going around until he memorized it.

Everybody had to take a picture because of course this is epic

Esther sharing her birthday brownies

Esther told us about her upcoming Christmas hats that she will be selling, so Sharon modeled one for us to see what it is that we are buying. Evidently the stars light up when you push a little button.
I think my grands would love them! 

 

Many sides of Juliet

Marlene in the Area building said Juliet was looking for me and she was in the Auxiliary Building. Climbing up to the kitchen on the second floor, I found Juliet tending a baby while she was handing out lunches. I am always amazed at the many sides of Juliet and how she can be of service and help to all around her.

Tending a friend

Carrying three loads

Makes meals, gives out meals that another lady makes and sends, takes care of her friends coming to the temple, and babysits while she does it all.

Fun with Addy's and Despain's

 Last night we had a Family Home Evening - though it was more of a meet and greet at the church building. I had realized early that 10 people would be a tight fit in our home and decided to have dinner and an evening at the church to accommodate everyone.

The Despain's have an idea they want to pilot for interview, clips, story (not sure exactly) about the young women in a gospel setting that they want it to be a natural not a contrived - give-what-is-expected answers to what is important to them in their lives right now.

I brought chicken, rice, salad, rolls, and bar cookies. Sister Despain brought yummy chocolate chip cookies. Sister Addy brought meat pies and cake. We had a lot of fun and had fun. The kids got a little tired of the explanation process but they were good sports and so much fun.

The Addy's explained each of their children's names. The first boy is Golden, who is named after a beloved missionary who was around when he was born. The next is a girl named Josephine after her dad, a mother and aunt - lots to live up to. The third, second boy is Markus James named after another beloved missionary and James in the Bible. The last boy was named Alliswell because of the long hospital stay when they were afraid for Sister Addy's health and life. He is a cute, engaging boy. Life is good.

I would like a Portrait

 The first baby I saw up and close and personal in a mama's backpack was Sister Bobi's little girl. Now she is not a tiny infant where you can only see her head. Now she is a perfect size for a picture. Actually I would like a painting in colorful dress on my wall......

Just after church

Outside of the Addy's office

Babies Passed Around

 In this ward it is very normal to see a baby in three or four different arms by the time the meetings are over. In fact, I don't always know who the mother is. Brother Dumevi was teaching a lesson and his daughter almost fell asleep in his arms. When two or three women offered to take his daughter, he tried to pass her along but she would wake up and object each time. The Bishop came in and quietly walked over and deftly transferred her over to his shoulder without any objections. The Bishop does have five older children so he is an expert. 

Bishop taking care of things at his desk including Sister Dumevi

Socks and the Nature of Gifts

 There is one Elder I know who has noticeable socks. When they came to visit I asked him about his power socks. He said he first receive a shocking pair of socks as a gift. I can't remember if it was his son or a good friend. Anyway he had to wear them and then found out he likes un-normal socks. He has a whole range of cool socks. I will remember him and his socks.

Friends

 I have made some really great friends here in Africa. I had never realized how short Juliet was until I looked at this picture. Her hands are little but can do so much! 

I am so very sorry that the Hymas' are leaving....makes me sad. I sure hope we run into or serve with them again somewhere.

Another Night Out

 Sometimes it just happens that we meet new people and do the same things - go out for dinner. The Woodbury's have been here longer than the Burton's though this is the first time we have gotten together to visit and learn about each others lives. We went to a restaurant that is really wonderful called the Hibiscus. Jeffrey and I learned about it from the Hymas and the Woodbury's had already found out about it. We had a really great time. 

The waitress who took our orders gave us all drinks that were not on the menu. I wanted a pineapple/ginger, Jeffrey had a mango/lemonade and so did Patricia. They were great! The bar tender just made them up as he went along.

I love getting to know new friends. We had a really awesome night.

Delightful Night Out

The first thing we did together was go to the grocery store. One, so Emmy and Richard would know where it was, two, so they would have something in their cupboards for the weekend. 

That night we went out to eat. We ordered really fun fruit drinks and enjoyed each others company.

Rainbow drinks have avocado, strawberry and mango

Emmy and Richard Burton

The night was so enjoyable even though the rain came down hard. We moved to another table under the awning and just continued on. Life is good.

Work in Progress

 I know the Belnap's made sure to have the work scheduled that needed to be done while they were still in the apartment and instructions to have it done the two weeks the apartment was empty. Jeffrey didn't notice much being done on his checks during those two weeks.

The outside of their apartments have been going through renovations, painting outside and now inside. The Burton's arrived at Temple View Apartments to this:

Evidently, all the work is being done now. They haven't been here even a week and every day something else is being finished or done. Welcome to Accra!!

Burton's Beginning

 The new ALC is officially here in Accra, Ghana. Emmy and Richard Burton arrived after a delayed flight and no hold ups on the Covid testing. Yeah! They are here!

The next chapter is just starting.....

Coming from the Temple

 Coming out of the Area Office parking, I notice a lady coming from the temple and soon recognized her as my friend. I stopped and asked if she wanted to be driven anywhere. She laughed and said no. She asked if she could have a biscuit that she knows I have in the door wells for children. As I leaned over to get the biscuits she said, "and one for my friend." It struck me to the heart when I realized she hasn't eaten today and neither has her friend and it will probably be tonight when they get home that they will eat anything at all. I handed her the whole bag saying, "You have a lot of friends." 

#povertysucks #perilsofpoverty

Do You Try New Foods?

Brother Dumevi brought me a treat called Agbeli kaaklo. He said it is cassava that has been mashed up and mixed with onions then fried in these little balls. He said the best way to eat it, is with a bite of coconut and then a bite out of the ball. It was different and fun.

Just in case you want to make your own, I went on google and found a recipe! Here it is.
 

Being in My Happy Place

 Today Juliet came over early to make some food for people coming to the temple and for the Eastmonds. I asked if she would include us and Dumevi's family. Yes!!

While she was cooking beans and rice for some and Jollof rice for others, I was sewing up the trouser carriers. I felt like I was doing something of purpose, using my talents, and smelling the wonderful aromas as Juliet cooked her food. Mentally and physically a good morning!

Sewing and smelling wonderful aromas!

I really love this Jollof rice - maybe because it is made by a Nigerian

Juliet my friend

First Complete

 Promise Dumevi took three prototypes of his trouser carrier to the hospital to show new mama's and get feedback on. He said the minute the mom's saw the carriers they wanted to buy them. This is really great news for Dumevi! He is hitting the jackpot as so many babies are being born due to the house restrictions of Covid this past year. He took prototypes but the first real and complete trouser carrier is done.

Label sewn in 

Ready to go!

It is fun to be part of a new business!

Breakfast at the Mission Home

 Sister Kyrstin Idell was designated leader of our breakfast group. We were asked to make an American Breakfast for the large group of Elders going home. Kyrstin chose to make breakfast burritos and pancakes. Having never worked in the mission home or having any idea what would work or not, we met at the Idell's home to prepare the day before.

Preparation

Krystin Idell our fearless leader carrying potatoes out to my car

When two of the original ladies in the group got sick, Sister Youngberg and Sister Kittelson both stepped in to help

Breakfast Morning

Sister Youngberg and Kittelson assembling breakfast burritos

Sister Hymas was busy making many, many pancakes

Potatoes were fried up from the mostly cooked of the day before

Sister Idell in the hot kitchen taking care of the scrambled eggs, note Sister Whitaker's ponytail in the background. She seemed to be everywhere assisting and helping out.

Assembling

Sister Whitaker helping Sister Idell's daughter in the assembly line

Keeping the burritos hot became a problem

This sister helped out the entire time and I missed her name

The Breakfast

In the courtyard of the mission home/office compound, the Elders went through and picked up the burritos, put salsa in them and piled on the pancakes.

Looked like a success though we can get better!

The Elders African Ties!!

It was so nice to see the Elders wearing their African and Ghanaian ties. I just had to get pictures.

So we will try this again in six weeks with another batch of Elders going home.....

Time is Growing Short

 My heart is full, a little sad, but happy that I have known Elder and Sister Hymas on this mission in Accra. Last Tuesday we picked them up from the airport at rush hour. Jeffrey and I left when their plan was to land because we knew the traffic was going to be bad and take some time. 4:30 - 5 pm is the start of rush hour and is never a good time to go traveling. 

Wow! They walked off their plane, no lines for Covid testing, got to the baggage carousel with their luggage waiting and got their results for the test - that was negative - and walked out the door to the parking lot just as we drove in! How did that happen? I think it was partly because Jeffrey was driving and knows how to edge his way into lanes. 

We decided to go out to eat while the traffic died down and enjoy each others company for the evening. They will be leaving to go back to the States (after a little trip) and I won't be able to call her and hang anymore. This is one of the last suppers we will have together.

Hibiscus is a really terrific restaurant where everything looked and tasted great! We started out with mint lemonade and a pineapple/ginger for me. Jeffrey just had to try the mint lemonade and loved it too.

             

The food was tasty and looked great

The conversation flowed, the weather was breezy and cool - not cold, and there were no mosquitoes. All around wonderful evening. We topped it off by sharing a dessert that melted in the mouth.

Two ties to this family. Matthew knew them in Puerto Rico and his mission and we have gotten to know them on ours. I wonder if our children have any ties together?