I snapped all these pictures in the course of a few hours.  They definitely tell a story about Ghana and the people here:  Where there is a will there is a way, and safety isn't always the first consideration. They, for sure, do not have government oversight like OSHA on many of the daily activities.  The truck on the stop is LOADED with huge bags of charcoal.  Charcoal is commonly used to cook here and is most of the time done outside with big pots.  We have seen trucks that are so loaded down like this and also trucks that have lost the load on a turn and all the charcoal has slipped off and has had to be reloaded!  The guy on the top must keep it safe somehow?????  

The second picture shows a man tying a full sized bathtub to his motorcycle!  Yeah, that should turn out really well too right?  But he is undaunted and will persist until he has reached his destination. 

The third picture is so very typical.  A woman carrying a literal cupboard of fresh bread to sell from her head.  While carrying other things in her hands.  I swear these people are like circus acts with their feats of balance and agility!

One of the things that surprised me about Ghana is the presence of Muslims here.  We have seen a few Mosques like this one and many Muslim people about in Kumasi and from what I have read , there is a big population up North also.  Statistically  I have read that Ghana is about 20 percent Muslim overall but in the Northern regions it is as high as 80%.  

This is a huge sign that we pass frequently when we are out and about.  I cannot even imagine a sign like this being in America, I am sure that someone would complain or protest.  You might wonder what a Jinn is (I had to look it up):  "a Jinn is any class of spirits, lower than the angels, capable of appearing in human and animal forms and influencing humankind for evil or for good"....so there you go! 

I just cannot imagine having to dress like this living here!  But the heat really doesn't bother the natives here as it does us.  In fact one of our African missionaries told us that he is always too cold in the air conditioning. (The missionaries do NOT have air conditioning in their apartments but we do in the office and in our apartment.)  We, on the other hand, wilt without it.....

Bet you can't find a belt store like this in America?  This guy has anything that you need when it comes to belts and he will be out all day looking for customers.  

Happy 20th Birthday to Elder Simpson!  He is the newest assistant to the president here in the Ghana Kumasi Mission.   He brings so much enthusiasm and spirit to the mission.   We are so glad to have him here. 

I adore this picture of Mikayla and her dad.......

Can't forget to document the fact that Heritage High School took the North Coast Section Championship .  We are so happy for Mikayla and her team, as they have worked so hard!

Pictures of two pairs of shoes that were sent to me this past week.  If our missionaries wear out shoes and cannot afford to replace them, then we have shoes that elders have left behind that are in good condition and also some new shoes that are sent to us by charitable groups. Each time I see these very worn out shoes it reminds me of the scripture: 

I am so impressed by these young sisters and elders that give up 18 months to 2 years of their lives to bring good news and peace to people all around the world.  What a blessing they are to so many. The gospel of Jesus Christ really is the good news.

Well that is about it for this blog.  We are so thankful to be able to serve here and hopefully do a little bit of good.  We appreciate the support we get from family and friends.  Stay strong and steadfast!

Love,

The Garrisons