As we were up in Tamale I took these pictures of the huts that  some of the people live in up there.  I thought before coming to Africa that I would see this kind of thing a lot but I had not seen it in our mission until going up into the Tamale area.  

I forgot to post this picture in our last blog too.  It is just Sister Steinmetz and I embracing the African hair styles.  

This past Wednesday, we got to go to Accra with the Moomeys to attend the temple.  It had been six months since we went, and it was just so nice to be there again.  I have to say, that being in the temple with the African Saints is one of my favorite things about being here on a mission.  I LOVE seeing them taking charge of the work that is being done there.  It just gives me so much hope and joy to see it.  Sometimes, working in the branches where there are so many members that are so new to the church, I wonder if they will ever get the full vision of the church and of the gospel, but going to the temple just puts those doubts at rest.  They are doing such a great job.  

I know this picture is crooked.....but I just love it so much!  This picture depicts the great love that Jesus has for everyone  of His children and it also depicts the wonderful children of Africa and how loving and accepting they are.  💙

While in Accra, I got to visit the travel office and say "good-bye" to the two people that I work the closest with:  Eric and Florence.  As you can see by their beautiful smiles they are just wonderfully kind and helpful people.  They have helped me so much as I have navigated the immigration and passport issues that have come up in our mission.  So thankful for them and I will miss them. 

Besides our beautiful temple being in Accra, there is also a magnificent mosque there.  It is so huge, this picture doesn't do it justice.  

After attending the temple one day, we were able to go swimming at the apartment building of some other senior couples that live there in Accra.  It always feels so good to get into the water on a hot day (which every day is....).  Young missionaries are not allowed to go swimming, but that is one of the perks of being a senior missionary!  I always tell the young missionaries that they have that to look forward to!

Not sure we would see a street named "Born Again Street" in the United States unless it was where a Christian church was, but in Ghana this is very typical.  I love this about Ghana.  

Last Sunday at the branch that we attended, they handed out the "African West Area Plan".....I love what the goals are and how they are written out so succinctly.  There are some wonderful leaders here moving the church forward in this area.  

This is Stephan Enne.  He is in the Obuasi 1st Branch.  He has limited use of his legs.  Today when he arrived at church he sat down and I noticed that he was dripping wet.  He took a cloth out and wiped the sweat away and then sat there with a smile on his face.  I meant to take a picture of the road that he has to navigate to even get to the church each Sunday.  It has about a 30 percent grade and the road is full of ruts and rocks and it is dirt.  With an adaptive bike, he uses his arms to make the wheels move. Once he gets to the church, he hoists himself off the bike and grabs his crutches and has to go up about 20 stairs that are steep.  He does this every Sunday and he has the most sunny disposition of anyone that I have ever met.  I think about all the reasons that are used to not attend church and of hardships that others may face but I will always remember Brother Stephan's example of diligence and thankfulness to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in his life.  He is truly an inspiration to me.

Also today at church, I got to see Harriet again.  She had her new baby on her back and just looked so beautiful.  She comes to church each week with 4 children and is the Primary President (the children's meeting).  Isn't she just radiant?

Well, that winds up the last two weeks in a nutshell.  Each day we are reminded that our time is far spent here in the Ghana Kumasi Mission.  We are so so grateful for the wonderful missionaries and members that we have worked with, and will be forever changed by this experience.  We are so thankful for our Savior and for His teachings and just hope that we can be a little better each day as we navigate this earth life.  

Thanks for all your support and prayers.  We really do feel them.  Stay strong and steadfast.

Love,

The Garrisons