March 2019

November 2017

Wow time flies! We are back from travel with elders all the way to Asikuma. We took elders and supplies to the farthest part on the mission. Then we returned with elders traveling in this direction. It was an all day event. We had our first branch missionary correlation meeting with our new elders and branch mission leader. The president was there as well as the elders quorum president.

Water Woes! Since we have been here we have run out of water 3x in less than a month. Come to find out the water pipes (pvc) are separating beneath the concrete surfaces around the house. We have lost nearly 7000 gallons of water to leaks! We have had no running water to bath or do the dishes let alone the laundry. Hopefully it will remedy with surface pipe installed.

Also, I have put in our sweet potato garden. I noticed our neighbor hoeing up the field next door and planting sweet potato vines. I purchased a hoe and rake and put in our own garden. Hard work! We need rain to recover the newly planted tops to the sweet potatoes.

Did I mention we went to Accra to the temple and a visit to the doctor for Dawn. Well on the way we were rear ended by a Tro Tro, but suffered little damage (to an already damaged truck from scraping the left side door and fender as Dawn drove too close to the entrance barrier). Then we attended to temple since the doctor was not in. It was a wonderful time, so quiet and peaceful in this hectic African country.

Time is really moving along here in Ghana because we stay so busy. Actually, yesterday was the first day here that we did not go far from our home. We have been to Accra twice this month. The last trip 3 days ago we took five bicycles and 4 floor fans to be exchanged at the mission office. We picked up 3 bicycles and it was difficult getting them into the truck since the mission had a canopy put on the back of the truck bed.

Our branch mission leader had a correlation meeting at his home for the first time in the branch. We also have a new investigator from our neighborhood. Also, I am reporting a community service project which we as a district completed today. As we walk in the morning we cross a stream by a foot bridge which was in need of serious repair. Our 10 missionaries and Sister Russell and I took on the task of putting in major repairs on the bridge. It took us working hard all afternoon in replacing the boards and straightening the foundation. Wow what a task but we accomplished it. Standing in mud and hot sun was tough but our elders did well.

Thanksgiving is coming next week. In payment for the wonderful service the missionaries give we are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at our home.

This week end we had house guests! Elder and Sister Wood stayed with us Saturday night and attended church at the Breku branch. They were taking Eric, a crippled boy to Ghana Make A Difference. Eric had just returned from Utah where he underwent reconstructive surgery. He had been in an auto accident as a baby and was paralyzed from the waist down. The Woods are serving in the Kamasi mission living in Techniman. They are from New Zealand and such a delightful couple.

Tomorrow we are headed to Accra to deliver bicycles and attend an art demonstration in making boutiques and kente cloth. I hope to be back before dark.

Thanksgiving was a big event at the Russells. We had over 11 missionaries for dinner. Sister Russell cooked an entire meal of all the Thanksgiving items we could, including mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, stuffing and roasted chickens (2). Apple pie for desert and whipped cream topping was the last item on the menu.

Since we are missionaries we get to visit many investigators. We invite many to come unto Christ as we travel and walk our neighborhood. This is stake conference weekend and we have invited the queen of Awutu Breku to attend. Her good friend, Samuel is receiving the Melchizedek priesthood this Sunday.

We are finally getting internet service that is affordable. It is so difficult to purchase services without paying an extremely high price.

This is the end of the month and time to look back at a month of mission life. Sunday was the Kasoa Stake conference. Samuel Tibo ( my good friend) was sustained to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. I ordained him following the meeting. Pres. Simons asked if I would comment on the support of the Aaronic priesthood holders. He is training the ward and branch leadership to see the young men advance in the priesthood. They are the “Rising Generation”. The speakers were assigned the atonement. Pres. Simpson (Accra Ghana West mission president) and his wife spoke 2Nephi27:13-16. The choir sang beautifully. I was so impressed with the quality of presentations. Africa is the place to be.

We also, had a Kasoa zone activity. Our ZL had a well-planned inside and outside activities, including jump rope, football, a fine meal and we were asked to give our testimonies. The leadership in this mission is outstanding.