March 17 2014

I'm coming home, I'm coming home. Tell the world I'm coming home. See you Wednesday. Love you :)

March 10 2014

Hey mom sorry I think my time is coming to a close.

But yes I've been keeping focused for this last week. I am getting excited to come back home though.

This week Bro Amoahko and his wife progressed really well and came to visit the church and they loved it. The Branch President is his Uncle and he has a brother in the church, so if they keep responding how they've been I definitely think they will become members. Even his wife made us some rice and stew the last time we taught them so that is a really good sign. I was soo excited to see them show up for church. It definitely feels good when you see the hard work you put in getting results. I won't get to see the end results before I leave, but it's looking really good. And the Branch President has been helping us alot in sitting down for the lessons and bearing testimony and then his brother bringing them to church - Members sitting in for lessons with their friends and bearing their testimonies and even them picking up investigators is definitely the most effective way for missionary work.

Next Monday I will go to the mission home and we'll do a little devotional and have a dinner there. We'll sleep over there. The next day we will go to the Temple and then drive to the airport and then I'll take off that night. I was excited to see the new temple video but I guess Ghana still hasn't gotten the new temple video yet.

Oh man that will be strange to start sleeping with a blanket again! Haha oh boy that will be interesting to be in my own room again as well. I imagine I'll be weirded out walking at the airport alone as well.

Sweet that will be a sweet lesson on the Sacrament. The sacrament really is so special, and it's definitely given me a lot of strength in focusing on the things that matter most.

It's alright I'm pretty sure giving a 15 minute talk will be a piece of cake. I feel like I have a greater understanding of the gospel as well now so that helps a lot.

Yes I'm not sure if I'll get to email next week.

Wow you've done a great job at emailing mom! Sorry I wasn't perfect at it!

Love you! See you Next week! Ah!

Elder Adair

March 3 2013

Hey that's a cool idea with the flat stanley thing. Ya hopefully it will get here fast enough.

Haha he finally was feeling well and then on Saturday he got sick again, but now he seems to be doing fine haha.

I don't really know what I want to do when I first get home. I'm sure just being home will be exciting. I figure play it by ear. I've been starting to remember a little bit of what it's like back home so I'm freaking out a little bit with my mind about to be blown of how advanced the technology is back home. I have a feeling it's going to be a little bit like coming back from a 2 year scout camp haha.

If I heard right I'll be home on the 19th of March at 10:20a.m.? is that right? What do my flight plans say?

It definitely doesn't feel real that I'm coming back home. I'm sure it will just feel like a dream that I'm back for a couple weeks.

Mm yes we've been eating Fufu and Banku, Egg Sandwiches and sadly Indomie (Top Ramen) for lunch haha it's a good thing I'm about to have a solid diet again haha.

Haha so you're saying that Jaxon was sleeping on the floor under the tent without a bed? That's funny. That's smart of Emily to make the tent over the bed in the first place.

Sweet! So Cherish will stay close to home?! Ah man she's got to get that house.

And cool so I'll get to see Brandon on the weekend? sweet!

This week for Ghana

Bro Ahin (a just recently returned missionary) has been trying to help us out a lot. He took us to his friends Bro Richard, Bro Sagoe, and Bro Yeboah. He's a really sweet guy and has a strong testimony of the gospel. He also had his mom prepare the 4 missionaries in our area Fufu with Light Soup.

When we taught Bro Sagoe he seemed very sincere though. I loved it when we taught him the Restoration and about Joseph Smith at the end he said he didn't know how to pray so we taught him how to pray and he gave just a super sincere prayer about whether our message was true. I hope that he will progress. He seems like he will be sincere in coming to know if our message is true though.

Sis Abigail was progressing really well and feeling that our message was true and she promised to come to church, but ended up not coming. So we'll just have to keep trying.

Well my times up sorry just short :P Love you.

Feburary 24 2014

Hey yes I'm sorry I did get those M&M's! Thank you so much dad I definitely enjoyed the Mnm's the most. Sorry I thought I had sent a letter.

Oh wow what color is dad painting the house?

Mmm with College I think I'll just stick close to home. I'll start searching what career I want to go into and then figure out which school to go to.

With finding in the area we seem to get a lot of first lessons but then the follow up lessons don't seem to go anywhere soo I don't know what we need to work on in the area.

I think any area is good, it just depends on your attitude towards the area. But I've been in the area for 10 months so we just seem to be on a slower point right now. It gets hard when it feels like you're having little success though.

I've really been enjoying Elder Collette, he's a sweet missionary and works hard. He has a lot of good ideas as well. He has a positive attitude towards the work and comes up with ideas throughout the day of what we should do.

So this week we did a lot of street contacting and we tried to meet with a couple referrals from members. There is a boy named Brother Capture who was a referal and he has potential but it's kind of up to him if he decides to start visiting the church. He seems to be gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon, but there's something that's holding him back from coming to church. 

Elder Collette's had a stomach ache the past couple days. I guess I've just been getting lucky that I don't get sick.

Well I love you

Elder Adair

February 17 2014

Hey mom,

Sorry mom Just don't worry everything is always fine in Ghana.

It started raining last week and before I was able to send my email last week the power went out. And our village being so far away from the place we email I had to wait a week to email again.

Haha I'm sure I'll just be nervous for the talk for the fact that I'll be in front of a bunch of white people again. Does dad know what my topic is or how long the talk is suppose to be?

Wow that's a cool story of our ancestor. So most of our ancestors were from Sweden and England? That's sweet that their stories are getting so easy to access. And that's cool that she was one of the people to see Brigham Young as the one chosen to continue to lead the church.

This week for us.

Well first Elder Collette came for his first time to our chapel in Odoben. And I was joking to the 2nd counselor that he should give him a 20 minute talk and added that I was just joking. But apparently he liked the idea anyways and had Elder Collette give a talk. Elder Collette gave a talk on Faith. But I guess now that we've been missionaries it's not to difficult to think of a quick talk to give to the members. Especially in Ghana.

Elder Collette loves to chase the little kids. And the little kids have been even more scared of us recently. The other day a lady was holding her two kids and they just started screaming at the top of their lungs. The lady called us over and she was getting a good laugh at the two kids screaming at us because we were white.
    As well Elder Collette scared a little kid who was drinking his porridge and the little kid freaked out and threw the porridge at him.
   One night Elder Collette chased a little kid down the street and the kid left his sandals behind and took off.

At night I've been enjoying Kili Wili. The fried bananas. Elder Collette loves Fufu so we've been enjoying that too.

With Contacting we've been trying to get members to help us find people to teach and then just doing a lot of street contacting.

On Sunday we went to pick our one sort of serious investigator Sis Alberta but she had slept over at her church's mission house haha.. So yup.. Haha this past week during our Weekly Planning I just had a burst of laughter just to let out the stress as we saw that we wouldn't even be able to give a solid baptismal date until around the time I leave Ghana. Elder Collette has a good attitude so that's nice and he's a hard worker as well so it's nice when he gives suggestions of things we can do as well throughout the day.

The power has been going out every day this past week. I guess they're working on the power lines. I don't mind it at all though. I sleep fine without a fan. I haven't been making any stews so nothing's been getting spoiled in the fridge. I've been getting lucky by getting to iron my shirt before the power turns off. And there's been just enough pressure for our water to fill up a bucket for showering when the power is out.

I did a Instruction on Working with Members during District Meeting on Tuesday. And just compared an investigator who had a member friend helping them as they were converted compared to someone who didn't have a friend as they were converted. I think it was a good thing to instruct on as 3 of them were brand new missionaries and one of the biggest challenges on mission is just finding someone who is solid and will remain converted.

Let's see last Monday we did a service project as a Zone and painted a childrens schoolhouse.

The mosquito's seem to be out lately because I've been getting bitten a lot recently I might start putting on Mosquito Repellant.

Elder Mafundityala from South Africa is the other new missionary in our apartment. He's had some funny stories to tell us. Including a story about going to the bush to become a man. It's an interesting story but I guess I'll leave to tell it to you in person haha.

At night we're still playing games. Elder Loader doesn't really like games but he'll play every now and then. Elder Mafundityala loves the Monopoly Deal though.

He also likes to switch off the pump when we're showering. So Elder Collette made a plan to turn off the pump and lights at the same time and tell him the power went out. It worked pretty well.

Last night we taught a solid referal named Brother Capture. I'm not sure of his real name yet, but I think he will be a solid investigator from what we saw so we're praying. He's 17 and turning 18 in a couple months soo we will see.

Love you Mom talk to you soon

Elder Adair

February 2 2014

Sorry for the last couple of weeks. I will still get to email. We just had a couple weeks with computer problems. The internet isn't the best in Ghana so sometimes you just don't get lucky. So yes I'm still in Odoben I'll be with a guy named.. I forgot. But I'll meet him on Wednesday haha. So it's funny I've only served in 3 areas my whole mission. I kind of followed in Bro James Jackson's footsteps.

That's sweet. Dad doesn't really need to work as much now that all the kids are moved out anyways right? I imagine since you have 4 less mouths to feed.

How often does Cherish come to visit you guys nowadays? Has she been enjoying her job?

This week was Elder Harris's last week on Mission so for District Meeting he made us all brownies which were delicious. I gave an instruction of Recognizing the Spirit, and the Importance of having the spirit with you during the work. It went well I thought.

This week I was just studying for my next instruction on "Finding People to Teach". Haha I actually kind of did it for myself but I figure it was a good one for the whole district as well. It usually takes me a full week to prepare for instructions. Haha they make me nervous still even though I've been a district leader before. I just have a hard time thinking up topics to instruct on, and then making them interesting and long enough to fill the 1 hr 30 min to 2 hour instruction. Turns out that they're actually doing a combined district meeting this week anyways and so Elder Wade will instruct instead of me.

So with Transfer News Elder Adams (My current companion from Utah) is going to Takoradi which is in the West of the Mission While I'm on the East side. He's going to be with one of his Missionary Training Center people he came with. Elder Collins (same apartment as me from California) is moving to Assin Fosu to train a new missionary, He'll be a great trainer. He's a very sweet guy. Elder Loader (from California) is training a new missionary in the same apartment as me. So it'll be fun. Elder Loader's a sweet guy haha.

On Saturday Elder Collins, Elder Loader, and Elder Brown went to the training meeting so Elder Harris came with Elder Adams and I. It was a slow day but we did teach a nice Less active lesson about the 10 virgins which was a nice lesson and she committed to coming to the church. It didn't end up happening, but I still thought it was a good lesson. We also got a nice referal from a member that will hopefully progress into something.

It was funeral day so when we went to get Fufu from our usual Chop Bar it was rented for making food specially for the funeral. But we went to the chop bar that usually isn't open and it was and I love the fufu there the best so I was happy.

We all met up when they got back, but it started raining so Elder Harris and Elder Brown slept over the night. They were telling scary stories most of the night haha it was kind of fun. Then we put our 4 mattresses together so we could have 6 of us together. Elder Brown made me laugh when he started rolling across everybody saying "steam roller!" haha that guy's funny.

On Sunday we went to pick up our investigator to come to church but her daughter was very sick so she said she wasn't able to come. Haha our church hasn't been starting until like 8:45 instead of 8:30 because everyone has been coming so late. Brother Thomas taught Elder's Quorum which he is a good teacher I like it when he teaches. I was asking the boy next to me questions to see if he understood and I felt like I was able to help him understand a bit better which was nice.

After church we went out for a bit and tried to find people to teach but not much success.

Well there's a bit of my week.

Love you guys.

Elder Adair

January 13 2014

Wow Texas again? Soo if you can get to Texas for that much. How much would it cost me to go to places like England, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya?

The District has been good. I've actually only done 1 instruction so far because the Asikuma Elders apartment wasn't finished so we combined with another district the past 2 weeks.

Umm the emails have been jumbled around. Today I'm emailing on Monday late at night because we went to Cape Coast as a Zone Activity and visited Elmina castle. Last week we emailed in Swedru on Monday for P-day. The week before that it was combined districts in Swedru so we just emailed in Swedru on Tuesday. My area in Odoben always seems to have random emailing since we tend to have to travel a lot.

The water has been working great. We now have enough water for our apartment to supply a whole town for hundreds of years. Soo we now have working showers, toilets, etc. We'll probably never have problems with water ever again.

I don't know how much they carry on their head. They can carry really heavy stuff though if they want to. They usually send the kids to fetch water and I swear it's like fifty pounds of water that an 8 year old carrys. I do not understand how it is possible. From my understanding the water should crush them. As well if they go to farm they'll walk home a couple miles with a big bucket of oranges, Cassava, Plantain, Firewood, etc. I don't know they do it.

This week we were working hard with Bro Eric, he seemed to be gaining a testimony of the message we had to share. But when it came to visiting the church he made up excuses of why he didn't come.

As well we were teaching Bro. Shaibu, he's a muslim but was really interested in the message we had to share.  But he had to help them build a house or something on Sunday so he wasn't able to visit the church either. But ya with his religion and everything it will probably be a very hard switch.

Love you

Elder Adair

Jan 6 2014

Hey mom,

 

Wow sweet Brandon will do a great job at Home Depot and with the schooling.

 

Nicky sent me an email about what he's up to. It was good to hear from him, sounds like he's doing well.

 

Yes it's nice to be District Leader again, it gives me a chance to learn how to teach better.

 

Sister Evelyn hasn't come back from her vacation for the school break. But we'll see next week I guess.

 

Bro Eric is still doing well, this week he had a family member who named their baby so he wasn't able to make it to church, but we are hoping for this coming week. He likes the teachings though and he keeps telling us that it is true. I'm not sure that he has quite understood that we mean that it is the only true church though. A lot will depend on if his member friend Sis Millicient will be serious as well.

 

Sister Vida likes the teachings but she's not really willing to sacrifice her time to learn. I think eventually in the future she will join the church, just because her daughter is very converted.

 

This week we went to farm with Elder Collins and Elder Loader to help their recent convert. So we some weeding with their macheties or cutlasses. Just for a couple hours though so it wasn't hard really. Then they made us some Plantain "Brahdi" with Kotumbre Froyeh - Green Leaf Stew. Apparently Sis Sarah was cooking the stew and just stook the oil and the plastic bag in together and just let the plastic bag melt in it. Elder Loader saw it but didn't tell us until afterwards. Haha and now he's sick. He's been running to the toilet a lot.

 

We did a lot of talking to people on the streets this week, A few lessons with members trying to strengthen their understanding of the gospel and helping them to do missionary work.

 

This week a lot of the members came to church for the new year. It was nice to see everyone to come. It gives you a bit of courage :). Brother Ivie came as well and he instructed the branch a bit about how they should sit together as families during sacrament meeting, as well he talking in Sunday School about them teaching the lessons in English. He explained that speaking Fante is fine if they are just planning on living in the village forever, but if they want to help themselves and go on to University and further their education they need to know how to speak English. He explained that by speaking in Fante they aren't doing themselves a favor. He also explained the importance of coming to church on time, and using the correct books for teaching and such.

 

Sister Georgina and Sister Ester started coming to church again so we've started reviewing Lesson 1, Lesson 2 and Lesson 3. Haha I'm giving you homework, do you know what those three lessons are? Those 3 Lessons are what we should be sharing with our friends. It helps them focus on the big picture of things.

 

They are both younger 15 and 14 so if they do continue to learn and keep their commitments then it will be probably a couple months or so before they will be baptized. We actually found out that their mother is actually a different person than we supposed her to be as well. So apparently Them and Sister Mavis (A member) are cousins rather than Step Sisters. Ghanains make it so confusing when they tell you who is their brother, sister, or father. Really they could just be meaning they are close to each other.

 

During study I was reviewing about teaching skills, kind of just gliding through them

 

 for example teaching in Unity. How you should be switching off with your companion every few minutes, how you should bear testimony of what your companion has shared, and when you aren't talking you should be paying attention to how the investigator is responding by his actions.

 

or teaching with a member. It strengthens the members testimony as well as giving support to those you are teaching by giving them a friend. Especially bringing recent converts, and if they are from the same old church it is even better.

 

teaching for understanding - If you just teach but in the end they don't understand you've wasted your time. So it's important to ask them what questions they have about what you've taught or to restate what they understood from what you taught them.

 

teaching from the scriptures - the prophets have asked us to teach from the scriptures. To do so we introduce the scripture's background info a little bit, read the verse together and explain words they might not understand, and then apply it to them for example if you read about baptism you would relate it to them and then promise them of the blessings that will come as they do so and then bear your own testimony about the blessings you've received as you've done so.

 

asking questions - Jesus Christ asked a lot of questions which made the people think and helped them apply what he taught. I'd written down how Sister Shulz talked about using What, How, and Why questions which help the investigators to apply what you're teaching them.

 

Soo yup there's a little bit about my week.

 

Love you

 

Elder Adair

 

DEC 31, 2013

It was good to hear your voices as well.

 

Haha you missed the game night? That's one of the funnest parties!

 

Sounds like a fun Nativity. I suppose we will be starting our own soon huh. Wow weird. The traditions of the past just keep going on.

 

I still haven't seen Nicky. Where's he at now? and where's Alec at? That's sweet they still come to the family parties.

Yes the converts have been staying active in Odoben so far. I'm still learning as a missionary though. Lot's to learn. Lately the Couple Missionary's have been challenging us to get our converts to the temple within 6 weeks after baptism. That's something I think will help a lot the converts staying active to the church and help them in keeping the commandments.

 

Now we're back to finding new investigators again. It's always a challenge ;).

 

So now they've sent Elder's to Asikuma. So we no longer have to take tro tro's to Asikuma. Elder Harris and Elder Brown are taking over and they are sweet Elders.

 

Now we'll be having District Meetings in Odoben on Tuesdays. Which will be sweet. Hopefully no more rides on the bumpiest 1 hour tro ride to Swedru.

 

It'll be strange being in Odoben all the time now though.

 

So far we've got 3 main people we're focusing on

 

Sister Evelyn - 18 yrs. Very very smart. probably one of the smartest Ghanains I've met. The thing is she seems to be viewing our teachings just as bible learning and not finding out for herself whether the message we are sharing is true.

 

BrotherEric - 18 yrs. He's a referal from a less active member. He has good potential. The last time we went his mother had sent him to do something. So tonight we'll find out if he's very serious or not.

 

Sister Vida - 40 or so. She doesn't speak English but her 2 daughters are recent converts. We taught her the message of the Restoration and she promised to visit the church, but then was "sick" when we came to pick her on Sunday. She hasn't really been trying to meet with us either. But because she's got family in the church we haven't given up yet.

 

Our lessons and everything has dropped a lot. I think it was because we had started going to Asikuma and now that we've dropped Asikuma we've got to pick things back up again in Odoben. It's a bit depressing when we report for the week our numbers though.

 

This Sunday we had a member feed us rice and stew. We had to wait an hour and then it took us like an hour and a half just to finish it.

 

Then Monday our Branch President wanted all the Odoben Elders to come eat at his house. So we Elder Loader, Elder Collins, Elder Adams, and I all went. They made us a huge bowl of Fufu with Peanut Butter Soup and Goat Meat. But we all finished it pretty easily.

 

I suppose it was because of the Christmas Holidays that all the members suddenly wanted to feed us. I'm actually glad that's over though because it uses a lot of our time. Well actually there's even one member we avoided and they'll probably have us another day... I forgot about that. Yikes.

 

Elder Loader is the New Elder in the Apartment. He's from California as well. He's a sweet guy. He likes exercise so apparently he's been making Elder Collins do a bunch of push ups at lunch time. He's been on the field for 4 and a half months. Seems like Elder Collins and him get along well though. Sadly I think he's picking up my eating habits because I've seen him eating plain loafs of bread. (Haha I'm starting to think that's part of the reason they've put me in Odoben because I'm fine with not eating too much food, and in Odoben there is not a lot of food choices available).

 

Elder Lee (from California) left to Moree in Cape Coast to be with Elder Oodoh, One of my old companions.

 

So yup there's a little update. Hope you all enjoy your New Years.

 

The Gospel is still true. Jesus really did come and die for our sins. And if we follow his commandments we will receive the peace and joy and the kingdom he has promised for each of us.

 

Peace

 

Elder Adair

December 16 2013

This week was good.

Elder Ivie and Sister Ivie are the Senior Couple Missionaries living in Swedru (An hour from Odoben) They help a lot, and it's been fun having them in the mission.

We've started taking a taxi to Sis Augustina and Bro Francis. They are cousins and live in the same area.

Sis Augustina will be baptized this Saturday. With Bro Francis we found out he'd only been going to sacrament meeting for the past few months so we think we're going to move him back a bit until he starts coming to the whole church service.

We fixed Elder Lee's washer. It was a 10 Pesewas coin that had gotten got in the fan of the drainer.

When you send packages they either arrive at the post office or at the mission home in Nkanfoa. Then when the Zone Leader missionaries go to the Mission home to receive instruction from the mission president they will bring back the packages for the zone after they are finished. And then they give it to me at a combined district meeting. Or sometimes it can happen in different ways.

The Christmas Devotional was sweet. The missionaries were very prepared for the talent show. Haha my zone wasn't too good though haha. I didn't try very hard, I was mostly just enjoying what the other missionaries did. The movie "Forever Strong" was nice to see again. It has a lot of good messages in it.

We are definitely enjoying the running water in the apartment. Now you can just press the button to flush the toilet. Or fill up a bucket inside the house.

Elder Lee's washer is quite enjoyable as well.

Haha I'll just call. Everyone in Odoben is calling because we don't have internet in Odoben. Unless I get transferred to an area with internet. We will see.

yes I get a printed copy of your emails each week.

I haven't received a package from you yet. I'm actually starting to wonder if I finished that letter to Grandma Walpole for her package.. Uh oh.. I can't remember.

As for this week

We had the Christmas Devotional which was sweet. Elder Barnett (My Trainer in Ghana Cape Coast Mission) gave his goodbye testimony to all the missionaries. He's going back home tomorrow to England. Elder James (My brother in the Ghana Cape Coast Mission, because he was trained by Elder Barnett) gave a powerful talk about the Restoration of the Gospel and how Christ has sent us forth to teach his word and how he is a Living Christ.

Elder Barnett's Zone did a sweet presentation with them starting the Lion King Song that goes "From the day we arrive on the planet, and blinking step into the sun" they changed it to "from the day we arrived in Cape Coast Mission.. etc." and at the end Elder Kalahiki did some sweet rapping it was cool.

For my zone we sang "We are Children Holding Hands Around the World" and had pictures of our zone.

Today (Monday) We did a service project for an Elementary School by weeding for them with Cutlasses, and Sister Ivie had us sing "We are Children Holding Hands Around the World, and I am a Child of God" with them after we finished. She also gave them some treats.

Yesterday we went to Asikuma and finished up the lessons with Sis Augustina so she's ready for this Saturday for baptism. She'll be a sweet convert.

We saw a few recent Converts this week and just did reviews with them.

With Bro Nestor we reviewed the Restoration and he loved it. He said "it's true, it's true". He also asked a couple questions about why we don't use the cross symbol and why we never said the Lord's prayer. He's been working had as a nurse at the hospital in Asikuma. He's such a humble guy. He use to work to help purify water around Ghana for people that didn't have clean water. The shifts he works now as a nurse hardly give him a moment to sleep, and yet with his free time he was willing to let us come see him. He's working with New born babies now. It's funny how he talks about how cute the babies are, some are as small as his hands.

With Sis Nadia she's an old convert from before I came to Odoben and has fallen less active. She hasn't come to church since I came, but we reviewed the Restoration and asked if she had been praying about what we'd taught her about the temple. She said she felt alright about it. She admitted after we reviewed that she hadn't prayed about Joseph Smith and the Restoration so we asked her to pray about it and she said she would. When Elder Cowan came on splits to the area she needed to fetch water but the bucket had fallen down the well. Elder Cowan was able to use a big stick and get the bucket back out of the well. It was a miracle I thought.

With Bro Kwesi and Sis Yeboah we tried to teach them how to do a family home evening. Kind of hard when they are only 16 and 14. Soo I don't think it helped too much. Haha but Bro Kwesi has been such a strong convert. He is truly converted to the gospel. He always goes to Seminary and he truly studies the gospel, if he doesn't end up on a mission I would be very very surprised.

We've really been just searching for new people to teach, but not with too much luck so far. We finally got some potentials and they have already disappeared. Sooo we get to start again :) Hurray!

So we've been working with the members.

With Bro Donso's family (members) we went and asked them if we could teach them. I showed them the 6 main pamphlets and asked them what they would like to learn about. They chose Chastity. So we taught them. I really like teaching that one. But it was a good message and they all said they would live it. I had Bro Lord bear his testimony as well which was sweet. They are a sweet family in the branch we go to. Very Humble. Their mother sells Kenke and Stew and the Islamic School. Their father is a farmer. Bro Lord is planning for a mission. And Sister Haiti attends the Islamic School.

Anyways there is a little bit about the week.

The gospel is true. This Christmas Season remember it's not about the receiving but the giving. It's all about the work.

Love you

Elder Adair

December 10 2013

Hey that's awesome he's back now. That would have been hard to learn a
language haha.
Yes, Sis Camille Boyce has been emailing me a few times so it sounds
like she's doing well.
I can't wait to see Bro Mitch Davis though. I haven't heard from him
for a long time.

Mm let's just stick with the phone for Christmas. That'll be the easiest.

Yes I believe they've finished it today. I took a few pictures. Sorry
I'm afraid I'm probably going to cry when I get home because I don't
have too many pictures. Yikes.

Haha it's alright you don't have to keep sending journal entries from
our Great Grandpa. But he's got a very detailed journal, We have his
journal just at home?

It's interesting that in his journal he talked about his dream.
Because in Sunday School they learnt about Revelation a little bit
about Visits from Angels, Dreams, Visions, but usually you receive in
through the Holy Ghost.

This upcoming Friday is our Christmas Devotional, so that should be
fun. We're going to sing "We're Children Holding Hands Around the
World" for our zone haha. Elder and Sister Ivie are bringing a slide
show for pictures of us in the zone.

We tried to set up a home teaching system for the branch we are in,
but on Sunday I showed the Branch President an example of what he
might like and they said they'd have a meeting with the Relief Society
Pres. And Elder's Quorum Pres. and have them set up the people, but I
guess that works out. I wasn't sure if what I was doing was any good
anyways.

We visited a few of the members who are being less active lately and
they came on Sunday so that was good to see.

As well we've been doing a lot of personal contacting, but I'm getting
reminded that it's a mistake, Working with the members is definitely
the way to go. Most of the people we pick up aren't very serious so it
doesn't go anywhere.

From study I liked a talk from Elder Bednar on Tithing about how it is
a chance to show Gratitude for the things that we already have, and
self control for things that we want to have.

He talked about how those that are grateful for the things that they
already have are satisfied and happy.

While those that are ungrateful for the things that they already have
and always want more are never satisfied and thus aren't happy.

Sis Augustina is a sweet lady we're teaching, she has a great love for
the gospel, and she is very quick at picking things up - I was
surprised. Anyways she had been coming for a couple months to church
in Asikuma and we were asked to go and teach them. We were mostly just
trying to teach her everything so she could be baptized, but this week
she didn't come to church so I guess that gave me a wake up call that
we also need to make sure she's truly gaining a testimony of the
things we are teaching.

Bro Francis is a 13 year old boy. He's a sweet kid, but he's super
shy. His two brothers, his sister, and his mother are all members, and
he's been coming for a couple months as well. But he learns slowly
slowly so we might have to slow down a bit for him.

Really this Thursday and Sunday will determine which way we go with them.

The Gospel is True

Love you

Elder Adair

December 5, 2013

Wow that journal entry was pretty intense. You want to send me more of that journal entry from our great grandfather?

 

So that's where the church started from your Mom's side of the family? Interesting. He's very detailed in his journal writing.

 

No you don't need to send me Cavanaughs chocolate haha.

 

I'll call home on Christmas Between 7-10 pm. So over there it would be Noon- 3. Supposing I'm still with the same companion. Transfer day landed on Christmas this year. But luckily they decided to do the transfers on the 23rd of December so we don't have to worry about it.

 

 

But that airplane deal is pretty sweet! Wow. So if I wanted to fly back to Ghana it would only cost me 100 Dollars For the Trip to Ghana and Back? Tell Cherish she needs to keep that job for the rest of her life.

 

Haha and you've got some fun people to work with there at Cavanaugh's chocolate factory. I'm surprised so many of them are working there.

 

So this week Elder Collins got one of the Ensign's sent from home so I've been reading the General Conference talks. As well the mission President allowed us to watch conference on P-days on Elder Lee and Elder Collins mini Movie player (Because Elder Collins is training they watch the training videos during study).

 

As well this week they have decided to dig a bore hole for us. It costed the mission a bunch of money. So on Tuesday we didn't go to District Meeting, but we stayed with Elder Ivie and watched them bring a big huge machine to dig a bore hole in front of our apartment 330 feet or so into the ground. Our whole Compound was covered in Mud like a foot or two deep. Tomorrow they will bring the pump in so now we will have running water in our hosue that will not run out. Hurray!

 

As well Elder Ivie took us with him to look for apartments in Asikuma. They found a nice one, and for cheap so it looks like their going to send Missionaries to Asikuma December 23rd. It's a super nice area, and the people are very well educated so which ever missionaries come will enjoy.

 

We went to teach Sister Augustina and Brother Francis in Asikuma. So it was a 1 hour tro ride to Asikuma, then an hour walk to their house. Then another hour to teach them. Then an hour walk back and an hour tro tro back to Odoben. So we left Odoben at 2 and got back at 7. Quite a journey for one lesson. But they both have been coming to church for over 2 months and they have a testimony that the church is true. Now they mostly just need to be taught. Soo now the decision is to teach them Twice a week and we're planning for their baptism on the 21st of December.

We're planning on just getting a taxi to their house so it doesn't kill all our time though.

 

In Study I've been looking a lot at just what the prophets have to say about successful marriages mostly and how to improve such as Saying I love you, Saying I'm sorry, and Saying Thank you. Things like service for each other. The tone of voice we use. How it's ok to mess up, but rather think that "we can fix it". And how most things can be worked through even if it's Budgeting Problems, Entaglement in Sin, Interference from In-laws, lack of Temper Control, etc. Or how we should pray that your companion's joy can be your own joy. And that you do everything in your power to make your companion happy.

 

well I love you Mom. Thanks for your great example. The gospel is true and I know it's what brings us true joy.

 

Love

 

Elder Brady Adair

November 26 2013

Mm hmm we are enjoying in Odoben :).

Sweet that's cool brother Christensen is still being a good friend. Does Brandon still go to the Bountiful Rec Center? Tell him I miss him and thank him for being such a sweet brother for me.

Mm Odoben is just in the middle of the bush. We take like an hour tro ride from the city to Odoben. And then surrounding Odoben it's just a bunch of tree's and bushes. Lot's of farming land for Cocoa, Corn, Oranges, Cassava, Plantain, etc. So when people go to farm they say "i'm going to the bush". But Odoben is nice it's not really super bush. It's just in the middle of the bush.

Haha wow Jaxon is already 3? So that was the age of Suzy when I left right? That will be interesting.

Sounds like he loved that Choo Choo train though, and wow he even knows that he is suppose to clean up after himself.

Umm as for the packages in 2 days thing I have no idea. I was looking at Elder Lee's package he just got and it looks like it got here within a few days though so I'm not sure.

Which reminds me today Pres. Shulz told me that I'm going home March 18th. If I remember correctly. So I guess you can plan on me coming home that day.

I asked someone about how much the jeans cost here and the guy said 10 Cedis. So 5 dollars? The highest price was like 30 to 40 Ghana Cedis, but they like bargaining here in Ghana so I'm guessing I'd get them 15 Cedi's or so.

And yes of course I got myself some snickers :) I enjoyed them very well.

Nope don't worry I don't need anything. I did get Grandma's package with the chocolates today though, so I'll write her a thank you letter on Monday.

As for this week -

We decided to drop most of our investigators and start fresh because most of them aren't keeping commitments.

Soo we contacted a lot and found some potential investigators this week - Sister Asi, Sister Phyllis, Bro Jones, and Sister Vida.

As for study I went over topics like Pride, Virtue, Finding, Marriage, etc. I liked the things that I learnt and found some things I could improve on in each of the areas.

This week Elder Cowan was on splits with Elder Lee and we played Farkel. It was pretty funny because every turn I was getting huge points so I left everyone else in the dust.

Monday we played a little Monopoly Millionaire and I won twice and then the 3rd time I barely lost. I've quite been enjoying the winning streak, but it's sure to end soon.

Elder Adam's is still making us nice pancakes and French Toast.

This week I made some refried beans. Although now my stomach is running. I don't know if it's from not having beans for so long or if I didn't cook it well enough or what. But it tasted nice anyways.

Yup we scared Elder Lee again with my cap gun. This time he beat me.

Well I love you

Elder Adair

November 21 2013

Yes I'm with someone from Utah now. Elder Adams. But I actually had one from Kaysville Utah at the beginning of my mission (Elder Seku Holder), he just went home this last transfer soo maybe you could find him if you look him up on facebook haha. We've got a lot of the same interests. He likes musicals and singing. He's got some sweet music, and yesterday he was playing a talk from Glenn Beck about his conversion story it was pretty funny. He likes card games. Worked as a Diesel engine worker, Janitor, and bag maker. Likes Ultimate Frisbee and apparently was on Utah States team. He made the whole apartment French Toast which was delicious, I don't know why I haven't made it my whole mission. So it's my new dinner haha.

This week since we got home before Elder Lee and Elder Collins we had the brilliant idea of putting the lock back on our front door, Turning off all the lights, and hiding in Elder Lee and Elder Collins room. I had bought a little cap gun that was pretty loud and Elder Adams had a little nerf gun. We hid behind their door and as Elder Lee came in we shot him and scared him to death. He had a big sugar cane in his hand though that he almost smacked us with. Still it was fun.

Elder Adams brought up the idea of a movie night as well at the church since he had all the mission movies so we did a movie night at the church, it was an alright turn out. A few recent converts and a couple of the younger investigators came. A bunch of members came as well and enjoyed watching "The mountain of the Lord". Although when we told the couple missionaries (Elder and Sister Ivie) that we were doing a movie night they went quiet soo I suppose they thought it wasn't a good idea haha it would be nice if they would speak up.

This week we went to Asikuma Branch on Sunday. Elder Lee and Elder Collins needed help with the area because they only have time to go twice a week. Soo they gave us a couple sweet investigators - Sister Augustina (20) and Brother Francis (13). They're Part Member families. We taught them the Restoration and Sis Augustina is definately solid and has come to church for 2 months already so she only needs to be taught.

Elder and Sister Ivie gave us a ride out to Asikuma. Haha Sister Ivie was car sick from the bumpy road but it was nice of them to make a sacrifice to do so. I've really loved having them in the area. They told us about how they met. Elder Ivie actually met Sister Ivie during his mission. She was helping out in Georgia with the Seminary Program. He wrote her after she moved back to Utah. And they got married 3 months after his mission. Funny story. They also drove us to our investigators house after church, and Sister Ivie gave us a couple apples.

Transfer day Elder Cowan showed me a shop in Swedru that sold Snickers. This whole time I'd been looking for them! They're only 1 Cedi 50 Pesewas. So 75 Cents. They also had Pringles for 6 Cedis (3 Dollars). I think today as I'm shopping I might just have a feast.

The rest of Transfer day we just played Skip Bo. We were all pretty bored that day. I got some fried rice for 4 Cedis, but I didn't even like it anymore. Haha that use to be the enjoyment food.

Today we had a Zone Activity at the Beach in Winneba. We played Ultimate Frisbee and some kind of soccer Ultimate Frisbee mix game. We catch a crab, Ate some Pineapple and apples. I sprayed Elder Lee and Elder Cowan with some Water. Met a new sister missionary that was actually from Elder Kirumira (my last companion from Uganda)'s Ward. Haha she told me how he was a stubborn guy back home. Elder Kirumira was a funny guy, I'll miss him.

Mm I suppose I could look for some Jeans. Do you want me to buy them for me or someone else? I could probably just buy some traditional pants that everyone wears. People back home would see them as Pajamas I'm sure though.

Wow that sounds bad with Jaxon though. How long is it going to take to cure?

Sweet I didn't realize Brandon was working at Home Depot, that seems like it would be a nice job. I'm sure he'll love Utah State as well. What does he do when he's at home?

I'll definately enjoy that chocolate that's coming. Good thing you've got it sent as well, the Christmas months aren't too favorable with getting packages.

Haha and you're working at Mrs. Cavanaughs chocolate store? Hahahaha no way! So you finally got bored of being at home all day? Sweet does that mean you sent me Cavanaughs chocolate? What kind of good deals do you get? Free Chocolate at all?

Wow that's cool the neighbors brought food over. Do you talk to them a lot then? How is their daughter doing? That would be a hard life style.

Welllllllllllll I'm sunburnt now. Just so you know

But I still love you, even though I'm sunburnt.

The church is true. I suppose something I've been thinking a lot about lately is looking for the good in others. Judge not that ye be not judged. As well as Love your enemies, do good to them that despitefully use and persecute you, and pray for them. I feel that those things are really important and make life so much more enjoyable. Praying and asking god to bless someone that has maybe done something you felt was wrong to you. I've found it helps you to see their perspective a bit more clearly. As well doing good to them - anything - a smile, a hug, a compliment, a little service. Judging someone is usually done without the full facts as well and I've found if you judge someone then you start realizing all the things you do as well and well that's just not fun either.

Love

Elder Adair

12 November 2013

Alright sweet I'll send Sis. Karl a little message :)

Hey... the journal. You've caught me red handed. I did pretty well for the first year and few months. But, my journal has pretty much gone downhill from there. I'll try and pick it back up. Your quote gave me some inspiration to start it again.

Let's see for chocolate I already have chocolate powder. Just send chocolate bars like snickers, Butterfinger, Symphony Bar, Chocolate Peanuts, etc. Things like that.

That's sweet that Suzy is still thinking about me :). She'll probably be scared when she sees me again though as she always is.

Well the Transfer News has come - Elder Kirumira (My companion from Uganda) is moving to Assin Foso to be with Elder Tembedza's (My last companion) Son (He trained him on Mission).

I'm Staying in Odoben making it 7 and a half months I'll stay in this area. (I stayed in my last 2 areas for the same amount of time)

My new companion is Elder Adams from Utah. I believe he's from Logan. I've talked to him before and he seems like a nice guy. He was trained by Elder Martin I think (Another sweet guy).

Elder Kirumira is sad to go, he really loved Odoben. But he'll do great in his new area.

As for my apartment mates - Elder Lee and Elder Collins are staying.

This week we had a famous football player pass through Odoben - Micheal Essien from Chelsea Team. My trainer Elder Barnett will be pretty excited to hear, he was a huge Chelsea fan. If you've seen the pictures of my blue jersey that he gave me that is a Chelsea Jersey. Micheal Essien's father passed away so he came for his funeral in Odoben.

We also has Sis Henrietta's (13) baptism. She's a step-sister (from her Father's side) to a recent convert, Sis Mavis. She's been going to Seminary with her sister and doing the assignments which has been cool to see.  We're also working with her step sisters (From the mother's side) they're 13 and 16, so we still need to get a hold of Pres. Shulz to see how he wants us to work with them, but they've been coming to church, seminary, and receiving the lessons so I'm thinking December time they'll be baptized as well.

Elder Lee has bought a new washer which I got to use yesterday. Washer's are always nice :). Sadly it started making noise as I was drying my clothes in the spinner.. so Hopefully I didn't just ruin his brand new machine. It sounds like a coin got stuck in the drain or something.

Tell the family hello

What's Brandon been up to? I haven't heard much about him.

How much longer does dad have until he retires?

Well the gospels true, love you

Elder Adair

5 November 2013

Hey mom thanks for the update :) Sounds like it was a fun vacation. You'll have to see if you can get me a picture of the Halloween costumes.

Snorkling and Mayan Ruins, this was all down in Mexico?

Yes, I can get candy here. The thing to send me is chocolate, anything chocolate I would love.  That's really all I can think of that I'd want.  Chocolate. You can get chocolate in certain areas in Ghana, but I haven't seen it for a long time so chocolate is what you should send.

I'm not really sure what the date is for when I come home. I'll let you know when I get travel plans, probably around Christmas if that's okay?

We got to watch a little bit of conference this Sunday. The computer stopped working after 2 talks though, but I heard President Eyring's talk on Loving God and Dallin H Oaks on part of the 10 commandments and having children and such.

On Saturday the couple missionary's Elder and Sister Ivie brought a movie on Joseph Smith and so quite a few of the members came to watch it. It was funny the power was out but it turned on just in time for us to start the movie. (Elder Collins used his super spiritual prayer strength to turn the lights back on I suppose is what happened really.)

We had apartment checks and our apartment was pretty good. We got marked down for a couple things like not sweeping our rooms (I totally had swept and mopped it that morning, I blame it on the floor paper, we just need to take it out.) But we still got our chocolate chip cookies. (Which yes they have here and they are actually decent)

Elder Kirumira has popped out with a new idea of entertaining us. Rubber bands with little papers. He likes shooting the chickens and members, and some times he'll pop it out during companion study when I've bored him.

Elder Lee has been so kind in allowing me to steal his Richocho Powder ( hot chocolate powder). I enjoy eating it by the spoonful.

Elder Collins has allowed me to steal his Indomie a few times as well. When I'm too lazy to plan on what I'm going to eat for dinner.

Elder Lee and Elder Collins are convinced I cheat at Monopoly Deal because I beat them everytime. Although Elder Lee achieved his victory yesterday.

The Zone Leaders came on splits with us on Tuesday

Elder Dikane from South Africa, he's a sweet guy. I really liked how as we taught with him he'd use examples of people from the bible - like with repentance he related it to Paul and how he was going against the church and then turned into a great missionary. It made the lesson more exciting and understandable.

Elder Baird from Idaho I believe. He's a humble guy. Elder Lee and Elder Collins got to go with him though so I haven't seen him too much in missionary work.

With study I went over ideas on Finding and I liked the idea at the back of just sitting down with members of the church and having them write down names of friends and family that they know and then prayerfully choosing one whom they'd like to share the gospel with and then helping them come up with ideas of how to help introduce that person more to the gospel.

As well I liked a talk from Pres. Monson about marriage a bit about how Partners need to love each other, they need to show respect for each other. He talked about not always needing your opinion to be right. He talked about how even when relationships go bad it doesn't mean that seperation is the solution, things can be worked out and become good again. He gave an example of a couple he took to the temple that had been having fights and he had them listen to the marriage ceremony and at the end they were close together again.
He talked about some of the reasons for people wanting seperation included financial problems, anger management, lack of communication, in-laws interrupting. So I was thinking of ways I could work on those areas.

So yup there's my little update of what's going on over here.

Love you guys

Elder Adair

29 October 2013

Hahahaha... oh boy. Well about all the many pictures I have been taking. - This past Friday there was a big festival in Odoben where boys dressed up as girls, and different things. So I let a member borrow my camera to take me a bunch of pictures.. I knew I was taking a risk, but I trusted him so I decided to do it. Sadly what I least expected, but I probably should have expected.. He accidentally deleted all 500 pictures.. Sorry :P.

Mm I think it was after summer that I sent the pictures. I don't know, time really races by out here. It's crazy to think I'm almost 20 months out. Yikes. I was worried when I put it in the mail that it wouldn't send because the lady hadn't stamped it with the "by air" stamp. Oh well.

Well today I only have a few minutes because it took most of the time just for me to sign on.

But I guess a little update

There was a big festival this week in Odoben. People dressed up as different things. It was definately the biggest celebration I have seen while I've been out here. The people paraded down the street with their different dress ups.

Although a lot of people skipped church because of it. Haha oh boy.. a lot of the members were telling me how it was the day that nobody went to church but they all had a church service together with all different faiths.

Brother Kwesi was baptized on Saturday, We totally forgot about getting the key to the library for the baptismal clothes.. So we were a little late because of that, but the service was really good.

Sister Henrietta is still doing good, her sister Mavis is a really good member and wants to help all of her family join the church so she's been a good example.

Brother Benjamen didn't show up for church (I'm guessing because of the festival), but I think he has a lot of potential and he keeps saying that he believes all that we are teaching him is true.

This week I was just looking at the things in our planner that help people be truly converted and so I was just thinking of how we could improve on some of those things.

It gave examples like - they need to be invited to investigate, read from the book of mormon, pray, be taught the preach my gospel lessons, see a baptismal service, invite their friends or family to investigate the church. etc.

It gave me ideas for each investigator on what steps still needed to be taken.

But my times out so love you

Elder Adair

October 15, 2013

No worries today we had the mission doctor come to Cape Coast so you're getting email late on Tuesday this time.

I don't know when changes will come. The next change will be in 4 weeks. I don't really care, I just go with the flow and where ever the Lord wants me to be.

We're going to watch "The Best Two Years" this coming Monday. And we talked the Sister Missionaries into making food for My companion and I, so we'll enjoy. I've waited a long time to see this movie.

That's true scripture study is important. We were talking about Mulek one of the sons of Zedekiah who was spared by King Nebuchadnezzar today and how when he came to the America's they had forgotten about god and their language was scattered and their were lots of wars and contentions about his people because they didn't have any records of the prophets when King Mosiah met them.

It was funny as well because on Sunday I was reading small from.. lets see was it Jeremiah? And it just makes more sense who Zedekiah was and the Babylonian King was Nebuchadnezzar. I really love the Bible a lot and it makes a whole lot more sense to me now.

But Hey Elder Dube, what did he talk about in General Conference. You got to send me some little quotes from conference and what you liked about it!

And you can tell Grandma it's fine, I'm not too into writing emails anyways.

As for this side of the world -

This week we spent a lot of time working with recent converts, I feel I've been slacking on helping them out. I've gotten to focused on Less Actives and Investigators. We were able to help one recent convert come on Sunday, When he joined the church he was a drummer in another church soo the church wanted him back and I guess he was getting a lot of pressure.  Luckily he opened a phone shop on the side of the road so now it's easy to get into contact with him and help him get back and grow his testimony.

With Brother Kwesi he didn't come this Sunday because of something he had to do with his Cocoa seeds, but we're still planning on his interview tomorrow for baptism and then we're giving him this Sunday to come for his 6th time to show that he's really committed and then his baptism will be next Saturday.

Elder Doggett taught me some Solitaire when he came to our house so I'm enjoying that a little bit these days.

We've got a sweet apartment, Elder Lee from California he's been out for 3 months he's training a new missionary called Elder Collins from California as well so he's been out 2 weeks.

Elder Lee was a water polo guy back home and his dream is to be a professional Water Polo player in Europe

Elder Collins was a Basketball player back home and apparently was even the team captain. We're planning on pumping our basketball and we'll probably play it on his birthday in 2 weeks for our P-day activity. He's a sweet guy, super humble and very effective missionary. Although I get jealous of his stack of candy he brought along with him haha.

Elder Kirumira my sweet companion from Uganda. He's such a sweet guy, sometimes he'll fetch me a bucket of water in the morning, or he'll polish my shoes. He's just a fun guy to be around as well. He likes to give the impression that he's a stubborn missionary, but really he's just sweet.

A talk I enjoyed in studies was one about Loving God - it talked about how in our faith we shouldn't be thinking "If god loved me.. then.. (he wouldn't let my son get sick, he wouldn't let it take so long for me to have an eternal companion, etc.)" or "I've sinned too much, god can't possibly love me"

It talked about how god always loves us no matter what. He loves us so much that he sent his son Jesus Christ to come die for us.

It touched a bit deeper for me because that is the very first principle we teach our investigators "God is our Loving Heavenly Father", and for me to teach it I need to apply it in my own life and truly remember all the time that I am a Son of God, and he loves me and cares about me and wants to help me. Just as he cares for me he cares for every one else too.

Anyways love you

Elder Adair Your favorite :)

October 8, 2013

Hey mom,

No the computers are usually pretty fast, it's just some weeks the
connection will be slow.

Yes, I'm still in the same area, Odoben, with Elder Kirumira from Uganda.

Hey, I forgot you guys got to watch general conference! Oh well i'll
see it soon enough. That's a sweet talk from Pres. Monson. Personally
I think it'd be best just to focus on people that you already know.
What Converts need is a friend in the church who can be there to give
them confidence, and help them know what's going on really.

Yes dad is getting old, but now that I'm thinking about it that means
he gave birth to Cherish around 22 years old. That's only 1 year away
for me now. Wow. Is my math right?

Haha I'm glad Suzy still misses me :)

Yikes that's a sad story about the puppy. That is strange that it took
so long to show up. But as well looking at it from a Ghanian point of
view.. 2 thousand dollars of surgery money on a dog... Maybe I won't
say anything on that haha ... Except I still want to know what dog
tastes like :)...

As for what's happening on this side of the globe -

Brother Nestor was baptized and confirmed the past couple of days. I
love this guy, he would have been my best friend back home. It was fun
teaching him the commandments and making them clear of the do's and
don'ts. I played the piano during the baptism as well. The piano makes
it so much nicer :). But I'll be excited to continue teaching him.

Sis Gifty has returned, but for some reason she has backslided and
hasn't been progressing :(. So we're just backing off a bit and
letting her decide for herself to act on what we've shared with her.

Bro Kwesi is doing well and still likes the church, it's harder
teaching the lessons because they have to be translated and you don't
get to become as close to the investigator, but he's got solid friends
who help him as well.

Sis Henryetta (13 years) is good as well. She's got a sister and a
bunch of friends in the church. I guess we're mostly working on making
our lessons a little more interesting for her age though. I was
thinking of like for the 10 commandments to use each finger to
represent each commandment. for example the first commandment I would
use 1 finger to point at the sky. Representing worshiping only 1 god.
the second commandment use 2 fingers and act like they are bowing down
to idols. Etc. it wasn't amazing but I think it would help keep her
attention a bit more. Luckily she likes reading and so she is good at
restudying what we teach as well.

With study I read a little bit from Jeremiah about how the people at
that time were worshipping idols, they were sacrificing their children
to the gods, they were commiting adultery and harloting, they were
liars, and just how god continually warned them to repent. That's what
I loved the most is that god keeps telling them about the destructions
that will come to them for their sins, but he would always add repent
and he would forgive.

As well I read a talk from Henry B Eyring, he mostly was covering the
commandments like Keeping the Sabbath Holy, Prayer, Scripture Study,
Service in the Church. He also jumped around to the Ressurection of
Christ as he explained about Scripture Study and things like that. But
it's interesting to see how they always focus on the missionary
lessons in general conference, but you can see how they go at it from
different angles.  I liked how he related the principles to himself
and a personal experience he had by doing each of the commandments.

At District Meeting today Elder Doggett explained about using the Book
of Mormon in our teachings and how important it is to use the Book of
Mormon, and he reminded us of Once Sister Shulz (Mission Presidents
Wife) asked the missionaries how many of them had their testimony come
from reading the Book of Mormon, and almost every Elder raised their
hand.

So he just reminded us to use the Book of Mormon and use it to help
against objections or confusions on the church. Which I felt I could
improve on more.

Heyy for our next Zone P-day Activity we might get to watch "the best
2 years" and have food! Cross your fingers that it'll happen.

Love you Mom, I'm grateful for your great example and thanks for
keeping up with the emails every week, it's something nice to look
forward to each week :). I'm grateful for Christ and that he took the
time to come and share with us what is most important in life.

Family Forever

Elder Adair

23 September 2013

:) You make me laugh mom.

 But that is sweet that the mother wants the little girl to be baptized. Just a couple suggestions from what I've seen out here in the field though. - First yes, don't go tooo into detail on everything, that will just confuse her and bring questions to her which she will have a hard time finding the answers out for. The basics are what is most important. You just want her to understand enough that it will help her change her life.

Go through the Preach My Gospel. Chapter 3. That teaches you exactly what she really needs to know. Especially about the Restoration of the Gospel. Even the stuff in Preach My Gospel can be a bit much. What worries me the most is when I meet members who don't know the basics, and that is what usually is a big cause of them being less-active.

For example if you go into detail about how god has a perfect body, and Christ has a perfect body, and the Holy Ghost is a spirit and that they are 3 seperate beings. It is a bit much if they don't already understand the basics and it can get them unfocused from what matters most. They'll just start asking questions about things that don't really matter much at all.

But I guess if they're questions she brings up on her own then they are okay to answer. If it goes too far into detail bring her back to the main points though.

Umm Second, if she's moving out I wouldn't have her baptized where you are at. Probably wait for her to move and make sure she comes for like 6 months to church and has a good friend in the church that will help her along the way. a child the same age that is her friend and a leader. Unless she's living with a member then probably like 3 months at church.

Once again though it might be a different story in Utah. But that's my opinion from what I've seen here in Ghana and the rules they have in the mission here.

But keep up the missionary work over there :).


===

My companion Elder Kirumira is doing well now. He bought a lot of vegetables, fruits, and drank plenty water for the past week. I wrote a few songs on the guitar while he's been sick. I wrote one for him and his girlfriend back home which he really enjoyed. He had me write it to the tune of "Swing Life Away" by Rise Against. And he wanted me to keep the Swing Life Away chorus.

Soo it feels like we've missed a lot of missionary work though. Being Sick is no fun. We're trying to get things running again.

He polished my shoes a couple times this week, which was nice.

I made him a paper piano that he can practice on as well and he's doing pretty well.

=--

Today we had a Zone Activity with the Elders and Sisters and The new couple's came Elder and Sister Ivie from New Mexico. We watched 17 Miracles. I was a bit sad Because I thought we were going to watch "The Best Two Years", but 17 Miracles is a good one too.

Elder Rowe from Sierre Leone made us some nice chicken and Sausage Burritos. He's going home to Sierre Leone next week.

==

Brother Kwesi should be baptized next week. He was mostly a referral from a member. Brother Kwesi doesn't speak English so the 2nd Counselor has been helping us translate for him. It seems like Brother Kwesi learns and understands really fast. So mostly we're just covering up the lessons for his understanding and then he can be baptized. He's come to church 5 times and it was really cool this last time we went to teach him because he was talking about how at church he learned how important our family is and how they will continue after this life and the kind of life we have now is what we will take with us there, and he was telling us how he felt he needed to make some changes in his life and fix some things with his wife and children. It was really nice to see that he was applying what he was learning.

Sister Henryetta as well is a Recent Convert's sister. She's 13 years old, and she's quite smart. When we came to teach her she wrote down everything we had learned the from the last time we came and it was sweet to know that she was making sure she understood as well. We walked her to church with her sister, Sister Mavis.

We saw Brother Nestor as well this week, but we think that he's a bit confused with the teachings now. I think it's starting to sink in for him that we're teaching that we believe this is the only true church. But we're hoping as we continue seeing him that the concerns will go away. He was sick this Sunday and didn't come to church so that was a bit sad. But he's got a really strong brother in the church that will help out along the way as well.

I've really come to love the Branch i'm in though and the members. I'm going to miss it when I get transferred. But I feel like I've grown a lot as a missionary in this area and I feel like everyone we teach has a really strong member there beside them to help them out.

Sister Gifty told me today that she won't come back until next week Thursday (Which is the day after I will probably leave/ be transferred to a different area) Soo I think she's avoiding being baptized it sounds like. But she's bringing her husband back with her as well so that could be a good thing if they start coming to church together. I think the rest of the story I'll have to learn from the missionaries who come to the area next though.

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As for studying this week. I went through Plan of Salvation that we'd teach with Brother Kwesi and just thought about how exactly we'd teach him (The Zone Leaders gave an instruction on how in companion study we should cover how we were actually going to teach our investigators not just telling each other "okay you teach Principle 1.. I'll teach Principle 2, etc.") So I was looking at it and going through the teaching skills about when I'd ask a question.. what inspired question I would ask, what scriptures I would use, how we would switch off. It really helped quite a bit. Although I found out I have to adjust it according to the circumstances that come up while we are teaching as well.

I also cut out a little body out of paper and then made a slot where I could slip the spirit into it. I thought it was a great idea and I was really excited when I made it. But so far as I've used it the investigator doesn't seem to get it completely.

Anyways there's a little bit for you :)

Love you all

Elder Brady Adair

P.S. for Dad - I think the address is Mpantiasee, Odoben, Central Region, Ghana

I'm not sure how to spell Mpantiasee

Elder Lee says hi. He's from California Dream Land. He's a Californian.