Steadfast African Pioneer

Hey Family,

What a week we have had. We traveled to Accra with President and Sister Shulz to pick up a loner car while their car is in the shop. It was quite an adventure. We went with them to the Area Office, then to get a drivers license for Elder Alba. It went really well, and we were able to get all of that done in time to make it back to Cape Coast before dark.

It was sweet to see a couple in Church that we've been working with. We have really tried to rely on the spirit as we teach them. They both look forward to the temple, and I hope and pray that before too long, they will be married in the Accra Temple.

The following day we traveled to a village about an hour away and teamed up with two different companionships. It went really well. One of the Elders has been struggling with the fact that he cannot listen to music from home. Although he has a good trainer and has not listened to anything apart from MOTAB, he still finds himself feeling as if he is missing something. I have
seen a positive change in his attitude. It was amazing to see how his trainer handled the situation and how he is helping him to deal with mission life.

We taught a really cool man by the name of Amoah. He told us, "Man's greatest enemy is himself. If we allow ourselves to be overcome by adversity, then our bodies and minds are weak and we need to work to make them stronger." Well, I have learned to do that with food.
When a member gives us a GIANT ball of Fufu in a big bowl with very spicy soup and goat skin or cow skin (hair still on it), I need to think about the aftermath of this overwhelming meal. One or two things could happen. If we don't eat it fast enough then the soup gets cold and it's not too tasty. When we finish it all, and don't exercise every day like we are suppose to, then we get the Fufu belly. I'm jumping rope right after I write this! haha That was a bad example of a great quote from Amoah.

One more amazing, once in a lifetime, yet sad experience. Brother Billy Johnson who was the first African to be baptized died this past week.

His wife and mother live in our Branch. The day after his death, we went with our branch mission leader who is their grandson to pay our repects. We talked for small time and offered our assistance. She said that at the moment, she didn't have anything, but she would just like us to keep her in our prayers. We said that we would and then as we got ready to leave, she asked Elder Alba and I if we would return the next day and give her a blessing. We agreed and she began to cry. It was awkward at first and then as we shook her hand and left, I felt a rush of peace and joy pass through me. Elder Alba and I prepared our minds and hearts for that Priesthood blessing. The next day we picked up our branch mission leader again and took him with us. I performed the blessing for Bro Johnson's wife, and Elder Alba did the same for his mother. It was an experience that I will never forget. As we all think back to what Billy Johnson did. How faithful he was to the commandments. He was not baptized yet, but lived the higher law. He knew little about the church, yet he studied the Book of Mormon and words of the prophets eagerly. I admire this family. Many have been blessed because of their example. Jessie, the grandson, is one of the most humble and forgiving men I have ever met. He is poor, yet he finds the time and money to come to church every week and fullfils his calling with the utmost respect for the meaning of a calling. We love him and pray for him and his family often.

Steadfast African Pioneer - http://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/12/steadfast-african-pioneer?lang=eng

Tonight, Pres and Sis Shulz, and Elder Alba and I, have a sweet family home evening planned with a couple that we have enjoyed teaching and learning from. Our lesson is going to be on the Atonement and Easter, and pray we'll have the spirit with us to help them understand. We then plan to just talk with them and play some small games.

I love you guys and hope you have a good week.

Elder Hair