Our First "P" Day

Elder Haws and friends attending the temple

 

By Greg:

 

The first thing I need to say today is that we have learned that even though this is the most wonderful mission in the entire world, the Church has faced a few challenges in getting couples to come here, especially those with professional skills (Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Professors etc.).  So, they are going the extra mile to provide us with safe comfortable living quarters, great working space with very modern technology, a safe reliable car, and the association of other couples facing similar issues.  We are very surprised and pleased with all the material things we have been blessed with and surprised beyond belief.  We also know that we are in the Area Office and that all couples in this Area do not have it so good. 

 

All this being said; our message to all our friends is: COME TO AFRICA, COME TO AFRICA!

Typical street scene-University in distance

 

Last night we went to the Accra, Ghana Temple and did a Temple Session and then most of the Area Couples did sealings.  Elder Curtis of the Area Presidency was the sealer.  This was wonderful.  I hope Debi will say more about the Temple.



The Temple is the same, but very different

 



Afterwards we all drove in several different cars and went to dinner at a hotel near the ocean. Debi can talk about this as well.

 

Today, the Taylors, who are both lawyers and missionaries, took us in their car and gave us the grand tour.  We have been up and down the main street (Independence Avenue) several times now and so we are starting to feel like we could go it alone if we don’t go too far.  The funny thing is that you cannot make a left turn, anywhere on the street.  So if you want to go the other way you have to go the wrong way for about a mile, go through a very wild and chaotic round-about and then you are going the other way.  The same is true when you want to come back.  This going around in circles is really confusing me.  The buildings and landmarks that I recognize are moveable.  One time they are on my right, the next time on my left.  I don’t know how they can do that?

 

 

 

They took us to “the pit” and we got out and looked around.  This is a market of sorts where mainly wood carvers are selling their stuff.  We will go back here for more, but I bought a really nice nativity scene carved out of wood for 55 GHC (About $30).  This one guy had a really cool lion that I want.  This is an area of barter.  The scene started at 125 and ended at 55 (I actually got it for 50 but Debi made me go back and give 5 more).  I don’t know how to feel about bartering.  They are all working so hard and WE ARE SO RICH!  Maybe I won’t do that again.  Oh, one guy showed us a Book of Mormon and said he was a Mormon.  Pretty soon all of them were Mormons.  I asked them who was the first prophet in the Book of Mormon?  One said, I am just learning.  What a great marketing ploy. 

 

We went to several shops and bought some stuff we need.  Actually, almost everything you can think of is available.  Clint, they even sell A-1 steak sauce.

 

We are so impressed by several things.  First, as we are walking around, several people came up to us and told us they were Mormons (for real, not trying to sell us anything).  Of course, we have on Missionary clothes and badges and we are white, but still, members are out there.  They even have a nice movie theater in the Mall and one of the workers was a Mormon.  He came out to greet us.  They were showing The Expendables 2, Lincoln the Vampire Slayer and Brave.  We did not go to the movies, but we are told it is just like going in the Gateway in SLC.

 

One more thing.  The son of one of the Area 70s died and they had his funeral today.  We did not go, but they are trying to change the custom of having multiple days of mourning.  Some families spend all their money and equity feeding people and carrying on when a loved one dies.  So this Elder (the 70) is trying to set an example.  His son returned from a mission and had a heart problem and just died.  It is sad.  We also learned that they have lost at least one African missionary to Malaria.  This is the number one killer in Africa, or at least this part of Africa.  We are taking our pills every day. 

 

OK, I have to say something else.  All over the place there are buildings either being built or being torn down, I cannot tell the difference.  They build with cement here and pay as they go, so sometimes construction stops when the money runs out.  I saw a lot of buildings that are under construction but part of it is being used.

 

These ladies are in funeral attire, though not at our funeral.

 

We got pulled over by the police and they wanted to take us to the station.  I will ask Debi to describe this.

You tell me, is this building falling apart or being built?

 

COME TO AFRICA!

 

Greg

 

By Debi:

 

Hello From Accra, Ghana

 

We have had such an eventful week.  I have just been looking out the window at the sunset.  I can’t believe that I am looking at an African sky.

 

Here are street worker cleaning and burning garbage.

President and Sister Shulz came to pick up a missionary.  It was so good to see them.  We went to the airport with them.  We hope to see a lot of them in the next 2 years. 

 

We went to our first session at the Ghana Temple.  It is such a beautiful temple.  Just as we walked into the foyer we could feel the spirit and the difference.  Right behind the recommend desk is a large window looking into the baptismal font.  The walls and pillars are made with beautiful African wood with intricate carvings.  The session room had beautiful paintings on the walls with scenes of the African landscape.  All of the temple workers were Africans.  They are so reverent and have such a humble spirit about them.  The Celestial Room is also adorned with wood pillars and carvings with beautiful African design painted on the walls.  It is very small but oh so beautiful.  We also did a sealing session with some of the other couples with President Curtis acting in the capacity of sealer.  We did sealings for about an hour.  There is a beautiful chandelier in the room.  The only thing that bothered me was that at the top of the chandelier it looked like cobra snakes where leaning over the edge.  Of course, they were made out of crystal and very beautiful but it still kind of bothered me.

 

After the temple a few couples took us out to dinner at a very fancy restaurant.  I said before I left on our mission that I would not go out to eat because I was afraid that the food wouldn’t be prepared properly. Now here it is only 5 days since we arrived and we were going out to eat.  Everyone said it would be safe and I just trusted them with my life.  The food was fantastic and I was amazed at the selection. It was a buffet and it would rival with the Roof in Salt Lake. 

Now, if you want a suit in Ghana you can go to the mall or to this man on the street.  He will fit you up right there.


This is the main building of the University.  Sunee will be happy the Math department has their own building.

 

Today another couple, the Taylor’s, took us all around town.  They took us to the University.  It is supposed to be the best in all of West Africa.  We also saw many embassies and their big compounds.  We saw a lot of buildings half built.  We went back to the Mall and walked around.  This time I was a lot more impressed with the many stores and the food court and the movie theater.  It really did feel like a mall.  For the first time I used a bathroom in Africa that wasn’t our apartment bathroom.  It was pleasantly better than I thought it would be.   We had a long day but a very educational day.  They showed us how to get around on the streets and what stores have good food and one of the stores they even buy chicken breasts.

This is a typical gas station.  All gas is in liters and is more than in the states.

While we were driving a policeman pulled us over.  They said that we didn’t have our seatbelts on.  It is a law in Ghana to wear a seat belt.  Well, Elder Taylor hadn’t buckled his up yet because we had just left the store.  They wanted to take us to the police station out by the airport.  The other missionaries have warned us about this tactic.  They are just trying to get a bribe.  They told us to never give them money and never let them in the car and never get out of the car.  He wanted to get in our car and drive us to the station.  Sister Taylor rolled down her window and offered a Mormon bible as a gift.  She told them we are missionaries.  They actually took the book and let us go.  She said they have a case of them in their trunk and always keep a few very handy.  I didn’t think it would work but we did get out of the situation.

 

These buses are everywhere.  They call them Tro-tros.  They carry a full load.

 

We can not get over those who carry all their stuff on their heads. 

This entry is going on forever!  We are just so amazed with everything we see and do.  I am sure that after a while we will be more use to it and then after a little more time things will probably feel just normal.  They say that you know you have been here too long when things here feel right and things in the States feel weird.  I don’t know if I will ever get to that stage.

 

We are looking forward to another adventure tomorrow.  We are going to church for the first time.  The Powells are going to take us to the ward we are going to be assigned too and introduce us to the Bishop and to the ward.  We are very excited to go and to be good missionaries for the Lord.

 

The babies are sooooo cute.

The Church is true!  We love our Savior and we are so thankful for His love and for his Atonement for us and for you.  Stay faithful and true.

 

Love, Sister Debi

What we have learned so far

This is the National Flag of Ghana on the temple grounds

 

By Greg

 

Well, we ventured out today and saw a little of this big city.  We have some pictures to share today.

 

Elder Powell is the couples Zone Leader and also the Executive Secretary to the Area Presidency.  He and his wife picked us up at the airport and today they took us out.  Sister Empey, whose husband is in the Temple Presidency, also went with us.  I know her husband’s brother, Curtis, from Ogden.

 

Well, we first went to the bank.  Elder Powell suggested that I cash $2,000 US into Cedis.  His experience was that the bank would cash our check without ID—he thought the badge would be sufficient.  They wanted my passport so we had to go back to our room and get it.  It wasn’t that far but it took a long time.  The traffic is very congested.  When we got our money it was in four bundles of 1,000 Cedis per bundle—3,750 to be exact.  Now what do we do with that much money?  I did what any Elder would do in a similar situation; I wrapped it tight in a plastic bag and put it in my companion’s purse.  Yes, she is carrying a purse.

 

Now to the store with more money than ever, and we don’t exactly blend in the crowd.  The store is in the mall—yes, a real live mall.  The grocery store is ShopRite and was large and felt like a real grocery store.  Debi can tell more.
 

 The Mall (I don't know how to rotate)

On the street there are thousands of people selling everything you could imagine.  Most of them carry their stuff on their heads.  If you even look at them they are all over you. They will run down the road alongside your car as you drive away. 

 

This is a street scene at an intersection--they carry everything on their heads.

These shops sell everything imaginable

This brama was just walking in the street with the rest of us

 



 Another scene of shops

There are a few beggars, but mostly people trying hard to sell things.  We saw a man with crippled legs using flip-flops to protect his hands.  Elder Powell gave him a coin.  He said he always helps the cripples. 

 

This man just scoots along with no use of his legs

All along the streets are little shops selling everything from TVs to used car ties.  Elder Powell took a side street as a short cut.  We saw miles and miles of shanty houses.  These are a contrast to other areas, not that far apart, with modern houses.

Apartment living-you could call this your home

 

There is a ditch down there that goes to the sea-and takes a lot with it

 



 

Houses with tin roofs as far as we could see

 



All of the people we have met have been really nice.  The men all have “Christian” names like Joshua, William, Edmund, Felix, Elijah etc.  The women’s names are harder to understand. People just tell us their first names.   At the bank, I asked how to make out my check.  For the life of me I could not understand her.  She was well dressed and nice, but I could not hear Standard Charter Bank.

 

It may not sound like we are doing missionary work, but we are smiling at everyone and being a “light” to a darkened world.  We had a good interview yesterday with President Curtis of the Area Presidency and we met Brother William Sowah, the man we will be working closely with.  He is tall and looks very young, although he is 49.  He is a banker and his wife is an eye doctor.  We will see a lot more of him.

 

There are three unusual things that I have noted.  One, at the airport there was a big sign that said, “If you are a pedophile or a sexual deviate, or a drug dealer or a miscreant, go somewhere else, Ghana does not want you.” Second, we see a lot of religious messages on cars and on the street:  “Pray every day” etc.  And, third, nobody smokes.  We don’t think they can afford it, but it is very nice.

 

I am going to have Debi talk about our shopping trip.

 

Love to all,

Greg

 

Hello to all!

 Typical baby carriage-their legs are around the mother's waist

We have had a wild day and it is only half over.  Our drive to the grocery store was wild.  Several times I thought we were goners but then Elder Powell would just honk and get around somehow.  We went to the Mall.  We need to use that as a very loose term.  I guess it is their pride and joy. It was built just a few years ago.  Actually I was very glad to see such a nice place.  We were able to buy some fresh fruit and vegetables.  No one buys lettuce because it is so hard to clean.  They use cabbage instead.  I didn’t buy any tomatoes because they were about $6 for four tomatoes.  We bought tuna fish, canned ham and peanut butter for our protein.  We bought some oatmeal and raisins for our breakfast.  The milk here comes in boxes, of course, but we did buy some fresh butter and eggs.  I am not sure what we will cook with the food we bought but I will try my best to make it taste good.  Greg will have to give in and have an egg omelet for dinner once in a while.

The mattress pad is installed

 



 

 

We are so blessed

 



 All this for one low price

Our office isn’t ready for us yet so we have walked around the Temple grounds and taken some pictures.  We also took some pictures as we drove to the store.  We are still feeling a little off base because of the time change but we are trying really hard to stay awake all day and then go to bed tonight at the right time.  We actually slept really well last night and it wasn’t too hard waking up even though it would have been one in the morning back home.

 

We have been sad to see some of the living conditions but we haven’t been surprised.  We have studied Ghana enough that we pretty much knew what to expect.

 

Either way you look the temple is beautiful

 



 

 

Debi and Joshua outside our building

 



This is the Stake Center next to the Temple

We are going to put on a large amount of pictures.  They will tell the story better than I can.  We are fine and we are anxious to get to work.  Have a great day.

 A truly "Golden"contact-he came out of the temple

Love, Debi

A view from the Stake Center-Debi in silliotte

First Impressions of Africa

Sorry, no pictures yet.

 

By Greg

 

We are here!

 

We entered Africa last night as we went to our gate at JFK airport.  While there were a few non-Africans waiting for the plane, we were not many.  We had to show our passports, and then we got on Delta flight 26.  We had a delay because some person checked in at the gate, and checked 5 bags, but did not get on the plane.  This caused an hour delay as they sorted through the entire luggage for his bags.  We were happy that they took this precaution, however.

 

It was a long flight and we tried to sleep.  We were not in the front section where the flight attendants helped the passengers get into their jammies and fluffed their pillows.  We were OK and eventually we started flying over African land.  The plane had a moving map.  We went over 1,000 more miles after we came over the continent.  Then we found Accra, Ghana.

 

It was a very bumpy landing.  The airport seemed to be under construction, or falling apart, or both.  We made our way close to a big building, and eventually they opened the door.  We walked down a staircase and got into a very crowded stand-up only bus that took us maybe two hundred yards to the building. 

 

As we flew in I thought this city doesn’t look that different.  The closer I got, the more my mind changed.  In the building we made our way past the army that checked for our shots, then to the caged man that checked our passports, then to the baggage claim circus.  The little “trolleys” (airport carts) were free.  We used two.

 

We wondered when we would see Elder and Sister Powell.  We had to go through customs.  TIhe only other time we have done this was in Mexico, and they searched Debi’s bag thoroughly.  Well, the official took one look at our badges (we traveled in missionary attire) and waved us through.  No checking at all.

 

We then met the Powell’s.  I wanted to huge Elder Powell.  We put our huge bags in his mini-van and got in.  Oh, I should say that when we weighed them at the airport, all four weighed exactly 50 pounds!  Actually, one alternated back and forth between 50 and 51, but settled on 50.

 

We then saw Africa.  We were on a very big and busy street.  All along the way there were people in the middle of the street selling everything from fruit and nuts to clothes and DVDs.  At every stop someone had something to sell.  We drove past a military base and saw a lot of soldiers.  It was really interesting.

 

Then we arrived at the Temple block.  What a beautiful place.  I am going to let Debi take it from here.

 

By Debi

 

We are here!  I can’t believe it.  Everything is so different.  We really haven’t seen much because we have only seen the airport, a very busy street with crazy drivers, and the Temple Square.  When we arrived at the Temple it was the first green grass we had seen.  There are trees here but not green grass.  The Temple is so beautiful.  It isn’t white it is more of a gray marble look. The angel Moroni is larger than usual.  They told us the government wanted a large statue.  So they got one.  There are beautiful fan palm trees and flowers and green, green grass.  We have moved into our little apartment.  It is very adequate.  We were both pleasantly surprised.  We have met several of the senior couples and some of the church employees.  The thing that really surprised me was the many offices and employees.  This is a very big operation.

 

The Powells are so kind and they had us over for dinner.  They just live down the hall.  They are also taking us to the bank in the morning and then shopping to get us some supplies.  I am not sure what to buy but Sister Powell said she would help me figure it all out.

 

We are exhausted but happy and we feel a little calmer.  We might get a little nervous again tomorrow as we try to figure our way around but right now we know we can make it.

 

We have so much more to tell but we really haven’t been in a bed since Sunday night.  We need to get some sleep. 

 

We will tell you more later,

 

Love, Debi and Greg

 

P.S.  I am wearing two watches.  One says 7:50 pm and the other 1:50 pm.  We are 6 hours different until Utah goes off daylight time, then we will be 7 hours apart.

Rise and Shout!

 

Cosmos and Greg, Marshall and Truman on row 1

By Greg: 

Today is Saturday, it is a special day, a day to get ready for Sunday.  We are going to wash our clothes, and brush our hair, so we will be ready for Sunday. It is also a fun day, for us.  Today is our “P” day.  The young missionaries stagger their preparation days and you can tell which ones are on their day because they are out of uniform for part of the day.

 

I don’t know if I have said enough about the food.  Last night they served Papa John’s pizza.  Hey, it was Friday night.  They were serving it out of boxes.  How many pizzas did they have to order to serve 2,700 hungry missionaries?  Imagine being on the other end of that phone order!

 

Debi, of course, has always chosen wisely and gone straight for the more healthy choice.  I have decided to sample the local fair.  I have had steak sandwiches, lots of different soups, cookies, a donut or two, and on Wednesday night they turned the salad bar into an ice cream bar. 

 

Yesterday Debi wanted to go down the hall and weigh herself.  They have a little room with a couple of exercise machines and a scale.  I think it is mostly used for weighing bags.  Well, she just had to know!  I convinced her to wear her clothes.  I reasoned with her that her African skirt and blouse did not really add to her weight.  She came back happy, so I am happy.

 

As part of the training here, we do a lot of role playing.  One day we were asked to meet another couple that played a less active member of the Church.  We all did so well with this situation.  I wondered why it seems that often we cannot share our love and testimonies with those we love the most.  Sometimes, love gets in the way of love.  Maybe someday it won’t, and everyone will know that we are children of a loving Father-in-Heaven and we are all his children and he wants us to be happy so he has provided a plan of happiness for us.  We are not trying to control anyone, or force them to be like us. We just love them.

 

We went to the BYU vs. Weber State football game with JB, Laura and boys.  Parley got sick so he and Laura went home early.  We had so much fun, but it was hot (get used to it Elder and Sister Haws).  The boys got to see Cosmos up close, and I let them wear my name tags.  For a while there were several Elder Haws’s.

 

We are packed and ready for our journey.  Our next post will be from Africa. Now a word from Debi.

 

By Debi:

Hello Everyone, 

 

We are having a great Saturday here at the MTC.  I had two loads of wash going and we are now writing to our loved ones.

 

This has been one of the most spiritual, demanding, exciting and exhausting weeks of my life.  All I can say is that the MTC is awesome. Right before we left home our son-in-law said, “I am jealous of you.  I wished I was on my way to the MTC.”  That was the first hint of what we were about to experience.

 

We have felt the spirit so strong here and my testimony has been strengthened so much that I feel like we can now go and be the kind of missionaries that we want to be for the Lord.  I have to say how blessed I am to have Greg as my companion.  He is an amazing missionary.  He is my strength and thankfully also my best friend.  We are so excited to spend the next two years together.

 

As a mother I wish every mother could be a fly on the wall and see what it is like inside the walls of the MTC.  I have walked and driven past here many times wondering what is happening inside.  The young missionaries all have smiles on their faces and seem so excited to be missionaries.  They have such a spirit about them and we have been lifted up by their enthusiasm for the work.  But I do have to say that each day I see a couple more Elders with broken arms or a broken leg on crutches or little wheeled carts.  I think their soccer, volleyball, and basketball games are a little more intense than they are supposed to be.  I asked one Elder what happened to his arm and he said that he was the goalie and reached out to stop a ball and it shattered his wrist.  Okay, that was some kind of a kick. 

 

We have also had a really good time watching the Elder’s receiving packages from home.  Everyone is gathered around them trying to see if there is something that can be shared with the District.  Moms, remember to send cookies.  It is the greatest thing here.  It is funny because they can have all the cookies they want at the cafeteria.  But homemade cookies made with love can never be beat.

 

We leave for Africa this Monday at 8:00.  Our flight is at about 11:00 am.  The butterflies are starting to flutter in my stomach.  I am trying to control them but I think they want to make a permanent residence.  I am so grateful for this experience at the MTC.  It has given me confidence and it has given me the excitement to be a missionary.

 

Look out Africa.  Here we come!

Mid-week in the MTC

 

By Greg

 

A friend going to Peru

What and amazing place!

 

I just cannot get over the young missionaries.  They are everywhere, and so happy and appear to be doing what they should.  I love to just sit and watch them (we don’t have much time to do this though).  At meal time is the best time.  Yesterday I saw a young elder trying to get his tie right.  It had a huge knot and the big part was not as long as the small part.  He looked at me and smiled.  I was just going to get up and go help him when another young elder sat down and tutored him.  Over/under/around/ and through…

 

We have a lot of rules here, but the seniors do not have as many as the young missionaries.  We can have cell phones, text, email etc.  They get to go around all day in just their white shirts, but we are supposed to wear our suit coats.  Last night we had a devotional.  All elders were supposed to wear coats.  I saw one senior without his jacket.  He just happened to be in my district.  I am failing as a leader!

Our friends, the Eyers-going to Europe

 

Debi and I have gone for an evening walk each night at about 8:00 pm.  They even let us out, but we have to go through a special gate and swipe our ID cards so they know where we are.  Some of the seniors are not interested in walking much.  We even take the stairs to our third floor room, several times a day.

 

Debi is quite the missionary.  Yesterday in our role playing training, she committed a couple to be baptized and got a commitment out of a man to give up Sunday football and attend church.  This part of the training is a bit stressful, but it is also fun and very real.  We feel the spirit as we teach.

 

Today we went to the TRC (teaching resource center) and taught a couple as they role played as investigators.  This was a big concern as we did not know what to expect.  We did OK and I told Debi afterwards that this was a real life experience.  They had some serious questions that could have thrown us off, but we just did what we have been taught.

 

There are lots of pictures, paintings and statues all around the MTC.  We saw a big picture of Brigham and Heber shouting “Hurrah for Israel” and a cool statue of two missionaries on bikes.

 

We are singing Called to Server with gusto!

 

Some of my grandsons will be happy to know the food is very good.  “It is hot, it is brown, and there is plenty of it”.   Many elders take two plates.  I watched a sister walk by with two plates on her tray.  I thought maybe she was serving her companion—no, no.  She sat down and ate it all!

 

We have not met anyone going to West Africa.  One or two are going to South Africa.  We are the envy of the entire MTC!

 

Again, what an incredible place.  The Spirit of God like a fire is really burning here.  We can feel it.  Our love for our family and friends is immense and our love for all Africa is really growing.

 

I have a couple of ideas for anyone (especially senior couples) thinking about coming to the MTC.

1.     Study the Preach My Gospel manual

2.     Don’t believe everything someone tells you—it is better than that

3.     You can bring your cell phone and I-pad

4.     Be prepared for a great “circus” act put on constantly by the young missionaries

5.     The theory of relativity applies—we have only been here three days and it seems like months—not bad, it is just that it seems like time has slowed way down

6.     There are miracles all around here—be prepared to see them

7.     Get you shots before you come

 

New young missionaries came today, and a lot are packing up to leave.

 

We leave next Monday at 11:00 am.  We fly to JFK—New York (4.5 hours) and then to Ghana (10 hours).  We get there Tuesday at 11:00 am.

 

Hurrah for Israel!

We are in the MTC

We are in the MTC!

 

By Greg:

We have a lot of luggage-it took an entire district to move it at the MTC

 

What an incredible place.  We are here with over 2,700 missionaries.  The MTC is nearly at capacity.  This is the largest group of seniors they have had.  There are 118 seniors (not couples but individuals).  You can really see this crowd at dinner time.  What a sight.  I am just overwhelmed with the sea of white shirts and ties (and a lot of pretty darn cute sister missionaries).

 

Wayne and Jan picked us up and drove us here.  We were told to arrive between 10:30 and 11:00.  We were met by a district of Korean bound Elders who acted as our porters and guides.  They took us to our room, which is as nice as most hotels we have stayed in.  Some of the seniors are being lodged at the Marriott.

 

We were then taken to a big room and it was like we used to register for school in the old days. 

Station #1-pick up packets and bill for the week’s lodging

Station #2-pick up name tags

Station #3-group in the middle-a young sister gave us our ministerial certificates and had us sign them

Station #4-Meet our ecclesiastical leader for the week

Station #5-Check with the medical desk, review immunizations

Station#6-get picture taken and pick up our identification cards

 

We then went to lunch.  Again, it was incredible—not the food, which was good and there were a lot of choices—but just seeing the huge number of Elders and Sisters.  We met one sister, who was going to Russia.  She told us that the “fat” food was to the right, several different options—full dinner options, the fatter food was over there—burgers, fries, etc. and the healthy stuff was straight ahead—wraps, salads, soups.  We went straight ahead.

 

At 1:00 we went to our first meeting.  We opened with Called to Serve, and then a young Elder sang A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief as well as I have ever heard it sung.  The MTC mission presidency then spoke, along with wives.  They went around and had us all stand and introduce ourselves: name, where we were going, what we were going to do, how many missions have we served (not counting as a young missionary).  This took some time as a few wanted to add more, but they kept it pretty tight.  We were all over the world, but about half were in the US.  One couple said this was their fifth mission.  A lot said this was not their first.

 

After several very good talks, we had a break and then some more training.  Then they broke us up into districts.  I am a District Leader.  Even though they said that it was against the rules to have a heart attack, if someone has one (it is against the rules!) the district leader is responsible to stop it.  Not really, but almost.

 

We then went back to our room and unpacked and organized ourselves and prepared for the week.  We had dinner and now we have some “free” time to study and relax and write on our blog.

 

I am not exaggerating when I say there is something very special and different here.  The flowers are beautiful, the building are organized, the people friendly, the missionaries happy.  We feel it.  I am really pumped.

 

I am so happy to be a missionary and I am especially happy that I have this beautiful sister in my district that I am madly in love with.

 

Oh, one more thing.  Clint, I saw a lot of elders having cold cereal at both lunch and dinner.