December 28, 2015 Email

Hello Everyone!!!!

It was amazing to talk to you all on Christmas!!!!!! You're all so different but in the same way, all the same haha!!!  (Just a note from our Skype call with Stockton:  they are not allowed to buy meat at the markets because it may be a type of rat that they have there--awesome, eh?!?).  So, when we spoke with Stockton at Christmas, he told us his name in Ghanaian.  They name their children for the day of the week and the order of birth.  

Above are the names based on days of the week.  (Kofi Annan is from Ghana--as an example of the names)

STOCKTON'S NAME

So being here in Ghana has been pretty good.  This week was pretty packed.  So we baptized Osumon (Benjamin)!!!!!!  I messed up on the baptismal prayer the first 2 times, but then I got it right and dunked him!!!!  I can't tell you all how amazing it felt to do my first baptism!!!

Also, when riding a bike about 20 mph and going straight to sand that's higher than you on the side of the road is a bad idea!!!!!  We were traveling back from Burekuso and I totally crashed on the side of the road at night.  Luckily, I didn't go in the middle of the street, so that's a plus haha!!!  Also, I crashed on my bike earlier and scraped up my hands quite a bit so ya, haha!!!!!

This week we went around and found new contacts so that was super cool!!!  Also, it's really fun teaching our investigators about the gospel cuz they get it so easily!!!  The only downside is that I have to go slow and I have to simplify everything.  Hopefully, I get the hang of talking to people here haha!!!  So trotros are like vans that people can get in and go to places, and taxis are super expensive here!!!!!!

We went to the temple a few weeks ago and it was beautiful!!!  I felt amazing actually being there!!!  The temple was so beautiful, and it's confidential to explain how it was, but I just want to say the last room was so beautiful and has the Ghanaian colors in it!!!!!

LDS Temple in Accra, Ghana

Close up of the stained glass in the front of the building.

Everyone, I couldn't tell you how blessed I am being here.  At times I do want to quit and go home, but I know that you're all supporting me and giving me confidence to press forward!!!  Also Mom, can you tell me if you got my room packed up, mainly my books all together, cuz I got a lot of reading to do when I get back haha!!!!!

Well, one month down, 23 to go!!!!  Thanks everyone for everything!!!!  I couldn't ask for a better family!!!!!  Love you all!!!!

Sincerely,
Elder Smith