The day after the Games, President Holmes came to Sunyani to reorganize the entire Sunyani District. As we will be going home next month, we felt it was best to have a new district presidency in place so Gary could help train them before we left. The Branch President of Estates, President James was called as the new District President. It was absolutely amazing the way everything fell into place! Our goal from the beginning was to help the people of Sunyani progress in the Gospel to the point that they could stand and administer the Church on their own.
Because senior missionaries are in such demand in Africa and there is such a shortage of them, we knew we would not be replaced when we left. Because of this we were so diligent in training and helping the saints here. Most have only been members of the Church for a couple of years and so it was a tall order. Thay have been amazing and now they will move forward and make their own decisions and destiny. We are so proud of them!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunyani Games
When we first arrived in Sunyani, all of the four small branches were functioning independently of each other. One of the first things the members requested was more activities so they could get to know and interact with each other. That is how "Face Off", the Game Night, and the various recreational amenities at the various meetinghouses began. We all began talking about an athletic competion during the summer (rainy season) and it began to materialize toward the end of the year. In November we approached a large school in the center of town, met with their headmaster and were told to send a letter to their board asking permission to use the facilities on a Saturday. We selected a Saturday, January 5, 2013, and received permission to hold an Olympic-type competition on the school grounds.
We advertised the event and encouraged members as well as non-members to participate in nine different events: basketball, table tennis, volleyball, 100k run, running relay, three-legged race, javelin/spear-chucking, tug of war (peace), and of course--soccer! All of the members were scheming and practicing and so excited. We contacted the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George and they generously donated 60 medals.
They finally had all arrived in the mail and we were ready for the big event.
Basketball, table-tennis and volleyball were held on Friday at the Nkwabeng meetinghouse. The players were SOOOO competitive and wanted to win so badly. Because the three events were running simultaneously, President Thayne was reffing basketball; we had hired a pro ref for table tennis and I was designated to officiate the volleyball games. This turned out to be a joke as the teams were so competitive and yelling that they couldn't even hear my calls. Elder Larsen came to my rescue. He is large, powerful and takes no guff from anybody. He then proceeded to call the games and no one dared give him too much trouble. After the event we went downtown to check on the school facility and were told that the day before a large communications provider in town had approached them and offered a large sum of money to use the school and kick us out. Arguing didn't seem to matter as money talks, so President Thayne came up with a compromise and offered to pay 50 cedis and promise to be off the field by 1 p.m. so they could then let the other guys use it too. That seemed to work.
The next morning we arrived at 5:30 a.m. to get set up. We were about to start the first soccer match when one of the guys from the school council showed up. Gary gave him the envelope with the 50 cedis and we started the game. About an hour later another of the school council showed up for the money. We explained that we had already given it to the other guy. He said no, that they didn't have it. Try explaining that in English and no receipt. Car-David, who had proudly won the gold medal in table tennis the day before, came to our resuce. He took the guy by the arm and went and found the man we had given the money to. At first he denied having the money, but David called him on it and told him he had seen us give him the money. He finally admitted he had it and gave the money up and they gave us a receipt. What a nightmare!
The games went on without any further problems. Over 170 participated and everyione had a great time!
CAR DAVID & TABLE TENNIS:
For months Car David had been helping us get ready for the Games. He helped us find equipment, served as our translator, and hooked us up with all the right people. Every time we mentioned table tennis he would proudly say, "President Thayne, I shall surely win the gold medal!" One of the branch presidency in the Estates Branch, Pax, is a prison guard and one of his responsibilites is to coach the table tennis team. Because every branch wanted to win the most medals, he had brought in two of his best players on the pro team to compete. We were so worried that David would get beaten badly. It all came down to the finals between David and one of the pro players. Lo and behold, David won! We were quietly so excited!
DAVID & GOLIATH:
The week before the Games, each of the Branch Presidents drew to see who they would all compete with first. One of our branches, Fiapre, is smaller than the rest and has virtually very little priesthood members or men of any kind. They were obviously the branch everyone wanted to play first as they were deemed (and rightly so) the weakest.
Estates (one of the big powerhouses)drew little Fiapre in both soccer and volleyball. They figured they were a shoe-in for at least a silver medal. Elders Larsen and Otagba, the missionaries at Fiapre, worked so hard at getting their small number of members to play. Soccer was of course the big event. Nkwabeng (another of the bigger branches) defeated Penkwase in the first round. Then it was Fiapre against Estates and much to everyone's surprise little Fiapre won. In the final match, no one gave Fiapre much of a chance and figured they had just lucked out on the first match. It was hot and everyone was tired and Elder Larsen just told his team, who were all quite young, to just run the old guys into the ground. They were playing a full pitch game, which means a huge field about 120 meters long. The young guys did exactly that and they won the gold! Then in tug of war, the culminating event, it was again Fiapre against a much larger and stronger Estates team. Again, through sheer will-power, the smaller, younger team prevailed. They all compared their success to David and Goliath.
All of the branches won medals and the members were so excited! We had 27 investigators stay after and have a brief introduction to the Gospel. Many of the participants proudly wore their medals to Church the next day. Hossan called me a few days later and was almost crying, He wanted to thank us for his medal. (This in itself was really unusual because Africans rarely thank anyone verbally for anything.) He said he had never dreamed that he would be able to win such a wonderful prize and that he would cherish it forever and that when he wore his medal around town, he would tell everyone that he won it for his Church. He said it hangs on the wall in his house for all to see. It was such a positive event for all of them and one that they will remember for years to come.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
21 RULES FOR THE ROAD (IN GHANA)
1. If your vehicle breaks down for any reason, leave it anywhere--right lane, left lane, or right in the middle of the road. Just leave it there until you have enough money or time to fix it. Whatever you do, don't pull off to the side of the road.
2. The ONLY part of your vehicle that must be in working order is the HORN. Headlights, tailights, brake lights, turn signals, closing doors or trunks, windshields and anything else is entirely optional.
3. You MUST honk your horn about every 30 seconds and it is mandatory to honk 10 seconds before any light turns green.
4. Turn left or right or make U-turns from any lane and from any direction cutting off traffic if necessary.
5. It is permissable to drive on the wrong side of the road if it suits you.
6. Pull over anywhere or anytime desired. Signaling is optional.
7. There is no limit to the number of passengers in your vehicle. The more the merrier.
8. It is permissable and even admired to pack and tie as much as is humanly possible in and onto your vehicle (roof, sides, back--wherever) and secure any item with rope, tape or string.
9. THE NOSE GOES! At any roundabout, intersection or even any street, the vehicle whose front end (nose)is ahead goes first--especially in traffic jams.
10. Never pull over to let other vehicles pass or allow anyone to merge in front of you. Always pull out, butt in or crowd--Remember THE NOSE GOES!
11. Drive with or without headlights after dark.
12. Hand signals and gestures out the window are encouraged (obscene or otherwise).
13. Two-lane dirt roads are the equivalent of 4-lane highways at anytime, so speed away.
14. If your muffler falls off due to potholes the size of Rhode Island, do not panic as you can purchase a used muffler on any street corner (and attach it with rope).
15. Religious captions on the back window are not mandatory but highly recommended.
16. Never plan ahead to purchase petrol (gasoline). If empty, just park on the side of the road near a filling station and line up with the hundreds of other vehicles (taxis) and wait for the propane trucks to arrive (sometimes for days).
17. Seat belts are not an option--they simply don't exist.
18. Rust is the new hot color!
19. Female drivers are discouraged.
20. Obstructions in the road (police barricades, potholes, goats, etc.) are to be ignored or simply driven around.
21. ALWAYS have an extra 50 cedis with you in case you are stopped by a police officer for any reason.
2. The ONLY part of your vehicle that must be in working order is the HORN. Headlights, tailights, brake lights, turn signals, closing doors or trunks, windshields and anything else is entirely optional.
3. You MUST honk your horn about every 30 seconds and it is mandatory to honk 10 seconds before any light turns green.
4. Turn left or right or make U-turns from any lane and from any direction cutting off traffic if necessary.
5. It is permissable to drive on the wrong side of the road if it suits you.
6. Pull over anywhere or anytime desired. Signaling is optional.
7. There is no limit to the number of passengers in your vehicle. The more the merrier.
8. It is permissable and even admired to pack and tie as much as is humanly possible in and onto your vehicle (roof, sides, back--wherever) and secure any item with rope, tape or string.
9. THE NOSE GOES! At any roundabout, intersection or even any street, the vehicle whose front end (nose)is ahead goes first--especially in traffic jams.
10. Never pull over to let other vehicles pass or allow anyone to merge in front of you. Always pull out, butt in or crowd--Remember THE NOSE GOES!
11. Drive with or without headlights after dark.
12. Hand signals and gestures out the window are encouraged (obscene or otherwise).
13. Two-lane dirt roads are the equivalent of 4-lane highways at anytime, so speed away.
14. If your muffler falls off due to potholes the size of Rhode Island, do not panic as you can purchase a used muffler on any street corner (and attach it with rope).
15. Religious captions on the back window are not mandatory but highly recommended.
16. Never plan ahead to purchase petrol (gasoline). If empty, just park on the side of the road near a filling station and line up with the hundreds of other vehicles (taxis) and wait for the propane trucks to arrive (sometimes for days).
17. Seat belts are not an option--they simply don't exist.
18. Rust is the new hot color!
19. Female drivers are discouraged.
20. Obstructions in the road (police barricades, potholes, goats, etc.) are to be ignored or simply driven around.
21. ALWAYS have an extra 50 cedis with you in case you are stopped by a police officer for any reason.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
An African Christmas
We had scheduled a District Christmas Devotional to be held the Friday before Christmas and had decided to hold it at the Penkwase Chapel as it is the building with the largest hall. It was truly a lovely evening. The children from all four branches began the festivities by singing "Jingle Bells" while they each rang a tiny bell. They love this song, even though none of them have ever even seen snow and they didn't know what a sleigh was. I told them it was like a wagon without wheels. That seemed to satisfy them. I had spent several months making three-dimensional nativity masks for each of the branches. Each child was given a mask. We had only planned on about 30 children but they came in droads. We used every single mask and even had 4 Marys and 4 stars--they didn't seem to mind. They had never practiced together but when they held up their little masks and sang "Away In a Manger" it was absolutely breathtaking! Several inspirational talks were given and then we showed a video projected on a wall of the Savior's life accompanied with a musical background by the Tabernacle Choir. There was standing room only and we even had people seated on the porch....about 160. The Christmas spirit filled the entire building!
It was unlike any Christmas we have ever had and probably unlike any we will have in the future. We had waited to open our one Christmas package until Christmas Eve and I figured it would be a picture of the Grandkids with Father Christmas. We were so surprised when we opened it to find an entire book entitled "While You Were Gone" highlighting all the things we have missed in our children and grandchildren's lives this past year. It was incredible! We turned every page and laughed and cried and then cried some more.
We weren't certain how the next day would turn out and went to sleep Christmas Eve listening to the drums which seemed much louder than usual. We had previously arranged with the Sunyani Regional Hospital for a group of us to visit the Children's Ward on Christmas Day. We met our twelve missionaries, who are serving here in Sunyani, in the parking lot along with President Owusu and David so we would have someone who could interpret for us as none of us speak Twi. Elder Larsen gave a beautiful prayer and then we paraded in through the front doors. It was eerily quiet. This hospital is usually bustling and crowded with hundreds of people waiting to be seen for some ailment or another. Today it was empty. We met the nurse and she led us through several of the barracks-type buildings until we reached the Children's bungalow. We went in and the nurses explained that a lot of the children had gone home for the day if they were able, and that only the very sick ones ot those that did not have families remained.
We then visited every bedside and gave them biscuits (cookies), juice packets and some silly little plastic toy glasses that David had found in the market. They loved them! Some of the situations were heartbreaking. Some of the children would only smile faintly; others were very cheerful and funny. Some were frightened and others not frightened at all. The nurse then proceeded to take us to every one of the wards and we sought out every child in the hospital, whether a patient or just visiting. Everyone truly appreciated our efforts. We left the remaining toys and treats for the sick children who would be returning the next day. We were thanked again and again by the doctors, the patients and their families, and the nurses. It warmed our hearts.
At the last station, we gathered together with the nurses on that ward. David gave a simple, humble, beautiful prayer blessing the children and praying that they would get better. As he prayed, from somewhere in the hospital we could hear the song "Angels We Have Heard on High". When he finished not a word was said. We all just looked up and the nurses as well as some of the missionaries were quietly crying. It was such a touching moment-one I hope I will never forget!
We then went to Nkwabeng and had a chicken and rice dinner with the missionaries and let them watch a movie before going back to their apartments to call home. This Christmas was unpretentious, uncommercial, rather quiet, yet touching and simple--the way I guess it really should be.
It was unlike any Christmas we have ever had and probably unlike any we will have in the future. We had waited to open our one Christmas package until Christmas Eve and I figured it would be a picture of the Grandkids with Father Christmas. We were so surprised when we opened it to find an entire book entitled "While You Were Gone" highlighting all the things we have missed in our children and grandchildren's lives this past year. It was incredible! We turned every page and laughed and cried and then cried some more.
We weren't certain how the next day would turn out and went to sleep Christmas Eve listening to the drums which seemed much louder than usual. We had previously arranged with the Sunyani Regional Hospital for a group of us to visit the Children's Ward on Christmas Day. We met our twelve missionaries, who are serving here in Sunyani, in the parking lot along with President Owusu and David so we would have someone who could interpret for us as none of us speak Twi. Elder Larsen gave a beautiful prayer and then we paraded in through the front doors. It was eerily quiet. This hospital is usually bustling and crowded with hundreds of people waiting to be seen for some ailment or another. Today it was empty. We met the nurse and she led us through several of the barracks-type buildings until we reached the Children's bungalow. We went in and the nurses explained that a lot of the children had gone home for the day if they were able, and that only the very sick ones ot those that did not have families remained.
We then visited every bedside and gave them biscuits (cookies), juice packets and some silly little plastic toy glasses that David had found in the market. They loved them! Some of the situations were heartbreaking. Some of the children would only smile faintly; others were very cheerful and funny. Some were frightened and others not frightened at all. The nurse then proceeded to take us to every one of the wards and we sought out every child in the hospital, whether a patient or just visiting. Everyone truly appreciated our efforts. We left the remaining toys and treats for the sick children who would be returning the next day. We were thanked again and again by the doctors, the patients and their families, and the nurses. It warmed our hearts.
At the last station, we gathered together with the nurses on that ward. David gave a simple, humble, beautiful prayer blessing the children and praying that they would get better. As he prayed, from somewhere in the hospital we could hear the song "Angels We Have Heard on High". When he finished not a word was said. We all just looked up and the nurses as well as some of the missionaries were quietly crying. It was such a touching moment-one I hope I will never forget!
We then went to Nkwabeng and had a chicken and rice dinner with the missionaries and let them watch a movie before going back to their apartments to call home. This Christmas was unpretentious, uncommercial, rather quiet, yet touching and simple--the way I guess it really should be.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Ghana Elections
Like the USA, Ghana is a democracy and elects a new president every four years. Also, like the USA, their elections were this year (2012). With the unexpected death of their current President John Atta Mills earlier this year, the vice-president Mahama took over without much conflict or contention. His political opponent was Nana Akufo-Addo, who ran in the previous election four years ago and narrowly missed winning the presidency. Mills secured the presidency by a margin of less than 1% after a second round of voting. The political rallying between the parties went on for months, similar to the US, but not quite as intense. However, every Saturday, the streets were found bustling with demonstrators clamoring for one party or another.
Missionaries were told to stay very low-key on voting day (Friday, December 7), and warned to stay away from voting stations, due to the high excitability of Ghanaians. The night before the elections, we could hear chanting and political rallys everywhere as the sounds travel long distances here. But the next day, actual voting day, things were very quiet--strangely so. It was a very interesting process to observe however. The people had to register to vote ahead of time, and many travelled to their hometowns to vote. Many of the polling booths took place just outside of the schools, where small tables were lined up facing the street. Volunteers sat behind the tables, who checked in the voters. An armed guard or guards stood at their sides. When they cast their vote, the people would dip one finger in a permanent ink and then blot it next to the person they were voting for. The ink doesn't wear off for several days.
The people were very passionate about their elections and everyone seemed to have very distinct viewpoints about the candidates. We were a little worried that when the winners were announced there could be some contention or rioting. There was neither. The results of the elctions were not known for several days due to the difficult task of obtaining all the ballots from such obscure cities across the country. The current party retained its power and business just went on as usual. It was exciting to actually witness the democratic process in an African nation. Ghana does have the reputation of having the most stable government on the continent. For this we are most grateful.
Missionaries were told to stay very low-key on voting day (Friday, December 7), and warned to stay away from voting stations, due to the high excitability of Ghanaians. The night before the elections, we could hear chanting and political rallys everywhere as the sounds travel long distances here. But the next day, actual voting day, things were very quiet--strangely so. It was a very interesting process to observe however. The people had to register to vote ahead of time, and many travelled to their hometowns to vote. Many of the polling booths took place just outside of the schools, where small tables were lined up facing the street. Volunteers sat behind the tables, who checked in the voters. An armed guard or guards stood at their sides. When they cast their vote, the people would dip one finger in a permanent ink and then blot it next to the person they were voting for. The ink doesn't wear off for several days.
The people were very passionate about their elections and everyone seemed to have very distinct viewpoints about the candidates. We were a little worried that when the winners were announced there could be some contention or rioting. There was neither. The results of the elctions were not known for several days due to the difficult task of obtaining all the ballots from such obscure cities across the country. The current party retained its power and business just went on as usual. It was exciting to actually witness the democratic process in an African nation. Ghana does have the reputation of having the most stable government on the continent. For this we are most grateful.
Harmattan Winds
The weather in Ghana seems always the same--hot and humid. The combination of low altitude and proximity to the Equator gives Ghana a typical tropical climate. It does not have the strong seasonal changes that we are used to in the United States. Temperatures are reasonably consisitent throughout the year--just hot. However, there are basically two seasons in Sunyani--the rainy season (May and June) and the dry season (November through January).
When it rains, it really rains--not in drops but in huge sheets of water pouring out from black skies. Since all but a few roads are dirt, giant potholes of mud fill the streets and most of the homes have roofing that leaks. But there is something really appealing about the rainy season. Maybe because it doesn't seem as hot and sticky or maybe it's just because the skies are eerily dramatic and beautiful.
We are now entering the dry season. We still get the amazing thunderstorms but with no rain and only with wind and displays of lightening that are nothing short of fantastic. It can feel almost refreshing in the early morning, but by afternoon, it's back to the sweaty brow, sticking underwear and just plain miserably HOT! A noteworthy phenomenon in this part of the world is the harmattan winds, which blow from the northeast during the dry season, bringing dust from the Sahara and reducing visability. The harmattan has little effect, except it is a nightmare to try to keep anything clean as every day EVERYTHING is covered with a fine, silty red dust. It drives President Thayne nuts as he is such a neat freak, so he is forever dusting his bike, the porch, the truck and anything else that is outside.
When it rains, it really rains--not in drops but in huge sheets of water pouring out from black skies. Since all but a few roads are dirt, giant potholes of mud fill the streets and most of the homes have roofing that leaks. But there is something really appealing about the rainy season. Maybe because it doesn't seem as hot and sticky or maybe it's just because the skies are eerily dramatic and beautiful.
We are now entering the dry season. We still get the amazing thunderstorms but with no rain and only with wind and displays of lightening that are nothing short of fantastic. It can feel almost refreshing in the early morning, but by afternoon, it's back to the sweaty brow, sticking underwear and just plain miserably HOT! A noteworthy phenomenon in this part of the world is the harmattan winds, which blow from the northeast during the dry season, bringing dust from the Sahara and reducing visability. The harmattan has little effect, except it is a nightmare to try to keep anything clean as every day EVERYTHING is covered with a fine, silty red dust. It drives President Thayne nuts as he is such a neat freak, so he is forever dusting his bike, the porch, the truck and anything else that is outside.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Sometimes It's All Worth It!
It started out like any other Sunday: up early, no walks, prayers, shower, get everything ready and out the door to one or several of the four branches, depending on President Thayne's responsibilities and agenda. Mission in Sunyani is difficult. Sometimes we get discouraged because EVERYTHING takes so long to initiate and then bring to fruition. It's like three steps forward and then two steps back, but we keep reminding ourselves that at least we are moving ahead, even if it is, oh, so slowly.
We had to attend Estates Sacrament Meeting as a young man was being ordained to be an Elder. I had forgotten that several months ago, in Primary Leadership Training, the question was asked about the Primary Sacrament Presentation. I explained a little about it and told them it should be done before the end of the year, but better the end of November before the Christmas season begins. Because our Primary organizations in Sunyani had still not even received some of the manuals, I figured it would be a miracle to expect a Sacrament Meeting Presentation.
When we walked into the Estates Branch, I could hear the children singing in the Garage area (where they meet because there's not room anywhere else). Then just before Sacrament Meeting was supposed to start, the children marched in, oh so quietly, and filled the chairs on the front row.
President James conducted and I was astonished when he said that the Primary would be presenting the service. The real surprise came when little Emmanuella, who is a five-year old twin, stood up and led the entire congregation in the Opening Hymn (and continued for the duration of the meeting). In Sunyani, we do not have any pianos; only keyboards, which no one plays anyway. So they begin each song by having someone sing the first line or so of the hymn so that people have an idea of the tune. Then the chorister says, "One, two, sing" and they all sing--usually horribly off key and with no rhythm whatsoever. Little Emmanuella held a pen in her right hand and said very loudly and confidently, "One, two, sing"! It was incredible! She led the singing without missing a beat!
Each child then proceeded to give a talk; they sang Primary songs; and then a leader and the Branch President concluded. Tears welled up as I watched this new and infant Branch move forward in the Gospel. In Gary's closing remarks, he mentioned that in all of his years of attending Sacrament Meetings, he had never seen a 5 year-old chorister who did such a great job! Both President Thayne and I remarked as we got in the car to leave, that maybe, just maybe, some of the things we are trying so desperately to teach them are truly sinking in.
We found out later that day, as we visited each of the Branches, that three out of the four had their Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation that day and that the fourth is scheduled next month.
As long as I live I shall never ever forget that tiny little African girl standing in front of an entire congregation and leading them all through the entire meeting without a piano, completely a'capella. Elder Riddle bore his testimony at the end of the meeting and simply stated what we all know to be true--that the children are Africa's future.
We had to attend Estates Sacrament Meeting as a young man was being ordained to be an Elder. I had forgotten that several months ago, in Primary Leadership Training, the question was asked about the Primary Sacrament Presentation. I explained a little about it and told them it should be done before the end of the year, but better the end of November before the Christmas season begins. Because our Primary organizations in Sunyani had still not even received some of the manuals, I figured it would be a miracle to expect a Sacrament Meeting Presentation.
When we walked into the Estates Branch, I could hear the children singing in the Garage area (where they meet because there's not room anywhere else). Then just before Sacrament Meeting was supposed to start, the children marched in, oh so quietly, and filled the chairs on the front row.
President James conducted and I was astonished when he said that the Primary would be presenting the service. The real surprise came when little Emmanuella, who is a five-year old twin, stood up and led the entire congregation in the Opening Hymn (and continued for the duration of the meeting). In Sunyani, we do not have any pianos; only keyboards, which no one plays anyway. So they begin each song by having someone sing the first line or so of the hymn so that people have an idea of the tune. Then the chorister says, "One, two, sing" and they all sing--usually horribly off key and with no rhythm whatsoever. Little Emmanuella held a pen in her right hand and said very loudly and confidently, "One, two, sing"! It was incredible! She led the singing without missing a beat!
Each child then proceeded to give a talk; they sang Primary songs; and then a leader and the Branch President concluded. Tears welled up as I watched this new and infant Branch move forward in the Gospel. In Gary's closing remarks, he mentioned that in all of his years of attending Sacrament Meetings, he had never seen a 5 year-old chorister who did such a great job! Both President Thayne and I remarked as we got in the car to leave, that maybe, just maybe, some of the things we are trying so desperately to teach them are truly sinking in.
We found out later that day, as we visited each of the Branches, that three out of the four had their Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation that day and that the fourth is scheduled next month.
As long as I live I shall never ever forget that tiny little African girl standing in front of an entire congregation and leading them all through the entire meeting without a piano, completely a'capella. Elder Riddle bore his testimony at the end of the meeting and simply stated what we all know to be true--that the children are Africa's future.
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