Primary, Dinner Guests, and PEF

On Sunday, November 14th, 2010, the Jamestown Branch Primary conducted the Sacrament Meeting Program. They did an excellent job of sitting reverently, speaking out clearly, and singing their hearts out. There was no music accompaniment but sweet, clear voices that you could tell had practiced with the music. The young girl on the left of the front bench stood and conducted each song with adult-like ease. We took this quick shot before the meeting began so you could see arms folded and children ready to perform. They were serious, funny, and right in character with children all over the world. Who doesn't love to see their children and grandchildren shine? Their testimonies and messages were felt by the Spirit which they shared.

The young couple below (Jacob and Kalli Hiller) have been attending the Jamestown Branch for a couple of months. In Relief Society I was impressed to ask Kalli if they would like to come to lunch. "That would be great," she said, and so we were able to hear a little of their story and why they were in Ghana. They call themselves 'nomadic entrepreneurs' and have an online business so they can work anyplace that has internet connections. They spend about two months in one place and then move on to 'see the world.' After lunch we offered to take them home because they were in a hostel by the beach in the Jamestown area which we wanted to see up close. They showed us where they had lived for two months and their beach front view was beautiful but their accommodations were right next to poverty row. They have a fascinating blog and she has documented their stay in Ghana which is a different perspective than we are having. (jacobandkalli.blogspot.com) They left on Wednesday and when I checked to see their last post--lo and behold, they posted two of the same photos we have posted. A few hours of conversation and a forever documented memory.

I guess you have to have a photo by the Gulf of Guinea if you have the opportunity to do so.

Here we are!

The next photos are of Gertrude Annan-Simons a PEF graduate, wife, mother and businesswoman. Elder Brown is creating an information pamphlet about PEF to pass out to the church units in Ghana. We felt a success story should be included and Gertrude was chosen. She is a PEF graduate who is paying back her loan from the business she started using the skills she learned in school. She makes fruit containers and takes orders each day to send to the area office and other locations. She also decorates and caters parties and weddings.

The Annan-Simons family: Samuel holding William, Andrew, and Gertrude. Samuel works in the area office in the finance department and is bishop of the Dansoman Ward. They are examples of the church leadership in Ghana.

We approach the Thanksgiving season with grateful hearts for all that we have been blessed to experience serving as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We give thanks each day for our Heavenly Father's tender mercies to His children everywhere.