Elder Tylan Carton

My total travel time home will be 26 hours 35 minutes.

2010-07-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

My departing talk was good I guess. I had a few compliments and high fives! It was about the worth of souls, and why the Lord chooses young missionaries to do his work, despite obvious weaknesses. It was a huge Zone conference with 6 out of 8 Zones! All my MTC mates were there, and we bore our departing testimonies. The testimonies we bore were definitely powerful. In my testimony I talked about something Brother Richardson said to me before I left.

Well, about my Homecoming, I guess it's too late to ask for a red carpet and a spotlight! Taylor can throw flower pedals in front of me as I walk off the plane. Just kidding! Feel free to invite whomever you like. I just reserve the right to first hugs from Mom, Dad, and family.:)

I calculated the hours of my flight and layovers.

Total Flight: 18 hours 5 mins
Total Layover: 8 hours 30 mins
Travel Total: 26 hours 35 mins

I will be really tired when I get home.

Well this week was busy. We taught over 50 lessons, and have 11 or 12 people planned for our next, and my last baptism! I can't wait to tell you about one of the guys who is getting baptized. I'll leave his story a surprise, but just know that I can't wait to tell you. His name is Peter Kobina. He is amazing!

This week we'll be on the road. We're traveling around for our Zone council reports. We'll only have 1 and a half days on our area this week. It's going to be tricky preparing everyone for the baptism. Time is running out. The baptism is Aug 1st.

Some random things that happened this week: In our apartment we had a balloon fight, ice fight, and cake sprinkle fight. (don't ask).
My companion also accidentally cut a main water pipe with a cutlass. We got a new toilet seat. It's perfect! No, really the brand name is "perfect". I climbed on the roof to fix some leaks with the apartment repair guy Prosper.

I finished Mosiah and Alma in an hour or so.

Lastly, we were abandoned on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere waiting for a car after dark. Our tro tro driver kept hitting stuff so his car broke down. He was driving at night with no lights. He hit a goat, chicken, and a few huge potholes. The police finally told him to pull over. Thank goodness. It was amazing how bad his driving was. We finally caught a big bus back to Foso.

I've been itching to send you guys some pictures, but I'm not going to because I want you to see if I've changed. I think I look the same. lol. I already can guess that you guys will look way different.

O.k. well. I love ya. Here goes another week. Ready...set...Go! -Love Ty

They're out of the World Cup

2010-07-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Yesterday the mission completed the goal of every missionary baptizing a family before the 4th of July. There was a baptism on the very last day. Talk about pushing your luck. Everything worked out though. Everybody is relieved. We've never failed a mission goal after all. ;) I've had about 6 or 7 mission goals completed. The whole thing started when I was just a month in the field.

Ghana is quiet. They're out of the world cup. They did well though. Ghanians are more patriotic by far. Sorry America. Sister Okese in our barnch just returned from South Africa. She was at the Us. Ghana match. The govornment payed an all expense trip for nearly 1000 Ghanians to South Africa for the World Cup. They toured the Country, and ate nicely. Turns out a huge number of those who went ran away, and are now illigal aliens running around South Af. haha I'm glad Sister Okese returned (she has kids at home.)

Wednesday is Zone Conf. I'll give my goodbye testimony, and a talk.

I didn't do much out of the ordinary this week. Went on splits, that was cool. I planted some palm, and giant plantain trees in our yard, and mowed the lawn with the chapels lawnmower. We're just preparing a few for the baptism on Aug 1st. I'll let you know the names as the time draws nearer.

Sorry time's up. Love you! Can't wait to talk. alright...
-Ty

18 Priesthood brethren to bless

2010-07-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
Thanks for the package! and the sika (money).

All our 7 converts were confirmed on Sunday. There were some issues though. The branch President called up about 18 priesthood brethren to bless. just too much... They didn't use a mic so no one can hear. Also, they gave the blessings in English to some, when some only understand Twi. sigh. Can you imagine not being able to hear your own confirmation blessing. I wonder what they're thinking sometimes. The church needs to come out of it's infant stage in Ghana. They should be able to get certain things right after 30 years. Some things will just take time. There is a lot of "traditions of the fathers" stuff going on.

Transfer information comes tonight. I think I'll finish in Assin Foso, but I can't say for sure. What ever happens I'm willing to go for it! Next week is my 23 months mark and last Zone Conference, and farewell testimony. I'm going to give a talk at Zone Conf.
Ye bashyia!

These are my people, I was preordained to teach them.

2010-06-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

This week was coooooooool'. Elder Stats is doing great now. (The one who was hit by a car.) His scars all over his face have healed nicely, and you almost can't tell he was hit.

Yesterday we had a call from a couple Elders in our Zone that are about 40 mins away. They told us how one of their investigators was in the hospital in Foso here, and delivered her baby, but she or her children were without food or money, and the mom was recovering, and was born without use of her legs, so she used to drag herself around on the ground, until LDS charities got her a wheelchair. It changed her life.

The Elders asked us to go to the hospital to meet them and to lend them some money, so the Elders could pay us back later. We didn't really know what to expect, but in the night we put our white shirt and ties back on, and took a taxi to the maternity ward.

We saw the woman, and I was happy that I recognized her when I had gone on splits. They were so happy, and grateful to see us, and her newborn baby all wrapped up was sleeping next to her. Upon seeing the sight of the paralyzed woman, and the miracle that her baby was just born. Her, and her children were very happy. I think they worried their mother would have complications, but the birth went smooth. I had tears in my eyes from the small act of service we did, but to them the few crumpled up 1cedi bills meant the world to them, and because of the little baby that was new to the world I could tell heaven wasn't far off...

To answer your question, yes. Assin Foso in in a very rainy green area. Though the sun shines hot just about everyday, even during the rain.

We had some beach games today with some other Zones. Elder Strong has malaria so he didn't play, but I got a chance to visit the Cape Coast castle 1 more time before I come home. I went about a year ago now. It was again a very humbling experience. Walking through the slave dungeons, and feeling the icy chill of the evil that went on there as the tour guide talked of the pains, and cruel tortures those poor people endured. Having better understood the people's history, and having a multiplied love for them; a year later the return to the castle was a unforgettable experience.

These are my people. I was preordained to teach them. They are my brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They are my mothers and fathers. They are the Lord's own. I love them with my all.

I'm grateful for your prayers. Really, I can see the impact of each one. I fasted again this week, and have made my prayers more meaningful. I've spent a lot of time on my knees, mostly in gratitude for how my mission has turned out.

I also read through the new "Gospel principles" book and also the "miracle of forgiveness". I tore through them both and finished em in a couple days. The new Gospel principles has some insightful revisions compared to its predecessor. President Kimball's book was also very intense, and was interesting. I can't wait to read the Book of Mormon again. I'll start in 2 weeks when my last transfer starts, and finish before I get on the plane.

Ooops, almost forgot to tell you. This Sunday we are baptizing 7! 1.Kwame (a very fat boy, fat and jolly) 2. Sister Ahimful (she resisted the church for years but had a past with several husbands, and abortion, but that was 30 years ago. She's now had a huge change of heart) 3. Mary (a shy teenage girl who also brought her little brothers to church) 4. Samuel ( At first he ran away from the missionaries, and had a big turnaround too) 5.Millicent (She is young but surprisingly smart, and literate) 6. Joana (she is a good cook, and has good heart, but is easily distracted in lessons) 7. Last, but certainly not least: Hannah (She is the old old old woman I told you about that is so funny, and I always tease her and give her compliments. Get this, she even stands up every time she raises her hand in Sunday School, and gives her contribution. haha She travels a very far distance, and as expected at her age has some health concerns, but she faithfully dosn't miss a week. She even comes an hour early)

I'll also have my last baptism on August 1st. We're preparing our second batch of candidates now. ;) Pre heat you oven to 350 and insert your tray of investigators, cook well for 45 minutes, and wa-la! You now have another batch ready! (That's how we baptize with fire) haha!

Our Branch President just returned from Singapore, and Malaysia for some business I guess. He joined the church during his college days in America. He came back and built that Carolyn School out in the bush. Everyone thought he was crazy, but years later Assin Foso is now a fast growing town in Ghana. Well fast for Ghana... haha. He represented Assin Foso as a Mayor for several years, and now retired his headmaster job at Carolyn School, but still owns it. He hired almost all his teaching staff from members in our branch.

We started our Football Finding Mission Goal as the World cup has started. We will be the only mission in the world that not a single missionary will watch the world cup. We all covenanted at Zone Conference haha. It's all good though. Ghana won their match 1-0 I guess. People were going crazy in the streets as expected. Painted faces, flags, honking horns, and plenty of shouting was going on. haha.

O.k. well I'm very grateful for who you are. Remember who you are. Be who you should be! Love you!

One of the missionaries hit by a car

2010-06-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Family!

I really enjoyed your email. It was really long. haha.

We just got done with a sweeeeeet p-day activity. My companion and I planned it. It was all kinds of relays, races, like 3 legged race, and other stuff. We played one to balance a bucket on our heads. All the Africans won. Go figure... We had a sprite drinking contest, a missionary race, and limbo. It was pouring rain outside. In fact it's been raining every day in Foso. AWESOME! I've had enough sun to last me a lifetime. haha

Tanner, I remember doing fast offering collection. Some people hid, or made awkward situations. The Lord is wise to use young men, because if older adults came door to door, I don't think some of the reactions would be the same. As the same with missionary work, we get some doors, where we get yelled at or dogs sent on us. I actually like those experiences. I don't have to outrun the dog, just my companion. haha just kidding. ;)

Some bad news happened this week. We got a call in the evening from the Pres. Bonda. (Our District Pres., (like a stake pres.)) He informed us that one of the missionaries in our Zone was just hit by a car and rushed to the hospital. We made frantic phone calls around, and found out that it was Elder Stats. My good friend from Centerville, UT. We called Pres. Sabey, and rushed to the hospital.

We saw upon arrival, his companion with a blood covered white shirt on, and he was crying. I thought to myself... OOOOO no.... I was ready for the worst. I met the driver that hit him. He was drunk, and said he hit Elder Stats off his bike sending him shooting through the air, and scraping across the pavement. We saw him on the ER bed, and his eyes were dilated. He was seriously scraped from head to toe, and had a couple big gashes on his face. He had a concussion, and was talking nonsense, and couldn't remember anything. We came back in the morning, and they released him. After the blessing we gave him he made, a good start to a full recovery. He'll have scabs for a while, but I'm so thankful we didn't lose a missionary. sheeesh... That's all folks. Love you.!!!!

"Football Finding"

2010-06-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Flight plans are in! I'll leave Accra around 9:00pm on Aug 10th. I'll fly to Amsterdam, then Seattle, then onto Lewiston Airport for the last stretch. I'll reach Lewiston at 3:45pm on Aug 11th! I'll be in Amsterdam for 5 hours or so on layovers.

I'm excited to go to Amsterdam! I could have a lot of fun in one of the most wicked cities in the world in that short amount of time! haha...kidding.

Some of my MTC mates Elder Dunford and Halling will fly to London instead. I'll be with Elder Strong and Elder Mason up until Seattle, and then they branch off to Salt Lake.

Zone Conference was cool! I can't believe I'll have only 1 more. We have a new mission goal. Even though we are still in the middle of our every missionary baptize a family goal. The new one is called "Football Finding" This one is in 2 parts. The first half is that Every missionary is to enter into contract, and covenant that we won't watch any world cup football, and the second half is that every missionary is to baptize 1 person that was contacted during a world cup match. haha. It's a different kind of goal than we've ever done, but I'm excited for an interesting challenge. To top that off they gave us a list of the matches scheduled, and will be sending us texts every night with the results of the game played! Haha.

Today I scored a sweet goal! There was a huge activity Assin Foso Zone vs. Takoradi Zone match. There were about 40+ Elders Present. Even President Sabey was the Reff. We Won 3-2! It was a fun match. I was slipping in the mud. I wish you could have seen it. I was passed a high pass, and I booted it in a mid-air side kick with 3 defenders on me. I was like "freak ya! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo!" haha. I shouted, hollered, danced, chest bumped, and high fived. I was like, "that's what I'm talkin' bout! YEAA!" Second half we got our other 2 goals, but I took took a hard kicked ball to the balls, and was about to hurl. I kept playing though I probably should have subbed. It's all good though. Pres Sabey called a penalty. He said it's better to take the penalty than to put my future posterity at risk. haha hilarious. Anyway, we had a sweet day, and I met a few new missionaries!

I'm going to read the Book of Mormon again before I go home. I think It'll be a nice way to gain a deeper appreciation for it. I'll do it my last transfer or 6 weeks. Love you all -Ty

as angels with a voice of a trump

2010-05-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Family,
I've got alot to do. There are 11 changes in my Zone. My new companion will be Elder Chime from Nigera. He'll come on Wednesday. A cool thing is that Elder Hoffmann will be in my apartment. He was my last companion before Elder Moses. Speaking of Elder Moses...he's gone. He finished his mission. We both cried. It's not easy to say goodbye to someone you know you'll never see again in this life. Especially if he's like a brother.

I got the packages! Thanks! I really enjoyed them. The cake Tiara sent was heavenly. Sorry, I coudn't wait! I ate it right away... Thanks sis. Thanks for your card, family. I hung it on my wall. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for the 20 bucks, cuz my account is "dwindling in unbelief" in book of mormon terms.

This week our Zone Completed the family goal. But now because of transferrs we have new Elders to complete the goal. We wen't around and Elder Moses said goodbye to everyone. A few members cried. I was surprized!
We super cleaned our apartment. for about 8 hours on our P-day this morning.

This week I listened to some 08 Gen conf talks. Elder Steven E Snow who I met when he came with Elder Holland is a great speaker. He spoke on the importance of members in missionary work. You might remember his talking about a search and rescue team that was trying to save a sheep in trouble on a cliff side. He wondered where the shepherd was. Surely the panicked sheep would better respond to the familiar voice of the shepherd than the strangers who were well equipped to save, but were still unfamiliar.

As missionaries, we're the search and rescue team who's job in to teach. We have the training and the uniform, but the members are the shepherds. They know the sheep personally, or investigators. I'll challenge you as a family to have a missionary moment that you can tell me about before I come home. I know you can do it. We should be as angels with a voice of a trump. Pray for inspiration for a missionary moment. If you do this, I can promise great blessings of unity, and a greater sense of the love of God. 1 John 2:5 If you keep your word or promise, the "Love of God will be perfected in you" Have a great week.
Good hunting! Love Ty

Lid as a shield and spoon as a sword

2010-05-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

I celebrated my 100 days left mark yesterday. I made fried chicken. It's dangerous buisness to fry that stuff in hot oil. I used the pot lid as a shield and a long wooden spoon as my sword for turning the chicken. haha

Thanks for the awesome package! I've been enjoying the Kool-aid and Lemonade sent from heaven. I think I'll be like dad when I get home and not like water very much. Juice is so much better. ;)

The Turners went home today. They were awesome couple missionaries! My companion Elder Moses goes too in less than 2 weeks.

I got to hear 1 session of General Conference! I loved it. Many good talks, but Elder Holland threw it down again. Great talk!

We travled to Swedru about 3 hours away to play thier Zone at soccer. We lost... I had a great first half, almost scored, but second half I got torn apart on Defense. Defensive soccer is a whole different ball game.

Last night we had a powerful rainstorm. There was no power as usual, and no water so I just showered in the rain in some shorts. Just grabbed my soap and got soaked. The lighting struck super close by so I ran inside! That stuff shook the house.

I don't know If I told you but this alcoholic investigator George stopped drinking cold turkey. He's been dry for a few weeks now. His family loves us because of it. So that's cooooool.

I was looking through my camera the other day. It had been a long time cause I try to conserve batteries. It was the wierdest thing seeing my old areas. It just brought a flood of memories. It seemed so long ago!
love your son. Ty

Crazy Demon Hen

2010-05-03T00:53:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 4:41 AM

Hey Everyone! Sorry I didn't email last week!
This past week I was at Zone Council. I was discussing with my MTC mates about college, and realized I'm the only one who hasn't registered or even made a final decision. So I've been praying about it, and I asked President Sabey for permission to research collages. My mind keeps coming back to Collins for some reason. I do feel like it's the right path. So anyway. I'd like to shoot for attending 2nd semester. That gives me a few months to prepare although I'm not exactly sure when 2nd semester starts. I don't know to what extent you can research or apply. I wanted to get your consent before I do anything. I'll talk to you more about it on Mothers day!
That's funny about the toenails. I don't know if I've told you but I've completely lost both of my toenails now. (The big ones.) From soccer. haha I also had a giant boil on my back. It popped and...and... well it was...it was...awesome and disgusting at the same time. I couldn't sleep on my back, and my undershirts have stains on em. I got a nice picture. ;) It was the size of the base of a hot chocolate mug. I called Sister Sabey, but she didn't tell me about any medicine besides oral meds. I decided to ask one of my local friends for some local stuff. He handed me a dark greyish black, greasy lump of what he called soap. Anyway, I didn't ask questions, I just rubbed it on the boil, and it stung, but worked remarkably well and fast. To make your stomach churn more, I'll have you know I ate snails, rat brains, and eyes. I scooped the eyeball remains out of the eye sockets. It was weird to bite something that has teeth, and just for the record, the brains weren't very good, but the bones were. Yes, we eat them. The skin of the rat still had some hairs stubs on it...Tickles the throat. haha. My Branch president treated us to lunch.
Our baptism was super successful! Our family was baptized! So we completed the mission goal. I was relieved. We baptized. Efia Osei, Kobina Osei, Thomas Azuma, and Emmanuel Appiah. That brings me to 45 baptisms. I'm trying to get 50. I want it so bad! I think it's possible. We're teaching this dear old grandma, she is the funniest thing. I like to flatter her, and tell her she's beautiful. She gets all embarrassed. It's funny. Don't worry, she's like 97 years old.
Glad you had fun at the fair! It's a great place for families. Oh, and it's good you renewed you recommends. I've also done it a few months ago. It expires 3 months after I get back. They do that on purpose so that The RM can get on the same page with his Stake President. Speaking of renewing. I won't have a valid drivers license when I get back. : /. I wonder if they'll accept my Ghanaian license... haha just kiddin'.
This past week we've had a crazy demon hen that's been laying eggs on our porch. She has red red eyes, and screams like a banshee. At first I would feed her, and give her water to get her to warm up to me. One morning she crapped all over the porch so I evicted her. Sorry, just had to do it. Besides her rent was overdue. ;) I used a broom and swept her out like a fat and stubborn dust bunny. It was funny.
We traveled around and did our Zone Council reports. Basically reporting on mission updates. We're working on something called a promise pattern. Helping investigators make and keep promises as a foreshadowing of future covenants they'll make. I heard Accra mission changed their tactics too. They can ONLY teach English speaking people now. Harsh... For us, we won't teach them if they don't keep their commitment. That's our promise to them. Anyway it works well. That means 100% of our investigators are progressing. Less lessons taught, but more effective. Quantity vs. quality. Pres. Sabey is inspired.
Anywhoo. Miss you, love you. Take care of yourselves. Choose the Right. Remember who you are... -Love Ty

Sweet sword fight

2010-04-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,
This week we had some changes. From my apartment we lost Elder Mannah from Sierra Leone, and got Elder Newbold from Utah. So that's cool. I'm still companions with Elder Moses also from Sierra Leone. He has 5 weeks to finish his mission.

We went to the station to pick up the new Elders in our Zone. Another Elder had to go home for sickness this past week.

I was asked this week to play the organ for a wedding of a couple in our Branch. It was cool wedding. There was no cake to eat but there was fufu, and of course a dance party, inside, and outside the chapel. Most of the guests weren't members so our church house became like a pentecostal church. People were preaching, shouting hallelujah, clapping, and beating drums, and one of the speakers was talking about some inappropriate, and intrusive topics on the pulpit. The spirit was long long gone... We even had some investigators show up. Weddings and ward parties are the same thing right? Free food, talks.

One of the Elders broke the glass on one of our apartment windows with a soccer ball. You'd think a bunch of rowdy 20+ year old missionaries could be more mature... haha

On Sunday after church, me and a bunch of the primary boys found sticks, and had a sweet sword fight in the cultural hall. We were running jumping, and sliding around on the tile floor. Just spontaneous fun. It reminded me of Mom and my scouts callings.

I had fun this morning. Elder Marsan is very scared of frogs. I caught a big one last night and put it in the shower. So it was waiting for him in the morning. I was pleased to wake up to screams. Slightly more tolerable than the rooster right outside my window!!!

Love you have a good week! love Ty

I celebrated my 600th day in Ghana by going to a farm

2010-04-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Mema hom wakyew

Some good news. I got to talk with my last companion Elder Hoffmann today at a combined Zone P-Day activity. He told me 4 of the people I was teaching in Nkanfoa just were baptized. 2 of them are children in the Hooper Family whom I told you about.

Well, I went half way through the day before I realized it was Easter. My companion didn't know either. Even though we went to church not a word was said about Easter. It wasn't until a later discussion that I came to the realization. I felt bad. We did have a nice mission fast though.

General Conference sounded cool. I didn't know that happened on Easter either. haha. Sometimes I feel like I'm on mars.

Last Friday I celebrated my 600th day in Ghana by going to a farm. We went to a member family's farm. The Adu-Gymfi Family. They have 2 teenage daughters that helped with the work. They have a tro tro so we hopped in and rode to a nearby village, and then went on a long dirt road. Finally we stopped. We then walked for over an hour through the deep jungle to their small farm house made of mud.

Efia started a fire, and started preparing lunch. I peeled the plantains, my companion peeled the cassava. She cut up egg plants, and Kontombre (Cassava leafs, similar to spinach) All the ingredients including the red hot chili peppers and palm oil were from their farm. As she cooked we went with Mom, and Dad Adu-Gymfi to plant corn. They used sticks to make holes, and we planted a huge area. The Sun was soo hot as I was bending over to put 2-3 corn kernels in each hole, and covering the hole with dirt. We walked back to the farm house for lunch, and also fed the chickens the remaining corn.

Their farm is huge. It has some giant 250 foot trees. One of them has honey, and bees are a problem if you get too close. After lunch they gave us avocados. A couple of the puppies they have followed us and played as we planted. We then went to a charcoal pit, and gathered charcoal, and cut firewood. We stripped palm tree leafs, and braided them to make a couple strong ropes. We tied the firewood, and bagged the charcoal, and carried the heavy 50+ pound loads all the way back to the car on our heads. We nearly dropped we were so fatigued.It was really one of the most physically demanding days of my life, and also one of the funnest experiences, I have so much respect for the Ghanaian farmer. They know hard work. I got home and enjoyed a Sprite.

On April fools we fooled, and also got fooled. We were in Twifo Praso doing splits, and we didn't make it to the station on time. That was the last car to Foso, so we had no choice but to spend the night at their apartment. Tile floor is less than comfortable. We got up early and got a car to Foso trying to beat the Sabeys coming for apartment inspections. We got there just in time, and I had pulled a prank on the whole Zone telling them to work on their area books because the Sabeys were going to check them. Some believed me and worked on them all morning. They soon realized they didn't check a single one. On the bright side now the area books are updated, and everyone gets a good laugh. well not everyone... haha

On Sunday we had testimony meeting. In this branch they always have someone get up in testimony meeting and ask the congregation to sing a hymn. So during the testimony meeting we might sing 2-3 unexpected hymns. The people who do it don't share their testimony about the hymn. They just want to sing it. It's a nice gesture, but it is simply wrong. All of the hymns they sing are slightly off. A wrong note that everybody sings, or wrong timing. It makes playing the piano very challenging. I'll have fun showing you how they sing some of the hymns when I get home.

It's great spring has come for you guys. It;s been raining every evening here too, but it's still very hot when it rains, and makes it more humid. Still like 90 degrees when it rains...sigh

I scored a nice goal today in soccer. My fake Nike shoes that I bought got spoiled though. The soles ripped off during basketball this morning. Thats what I get for buying 6 dollar Chinese rip off Nike's. ;)

Elder Harrison told me about a terrible incident he had this week. He was walking and encountered a 35 year old man beating a 13 year old boy tied to a pole. Plenty of children surrounded him, and he was being seriously beaten ,probably for stealing. He was stripped naked, and forced to hold a big rock above his head so that if he moved his arms then the rock would drop on his head. Deep deep gashes and wounds. He was spit on and bleeding seriously, and covered in dirt. The adult was taunting Elder Harrison after he tried to intervene. The boy with tears in his eyes. His companion held him back to prevent a fight.

That situation was wrong in so many ways. That's the tradition on the forefathers that the book of Mormon warns about. What a coward to beat on a 13 year old boy, and to make him a public shame in front of everybody. Sadly, abuse is all to common here. This was just inhumane. They later came across the boy nearly unconscious, and to in shock to say a word, Turns out he was in trouble for not taking his bath when he was told to. I can only think of Jesus who suffered similar, but greater. The wrath of God is surely kindled against those who engage in such unthinkable acts of child abuse.

Well not to put a damper on things, but the work continues to spread. Hope you had a great Easter! Remember the Savior who suffered all things to overcome all things. The knowledge that is most likely to promote change in us in the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Love you guys! -Ty

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Blessed a couple of brand new baby girls

2010-03-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hi family,

Things are going well. We have a new mission goal to baptize a man and wife family before July. We have a wonderful family prepared for baptism in April. The woman doesn't speak English, but she already pays tithes. The man has only heard a couple of the discussions and he's hooked. We asked him to pray, but he didn't see the need to because he said the spirit already testified the truth while we were telling him about Joseph Smith!

Missionaries often focus on the prayer to know the truth, but it's not always necessary. That's how my testimony is too. I've never needed to ask. I've just always known. One time however I prayed to know just to say I did it, and the answer was "why are you asking, you already know" I don't believe the church is true. I know.

Anyway, Assin Foso is a real blessing. The members are so great here. They love the missionaries. There are a boat load of return missionaries in the branch too! That's a big plus! Mom, my Branch President traveled to America before I was born and the missionaries found him while he was a young college student. He saw that the reason for going to America was to find the church. His teacher, and mentor who introduced him to the missionaries was named Carolyn! So when he returned to Ghana he built a school after her. It's called Carolyn Secondary School I think. Anyway. I'll have to get a picture. All of the teachers that he hired are members, and it's one of the best schools in Assin Foso. Just thought you'd appreciate that! Love you

This week will be interviews. I gave a powerful instruction at District meeting on persistence. I was surprised I made a couple tear up. You'd be amazed at the words that come out when the spirit is the one doing the talking. That's how missionary work goes. I'll be in a discussion, and have absolutely no idea what to say next, but all I do is open my mouth and the words come out. The same goes for giving blessings. I was able to bless a couple brand new baby girls last week.
O.k well time is up. Thanks for your love -Ty

...with the terror of a hungry lion in our presence.

2010-03-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys,

Looks like I'm the new Zone Leader in Assin Foso! My companion is Elder Moses from Sierra Leone. My new apartment is not so new... haha It's one of the smallest, and the oldest in the mission I guess, but that's o.k. Less space to clean. We have a well to get water for showers and dishes. We wash clothes outside.

I'm in a District, not a stake. So we're in a branch. Branch 1 is the best operating Branch I've seen in Ghana. The members are amazing. We have a nice chapel, and they know how the church operates. Fellow shipping, knowing the hymns, and teachers speaking English is a nice change. ;) The Branch Pres. (Pres. Fokou) has a return Missionary son. He's traveled to America before. He is way nice, and took us to lunch.

Next week is District Conference. I've already adapted to some zone leader things. Always answering the phone, doing baptismal interviews, and splits.

Friday, we went on splits to Twifu Praso. The Praso road is very long and very dusty. We have to wear t-shirts over our white shirts so the dust doesn't destroy our white shirts. During splits there the biggest rainstorm I've ever seen caught us off gaurd. I was soaked to the bone. We got a car back. The rain didn't stop like it normally does. We encountered 5 car accidents on the way back. All that dust, just turned into a rain forest mudslide. Cars were in ditches, underwater, tucks jackknifed, you name it. We got muddy and helped push cars out.

Mission Conference was life changing. Elder Holland was powerful. I shook his hand. Also Steven E Snow of the presidency of the seventy, and Elder Dixon of the first quorum of the seventy, he only has 1 arm, and Elder Cardon of the second quorum of the seventy, and Africa West Area President. Pres. Sabey got to take Elder Holland and his crew to the Cape Coast Castle.

Elder Holland spoke with grace, but giving everyone in the room a healthy dose of fear, and with the terror of a hungry lion in our presence. To be with him there is no disposition to do evil. You look into his eyes, and he sees deep into your soul. He addressed many things, and told a few jokes. He thanked us for our obedience, and righteousness. For the most part he praised us, but of course addressed a few things we need to improve. He talked about the Atonement a bit. I can't even describe the experience. Basically it was like his previous talks "None were with him", and the "Book of Mormon" and add the up close and personal factor, plus a room full of the missionaries, and the spirit. It was wasn't quite an Acts chapter 2 experience, but close I'm sure. haha

Ya, Mom, and Dad, I keep a journal. Hardly miss a day. I've almost finished my second one.
All of my MTC mates are now Zone Leaders haha. Next week is my 19 month mark. This could very well be my last area. No one knows. Anywhoo, Thanks for everything. Wish you could see what I see. Love you.
-Ty

...use a machete better than a pirate

2010-02-26T15:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

This Sunday I gave the closing talk in Sacrament Meeting talk on "How to become perfect" [Not that I'm perfect ;)] The talk was like 40 minutes. It went very well. Elder Mattia said it was a bit too long, but that's how much time was left in the meeting. ha ha I got to take lots of pictures with the members. I won't get another chance to say bye. Man, I'll really miss the people here. 9 months have flown by here.

The entire Hooper Family all came to church again! There is Brother Hooper, his wife Gifty, 15 year old daughter Ragina (The second mother. She cooks cleans, watches the children, and more!), 9 year old son Lawrence(Lawrence goes by his local name Kwame. What can I say, the kid is a stud! He can build a fire faster than a boy scout, and use a machete better than a pirate. I helped him make a grasscutter trap, you know the giant rats ;). 7 year old daughter Salomey (She reminds me of Taylor, she is a girly girl, but... don't let her princess-like stature fool you! I witnessed her take her older brother down in a choke slam after putting up with much teasing and grief!!) , and last but definitely not least; 2 year old daughter Gloria.( She likes to chase after the animals, mainly their dog. They had a litter of dogs, but someone poisoned them all. Only 1 survived, and is very sickly. Gloria has a priceless smile although the teeth aren't all grown in yet.)

We did a service project for the family this week.
We helped Sister Hooper make charcoal. We got our trusty machetes, then cut down trees, hacked off the limbs and sorted them big and small. Then with shovels we dug a pit about the size of a room. Then came the careful placing of the sticks small to large in a certain way. (That took a while) Then we cut leafs from palm trees, and placed them around and on the stack. Next, we shoveled dirt on the pile. This is the key to making the charcoal. Without the dirt the sticks would become ash. After all is done a fire was lit at the base, and you have to let it burn 3 days. No more, no less. You'll come with shovels and spread the pile out. The dirt will remain VERY hot, so you have to be careful and pour water on it. After a certain amount of time. You sort, and sift out the charcoal, and bag it. Ready to be sold or used. Most people can't afford propane tanks so they use a "coal pot" and charcoal for ALL their cooking. Even to boil some water. So next time you turn on the microwave you can think of me. haha. Just thought you would be interested in that process. It was fun.

Tomorrow is the BIG BIG Mission Conference! I'm too excited to meet Elder Holland! Transfers come the following day. Ha-ha, if you don't hear from me, you'll know it's because I got transferred to the bush!

I played the keyboard

2010-02-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

We had another baptism. Richard and Gifty Hooper. A Young family! They have 4 kids. He's the "Assembly Man" which is some kind of government worker. He is beyond smart. Very sharp guy!

His conversion started 2 years ago when a couple of other missionaries contacted him. It's taken a while, but he had a dream that he was getting baptized, and he told Pres. Sabey about it. I don't remember if I told you about him. Anyway. The baptism was a huge success! I played the keyboard, and the other Elders in the District Baptized 10 or so. I stayed in a room for a few hours the night before doing all their interviews. They were all related one way or another. Some of the candidates don't speak any English. Anyways I was able to do their interviews in Fante. :)

Ya, I'll let you know for sure how mission conference goes! I'm also way excited to meet Elder Holland. In fact, I dreamt about it last night! haha

Elder Jeffery R. Holland is coming!!

2010-02-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Well, It's been a long time, so I can't remember what I told you. Our baptism was a huge success! We soaked 5. Joseph. We call him "Unkru" for "Uncle" (Some Fante knock off word). He also had us baptize his set of twins. 2 boys 9 years old. Their names are Ben, and Mograbi. We baptized another named Issac Oboh who is a bit of a punk. We kept postponing his baptism, but he did what we asked and read an assignment from the book of mormon, so we had to stick to our word and soaked 'em. Last but definitely not least is Wilhelmina. She's also 9 years old. Her father just reactivated after 20 years, and wanted to bring her with him. That accomplished the mission goal for us.

Other big news is... This month we are having our second MISSION CONFERENCE!!! and Elder Jeffery R. Holland is coming!!! It will be held at our stake center in Cape Coast. I think all the missionaries will get to shake his hand and meet him. I'm obviously way excited! Also, 3 members of the 70 will be in attendance.

I played my first full court basketball game in Ghana for P-day. That was cool. I sunk a few baskets. Man, it's been a while.

I've now been in Nkanfoa as long as I was in my first area. 9 months. It's cool though. I love it here. It's not always easy to proselyte in a village, but the people seem to know me better in close proximity.

Joseph (one of the 5 recently baptized) bore his testimony and said (in Fante) that he has joined a gentleman's church. He never went to school, and has never worn a tie in his life, but now he feels like a million bucks! The congregation seriously laughed. The guy doesn't speak a lick of English (like most of our members) and is a farmer. Our Branch President doesn't speak the language, so we have to help him sometimes. He's from Liberia. I've been assisting my good buddy Seth to teach his literacy class. Teaching the English Alphabet has even proved difficult. haha.
O.k my companion wants a turn to e-mail. I'll say it again. You guys are amazing. Keep doing the small things, and great thinks will come. LOVE YOU

Going to baptize most of them!

2010-01-27T11:56:00.000-08:00

We had 16 investigators at church, and are going to baptize most of them! We'll baptize 4 of them this Saturday, and we have a wonderful family in the oven soon after. The family has 3 girls and 1 boy. We plan to baptize them, and others on the 13th of Feb. The work is busy busy.

Kristina is a pregnant woman who we had been teaching a while ago, but had stopped coming to church. I felt prompted to visit her, and she surprised us, and was in tears at the end of the lesson. I noticed that her other toddler wasn't around. We came back the next day, and she was in tears again, but wouldn't tell us what was going on. Soon she just broke down, and told us how her husband only gives her 10 Ghana Cedis per week for her and her toddler, and he has traveled. That's less than 8 US dollars per week! She told us how someone stole the little money she had, and that her husband would be very angry if he found out it had been stolen. The toddler was at Kristina's mothers house cause she couldn't take care of him. She decided to come to church on Sunday. She is scheduled for baptism on the 13th as well. The work of a missionary is so much more than teaching.

We are teaching like madmen.

2010-01-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

Hey family,

How are you?: I'm great ;)

Mom asked: How was your New Years? New Years was alright. I was the only one to stay up till midnight. I made a resolution not to drink any more minerals (soda pop) until I come home. Also no more candy or ice cream. We played a board game called Ludo New Years night.

How was last week: Well, we had a big clean-up day, and set up chairs in the new chapel. I deep cleaned for about 7 hours scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, wiping, weeding, shoveling, landscaping, organizing, setting up, scooting, pushing, pulling, bending, scraping, scouring, washing, and more...
We finally got to worship there on Sunday. The place is sweet! New this' and thats. The goal for the Branch this year is to become a ward, and President Foryah the Branch Pres. said that 2010 will be a year for missionary work.

We went out with a couple relief society sisters, a ward missionary, and the branch pres on a less active tour. Pretty much, we went around the whole village and went to all the less actives. 3 of them showed up to church on Sunday! Woot woot. Plus a few family referrals from recent converts. We are dang busy.

We now go out as an apartment teaching. Us, and the other companionship are working together by orders of President. President Sabey is closing their area for good. So it will be down to just 2. Elder Hoffmann and myself in the apartment in a week or so. Transfers are yet again coming up. I have 5 transfers left. 6- week periods. It's interesting going around the village with 4 of us. I basically have 3 companions.

Well, my week had been great. We are teaching like madmen. oh, and I enjoyed the pictures of Andrew. Happy New Year to you too!

Thanks Potters for the tie tacks! Sweet.

Ya, Trevin was right. August 17th is d-day.

75 Roses for Karen

2009-12-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Karen Carton celebrated her 75th birthday on Christmas this year. She received 75 red roses, with each year / rose is as beautiful as the next. We love her so...

Love,

David and Carolyn

Walked 6 miles to get white baptismal clothes

2009-12-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Family,

Thanks Grandma, and Grandpa for the 20 bucks! I'm sure I'll put it to good use! Love you guys

O.k. Well the new building for our Branch wasn't quite ready for worship this Sunday so we just went to our old place for one last time. When ever we pass the new building there are guys sleeping on the job. They know how to work hard if the right amount of money is involved, but it's always a half baked, or sloppy job. haha. Anyway. I'm just anxious to leave the old one.

The baptism went great. We had to walk about 6 miles to get baptismal clothes, and walk all the way back with a huge handful of white clothes. There is a famine in the land for baptism clothes.
All 8 people were baptized! Some of them showed up late, but it still turned out good! Only 7 showed up to be confirmed though. Vida was very sick, but said she'll come to church next week.

We just returned from Takoradi today. We lost our soccer match as usual.

Oh, could you please send some more batteries. Or, I was thinking it might be better to send rechargeable ones with a charger. I guess it's late notice. I should have though to bring one from the beginning. O well, either way. Honestly, just like 8 more batteries would probly last untill I come home.

I think Andrew Call reads these letters. I'm usually just swamped for time on p-days or the computer isn't always reliable. Could you let him know in response to his e-mail that I had a good Christmas! We cooked a meal for our Ward mission leader. He's a young guy preparing to go on a mission. We passed out over 200 pass along cards to random people with our church address and phone number.

Today I got to drive the mission van out of a ditch. One of the Assistants managed to get it stuck in the bush. I'm glad Dad taught me how to drive stick.

Well I have lots to do as usual. "No food for lazy man."
Love you guys. -Ty

I chopped proper

2009-12-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas all!
Hey Dad, glad you had a good trip. I'm jealous of the food you got to eat. I now have a passion for sea food too. I ate whole crab, shell, eyeballs, and all, squid, various shrimps, and all kinds of fish. They have a mini swordfish that is common here. Really good stuff. In fact at the Christmas Zone conference we had a huge buffet with all kinds of food, rice, kabobs, breads, finger foods and more, even pizza. I skipped everything else and went straight for the fufu and fish. The fish was huge! Bigger than my head. I ate well, or as we say in Ghana. I chopped proper.

The Christmas Zone Conference was cool. We all got matching mission kente ties. It's the tie I'll be wearing on the way home. Sister missionaries got purses. President and Sister Sabey shared some words, and we took a photograph as a group.

For Christmas itself we're going to host a Dinner for a couple of our faithful ward Missionaries. We have to get to foodstuffs today from the market. We also have a Branch Christmas party in our new chapel on the 31st. More good news is that we will move into the new location sooner than expected. This Sunday.

Yesterday we had to run around Nkanfoa, and do 8 interviews for our upcoming baptism! All the candidates are prepared. The baptism will be the 26th. First, we had to help solve a grudge between the mother of Eugine before she would let him be baptized. She wouldn't let him sleep in the house, and said he's so more her son. (Over a small money matter) Anyway, he's been sleeping in a makeshift bathhouse for who knows how long. Poor kid. In front of his family he got on his knees and begged him mom for forgiveness. It's a tradition in Ghana that when a child offends the parent that they must kneel. One Neighbor Lady was taunting him, and trying to beat him as he tried to apologize. Even Elder Osei the one translating got on his knees. She forgave him, and signed the baptism record. Gosh, well I can't really describe the situation. Just imagine a really bad soap opera with an African twist.

Also, one of the guys Issac has been a little unsteady about keeping commitments, although he always comes to church. It puts him in a difficult situation because all his 4 friends that come with him are going to be baptized, but we decided Issac needs to prove to us that he's not going to flake out after baptism. He still insisted on having an interview so we let him do one. I just want him to be baptized for the right reason. Although I admit, it's tempting just to let him join the baptism on Saturday making it 9 people, but it's not about numbers, just about the people. Issac being in my stewardship, I felt strongly that he's not ready to make a covenant with God, so I took a stand, and refused him to do so, until he "witnesses to the church that he has repented"(D&C) The following will be baptized on the 26th: Salome, Kofi, Emanuel.W, Eugine, Emanuel.A, Vida, Daniel, and Joshua.(We're also planning to baptize about 3 or so on the 9th of Januaray.)

We got permission to attend a single adult activity here in Cape Coast for like 4 stakes or districts combined. Soccer, basketball, volly, and food. It was fun. The crazy coincidence is that I ran into the guy (Zaggin) that was my 1st baptism in Takoradi. It's been a year since I've seen him. I just gave the guy a big hug. We were very surprised to run into each other. The best part is he told me he's almost done with his mission papers. My jaw dropped..."Whaat! You're going' on a mission"... !!! HECK YES! "That's what I'm talkin' about." I then danced around him like a crazy man, and he probably didn't fully understand my excitement. That's the icing on the cake.

I Hope this Christmas you'll serve the Savior by serving others, and hope we can all try, and comprehend the love our Heavenly Father which is so perfect as to render his firstborn lamb for the slaughter causing the very heavens to shake on his behalf. Consider him who is without sin; abandoning his status of God to be born in a lowly manger to live among men, and to sink below it all that he may rise above it all. In humble awe, may we all show gratitude, and reverence for him who was slain, and in our hearts, and deeds rejoicing for him who rose again, vanquishing the onslaught, and the engulfing chains of death and hell. He is Jesus Christ our brother, our advocate, our friend, our savior, our everything, the first and last, Amen. Merry Christmas!

Love, your son Ty

New companion

2009-12-09T21:35:00.000-08:00

Hi,

This week I've been helping the new Elders in my apartment to get adjusted. Elder Hoffman my companion is from Utah, and is really smart. He attends BYU. I like to just listen to his stories. He's cool. Elder Kwapong is fresh from the MTC. He's from Koforidua, Ghana. It's in the Accra Mission boundaries. He can't hear English too well, but he's nice, and innocent. Elder Matia is old on the mission. He can't really walk cause of a boil right now. He was a Muslim convert, and is from Sierra Leone. I lived with him when we were in Kumasi. He's funny.
I had to show them their investigators, so we spent a whole day just walking to all the people they were teaching.

We're probably postponing our baptism till Jannuary, and also moving into our new place to worship. This week has been kind of uneventful. I ate a few coconuts, and ate yams, and fufu as usual. We saved a little goat from the gutter. It had sewage in its eyes and nose, and was blind, and struggling to stay alive. We lifted 70 pound flour bags that fell off a truck in the middle of town. We've had Robert, a less active come to church twice in a row now. We're going to work with his wife for baptism. They have a small baby.

love ya

Some little kid threw rocks at us

2009-11-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

Hey family!
Glad you had a good thanksgiving. I got the Christmas package. Thanks a ton everyone. ;) Sorry I had trouble with the internet last week as usual.

Today I get Transfer info, I do know I'm getting a new companion. Probably training again. In other news this last week I had another new companion. He is Elder Lacanivalu from Fiji. Only the coolest companion ever! He's about 6 and a half or 7 feet tall, and a semi pro Rugby player. The guy is good at every sport, and has a heart to match his big size. His only hobby is eating. He only eats 10 eggs, and a whole loaf of bread every morning! You should see his dinners. Just amazing. My last companion Elder Kpanakau was just called to be an assistant to President.

I've just kinda been antsy to get a companion that I'll be with longer than 3 weeks. I've gone through 4 companions this transfer, and I get my new one tomorrow. I guess I'm hard on my companions. haha

We had stake conference. The new temple president and his wife came and spoke about temples. President and Sister Sabey also spoke.

Last week some little kid through rocks at us, and the villagers in Edukrom were arguing about our proselyting in their little village, and the chief had to break up a big argument. They wanted to kick us out of Edukrom for good. Saying that we were causing big problems, and being bothersome. They went to the chief, and complained. Luckily we've been teaching the chief, and made good friends with him. He's a devout Roman but he stood up for us, and said that they shouldn't mind us.

O, scratch that. I just got transfer info. I'm paring with Elder Hoffman.Man... He's a cool cat from what I could tell! Looks like Elder Lacanivalu is going up to Kumasi. I get to stay in Nkanfoa. wohoo! I'm looking forward to the December Baptism. I'm glad I won't miss it.

Seth, Ofori, Kojo, and John were all ordained as Elders on Sunday! (my recent converts) One of the other men in the Branch was supposed to also be ordained but he came to conference drunk. Poor guy. Can't tell you how he passed 2 interviews; I've never seen him sober. He's the guy who we did a service project for. Cleaning up his dirty dirty house, and washed his filthy clothes.
Today we played volleyball. We had a good time. O.k I better get going'. Love you all.

Rope Bridges

2009-11-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Family,
I'm Sorry I don't have much time to email this week. We have to leave early for our trip to Kakum National Forrest. The one with the rope bridges. Finally I get to go. I'm just in the office for a couple minutes this morning.
Our baptism fell through. Kofi didn't show up again. That's his second baptism that he missed! 3rd time's a charm. We have another baptism scheduled next month for several people. I'll let you know about the candidates!
I'm really excited. 5 of the men I baptized while in the office are going to be ordained as Elders next week. We've almost ready to move into the new schoolhouse to worship. It's bigger and quieter. No Pentecost church banging drums and chanting next door. lol
I'm just working hard as ever, and enjoying life. Happy Birthday Trev, and Dad. Hope you guys enjoy Thanksgiving.
Did I mention I love you?

jellyfish, squid, octopus

2009-10-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

I started typing this mail, and we went to the beach again for our
pday. They were bringing in the fishing nets. There were big fish, small fish, jellyfish, eels,
squid, octopus, and many more cool fishy fish.

We're baptizing Kofi Botchway on the 14th of November. l8terz!

We have been doing a lot of service, and completed the mission goal. I
shoveled dirt, gravel, weeded, mixed cement, swept and more. Fun
stuff! Love ya! Ty

I just got back from a fufu party

2009-10-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

I'm District Leader, and part time office Elder until
the Saunders are ready! I get to stay in my area full time now! I'm
really excited to stay. I love it here!

I'm going to be training Elder Beswick from California!
I'm really excited though. I'm way bummed to leave Elder
Mason though. He's shipping off to be a Zone Leader in Kumasi.

I just got back from a fufu party at the Zone Leaders'
apartment. soo good. It was a fun p-day activity.

We're leaving bright and early to do our Accra
expedition again going to the MTC, and the temple with the departing
missionaries. Elder Simmonds my trainer got a small 2 week extension,
and I think I told you his dad is coming to Ghana tomorrow to pick
him up. I can't believe he's going home. When I came he was under a
year on mission. Time is going going going.

Elder Mason's family was very kind and sent him 2 big packages. One for
him, and one for his companion.... me! ;) I enjoyed the Halloween
candies and nature valley bars stuff, and pistachios. The healthy stuff
tasted the best. lol probably cause my diet is terrible lately. It's
hard to get variety. I gave out most of my candy to little kids at
church. It made them hyper, and I got in trouble from their parents.

I'm very jealous that Dad got to go to Kirtland, Ohio last week! Whaat?! I've always wanted to go to Kirtland and New York to see some of the Church Historical sights. Especially
the Sacred Grove. I'll go there someday!

This transfer I hit 16 months! I'll be home in no time. Mission
life is amazing.

I'll share with you at least one spiritual thing. This week we had
a good long talk with Seth (our recent convert). Mom, Dad, I wish you
could meet him. He is going to stay in the church for good. He is
solid! He's a young hip and popular guy. We call his Oloo. He opened
up, and bore a powerful testimony about how he hadn't been to church
in over 4 years. He was going through a Joseph Smith kinda thing. He
didn't believe or like any of the churches. He knows God lives, but he
also knew those churches were a joke. He told us about how he felt
when he came up out of the water from baptism. He knew that he was
clean, and he was beaming with a big smile. He expressed about how he
noticed a big change after receiving the gift of the holy ghost. He
said he clearly knows right from wrong, and that it's so great. Like a
voice telling him what to do. We then expressed our love, and told him
how proud and amazed we are with his progress in the gospel. He's even
giving a talk next week! I am too. ;) He's going to the temple this
week! To top it off he's going to be ordained as an Elder next month,
and receive the Melchizedek priesthood, and is seriously planning on
going on a mission! I just feel a close connection with him. He's
going to be a powerful asset to the church. We also have a couple on
the way for baptism next month.

Well, I'm just going to balance like a circus clown all my new
responsibilities, but I'm kind of excited about this whole training,
and being out there full time again. I'll still stop by the office on
occasion.

Sister Sabey is preparing a nice dinner tonight for all the departing
missionaries, and us. We set the table. I'll see if I can eat after
all that fufu I had for lunch! lol o.k byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Love, Ty

I'm happy to be out of the air conditioning, and back into action

2009-10-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sent 5 Oct 2009

Glad you liked the pictures! We had such a great time at the
temple! Actually, I witnessed a sealing last year, but I had kind of
forgotten what was said. It was cool, 1 year later and wiser to again
take part in that. I can't wait to go back!

I just came back from Takoradi for soccer. I was super bummed
that I couldn't play this time case of my ankle, but that's o.k. I had
some good chatting time with the other Elders on the side lines. I
probably talk peoples heads off sometimes!

The baptism was so great. They were all so happy, and even bore
their testimonies after their confirmations on Sunday. All 3 that were
baptized revived the Aaronic Priesthood, plus another man from the
branch. What a blessing to have more males in the church who can
preform priesthood duties, and leadership responsibilities. We are in
desperate need of males to hold callings. Our little schoolhouse
branch is growing! I'll send you a photo later this week of the
baptism hopefully!

The Saunders should be arriving within a couple hours! We're
very excited to meet them! We'll start training soon I'm sure. I'm
happy to be out of the air conditioning, and back into action. It's so
much better out there. ;) I did really enjoy my office time though.
Where ever the Lord wants me I'll go!

I helped pay for one of our recent converts (John Essel) temple
trip I told him that a member helped pay his way. I didn't want to
give the idea that the white missionary is handing out money. I just
thought that some things are important. I couldn't think of a better
way to spend about 6 U.s. Dollars. My companion didn't like the idea
of me doing that. I paid half, but if it wasn't for that he wouldn't
have been able to go. The temple trip is in 2 weeks for our branch. I
wish I could go along!

We are doing many service projects as part of our "get close to
the members mission goal" When we are out and about this transfer we
focus all on the members! We do service, get to know them, and refuse
to take meals from them. It's so great!

We cleaned up an old drunkard's house ( I told you about that) We built a cement block wall,and we are coming to clean the yard of a young pregnant woman in our
branch. She was so grateful for our offer to serve her this Saturday.
The husband is less active, so I hope it yields good fruit.

So get this, Sunday this guy stood up in church. It was
his second time there, anyway he was giving his testimony, when
randomly he broke out into loud song! lol He sang 4 long verses of
some weird, weird song, with a terrible voice, and sat down
straight. Everyone was looking down in embarrassment. Awkward lol! Man,
I would totally do an impression of him if I could. He kinda sounded
like the lion off Wizard of Oz. Funny stuff!

Ya Mom, I think I'll stay in Cape Coast. I love it here. It's a
blessing to be be around the Sabeys. I wish you could see what great
people they are. On the bright side when I do get transferred. I will
probably know where I'm going. ;)

Thanks for sending a package! haha I had to buy a new towel
today. Mine was immodest. It had holes torn all over it. lol. And it
stinks worse than a locker room. Probably cause I've only washed it 3
or 4 times in a year.

I have much more to write, but I'm out of time. I had to write
Tiara too, and Ryan. Glad you enjoyed Gen. conf. Love you guys so
much! The church is true, let others know...

Ankle Update

2009-09-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

Sent 23 Sep 2009

Well, we went to several "hospitals" and finally found a place with x-ray equipment. I got it x-rayed, but didn't see a doctor. Good news is that it's not broken. It's super swollen though. Luckily Sister Sabey had some crutches. I asked if I could call, but they just said I could e-mail. I have it in an ace bandage, and the color and motion is getting more normal. I still can't walk. President has to take us in the truck to get to our apartment in the mornings and nights.

It's a blessing it didn't break. I'll be office bound for a little while longer it looks like. That's o.k. Proselyting is out of the question for now. I'm just praying for a fast recovery. People are counting on us out there! ;) Well o.k . miss you!
Love Ty

Ankle Trouble

2009-09-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Sent 21 Sep 2009

Hey again Mom & Dad,

I'm back from the soccer match... 5 Mins into the game I collided with a Polynesian missionary, and I think I broke my ankle. The Sabeys will be here in a few hours to have a look at it. It's incredibly swollen. I just have to chill here in the office until then. I got ice on it, elevated it, and got some crutches from the mission home. I can't walk without em. Elder Griffin was nice enough to pick me up, and carry me to the car. I'm hoping it's just a sprain or something minor. I'll keep you posted. I attached a picture of me at one of the forts in Elmina. Love you

The goats live in better conditions

2009-09-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sent Sep 21 2009

First of all,
I'm doing o.k Mom. Ya, the internet has issues sometimes. Sorry 'bout that. Elder McKay is very very sick with Malaria. He's been bedridden since we got here. His companion is Elder Kalinja from Ghana. We went to see him with the Zone Leaders a couple nights ago. He's doing better now. Sister Sabey brought him chicken noodle soup. He has a good attitude about it. His area is called Yammoransah, it's in Cape Coast here.

I actually e-mailed last week, but it must have not made it to you. bummer. I guess last week I talked about our trip to Elmina Castle, and all that good stuff. I'll send pictures soon. My camera cable went missing. It was the smaller size. I found a way to conserve on memory card space, so I don't need any more memory sticks thanks.

We have a new mission Goal. It's just for this transfer. It's to prepare the way for the next goal. It is that every missionary will have 5 service projects for members, 15 member lessons, and learn 80% the the members' names in the ward or branch. I'm excited about this goal. We're focusing on members members members. So They can help us in turn, and gain respect for the missionaries. We're going to start with a service project of cleaning this one drunk man's house. It's disgusting. He comes to church every week, but the goats live in better conditions. It's a sad sight. It will take all day to clean his garbage heap mud hut. Also we're going to build a cement wall this week.

The next goal is to reactivate a less active member, and then to get a referral from them, and baptize that referral. This will be a difficult goal. That's why we'll need the members' help.

This week we had 9 investigators at church, and 2 from the other elders making 11 at our small branch. We also have 5 now in the oven for baptism on October 3rd. Kofi, Kojo, Seth, Ofori, and Salame. Ofori is the one with elephantiasis. I'm very excited.

Well. I might email more later today, but for now I have to go. love you guys so much much much. remember who you are.

Getting all the new apartments ready for the new Elders

2009-09-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Sent: 7 Sep 2009

Hey Guys!
I don't have internet at the office so I have to type this at the internet cafe. So sorry If I have to keep it short!

That's so great you can pass the sacrament Tanner. In our branch we don't have any deacons, teachers, or priests. Just a couple young Elders that are preparing for missions who usually pass.

Well Mum, We're actually going to the temple tomorrow. This trip is to pick up all the new Elders, and to say goodbye to some old ones too. We had a good time in Accra on Friday, but we didn't go to the temple. We spent time getting to know the roads, and stuff, and we went to the mall there. OH MY GOSH! The mall was nicer than most that I've seen in the states, including the legit grocery store. I did not feel like I was in Ghana anymore! I'll send pictures as soon as we get internet at the office again. I'm really excited for the temple. Driving in Accra is like Big city driving with a dangerous, and busy African Twist.

Thanks for the encouragement Mom, love you so so much. I can't wait to give you a big hug. ;) Have a great week.

Agya (Dad) Glad you liked the photos. It really was a cool baptism. The new Elders in our apartment are Elder Fairbanks for US, and Elder Kpanakau from Sierra Leone. I think that's how you spell it. Anyway, we've been cleaning the apartment like mad, trying to get ready for them.

This week we've just been burning through money buying apartment supplies, and getting all the new apartments ready for the new Elders. I am really excited about them coming if you can't tell. Things around here are going to change. On the subject of good news. Elder Strong is going to be the new Zone Leader here in Cape Coast! That means all of my MTC mates will be here in Cape Coast! Elder Keller just flew in today. He is my MTC mate that went home in the MTC, and a year later is now coming back!.

We got Ofori, and his friend Seth to accept a Baptismal date for the first week of Oct. If that one goes through that will put me close to 30 baptisms so far. P.s. our mission hit an all time record for this mission baptizing 150 people this August. The work is going on strong. O.k well, I've been typing so fast I think I'm going to have Carpel Tunnel. lol. p.p.s Could you send a Shaving Razor and some replacement blades in your next parcel to Africa? Thanks! Love you guys so much. Remember to pray, read scriptures, fast, and make time for the Lord, he always has time for you!

the grass is green and dead on both sides, it just depends where you eat...

2009-09-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

This week has been cool. Our Investigator Nana, who is a chief, was baptized Sunday. Ya, Dad Nkanfoa is pretty fruitful. We have several more baptisms for September. Forgive me if I don't give a detailed account of each investigator. I have too many to talk about. For being in the office a lot, the Lord makes up for the difference. We only go out teaching for a few hours each day, but this area has been the most fruitful so far.

I hope you like the pictures, the baptism was a powerful one.

To answer some questions: My tooth is still sensitive, but I'll just suck it up. It's no big deal, and the service project was way fun, even though the place is already filthy again. lol Imagine cleaning the top layer of the Clarkston City Dump. Something like that. You can see in the pictures that the beach is covered in trash
too.(& Moree Beach Resort is one of the nicer beaches to baptize at lol)

We just got pictures of all the missionaries in the MTC currently coming to our mission. It's been fun to see who's coming.

I can see where you're coming from The grass may look greener on the other side, but something I find to be true is the grass is green and dead on both sides, it just depends where you eat.

You'll have to thank Grandma, and Grandpa for me. They have been so kind.

One of our recent baptisms, John the old man really wants to go to the temple. There is a branch temple trip planned. Travel plus lunch makes the trip very expensive for these people. John is just an old man without a job, or any way to get money. The cost is about 14-15 U.S dollars. (20 Ghana Cedis) I wanted to pay his way so he can experience going to the temple. Recent converts are so important. Many missionaries stop teaching after baptism, but we try to point all of ours to the temple, and keep teaching them.

Ya Dad, West Africa Missions are expanding. By your birthday over half of the missionaries in Ghana Cape Coast Mission will be Greenies. (3 months or younger)

We got 5 new mattresses in our apartment for overflow from the mission home. I think you know me well enough that I used the mattresses to make a fort. lol. We use them as a couch. That's 1 kind of furniture you'll never find in missionary apartments here. Just a couple wooden chairs of course.

The Sabeys were kind enough to invite us over for Dinner on Sunday. We had an English Meal cause Elder Leppard had his Birthday. He's an Assistant; he's from England. Since President served his mission in England he has mastered to make true English food. We had Yorkshire Puddings, Roast Beef, and for desert, a Heavenly Trifle. I can't manage to figure out how something as good as Trifle is not to be found in the United States.

August went by in a quick hurry. Interviews are tomorrow, and Wednesday we'll go to Accra. I think we'll go to the Temple on the 8th though. We are busily copying passports, immunization cards, printing acceptance letters, distribution orders, and the list goes on and on.

Well, have a great week! Thanks for your prayers, and support. I really do appreciate it! I also keep you all in my prayers often. I'll have to be honest and say that I really don't think of home anymore, and I've lost almost all interest of the outside world. I'm just caught up with here and now, and I'm happier this way. The people have inspired me, the work has consumed me, the spirit has changed me, the Lord has blessed and corrected me, and continues to practice patience with my many flaws, I so pray...

-Love your Loving Son -Elder Carton

Because you jump across festering puddles...

2009-09-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your prayers. They must have been good. I didn't have the dentist go at it after all. Well, I went in, and he couldn't find a cavity, but then again they didn't have x-rays. So I walked out with no work done.
Dad, You'll do great as a Seminary teacher. That's a cool calling to get seriously! There are different ways to pry their eyelids open without telling them to wake up ;)
Last Saturday was my second annual All Africa Service project. I don't remember if I told you last year how I cut weeds with a machete at a hospital. Well this time, I shoveled dirt, and crap out of the gutters, and swept a very dirty football park. We got bricks from the mission home and made a pathway to the schoolhouse where we worship, because you jump across festering puddles, and sewage streams to get inside for sacrament meeting. We are really trying to get a better place for worship.
Some good news this week:
1.Elder Keller is coming back to the mission in a couple weeks! (he was the one from our group that went home in the MTC.)
2. I went on my first road trip as an office Elder. My companion and I went to Takoradi (about a 2 hour drive) to play football, and drop off the missionary support.(money)
3. I completed the mission goal of baptizing: 1future leader, 1 family, and 1 member referral before October 13th. The ones baptized that completed the goal for me were Brother Nana, and his wife. Good people.
4. I get to go to the temple in a couple weeks when we go pick up the big group of new elders!

I had a small car accident... well so did my companion. To make a story short, he traded paint on a parked van and dented the upper right corner panel, and I drove into a gutter. (my companion's fault lol) Good thing for 4 wheel drive. The cars are fine, we're fine. At least we didn't pull an Elder Leppard, and roll , and the mission truck 3 times, off a cliff at high speeds, and none of the 8 or so missionaries were wearing seatbelts or hurt. That was the car accident that Elder Strong was in a year ago.

I enjoyed the photos. And thanks for the video game news updates, and package. A little taste of home is nice every once in a while.

We got pictures of the new office couple coming in October. I'm very excited to meet them.

Camping seemed fun! The campground looked so clean and tidy. O.k well back to school for you, back to work for me. Love you

I'm going cold turkey with the old power drill

2009-08-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

G'morning, or Evenin', (it's morning for me)

I'm going to a Dentist in Cape Coast to have my cavity fixed. I guess he's supposed to be somewhat o.k. President Sabey said I shouldn't have any
injections, for risk of AIDS, and I shouldn't rinse with the local
water. So I'm going cold Turkey with the ol' power drill.
ya...I'm scared out of my pants. I talked to a missionary who went
there, and he said the guy who worked on his teeth was
dressed in like jeans and an old t-shirt, and the chair he sat in was
a normal wooden chair, and the building was pretty
shady. Wish me luck!

Linda Wood and her Primary class wrote me letters. I wrote them back.

Just a little bit of what's new here: I'll be going to Accra to
the MTC twice now for this upcoming group. On the 30th and a week or so later. It will be a fun thing to see so many fresh,
and spirited missionaries. Some missionaries that have been out for a while get "tired" or "trunky". It does a lot of good to revitalize some of those missionaries when they receive a spunky new companion.

The goal to baptize 1 family, 1 future leader, and 1 member
referral is coming to an end soon. If things work out, I'll
complete the goal when I baptize brother Nana Kofi Aidoo on the 30th.

He's a Chief! It's rad. He even has a stool that he
sits on that is hand carved, and symbolizes his tribal royalty. He had
a cool revelatory experience with the Book of Mormon,
and is excited for baptism. It's interesting though, he has to give up
some chieftain customs, and tribal rituals to join,
such as ones that break the Word of Wisdom. He's willing to give up
what he needs to in order to be baptized. Even if it
means losing the throne. Powerful Guy... To give you a mental image,
this guy is about 80 years old, and has about 5 teeth,
and he likes to laugh a lot.

We had to sit with him for over an hour
to get his information for the baptismal record. He
didn't remember his birthday, let alone his parents, or marriage date.
We helped him dig through some very old Methodist
baptismal certificates; we recorded all of his 15 or so children, and
finally finished asking him all of the questions. I
asked him his favorite food ( pretending it was one of the questions
on the form. ) We laughed for like 3 minutes. lol It
wasn't even that funny of a thing to joke about, but the humor here is
just different. Anyway, he's just another sweet old
man. Elderly people are so cool.

I organized a branch choir for us since we have a keyboard now.
That starts this Friday. I give Talks just about every
week in sacrament meeting. We got a Young women s teacher to replace us
now. 3 deacon age boys have been coming to church regularly, and Brother Botchway who's member mother just died, and wants to join the church in honor of his mother. We're

Also seeing a man with elephantiasis( Brother Ofori). It's a disease
that you get from mosquitoes that makes your feet,groin, and other parts of the body swell up really huge. He's unable to wear shoes. We're trying to figure out how he can get to church since he can't walk long distances. Poor Guy. Never a Dull
moment though, well I won't say Never; rather Hardly a dull
moment.

Anyway, have a great week. Enjoy back to School.
Love ya family.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s a rare sight to see any tears

2009-08-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

This week was sweet! The baptism went really well. Joseph’s baptism was delayed. He’s not quite ready, but John was soaked .We picked him up, and afterward I bought him and our investigators that came to view the baptism some ice cream sachets. They’re only like 30 peswas. It was a really spiritual baptism, and one of the other sets of missionaries baptized an old blind man. He had to have some extra assistance getting in and out of the font. He did well though. We all kinda got choked up when we saw him crying after his baptism while we were singing “I Need Thee Every Hour”. Like I said before it’s a rare sight to see any tears. I really couldn’t think of a better way to finish my first year than to be fasting at a baptism. At first I was disappointed about the delay on our pizza celebration, but I realized what was more important. Things worked out perfectly, besides we’ll just go today to eat.

We had 4 more accept baptismal dates after the baptism. It was just a good day. We got 3 investigators to come and witness what a baptism is like.

The Kiffers are from Alaska. They are the new Kumasi couple who came last month. The Saunders will replace us in October. They are from Utah.

I think I have a cavity. I haven’t told anyone yet. I’m kind of reluctant to, but Its not going to get any better…. Sigh. P.S. The spider bite got better. It took a couple days for the swelling and color to go back to normal. Haha

I can’t believe Easton will be 1! I hope he has a good birthday. (although he won’t remember it.) Lol

We had a cool Volleyball match today for p-day. We go to UCC. University of Cape Coast. They actually have a pretty nice field, volleyball courts, and a track!

I got permission to do some more research on colleges. I’ve sent in for some info on Collins College to be sent here. It’s on it’s way. I actually looked at the figures, and it’s cheaper than most LDS colleges. I know you guys really want me to go to BYU Idaho , but I really feel good about Collins. I decided to not start my application until I return.

That’s cool Trevin talked to Russ. I miss that guy too. 1 year isn’t all that far anyway.

O.k luv ya. Have a great week . –Love Ty...

Ghana Pioneers at Baptism Beach

2009-08-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

In 1978 there was a man named Joseph William Billy Johnson who taught the gospel for many years before the missionaries arrived in Ghana. Over 1000 people were ready for baptism by the time the Elders arrived. Hundreds of them were baptized here at Baptism Beach. This clip is a video of some of the original Ghana pioneers singing, naturally, a pioneer song. (Come, Come, Ye Saints)

A goat attended Young Womens

2009-08-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Family!

Dang... I'm kind of disappointed my e-mail didn't go through last week. My ldsmail has some issues. lol That's too bad. Sorry!

Well the latest is, we have a couple baptisms next week. One is an old man named John. He's such a classy guy. He's just very pleasant to be around, hardly has any teeth left, and doesn't talk much. I think he's about 80 or so. He wears sweet 80s clothes. He's been coming
to church for almost 2 years now, I think he was just waiting for someone to offer baptism. So we did, and he accepted with no problem.
The other is Joseph. He has also been coming to church for a long time, and no one really knew if he was a member or not. It's a common thing here. Joseph is really shy, and I seldom hear his voice. He has a good heart, and good intentions though. I think that he is going to be a future missionary if he stays active. He's preteen age.

As Elder Mason was teaching Young Womens a goat walked right through the door, and joined our lesson. Stubborn animals... You really can't tell the difference between the goats and the sheep here. Even the Cows here look like they're from mars. I had a nasty spider bite this week. It must have crawled in my bed. My whole arm was swollen with a huge red lump. It didn't kill me. lol

There was about 30 investigators at church on Sunday. It's local tradition that when someone dies. The family, and mourners attend a session of their church. We took advantage of it, and taught them all the restoration. Things quickly broke out in an argument, and a Pentecost pastor was getting very angry. They started bringing up baptism for the dead and all of that. It got a bit out of hand, but the overall outcome was good. We got a few referrals from it. It was a cool experience to have more nonmembers attend sacrament meeting than members.

The Branch President surprised us with a bowl of the best fufu. It was soo good. It's my favorite food for sure. Nothing like fufu with light soup, and local fried fish.
Speaking of food, the Sabeys invited us over for Sunday Dinner. We had meat, potatoes, ice cream, jello, and Yorkshire puddings. Sister Sabey can cook! She also offered to sew a pair of pants that I tore a huge hole in.

In the office, I was working on all the month end things. Trying to submit all of the paper work. We ended up staying in the office all day, and not leaving to proselyte. I just had a stack of paperwork to get though, and submit everything to church headquarters.
This month should be cool! We will be doing all the prep work for all the new Elders coming at the end of the Month. For the paperwork, I put the formulas and everything in Microsoft Excel. I've learned a lot about Excel, and have gotten to be pretty handy with it.

The new Office Couple is coming in October ( The Saunders) to replace my companion, and myself. I think I'll stick around in the same proselyting area, but just will transition out of the office, and train the new couple from Utah. It's really rare to get a couple now days. The Sabey's have been requesting for one for the mission for over a year now. We're glad they're coming. I like the office, but I don't want to finish my mission here.

This week is the 8th! That means our baptisms, and our one year mark. We'll go get some pizza at castle restaurant. Should be a good day.

I'm happy for you guys and happy about life here.
thanks for being there, your son Ty

Children screamed and cried when they saw us

2009-07-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

As far as teaching goes this week. We did a lot better than last week. In fact we doubled our numbers. The Branch President. President Foyah also served in Cape Coast Mission. He is very cool. He escorted us into new territory. We went on a jungle hike and found 2 villages. We walked for hours to get there and back. Our area Nkanfoa is fairly new. Those villages are untouched. We were the first white guys to go there, I'm sure. Let alone missionaries. Some children screamed and cried when they saw us. I was busting a gut laughing. We always have a parade of children following us. We met the Village Elder, and he welcomed us. Civilization is far away from those 2 villages. We plan on proselyting out there if we can.

Our last lesson of the week,...well it didn't happen. We won't be seeing that "Dynamite Family" anymore that I told you about. The father came home from England, and heard that we had been coming and teaching the wife and kids. He was furious. When we arrived at the house he threw the pamphlets we gave them in our faces, and was mocking us, telling us that we were not Elders, and that we had several wives, yadi-yada, telling us that he's read about Joseph Smith, and he doesn't want his family's mind to be polluted by such stories not found in the Bible.

We were heart broken. I wanted to say so much to that man, as well as my companion, but the spirit shut us up. We kindly asked him to pray about it, and that we respected his decision. We shook his hand and left. The father mocked us on the way out, and the family was laughing and scoffing.... Honestly Mom, and Dad, I don't know if I've ever been so disappointed in my life. Elder Mason, and I were both pretty upset. Banging pots and pans, doors, and stuff. I bought a tub of chocolate chip ice cream to save for my year mark celebration, but I busted it out and ate the whole tub in 1 go, while I listened to Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and pondered, and grumbled about what just happened. We knelt in prayer for that family, and then decided to move on. We did all we could. So that's how the week ended

I'm so jealous you guys got to see Harry Potter 6! Whaaaat! I would love to watch it when I return. Mom, I hope you feel better. Sorry you've been sick! The rainy season is over here. There is some kind of plant that grows here that gives me allergy symptoms. It's been going on for a couple of months actually. Sneezing, itchy eyes, all that. I think it's a plant that grows during the rainy season. I don't know. I'll see if I can't get some anti-allergy meds from Sister Sabey.

I asked Sister Miles to call you! I'm so glad she did. Isn't she wonderful?! I miss the Miles so much already. They are so Christlike. Mom, and Dad. Again, I hope and pray you can serve a mission! for so many reasons. I'm 100% sure I'll go on another mission or 2 Later in life. If everything works out.

We are preparing subsistance this week. I've written several checks for 5k a piece this week! Besides Game Crazy, I've never handled so much money before.

Well, we're headed out. We're attempting to go to the castles today. The Sabeys have been gone almost 2 weeks. They're doing an interview tour, and picking up the new Kumasi Couple. The Kiffers from Alaska. I'm excited to meet them.

bye now, Love Ty!

New Photos!

2009-07-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the new photos of Tylan in Cape Coast.

Barak was in Cape Coast this week

2009-07-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Family!
Yep Barak was in Cape Coast this week! They really cleaned up the town, and painted the castle even! The locals were wearing T-Shirts with President Mills, and Obama. The helicopters and military personnel were everywhere. I didn't see him, but Elder Simmonds did.

I ended up not going to the castle. We decided to go to the old lighthouse! It was rad. There are people there, and sometimes they charge you money to climb to the top. We caught 'em on a good day and they let us up for free. You could see all of Cape Coast from up there. It was so cool. They have some really old cannons on it like the castle.

Today was even better! The MTC president, and his Wife came down, and the whole Zone, and all the Pioneer members had a special tour of the historical sites. We visited the original Chapel building where the church started here. Billy Johnson gave a powerful testimony, and so did the other pioneer members. We then went to "baptism beach" were the first baptisms were preformed back in 1970. The pioneers sang hymns on the beach, and there wasn't a dry eye to be found. The church has come such a long way. I just love being with these wonderful people.

I've kinda changed in the fact that I don't like to talk or think about how long I've been out here. I just want to enjoy the time I have left. I thought I would be more excited for my year mark, but It's just bitter-sweet... We're planning to attend a baptism that day, and then go eat pizza at the castle restaurant. We've been eating good. The Miles left us several hundred dollars worth of groceries! It was really nice of them.

Thanks for asking about the family I am teaching. They are good. The 11 year old girl heard the Joseph Smith story and said "I don't believe it at ALL! " We're working on it. They just need to pray about it.

O.K. well I'll catch up with you later. I'm busy busy. The office is great by the way. O.k love ya! keep the faith!!!

I know half the people in this month's Ensign Ghana art work

2009-07-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hey, hey, hi!

Zone Council was so great! President Sabey gave some inspired instuction. He is the most Christlike person I've even known.

It's hard for me to get a feel for the economy situation. Besides pricies raising here. The whole world is effected. One of the issues brought up in Zone council is the inflation, and the need for more cha-ching in the missionaries' pockets. President Sabey just said No. lol Because people are getting less of an income worldwide, the church is also effected. The general tithing income of the church has depreciated significantly, thus making money tighter for the mission budget I deal with. I received a letter from the First Presidency requesting our mission to cut costs in any way that we can. We are out-ruling bicycles in our mission. The upkeep on them is spendy when the terrain is so rough. Only a couple special areas will have bikes now. That's just one of the ways that we are dealing with budget cuts. I have to lease out 5 more apartments this week. The 29 new missionaries are going to have to stay somewhere. Prosper, our building and maintenance guy is singlehandedly doing all apartment repairs, purchasing, refurbishing etc. In Ghana, there are no turn-key deals when renting out a plot. All of them are fixer uppers, major ones. My apartment is the most expensive in the mission.

When the 29 new Elders come in September, President, ans sister Sabey, the Assistants, and my companion and myself are going to spend the night in the MTC! We're going to do orientation with them, and get them sent off to their areas. Normally, new Elders stay in the mission home, but in this case. The mission home can't possibly facilitate such a large group. My companion, and I will drive separate vehicles boarding all the new Elders, and their over sized luggage. lol It will be fun to drive all the new Elders from Accra. Hope I can find my way around Accra. It's a crazy crazy place. We'll get to attend the temple, with the departing Elders, and see them off at the airport. Speaking of departing. The office couple here (The Miles) are leaving back to Twin Falls this week! Our training will finish, and the office will be ours.

Elder Mason and I sang at the Miles' baptism. acapella duet. We sang "Oh what songs of the heart" It was good I think. We made the Miles and the Sabeys cry. ;) The Miles had 8 that they baptized! They hardly proselyte too. The Lord really blessed them.

The Ensign, or Liahona came this week! Pioneers of Ghana is the Cover page! I was way excited to see Ghana on the cover! I'm pretty proud of this place. the article is artwork done by a girl at BYU. She came to Ghana and researched, and interviewed the residents. I hope you get a chance to see it! I know half the people in those paintings! I also met the first deacon in Ghana on Sunday. He's now a Stake Young Men's leader. He's one of the pioneers being a member for 30+ years. I really love meeting the pioneers. They have such wisdom and faith.

As far as our small time proselyting this week, we contacted a dynamite Family. The kids are so so smart for their age. One of them is named Nhyira. He's a 6 year old boy. We asked if they could name any prophets. He said Ezekiel, and gave a detailed story from the bible about him, and can read English so well. His 11 year old sister Serwah said Isaiah, and told about his prophecy concerning Jesus Christ. Honestly, I have never come across such brilliant, bright, and polite children in my life. They loved hearing about the proclamation to the family, and when the lesson was over. I said "Asem bisa bia wo ho?" Meaning is there any questions? The room was silent until Sewah smiled and said when are you coming back please! The whole family is just eager to learn.

Anyway, I guess this e-mail was a bit more lengthy than usual. I better go. Elder Mason and I are actually going to the Cape Coast Castle, and a the lighthouse for P-Day today! Should be fun. LOVE YOU GUYS! I hope you have a great week.

Hoping no crocodiles jump out

2009-06-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hey Family,
For P-day today. We went and delivered money to the Elders. I really do like the office. Elder Mason is great.
I really love being with the Mission couple, the Miles. I'm going to miss them so much. The couples are top notch in Ghana Cape Coast. Our cell phone broke. We have to get another.

It flooded really really bad this past week. To get to our apartment We had to remove our shoes, and go knee deep in the water. Hoping for no crocodiles to jump out. The water was dirty brown of course. Farmers lost their crops, and Elders' apartments were flooded badly. Nine people died in the market from the rainstorm, and a small boy in our village died from his house collapsing on him. The storms here are very devastating. It doesn't help that most of the houses are made out of mud.

We had a cool Zone Conference, and tomorrow we have something called Zone council report. President takes us , and all the Zone leaders to a nice restaurant. ;) o.k well I better jet!
I'll just be here typing up lease statements, and balancing the mission checkbook....bl eh... Elder Miles said I've leaned more accounting in my past 2 weeks, than he did when he got his degree. lol anyway.

love ya. Take care. p.s. I gave a talk on Sunday. I spoke on the role of Equality, and opposition. -Love always Ty.

Snickerdoodles & Rootbeer

2009-06-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Heyheyhey!
I hope you guys had a great week! Travel safe to Girls camp, and Andy's farewell. Wish him my best. Tell him I love him, and am so stoked for him! I wasn't able to really send a message goodbye.

Well, I have lots to say about my new situation... My last e-mail was kind of guessing what my responsibilities are. I guess as the coming e-mails happen I'll let you know what it is exactly that I do.
Affirmative on the heated showers, air conditioning, driving, road trips to Accra to the distribution center. Getting to see all incoming and leaving Elders, and going to the Temple! We're pretty much the same as the AP's, but in charge of the office. I got my Ghanian drivers license a couple days ago.
The apartment is... well, it's actually a house. A very big house... It can room 14 missionaries. Everything inside and out is brand new. The living room is all white tile with a big chandelier. One of the Assistants called our apartment the Holy of Holies. lol. Not to brag ;) but it's the biggest nicest, newest apartment in the mission.

We do get to proselyte, but a bit less than before. :(
We are in a small Fante village called Nkanfoa. There is a branch there. We worship in a small schoolhouse. I'm the new Young Women's teacher I guess. lol don't ask.

I have to handle all of the money. Monies that need to be accounted for, distribution center orders, utilities, post office runs, you name it. Lots to do around here. I'll probably be an office Elder for a long time. In fact my guess is that I'll finish my mission here. President likes to keep missionaries in 1 place for a long time.

I got G&G's letters! Also a letter from Kiah, and Melissa Call. Oh ya, I got Uncle Ben's & Aunt Trish's package. Tell him thanks so much!! I've been enjoying it for the past few days. Mom & Dad, thanks for sending the MP3 player with church music on it. had no idea! cool. I'll be looking for the other package from the Kathriners!

Hey pops, yep I guess it's good for my health to have gotten this calling... I miss Kumasi though :
Happy Fathers day! Your new tie is very sweet! It could use better anti-aliasing. I want one of those puppies too!

Anyway, Elder Miles, and Sister Miles, a mission couple, are in the office training us. They are very sweet. She just brought me cookies just now as I'm typing this. Snickerdoodles! And, they brought A&W root beer from Accra for us! That's my first root beer since I left. The blessings are too much! I just feel so grateful to be here.
My new companion is Elder Mason is from Elk Ridge, Utah. He is really cool. Easy to get along with.

Next week we;re going to some of the Cape Coast Castles, and there is a sweet lighthouse. There is also Kakum near by. The rope bridge forrest. Lots to do and see. I'm in no hurry though.

I saw all the pictures of the new incoming Elders! Most are from America. There are 29 in Sept. and the October Names are already flooding in. We have to prepare welcome packets for them. Also purchase airline tickets, and get flight plan itineraries for the outgoing group. o.k. well have a great week. Love ya. Ty

I got a calling!

2009-06-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Family! I have some big news... I got a calling! I know I've only been in Kumasi for 1 transfer, and this is a rare event. I've been called as the office Elder!!!
There is a couple (The Miles) in the office until, mid-July. Then they will go home! My new companion and I will take their place.
I'm really gonna miss Kumasi. It already felt like home! Especially being with Elder Hill was too too cool. I'll miss 'em for sure.
With my new calling, there are some perks. I'll be living at the mission home so that means I get to know the Sabeys really well. We're going to have a car, air conditioning, hot water heater, washing machine, microwave, you name it! Plus cooking from the maid, and Sister Sabey I'm sure.
I got the phone call this morning. I have tomorrow to get ready and go. I'll be spending the night with the Zone Leaders, and heading out at 3:30am in the morning Wednesday! I don't know who my companion is yet... I'm really curious.
I'm in charge of Supply orders, Greenie orientation. By the way, there will be 40 new Elders in the mission between now and September! There is a huge huge group of 28 new Elders coming in September! We have to help them get situated. I'll be making trips to Accra for the purchasing of distribution center orders, and am in charge of all the mission money. There is a lot to do. I'm excited, but a bit shocked, and overwhelmed...
I'll have to buy food, and stuffs when I arrive, and get situated. I'll probably have to withdraw 20 more cedis. sorry. I hate taking money from the account. I think I'll be spending a bit less being an office Elder in Cape Coast.
I'm not looking forward to my proselyting time being taken away from. We still are expected to accomplish the mission goal of baptizing a future leader, family, and a ref feral. We'll see what happens.
I'll be back in Fante land, so no more Twi for me! I'm happy about that one. I'm more comfortable with Fante.
Well, I love you guys and hope you had a good week. Life is crazy! love ya -Ty

I'm healthy and up to full speed

2009-06-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!
I'm healthy, and up to full speed. I was able to play a sweet game of soccer. We played on a dirt pitch. My cleats busted open. It's too much fun playing with these Elders.

Good news is. September the mission is getting 21 new Elders! That's a huge amount considering the Missionary population has averaged at a constant 80 or so. I guess the first Presidency is stepping things up here in Ghana! We're all really excited. That means I could be splitting up with Elder Hill, and training a new Elder. I don't know anything can happen. Buokrom, I think I told you has room for a few more sets of missionaries! Our area is the biggest in the mission! Our area is the furthest North in Ghana so we really have no boundaries. I haven't even scratched the surface of seeing the whole area. It will really grow in a few years time. The building for our branch to meet in has been narrowed down to a couple choices. We hope to get a good building to worship in, and in the mean time purchase land to build a Buokrom chapel!

The fuel price has gone up, that means taxi fares are also up. It costs us an arm and a leg to get to church!
We've been teaching a guy named Pastor Emmanuel. He has his own church. He's a very powerful man in the community. He recently committed to Baptism! Before I came, a few of the Elders, and Pres. Sabey taught at his church. The congregation didn't receive them so well I guess. The cool thing is , that he uses the book of mormon in his sermons, and he is trying to bring all his dear friends, and members into the church with him. He will be baptised after he returns from New York. The bad news is, he'll be gone for a year. His wife will stay behind and care for the kids for a year! Unfortunatly her shop just burnt down, and all her goods along with it. There was a huge fire last week in Central market. Big news around here!
Anyway Pastor Emmanuel has read, the book of Mormon, our heritage, teachings from Pres. Kimball, and true to the faith. He's just a dynamite investigator. In fact Buokrom is thriving with great great investigators. Since I've been transferred the missionary work has really come alive!

A funny thing that happened this week. We decided to ride bikes to our appointments. We rarely do so, but we were late for a far off appointment. We parked our bikes outside, and taught the lesson. When we came back out, there was only one bike there! Elder Hill's bike was stolen! We looked around, and we saw this guy far off riding it! We waved him down, and he came over. He even put on Elder Hill's helmet! lol He about 50 years old, smashed drunk, and didn't really know what he just did. I laughed so hard. We took a photo with him as he handed over the bike. haha.

Haha, ya Dad the word for family in Twi is paradoxical... one of my favorite words in Fante is holy ghost. It's "sumsum kronkrom" (spirit, holy) In Twi, it;s "Humhum Kronkrom" lol Hope you also get some well deserved time off! Alright Pa, sorry to keep it short. got to go.

Love you all. as usual! Enjoy yourselfs. yebashia (we will meet)

I'm on the rebound

2009-06-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Mema waha abusia! (good afternoon family)

I was really glad to talk with you guys. I'm on the rebound for sure. I finished my antibiotics, and was able to see a family we're teaching. It was worth it to see them, but not easy. My heart rate goes up quickly, and my side still has some aches, I think it's the liver. Anyway, This past week I didn't really go out teaching, but this week I plan on getting back into it. Thanks to everyone again for the love and prayers. I really am grateful. Thank you all.

No, I didn't hear about the attack of Russel Nielsen! My companion, and I were very shocked! I could easily see how that could happen. Just...wow!

I can't believe it's already so hot there!

Elder Hill is the man. He's been extremely patient with my sickness. least he thinks it is. He is from Salt Lake. Kaysville. I think that's how you spell it. We just talk each others heads off, and have a ton in common. His trainer was my MTC mate. Elder Dunford. I'm also serving in my last companion's home branch. Elder Agyemang. I saw his name on a home teaching role. haha. It's so strange. I always talk with the members, and his return missionary brother on Sunday at church. They really miss him! I've been lucky to have great companions. I did have some differences with Elder Agyemang, but we were able to see past them.

With all the time I spent indoors this past week, I've just been reading every book in the apartment. I've been studying Twi avidly, and I hope to finish Jesus the Christ soon. It's a big one! We get a lot of Jehovah Witness tracts here. I've really learned a lot about them. Some of their doctrines are so funny, and out of proportion.

It has been so helpful to know some basic things about the major religions here. It's good to know how to approach the teaching situation depending on their beliefs. I've learned much about the Roman catholic, and Muslims. They both pose unique obstacles for the missionary s to address in a discussion. Reading the Great Apostasy helped me learn much about the Early reformation of the church. If I wish I knew one thing better before my mission, It would be the book of Mormon! hands down! I'll have to go through it again. There is so much in it!

Dad, I purchased a cool Ghanaian shirt for you today. I hope it fits. It's custom.
O.k, well I better ska-daddle! Love you guys! Byee! -mo doba (your son), Ty

I knew I had just escaped death

2009-05-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Everyone...

I don't know where to start... Thank you. Thank you for the prayers from family, friends, ward members, and strangers, thanks for the concern, the fasting, the tears on my behalf. Thanks for the words of encouragement, and much more.

Before I go any further, I want to say that I'm now out of the hospital, and recovering. I've gotten my appetite back, and have been taking some heavy antibiotics. It looks like I'll be at home for another week. There is an Internet cafe really close to the apartment so I was able to write to you.

Well, I guess you'll need the story for the blog. I've written it in my journal so I'm just going to look at that and type it. haha cuz It's a lot to remember. Here it goes.

At about 2 am on the 19th, I woke up my companion, and asked him for a blessing. The next night the Zone Leaders came all the way to our apartment to bring anti malarial medicine, cause I couldn't make it through the night. The medicine wasn't working... Over the next couple days my condition worsened. I had a distinct prompting to go to the hospital earlier, but for some reason I thought the meds they gave me were good enough. The prompting again came. "Go to the hospital now or else the consequences will be serious" I woke up my drowsy companion again.(The poor guy had to put up with my groans, and moans.)

I called Sister Sabey and she said to go get a Typhoid test. I agreed, and my companion called the taxi driver. The sun beat down on me, and the traffic was worse than normal. On top of that we didn't know exactly where this clinic was. We got way lost, and went off on some bumpy dirt road that went to who knows where. We past a government hospital about 15 minutes back, so I told the driver to forget about the clinic, take us to the hospital right away!

I eventually found myself at the overcrowded government hospital. I was overwhelmed at the confusing place. No signs that said where to go. Just a multitude of sick people, with all their relatives. It's a mostly outdoor hospital. My vision started to fail, and I could barely walk. I just followed my companion pushing through the crowds of people as I struggled to stay conscious. I got to a small lab room, and I planted my back in the corner. The doctor inside was alarmed at our pompous entry. He offered me a seat upon analyzing my condition.

As soon as I sat down, the strangest feeling happened. You know when your arm or leg "falls asleep" It was like that, but 5 times more intense, and it rushed through my whole body. I lost my vision, and complete movement of my limbs. I could just hear voices. They drew my blood, and put me in a wheelchair. My neck was bent over, and my arms went stiff. My companion later told me that I looked like a handicapped. I couldn't stop shaking. By the way, lol the wheelchair was so funny. It was one of those plastic chairs, but it had bicycle tires on it!

Anyway, Someone pushed me back through the crowds. I could hear everyone talking about me in Twi. I was admitted for 3 days. I won't sugar coat it, the room was like hell. It was just filthy, and about 95 degrees the whole time. The nurse refused to do anything until my companion purchased the I.V's, and other infusions. In other words. You have to pay before you get treated. Luckily there was just enough money for the first I.V. Later other missionaries came and assisted financially. The nurse missed the vein about 4 times, and finally got me in the forearm. my vision returned, and slowly I gained movement. I knew I had just escaped death. During that dark time I had a spiritual experience that I won't talk about right now.

They must have given me a dozen injections over the next 3 days. The other missionaries brought me food and made me laugh. I didn't really sleep much. There was no fan, and of course no air conditioning. The bed had no pillow, but the sheet was soaked with sweat and blood from the I.v., and injections. A couple of the nurses were really friendly, but they really didn't know what they were doing.

They make the patients provide money for a throw up bucket just in case, and charge you for toilet paper, and water to drink. There is no running water at the hospital, so they send someone to go buy water sachets off the street. My companion left with the other Elders. I called Dad, and mom for some support. It made me feel much better. The Sabeys came, and gave me a better medication that what the doctor prescribed.

They discharged me and the rest is history. Oh ya! I got the package you sent when I got discharged! The Zone leaders brought it! It cheered me up. Everything you sent is so great! Thanks! The eyeglasses are great!

Where can we acquire land to build a chapel that is closer

2009-05-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Family,

Oh don't worry about the Joseph Smith book, I'll be sure to read it sooner or later.thanks though. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for the birthday money, that means so much to me. I know exactly what I'll do with the money. My scriptures are falling apart badly. They are growing mold, and pages and chapters are missing cause they tore out easily, and the wind blew them away. lol Songs of Solomon is completely gone. lol O well That isn't inspired scripture anyway. lol

Again, Kumasi is amazing. I spend most of my money on taxis to get from place to place, our area really doesn't have boundaries. The branch is really growing! We confirmed our 3 new deacons on Sunday! They are fun kids. I always horse around with em. That brings the total Buokrom Branch population of deacons to 3! woohoo. Just what the branch needed. President Sabey asked us about where we can acquire land to build a chapel that is closer. I pray that is comes soon. All the members pay for at least 2 taxi's to get to church. I told ya it's far, but it's amazing to see these people sacrifice so much to come to church. Just amazing.

By the way, about 9 missionaries and myself are planning a mission reunion Jan 2011. It will be a snowboarding trip in Salt Lake.
I'm just so impressed with Rooney. He is an A class fellow.

btw. There are about 30 missionaries in Kumasi. It's really almost like it's own mission. It's so far from any other area. Like I said, the biggest City in the mission. There is even a couple

We went to one of the ward buildings. Bantama chapel. We play volleyball, soccer, basketball, and table tennis.

It's a long story, but malaria is back. Ya, I just had it 2 weeks ago. The time was so short, and I haven't been feeling 100% in between. Physical activity triggers it. Honestly, I think it's the same case. Anyway. I had enough energry to write a quick email. I'll be starting a different medication tomorrow. The bad news about it is, if I get malaria 3 or 4 more times they will send me home. That's the last thing I want. I still have a ways to go on mission still. That's my biggest fear. I think the limit is like 13 or 14 times then they put you on a plane home. I'm at I think 8 or 9 times. Just thanks for your constant prayers and fasting. I'm learning a priceless lesson with the constant sickness. I won't give up. No matter what!

Well, sorry to end the e-mail on that note. I guess I'll try to get some sleep. Thanks again for the happy birthday wishes. I'll be inside for the week. LOVE YOU LOVE YOU, the church is TRUE. "enye hwe, bebiya bokoo". "No problem, all is well". (in Twi) Love Ty

Thus Starts the Busiest Time in My Life!

2009-05-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, May 11, 2009 12:21 PM

Hey, everyone! It's been an interesting week. Alot of new things.

Mission Conference: It was soo fun! We had all kinds of activities. For example, A catering service served us lunch, You would be amazed how much food was consumed! Missionaries know how to eat! We had a cool testimony meeting. We had musical numbers, they sang happy birthday to me and the other may missionaries. I got a jar of raspberry jam for a gift from Sister Sabey. They also made snickerdoodles for all of us. We were really spoiled that day.

Most importantly, We were given the new mission goal of baptising 1 family, 1 future leader, and 1 member referral before September 13th! This goal should be harder than the last ones. As I told you on the phone, we had 3 convert baptisms, and 2 child of record. One of them was a member referral so now we're just trying to get a family, and a future leader baptism. I can't really explain how important the goal is over email. I'll just put it this way...lol, President Sabey doesn't really care about other baptisms, they're great and all, but our whole focus is on the goal. It's a really great approach to missionary work. Ghana really needs fruits that will remain.

Transfer to Kumasi!: Kumasi is a 180 degree turn from Sekondi for sure. We went into the central market today.... oh ... my ...people! People, people, EVERYWHERE! It was NUTS! It was sooo busy, I can compare it to 200 fish trying to swim down a toilet bowl at the same time. It is shoulder to shoulder, car to car, just incredible.

P-day was fun here. We played ping pong! I found a jones soda in town!! I was so surprised! Anyway. I can already tell that these next few months are going to be the best time of my life. Elder Hill my new companion is a Cookey guy! Way funny. We both like to play guitar, and like snowboarding. We get along really well. My new area is called Buokrom which translates to rock town. There is a really cool rock similar to swallows nest rock in Clarkston. The city is named after it.

I went to central market to buy Kente, I withdrew some money so I could buy ties for everyone, and get back on my feet. There are some extra expenses that go along with transfers. It's so cool how they sew the Kente cloth! A man in my ward can sew kente scripture bags for 5 cedis. Just let me know who wants one, and what color. I'll hook you up! Any size of scriptures. Mini quads, normal size, and High Priest size (Big ones)

I really loved getting to talk to everyone! It was such a nice way to end my week. Or start it.

Ohh...Tiara requested something for her talk on missionary work. Here it goes: "Missionary work is amazing! And Ghana is incredible! It doesn't matter whether you're called to be a home teacher, or an area 70, all callings have something in common: Sacrifice, but it's not enough to merely go through the motions, but rather we must serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.

In the Hymn "Praise to the Man" There is a line that states"Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven". Obedience is the first law in heaven, and obedience is incomplete without sacrifice. Our time spent, and honest endeavors towards building the kingdom are offerings that are priceless, and acceptable before the Lord. The atonement was the greatest event of all time, and was the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore the Savior will inherit the ultimate blessing.

Missionaries of any kind; ward, of full time, invite others to make a sacrifice of repentance, and when they make a sacrifice of repentance in their lives, the joy, and blessings are without measure. To sum it all up; Sacrifice, and Blessings are the very core of missionary work. My favorite scripture explains this principle perfectly. Matthew 10:39 reads:"He that findeth his life shall lose it, and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

I hope Andrew enjoys the rest of time he has with you guys. I was so so happy to talk to him. That was too cool. I really love that guy. I hope to give you guys a better description of my investigators in future e-mails, it's just that this past week has been madness! So much to doo! It's good to be busy though. Transfers came at the perfect time. I can tell you this much. about future transfers... There is only going to be 1 more. Missionaries are getting 3 areas these days. I expect to be in Buokrom for a long long time. Probably till next February going is my guess, maybe longer. Anyway, I love everyone, and I'm thankful for all the prayers. Alright. till next time... bye!

General Conference was amazing

2009-04-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

General Conference was just amazing.... It's still fresh on my mind. I can't tell you how much I love General Conference. I could sit all day, all week, and listen to talk after talk. I always learn so many things. It's really better than Christmas and my birthday combined. I never before realized how blessed we are in this day. I learn it again and again. To have living prophets, apostles, the keys restored, the temple, and the fullness of the everlasting gospel. Just....awesome.

We're going to get Brother Sampson an interview this week for baptism. We have a bunch of progressing investigators now, but it;s tough to see if any will want to be baptized as of now. Elder Agyemang and I haven't really had plenty baptisms, but it's not about the baptisms, but trying our best, and when we do baptise to make sure that the "fruits will remain". There are so many inactive in our ward because of past investigators just being baptised, and not having a strong enough testimony or whatever it may be. We;re trying to change the trend. The church doesn't need quantity, just quality.

We found a new Internet cafe, this one is much faster. It's a bit more expensive. Mission conference should be sweet. They canceled the big sporting events, cuz the area 70 got involved. sad day. lol no, It should be great though, just like a big mission conference. We're still going to have a big buffet, and stuff. I don't care, I just want to see my good buddy Elder Dunford, Strong, and meet the other missionaries. We should be going for our annual temple trip again, in October. Can't wait to do that again.

Well, this week the rains have come. and It's so nice. My sunburn on top of sunburn needed a rest. I still have sunscreen left. This week was great, and I hope you guys had a great week too. Tell Taylor there is a "monkey sanctuary" not far from where I'm at. It's cool! It's just a big big fenced area for monkeys and other animals. There are some beautiful birds around. They have some cool bird calls. I found some more giant snails while proselyting. Also Giant millipedes. Our bishop raises turkeys, grass cutters and more. They give us eggs from their chickens. The grass cutters are Giant rats! They taste soooo good. They are bigger than Lilly. They just look like a giant street rat. lol. They are expensive. Our apartment is thinking about buying a goat to kill and butcher. We'll see.

O.k well time is short. Love you miss you. may god bless you all. What can I say I love my family! ;). p.s. mom I don't think I need anything else. thx BYe GUYS!

Ghana is a fruitful and blessed land

2009-04-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry I won't have much to type this week. To be honest the time goes by so fast I can't remember yesterday from 3 months ago, or 2 weeks ago. It's like I'm in the twilight Zone or some time warp. lol For your talk on Sunday. "To have a more meaningful worship as a ward each individual must bring more to church than just their scripture bag. They must bring the right attitude, an attitude of humility, teachability, obedience, broken heart, contrite spirit and thankfulness for the privilege of taking part of the Lord's holy emblems of the sacrament. To summarize it, the Savior must be first and foremost on our minds. The African people sing loudly, every member, and the primary children in particular don't have a piano, but they memorize almost all the children's'hymns. Their Faith and motivation to learn is unquenchable. I love these people dearly ,and though looks may be deceiving; Ghana is a very fruitful and blessed land."

Anyway, this week. We had a couple of the ward missionaries go proselyting with us. We taught the priest's class on Sunday and We have interviews tomorrow. That's means yet again transfers are coming soon. Mission Conference is going to be a huge deal. Each missionary has to pitch in some money for it. For transport, and the catered buffet at the chapel. We're required to sing a song as a Zone, and we're going to play all kinds of games afterward. It will be an all day activity. Soccer basketball, and more games, volleyball too I think. I can't wait! May should be a good month. I can't believe my teenage years have past me! 20!
Anyway. Just now that I had another excellent week. We are teaching about 30-35 lessons a week average. We've just been busy busy. Apartment inspections are also tomorrow. Rainy season is on our doorstep. Love ya. Till next time!

We harvested all his corn by hand

2009-04-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

Me abusia,
Mo ho te den?

My week: Easter is bigger than Christmas here. In fact people start celebrating on Good Friday and are still celebrating. (Easter Monday) I boiled and colored some eggs, and ate em. That was the extent of my celebration. We were fasting the whole of Easter to accomplish the mission goals of every missionary baptizing a family and future leader. You'll probably hear me talking about these "goals" the duration of the mission. They are the main focus of this mission.

Since October Ghana Cape Coast mission has had over 500 baptisms!! Because President Sabey introduced the goals. We have really been putting out numbers, and pushing ourselves.

We did it!! Felicity was baptized! accounting as our family baptism. The whole mission made it. The deadline for the goal was Easter and midnight. It was really close. We fasted and fasted and fasted, for this goal, and we did it. Fasting really works! Miracles are brought to pass by fasting. I've seen it happen many many times.

It finally rained here after about a month or 2. The ground was really dry! I fell in the mud on my way to a lesson. I was covered from head to toe wearing my white shirt and tie of course. The mud even got inside my backpack and coated my scripture bag. I was pretty embarrassed as I took the long trek back to the apartment passing many many people. I cleaned up, and went on my way.

We did a service project this week! We went to brother Adofos farm and harvested all his corn by hand. We then de-rooted the stalks. They were covered in all kinds of spiders and bugs. We de rooted for about an hour, and then We made a big bonfire with him, and ate the roasted corn. There was nothing like it. It was soo good. It didn't need salt or butter. While we were eating and my companion spotted to long green snakes in the tree above us. He freaked about. He hates snakes. I don't think they were pythons... i dunno. Anyway, it was a fun and unique week.

Today we're having a ward party. In fact I'm late. I really love you guys.

OH ya, I finished the Book of Mormon last Wednesday! I'm well into D&C now. I've become a read- a- holic. I'm also half way through "Jesus the Christ", by James E. Talmage, and just finished a couple other books. Like "The great apostasy", and "Blacks, and the priesthood". I just started on Discourses of Brigham young. That stuff is deep! Anyway. There is also a new one called the Joseph Smith Papers. It's entries from his journals. I guess they just released it last December. I have no way to get it here though. It was featured in the last Liahona. Well. I love ya, miss ya! Bye!

Runaway Tro Tro

2009-04-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Family,
Thank you to Grandma Margaret and Robert! I really appreciate their kindness, and constant prayers. I tell people often that Robert served in South Africa. Plenty of the missionaries here are from South Africa! The World Cup is going to be there next year! It's going to be a big deal around these parts. My Week: I just jotted down a list of things that happened...

My glasses broke. I tried to revive them, but they've gone beyond the veil. lol. I'll just stick to contacts as usual! Elder Keller, my MTC mate that went home in the MTC is coming this September!!!! I'm really excited. Mission Pres. told me! I'm impressed at his drive to come back to Ghana! woot woot.

Felicity didn't show up to the baptism, and she lives in the jungle in a small small village. It's about an hours taxi drive to the chapel. Without a phone you can see how it made things difficult. In this mission we aren't allowed to call anyone but the bishop, ward mission leader, and other missionaries. That means no investigators. Anyway her baptism is scheduled for this Saturday. The 11th. The goal to baptize a family and future leader before Easter ends the next day so this is our only, and last chance! We're on pins and needles about it, but the Lord will provide. I've been fasting plenty.

As far as my health goes this week. I have a sweat rash that is covering both legs, It's super red and itchy. Sister Sabey said there is not much I can do about it. I also stayed in for a day because of food poisoning. It was some bad eggs that spoiled when the power was out for over a day and everything in the fridge got ruined. It made "apostasy week" (week before we get our monthly money) a bit more expensive that expected. We got money today though.

I really enjoy the insoles you sent. Nice and comfy! :)

The night the power was out we camped out on the cool living room tiles. We have to have fans blowing on us all night or else you'll drown in sweat. I tried to sleep, but the bugs kept waking me up. Also the water and gas ran out for cooking. We had a guy come again to check it out.

Elder Haslam got a laser pointer in his last package. It's hilarious to see people's reactions to it! They have no idea of what it is. Some people scream as we pass them on the streets, or think it's a ghost! Lol I wish you could see!

We saw a runaway Tro Tro (mini-bus). The brakes failed as it was parked on a hill. People were jumping out the sides, and diving on the street. I couldn't tell if anyone got ran over. It was sad to see.

I finished reading the "marriage and family relations participants study guide" anyway, It's a really great book produced by the church that has excellent apostolic advice on relationships, and marriage. I recommend it. You will like it!

We had a lesson this week where a guy came home while we were teaching his 19 year old son. He was very very angry to see us! He kicked us out of his house in a childish fit. We just reacted cool and calmly.

O.k well that's pretty much it.... I can't believe a 3rd of my mission is over. Last year about this time I had my mission call! Love you guys! Stay strong in the faith. Look for missionary opportunities! When I return the missionaries in Clarkston are going to have me going out teaching with them probably more than they'd prefer. lol how sweet will that be! miss you love you. -Ty

New Photos!

2009-04-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Check out the new slide show to the right. The photos were taken in Dec 08 and and Jan 09

The week I learned a million things!

2009-03-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 2:49 AM

Dear other half of the world:

This past week I am full of gratitude for all your prayers, and for the endless blessings.

Well, the title of the e-mail is very true. Long story, but last Tuesday I finally confronted my companion about our problem. Not talking to each other and more... Anyway, we found that the problem was really just that I was making too many of the decisions, like where to go, when to go and stuff like that. Anyway The whole proselyting day we just went back and forth telling each other how we felt about what was going on.

We both had a good argument. I said that he didn't talk to me, and that he made the past transfer pretty lonely, and he said I made too many decisions, and he thought I didn't care about his opinion so he just followed every suggestion, and took it as me giving orders. We didn't see much of a solution, but finally I saw the solution. I just needed to let go of my pride, and accusations and just apologize.

I had unintentionally caused difficulty for the companionship. We both said things about each other that should have been best left unsaid. He also apologized. Satan was just doing what he does best, stirring up the hearts of the children of men. We saw that our big problem was small, or perhaps not even a problem at all.

Anyway, I learned a million lessons, like how to get along with another human being, and solving problems. I learned that anger is a choice. The phrases "he or she made me angry", or "I couldn't help getting mad" Are absolutely NOT true. We always choose to get angry. We choose to intend on following All of God's commandments, or just most of them, and try to justify a couple small sins because of pride. We have to ask ourselves often, "Do I intend on keeping All of the Lord's commandments?" I was surprised that It was a difficult question to answer. After making some changes, and partaking of the sacrament I was able to look myself in the mirror, and say. Yes, I intend on keeping All of God's commandments. Yes, I will fall, and yes I will get up.

And really I'm discovering the importance of the spirit. When we are worthy to have the spirit as our guide then we're not lost. We can't afford to depend on ourselves wholly. The most important aspect of God's work is Revelation. God talking to Man. And he does that through the Holy spirit. The only way we feel joy, the one who prompts us to stand tall, or get up in the morning. The one who encourages us to enjoy our family, to search for peace, and planting seeds of hope come through the Holy Spirit. When teaching, I use this example a lot. I ask if the investigator has seen Nigeria, they usually respond, "No". I ask them how they know it exists. They say something like "My friend has told me about it, or I've seen it on TV", but I remind them that they haven't seen it with their naked eye. That's faith, not a perfect knowledge. But the interesting thing is that we CAN have a perfect knowledge.

The whole world can tell us something, but it doesn't make it true, but if the Spirit testifies even once. It is undeniably true. It is SURE. That's why the spirit is part of all ordinances. The spirit is the only SURE thing. Immovable, steadfast, sealed, a rock of revelation on which the foundation of the church is bolted to, and the church sits on top. Ephesians 2:19-20.

Sorry for the long shpeal. I just get excited easily talking about the gospel. It's my solemn witness that it is in reality, All true. The church is a perfect program for imperfect people to become perfect. There is no other way...

Okie doke guys. My health is super duuper, and this past week has been so good. My companion and I getting along is the main reason. As a missionary my duty lies, in order: To God, to President Sabey, to my companion, and to the World. I love you guys so much. We hope to baptise our family next week. Her name is Felicity! lol. Her husband is a member. They have a cute small pudgy dark dark baby. hehe. o.k talk to ya later!

P.S. Tell brother Richardson that I owe so much to him, and I'm cheering Josh on....

I really felt your prayers in my hours of darkness.

2009-03-29T23:35:00.000-07:00

(Editors note: I debated publishing this letter, and that why we are late posting it. It's was a hard letter to read as his parents, but in the end I thought we should share. We are so grateful he pulled through it.)

Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 7:58 AM

Hey Everyone!
My week.
It's a long story, but I'm now feeling better. Last Monday I knew I had Malaria. It turns out one of the Zone Leaders who was supposed to bring me medicine also got very very sick, and was rushed to the hospital. I was unable to get the medicine from them. So, I searched town for "Coartem" the quality anti malarial. The Chemists were sold out. I was forced to buy "Lonart" which is a generic counterpart made in India. To make a long story short. The medicine didn't work at all. by Wednesday my fever was soaring. I had a prompting to go to the hospital. I woke my companion, and we scrambled to find a "space to space" (payphone) to call sister Sabey. We called her and she told me to go to the hospital. My fever, plus the Hot hot heat was making things seem like a dream. I was about to pass out.

I grabbed a bunch of money, and rushed to the hospital. WE took a taxi. I sat in the waiting room for a long long time. Finally they called me to check my Bp. and temp. They were surprised, and realized how serious my situation was. They got me into a wheelchair, and took me to the lab for blood tests. They said my fever was 103 F, and that I was going to be admitted. They rushed me to the ward as I looked over at other patients lying in their beds with only curtains to separate them. They laid me down as stuck and IV in me. They told me that I would have to stay overnight. I was not too happy. My companion just had a chair to sit and sleep in. Over the course of the night They gave me 4 injections in the butt. That wasn't pleasant, and also went through 4 IV bags. I had to get up every hour to go to the bathroom cause of the amount of fluids they were putting into me. I felt like a water balloon.

The hospital was very dirty, and there were bugs crawling on the bed, and walls, and plenty of mosquitoes flying around me. They kept biting my arm that the IV was in cuz they like the sweetness of it. In short, I didn't sleep the whole night. It was just hot and uncomfortable. The nurses were angry at me cause I didn't sleep. The lights were bright, and the old guy next to me kept shouting for a bedpan. Sleeping was out of the question.

Around 5 am, my fever broke! I was covered in sweat, and I felt so much better. The stake President's wife came and brought me breakfast, and so many snacks and stuff. It was really nice of her. Also some missionaries in the Zone came and gave me a blessing.

Around noon. I was ready to go. I was feeling top notch, and I just wanted out of that place. I needed to go home, and sleep, and shower. When the doctor made his rounds in the morning. I told him that I wanted to go. He laughed and said I couldn't. I was angry. What was I, a prisoner? I told him again sternly this time. I said to the nurse, Either you can take out the IV or I will. Either way. I'm leaving. She laughed and said, you can keep it as a souvenir. She didn't think I was serious.

In my stupidity, I did exactly that. I went into the bathroom and yanked out the IV from my wrist! Blood gushed everywhere! I nearly passed out, and could feel the blood leaving my head. The walls had splatter, and the floor had puddles. I panicked, and with all my strength yelled for the nurse. She nearly screamed at the sight. I requested for cotton, and one of the nurses brought some, but the other nurse who I had the argument said "don't give him the cotton, he's a foolish boy". To call someone foolish in this culture is the worst kind of insult. I was covering my bloody hand with my other hand to stop the bleeding, but only the cotton could stop it. The nurse cleaned me up. She yelled at me, and told me I could have bled to death. I felt so bad... I hot rock bottom emotionally. I felt like crying, but the tears wouldn't come. I felt so ashamed, and in shock about what had just happened. If I didn't call the nurse, that very well could have been my end.

I apologized several times to the staff. They forgave me, and gave me some Orange Juice. They gave me some drugs, and sent me on my way. I was so happy to arrive back at the apartment! I slept for the next 2 days. I feel at the top of my game now.

Anyway. I really felt your prayers in my hours of darkness. It made me appreciate how fragile life really is. Every day we live is a blessing from the Lord. I pray I never loose sight of that. Thanks

Anyway. We had Stake Conf., and a new Stake President was called in Takoradi! Also Elder Cardon of the 70 spoke to us. It was a very spiritual conference.

This week I had 3 lessons. lol. Also transfers are this week. I'm most likely going to go, but It's still hard to say. My companion wants me to go. We're still not really speaking to each other. He said we're just companions, and that he doesn't want to be my friend, cause we have nothing in common.It kind of hurt when he said that. I guess I can be hard to live with sometimes...

Anyway, thanks for the package again, and I hope your week is super dooper for you guys! Don't worry bout me, I'm fine as far as my health goes. Love you guys more than you know! -Ty

4th time's a charm..........

2009-03-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

No, Sampson ended up not getting baptized quite yet, President expressed that he wants to meet him first. So we're just waiting a small while. The other Elders in the apartment ended up baptising 6 or so, and a few more baptisms in the district on the same day. Missionary work is a team effort. We all try to help each other's investigators, and go on splits a lot. A victory for the Lord is a victory for all.

Interviews were great. I rarely get to speak with President Sabey, but every transfer, it's nice to have a talk with such a great man. He uplifts, inspires, and makes the work seem very exciting.
Haha. ya, Applebee's sounds great! I plan on eating much healthier when I return. o.k.. maybe for the first week or 2 I'll pig out on junk food! lol I have to enjoy a little bit.

If I stay for another Transfer, It will be 9 months in kwiekuma! I know this place like the back of my hand. lol

My mp3 player is broken. I know a guy who works with circuit boards, and he told the the battery is kaput. So I was a bit disappointed. He's going to try and fix it, but he said it's probably seen it's last days. O well, no music for me.

I have malaria again for the 4th time. I called sister Sabey this morning. I was up all night. I had to come to town to pick up the medicine. I wanted to email you guys though. so that;s what I'm doing. My companion has been having some stomach issues also, so it looks like we'll be inside for a couple days. Thanks for your prayers. I feel like a zombie. The living dead. lol I'll get some rest when I return.

Tell the Flergingers I haven't seen any of the merry go rounds. They sound cool. I will keep an eye out for them.

Anyway. thanks! I love you. The gospel is true. byeee

Apostasy Week

2009-03-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the support! I get pumped when you guys are cheering me on. It makes what I'm doing seem more important! I gave the trousers, and a couple of ties to Francis on Sunday. He has been busy recording, so hopefully it will bring in some money. His neighbors are good members, and they take care of him.

Well. ya, 14 investigators had a baptismal date. A few have vetoed. o well. So it's more like 8. As in, this Sat we hope to baptize the blind man, brother Sampson. He is great! We just taught him eternal marriage. He is fascinated with the concept.

Remember that story I told you about the scary encounter with the possessed woman. She is now dead. We went back over this week to check on the man His eyes were swollen like he'd been crying all night. We came in to teach us, and he told us a week after the incident she kicked the bucket... hmmm I feel bad for the guy, but It's just a strange situation! We can now count him as a family lesson. Easter is coming up, and we have a short time to meet the goal of baptizing a family.

Nails don't stay in my apartment walls, and my mosquito net won't stay up, lol. I had do some makeshift handy work, but I solved it. We also moved all the furniture around in the apartment. It's a nice change. We had to have our electricity rewired this week. The live wire was touching the neutral wire, and it burnt out most of the electrical gadgets. We had a guy come a rewire a few days ago. lol

My 7 month mark has officially passed. I just don't know where the time goes. I have a feeling that the upcoming transfers on the 24th will bring change. It's hard to say though. Kweikuma has proven to be a truly great area.

My companion and I have gotten in a couple fights this past couple weeks, but it's no big deal, every companionship has differences. When you spend all day everyday with another guy, sometimes you just want some alone time. We both agree that the work comes first and whatever happens from now on it won't get in the way of the work. One of those days we just had to go back to the apartment before fists started flying. Don't worry we didn't! lol That's not a good attitude to teach a lesson. We didn't speak to each other much for nearly 2 days. I'm finding humility is a great strength, and surely not a weakness. The strongest man is a God fearing man.

I'm glad we got our monthly money today! The last week of the payment month we call apostasy week. When we get our subsistence we call it the restoration week, and the restoration is sweet! lol Apostasy week commonly can consist of rice once a day, and maybe a banana or 2, to tie you over to the next day. haha.

I had Francis burn me an African music CD of his. Don't worry, I'll bring home plenty of local music. That African Cd I brought from home is cool. It's definitely South African though. haha Ghanian music is...well You'll just have to hear it. I'm glad I put plenty of church music on my mp3 player. I wish I brought more.

It's getting closer to the rainy season. It hasn't rained in Takoradi, but In Assin Fosu the Missionary Apartment flooded because of a flash flood. I haven't heard from them since. They're probably o.k.

Mission President interviews are tomorrow! I really love it. It's really the only time I get to see President besides at Zone Conferences. I can't tell you how great the Sabeys are! They are true spiritual giants!

I've been feeling healthy and strong lately. I've been eating more fruit, and I plan on getting a blender when I can scrap a few peswas to make some excellent fruit smoothies! If I could bring 3 foods from the U.s right now I'd have a jamba juice, a big greasy slice of bacon pizza, and some bbq lays chips on the side. haha. mmmmmmm. haha in fact I don't want to go home as soon as I get off the plane, but first get a big rack of ribs at Applebee's and then we can go home. lol jk....but seriously ;)

This week we plan on working extra hard to find, teach, and baptise a family. I really want this to happen, and it will with the Lord's help. We're doing our part. We're doing operation drop investigators. We want a fresh start so we're going to the villages to seek out families.

I'm excited for the Mission Conference! May 1st. I haven't seen a couple of my MTC mates since we left the MTC. We really had a great MTC group! I imagine I'll keep in contact with a few of these guys for a long time. Like Elder Strong, Dunford, and Mason.

Miss ya! Can't wait until next week! buh bye! Ty

I've never seen a Ghanaian cry

2009-03-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

-----

Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 1:13 AM

This week was great. The time goes too fast! We're excited to baptise brother Sampson, he is a blind man. Between us and the other elders we're busily preparing for a baptism on the 16th. Combined we plan on Baptising 14! I've never been more busy!

We came to Francis's house and it was empty, in fact he doesn't have anything but a thin ratty bed mat. He doesn't even have a proper place to sit. When we taught We had to sit on a pile of spiderweb covered wood. I really felt bad. We are working with the ward to get him some items. I donated a pair of my trousers that I don't like and a couple of ties to get him started. We hope to have him receive the Aaronic priesthood soon! He had such a great attitude about the church, and he revealed to us a dream that he had confirming the churches truth. So I had to purchase one more pair of trousers. I got a nice brown pair. I really wish I had brought brown trousers. It hides the dirt! lol

Brother Sampson the blind man is happy to get any visitors. The Bishop lives near him thankfully. The Bishops return missionary son is helping us teach and he will stop by to keep him company. We really appreciate ward members help!

This week during 2 lessons. I had a cat and a lizard jump off the houses, and land on my shoulder. lol It really surprised me.

Inflation has hit! Bread and eggs are now doubled in price, and that comic Dad sent with the food list sounds about right. Except that missionary is lucky to have tang. We have good ol water!

This week we contacted identical twins! They came to church. They said they've tried every religion, even idol worship. lol We enjoy teaching them. They are full of life. They live in pretty bad conditions.

I bore my testimony again. This time I shared an experience I had this week. It was: There is a certain old woman who is very sick, but very friendly. She isn't healthy enough to sit or stand, but she still keeps a small shop open selling candy and pure water. My companion and I always go out of our way to buy water from her. She expressed one day that her health had gotten worse, and that her son that was our age recently passed away. She asked for our prayers. Right then. We stepped inside the small covering and offered a simple but profound prayer. I said that she would be comforted, and her son is o.k. ,.and that her health would be restored according to her faith. As I finished the prayer. I felt the sweet and familiar feeling of the spirit consuming me like a fire, as I looked into her teary eyes. She thanked us several times...I've NEVER seen a Ghanaian cry, at least an adult. That moment was simple, but one of the highlights of my encounters here in Ghana. I can't tell you how great of a love and responsibility I feel towards these people. I can't wait to see you guys again! I really don't want to go home though. I know the time will come, but I'll just enjoy it while it lasts.

Anything that is worth it, isn't easy, but there is no better way of life, no greater God, and no task is too great if it be the Lord's will. Love you guys. enjoy the warm weather. I have some fun letters, with pics in the mail for you. and a postcard.! I purchased 1 more Kente tie. I'll bring plenty home. You can only buy them in Kumasi. I hope I get transfer ed there. well. Bye! p.s. super pday got postponed.! But the good news is on May 1st we;re having a mission Conference! That's a giant Zone conf with every single missionary!.oh ya. 3 more elders went home due to sickness this week! eek

I was surprised to see white visitors

2009-03-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 1:55 AM

This was an amazing week! We were blessed to have 4 investigators accept a baptismal date! Ernestina, Sampson, Patrick, and Steven. We were very sad none of them were able to come to church this week though! Brother Sampson is blind. He is really humble and great! He can't leave the house cuz he lives deep in the bush. and the hill is too steep for him to descend. We helped him to church a few weeks ago. He is accepting the teachings very well, and his wife is also blind in one eye. They stay in a small house somehow near the Bishop. We are going to introduce Bishop this week, and will try to have some fellow shippers or home teachers to visit him. It can be lonely to be blind.

Anyway we heard from President Snow this week! He is the West Africa area President, and one of the 70. He and his wife are spiritual powerhouses to say the least. His words on Revelation were life changing. There was a tearful testimony meeting after. 3 Zones met at one chapel. That's nearly 60 missionaries! I've just about met all the missionaries in the mission. He had me stand up and explain my favorite scripture to everyone, and he had me explain why the spirit testified of the content of that passage more than the other verses I was reading at the time. He gave me a needed refresher for the week. I needed a spiritual boost! I've seen the fruits of it this week!

The National soccer team drove by us in their big tour bus. They have a pilot vehicle to move traffic. They are the Ghana Black Stars. They built a huge new stadium in Sekondi, so I think they have been practicing there. I've seen them twice now. They are more than celebrities to these people. lol!

On the 26th is my bicentennial mark. My 200th day on mission. woot woot. lol

I won't be seeing Pady the monkey any more. The owner Wallace who was doing so well, decided to refuse our teachings now. He thinks cuz it rained on Sunday that it's a sign from God that the church is not good.

On Sunday I was surprised to see white visitors. They were volunteers. From U.s, Canada, and England. They were nice. I don't think they were all members. It was awkward to see anything but a Bibini (black man) I'm used to being the only Obruni (white man). lol

My companion helped me learn the first vision in Fante! It's fun to say. I can't wait to teach you guys some!

O.k well Love you, miss you. Thanks for the Prayers, encouragement, funny stories! The Lord is kind to us all. buhbyeee -Ty

I'm blessed to see the world in a new light.

2009-02-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 2:46 AM

Hey Guys!

This week was interesting, well, every week is interesting. lol. We've gone without water for 5 days now. I can't shower or wash clothes atm. We're praying for the water to come back. I smell like gym socks. haha anyway. we've just been buying the water sachets.

There are a couple things I could use. about 30 AA batteries, A new cheap watch of any kind. Mine broke, and I've been toting my alarm clock around. lol. I've purchased about 5 watches here, but they religiously break after 2 days. sigh, and also If you could send a black sharpie marker, and some sharpie highlighters, or some kind of colored marker. thx so much!

I withdrew $10.00 to print some photos to send to you guys. I printed 1 of Paddy for Taylor! haha, anyway I hope you like em. I'll be sending them sometime near my birthday. My birthday present to you guys lol.

Transfers came and went! I'm still in Kweikuma! lol maybe I'll just stay here for my whole mission! I don't know. Same companion. Elder Agyemang.

The Zone is planning on a Super P-day. We're voting on going to the Cape Coast castles, Kakum (the rope bridges), the Elephant Village, or the Water village (A village that is built on stilts in the water i guess) lol. It should be fun whatever the final decision is!

Valentines was national clean-up\burn day. So the air was filled with lots of smoke everywhere. Speaking of fire my companion was buying some matches and the old woman selling them started chastising him for being a smoker. lol He had to explain that it was for cooking as he dodged her slaps. Smoking is a cultural no no. That's a good thing!

I also did something funny. haha. At the end of a long day I came to unlock our apartment door. I usually leave my keys in the scripture bag, but I don't know what I was thinking. I grabbed my scriptures to unlock the door! haha We laughed for a long time. I must have been tired.

We had an investigator get out of hand. He was yelling and screaming. Arguing. We tried to calm him down. He got irritated when we proved him wrong with his own Bible...several times. We were just giving him the truth. haha. He stormed out of the house. You can imagine we didn't have a closing prayer. lol

Yesterday we heard some bad news from one of our dear member friends. Brother Acotey. He informed us that a former investigator Brother Ogoe had recently passed away! We had taught him and his family several times. He wasn't progressing, and we moved on but, it's too bad to hear of his death. R.I.P.

Francis our recent baptism gave a friend a place to stay for the night, and when he went out the next day, and returned he found that his supposed friend had stolen all of his things! All he has now is the clothes he's wearing, and is also unemployed. We're trying our best to help him. He was pretty upset, and didn't come to church on Sunday. I know he can get through it with the Lord though. He has a strong testimony!

One of my MTC mates is in my district now! Elder Mason! I haven't seen em in 6 months. He flew with Elder Strong and I from Salt Lake.

The more I'm out here the less homesick I feel. Thanks for your prayers. I can really see the importance of the work I'm doing. I feel blessed to be healthy, to have been born in to such a great family that is lds, and have had great opportunities in my life. Just know that I'm eternally grateful for A plus parents! I grew up thinking, I wonder what my mission will be like. It's a rollercoaster of experiences good and bad. With the small things great things come to pass, and with great things there is great opposition. Never let the adversary convince you not to pray. Pray always, pray hard, pray often. Be willing to give up everything for the lord, and true happiness with set in. I'm blessed to see the world in a new light. Keep up the good work. We can make it back together! Love you guys so much! You are amazing!
-Ty

me baa afe co ma tuye i

2009-02-12T22:24:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009 4:43 AM

Hey guys, I got the package about an hour ago! Thanks! so that's the good news, on the other hand it was ripped open, wet, smashed, and there were ants and rotten cheese inside. I liked the card. I couldn't read the letters cuz it was spoiled. lol. I cleaned some of the things off, and enjoyed them! thanks!

Well this week is actually transfers! lol Tomorrow.lol I was mixed up. so I'll let cha know!

We fasted last Sat for Sister Anderson. She is an office couple. Her and her husband are candidates to be sent home. She has a really severe ear infection. She does all the office work for the mission home. They are really nice people.

Thanks to Grandma again. My 6 month mark was very enjoyable! I got a couple ties and bought some beef, and made a delicious beef and potato stew. I've been enjoying it all week. Beef is kinda rare and costly, and potatoes are rare too. So I really enjoyed!

Thanks for sending Ryan's email. I enjoy them. We also write each other by letter.

We had a runaway investigator! We had taught him a few lessons, and he seemed interested. We actually had an appointment with his next door neighbor, but he saw us. He ran, and hid. My companion saw him jump the fence and hide behind a pile of bricks. We walked up to him and discovered it was Steven! He pulled out his phone, and acted like he was just hanging out there, sitting on the ground outside in the dirt on his turned off cell phone. We played along with him, and then gave him some loving chastisement through scripture. I don't think he'll hide again. haha There is no hiding from the Lord!

I tried a new food a few days ago. They call it Daa Koa. It's delicious! It looked like a small ball of brown playdough. It tastes like gingerbread dough. It's room temperature, but very spicy cuz they add pepper to it. It sounds strange, but it's great!

Well. I fell in another poopy gutter this morning. my shoes and trousers were covered in it. In the middle of the busiest part of Takoradi there are huge holes in the ground. You have to watch you step carefully. Town stresses me out. It's so crowded that you feel like your swimming in an ocean of people.

My bed broke again. This time at 3 am. I'll just try to fix it the best I can today. Thanks for the gloves. I could have used em yesterday. I spent 2 hours cleaning.

No more washing machine in the apartment. The Assistants picked up Elder Simmonds'. Back to hand washing.

Francis is doing great! Tiara he is a musician, and his music is even all over the radio. To be qualified as a future leader the mission pres has established a certain criteria. They must read and speak English fluently, they must have a car or house, a phone, and a career. Or a person of influence in the community.

Well, I can imagine things in the Us economy might go downhill. Food, and water storage. Fuel storage. anything you want. I know everybody had been saying the end of the world is near for centuries, but this time I think it's too close for comfort. I hope I'll be able to get work when I get back. I also hope you and mom never get laid off.

Mom, and Tay. I'm sorry if the letter doesn't arrive. If it doesn't come in 2 weeks, I'll just tell you what I sent. The mail service might have thought it to be suspicious or something. ahhh the mail service...

I'm glad Ryan already had a 2nd baptism! Francis was number 9 for me! What a blessing.

How is the ward?

O.k guys well I hate to go... I really enjoy emailing you guys. Thanks for you prayers, love, support, good advice, and everything.

Bye! love ya'll. me baa afe co ma tuye i.

-Ty

6 Months....Woo Hoo!

2009-02-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

Hey,
I can't believe a quarter of my mission has past. It still feels like I just got off that long plane ride.

I saw Elder Simmonds today! It was great. Cape Coast came to play ultimate Frisbee on the beach for pday. It was a blast!

Transfers are already coming again! Tomorrow I will find out if I stay or go. I think I'll just stay in Kweikuma for my whole mission! lol. no no.

I'm skinny as a twig, even though I eat a lot. I eat on average 30-40 eggs per week. I make egg salad sandwiches every morning. I love Mayo now. Mmmm.

I just finished the Bible! Old and New Testaments. Wow. What a great book! My favorites were Isaiah, Romans, Hebrews, and Revelation. the prophecies are nuts! I loved it. I'm going to continue by reading The Book of Mormon again, next, then the Pearl of Great Price.

This last Sunday we took a blind man to church. He really enjoyed it! We purchased a taxi ride for him. It was kinda expensive. Oh well. Our chapel is on the second story, and he has troubles with stairs. Luckily there is an elevator in our building! Probably the only one in Ghana. lol.

The rainy season starts around March. The Hamatan is over so it's hot again. The dust really cools the air. It is bad on the lungs though.

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Taylor for the money. I wanted to celebrate my 6 months out on a mission by going to a local restaurant, but I'm well just a poor missionary. lol.

Tell Josh Richardson, "Bro, I miss you like no ones business, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Happy 1 year on your mission. I just got a letter from the Potters and Ryan Nunez today!

I send my hugs to you. Thanks for everything! Till next week! Love, Ty

Remember the Lord is always with you.

2009-02-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 2:03 AM

Hey Folks,
Francis had a great baptism. About 5 ward members showed up, to support. My comp Elder Agyemang gave a talk, and I played the piano, and was a witness. It was the best feeling to see Zagin ( a previous baptism, baptize Francis) Investigator baptizing investigator! I just know that the impact I make in Kweikuma will bring much fruit in the future. And that's the best thing about missionary work. Due to sharing the gospel with friends, posterity, extended family etc. One baptism can be the cause of hundreds of conversions! What a blessing. Francis was confirmed on Sun. I spent some time refilling out his baptismal record. There was a small problem, but it's o.k now. Anyway baptism, and the fruits that will come is the crowning moment of missionary work. The ultimate is to see converts go to the temple. The more I'm here, the more important the Temple seems to be.

With Francis' baptism, that means we got our future leader baptism. Now we just need 1 family baptism to make the goal before Easter.

Well this week I saw a disgusting sight! In the middle of the road there was a dead puppy that was just hit by a car! But here is the thing. There were Vultures everywhere picking at it. They tore it open and were slurping the intestines! It was disssssgusting! Blood everywhere. People were just passing by like it was nothing. Man, I definitely lost my appetite.. well forever.

We saw a funny sight. There was a roller skate "gang" in town. They were skitching on cars and doing some rad tricks decked out in 80's clothes. I was pretty envious. I just laugh cuz this place is like 10 or 20 years out of date.

We went out with the Assistants to the Pres. (A.P's) we had a good time! It's cool to teach with the veteran missionaries. They are so knowledgeable!

I guess I'll explain the fruit here in more detail. This week I ate a Cherimoya. I think that's how it's spelt. You'll have to look it up. It was absolutely delicious!
The oranges are green, and have lots of seeds.
The bananas are very very small and fat. They stay green when you cut them from the tree for a few days then turn yellow when they ripen, also the banana tree had a huge flower at the tip of the bushel.
Pineapples, my favorite are oblong, and multicolored. The core is the best part on these.
Popo trees are interesting too. That's not how you spell popo, but that;s how you say it. Anyway. They look kinda like a cantaloupe on the inside, and look like a big green pepper thing on the outside. You cut them in half, and eat the inside with sugar and a spoon. It's good but kinda bitter too.
Watermelons here are no good. They are round and the insides are all stringy.
Apples are imported and expensive. They are small and sour.
Cashew fruit grows here natively. It has a cashew shaped root on top of the fruit, and is delicious!
Mango is also one of my favorites. They are very green on the outside.
Coconuts are well, like your typical coconut. There are stands where you can just buy them fresh for a snack. The milk is really good! It's like a sweet nectar water. It's best cold.
Anyway enough about the fruit. There are plenty more, but those are the common ones.
The missionary work is coming along fine lately, We dropped more investigators, and are looking for families! We're desperate to find a young family. It seems like I've contacted every house in my area, after 5.5 months The area seems a bit milked out. O well, we'll keep looking, and searching.

Remember the Lord is always with you. He knows your every thoughts, and desires. There is always room to gain faith in this life, that is until you reach the perfect day, when your calling and election is made sure.

I can't wait to share with you guys some deep gospel insights I've learned. We'll have to talk about a few in the Temple. When I return I want to do a session with you guys that week I return! And also get a full cage of ribs from Applebee's! lol

Ward Council Smackdown

2009-01-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 6:37 AM

Hey guys!

Hope the dark and dreary days of winter are happy and bright for you guys. Sounds like great things are going on. Thx again for pictures! I always enjoy pictures!

The spider was like a big wolf spider lookin' thing. It just had really super long creepy legs. ewewew haha. Brown too

We have a baptism this Saturday: Francis. We planned to have one of our recent converts baptize him. He just received the Aaronic priesthood last week! He's really excited and nervous to baptize! He's been practicing a bunch. haha. It's so cool to see the ones that I've taught and baptized get so involved with the other members of the ward. I'm glad Kweikuma ward is so friendly to new investigators. If we have an investigator come to church even once the probability is very high to be baptized. So that's a great blessing.

Elder Simmonds is now a Zone Leader in Cape Coast, and we write each other letters. free of postage! lol.

This week we really have been trying to find a future leader. We've been walking a LOT! And contacting the majority of the day. We started a fast yesterday, and will hopefully see the results of it soon. This past week has been not so fruitful for contacting. Onward onward.

WE finally started getting the Liahona (Ensign) again. Some missionaries used Church news and the Liahonas as toilet paper so Mission Pres. stopped giving them out. There were plenty of complaints about it so he decided to bring it back. I'm so glad the Liahona is like my life blood. I destroy that magazine, and read every article. haha

Last Sunday we went to Ward council meeting. The ward council meetings need help big time. The ward just fights, with loud loud shouting etc. The Bishop is trying his best, but the spirit can't even be there. The meetings cause more stress than figuring things out. The Bishop has been Bishop for over 15 years! It's time for a return missionary to get in there. and some new councilors too. The ward would benefit greatly with some fresh blood.

Also on Sundays, plenty of people flock to us after church for blessings. We give them, but the ward is encouraged to give blessings for the ward not the missionaries. The elders need practice. I think people get the mindset that missionaries are more righteous or something.... sigh... nope. lol

Well as far as animal encounters this week we came across a huge green green snake. It slithered across our path! A lady nearby killed it like it was an ant. haha. There are Cobras around here too. We try to avoid the thick grass. Also we came across a dead goat. well almost dead. It was really sick and suffering. I felt bad. We just had to leave it.

I got a letter from Micah! I loved it!

I've been thinking a lot about career possibilities lately. I'm not 100% sure anymore about my video game venture. I think I want to open a business. I'll tell ya bout it later. anyway. Not for sure of course, but I want a career that can give me Sundays off, and family time!

Thx for the prayers! Love you guys a bunch!
Love Ty.

GIANT Spider Invasion

2009-01-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 1:56 AM

Hey hey,

Well, I don't want to worry you guys, but I had Malaria again. At Zone Conference last Tues. I started feeling the symptoms again, and I was oh no, not again! Since Zone conf was in town I picked up the medication. I had to withdraw 10 bucks for the drug. I'll get reimbursed, Anyway. Malaria seems to always hit me differently. This time it hit my joints. Tuesday night I couldn't even get up from bed my legs were too weak. My companion helped me out. Over the next 2 days with much sleep. I felt better. I went outside after 3 days!

The night that I was bedridden I saw a shadow on the wall. I asked my companion to turn on the light, and to my surprise there was a GIANT spider crawling on the wall in our room! It was easily over 6-7 inches in diameter! YUK YUK YUK! He killed it with a broomstick. I had him take a picture of it. Anyway I had some more trouble sleeping lol. after seeing that thing crawling by my bed. I can't wait to show you the picture. anyway.

I was happy to finally go out teaching again. That night I discovered a huge boil under my arm. my armpit. I'm on antibiotics for that too. I couldn't lift my arm for a couple days. It's getting smaller now.

Well. Now that I got that stuff out of the way. I'm full speed feeling good again. I'm really getting closer to my companion. I prefer a Ghanaian companion over American any day. Elder Agyeman speaks Twi. The Fante people can understand it pretty well. It has the same root language. Akan.

There was a man that died in our ward and we had the funeral, because of that about 20 of his non member family and friends came to church on Sunday! On top of that we had our investigators. We were really happy, and were very busy on Sunday. What a blessing.

Pres Sabey announced at Zone conf. that every missionary companionship baptized a family!! what a blessing! The lord really is a God of miracles! We had a spiritual testimony meeting, and told our stories how we baptized our families. It's funny how I can bear my testimony several times every day in front of strangers, but when I get in front of other missionaries I get almost nervous or something. Weird... anyway, President announced the new goal which is to baptize 1 future leader of the church and 1 family also! before Easter! This will be a challenge. The qualifications for a future leader are they have to speak English well, have a phone, a car or home. Be an employer or employee. Or be a tribal or community leader of some sort. We've spent the time we had this week trying to contact leaders. We only contacted at the big rich houses this week. It was kind of fun. The rich people are either nice and will let us in, or very very rude. But just like Christ told the apostles to shake the dust off your shoes when one doesn't let you enter.

I finished the Old testament last week. I'm into the New Testament now! I really wish I would have read it before. There is so many good scriptures in it! Back home I guess I had the mentality that because I'm already a member I don't need to know the scriptures very well. but It's just opposite. The members should really now what they say. I think Pres. Hinkley's challenge to read the Book of Mormon was inspired, and I regret not doing it at the time. God has given us his word through the prophets because he loves us and wants to communicate with us. The gospel has many many mysteries, but the cool thing is that the basics are the most important. The equation for faith is Prayer+Scripture study+hearing testimony=Faith. The holy Ghost will always bear witness of truth if it's our desire to know the mysteries of God.

I really really like the tie you got me! Nice quality brand. Countes Mara. Ties have become a missionary obsession for many. There is a certain Nigerian tie called Gatala. They look shiny, or glossy, and they have unique designs. I've gotten a couple for myself. They are a collector tie so each design has a number on the back. There are 50 in the collection. Elder Haslam is set on buying all of them. and yes the same guys are in the apartment.

We cleaned the apartment really well toady. This week it's been dirty, and we get plenty of bugs when it's dirty. haha my hands still smell like bleach. I can make a toilet shine like a bald mans head. haha especially after I destroyed the toilet with the malaria.

At the end of this transfer is the 6 month mark! yeah! I'll be going to a nice restaurant or something. There is one that Pres Sabey told me about called Captain Hooks. food is cheap here. Even an expensive restaurant will cost no more than 5 cedis.

Oh yah. We pay our bills by. a man leaves the water bill on the meter. Then we go down and pay at the company down town. Sekondi. Remember Takoradi-Sekondi are the twin cities of Ghana. You can't really tell the boundaries between the 2 but our apartment is on the outskirts of Sekondi. ahh I wish I could show you it on Google Earth or something. haha anyway. Thanks for you prayers. I've felt them this week. I really went through a bit this last week. But all is well. I'm curious how much I weigh now. Malaria is the fastest weight loss program I know of. You should give it a try sometime. haha jk. Enjoy your cold weather!
Love you all. tty next week.

I dint sabe da Kitteh

2009-01-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

Ya! Happy New Year!!!!
Well surprise haha, I'm still in my first area. lol President Sabey called and gave me the calling of a trainer! I'm now a senior companion! I'm training Elder Agyemang now. Elder Simmonds was called as a Zone Leader in Cape Coast. I'll miss him. It has been really nice to get a break though haha. Spending almost 5 months with a guy for every hour of the day can bring the best and worst out of you. We had a bunch of great times though. I'm just glad to move forward! It's strange to be a senior companion! I now am in charge of the cell phone for the apartment, and paying the water and electricity bills. I get reimbursed though. There is just a bit more weight on my shoulders, but I'm really enjoying life lately!

Well last week we went to the golf course! It was really amazing! We didn't end up golfing though : / . It was too expensive. We just ended up playing on the beach. We played ultimate Frisbee and just walked the coastline and looked at the tide pools. The Ghana Coast is different than any other coastline! It's still hot as can be, but the cool ocean breeze felt nice. The Oregon coast has bigger waves but it's very cold. haha. It felt like I was in Hawaii or something. I can't wait to show you pictures! The golf course was covered in trash, and we didn't see anyone golfing. There are just people taking naps, and relaxing on the middle of the fairway! lol. We really had an awesome time. One of the elders went out too far in the waves and ended up getting knocked over. The Zone leaders weren't happy. Don't worry, I didn't swim though. lol

I was just thinking about Blake Grover! That's great he's doing well! and home safely

I really have been praying for Andrew O a lot! It's such a relief to hear he is still working towards a mission! I know it's the best choice. I'm proud of my bro! I haven't heard a word from him since he came (to see me off)!

Well This week it's just mostly been trying to keep my head on straight adjusting to the changes with transfers. Elder Agyemang is such an intelligent guy. We really teach well together. Like I said he is very very quiet though. We normally don't talk much, but when we do he manages to crack a smile on my face. I've been teaching him to cook some new things, and how to fill out all the missionary paperwork like with the area book, progress records, PEC reports, baptismal forms, Letters to the President, and so forth. There is never a shortage of something to do.

We had 10 investigators at church! That's a record for us. Also we had a record high in Sacrament Meeting attendance! 145! It's a blessing. Our normal attendance is 90 to 110.

Well I'm glad elections are over here. Looks like the Democratic Party won here too. The new President is Atta Mills. The NDC or National Democratic Congress, was in Power when the church was frozen a couple decades ago. They are more aggressive, but I pray they will keep peace in the country. Many people complained about a corrupt government, and people are excited for a change.

Well I hope 2009 will be a wonderful year for you guys!

We are working closely with our baptismal candidates.

The other day when we were teaching Wallace. His monkey Padi got loose and jumped down and captured a small white kitten. It was so funny! I couldn't stop laughing. Padi kept squeezing the cat and hugging it very tightly. The cat was yelling for help, but couldn't get free. It was so funny. He was jumping around with the cat in a chokehold. Poor cat. I tried to free the cat but I got a monkey slap! haha
O.k well well. This week is my 5 month mark!

Love ya guys! LOOOOOOVVVVEEEE YOUUU!
-Ty

Afe co ma tuye (Greet the new year!)

2008-12-29T17:43:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 2:19 AM

Hey HEy EHEY!!lol

wow, guys! I really enjoyed that e-mail! There is much I want to say!

The call was hard to hear for me too. There is a lag in the connection from halfway around the world. We'll try something different next time. It was great to hear all your voices! I'm so glad you enjoyed the letters! Thx for the attached pics! There is so much snow!! my goodness!

Well My Christmas was soo great! After handing out oranges and pass along cards, and taught lessons about the Savior's birth we all went to Pres. Andam's place and had a Christmas party! He is a councilor to Pres Sabey. All the Missionaries in Takoradi were there! We Tore a mean rug to some local music, and enjoyed a BIG BIG Christmas dinner. The evening was loud fun, and full of Dancing. It was so great to let loose a bit and enjoy the Holiday! When I was handing out oranges and pass along cards a lady just denied me, and was like no! I don't want that! haha I just had to laugh. I rarely have people ever turn me down for lessons, but let alone a gift! haha oh well.

I got Tiara's Package! Thx for the Fettuccini!!!!! woooo, It's more delicious than you can comprehend. That I'm sure of. haha ok ok. Still haven't received yours yet. oh well. I loved the ties and treats! Tiara makes the COOLEST cards. I really appreciate all the love that goes into those. The only thing I guess I'll need in the next package in another pack of contacts. It's the Hamatan, dusty season so my eyes get really dry and dusty so I wear through the contacts a bit faster. I still have another unopened box. I'm fine on contact solution and drops though . THX
A couple days before Christmas I had my first Fall! I was walking down the road and slipped on a steep ditch and got covered in dirt! Everyone around was laughing. It actually embarrassed me. haha oh well. Come what may and love it! haha I also loved Elder Wirthlin's talk. To bad he passed away. He's Elder Simmonds' favorite Gen Authority.

We're having to delay our baptisms just a bit to January because Some people still need a few more lessons. I'm sorry I have troubles writing detailed accounts about investigators. I have so many, and they progress to baptism so fast that it's hard to keep up. We are baptizing 5 people on this upcoming one! Mary Kweiku, Francis, Wallace, Gilbert, and Ernestina. We are working our best with these wonderful people! Miracles are happening every day.

Tomorrow is Transfer info, and Thursday is Transfers. So tomorrow I'll know if I'll go or stay, and who my companion will be. This transfer went fast! I'd just be happy to stay in Kweikuma for my whole mission. haha

To answer Trev's questions. My most missed food is a tie between hamburger, Doritos, tacos, and Philly cheese steak sandwich. There are plenty more things I miss lol.

And For P-days we really don't have a big variety. Just soccer soccer soccer. Today were doing something special though! We're going Golfing! woooot! It's a beachside course. All the missionaries are going. Then we'll play some good ol' Frisbee on the beach. fun fun. anyway.

Sounded like you guys have some sweet presents! I'm jealous you got a keyboard! I'd be playing that non stop! Teaching piano had made me become much better at it. I can now play the whole hymnbook! :)

To answer Mom's question. My laundry procedure would be best represented by a video. but anyway. I get like to big buckets and wash like the Ghanaians do. I get a soap bar on the deep stains, and then soak my clothes in a bucket of washing powder. Bleach for the whites along with soap. I let it soak for a few hours then just go at it with the hand washing. You grab a portion of the clothes and just use your knuckles like a washing board and rub really hard. I then rinse in another bucket and then ring 'em out and put 'em on the clothes lines. It's a long tedious process! It takes a few days for the clothes to dry because of the humidity.

Well. I think for New years I'm just going to buy some Christmas Duck. That is , the sparkling cider. They have plenty of Sparkling cider here! We'll probably say cheers and make some resolutions or goals. 2009 will be the full year of my mission. I really hope for a great upcoming year. Cuz after that I'll be on the plane home before you know it! I have mixed feeling about the coming home. I know I won't want to, but at the same time. I'll be so excited to see everyone again!

The elections round 2 were again peaceful! They will announce Ghana's new Pres in a day or so. People really get into politics here!

There is something called Fancy Dress. I'd have to show you a picture. It is a sweet very colorful costume that is a cultural celebration dress. They wear some scary Halloween masks with it. It looks cool. I'll make sure to bring home some cool souvenirs and gifts for all. I'm going to wait to buy souvenirs until the end of the mission so I don't have to cart around everything. I'm leaving just about everything here though. And just taking souvenirs home. haha I'm sure some missionaries would be happy to get some hand me downs.

Well, anyway. Time to go Golfing! I couldn't believe there is a golf course here until the Zone Leaders told me about it. It costs 10 cedis or as the locals would call it 100,000. Well thanks for your encouragement. The phone call next time will be better. I love you guys. You sure had me tearing up. As soon as I started hearing you guys all sorts of memories of the past flooded into my mind.

Thx for Ryan's address! That's great Steph came and gave you guys cookies. She really cares about you guys!

O.k till next time!! . Miss you love you bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afehyia Pa (Merry Christmas!)

2008-12-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 1:17 AM

Afehyia Pa (Merry Christmas!)

Everything this week went swimmingly. I'm really thankful you posted Josh's blog. I don't care what he says, he's the definition of a stud. Love ya Josh! That's wild that he helped conduct a wedding. Way to go!

I'll be seeing the zone leaders today so they might have the package. I really hope so! If not it should be here next week! Thx a ton.

That's great that your sacrament meeting went really well. I also played the Christmas Hymns for the congregation. :)

Well. This week started out with an interview with President (Sabey). He gave some instructions to all the missionaries too. He and Sister Sabey purchased the coolest nativity I've even seen! It was all African carvings, and instead of sheep there was elephants and lions. It was rad! He talked about the birth of Christ in a new way. He talked plenty about the star that appeared in the heavens. Since light travels very very very fast. And stars can be light years away. The light that we see from stars has traveled for millions and millions of miles away. The light left the star maybe hundreds of thousands of years ago. The Lord Planned such an event for the star of Bethlehem before the world was. If the Lord cares so much about a star as a symbol of his son's birth HOW GREAT the WORTH of each individual soul is! It really made me think. He also threw out a trick question. He said what is the only reason Latter Day Saints celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25. When we know Christ's birth was in Spring time? He said the only reason we celebrate Christmas on December 25th is because the prophet does! That's coool! haha anyway.

We went on splits. Elder Hazlam from Utah came along with us. funny funny guy. Oh ya the rest of our Christmas party was rad. We sang Christmas Songs, watched a Christmas film, and sister Sabey gave us all new mission t-shirts! Oranges, a plate of cookies, candy, and everyone's conversion stories printed into a nice book! What a great gift! It was awesome!

Yesterday at Church we had 2 people show up that we've been trying to get to come to church for months! I was so happy they came! One is sister Mavis. She is a single mother who sells ice cream. And Brother Abaidoo. He is a well revered community leader, and tribal leader. Everyone knows him. He is one of the High elders in his church, but we've had all the discussions, and he believes it's true. He was skeptical to come to church because he is so well renowned in his church. He wondered what people would think! He finally surprised us and rolled up to church in his tuxedo! He is like 75 to 80 years old mind you. haha. What a sweet, sweet old man. I hope he will progress! He seemed to really enjoy Church.

We are going to baptize a man named Francis. He is a really great music composer and he looks like an early 80's Michael Jackson. He showed us some of his music, and he is really talented. His style is gospel reggae. Anyway he is going to be baptized on the 31st.

Our family that we were hoping to baptize didn't come to church! X_X so we can't make the baptismal date work for them. The mother of the future bride doesn't want her daughter to be married! I can't believe it cuz they have 2 kids! We're praying for a miracle on that one.

Dad, I was thinking about what you said. Extra difficulty points in heaven. haha. It sounds really sweet too. It just made me think about someone who grew up in the church, and serves faithfully throughout their life compared to someone who grows old without the gospel, and then a year before death converts to the church. I was thinking: What is the difference between the two? I came to the conclusion that there is hardly a difference! Both people will receive the same level of exaltation. But I realized something very important. The first man would have years and years more of learning and experience. The 3 purposes of life are to gain a body, to learn to make right choices, and lastly to gain experience. I then realized the blessing of experience. The Scriptures teach us to learn the gospel in our youth. I now realize why. Thanks!

We made our Christmas plans last night! We are going to spend the whole day giving out pass along cards, and sharing the message of Christ's birth. The cool thing is that Elder Simmonds and I both stated that it's a tradition to get an orange for Christmas so that's what we;re going to do. We're going to purchase 70 or so oranges, and hand them out on Christmas! We'll just carry 'em in a big burlap sack or something! I can't wait to do that! I'll have just gotten back from doing that when you guys will call. I'll say it again. I really can't wait to talk to ya'll!
Love you guys so much!!!!!!! It's a very exciting time of year! Talk to ya later! ;) Enjoy the snow!!!
-Love Ty

We can pray and pray sometimes, but if we don't do our part it's just wishful thinking.

2008-12-15T23:06:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 1:54 AM

Dearest Dearest FAM:
Well it snowed 8 feet here...yup yup haha. Can't believe its 13 degrees outside in Clarkston!!!! That's so cold! Hope the kids enjoy the snow!

Bobby has been proselyting with us twice a week now for the whole day! He is a pro at teaching the gospel.

I can't wait to call you guys either! :)))))))))) This email will be kinda random, Much has happened!

The power and water has been off again this week. It even cut off when Elder Simmonds was cutting his hair with the electric razor! haha I had to cut the rest with scissors! It doesn't look half bad. lol

Glad to hear about your FHE. It brings me peace to hear you guys are strong and well.

Well, I have a new companion, Elder Agyemang from Kumasi, Ghana! I'm still with Elder Simmonds though! We are 3! Elder Simmonds has to sleep on the floor cuz we don't have another bed in the apartment. He has tons of weird bug bites. haha. Elder A is really quiet, but a powerful missionary! He has been teaching us tons of Twi and Fante, and it's really a blessing to have an interpreter at all times! He'll be with us until December 31 or so. By all means Jan 1, Elder Simmonds or I will go, and Elder Agyemang will stay. He is fresh from the MTC btw. He was called to Nigeria mission, but something happened and he ended up here. O well! I'm cool with it!

Elder Evans locked himself in the laundry room on accident. We laughed for a long time at him and then decided to help him out. We had to bust the door down. haha

Elder Simmonds fell pretty hard a couple days ago, he has been limping and using a stick for a cane. poor fella.

The area Presidency told all the Ghanaians to not bring donations to LDS funerals. It's a big custom here to bring money to big events like that. The church here is slowly bit by bit becoming more like church at home.

We had 5 investigators this week at church. All singles males from 16-25 or so. haha. Which is funny, cus it seems like we mostly teach women.

My scripture bag ripped. I had an investigator sew it up nicely. haha

I finally did surgery on my toe. I used clippers scissors, and pliers to get out the ingrown nail. It hurt so bad haha. I had to dig real deep. There was a ton of blood and stuff, but it feels great now!! I feel like a new man. I washed it up nicely, and but some antibiotic on it. It finally looks normal again. I've been praying for that one. It taught me a lesson. We can pray and pray sometimes, but if we don't do our part it's just wishful thinking.

Well my little spiritual thought this week has to do concerning God's time compared to our time. If you can imagine a classroom and the room is pitch black. If we use our senses and feel around we can get to know where everything is. It might take a few months to know everything pretty dang good. This is relating to our time. Now turn the light on. This is relating to God's time. He instantly sees all, knows all. All that was all that is all that will be...instantly. There is no time to God. Alma 7:20. I also made a cool connection this week to the Godhead. The Sun moon and stars can be compared to the Godhead. The sun symbolizes God who is all bright and powerful. The moon can represent Christ. The moon will turn to blood at his second coming, relating to a symbol of his infinite atonement. The stars are everywhere, and all around us. Symbolizing the Holy Ghost. Anyway... just kind of a cool connection.

I also like how God works in patterns. There are 7 days in a week, 7 notes of music, 7 colors. Just so many cool connections in nature. Like the Scriptures teach us. Everything denotes that there is a God.

Well love you guys can't wait till next time. We're playing Assin Fosu at football today. I'm excited for this one! Well Love YOU! Merry Christmas!!!!!!

-Ty

A gospel of peace.

2008-12-08T23:54:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 1:51 AM

Wow,
I loved this weeks e-mail. lots of cool things are happening! That's so great!
Thnkx for sending the packages! and for adding some to my account. I need to buy a new pair of trousers. I've worn down my brown pair so badly. It's to the point where the pants are getting holes and changing colors from sweat and the sun. Haha.

Thanks for your prayers, my toe is somewhat better. I've been feeling good this week. Yesterday was a brutal day though. Election day. There were parades parades parades! People running up and down the street going crazy. It looks like the NPP party has won. It's the equivalent to the republican party. new patriotic party. The symbol is even an elephant. People were asking us all day if we were going to vote. We always just responded. dabe yeni ghanani. no, we're not Ghanaian.

I really have seen the gift of tongues working in my life. I'm still not very good at the language though. We don't have time to study it. So whatever we learn is just off the street. It was fast Sunday yesterday. It was a rough day cuz we walked and walked and no one would let us teach them because of the election. I just wanted to sit down for 2 mins, but I don't ever want to waste the Lord's time. My companion and I want exact obedience.

The day was great cuz we ran into Bobby on the road! He expressed how he felt after the baptism. He said he can't even describe how happy, and clean he felt. That guy's testimony brings the tears... man Just to know that I have positively influenced him, and his future posterity, his friends, and his family is just incredible. He will be a great asset to the Church. He's one of my best Ghanaian friends. There are certain people like him that I'll keep in contact with for sure.

The baptism started out rough I guess, but Satan can thwart us! We got to the chapel and hour before the start of the baptism, and saw that the font wasn't filled! I was like oh no!And the faucet never works at the church. and Georgina wasn't showing up. My companion and I said a solemn prayer. A bunch of the members were there for cleaning of the building, and one of the brothers found a nearby well! About 500 feet or so away. We all grabbed trash cans, and bucket by bucket we slowly filled the font to about a foot and a half of water. And Georgina showed up!! We were so relieved. Only 5 mins late. I got dressed in my whites once again, and baptized in the shallow shallow water. Georgina is short, but Bobby is Tall!I had to bring him down and then I pulled a WWE move and shoved him down all the way under the water. It was so hard to lift him up, but it was a miracle it was just enough water! I was so happy. Poor Georgina didn't plug her nose and she got water up her nose. Most people here have never held their breath underwater in their life. I can't explain the way I felt after baptizing. just wonderful. just wonderful...

I've been reading about Job quite a bit. The Lord saw that he was a great and faithful man, and he was tested. He lost everything he had, even his friends and family turned against him, and he was stricken with horrible disease. He never cursed God though. Let us all be like Job. Even Joseph Smith in Carthage said Lord how long will thine hand be stayed. Where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place. And the Lord said My son peace be unto thine soul, thy trials are but a moment, and if ye endure it well you shall be rewarded forever and ever. How Cool!!!! Also read James 1:12. It's great. The Gospel is truly a gospel of peace. Think of what that means to you. A gospel of peace. Well that's my little tidbit for this week.

We are working very closely with the Gaizey Family. We are hoping to baptize and have them married by the bishop before December to meet our goal. It's going to take a miracle. We even had President Sabey come and teach with us. It was a very rainy day. The rain here is insane. Rain like I've never seen before! The mud is incredible too. I spent and hour last night cleaning everyone's shoes from all the mud. Elder Simmonds forgot to pay the bills so we went without water and electricity for 2 days. And showers of course! haha. Everything in the fridge went bad, oh well, haha! That flashlight really comes in handy.

Miss you love you. I'm Trying my best for you, and the Lord. I keep the picture of mom in my pocketbook for whenever the times get hard. Love you. Hope it snows!!!!!

-Love TY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't just let life happen to you. Let you happen to LIFE!

2008-12-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:03 AM

Well I want to wish you Happy Birthday DAD! oh gosh I just realized my 4 month mark is coming up. haha. just incredible.

Georgina and Bobby are doing so great!!! We had 8 individual investigators this week at church! we were very happy. It's been the result of much fasting. Sister Sabey and my companion have noticed I'm getting pretty skinny. I eat a ton though. I just burn through that food like no one's business. My ingrown toe, well... I don't know what to do about it. It's really swollen and infected now. It doesn't have time to heal. It's walking in a hot sweaty sock all day. Well I'm praying for this one. I might have to have it cut open. My companion wants me to do it with a hot knife, I told him I'll pass though. I don't know anything about surgery especially in unsanitary conditions. Don't worry though. I'll go to the clinic if it gets any worse. I just don't want gang green and have to have it amputated. I haven't been able to play soccer for over a month now because of it.

Bobby is such a great guy. We call him great apostle. We are trying to get his whole family to listen to the message. We convinced the parents to attend the baptism though! That could help a lot. His father travels. He even bought his son a brand new quad from the distribution center! His father is nonmember, but his brother, Bobby's uncle, is. We have run out of things to teach him. This kid is solid. Last night we just shared a couple of our favorite scriptures and why instead of a normal lesson. We couldn't ask for a better pair of baptismal candidates!

Georgina just had her bapt. interview on Sunday. She is incredible smart for her age. We always have the lessons outside with her because the power goes out in her house a lot. I have the strangest bug bites sometimes. Every bug here can fly... I swear. December 6th is the baptism. I hope I get to baptize.

As far as things that I'd like for Christmas...well not much but I really would like a couple more ties. any color any style I don't care. Maybe a black tie would be cool. I'm fine on garments. If I ever need more I can just order them from the dist. center and the Zone leaders will pick them up.

My turkey day was cool! The day started off weird. We were about to head to our first appointment when my companion got a call from the zone leaders. They said to come to the Kojokrom apartment asap! We were like what the.?? So we picked a drop in. Or a taxi drop off. And we came to the apartment. Turns out one of the Elders, Elder Danquah, pulled a knife on his companion Elder Kuma and threatened to kill him! They had some big fight. They are both Ghanaian. This wasn't even the first time he'd done this I found out! He did it with a previous companion too! So we helped him pack his things, and he got sent home. Now our companionship is a 3-some! We have Elder Kuma with us. Elder Simmonds sleeps on the floor now. It's kinda fun having Elder Kuma around. Anyway, Thanksgiving was rough for Kuma but he cheered up later in the day. A couple of the Elders bought 2 whole chickens for T-day. and we boiled 'em in some nice chicken stock and had some nice gravy thanks to you guys ;). From all of our packages combined We had stuffing and mashed potatoes too. And of course we picked up some minerals. (pop) It was very enjoyable! ahhhh. I can still taste it now! haha

I learned a ton from Zone conference. One thing I liked was, "don't just let life happen to you, let you happen to life!" Pres. Sabey is the best... like I'm not even kidding. haha. That man is a spiritual giant. He's on a higher level.

We're planning a super p day! We want to go to Kakum, and the Cape Coast castles! I want to go so bad! I saw the castles on my way to my first area.

Oh yah. Elder Bishop went home cuz the church saw that he had malaria too many times, and also a near deadly episode of typhoid. Typhoid can make you go mad. My companion had had it before. His fever was insane he said. I won't ever come home early on my own will, but a couple of Elders I know have. It's really sad for them. Everyone knows cape coast isn't an easy mission, but it's so worth it!!! I heard Accra mission alone broke 5000 baptisms in a month! Just insane!!! They even had guys come from Salt Lake to check it out. The work is progressing like it never had before. It's almost like waters of Mormon!

Thanks so much for the package. I really enjoyed it! Especially the Gravy and Alfredo! I made biscuits and gravy this morning! yum yum. I think bout you guys daily, and pray from you. I'm so pleased to hear everything on the spiritual side of things seems to be abundant. That's so great.

If I have any advice of some things that have been on my mind this week it would be. Family, don't shy from branching out and meeting new people. so random acts of kindness to a stranger. It could be to make cookies or something for a neighbor for Family home evening, don't shy from telling peers what religion you are and what you stand for, even if you think they'd not be interested. I find that meeting plenty of new people gives me much joy. For trev tan and tay. Sing at Family home evening! It can actually be a good time. Who is there to be shy or not cool in front of... no one. It's just the family. You'll be glad you did later in life.

This week we have been dropping investigators at an alarming rate. It seems harsh but we now teach 1 or 2 lessons and if we don't see any progression we immediately drop them, and move on to someone else. I feel bad sometimes like they should get another try, but for now there are many many more people that are more spiritually receptive. We don't just need any baptism, we need people to build the kingdom. Otherwise we'd be matching Accra in baptisms. We have enough inactive as it is. We will only baptize if we are sure they will stay active...forever. All is possible with Christ. 2 Nephi 25: 26, 25: 23
Nyame ye kese (God is great)

Love ya'll and glad to hear your trip went well! Try and break from the ordinary be extraordinary! Don't just let life happen to you. Let you happen to LIFE! :) I hope Christmas will be great for you! miss you all. till next time. from your son in the deep jungles of Africa. haha. well kinda... LOVE YOU!
-Ty

Ye da nyame ase (we thank God)

2008-11-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 1:22 AM

Hey Family!
I'm excited to say I get to stay! Good old Elder Simmonds and I are yet again together. This makes it the 3rd transfer together! He also got called as district leader so now I have to go around with him doing baptismal interviews for all the missionaries in the district! The church covers for the taxi for interviews so that's cool! We had our first interview for another set of missionaries. We had to wait for 2 hours for him! We missed a ton of appointments. haha o well

For our own baptism we've postponed until December 6. Bobby and Georgina are the candidates. He is 20 and she is 10! I love getting to teach the kids that age. It's interesting how much the parents are supportive of us baptizing their daughter! She started coming to church with one of her little friends who is a member, and we ran into her. The most spiritual lessons I've had are with this small girl. The innocence of children, and the questions they ask are so good. She truly is Christ like. "Therefore be ye as children"

Thx for the concern about my health. This week has been great! Just a couple stomach things like usual, but I felt blessed with health! Thanks for your prayers!

I got the Package!! Thx so much! It was perfect. All the other Elders were so excited to see what's inside too. haha. just thanks! The Alfredo was sooooooooooooooo good. I really really enjoy food from home... For my Thanksgiving I'm going to buy a chicken, and put that gravy to good use! Thanks! btw the kraft strawberry banana drink packs are delicious too!

Thanks Tiara, It's so great to hear from you! Thanks for all of your and Ken's prayers! I can literally see the blessings in my life because of prayer.

My week:
We have something called midweek. It's like mutual-ish, but it's just church halfway through the week. I might have told you about it. Anyway, sometimes we have investigators show up to it, but the ward is not supporting the program. The youth don't have any kind church based activities like scouts, or young men young womens. I really think it could benefit the ward.

We have a bunch of cheap masks from Halloween still, we are going to scare the new Elder in our Apartment! haha

BTW the only black Elder in our apartment was called elsewhere so we are now a fully American apartment. Weird huh? Man, it's different to be around white people. The new Elder's name is elder Evans from Vegas. he won national wrestling in his high school in his weight class! He is really cool, and also fresh out of the MTC. He is well... very very green. I think it will take some time for Ghana to sink in. he won't eat fufu, just a lot of top ramen. haha. We're trying to warm him up a little. His companion Elder Haslam was deathly sick the first 3 days of Elder Evan's arrival so he didn't get to leave to apartment for a few days. Today is his first P-day. We're going to have some fun!

On my camera I've taken over 300 photos! I can't wait until I go home and can print a bunch for a nice photo album. That will be fun!

I want you all to know my pickiness is completely cured. I will eat Anything...yup anything. As long as its food. haha

Well, I've found myself being more relaxed lately. I've been working just as hard in the missionary work, but my attitude is a bit more at ease. All this time I've been trying to be like other missionaries I've come across in my life, or the "ideal missionary", but it finally hit me that I don't need to compare myself to other missionaries. I just need to be myself, and not try to impress anyone. I just need to be the best I can be, and be me.

I've just about finished the Old testament now! I read so much scripture! I've never been able to tackle the Old Testament before cover to cover. I'm just going to continue reading all the standard works in order. I hope to finish it all before my 10 month or year mark. I wish we had more time to read, write in journals, write letters, but I guess the hour of personal study is adequate.

Elder Simmonds and I are kinda having a hard time getting Families come to church. Often if anything just one of the children will come. We even woke up Sunday morning and walked 4 miles to a several of our families to see if they would come with us to church. When we had the appointments with the people they all said they would come. All 5 families make excuses and lies in order to not come. I just felt sorry for them. sigh.

The sun has been so so so so hot lately. I use sunscreen, but I sweat it all off, even though its sweat resist cream, and I'm pretty burnt well all the time haha. I can't wait for the dusty season the HAMATAN. I think that;s how you spell it. Where the dust gets everywhere and it gets very windy. Because Kweikuma is so near to the beach the dust doesn't reach that far, but the locals say it should be getting a bit cooler soon. I can't wait. My shirts, and pants have sweat stains like no ones business. I'm going to have to buy some new pants. Or have some sewn. My brown pair are stained the worst from sweat. The colors have faded and it looks really bad. I've just been wearing my black and blue trousers. I really enjoy the black trousers because of the thin thin fabric.

For my garments I prefer the dry lux top for sure. I simply can't wear the mesh tops. Or I become a human waterfall of sweat. The bottoms I have are super nice! I found a lot of other elders have the same.

I tried some freshly fried squid. mmmm. By the way. I love love love sea food here. The fish is always a fresh catch, and not put in freezers. The tuna you sent was good, and reminded me of home, but there is nothing like a fresh full size tuna, bones and all in a hot bowl of banku and okro stew.

I've become really good with some defend rice recipes like fried rice, and my companions favorite choco rice. haha. For fried rice I add scrambled eggs, soy sauce, butter, palm oil, shito (brown hot sauce very hot!) fresh chopped onions, and sautéed garlic. I really want to get good at some dishes so I can at least prepare something for the family when I return. Most of the dishes I can't recreate though, because many of the ingredients are just not found in the States.

Well. well well. Love you all so much, and I hope you have a wonderful trip. I always think and pray about you guys.
ye da nyame ase (we thank God)
sending my love from Africa. -Ty

2008-11-17T22:51:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 8:39 AM

Wow. Reading those 2 e-mails was quite the task! haha I would love to thank you and discuss every topic back with you but my time is somewhat short. Just know that I'm grateful for the people you are, the things you are doing, and the wonderful choices whether difficult or easy you are making that would please our Father in Heaven.

Gas is $1.80!!!! whattt?? I just can't believe that one! I was so sad to hear about the protests and riots against the church. I heard they even tried to set the Oakland temple on fire! That's terrible. Sodom and Gomorrah all over again... sigh lol.

I just received letters from Jamilee, Ryan, and Kiah! I was very excited! I'll try to write them back as soon as possible!

Well well well. Uncle Lary is back in town (malaria) ...yup round 2. Saturday night I was up all night very ill. Well, I've just been on some more bed rest and taking my meds. Sister Sabey has been a big help, and my companion too! btw. Transfers aren't yet. Tuesday. My guess is that I will stay and my comp will go. anyway. Thanks for your prayers. Yes, I've been taking my doxy, and using plenty mosquito repellent, and mosquito net. Just know that I'm o.k. If I die out here just know that I went out with a bang. haha jk. I'm o.k though. Some of the elders have had malaria nearly 20 times! oh man. It truly is the worst thing I've physically experienced though. Just don't worry. I'm over it now, and I was able to go to town. Staying healthy is a battle I usually lose. o well. onward ever onward.

Well this was another great week though. We have another baptismal date for the end of this month. The investigators are wonderful. I have so many things to say about them, I guess I can just try and focus on at least 1 every week to talk about!

Sister Mavis. She has an 11 year old son. She is not married. She sells homemade ice cream. excellent btw. only for 10 peswas! yum. She is always so attentive during the lessons! She currently attends one of the local churches. The name of it is: Dispensational Gospel Mission Grace Temple... Yup. I'm still laughing about the name... anyway. She likes the way the pastor talks about money so she goes for him to pray for her. There is a lot of speaking in tongues here. Way creepy to hear when your trying to get some sleep. Anyway. She is progressing nicely, and attended church! So we're very happy.

I know the church bills you guys for a certain amount. every month. Then they distribute it to the different missions. Our Subsistence or SUB is the equivalent of about 100 us dollars for the whole month. It's not much, but It's enough to get by. Other elders told me about how Cape Coast is really expensive. They said I run short for sure every Sub if I get transferred to Cape Coast. I think it's because It's a big tourist town! O well. I don't plan on withdrawing any more. It's not uncommon for me to fast a meal or two several times a week. Don't you worry about that. I'm having more of a struggle keeping the pounds off. My weight has averaged out because of the malaria, but I've defiantly been gaining weight. It's because the proportions served to us are so monstrous that you'll feel full for a couple days. haha.

I love reading the e-mails so much! The pics were hilarious! Thx for sending me the package. I'll tell ya when I get it.
My memory card is only about half full. I have around 200+ pics and about 5 Gigs more. so no worries. I should be set. Thx though! One elder told me about his family sending him Velveeta cheese. and tollhouse brownie mix. His fam takes the cheese packs out of Kraft macaroni boxes and he buys noodles here. haha. There is plenty chocolate, caramel, and gum here. but not a lot of fruity candies. Elder Simmons even gave me one of his bags of Doritos that his parents sent, and a Hersheys cookies and cream. This stuff is worth it's weight in gold here lol!

Well. I love you!! Thx for prayers. Thx for Cheering me on! Thx for being strong. Keep the Faith. Read your scriptures like you were cramming for a college exam. Pray like you're on your deathbed. Trust the Lord with all you heart might mind and strength.

All is well (bebia boko)
Love -Ty

nhyra bebree papaapa (The Lord blesses me greatly)

2008-11-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 2:05 AM

Well I found out Obama won the election. sigh. o well, someone has to usher in the wickedness before the second coming. Everyone here is obsessed with Obama. They have songs for him, and parades going every weekend for him, and also their Presidential campaign. People here are very Patriotic. People don't even know Obama's views, but they just want a black man for President. That is so wrong. I'm sure it's the same case in the states. Most people probably don't realize Bush's positive impact, but just look at Sept. 11th and the war, and from that they don't even know anything positive he did. I think he did the best he could for the countries bad situations. So much blame so little political education. People just want a change, so they think why not a young black democrat. I guess missionaries shouldn't care about the elections or politics, but that's my little tidbit.
This week was good! We set a record for lessons in a week taught! 33!! We owe all the credit to the Lord. What a blessing, and a great accomplishment. We usually average about 25 lessons per week.
Elder Simmonds got an awesome big package with Doritos, and chips ahoy and stuff. He even gave me one of his cookies and cream bars for my 3 month mark. There are some traditions missionaries have
-burning a tie every 6 months, getting a Fanta every Monday night, and buying ice cream every 3 months. I had a nice Neapolitan bowl with some wafers in it. Man, I took the small things for granted back home. Here there are 3 meals. beans, rice dishes, and fufu dishes. That's really bout it. In the morning I like to eat lots of oatmeal.
Well the week was tiring, wonderful, and full of spiritual experiences. My health is... so so l8tly. This week I had worms, ingrown toenails, and I'm getting over a cold. I'm happy as a button though. I'm doing what Joseph Smith said the saints should be doing. Wasting as wearing out our life's in the service of God. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Elder Simmons is excited for his sister, she just barely got home off her mission from the Amazon! He always tells me about her adventures in her e-mails.
Transfers are coming up again already! In 8 days or so I'll find out where I'm going. I really love my first area, but I'd love to experience something new. My companion and I seem to be running out of things to talk about, probably due to the fact that we talk all day all the time. We know everything about each other. haha
I really hope you got the last e-mail. cuz I was really looking forward to your response on my temple experience.
The more time I spend with the children here the more I want to adopt a little girl or something. There is an extremely high population of children in Africa because of the early age deaths, and no birth control. An average family has 6+ kids. It's so great.
We just watched an all Africa stake conf. President Uchtdorf instructed over a camera, and it was broadcasted at the stake center! He complimented the Africans for having such strong faith, he also mentioned some major problems. such as members not paying tithing, and home teaching not happening. In fact in our ward, our home teaching was a whopping 0 last month. Sigh, the members here are either really strong or pretty well...unwise.
Well, the work is going well, moving forward like always. The Lord blesses me greatly (nhyra bebree papaapa)*pronounced: ensheera baybree pa pah puh. The direct translation is (blessing many great). Everything in Fante is out of order.Yesterday we taught a lesson in almost entirely Fante! It was hard, but we were able to have a 5 or so minute discussion. We usually grab a translator when we can, but we can't always get one. That lady was very happy to hear us speaking her language! and wanted us to pray for her business so that people would buy her killy willy (fried plantains) haha. it's such a common false doctrine here that you have to have someone else pray for you, like your own prayers aren't good enough. haha.
People also think because of our name latter day saints we do something called "calling saints" it's supposedly like chanting and calling upon evil spirits. People here are very superstitious, we're teaching a voodoo doctor or "fetish priest's daughter" we were told by the locals not to teach her because the mother might put a curse on us. just interesting.
Well I love you guys, and I'm sending a Christmas packet. You can open it and read, but don't open the envelope inside until Christmas.
Thanks for keeping my spirits up. It's not easy, but it's always worth it. LUV Ya.

P.S. I hope you got my e-mail. I hope everything is o.k! I didn't get an e-mail this time from ya :(. Hope everything is o.k. I'll admit, without a response e-mail the all kinds of ideas cross my mind. Someone injured, in trouble, hurt or in an accident. I need to know is you guys are alive!well I'm praying hard for you all. bye-bye
Elder Carton (-Ty)

It was the greatest spiritual experience I've ever been a part of

2008-11-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 2:56 AM

My Dear Dear Family!
Wow! ya November already! It's strange to hear it's cooling down there. It's still and forever will be hot here. lol
Thx for the Words of encouragement!

Ya, it turned out to be just a bad case of dehydration. Ya, as missionaries we have to drink the sachet waters. There is really no way around it. It's hard to stay hydrated. I've been healthy as a horse otherwise, just a few typical stomach and digestive problems. I'm going to try and find some pepto bismol like tablets or something. I talked to sister Sabey, and she said to always drink water when fasting here. Thx for letting me know. Ya, I can budget my money well here. It's just that I purchased some soccer things for pday, but it ended up being like 30, so I withdrew 40 today. I probably won't withdraw again tho. Unless I'm in a emergency situation. I eat plenty of oranges, but The price of pineapples raised to 70 cents. It's an outrage! lol. I basically eat 2 foods every day every meal because they're cheap. Eggs and bread for breakfast, and stew and rice for dinner. We just skip lunch cuz we're too busy teaching. They tell us to avoid vegetables besides canned tomatoes. The food here is very oily, and I usually don't feel to great after eating it. I hope it doesn't make my situation sounds horrible or anything cuz it's not! :) I'm more than getting by, I'm enjoying life.
Thx for sending some more things! I'm really excited. I forgot to ask for my patriarchal blessing or a copy. I haven't had it this whole time! Also I thought it would be cool to have some random stickers for letters or whatever.
Ya, about finding houses it's impossible unless we get escorted by the owner. We just keep a mental image of where over 100 people live, and their names, and what we've taught. Including knowing where all the members live. I wish I had a PDA with GPS. haha
I hope Halloween was awesome! Mine wasn't anything special. I just bought a bag of hard carmels. :P

Wow Taylor, That's cool you got to tell about Ghana to your class. I wish I could have come and told the class all about it! All of your costumes looked so great!
Tanner I hope you enjoyed the last of the soccer season! That's so cool. And thx for posting things (comments) from the mission blog! That is so cool to hear!

MY WEEK:
WOWOWOWOWOW! Mom and Dad! The Temple was soooooo great!!!
All the Takoradi missionaries got to witness a sealing! after 2 endowment sessions! Upon entering into the sealing room I got to meet Billy Johnson! He is the legendary missionary who back in the 1970s begged the gen. authorities for the priesthood, and to send missionaries to Ghana. He Organized 10 branches of over 100 people in each by himself, He was able to do this because he came across a Book of Mormon! He is now a Patriarch! He shook each of of hands upon entering the sealing room, and gave us, you could say a mini patriarchal blessing. As he was shaking our hands, he said something unique, that we each needed to hear from the Lord. He told me to keep up the good work, and that the Lord is always with me. Everyone was to tears during the sealing. It was a couple and a son and daughter. How wonderful. The temple here is unbelievably beautiful. Just breathtaking inside.

WE had a nice lunch, and then drove back 5 hours from Accra to Takoradi. It was the greatest spiritual experience I've ever been a part of.

We have a family to Baptize! They are the Teweyah Family!! The situation was horrible though. The Man and the Woman were near divorce, and the mother hates the kids. They don't speak, and the husband runs away from home a lot. The husband has been a member for about 30 years though. We wanted to baptize the wife, and complete the family. They live out in the middle of nowhere so my companion and I probably have spent 20 dollars worth of taxis for various visits to them, but it's finally paying off. We even cancelled the Wife's baptism date because we prayed and felt she wasn't ready, like she was only doing it to get her husband to stop bugging her. We needed HELP. As missionaries, we're not marriage counselors, so we called in the Bishop. They had a heated argument last night with raised voices pointing, and you name it with us, the wife, and husband, and the bishop. They eventually came to an agreement, and the wife decided to forgive him, and to come to church and to work towards baptism again. I can see how marital problems can tear a family apart allowing the adversary to set in on his number 1 prey, the children. Luckily we were sent by the Lord to help mend this family, and years of problems. All is well.

We are also continuing to meet with the paraplegic boy who is wheelchair bound. He is so smiley, and has such a good attitude on life despite his situation. He can only move his head, and hands a little bit. His fingers work somewhat. It makes everything difficult, including reading church materials. I feel honored to be in the presence of such a noble and great one, along with Billy Johnson being one of those noble and great!

Well interviews, and apartment inspections are tomorrow!

I love you guys. THE CHURCH IS TRUUUUUUUUUE! Don't ever ever ever allow Satan to tell you anything! Shut him out! Bring him down, sing a hymn in your heads, be on your guard at all times! We are all at war. The Prophet leads and guides the church today, the Savior not only died for us but He is central to God's plan. For all our ancestors who go infinitely backward, and our future posterity let's put up the good fight. Draw your swords for the great day is nigh at hand! I'd send my hugs through the e-mail if I could!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!! XOXOXxoOx
p.s. You guys can expect some letters for Christmas! With a couple pictures! :) till next time. enjoy your weeks.
Love Forever, Ty

I'm not how I used to be

2008-10-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 3:16 AM

Hey fam.
I had a very enjoyable week! I've truly seen the Lord's hand in my life! 1st of all General Conference, and priesthood session were amazing!! I enjoyed the talks so thoroughly! I listened to every word carefully. Back home it was hard for me to pay attention to even a whole talk, but here I just can't get enough. We even had one of our investigators come. He still hasn't been to church yet but it was a great missionary opportunity to show him who the prophet and his apostles are. I hope he didn't think it was too boring. He watched every session with us! 8 hours total. What a trooper! His name is Bobby. He is my age. I couldn't ask for a better prepared investigator. He knew the church was true from the first time we shook his hand. Our lessons are so spiritual, and uplifting. He's even quit smoking completely for a month now. What great progress! He's humble, meek , and submissive. Smart, inquisitive, and sensitive to the spirit. We found him one night in a really random place. He saw us far far away and had a feeling to talk to us. We introduced ourselves, and he agreed to hear our message. People here don;t have addresses, they just use landmarks to get a general idea of where they live. This can make it difficult sometimes for missionaries, but we've adapted. He told us a very general location, and we searched thoroughly for his house for a week. We eventually came across an old man who knew his family! He kindly showed us where he lived. The rest has been history. I have no doubt the spirit lead us to him.What a blessing.

I'm still really enjoying the piano lessons. The youth are my main students, although there are a couple of older people too. It's hard to be patient sometimes with them, but I just need to realize most of them have never played an instrument before. They are actually learning pretty fast!

I saw something really sad this week. There is a dangerous road where cars zoom around this steep corner. A taxi came speeding, and a poor baby goat got hit. It broke both of it's back legs, and then tried to hobble a few feet to it's mother. It bled to death and died. I was in shock of what I saw. It's a pretty common occurrence though from what People say. Poor thing.

The women here aren't very modest at all. haha not a day passes by where I don't see some old woman's saggy bare chest, breast feeding during the lessons with nothing to cover, or someone answering the door in their bra. It's just part of the culture. It doesn't shock or surprise me at all anymore. My companion and I always get a good laugh out of it though. Also the swear words in America aren't swear words here. I catch people in my ward swearing during talks, and even the Bishop says an occasional "Oh (expletive deleted)!". haha, just another thing I've adapted to.

President Sabey instructed all the missionaries to be back in the apartment by 6:00pm Saturday to start a special fast for us to find and baptize a family for every companionship. Well we were miles and miles from home. and it was 15mins till 6. I knew we would never make it. We didn't have any money for a car. I said a prayer for us to get home somehow. A minute later One of our ward members drove by gave us a honk, and gave us a ride home! We made it on time. Only her and the bishop have their own cars, everyone else takes taxis or tro tros. It was without a doubt a direct answer to my prayer. I was so grateful! The odds are so low that she would be driving on that road, and passing at that time. A true testimony builder. We started our fast, and the next day was rough. The sun was just scorching, and I was so incredibly weak I could have collapsed at any step I took into the dirt. I knew my health was going to take a bit hit if I didn't take some water soon. So I bought a pouch of water, and drank it incredibly fast. My throat was still as dry as the Sahara desert so a drank another. I made it to a chair and we had a lesson. I started having extreme nausea and a high fever. We had to stop in the middle of the lesson. I felt like I'd been hit by a train. My companion lifted me up as I hobbled home. I finally made it there, and I called sister Sabey. She said to start the Malaria meds so I did. I wasn't even hungry it just felt like I'd throw it all up. I was then sweating profusely. And managed to take a quick shower and fall to sleep. When I woke up my fever was broken and I was ravenously hungry. I felt o.k. Anyway I feel o.k now. I think i had a really bad case of dehydration. Fasting is a bit dangerous here. Next week is fast Sunday too. I don't think it's malaria, but I'm going though the meds just in case. It's just difficult to stay healthy, and to get a balanced diet when all I can afford is ramen. All I can do is try my best and pray the Lord is watching out for me.

This week has humbled me greatly, and I feel the spirit so strong at all times every day. There is nothing like being a missionary. I'm not how I used to be. Even a prayer given by an investigator can make me tear up. I know the church is true! I know it! There are seen and unseen forces involved in the work. There is no greater work, There is no greater call, There is no greater time or place to be, there is no greater, than our God! I love you guys a ton. I'm sorry I didn't say it more back home. But I really really love you! I'm just enjoying the journey. day by day month by month, experience after experience. till next time!

p.s I don't have enough money to make it this month. I'm going to have to withdraw like 20 bucks. I'm just waiting for the assistants to come to Takoradi to bring me my visa card that I left in the safe in the mission home. I'll try not to very often, but sometimes I'll need to tap into it. Even if I budget there are always unexpected times where I'm in a bind. Don't worry too much though! LOVE YOU ALL!

-Ty

The Flerchingers: Thanks for the great advice! I'm trying my best! Love you.

Will that be paper or polytins?

2008-10-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 3:33 AM

Abusuia!(family)
When you mentioned all the changes (since I have been here) like that, ya, they seem like a lot, I've even noticed the really strange or odd/funny things aren't as bizarre to me anymore. Well I think I told you how the old sickly rooster died so he doesn't wake me anymore. there are always political parades going on outside, even at 5:00am. and a little goat that yells so loud, it sounds like it's saying heeeeelp help heeelllllp. we laugh so hard at it and imitate it. Africa is just a NOISY place! I've gotten used to cancelling out the ambience.

My companion Elder Simmonds and I just celebrated his 1 year in Ghana anniversary! It was so fun. We splurged and made a nice big pancake and egg breakfast. We even got our hands on some American maple syrup. A normal bottle of maple syrup here costs like 20 or so dollars! We bought minerals too. (pop). Fanta cocktail flavor is my favorite. The plastic bags that shopkeepers use, like grocery bags have a funny name. They call them polytins. haha

We had a really interesting lesson this week. We had 2 guys and 1 girl listening in young adult age. The lesson was one of the most spiritual we've had, but after the closing prayer was over this Jehovah's witness lady came over yelling at the top of her lungs at her daughter who listened to our lesson she started beating her and heavily abusing her calling her a prostitute and more. I felt terrible for her. I guess the mom was angry that she listened to our message. It gets better though. The neighbor next door started yelling through her fence at us calling Elder Simmonds and I very bad names several times. I was getting really angry. I think she was also Jehovah's witness. She said such horrible things about the church I finally couldn't take it anymore so I pulled a Joseph Smith in Carthage. haha. I got right up to the fence and shouted Excuse me? Who do you think you are lady? Yelling at us. We're just trying to have a nice discussion over here. What's your problem? I was inches from her face. I lowered my tone and said contention is of the devil. She was swearing back and spitting fante. I just said GOOD DAY! and stormed off. My companion had a good laugh. I really got worked up though. oooooo she made me so mad. It was hard to hold back and be polite. It's not very often that we get persecution though.

Sunday was fun. We watched the primary program. :) The kids are sooo adorable. haha. one small girl stood up to the pulpit and just started crying . everyone in the congregation was like awwww. They are really smart. Even the really young kids all had the articles of faith memorized. The best part was when one little girl got up and she said something about the armor of God, but she was putting on a paper breastplate a paper and cardboard shield, and a sword. She said now that I have the armor of God I'm now protected from the fiery darts of de aver sarry. the congregation loved it. I can't remember if I told you guys but I'm the ward Organist, and I also teach piano classes on Wednesdays at the Ward building. I really enjoy it. The Bishop asked me to do it because there is only 1 member of the ward who can play the organ. I'm really excited about the class. My companion is very smart with music too so we make a good teaching team.

Some political leader came to Takoradi, and the people wanted to protest against him so they shut off all the power for the whole day! Only in Africa. man it was a hot day too. It was dark and we couldn't even turn on a fan or anything. I'm so glad I have my wind up light.

The Bishop gave a lecture in priesthood about the Hungry deacons eating the sacrament bread. It was funny. The poor kids are so hungry though. sigh

One of the guys we just baptized go out proselyting with us all day and every day because he wants to. It's just amazing because he's only been baptized for about a month now. The faith and dedication is unreal. His knowledge of the church exceeds most of the people in the branch back home. He's Solid as a rock. That's the kind of investigators we look for. The ones who will build the kingdom.

We're already working on 2 families for baptism. The power of prayer is amazing.

I loved the package again. thx. I can't think of anything I would really want besides fettuccini alfredo mixes haha. We have plenty noodles to buy but nothing to put on them besides heated tomato paste and stuff. Oh! And good call on vacuum sealing the food items. Things get "Ghanafied" as we call it. or "Spoilt" as the Ghanaians would say. The heat, humidity, and pressure just get to it and make certain foods rot. The gum turns to liquid after a couple hours of opening it.

Well I pray all is well. Hold Family Home evening, family prayer. A Family united in the Gospel is a Happy family. Send my love to everyone! Can't wait till next week, and eventually hearing your voices at Christmas! I hope I don't get choked up or too emotional over the phone. haha. miss you love you

From your son on the other side or the world: Elder Carton

Bitten by a Monkey!

2008-10-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 8:54 AM

Thanks so much for the e-mail! I always get really excited reading them. I have lots to tell so here it goes...
I got the package! :) Thanks sooo much I was jumping up and down. haha my companion can vouch for me, I've gotten way more outgoing, loud, and maybe a little more crazy. well anyway. everything in the package was there. thx so much for everything, especially the contact solution! The alarm clock is perfect thx. I've just been waking up with my companion. he automatically
gets up early so. thx tho! I really enjoyed the card too!

Well most interesting first... I was bitten by a monkey! One of my investigators has a pet monkey and its really fun to play with. It's name is Paddy. haha I was just playing with it, and pulling this little rag away from it, and it playfully bit me. haha. I think my companion was jealous, because the monkey doesn't like him.

The big Ghana black stars game was going on. It's impossible to proselyte when it's going on. They just built a HUGE stadium for them near my ward building. There is no way to describe the excitement of it. It's like 4th of July, Christmas, and Mardi Gras. we won 3-0

While we were tracting a school teacher that we are teaching, and her twin sister sang to us. They really had nice voices! I just love how open and carefree people are.

Brother Adofo in our ward cut us down some 20-30 bananas and popoes. We're waiting for it to ripen. yum

The lady who I told you about that smokes eels is finally coming back to church. we're really pushing for a baptism with her. In time though. because we want potential strong members of the church. We need to see some more commitment before we'll baptize her.

I just got a sweet soccer setup. A nice jersey number 25 for team Arsenal. white and red with red soccer socks. a headband, wristband, and matching puma cleats. stuff is so cheap here. it was like 20 dollars for the whole getup. Almost all the other elders have nice soccer equipment that
they've acquired along the way.

We were teaching a couple of old old ladies outside their shop, and we just finished our opening prayer. as soon as we said amen a crazy chicken flew across our faces beating both of our faces with it's wings. we all laughed. the animals here are so funny sometimes. especially the goats.

We had Zone conference yesterday which was supposed to be p-day, but switched p-day to today. so sorry for the delay on the e-mail. President Sabey is so great. He speaks with the strongest spirit and power. The focus of Zone Conf was families. He told us as a mission we will all set the goal of baptizing a family before December is over. It might be tough, and it might be easy. we're praying to find the right family to teach.

Pres Sabey also wants us to get up an hour earlier every day, and go to bed an hour earlier. soo oh joy getting up at 5:30am. and bed by 9:30. it will be another adjustment. He also told us that if we don't have and investigators attend sacrament meeting for us to not waste time at church but rather go teaching. So we're exempt from Sunday School, and Priesthood. Of course he wants us in sacrament meeting though.

Lastly and most exciting...We get to go to the Temple again! My companion hasn't been in over a year. Cape Coast elders never go to the temple besides in the MTC and going home. I'm really excited! It's a rare opportunity. If you read the title of the e-mail. I get to stay in Takoradi! I'm so excited, and don't want to leave. Takoradi holds a special place in my heart.

I got to hold a Giant Snail. My companion picked it off one of the palm nut trees. its like a short palm tree. the palm nut that grows on it is used for abiequen or palm nut soup with fufu or whatever. The Snail was sooo big. Thanks for giving me Ryans address again! I just got a letter from Steph and the Flerchingers along with the package! I got a new oil vial from the Zone Leaders. We give blessings so much as Elders so I'll put it to good use.

Tanner the internet cafe is the Harry Potter Cafe. I hope soccer is doing well! Also on my p-days I spend a few hours washing clothes, and cleaning the kitchen. I hang my clothes to dry then take a trotro to town. We play soccer for a few hours, then we go back into town and do our shopping. we leave the market, and trotro back to our apartment. drop stuff off grab a quick bite to eat either there or in town, and then teach the gospel for the rest of the day. It's definitely not a day of rest and relaxation, it's quite opposite, but really enjoyable. For a missionary there is no day or even time for rest and relaxation. We call that going to bed at night. haha.

Love all you guys bye-bye. next Monday I'll write cha'll.
ye co a baa abusia, na Me be ba djweada i
(I'll go and come family, and I'll be back Monday)
x0x0x0x
Elder Carton

De chapel no ye nokwar i! (The church is true!)

2008-10-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 7:02 AM

Abusua!(Family)
I didn't think it was possible but every passing day is more and more exciting! I'm so glad you guys loved the pictures! and those kids are so great. A certain family takes such good care of all the missionaries, Rudolph, Mac-b, Melissa are their kid's. I got a video of them singing I am a child of God. :) haha can't wait for you to see it. and other great videos like us dancing in the MTC. haha. I just got back from a big football game: Takoradi vs. Cape Coast. I also play center forward like Tanner. We won 3-0! Our zone kicks major tookus at football. ;) even President Sabey was the Ref, and he actually has the outfit, the whistle, and red and yellow cards for the game. I really enjoy the social interaction with the other elders!

Ahhhhh! I can't tell you how jealous I am that you've seen General Conf.! We won't be able to see it for another couple weeks. Transfers are coming up tomorrow! I hope I get to stay in Kweikuma! We'll see though. Oh and we also get church news, and I saw the article on the Ghana MTC! That was the group that came after us. That's so exciting little Easton is getting blessed soon! Let me know what the blessing says.

well I didn't get the package yet... but I'll look forward to it! thx
I just want to thank everyone for their prayers when I was really sick! It's a terrible sickness cuz one minute you'll feel fine then 10 minutes later it feels like you're on your death bed. Thx for your concern with my investigators! Our baptisms went great! We baptized 3 on Saturday! a 50 year old woman, and her daughter 14ish. also Arron. he was in the picture I sent. They were so happy. Baptisms are different here. They always have a demonstration before the baptism, and we sing a ton of hymns. They even lay the baptismal clothes out on the grass to dry them haha. I have a picture of it.

With my investigators its common here to get like 20 new investigators per week, and drop usually 5 or so that are just not progressing. We're advised just to move on if they're not keeping commitments. That's one of my weaknesses, because it's hard to just leave them be. sigh.

My companion and I were going to a late appointment a few days ago and a couple guys with cutlasses (machetes) were following us off onto this one trail. they got maybe 20 feet away from us, and I said Elder lets go. Suddenly they picked up the pace, but we ran away. We just have to be super careful at night especially. The Ghanaians have a lot of good ideas for where is safe and where is not. It was a bit of a scare. Don't worry though. we try to stay safe as we can.

I can't believe my 2 month mark has come! I'm going to celebrate and buy some ice cream or something. (well frozen yogurt)

At yesterday's testimony meeting I bore my whole 2 minute or so testimony in Fante! The members cheered and clapped after my testimony! haha. I've never seen that kind of thing ever in my life. The members here are so kind. Fast Sundays can be brutal on a missionary. I fast 3 meals, and still go tracting. Mission pres advises us to drink water though. I can eat soooo much rice now. like 4 times the size of my average plate of rice at home.
haha. I made some killy willy. it's deep fat fried plantain with ginger....mmmm

De chapel no ye nokwar i! (The church is true!)
thx for you prayers. Love you guys so so so so so so much!
-Ty

New Photos!

2008-10-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

We have some new photos from Ghana. Please check out the slideshow. To see the pictures better click on the slideshow photos to the right beneath the mailing address and it will take you to the Picasa Website where we keep them. I also added some comments to the pictures for a little background. Here is my favorite: This cute little girl wearing Tylan's shoes is Rudolph Grace the youngest of 6 kids.

There is a "comments" section at the bottom of these blogs. If you have a message for Tylan leave a comment and I will pass it along to him.

The work is moving foreword!

2008-09-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 8:42 AM

Dear Family.
Thanks so much for your prayers! I feel so blessed to have so many people that care about me. Well The Malaria passed after about 4 or 5 days, and the lung infection was about the same. The pharmacy here or (chemist) has some powerful drugs. lucky the doctor knew the perfect thing to prescribe and this week I've been up and running as normal.

The other elders in my apartment are pretty cool. Elder Hazlam is from Utah, and Elder Amoah is from Ghana, northern region.

I can't believe my 2 month mark is coming up. It seems like I've been here for a week. well not really haha. Ya, I fixed up my bed, and put some new nails in the frame. I broke the hammer doing so though. haha. We've also killed some huge spiders in the apartment.

Foofoo with abenkwan is officially my favorite food. It really has grown on me, and I get excited when the members invite us over for a meal.

Anyway My week has been full of great experiences. We are continuing to teach the large family that I mentioned earlier.

We are baptizing 3 this Saturday! Elizabeth Duncan 50, her daughter Maggie 15, and Aaron 13ish. They are so great, and always happy to let us in to teach them. We were planning on 4 people, but one of them, sister comfort is being a bit difficult, and stopped coming to church. She smokes eels all day for a living. These people are such hard workers. Still she should be able to give 3 hours to the lord every week.

Her husband brings in a huge net from the ocean every morning and she has these mud table things that she stokes a fire under and has frames with metal screens to stack on top of it in layers to smoke the eels they catch. They're big too! Shiny and have no fins. She lives about 40 feet from the beach. Anyway my companion and I are working and praying she will continue in the direction of baptism. She had a great answer to her prayers and even had a dream of 2 white men coming to greet her and she woke from our knocking on the door. I was so excited to hear that from her. The Lord really prepares and places these people before us.

I've learned to bear a long testimony in fante, and continue to try and learn. Interviews and transfers are coming up. Well, I love you guys so much, and I also sent my pictures out last week. thx for sending the stuff.
byebye gtg

The work is moving foreword!
-Ty

Sick as a dog

2008-09-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 8:29 AM

To answer the kid's question. yes I exercise every day! It's a great way to start the day. we have a dumbbell and other weights, and a jump rope. I mostly like to do stretches then lift. I'm glad you guys have been digging deeper into the scriptures! and having family home evenings more often. Instead of just reading straight I like to search for specific topics or stories, or try to find answers to deep doctrine. It's really a great way to approach the scriptures, because they can seem to be daunting reading it cover to cover. especially the bible.

Anyway My week:
Tuesday morning I woke with severe stomach pains, diarrhea, nausea, achey body, coughing. I contracted malaria.I've been taking my doxy faithfully but my companion said doxy only prolongs the time from when you are bitten until you actually experience symptoms. I was miserable, moreso the fact that I couldn't go outside. I've been bedridden sience yesterday.
I called sister Sabey and she told me to take coartem, a anti malarial. I finished it but I started having some other symptoms along with those. I was having strange acute back pains on my right side. I called sister Sabey again, and she told me to go to the hospital.I had to wait for 4 hours before seeing the doctor. The hospitals here are very strange and have very long waiting lines. I told the doctor about the back pains I was having so he listened with a stethoscope. The doctor said he could hear water in my lungs, and that I have a lung infection. I got some more drugs and went home to rest. We only taught 1 lesson this week. The meds seem to be working for my lungs, but it's still hard to get a full breath of air. I tend to get a high fever every once and a while. Sister Sabey said to just take it easy still, so that's what I've been doing. I just came to town to do some quick errands and to e-mail you guys. The work must continue though. Don't worry though. I'm keeping a close eye on my symptoms.

We were able to do a service project though yesterday. We weeded around a hospital, and a mortuary. The place looked great afterwords. It was called the all African service project. In every country in Africa all the stakes hold an annual service project. It was a sight i've never seen before. About 70 Ghanaians cutting grass with machetes. I can now mow the front lawn at
home with just a machete. haha. They're really good and fast at it too! There is a special technique to it. My companion and I have blisters from it though. The Ghanaians have very coarse and tough hands. they even touch hot coals, and pots/pans when cooking. It's amazing. There culture is just hard working in general. Even the girls are buff.

Well I really look forward to going back to a missionary routine this week. Thx again for all your love and support. I won't lie. It's tough out here, but it's so worth it.

P.s. haha my bed broke this morning. I have to buy a hammer and nails. Hopefully I can fix it. haha o well, life comes at you fast. miss you all!
till next time...
-Love
Ty (Elder Carton)

Onward, Ever Onward

2008-09-26T23:24:00.000-07:00

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 9:56 AM

I miss you guys tons. thx a ton for sending a package! I feel so grateful! If it's not to late I probably need some more contacts. I have enough for maybe another month and a half. thx. I really enjoy getting to "go home" for an hour every p-day and read your e-mails!

The teaching is going great. we just had another commit to baptism. I'm really excited, because we just encountered a family of 10. The kids range from age 4 to about 24. It's a single father. The mom maybe died 4 years ago. This family is so great. They are all so excited about the gospel, and are really soaking it in. We aim to contact families, because of the nature of missionary work. A family of unity, and of one heart is a happy family.

Reading the scriptures has become such a constant thing, I can't get enough. If the mission president said o.k. I just want you to read scriptures all day I would be really excited. Back home it was hard for me to read them daily, but now I don't think I could go another day without
them.

Some of my white shirts are horribly stained, so I decided to open a new one. I walked out of the door and 5 seconds later a bird pooed all over my new shirt. I was covered in it! And my food was too. I was really really mad, but I just had to laugh. Luckily I got the stain out. Mom don't worry about sending me shirts. there are plenty of places to buy white shirts. On one of my left shoes is trashed. the inside just collapsed through the sole. I can buy another pair here. o well. anyway I found a lady who sells delicious fried food like onion ring things, and something that tastes like a doughnut! My member friend Issac baked us some Ghanaian pizza. It tasted nothing like pizza, but it was good. Mostly dough, large peppers, tomato slices and, an extremely small amount of cheese (because of the cost) it was probably a dimes worth of cheese. haha

I just finished printing 31 pictures. I found a kiosk where I can plug in my memory stick. anyway. It was like 10 cedis to print. it's like a weeks worth of food, but anyway I wanted to show you guys some great pictures! They might take a while to get there. I'll mail them next week when I get money. I really think you'll enjoy them. It will probably be a rare thing for me to send because of the cost.

We just have a blast in the apartment playing card games and guitar after a long day of work. It's very satisfying to say at the end of each night that I tried my best. O.k remember that horrible bus crash that happened in the U.S maybe about a year ago? I think it was called the STC bus crash where the bus went off an overpass, and landed upside down killing many many people. I remember hearing about that news story in my current world problems class senior
year. anyway a girl in my ward was on that bus! She walks on a crutch. She saw her best friend die, and about 20 more on that bus also pass away. She was luckily to survive. She is so nice. The lord has more for her to do in this life I guess. I was in shock when I heard.

I had my first zone conf. and district meeting. they're way cool. my companion Elder Simmonds and I are like brothers. we goof around probably a little to much, but can be serious too. he is the definition of exact obedience. I'm grateful that he was placed as my trainer.

I so glad you guys feel the blessings. I told myself I wouldn't try to correct you guys once I got out here haha, but I hope you guys are having family home evening more often. I can finally see what positive effects it has upon families.

thx for the pictures. I found a faster internet cafe so I'm able to do pictures well... a tiny bit faster. haha
I love all of you and miss you!
yebashia!
Love,
Elder Carton

-Ty

Obrunies!

2008-09-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Thx for the pics of leo, and from Tiara! I really enjoy them, these internet cafes are so slow that it takes me 40 minutes just to log on and respond. each pictures takes 20 minutes to load, so it can be a bit frustrating. haha the missionaries joke how it's the lord's way of testing us to be patient, and use this slow ldsmail. Many other Elders use hotmail, and stuff but I'm just glad to be able to have this. so anyway...

Sweet is the work, and as my companion says sweat is the work. It's been a hot week. I sleep like a rock though, that diseased rooster outside my window is finally dead. thank goodness. haha. Now I can sleep soundly. My roommate has malaria, so we're helping him out. I'm lucky to have not gotten sick at all.

We're teaching so many people, it's very difficult to remember all of them, their names, needs, and places where they live. We have no phone to contact them, and there are no official addresses for any building or house. When we receive referrals, it can be very hard to find them. My favorite Ghanaians are the ward missionaries! They are so fun. 3 boys that go with us tracting and teaching all day. They fight over who gets to go what day. We can only take 1 a day because it's expensive for us to pay their transportation, and food. They are missionaries to be, and make every lesson a member present lesson which have a more powerful effect than a regular missionary lesson. One of the ward missionaries (Bill) and us are working on teaching, and baptizing his mom, and sister. They've been coming to church, and accepted to be baptized on October 4th. That's just an example. We hope to be baptizing 4-6 more on Oct. 4.

Church was wonderful! We had nearly 20 new investigators that we invited there. My favorite part is greeting everyone before sacrament meeting. The Ghanaians have a special handshake here, and everyone uses it except elderly women. I can't wait to show you it. We encounter so many funny people on the streets. anyway to answer your questions:
Fante: Ya, I'm learning more and more! The Ghanaians get such a kick out of a couple obrunies (white men) speaking thier local dialect. I have a Fante Book of Mormon, and a dictionary that I use for study.
Showers: Haha, nono. no bucket showers. we have 2 bathrooms in our apartment, and are not bad besides the cold water...very cold water. haha
Electricity: The power goes off almost every day. We usually keep lights off when we can to conserve on our electricity bill. There are power strips here that are universal, so I havn't had to use my converter yet.
Neighbors: They are all super nice. One of our neighbor makes us fresh bread every morning for us for about 70 cents per loaf. very cheap
Foods I've cooked: Rice and beef stew, fried rice, beans, ramen, french toast, egg sandwiches, oatmeal, corn mash.. and more. it's tough because we don't have an oven. so were limited to pots and pans. Everything is purchased in the market. Food, clothes, whatever.

I'm running out of time, but the children are all so open and kind. They help me the most with the Fante. They love primary.

Sorry the message is short, but my time is up. I love everyone, and I enjoyed so much reading
about you all. I'm sorry I only have time for 1 message a week, but I love you all, and I'll be sending homesome pictures soon! Walk with God, and thanks for your prayers! love you all -Elder Carton

akwabaa abusua!!! (greetings family)

2008-09-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

The people here are beyond words, Everyone I've met is so friendly, none have been rude. Takoradi is a big city. My ward building is the Sekondi ward, and my ward is the kwekuma ward. Church is so different here. The hymns are sung so loudly. it's a lot of fun! All sacrament meeting talks are in Fante, including Sunday school, and priesthood etc... The building is actually really really nice. The chapel is on the 2nd story, and it is just BIG. It was elevators and everything! I bore my testimony and introduced myself. It was fun because I was able to speak some of it in Fante. The language is tough, but Elder Simmonds is way cool about teaching me, and just a great companion! My mind was so confused on my first couple days, because I tried to remember everyone name, learn the language, and just how to live like a missionary, and a true Ghanaian. :)

We've had so much success! On Saturday I baptized 4 people!! Zagin, Mary, Obeng, and Kofi. They are such great people, and have great testimonies. The feeling is inexplainable when I was able to teach them, and then to baptize them. I catch myself getting emotional a lot when I teach.
Especially the other day when this little girl we were teaching who her parents died, prayed for the first time, and asked to know if the book of mormon was true. I really love these people. We do run into a lot of drunken old men. They can be pretty funny. One of them sang us a song on the street. haha. There are so many goats, sheep, lizards, chickens, and more running around!

One Rooster in particular wakes me up every morning with its annoying cockadoodledoo!! It always starts somewhere around 4 am. I yelled this morning around 4 am "ELDER! I'm GOING TO STRANGLE THAT STUPID BIRD!!" we just laughed. My apartment is....well for Africa it's nice. The showers are ice cold. There are 2 other Elders in My appmt.

Ya, haha don't worry about me eating. I eat more than ever. I can eat 8,000 foofoo (8,000 is what you say to the shopkeepers, or however much you want, it's the old currency that people are used to, so that's how you have to ask.) It may sound bizarre of me, but I really enjoy cooking, cleaning, hand washing laundry, and ironing. My time is almost up at this internet cafe so I have to wrap it up.

The weather here has been really nice. It's only rained a couple days, it's still a nice temperature though. It's so humid! Anyway I love you guys so much, and I am praying for you all. Don't get me wrong Ghana is not all sunshine, sugardrops, and candycaines, but I just try my hardest to make the most of it. Now that I'm here, and getting a feel for how it's going to be, and what's avalible for purchace. I can purchace biscuts here (cookies) but the people dont really have snacks) I don't think I'll ever have to ask for money, because my companion says what we get is more than enough. every month we get 110 Ghana Cedis. Pres. Sabey is so nice! anyway love you all! miss you guys!

And much love to all Family and Friends who read this. I'm keeping you all in my prayers! me co a baa (I'll come and go) bye bye

Love Elder Carton!

Hey Everyone!

2008-09-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!
I'm at the mission home, and I'm safe, but I just wanted to tell you that I'm safe and having the time of my life! Ghana is beyond words. The people, the food, the culture are just the coolest! I just found out my first area is Takoradi, and my companion is Elder Simmons, from Bountiful , Utah.

I don't have much time to write this time, but when I get out of the mission home and on my p day ill write you guys a real message. I'm just registering my account. I love you guys so much, and I appreciate the letters! I'm praying for you, and especially Tiara! Tell her congrats! I gained 10-15 pounds in the MTC, and it's a good thing because I ran into a cape coast elder on his way home, and he was skinny as a twig! Anyway. miss you guys. I wish you could see it. The palm trees, the ocean, the nice weather, the people, just everything is such a blessing! I really feel like the lord has sent me to paradise.

In my 2 days of MTC tracting I got over 25 contacts, and gave out 3 book of mormons, 1 bible, all my pass along cards, invitations to church for all of them. only one person said no thx. , but
anyway it's time for dinner. gtg love you all. Keep in touch!!
-Elder Carton