Wow! This place is wild! I am finally out of the MTC, and I have been in the mission field for about a week, and that has made all the difference. I was sent to the Nkawkaw area, which is pronounced like "New Coco," area which is about three hours southeast of Kumasi. I love it here. Life is definitely not the same here as it is in the States. There are so many things that I took for granted in the States.
Plumbing is definitely something that I miss, although I am getting pretty good at bucket showers and having to bucket water to flush the toilet. Most of the transportation is done by foot. I call it driving my "lamborfeeties." Every now and then, we will take a tro-tro, which is basically a super ghetto taxi. There are no rules for driving here, so it's just total chaos. No speed limits, no turning signals. It's actually kind of cool to learn how to live without many of the everyday things we have in America. The power is not reliable here at all. We don't have power like 60% of the time, but it's all good. Who needs lights anyway? The only light I actually need in my life is the light of God.
The food here is very different. I am still eating a ton of rice and a lot of fish. Plantains are popular, along with yams and eggs. Fufu is the main Ghanaian dish. It's not too bad, honestly, but it takes some getting used to for sure. The food is extremely spicy, especially the food called "pepe." It's basically a pico but crazy spicy, and they put pepe on literally everything. There have been times where sweat is pouring from my forehead, my nose is running, and I can't breathe nor taste the food cause it's so hot, but I'm getting used to it, so that's a positive.
I am very blessed for the companion I received. I got paired with Elder Bloomfield from Arizona. He's the coolest, and we get along great. I appreciate him showing me the ropes of Africa. If it weren't for him, I would be a little lost country boy. Also, a big thanks to my zone leader, Elder Riley, whose uncle was my boss in the States. God's hand has definitely been a part of this transfer. If I could explain Ghana in a few words, it would be hot, ghetto, and fun. I am so blessed and excited to continue my mission here in Ghana. Although I may miss the States and the many luxuries that come with living there, this is the place that I need to be. God has a plan for each of us, and I have seen His hand in my life many times since I have been here. Africa is wild, and there are big things happening here every day. I love being able to see the change in people's lives who are willing to listen to our message of the gospel. One of the topics in the Preach My Gospel book is "the gospel blesses individuals and families," and oh, how it truly does. The ones who are willing to listen to our message have dramatic change in their life from bad to good. I love this gospel and the spirit and blessings that it brings. I love and miss you all. I appreciate all of the good words and wishes that I have been emailed. I'm sorry if this email was too long. I just had a lot of things to say! I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I will talk to you next time!
The first few photos are of my area. I haven't gotten any photos of the market yet, but I will here soon. The first food photo I have is of the main dish in Ghana fufu. Also I got to see elder Crossley at transfer it was good to talk to him and see someone that I knew! There is also a picture of some of the wonderful artwork from here in Africa!
