Dear
Family,
Hello!
I'm
sorry I missed [emailing] last week. Dumb cafe. Well, internet access is more
limited now, in some ways, but in other ways it's really good. I'm currently
emailing from the Hanlons' apartment because there isn't any other good way to
email up here. Interesting, right? [the Hanlons are a senior missionary couple serving in his zone]
This
week has honestly been one of the longest ones of my mission. That's also
probably compounded with the fact that I didn't really get to report about last
week's adventures. Well, they're in the past, this week is full enough as it
is--some big changes and a lot of things to describe.
Monday
was spent buying some things and preparing to leave. I bought a couple Twix
bars to keep me satisfied up here in Praso. Too bad I only have one of those
left.
Tuesday
was a fast day. I'll be honest, I cried a couple times. That morning we did our
studies and everything, and as I was giving the closing prayer for our last
companion study, I gotta admit, it wasn't easy.
We went
to district meeting; that was a really good one. I said goodbye to the
wonderful district. Thoughts on leaving my district were.. Well, I learned so
many things during my time in Sekondi. I may have spent a while there, but
there was a reason for me to be there; there were things I needed to learn
during each transfer, month, week, and day. And I did learn. I'm so grateful
for the time I spent in Sekondi.
Elders Price, Allen, Barlow
Johnson, Hanson, Pohahau
We first
went to visit some members, success! We went to visit Br., and she took us
up to visit with her uncle. Her uncle then proceeded to explain to us that he's
not comfortable with her being baptized and becoming a member. Bummers. He
did it in a really kind and caring way, acting as the patriarch of the house
that he is. She told us after the meeting that she's confident that after a
couple visits that he'll warm up and permit her to be baptized. She's strong,
just a roadblock that will eventually work out.
We then
visited Akua, and she was so nice. I was really sad to be in the Asante home
for the last time, but it's part of the work. They gave me a really nice gift
of a shirt, and I already miss them.
We had a
farewell gathering at the chapel for both me and Lancelot, the member who is
leaving (has left) for his mission. It was really good. Good memories.
That evening
we went up to the Julanders and sang a version of their birthday song that they
sing to the elders. I played the guitar and we sang "goodbye goodbye
Julanders..." to them. :) It was great.
Then packing. Lots of it.
Sad face [and this mom is wondering "where did he get that pillowcase?"] |
Elder Johnson monitoring luggage |
Elder Johnson and Elder Price |
Long
ride. Cramped spaces. Completely exhausted.
I
arrived to Elder Keetch's stuff still there. Why? His parents are picking him
up this week! So I'm actually in a threesome. But it's been impossible to
unpack.. Well, it's not too much of a pain. It's cool to have him around!
The next
few days have been a rush. New people, chickens pecking at my sandals during
lessons, and some sweet new investigators. It's not too bushy, there are some
paved roads and it's a nice area! I'm looking forward to it, and Elder Etim is
a great guy.
I
received a package..The Hanlons brought it to me, and I actually said it
wasn't mine. No note, no nothing. I didn't believe it was for me; it didn't
have my name on it. But it turns out that it's from the Julanders. I knew it
right as I saw the subwoofer. Man.. That gift touched my heart. I love them.
Well, I
don't have too much time for any more stories for this week. Church is back
into a small makeshift sort of building, not as bad as my first chapel on
mission, but it's hard to compare to Sekondi.
This is
where I'm supposed to be, but change isn't easy. I love Sekondi, and I love the
people there. I'm just going to work to let my heart love even more people and
places! I'm actually going to be playing the piano for this branch, now, so
that will be an adventure. :) Do good things!
Love,
Elder
Price
P.S. Two districts of 8 people each. Only 16 people in the zone. VERY spread out,
however. I'm the only American in this apartment once Elder Keetch leaves. Also, I'm glad that I had some transfers between being a zone leader in LIB and being a zone leader here. It definitely helped the transition.
Bonus Photos:
Bonus Photos:
"Note
the baby holding a live bird" |