Pig Roast!!

 

Dear Family and Friends,  

Oh, what a wonderful week! Let me start with last week Monday. Our district wanted to have a celebration to send off Elder Davuke, who completed his mission this week, by having a pig roast. One of the members here raises pigs on his farm and was kind enough to sell us one. We came over Monday afternoon and had a wonderful bonfire/ pig roast. Since it was held out in the bush away from water/ electricity/ normal conveniences, things were a bit archaic… we ended up plating the pig on some banana leaves and eating / tearing meat off the roasted carcass with our hands. No plates, no utensils (other than the butcher knife), just a bunch of young guys enjoying some meat! It was a blast in the end I have to admit. The pig was so sweet! And the fact that just 3 hours earlier it was living made the taste that much sweeter. I’d have to say the only downside to the whole event was Tuesday and Wednesday trips to the toilet… My bowels haven’t had pork for so long, and then to have a FEAST of meat, all gave my bowels a hard time. None the less, it was an adventure to remember! 

My companion and I were privileged to travel to Kade to go on an exchange there which was also very fun! It is a nearby city about 1.5 hours away. We just jump on a chro chro (basically Ghanaian version of a metro bus) and after knocking heads on the roof of the car and with the person next to you because of the extremely bumpy roads, you’re there! Too easy. I went with Elder Weah, who is from New Kru Town, Liberia! It was pretty exciting to be able to remenice about the culture and things of Liberia that we both miss. I actually served in his home branch, and I even know his family. I cant quite remember their faces, because “weah” is a very very common Liberian name. There were 3 or 4 different Weah families in NKT branch, I haven’t yet distinguished which one was his and because he had no family photos, their faces still have escaped my mind. even still, that was a fairly fun exchange and a wonderful blessing! 

Unfortunately, my companion fell ill this week and so we had to take it easy the end of the week. Wednesday- Saturday he was vomiting and had flu like symptoms, then Saturday evening once he had finally overcome that illness, he ended up with a nice cold. He is still struggling to fight off this bug and hopefully midweek he will be back to 100%. That is our prayer. Thankfully we were able to proselyte at least for a few hours every day/ go on some exchanges and take turns resting with my companion. In the time I was in the apartment with him I got a few letters written and read a fairly large portion of Jesus the Christ.  

Saturday our missionary district had a baptism! 6 candidates that I mentioned last week from Anum Apapam were baptized as well as our awesome candidate, Seth! He is the young man I believe I bragged about a few weeks ago. He is such an amazing example to his sisters and Mother who are also investigating the church. The baptism went wonderful! It was very well attended by branch members which helps the candidates feel more welcomed. It can be frustrating when a baptism is only attended by missionaries and then people feel unwanted/ unneeded, thus having the room packed with members was quite exciting for us. You will also be interested to know that the baptismal font we cleaned so well a few weeks ago was shining brightly! Although I was sourly disappointed when the water was still green because the tap water is so dirty… oh well. We continue to try and get that baptism water clear!

We had such an awesome experience with Seth’s sister this Friday while teaching her more about the Book of Mormon. She is a teenager, 17yrs old I believe. She is very passionate about her church and has always been reluctant to sit with us, or rather I should say she always hides her face when we come and forces us to beg her to learn with us. We have only taught her the restoration. During our visit we read some passages from the BOM and then simply asked her if she believed they were written by prophets called of God. She told us that she believed true, to which I promised her that if she prayed right now, God would also confirm to her that it was the very word of God. We got down on our knees right then and there and she prayed to ask God if the BOM is true. After she prayed, we sat there for a few minutes on our knees while she waited for her response. Ironically enough, the power dramatically went out and we wereleft sitting there in the dark, but the powers of heaven were no doubt switched on. The spirit in the room was gentle, but obviously there. As we got off our knees, I asked her if she had felt her answer. She expressed that indeed she had and that she knew it was true. I then asked her what it meant to her if the BOM was true. Her tone of voice was almost annoyed as she explained that she now knew that indeed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was of God, and that she needed to come and be baptized. Of course she wasn’t annoyed, but she now knew that all we had been asking her to do was to come learn for herself! She didn’t quite accept a baptismal date, she decided that was just a little too much revelation in one day, but she agreed to pray about it. Ah, it was such a sweet experience! 

I love the opportunity I have to help people learn of these truths that will bless their lives. I love that it’s not me doing the work, but I get to simply sit back and watch the Lord work mighty miracles before my eyes. I bring the message, and He confirms the message I share. I love being a missionary!

Well, in other news, Elder Legg and I will be staying together this next transfer. It will be an 8 week transfer because this one was only 4 weeks. We are getting along wonderfully and have really been helping each other grow in many faucets of our lives. It’s a privilege to work alongside him. We’re excited for what will happen these next few weeks! Btw, Im also excited because Elder Tolar (from Liberia mission) is coming to my district, not my apartment but to the apartment just a few minutes away. He will be my zone leader. Out of the 3 of us that were sent here, we get to serve in the same city! Sweet! Also, I heard that the Berretts were re-assigned to the Accra West mission so maybe in the future I will get to see them now and again! WOOT!! :) I Love the Berretts!! Too cool :) Oh one last piece of transfer news… two new missionaries will be coming to my district this week. We don’t know who they are or where they are from, but one will be in my apartment and one in the ZL’s apartment. Too easy! We’re excited! 

Well, we look forward to this upcoming week. Should be a good one :) Take it easy at home and be sure to open your mouth when the chances arise. It so wonderful to share this gospel with others. Till next week! 

Love, Elder Fairwell