"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"....actually not so much really.  But it is sounding like Christmas in the stores, the music. And Santa is alive and well here also. I resisted asking to sit on his lap, not sure if missionaries are supposed to do that actually.  He was very jolly and nice though. 

The traffic was horrendous this week as many people traveled into Accra and out to their villages to be with family, which is what Christmas is all about here. I'm not sure where this cow was headed, perhaps Christmas dinner?!? When you are stuck in traffic you have time to take photos and buy from the street hawkers. This week, we purchased tissues and bananas from the street vendors.  Amazon needs to step up their game. All from the convenience of your car. This is the way to shop!! 

We got settled into an office this week which is located on the ground floor of the chapel (picture center) on the same property as the Temple (picture right), the area office buildings and the new Ghana MTC, Mission Training Center. 

Meetings with Elder John Koranteng, area Self-Reliance Manager and also Elder Marcus Nash of the area presidency are helping to give us a vision of the Literacy Program here. More about this next week, we have a steep learning curve ahead. What a special treat it will be to associate with these wonderful men.

AND we started driving. It's like driving bumper cars, but you really do try not to run into anything or anyone! We did get a car with dents as requested and made our rounds to get a few groceries which is an experience all in itself. (Saved for another post) 

All produce needs to be soaked in either bleach water or a vegetable wash (iodine.) 

There is a wood carver, Isaac just down the street from our apartment, people sell all kinds of things on the sides of the streets. It's like their shop. 

This picture is for our grandson Benjamin who is very fond of giraffes right now. We might have a hard time fitting it in a suitcase if he decides he wants one.

There are some great things about Ghana, most particularly the wonderful people. But there are pictures that I actually have a hard time posting.  So, without trying to change the good and wonderful aspects of this country, we also hope to make a difference along with so many other NGOs (non government organizations who are here.) The exciting thing is to see Ghanaians starting schools and other businesses and becoming more self-reliant.  

We send our love and wishes for a wonderful Christmas to family and friends alike. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  We testify that he lives and loves you still!