Rainy Season Begins in Ghana and Districts Receive Training

Unlike Seattle's drizzle, Ghana gets with the program, 

like a warm fire hydrant shower.

Despite the setback with the new Sunday schedule in January, people want the Gospel Literacy program in their areas. We are finding better success focusing on Sunday School leaders.

With the support of MLS (Member Leader Support) Senior Missionaries, The Carlquists here, we're branching out into the districts outside the larger population areas. Kpong District

We still love to visit individual classes like this on Sundays when a Bishop wants to get a class started and doesn't want to wait for a Stake Training. Buduburam 2nd, Kasoa Stake

This group is composed of mostly facilitators who will work with learners one on one rather than in a class setting.

In March Sister Bingham, the General Relief Society President came to Ghana and observed the program.

We are hopeful that she will be able to convey the need for Gospel Literacy during the second hour.  "Come Follow Me" is the new Sunday School curriculum, and this could be a simplified version for literacy learners.

Out in Ho District with Pres. Keys, the Cape Coast Mission Pres. along with the MLS Senior Missionaries the Fifes, Keatings and Burgers who will be a tremendous support in their areas.

Car trouble, no AAA here. On the road to the Districts around Kumasi.

In Sunyani District, one man traveled 2 1/2 hours on a Friday night by Tro tro, (small, non air-conditioned passenger van) to be here.  

We've been so inspired by the enthusiasm and willingness of the District members to come for training in order to help their members learn to read and write. 

People insist on carrying the boxes of manuals for us.

Relief Society Birthday celebration in Dichemso Stake in Kumasi.  

Agona District

Traveling back through Kumasi on a good traffic day.

Techiman District with Elder and Sister Templeton. Wonderful missionaries, who were such gracious hosts. 

While in the area, we were encouraged to go to the Monkey Village. Road signs lacking, we had a few detours.

Those are some serious gutters!

Walking through the village with our guide, on the way
 to see the monkeys.

The monkeys are very skilled at stealing your whole bag of bananas, but Eric has figured his way around their antics. 

This is what you call "eating on the run."

This is called "I'm not too sure about this."

Lovely Kintampo water falls on the way back.

And this is what buses look like after side swiping each other in the night. 70 people lost their lives the night before we went past.

Life is fragile here.  In America we have birthday celebrations with lots of presents. Here a birthday is a time when people give thanks for the blessing of living one more year. 

Quite a sobering sight on our travels from one area to another. 

To be continued....