Early this morning I went with four other girls to the Accra, Ghana temple. It is an absolutely beautiful temple on the outside, and even more beautiful on the inside. This temple was dedicated in 2004 by President Hinkley. As we were walking on the temple grounds we observed a building that looked like a hotel. Many children fled from the hotel to come and greet us as we were walking into the temple. The children spoke French so we were not able to understand what they were trying to tell us. One of their parents explained to us that they are from the Ivory Coast and the closet temple to them is the Ghana temple. When they come to the temple their families are able to stay in this hotel free of charge. Usually they will stay for at least a week because the trip is expensive and far. This is when it hit me that I am so fortunate to live within an hour of eight different temples. What a sacrifice many of these men and women make so they can attend the temple. We then went into the temple where they were already waiting our arrival. We had to make prior arrangements because they are not use to people coming unexpectedly.
We sat in the waiting room and talked with the temple workers which was very fun. Many of them have actually been to the Utah, one women in particular has children that live there. We talked for a while and then went to do baptisms for the dead. As I sat there waiting for my turn I admired the beautiful architecture of the building. I love how no mater where you are in the world you can have the same feeling of peace, comfort, and happiness in the temple. This temple did have a little different way of doing things which made it very interesting. I was so happy to talk with some of the workers and hear a little bit about their life stories. I went to walk out of the bathroom when one of the women stopped me because she did not want me to leave with wet hair. She turned me back to the bathroom and fixed my hair as best as she could. For all of you that know my crazy hair it was pretty fun to see her try to style it. She did not know quite how to brush or fix it. About 15 minutes later she gave up blow-drying it and sent me on my way.
We left the temple grounds and walked down the street a little ways to catch a taxi. We got in the car and Willie our driver asked us if we were members of the church. We all said yes, and he asked “ are you sure?” we said YES! He continued to tell us he was a member and proved it to us by showing us his ensign and priesthood manuals in the front of his car. He explained to us that in 1987 The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints was abolished here in Ghana. It was because the president did not agree with the doctrine. It was not until 1992 that the church was allowed back into this country.
The whole experience of going to the temple and meeting Willie, reinforced how grateful I am for many things in my life. I am so grateful for my friends, family, religion, freedom, gender equality, and much more. I am sad to be coming home from this amazing experience, but understand all good things must come to an end too. Although it is sad to leave I am leaving with a good feeling in my heart. I have made a difference in the lives of others, and they have done the same for me. The people of Africa will always be a part of me. They have taught me so many things that I do not even have time to list them all. They have taught me patience, gratitude, love, acceptance, respect for god and others, optimism, happiness, critical thinking, to have more concern for others than yourself, will to live, the value of education……….. I truly feel like I have some very good friends over here that I will miss dearly! The Albrunies ( white people) and O baybay Neh (black people) are all one. They say we are like a piano we need to have both colors in order for the piano to work properly. I can truly say that I do feel like we are all one, and hope I can come back to Ghana again some day.
Some things I am looking forward to when I come home.
· Fruit
· Vegetables
· Throwing my toilet paper in the toilet
· Not having to sanitize my hands after washing them.
· Being able to sit on a toilet
· Taking a warm shower that is more than a drip or bucket bath.
· Clean air that is not so polluted
· My family and friends
· Not always being sticky and sweaty
All of these things that I have listed are only things I look forward to. These are not things that I have to have to survive, but have missed at one point or another on this trip. There has not been a specific time that I have wished once to be home. I could live like this for another 4 weeks. It is the people here in Africa and the friendships that I have made that I will miss. I know that when I get home I will begin to miss the chicken on the bone (which is really chicken off the road), polluted air, and not always being hot and sweaty. I would take all of these things and more to be able to stay. I will be forever grateful for this experience and all of those that have made it possible for me. I love you all and will see you in two days!
Some of us went to the daycare across the street and handed out last minute humanitarian stuff. I finished handing out my bracelets, toys, and some burp rags. They were all very grateful!
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