Waiting for Assignment

While Sister Emfield is keeping busy, I am waiting for assignment.  I do help here and there as needed but do not have my own responsibilities yet.  I have been informed that they are coming and we were asked to attend a special meeting Sunday which I suspect has something to do with what is coming.  In the mean time, while I am waiting, I have begun driving here.  It is an interesting experience, which reminds me of a version of bumper cars in which the drivers try to get ahead of each of other, coming as close to each other as possible, without actually hitting one another.  I am not yet comfortable at it, but am not as nervous as I originally expected that I would be.  We have been assigned a four-wheel drive Nissan pick-up, and it was hinted that we will need it.  The streets around here are really not that bad, but I am told as one drives farther out towards the outskirts of the city they deteriorate, and the countryside is worse.

 We have eaten in the Area Office cafeteria twice now.  It is run by a local and thus is authentic Ghanaian food.  The first time we thought it was OK, but the second we got a local sauce, and there was a little difference in what was served.  The slight change was helpful but the sauce made even more of a difference and we decided that we quite liked it that time.  We do have to be careful though.  We assume that the Church authorities are careful as to who they have run the cafeteria.  But we eat at home mostly, and therefore have to go out and buy our own food.  All veggies and fruit must be washed in bleach water, iodine water, or peeled (I prefer washed and peeled!) because they are unsafe for human consumption otherwise.  I was talking with a Ghanaian tonight who told me to never eat lettuce because people water their lettuce with buckets and fill them from the ditches.  The ditches are where people often relieve themselves and it is not uncommon for sewer overflow to run into them.  I have been given the impression that it is similar with fruits and veggies.  There is a market that sells American, European, and even Mexican food.  We are pretty safe if we stock up there, but the prices are excessive.  So, we try to balance cost versus safety.

Sister Emfield has been helping the missionaries in need.  Even though she is a counselor and not a physician she caught a physical problem yesterday while talking to a missionary.  She didn't know what it was but could tell it wasn't psychological.  Today word came back that the tests indicated a significant physical condition.  It is also quite treatable.  That young missionary will probably be able to finish missionary service and return home, perhaps more healthy than before coming here.  Good job Sister Emfield!

We are excited to be serving here.  In the Africa West Area a new congregation (ward or branch) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized every other day on the average, as more and more people are brought to Christ.  Of course, it has its challenges for us.  We lost our power today and as I write this I am sitting in the dark, with no air conditioning (which can be important here) only able to blog because the computer has battery power.  I have no idea when we will have electricity again.  But, our neighbors found out about this earlier tonight and had us over for dinner.  There are compensations.  By the way, their power went out right after we left.

Elder Emfield

Special Assignment

Uh, wow!  I received a special assignment last week.  One of the young missionaries (an American) had a health crisis and needed to be returned to the States.  I was designated as his companion with the responsibility to see that he got there safely.  I had only been in Ghana for four days when we took off for the old U.S. again.  Everything went smoothly, except for navigating Heathrow Airport in the U.K.  Those of you who know it probably know what I am talking about.  What sense does it make to take people who have already been through security before boarding a plane and take them through security at Heathrow, again, when they have simply gone from the landing gate directly to the departure one?  At other airports you stay in secure areas and do not need to go through it all again.  You cannot do that at Heathrow.  Oh, well.  Anyway, the trip was fine, as was my young companion.  But it was long.  We flew into the east coast where I turned him over to family and to his branch president (for those of you less familiar with our Church organization, think pastor) who took him off to be taken care of, and I was provided with a hotel in Virginia.  I stayed overnight, and flew out for Africa the next day.  Spent a lot of time sitting in airports and on planes the next two days, but arrived back last night.  JET LAG!  Somewhat ill today but that is to be expected.  I have spent as much time going between North America, Europe, and Africa this week as I have living in Africa.  It is sure nice to be back with Sister Emfield and in our own place here.

We are still making cultural adjustments.  For example, people do go to the bathroom on the sides of the streets so it is important to take your shoes off when you come into your own home.  All veggies, fruits, lettuce, etc. must be thoroughly washed and in the case of the former two peeled before eating. If not, you can acquire some interesting things that I would rather avoid.  One of the teachers we had during our training in Utah was a young man who served here and during his time of service he acquired two worms and typhoid fever.  Of course, he didn't live in Ghana and wasn't as careful as he should have been.  I would rather avoid the experience, though.  But, these people are easy to love.  In a recent Church meeting women from what we would consider very humble material circumstances were discussing the importance of giving to those in need.  I can't but help love people like that.

Elder Emfield

Settling In

We are settling in.  Our car has not yet been given to us but that is a blessing.  Traffic laws are almost the same here, but driving customs are d-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-t!  Aggressive driving is the rule of the day and if you are on a motorcycle anything goes: drive the wrong way, OK; drive on the sidewalk, OK; weave between cars, OK.  Lanes appear to be a suggestion only.  Some drivers even seem to believe the same about red lights and stop signs.  As a result, I will have to make some adjustments to my driving skills before I will feel safe behind the wheel!

We are also adjusting to other differences.  The tap water is not safe, and so we must not drink it, brush our teeth with it, allow it to splash into our mouths or onto anything that goes there (This makes washing your hair an interesting challenge and means that a toothbrush cannot be set on the vanity top.).  Some extra care must be taken when washing dishes or silverware.  Some people wash them in Clorox water, others in extremely hot water, etc.  But this can be adjusted to and we are doing pretty well at it.

Unfortunately, one of my suitcases was broken into apparently at the airport prior to it being placed on the carousel.  The same was true of one suitcase of a missionary friend of ours who arrived with us.  I only lost a few things but the other missionary lost quite a bit of clothing.  While that was not a positive introduction to Ghana, most everything since then has been.

The people here are warm and friendly.  They laugh easily, having a love of life and a good sense of humor, but do not do so rudely.  While I suspect it is inevitable that some individuals laugh at others, etc., those with whom I have had the privilege of associating laugh together, not at the expense of others.  I got a couple of them laughing with me over my bald head yesterday, but it was not at my expense.  I initiated it and we all laughed over an obvious trait that just is - and one that I said one of them was going to have someday.  ;-)  They are also a spiritual people, and about 70% are Christians.  They take their beliefs seriously.  Businesses around town are often called by religious names, e.g. "The Virgin Birth Laundry," or "Waters of Jordon Shoe Repair."  Billboards, and automobiles around the city have religious slogans, etc.  For example, we keep seeing a van (actually called a tro-tro, sort of a taxi) around with "He Lives!" written on the back window.  Also, the musical talent is astounding.  We attended a devotional on Monday morning and the amateur, volunteer choir was phenomenal!!  They sang with all their hearts and with devotion.  What's more, they were soooo musically talented.  Amateurs who sounded professional.  These people are easy to love.

We tried our first Ghanaian food for lunch this week.  It was nothing fancy but was quite filling and fairly good.  But it was a pretty basic dish.  We have yet to try the special food.  Each country has both types and we look forward to trying fu-fu or other local specialties.  I spoke with a missionary from Nigeria on Monday and he said that he loved the food here because it was so much spicier than at home.

I have not as yet received my personal assignment, but have been given some tasks to help out with in the meantime.  Sister Emfield's assignment was made before we ever came, and she was put to work immediately and has hardly had time to breathe since.

Elder Emfield

Wheels Down!

So we are "wheels down" in Ghana as of late last night.  First this I want to say is that this is awesome! (And a bit overwhelming).

We have had two weeks of training in Provo and Salt Lake. There was so much information given to us that my head is still spinning from that.  We learned how to teach, a lot of medical and mental health information, pastoral counseling, and  how to run so many computer programs full of valuable information.  We met and became friends with many dear people who have changed our lives. Sadly, who knows if we will see some of them again.  They were headed all over the world to try to make a difference and bring others to Christ.

We traveled to Ghana with two other couples who also trained with us.  The Millers will be working with the Young Single Adults here and the Crouches who are doing the medical.  We had a layover in Amsterdam but the trains were not running so we were not able to get out of the airport.  It was a long trip and we are all struggling with jet lag.  My feet and ankles have never been so swollen.  We arrived last night and then had a long, long line at Immigration.  It was so strange when they fumigated the plane before we could land (Ghanaian law).  They walked up and down the aisle spraying and I was almost afraid to breathe.

Our apartment is nice.  It has technically three bedrooms but one of them is an office and the dryer is also in there and we have air conditioning.  We are in a gated apartment complex with guards at the gate.  A lot of effort goes into keeping things safe here.  I will have to use an electronic key three times to get into my office.

Today, we went to church. Sometimes it's hard to believe we are speaking the same language but I'm sure it will get easier the longer we are here.  I love the culture and enthusiasm of the people here.  We have lunch with the Blackwells.  I am replacing Elder Blackwell as AMHA (Area Mental Health Adviser).  They are beginning their trip home tomorrow.  He gave me some training today and will again tomorrow before he leaves.   This evening, we had dinner with the Area President, President Nash and his wife, along with the Blackwells and Crouches.  It was a very spiritual touching time.  President Nash assured Elder Emfield that there will be plenty for him to do also.

There is a good support system and the ability for consultation in dealing with the mental health issues.  We have a lot of people available by email or phone and that is comforting.  The people are very friendly.  Hopefully this jet lag will go away in the next few days so I can focus.  We still have a bit to do with immigration papers and getting the apartment set up, groceries, etc.

We have taken a few pictures but they will have to wait for another time.  Sleep calls and tomorrow's schedule begins at 7:30am.

Sister Emfield

Medical and Mental Health Training

Well, this week has been an ongoing series of medical and mental health training sessions.  The days have been long, again.  But necessary.  Generally the medical and mental health missionaries are sitting in the same sessions, and then there are their companions (like me).  I have learned a lot but it is not exactly my field, and I have spent a pretty fair bit of time being out of my comfort zone.  One thing that I have learned is the amount of resources and effort the Church devotes to taking care of its missionaries: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.  It is impressive.  Training continues tomorrow, but I thought I should post a little update at this point.

Elder Emfield

First Week Complete

We just finished our week of training at the MTC.  I can say it was intense, spiritual, hard, fun, educational - the list could go on and on.  Ours was the largest group of senior missionaries they have had.  We got to meet and become friends with many other couples who are heading out all over the world.  It was hard this morning when I realized that we would not see most of them again.  But, thanks to technology, we can keep in contact.  We have had a chance to learn teaching skills and practice them.  We spent a lot of time improving our knowledge of technology.  We were taught by some fantastic teachers, many of whom were young, returned missionaries in their 20s.  Their knowledge and dedication to Christ is amazing and gives hope for the future.  We have met the couples who will travel with us to Africa and know that we will be close friends as we work together.  The AMA (Area Medical Adviser) actually spent quite a few years as a doctor in Rexburg.

I was relieved to get an email from the person I will be replacing.  He told me that he would meet us at the airport and spend a couple of days orienting us to the area, my case load and most importantly teaching us how to drive in Ghana.  I have heard this is very challenging.

We now leave for our continued training in the medical/mental health area for a few days before we leave the country.  I actually get to learn another  EHR (Electronic Health Record) system.  My third.  Can't say that I am looking forward to this but life is a learning experience and an adventure.

Sister Emfield

The Missionary Training Center

We arrived at the Missionary Training Center (henceforth referred to as the MTC) on Monday, January 7 and began intensive training in preaching of Christ and of his Church and Gospel.  Including meals, which are served in a very nice cafeteria, our days have run about twelve or thirteen hours.  Today was shorter, as we had no evening events.  It was nice to have it a little easier.  We have gotten to know several Senior Missionary Couples like ourselves, and have enjoyed the instant comradery here.  We even ran into one of our old Sunday School students from back home, who is one of the young missionaries here!  It was very good to see him, but we spend little time with the younger ones.  Generally, our assignments are very different than theirs and therefore, so is our training.  More to come.

A New Year and a New Adventure

We start off a new year preparing to leave home for missionary service in West Africa.  A new year is leading to a new adventure in our lives.  And we are very busy getting everything ready!  It is as if we each had a full time job with much over-time, but it is all getting ready to go.  We are blessed to already have family living in our home.  We would hate for it to just sit while we are gone.