Beginning of Assignment

While Sister Emfield continues working away at her assignment, something she has been doing since she showed up at the office on the first workday, I now began work with the assignment I was given last week.  Today was mostly orientation for me.  I am to be working with Church education in both an administrative and teaching capacity and was deluged with information on my responsibilities.  It will take quite a while to sort it all out, especially because I do not always understand the explanations I am given.  American English and Ghanaian English have their differences, especially in relation to accent.  One of the leaders with whom I spoke today spoke with a more pronounced accent than most of the people I visit with day to day.  So, I struggled to understand the instructions he gave to me.  I requested that much of the information presented be given to me in writing (There were a couple of PowerPoint presentations used.).  They obliged me, and so far that has been helpful, but I have much more reading to do.  I am excited about making a difference, and hope I do not mess this up.  The Church not only teaches seminary and institute (religious) classes here, but is beginning to supply support for general education, as well.  These things are making a significant difference in the lives of the young people here.

Sister Emfield and I had another Ghanaian meal today.  We are careful where we eat (or even where we buy our food to cook at home).  But we trust the cafeteria in the Area Offices and have quite enjoyed the food there.  Everyone always says how spicy Ghanaian food is, but we just don't find it so.  Too much Mexican, Indian, and Thai food over the years I expect.  We had spiced rice, beans (looked like chick peas), chicken, sort of a beef stew, plantain, and a green leafy vegetable concoction that the cook said was like spinach.  It was quite good, except for the beef.  The only decent beef we have found here is hamburger which we buy in an upscale store and cook at home.  But that's ok.  Ghanaian food doesn't have to be like American for me to like it, though for health reasons I have to be careful about where it comes from.

There are aspects of this mission that are quite amusing.  And it has required somewhat of a mental adjustment.  Consider: back in the U.S. we would fear going out after dark in large areas of Chicago, or in crime ridden areas of other cities.  Here one does not fear that but petting that dog over there, or brushing your teeth with unfiltered water, or being bitten by a mosquito because you went out after dark is terrifying because it can be fatal!  Quite a change in perspective.

Elder Emfield