C-Word

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ….By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

-John 13:34–35

The C-word?  When I was dating my wife in college, I would say for quite some time, we were “just friends.”  She put up with it for a long time (close to a year). She knew I was not perfect, but she believed in my potential.  She gave me just enough room to let me chase my tail like a confused puppy until I showed up next to her, tired of running in circles, and ready for me to settle down and realize that everything I was looking for was right there with her.  I came back from Japan on a study abroad and had been hypnotized by U2 “I still haven’t found what I am looking for.”  I called Sandy and said that it “wasn’t a good time for her to come see me at the beach.”  She called back and told me she was going to Del Mar to see her sister Julie for a week, and if I decided I wanted to see her, to give her a call.  She gave me time and space to figure it out, and it only took about 12 hours after she landed in CA for me to give her a call.  Then there was a long walk on the beach, and I said I was ready for the “C-word.”  “Really?!  You mean…

Commitment. It may take a while to get there, but if you are committed, you know where to stay.  From then on, she had my FULL attention, and I am better for it.  She was patient, and she waited for me to make that commitment. We do the same sometimes as missionaries as we try to invite people to make commitments, and make covenants so that they can progress.  Faith takes ACTION. You have to act on your commitments in order to be converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Agency is real.  You make a choice to commit.

“Don’t always worry about making the right choice in choosing who to marry.  Make a choice and then make it right.”

Content: That is a word I do not use often, but I have been content and very happy to live this simple life in Ghana, serving others and having Sandy all to myself.

Concentrate: Concentration is what we have to do to accomplish our missionary purpose. We have one focus here, and that is to help the work move forward. It’s nice to have one focus. When we return home, we won’t be able to concentrate on one thing. We will be pulled in many directions at home, but the desire is to maintain Consistency with our daily scripture study and prayer! If that is the first thing we do each day, the rest of the day falls into place.

Cleavers, Believers, Never Leavers: (Sandy and my saying) Part of what we are teaching the missionaries is how a couple works together.  Not all families have an intact couple at home.  Many of the missionaries lost one or both to unknown sicknesses and diseases, and even a couple of them lost parents to COVID.  We share a saying from our family, or rather between Sandy and me.  I Cleave to my covenants and also to Sandy, I hug and hold onto her.  She is home to me when I am in her arms, so I need my hugs.  We Believe in our faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the restored Church of Jesus Christ (and…we came on a mission to share it!).  Never Leavers means that we work it out and hold on to each other.  The grass is greener where it is watered.  We BOTH work on our relationship and do the best we can for each other.  Not perfect, but progressing and striving to be a little better each day.  Where would I go??

Gone, but not forgotten:  It was our last time to teach at a Multi Zone.  We taught the bookends to Preach My Gospel Chapter 11 on helping people make and keep commitments.

Go on a mission:  I love the missionaries that are out here keeping a commitment they made as a youth, but then it gets real.  I also love the missionaries who are such recent converts that come on a mission to show God their appreciation for all that he has given us.

JP & Sara:  JP left for Argentina on a mission 4 years ago…then his parents were called on a mission to Western Africa.  He came home from his mission to…Ghana, where his parents were.  He then went back after 3 weeks, to Utah, and stayed with family and has been on his own with the help of his siblings - they have a close family.  He came in May to visit his parents again in Africa with his fiancée, Sarah.  Great couple, and I’m sure hard on mom and dad not to be part of this important time in JP’s life.  They will be home for the wedding. 

Family for Family trade:  We are selfish creatures, and we have to strive to be unselfish.  Coming on a mission and sacrificing 3 years like the Jacobsens have done is unselfish, and they sacrificed some (a lot) of their own family time.  They will have double the grandkids when they return.  They missed part of their life at home, but they are now a BIG Part in the lives of 170 missionaries now, and close to 400 when it is all over.  Like I did with my mission president, these GAWM missionaries will look to President and Sister Jacobsen as parents. 

If not them, who?  They answered the call, and Sandy and I are grateful to support them in their efforts.  An auto race team cannot do well without a good pit crew.  Sister B and I, the Judds, and the Kaaens are the Pit Crew that help the Mission President and his wife do the hard work of driving, redirecting, selecting the lanes, and being the inspired leaders on the track that help the missionaries bring others to Christ.  Glad to be here…

Brain Dump on new couples:  I had some good chats with Sarah and JP.  Companionship inventory: forgive fast; move on.  Make each other happy.  Don’t sandbag and hold onto things that will make them unhappy again…. “Well, he did this, and he was disorganized." It’s like holding snapshots of a dirty room.  The devil likes it when couples tear each other apart.  He doesn’t want you to recover or reconcile, he wants to drive a wedge and lead you away from love… Marriage may be hard at times, but it is the best way to have a happy life.

Early market:  JP, and President and I got up at 4:30 am to go to the Central Market of Accra.  My friend Collins, the woodcarver, was our guide.  I would get lost in some of the alleys he took us down.  President was in full mission president uniform as always, JP and I opted for P-day attire with my tag.  We went early, so we did not waste any of the day.  I love going here because it is so interesting with so many people selling so many things.  My machete salesman was happy to see me as he was setting up.  A lot of people were in full hustle mode, trying to get you to buy.  The best time to go is early because the best stuff is there and is sold early.  The shop owners want to make that first sale to “bless my shop” so that the rest of the day will go well.  The prices are best in the morning and then creep up during the day.

Bubbles:  Random event on the streets of Coco Palms…. Saturday and a lot of kids were outside.  We have two little girls across the street who are 4 & 5 years old.  I have been in the pool with them on a Saturday, and Sandy has gotten to know the mom, Carol.  They have nannies who watch over them, and they have a fun little life.  Sister Bertha came out with bubble swords for each of them when she saw them out in the street playing. It was so unexpected, and they were so excited and happy making bubbles.  The mom was so grateful and wrote her a nice text later that day…Sandy was just doing Sandy…she doesn’t have grandkids here so she has to make someone’s kids happy, whether it is handing out CTR rings to the newly baptized children, puffy stickers on the back of the hands of the young children at church, or full blown sword bubble makers to the neighbor children.  Sister “Mary Poppins” always has something in her bag to make someone happy. 

Saturday day off.  For the second time in our mission, we had a real day off, thanks to heavy rain. After the Central Market in the morning, we hit the Butterfly Market, then had plans to go out with the missionaries, but they were cancelled with rain… that freed up the afternoon for a nap, a movie double-feature (never before on the 3 years of the Jacobsen’s!) Bead-making and chill time with JP and Sara.  It was nice.  We watched Family Man (Nicolas Cage, 2003) and Sweet Home Alabama (Reese Witherspoon, 2004). Half our crew had not seen these classics?!

“Never trust a thin chef or a baker.”

-Sister Doan (Quilter)

“We did not come this far to only go this far…get off the log and finish strong.”

Sister J/Kasoa Stake Conference: 

Tool Box:  The Mission Leaders shared a toolbox of teachings from past zone conferences. 

“Keep the Main thing, the main thing”: Your focus is your missionary purpose described below!  So often, we are distracted by secondary questions and secondary activities.  We are here to serve and invite people to follow Jesus Christ.  Just do that.

“Remember Your missionary purpose”: To bring others to Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. Not too complicated.

“Be 100% responsible”: Don’t point fingers or blame.  Own it.  When you go into a new area, no matter what hasn’t been done in that area, you make it the best.  You leave it better than you found it. 

“Stay in your lane”:  Do what you are supposed to do and don’t look at what others are doing.  Don’t compare. You do you and don’t worry about what others are doing.  We are all given different talents and gifts, and that is what makes life interesting.  You are only judged on what you BECOME. You will not be judged against anyone else, so don’t waste time comparing!

“Follow your ‘Bing’”:  The first thought or bing is what you should follow.  The devil is the father of the second being.  He makes you second-guess and will plant seeds of doubt.  Just do what you thought of first, and you will be correct 90% of the time.

Look forward:  Don’t hit the guy in front of you, and you will be OK.  When you repent, you turn to face God.  You don’t look back.  You progress by looking forward and then moving! How do you repent of a bad day, wake up on time the next day, and do it better?  Start strong by making your bed and being perfect in that one thing…

Sing with your whole heart:  who cares who is listening, just let it out and own it, Nancy style and GHANA style

Ranch Wisdom In Africa:  You are safer in the herd.  When a cow goes off on its own and is away from the herd and away from the safety of the gathering, that is when a lion can go after it.  A lion (or any predator) will wait until an animal is in a vulnerable place…it is our job to NOT be vulnerable.  That doesn’t mean we have to be the strongest, but it’s safer to walk in a group than to be alone.  (taken from Sister at Winneba Stake Conf)  (My freshman year in high school, I went to seminary so that I could walk to school with two big friends that protected me, rather than try to walk out of my neighborhood alone with the lions around.)

“Sara and Perry killed a pig, first time out!”

-Proud mother-in-law on red-neck initiation in Florida

“…they understand that you are not an accountant…”

-Sosu, after I asked whether I needed to prepare for an audit.

“Sarah Smile…oh won’t you smile a while with me..”

-Hall and Oats song 70’s

“I choose us..”

-Family Man Movie

“I’d like the cheaper chicken.”

-Father of the Bride Movie

Berthas in Accra

Kasoa Stake Conference

May 11-18

Fast Friends

I have good friends.  I know I am blessed that way.  I really do not need new friendships, but I like good ones.  I really don’t like it when people are working to make me their friend…what’s the angle?   Sometimes in Ghana, I will meet a person and they will say, “Take me with you to America.”  They are not serious, and they are not going to be my friend.  But some people come into your life and you get to be friends fast.  They are either so much like you that you complement each other, or you just hit it off and there is no agenda, and you just like them and they like you – no agenda.   But still, I am careful, and I have often been disappointed in people who hide their agenda.  I really need 6 to 12 months to marinate in a friendship and see if that person is a good person and worth my time.  I get to be friends fast with people who are good friends with my good friends -- Friendships by good association.  All the people that Steve Fellows says are his good friends become my good friends.  I like his people and I trust him.  His friends never disappoint. 

The Jacobsens had friends who came to see them.  They are their good family friends, and she is actually Sister J’s daughter’s (Lizzy) best friend from growing up on the Deseret Ranch in Florida.  Maddie and Ben are from Northern Ireland.  They were with us for a week…but we became friends fast or fast friends.  When that happens, it is a wonderful thing.  I really like them and could see myself reconnecting with them again.  It was a good connection. 

Use your talents.  The Jacobsens are always busy, so if they have guests, we get to help entertain.  I like that part of my mission is being on the mission entertainment committee.  Before I left on my mission, I was a successful CEO - Chief Entertainment Officer.  It’s a talent that I bring to Ghana with my wife, who is a world-class entertainer that no one can really afford.  But for the Army of the Lord, she will do anything.

Temple First: I love that Ben and Maddie, like Lauren Bertha, wanted to see the temple first.  I dropped them off at the temple and then went over to my bike mechanic and worked with the mission bikes before getting them for the next entertainment item on our list.  We went to the art market, Black Star Square, Jamestown, and some local shops.  I had a list, and we just tried to check it all off while the President and his wife were Mission Leader-ing all day.  They do the hard stuff, we do the fun stuff.  After missing the day, I would come back to the bills on my desk and quickly do them in the evening.  No chance to sit around on this mission… 

Game Nights: Jacobsen’s had time in the evenings for meals and some games.  Tap4 got pretty heated and competitive.  It is good to have a brief respite to let your brain relax.  President is always busy, and he slots a little time to play, and we get to talk while the game goes on.  This is one of the best things we brought to Ghana--a way to chill, play, talk, and relax with a game.  Thanks to Sandy for this.

“You strange little man…”

-Ben to me when I played an unusual card

(I have never been called “little”…strange, maybe)

Central Market:  I hired my wood carver, Collins, to take us on the central market tour.  Makoala is the largest city market in all of Western Africa. So I gladly hired the guide. I would have been lost in the thin hallways and random roads.  Part of the market that burned down earlier this year has been rebuilt and is thriving.  They sell used clothing from the USA and Europe, and they have sewing crews that will make it fit for you.  We drank Sobelo (Hibiscus and Ginger) on the street (that got a cringe from SJ). The alleys were thin and packed with goods and people.  I took way too many pictures.  Love how they carry it all on their heads. Listen, Smell, Look…

Fufu:  It is a uniquely Ghanaian food.  Kasava and plantain pounded into a starch and made into a blob.  Put it in a bowl, add light soup and chicken (other options are ground nut soup or Palm nut soup; pass, pass).  Eat with your right hand only and let it dangle over the bowl in between, chop, grab, & slurp.  It was really good, and Maddie and Ben dove right in...impressed.  Sandy ate it well after a full hand sanitation ritual; she did not want all her fufu blob, so she gave it to Georgina.  Georgina was the one who cooked it.  She gave us all normal-sized bowls and then sat with us at the table with a big bowl that was like a wide salad bowl. She eats it every week, one or two times.  Some people eat it every day?  She ate a lot of it…

“I can’t even imagine my mother eating like this.”

-Sister Bertha

Mothers Day Call:  Our kids got on to talk to Sandy and said nice things…maybe a year in Africa has shown them what they are missing?  They survived summer in New Hampshire without Sandy last summer, but now they see how much she does.  “Patience, Consistency, and Positivity” were common words the kids used to describe her; those words could also be used here on her mission.  She is “straight Joy” in the words of Sister J., who is also an amazing mother of 6 kids and 10 grands!. 

“Who loves you?  Jesus and Sandy Bertha”

-Sister J getting another custom bead bracelet from Sandy

Long Face:  I sent a text to Maddie, and I saw her profile picture.  I expected to see Ben, her husband, but no, it was her horse?!  She lives in NI (Northern Ireland) and works to support her habit/hobby/distraction – a horse that lives in France.  She travels there every month to practice and compete in Western-style horse events.  That was a surprise to me that there is a cowboy/cowgirl culture in France.  Who knew?  She is good at her hobby, and it’s a happy outlet for her.  But what a strange little woman!?

Sick Elder: My buddy Papalii, who went home last year,  got better in Australia and came back this year.   He is still having some issues, and he has been near so he could be tested and treated.  He was feeling sick and getting chills—it was discovered he had Malaria!?  Never a dull moment for the medical advisor.  He is getting better... but it just reminds us of the risk of even visiting here.  You need to get shots and take medication before and after to protect yourself.

Stats:

In the UK, the most dangerous animal is a cow.

In Ghana, the most dangerous animal is the mosquito.

600,000 people die a year from Malaria.  (95% in Africa)

6 people die a year from a shark attack (rare, but never on land)

Kaneshie Stake Conference:  My good friend Francis Sosu is the stake president, and he wears a Lokai bracelet I gave him.  He gave a great lesson at conference last Sun.  We had no traffic and got there in 15 minutes.  We were 30 minutes early; what impressed me was that the room was already half filled with quiet people waiting for conference.  Amazing!  Sandy had two women whom she had taught on exchanges there.  She gave away CTR rings to the kids of one of the visitors.  It was Mother’s Day, and the temple president’s wife got up and said, “Mother’s Day should not be one day, but every day.”  Sister J talked about the importance of “women who know.”  They know how to teach faith to the stripling warriors: they know how to raise children in the church and in the world; and most importantly, they know Jesus Christ and his divine mission as our Lord and Savior.

Delicate and Polite:  “Ghana Time” is a thing – it is not exact or even predictable, and it is usually late.  I can understand some of it because travel is not exact or predictable.  There are no buses or trains that run on a schedule.  The direct Tro to Oda leaves when the Tro is filled with 20 people…sit and wait 2 hours until it is filled.  Our missionaries are pretty good about being early, and they allow for the unpredictable.  Our church is pretty good about running on time here, and the conferences start and end pretty well on time.  There was an important chief (they are always important in their own minds) and his entourage who showed up halfway through the conference.  The front seats were set aside for them, and 14 people sat down in front, including one with a staff that blocked some people and the Umbrella guy…who just carries the chief's umbrella to protect him from the sun?  Not like he can get any darker?  The chief must have forgotten that we were inside because he had his Joe Biden Aviator glasses on the whole time…

President Sosu didn’t miss a beat and introduced them and thanked them for coming, and welcomed them politely.  He made it seem like we were waiting for them, and the conference continued, and they got to hear the good talks (Jacobsen’s and Sosu).  Best to be kind to your neighbors at all times.

“….when you get matchy-matchy clothes, you know it is going to be a good choir”

-Sister J

“I know Elder Bertha really cares for his missionaries and the work.  We were talking, and he said, ‘Who will take care of my bikes?’ He is a good friend”

-President Francis Sosu

“One thing I know, if you have FAITH, you will be OK”

-Temple President

Other Ghana Friendships Updates:  Abraham moved back to Liberia and is doing well.  Moses was at Stake Conference and just received the Priesthood and continues to grow in the Gospel.  Emanuel is sitting in on the missionary lessons for his two daughters, and they will follow their father in the church.  Steward is getting ready to get baptized.  Sister Bertha has a positive effect on every person she meets, and they love to see her again.  She loves to go out with the missionaries.  My friend Cortez has committed to show up at church and see what’s up, and that is all we ask…come and see.  Laura E shows me bravery and optimism every day.  The men in my life have been a great support.  Glad to add Cade to the circle of trust. 

“This has been the most uncomfortable privilege that I’ve ever had.”

-Sierra Leone Mission President coming to the end, like the Jacobsens

“I didn’t enjoy my mission until I got comfortable being uncomfortable.”

-a returning missionary

“We will sleep on the plane…full send”

-SJ on how she is finishing.

“Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might”

-D&C 75:3

Water and Warmth:  I was recently reminded of the luxury of having water and warm water at that.  The mission president’s house has a failing water system.  No water at all.  They have been coming to our house for a shower.  I realized how nice it is to have water and heated water.  Even the water that I use at the outdoor pool is warmish.  I have lost the concept of cold water unless it is in a glass with ice.  I don’t know how the Pacific Ocean will feel when I get home.  There are plenty of missionaries we have that have to deal with water shortages at some point in their mission.  Heated water? “Fagetta ‘bout it"

Irish Preachers:  Maddie and Ben went out and taught with our missionaries.  They both served in the Alpine Switzerland Mission.  They both have great faith and love the Lord and will share their belief anytime.  I was reminded of an Irish preacher I met at my burger place here who had been in Ghana for 28 years preaching the Gospel for his church.  I think if I could live 2 doors down from my best friends and be involved in this great work with these great kids (missionaries) just starting their lives, I think I would just stay in Ghana and be happy.  Wow, what a thought…it’s a thought, not a wish!  It will be hard, but things will end and we have to transition to a better.  I hope I go home better for having been here and will continue to look forward with a brightness of hope and faith.  I feel that…

“If everything was cured with Red Bull and Chocolate, life would be grand…”

-Me to the health advisor

Love on…. I love Ghana, and I love my mission and my companion. I love all the new friends I have made on this mission.  Sandy gave me a birthday present of notes and pictures from all the missionaries. They really are paying attention to everything we say.  Be careful, be positive, and share the good things.  Look for the good in all people.  Every missionary who decides to come on a mission is already “good” in my book.  So much good here. 

“…I have chosen the good part, according to the words of a prophet.  I have none other object save it be the welfare of your souls. Amen”

-Helaman 12:30

Elder Bertha

“Irish Week” May 6-12

Accra Ghana

Long Rich

I have a rich life! Rich in friendships, Rich in experiences, Rich in love, Rich in faith, and Rich in family.  I am grateful for these blessings.  While touring a botanical garden, I was asked which cacao plant I would plant.  There is one tree that takes a long time to produce; it takes 7 years until you start to get fruit. They also have a hybrid that only takes 3 years to start producing fruit.  Naturally, I think that I want to start getting my returns faster, so I would pick the 3-year Hybrid.  But that tree with only 3 years of roots starts to die after about 12 years.  If you plant the 7-year tree (Sandy’s pick) that takes longer to produce, you let the roots go deeper, and the tree will produce good fruit for over 50 years, it will bless you and your children.  This is what they call “Long Rich.”  I want to be Long Rich with deep roots in my faith, friends & family, and I want the fruits of those relationships to bear fruit for a long, long time.  I have received plenty of blessings here on my mission.  So grateful!

May “B”: Two good men were born in May.  My brother and I.  We have a company called BBCI, which stands for “Bertha-Bertha,” so it doesn’t matter who is first.  We are only 2 years and 11 days apart.  He joins me in the 60 club this month, this year…I think it will be a good decade for both of us.  Happy Birthday, brother!  Another decade to enjoy with family and friends and in our faith.  Thanks for the visit.  It was with great effort that he made it to Ghana, but we were rewarded with great memories.

Nephi Guy:  My brother understood the Gospel early (age 12) and, with my mother, listened and joined the church in Hawaii.  Missionaries came in the front door, I was out the back door.  But we never give up on our people, our family.  It took a little more time, but I too joined, and we have been in ever since.  Thank you, mother!  My brother and I talked a little this weekend about why we just stayed with the church when we see others come and leave.  We went on our missions, we have always been active, and always had simple faith, and just stayed with the program.  Compounding experiences over time increased our faith and our love of God. Deep roots and many fruits are the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, the plan of happiness.  Stick with the plan…Stay in the boat; keep the commandments and you will prosper…that is “Long Rich”…

Differences? Yes:  My brother and I are different.  My brother asks a lot of questions and is really smart.  I am adept at working well with less information and getting close enough, taking action, and then getting a better view.  He is tenacious at drilling down on any subject.  Everyone has their unique gifts and talents. It is good to recognize and appreciate the talents of others.  Don’t judge, don’t compare…just work together for the good of all involved…embrace and celebrate the unique differences of your friends.

“Did you see my 48-page PowerPoint on the subject?”

-Brian to me! …but it was really good!  He cut it to 10 pages for me.

Protect & Defend each other: I might tease my brother, but I do not like it when others tease my brother.  He is too nice, and a “pleaser,” and it can allow others to go too far, and he might not even see it.  Years ago, I visited a trade show with his business.  Some Obama-look-alike was teasing him about not coming out to play basketball with “the guys” from the office.  He was so out of line…so I got in my older-brother mode. “…so where did you play ball?  College?  No?…So, intramurals?…hmmm?  Did you win a t-shirt?  So, no real college athletics? Did you know that Brian here lettered in varsity athletics at Princeton?  Wait, what community college did you attend?  Anyway, at Princeton, as a freshman, Brian lettered in Gymnastics, as the “all-around” man.  Let me explain it to you…the all-around man is the one guy on the team who can and does every apparatus, and his score for each is included in the whole score.  It’s pretty important.”  He backed off as intended… It is OK to protect people and defend your faith and your family.

“And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall DEFEND your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore, for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to DEFEND themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.”

-Alma 43:47

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar... And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

-1 John 4:20–21

Get out and teach!  The highlight of the visit was getting out to teach with the missionaries.  I had it set up with the Sisters close to us, but when we got there, they were sick.  (They could have called?) But that is Ghana; things change.  Call an audible.  We called other sisters and took the two Sister Berthas to teach in Bortianor.  They were able to teach Steward again, and he is working his way toward baptism.  Getting out to teach in Ghana is a special experience and truly to be cherished.  We teach here…and if you don’t progress, we plant the seeds and let them germinate for a while, and maybe you come back to it. Sometimes the timing is wrong, and the missionaries only have 2 years to teach, and here they want to teach people that will progress to following the covenant path…faith, repentance, baptism, enduring, and keeping the commandments.  Pretty easy if you want to follow Jesus, and he is good to follow…

Patience: My brother Brian and I caught up with Elders Anderson (1 of 3 Andersons) and Luvulo(Angola).  We taught in an outside fruit shop.  Shade is good.  There were 8 people there as we were teaching Elizabeth.  She has had all the lessons and wants to join, but she has never been to church.  Her mom makes her take care of the shop on Sundays for her.  Even the grandmother, whom we were teaching in the shop, did not know how to deal with the mother.  The missionary looked at me as if to ask, "What now?" I told him to just be patient and wait.  We have a well-planted seed, and we will pray to find a time that the mom will let her leave the shop on a Sunday…Not everything falls into place quickly…sometimes you let the plant grow longer…

Grey Dot Miricle:  A “grey dot” is someone that has been taught, but for some reason, we stopped teaching or they stopped progressing…a young man, who had been MIA for some time, walked into the church and said he had all the lessons (by one of our missionaries) and he wanted the get baptized… “When is your next baptism time?”…I think we can fit you in!  Seeds are planted, and sometimes it takes time for the spirit to work on people so they get to a point when their faith grows and they want to make further commitments to God (and to themselves).  It’s fun to see people change and grow and follow the Savior.  We can only do our part while we are here, and sometimes you just plant seeds and sometimes you teach & nurture, and sometimes you harvest…it’s all good.  Surprisingly, Elder Kaaen President Jacobsen, and I were “slow burn” converts that took 2 years to bake…or make the commitment to get baptized.  It is really the spirit that converts, and some of us take a little longer.  Be patient with your friends; it's God's time, not ours, that matters…

Sow and harvest:  Winter Quarters was a place where the early Saints stayed and prepared for the trek west to SLC.  They ate the food they could harvest that was planted or sown by the others who left before.  Before leaving, they would sow more corn and vegetables that could feed the people coming through after them.  As missionaries, we invite people to follow Jesus Christ. Some say yes, some say no, but many seeds are planted that may grow into interest and faith in the future.  Patience, Love, and sew what you can while you are here.

The District:  Sister Bertha and I attended a District Council on Tuesday at Ashtown Ward.  Driving there on a “market day” was an adventure….following Google Maps headed us right through the middle of Kasoa New Market.  A market day is when all the sellers and buyers come and do the most business of the week.  There are taxis and Tros being stuffed with goods that will be taken out to smaller towns and villages and resold.  It is the Ghanaian version of a distribution center, and it works.   Driving through it is slow, but good for pictures.  We are never bored driving because it has always remained interesting to see.  The Elders and Sisters gathered and discussed their goals and what they accomplished last week, and what the new goals would be. Then they have a discussion on a talk or part of the Preach My Gospel manual.  They have all been trained by the President on how to run a meeting, and they do not waste time.  These kids are getting great training for the rest of their lives. Fun meeting and proud of Kabanda(Zimbabwe) and Naeta(Tonga), the Zone Leaders for teaching and leading…

Rain is coming:  One night last week, it just dumped rain. Pouring rain with wind like a hurricane…Sandy and Sister J played Quirkle. I was up late with new apartment leases and bills. Trying to get ready for the guests coming to our place, and also the Jacobsens….  We both looked at how we could juggle work and entertaining the guests.  Jacobsen’s have to interview everyone every transfer, so they are the busiest, so we had to double up on the entertainment committee work…not a problem! Fun!

Ghana Time:  The Visas can be a real problem when coming to Ghana.  Sandy and I were delayed in getting to Ghana last year because someone was offended in the visa department.  It slowed down a lot of missionaries coming in at the time.  This time it delayed my brother…he has a great skill at changing directions quickly with these speed bumps in plans.  He finally talked to a real person and got it 5 days later and made it to Ghana!  Megan, who lives in Washington DC, went to the Embassy and did not run into the nice Ghanaians.  She had her sweet children with her, and the “grumpy pants” man made the kids sad.  Sorry about that, but thanks for trying to help your uncle.  He finally found someone to send out the visas on a Monday, so he could leave on Tuesday…come on over!

Temple as a center:  Lauren wanted to visit the temple first.  She is a good example of putting first things first, and we made sure they got to visit the temple.  Built in 2004, the temple has blessed so many lives in Western Africa and all over the world.  Rollin and Amy Anderson used the Accra Temple for their wedding/sealing when their family was here serving in Ghana.  When the Jacobsens were called here, that was one of the connections that made us think this mission would happen, and we are so glad to be serving here with our friends.  Yes, we are working and serving, but we are also having a great time with our friends…we are VERY blessed here.

Reruns: “Batiking”, which is printing and dying cloth, and seeing the beadmaking are the most repeated tourist events that we take our guests to.  We made a cool tablecloth for my Mom for Mother's Day.  The Art market is also a well-returned place.  They all know me there, and if they don’t know me, they think they do.  Same uniform-white shirt and tie.  Same first name – “Elder, Elder, Elder…”. I respect their tenacity in selling.  It is tough to navigate, but a game also…

Early rather than late:  I came out to walk and swim, and the sisters were already here.  Here at 7 am for a 9 am meeting.  They were here for MLC, which is a leadership meeting.  Amazingly, they have been well trained to be early rather than late.  They know Ghana travel time is unreliable, and the taxis and Tros do not run on a schedule, so they come early and leave enough time to be on time and early.  Sister Bertha just extended the eating time before the meeting.  Good habits are being formed on the mission…

Careful with your Pig:  One of my favorite islander missionaries was in here for a burned hand.  He was boiling water and cleaning another pig for his district activity.  They love their pigs!  He burned his hand pretty badly.  They had it checked at the hospital, and the companion was trained by our health advisor (the Busiest woman in the mission) on how to change the dressings. 

Washer Purchase:  Two men should not be purchasing a washer for the home without a woman’s help! I was minding my own business, reloading the gas credit cards at Total Energies, and I received a call from the guy working on the President’s house – minor, that became major upgrades.  Termites were found, water leaks were found, and the water heater was pulled off the wall and crashed into the washer.  Anyway, so they bought a new washer that was large capacity (good) but a silver non-matching color (bad).  If Sister Bertha were in charge of this, it would match perfectly, and Sister J would not have to deal with this.  They called me to pick up Enoch, the purchaser, and get the washer.  I saw that it was silver (and I did call Sandy), but we bought it anyway.  Then, only a few hours later, they discovered that it was a cold water washer and did not use hot water…that was not going to work.  I stepped away by that time.  They fixed the old washer with its dented top and returned the new non-matching washer.  Sometimes, just let a Ghanaian fix what you have.

Teach Teach Teach

Joy Joy Joy

-the Beauty of Exchanges with the missionaries

“We are getting it done.”

-Regina from HSBC. A really helpful rep.

“Mental health-wise…I was under the impression they sent all the stable ones here; I don’t think that anymore.”

-Medical Expert in Africa

Family time:  So grateful to have time with my niece to talk and walk and talk some more.  We walked a lot Sunday afternoon and did a Bertha biathlon on Monday morning (walking and water aerobics).  It’s always better to do things together, so you get time to talk as you are doing something.  No one sits down and talks that long anymore (thank you...not, Mr. Cell Phone).  I love the bike trip started by Sandy’s family, which gave us so many memories.  No real good biking in Ghana, but the walk and talk were perfect in the healthy humidity…

Laughter:  No one makes me laugh as much as my brother, and no two people cry in unison like my brother and I…crying from laughing.  It was great to have him here for a fast and furious weekend.  The best was teaching with him in a shop in Wieja

Botanical Garden:  Monday, we drove out to Aburi Botanical Garden (My Mom would be proud of us).  Our guide, Maxwell, was from the Bolgatanga region of northern Ghana. He was proud of how strong and healthy his people were.  In the days of the slave trade, they tried to catch his northern tribes because they were the ones that actually survived the best on the slave ships and did not die…ouch.  They also have a strong history of using plants for every medical use to stay healthy.  Every plant had a use.  He is the one who taught us about Long Rich with the right plant that has deep roots and lives longer.  He also taught us about all the plants that cure diseases.  (See Alma 46:40 pg 325 BofM).  It was amazing his knowledge; we found the Center for Medical Plant Research just up the road from the Botanical Garden.

Backroads and Beads:  We continued the drive to Korofufu and went to the Bead Market.  It was over a ridge and a beautiful drive with giant trees and a lot of locals selling fruits on the side of the road.  I hope I still want to wear a bracelet or two when I come home, because we have definitely had our share of Ghana beads. Sister Bertha has specific tastes that if she can’t find what she wants in its raw form (a strand), she will buy a necklace or bracelet that is made and get the beads she wants out of it.  She is really good at it.  For my Birthday, I received bracelets from Sister J, Sister B, and my Niece, also a “Sister B.”

Art market again:  While the Jacobsens were out doing the hard stuff interviewing, we got to take their guests from Northern Ireland to the Art Market.  We love a reason to leave the office and haggle with the locals.  I played the Irish Card hard to get a better price.  “He only eats potatoes in Ireland; he can’t afford that price…” Ben was a good sport.

Birthday Dinner:  I had a great dinner with the Kaaens, Jacobsens, and Botchways at Shogun.  Played some Tap4 and was given the best gift by Sister J., Candied Almonds.  She made them at the Deseret Ranch for me and always sent me home with a big bag.  I think she imported the ingredients.  Truly a labor of Love.  Sandy put pictures of “us” all around.  I got to talk to my Mom and my kids.  I am so grateful for family and friends.  The missionaries got in on the celebration and sang to me.  It was a happy day.

Mothers Day:  It always comes after my birthday, so while it is fresh in my mind how good Sandy was to me, I have to be good to her.  Card, Breakfast in bed, foot massage, check, check, check…. She went to church happy, and we had another great day.  Also talked to my mother in Florida.  Blessed to have a great mom and a great wife and great Moms in my daughter and daughter-in-laws.  Also grateful for the moms who raised the spouses of my kids.  I am surrounded by super-women.

Ofankor Stake Conference:  another good choir and a group of faithful saints.  So good to see all our missionaries gather.  They love being on a mission in Ghana.  There is enough to keep them busy that they don’t get down much.  There are always guests to take care of…lose yourself in the service of others is a good way to really enjoy your mission.

It was another good week. #blessed. #busy. #timewarp.   May 1-11

Elder Bertha

“Bertha Week”

Accra May 2025