Finishing What You Started
Dear Janice and Lynn,
You have been missed by us and so many that we wanted to share with you all that has happened this week. It is all a reflection on the work you did while you were here and the peoples lives that you touched.
First we will share a poem that Dr. & Sister Hill gave for FHE on Monday. I do not know the authors, maybe you do.
You've served right here in Ghana and we say, "Hooray for you!"
We're bidding you our fond farewell, cuz we served in Ghana too.
Say, Goodbye to Ghana, and the people we hold dear,
We'll cherish all the memories, that we've created here.
Some missionaries drive just like a bat from you know where,
With foot of lead and lightening speed to get from here to there.
But when you're back on homeland soil where cops cannot be bought ...
You best not try to bribe one or in jail you just might rot!
Say goodbye to Ghana and kilometers galore,
Say goodbye to Ghana where you won't drive anymore.
You've lived a while in Ghana, it's become a part of you,
If you are injured you might bleed red, green and yellow, too.
Another thing we all will miss are the children we hold dear,
So paint your grandkids' faces black and pretend you're over here.
Say goodbye to Ghana, these great people that we love,
Thank goodness we will have the chance to see them up above.
In Ghana we appreciate the simple things in life .
Like fresh milk, real live chocolate chips, and a dam good kitchen knife.
When mission life has ended, don't feel guilty sleeping in,
Or staying up till 2:00 A.M., it's dumb, but not a sin.
Say goodbye to Ghana, goats and chickens, bugs and rats,
And to local people who are eating dogs and cats!
Some of the roads you've driven have potholes by the score,
Most of them are big enough - to swallow a small store.
You just might spend your savings on chiropractic fees,
Because the roads in Ghana look exactly like Swiss cheese.
Say goodbye to Ghana and the pineapple so sweet,
Mangoes and papaya you can buy right on the street.
Say goodbye to Ghana, from Elder & Sister Ju,
Please do not forget us cuz the two of us love you !
Sincerely, Brent & Loretta Julander
Count us as two more who love you!
Career Fair
Saturday, 23rd May
People started arriving at 9:00 in the morning and we started right a 10:00. Then there were introductions and Elder Koranteng spoke and then at 10:30 we had our Panel Discussion with Stanley Marfo, Gloria Hanson, Regina Odoom, and Christian Afadi. They each presented for about 10 minutes and then some questions and answers and Elder Dube gave the closing remarks. It was great but oh so long to sit on those hard chairs. Everyone mingled and got information, did work on their CV's and signed up on LDS Jobs on the computers. The vendors were pleased that they came even after waiting for two hours to see the attendees. People signed up for loans, which, of course, I don't think would ever fly on church property in the US. It's a different world here.
Setting Up
Michael's design work |
Elisha did a great Power Point on how to write a CV |
Some Old and Some New Faces
Our Speakers
After Speaking, Mingling
Many exhibitors had really nice displays |
Some set up outside. There was even Ghanaian Rock Music. |
It was very welcoming. |
Part Two: Collins' Farewell
Sunday, 24th May
Elder and Sister Brink from Tamale showed up Saturday night in a driving rainstorm. We finally found them on the Tema highway by the Lego buildings near the mall. They were hungry so we took them to DNR, surprise, not, they loved it. As you remember they really are deprived up in Tamale and when they go down to Kumasi it is not much better.They came down with some of their members that were making their first Temple trip. Anyway, on Sunday we ventured forth to Collins' branch to hear him bear his testimony. We missed him a Mallam Junction but he caught up with us at McCarthy Hill. Then it was a lot of zig zaging to the branch. So glad that we had the SUV. It was not an area for the Honda. His testimony was very short but very thoughtful. I especially liked his comment that the work had already been done and that he would just complete it. What he was referencing was that the Lord has already found those that are seeking the Gospel, now he will just need to prepare himself to finish whatever work is needed to be done.
You did such great work with these young men that went out on missions after your care and concern. We felt lucky to see the last one off and to the Accra Mission besides. Who would have thought that possible?
Elder and Sister Brink from Tamale showed up Saturday night in a driving rainstorm. We finally found them on the Tema highway by the Lego buildings near the mall. They were hungry so we took them to DNR, surprise, not, they loved it. As you remember they really are deprived up in Tamale and when they go down to Kumasi it is not much better.They came down with some of their members that were making their first Temple trip. Anyway, on Sunday we ventured forth to Collins' branch to hear him bear his testimony. We missed him a Mallam Junction but he caught up with us at McCarthy Hill. Then it was a lot of zig zaging to the branch. So glad that we had the SUV. It was not an area for the Honda. His testimony was very short but very thoughtful. I especially liked his comment that the work had already been done and that he would just complete it. What he was referencing was that the Lord has already found those that are seeking the Gospel, now he will just need to prepare himself to finish whatever work is needed to be done.
You did such great work with these young men that went out on missions after your care and concern. We felt lucky to see the last one off and to the Accra Mission besides. Who would have thought that possible?
Seth and Selina in Collins' branch. They hosted an open house for him that day. |
Happy Mom. Happy Missionary |
Elisha came for support. |
Great to be there. |
Bryan and Jill Brink were thrilled to visit for this wonderful time. |
Part Three: Going to the MTC
Thursday, 28th May
Today we finished out the week of projects and with great feelings of enjoyment. It rained all night Wednesday and was still raining when we set out towards Mallam Junction again to get Collins to take him to the MTC in Tema. He needed to be there by noon so we thought that we should leave early but the traffic was exceeding light and we made it to Mallam and to Tema by 10:30. A choice time. Ninety-nine new missionaries due on this date. Collins' mom and Elisha went with us then we took mom back to Mallam and Elisha we dropped off at Kaneshie.
We had a blessed week. These are the special times that make a mission special and unique. So, dear Janice and Lynn, I think your work is complete. Bless you!
No matter how much we love our sons you won't see me doing this. No she is not protecting her hair do. Maybe 50lbs. |
Again Elisha to see his friend off. |
Driving into the MTC. |
Can it be any better than this? |
It's official. Name tag and all. |
Some of the flags that represent the missionaries' home countries. |
Thanks for sharing this! I really enjoyed it, as I do with all your posts, but this was special because it was the missionary farewell. I guess I feel a kindred spirit :) I really liked the farewell testimony quote and am sending it Elder Jarvis! What a perfect way to word it...I am just finishing the work! CHILLS!!! TEARS!!! (shock)
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in my prayers a always!
Hello dear friends. Thank you so much for your wonderful post!! This brought tears to our eyes, both of joy and of missing our dear friends. We are so proud of Collins and his decision to serve his mission. We remember well when he was trying to talk others into not going! We fell this is a good mission for him too. We are so happy that all went well with the fair, Micheal had also sent us an email about that. We wish we could have been a part of it but... You two were the best ones! We love the pictures. Thank you again, we LOVE reliving through your experiences. Love Janice & Lynn
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