Our newest friend Atobora

February 10, 2021

Today we met the Area Auditor, Atobora.  Elaine and I are called to be assistants to the Area Auditor so we will be close workers and friends for as long as we are here and after.  Nice guy.  We first met a few months ago in a short zoom meeting.  It was good to meet in person.  He is retired.  It is mandatory in the country to retire at sixty years old.  So he had to a few years ago.  There is a lot for us to know to get up to speed with.  We asked a lot of questions to give us a flavor of how things happen at the ward and branch level about customs, economy (cash vs electronic transactions), how to pronounce names just to mention a few.   He knows all the assistant area auditors.  They have a great responsibility to communicate with and train the stake auditors.  That is a big job.  There are many stakes (and districts) here as the church is growing.  We will get to know them too.  We are looking forward to it.   

Atobora took us around to meet people in finance and other departments we will be working with.  These people will be training us so we understand the various processes and thereby be able to do our work best.  Much to look forward to.

The weather is hot and humid.  It is the hot and humid season.  The hot and wet season happens later in the year.  

We went shopping today for food and a few other things at a larger store located in a mall.  It is strange for people from the states to see a big, modern mall amid a growing city that still has some obvious poverty in some places.  It is normal in a growing country like Ghana.  I understand they are handling it well, but it is an adjustment for someone from the states.  We picked up some food because we are running out.  Elaine said it seems like we are a newly wed couple setting up house for the first time.  We are starting from scratch and learning what is available in what sizes and packages.  Very different from what we are used to as you can imagine.  The thing I like least is that we have to wash all the fruits and vegetables.  It isn't good to eat them without washing.  Our tender systems can't handle it like the locals.

All in all, we are very happy to be here, hopefully to make a difference.

I just remember that we met one of the Area Presidency yesterday while running around with Elder and Sister Dick to get us situated in the country with nonresident cards and stuff.  We spent a few minutes in the Area Presidency offices where the Dick's office is located. It was Elder Kacher, the first counselor.  The meeting was just for a few minutes but regardless of the short meeting, I could tell something special about him.  Easy to approach and to talk to.  He was genuinely interested in meeting us despite being involved in some thing in his office.  In short, I felt a familiar, good and warm feeling.  Those unfamiliar with the Spirit wouldn't understand, or respect it.  Those who are familiar with that unique feeling understand and do respect it.  It felt really good.  I am very glad to be here and to meet people like him.  The Spirit is in this work because it is the work of our loving Heavenly Father.  Simple.  Real.  No shame. No excuses.  Glad to be part of the Kingdom.  Glad to be entrusted in this work.

Have a nice day.  It is getting close to bedtime for us.