Week 17 - Specialized Training

Hello!

Another week of new experiences sped by and we are so thrilled to be on board for the ride. (I'm beginning to sound like my sweet sister in law, Julie, and the ride she and her husband are on in Spokane, but while they are on the roller coaster, I think we are on the merry go round!)

On Tuesdays trip to Cape Coast we stopped in at the childrens' shelter in Buduburam. This facility was created by a couple from Idaho (ghanamakeadifference.com)  Here we met those who staff the shelter, which is currently home to 24 children. Some of the children are orphans, and available for adoption, others are in process of reunification with their parents, and others will go to foster families. A separate building houses 4 special needs children and their two caregivers (angels for sure!) We went there to see how they are becoming self reliant through a chicken project they have going on. One hundred fifty five chickens produce about 100 eggs a day. which helps supplement the childrens' diet. Along with feeding the chickens the children have chores like washing dishes, picking fruit off the trees in the orchard and keeping the place tidy. Unfortunately I didn't get photos of the children who were at a nearby school. The shelter is situated in the countryside and has a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of room for the children to run around.

At Cape Coast we attended an orientation for recently returned missionaries and led them through a My Path devotional. Following lunch they received some great counsel from the Institute director and a motivational speaker who was in their shoes just a few years ago. These young men each have goals for a college education, but after a mission here in Africa it can be difficult to know where to turn to continue with your life, especially if you are an orphan or don't have employment. Our purpose is to be part of that link, connecting them back to the stake and wards and the power of the SR program. We also presented an educational seminar to Pathway students. On our return to Accra

Elder Lambert had a most satisfying gospel discussion with Emmanuel (one of the security guards). He is willing to have the young missionaries teach him.

On Sunday we prayed for the ability to understand and be understood as we spoke in sacrament meeting. Through divine intervention the electrical power was out, which meant the fans weren't running, and although it was toasty warm in the building, it was quiet, and this allowed our voices be clearly heard and understood. Prayer answered!  Our message was on self reliance, of course! After church we were encouraged to see many members sign up for the SR classes.

In the evening we joined President and Sister Snow, the Keeles, and the two MLS couples; the Lathems and the Binghams for specialized couples training which consisted of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and a jello salad. Just like home, haha! We decided it was "Specialized" because we rarely eat like this and President had the opportunity to teach and train us. In our dinner table conversation a question came up about missionary apartment checks, and we had a stimulating discussion on agency and empowering people in their choices. President Snow believes in teaching correct principles and letting the missionaries govern themselves. When leaders/parents hoover and control, then missionaries/children never learn that they are in charge of their own life and have the power to direct it for good, simply because they have had so few opportunities to do so. Thus, he teaches about sacred space and how you feel when you are there, such as in the temple. Likewise, their apartments are also sacred space because that is where they study and pray, and the spirit can only reside in a clean, orderly environment.  We each gained a new appreciation for the gift of agency, and left with much to ponder. Till next week...

Be good. Share the goodness,

Elder and Sister Lambert

Pix: Boys bedroom at the shelter

RM orientation.

Playing peak a boo with Sandra

Not so scared of us now!