First Order of Business in MTC

Email home of course.

They were all awakened at 5 a.m. by missionaries singing "Called to Serve" in the shower.  Next they took a 30 minute walk outside to get over jet lag.  And then they sent emails home before breakfast.

The Americans Have Landed!

This is the largest group of Americans we have ever had in the MTC since we have been here (19!) and we still have one more who missed his connection who will be arriving tomorrow.  They arrived at the Ghana MTC at 11 p.m. and were bubbling with enthusiasm.  What a great group!

Left to Right:  Elders Wallin, Ngabonziza (adopted brother), Goodrich, Peters, Divver, Brooks, Bennion, Park, Martineau, and Mantz.

Left to right:  Nelson, Paddon, Barr, Burningham, Bay, Zohner, Jolley, Hekking, and Perry (missing Johnson).

You Are Invited

As they say in Africa.  Come take a taste of the natural beauty that Africa has to offer.  During the two weeks that the MTC was closed, we ventured down to South Africa for a breath-taking experience.  The photos Diane took look like they are out of National Geographic, but really they are from her camera.  In the future, if you visit Africa with your son or daughter after their mission, you should consider going on a Safari. It is a vivid reminder of the beauty of God's creations.

The Armies of Helaman are enroute!

This photo moment is repeated 60 times over today as missionaries throughout the US and Africa bid farewell to their families and headed for the Ghana MTC.

Here is another  photo of Elder Chandler Johnson at the Denver airport taken today as he is headed our way. We will see him this time tomorrow evening.

Pictured above at  the St. George airport, are Elders Kaden Goodrich  Zach Zohner heading to our Ghana MTC this morning.

And the above photo is of Elder Brandon Peters and Elder Mitch Perry at SLC Airport.

And, I am told by his mother that to recognize Elder Bennion, I am to look for the cute one (they are all cute to their moms) and if that wasn't clear enough for me, to look for the one wearing the pink paisley tie.  But then Sister Burningham said her son would be wearing a pink paisley tie as well. They are trying to confuse us.

And finally....drum roll - here is the Salt Lake City group:  Don't they look great?

We expect all 60 new missionaries to arrive throughout the day tomorrow.  We are so looking forward to welcoming them. 

Will the MTC Be Ready When The New Missionaries Arrive Tomorrow?

The MTC has been closed for two weeks.  Tomorrow 61 new missionaries arrive and this scaffolding will be removed, the class room floors will have been freshly waxed, a new caterer has started, the linen is clean, folded and ready for them.  Yes, we are ready.

New Ghana MTC on track for completion by July 2017

This view is from the rear of the construction project.  On the left is the classroom building and on the right are 4 of the 6 stories in the housing complex.  (The new MTC is located on the same grounds as the Ghana Accra Temple and Area Office.  It is a 60 minute drive from the current MTC.)

Questions and Answers About Entering the Ghana MTC

This week, we receive 20 missionaries from North America and again in 2 weeks.  We thought it would be helpful to post some answers to frequently asked questions about coming to Africa.

Question - do I need money from home?

Answer - no, but if you want something from the distribution center, bring a debit card to allow you to access local currency.  The service charges for exchanging US cash are horrible.

Question - do I need mosquito netting?

Answer - this is provided in the mission field.

Question - what will my airport experience be like in Ghana?

Answer - DO NOT ACCEPT ANY OFFERS FOR ASSISTANCE.  If a missionary allows someone to left or carry a bag, they will be asked for money.  Do not do this.  We have a person from the MTC waiting in Arrivals, holding a white sign with blue letters than says MTC.  He will be dressed like a missionary.

Question - what is this confusion all about with regard to the number of suitcases?

Answer - There is no one suitcase rule.  It is merely counsel.  All Africans arrive with one suitcase. Suits are no longer required.  You can buy more things that you can imagine in Africa, so ask questions.  Other than Benin, you will need to bring sheets.  They are difficult to find in Ghana.

Question - is Ghana safe?

Answer - If you check it out on google, it is Africa for beginners.  It is the most Christian nation in the world.  There have not been any cases of ebola in Ghana.

Question - just how large is Africa?

Answer - you can fit China, India, the United States, and Europe within the continent of Africa and have room to spare.

Question - is the food and water safe?

Answer - the food is properly rinsed (fruits and vegetables) and the water is purified.  You will being a personal bottle for purifying water on your last Monday in the MTC.  The water sold on the street in little sachels is not safe to drink for North Americans.

Question - will I attend the temple?

Answer - you will attend the temple on your first Wednesday in the MTC (unless we do not have many French-speakers - then it might be Tuesday).  Please bring a blue card for performing an endowment of an ancestor.  It would be best to do the baptism and initiatory at home.

Question - how many pairs of garments should I bring?

Answer - in addition to the garments you bring from home, you will be given three extra pair of garments after you attend the Ghana Accra temple.

Question - when will I send an email home?

Answer - you will send an email home on Friday (our intake day) and on the day you go to the temple.

Question - what will I need at Immigration to enter Ghana?

Answer - You will need a yellow fever card in addition to your passport.  (Also please bring your record of immunizations so that you are not given a shot you have already had.)

Question - what about malaria or typhoid?

Answer - we have never heard of anyone getting typhoid fever.  We do not even give that immunization in the MTC.  We do give every missionary a doxy pill to be taken at supper time with food.  When a missionary gets malaria, in the vast majority of the cases, they have not taken their doxy pills.  They will also be given these in the mission field.  A great tip is to take garlic pills.  Mosquitos hate garlic and this really does work.


Question - what if I have additional questions?

Answer - email me.  (reid.robison@ldschurch.org)

Question - are there any other suggestions to help me prepare?

Answer - read carefully the mission president letter of what to bring and also check out a group on Facebook called "Elders in Ghana."  Much valuable information is shared there.