Take A Tour of the Ghana MTC with Elder Prior

Meet Elder Prior - our only American in this group

Although 90% of the missionaries choose the soccer field, Elder Prior likes basketball

This is where the missionaries eat.  It is the MTC Cafeteria.  Yes, lots of Rice.

Here is the classroom, where missionaries spend most of their waking hours while at the MTC.

And here is the MTC Chapel

This is what Elder Prior's living quarters. 

What is missionary life like in the field? Look at Benin City, Nigeria!

Today President Ojo, the mission president of Benin City made this statement:
"Have been in the field with my missionaries since yesterday learning from them and observing them. These Elders and Sisters are simply amazing-- their testimonies are humbling, true and from the heart.   I was blessed beyond measure.  Missionary work is truly divine. I rode in keke today longer than I had ever ridden in my life put together. The work is about personal and companion study, planning sessions, scripture study, praying, trekking, contacting, teaching, testifying."

Yes, this is what missionary life is like and what we prepare them for in the Ghana MTC.

We Train All Sizes of Missionaries

Three new missionaries and all in the same companionship.  They come from Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana and they are powerful.

The Egukos Discover Utah

President Eguko, Nigeria Portharcourt Mission Had Never Seen A Dinosaur

The Egukos are surprised by the size of dinosaurs

Egukos, the pioneers of Benin, meet the Utah pioneers

The Egukos visited my employer, the BYU Marriott School

Here the Egukos are pictured with our son Justin and his wife Lisa and their five children

Legon Botanical Gardens - A Newly Discovered Treasure in Ghana (by missionary couples)

What do we do when the missionaries leave on Tuesday and we do not receive new missionaries until Thursday?  We explore.  This morning at 6 a.m. we traveled to the University of Ghana Campus and hiked through the Legon Botanical Gardens.

Here is how it is described online: 

The Legon Botanical Gardens covering an area of approximately 123 acres support the scientific research of the Department of Botany. They contain plant species of the tropics and semi-tropics, including a large collection of palms from various tropical areas.

In addition to the sale of plants and wreaths, landscaping and horticultural services, there are facilities in the gardens for picnics by individuals, families and social groups.

Are you looking for somewhere special to take the whole family? Check out Legon Botanical Gardens, in East Legon, Accra Ghana…Perfect for walks, sailing, bird and butterfly watching, ideal for photo shoots, Wedding Reception and more.

Legon Botanical Gardens should be a children's playground, a science museum and a natural laboratory where children will have space to play with their peers, discover themselves, cultivate team work and share. An open natural space where families can party and share among themselves. A place to conference with nature.

Still not convinced?  Take a look at Diane's photo collection of the experience:

Our Area Medical Advisor, Elder Hill was our tour guide.

Elder and Sister Malmrose are always up for an adventure

Just like at the Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad, we found a tree across a pond that attracts Egrets

Termite Tower

Monitor

Kite

Kingfisher

Kingfishers in flight

Hornbill

Petals from Flamboyant Tree on Path

What does a goodbye look like on the other end

Tomorrow we welcome the next group of missionaries.  One of them is Elder Shad Andrew Prior, headed to Ghana Kumasi.  His family, of course, is worried about him and anxious for him, but he is about to embark upon an unparalleled adventure.  He has been called to serve in the fastest growing area of the Church in the world, but where the people have been prepared to receive the message of the restoration from him not just any other missionary.  And so it is with the call of each missionary.

But watch for short sleeves and no vest.  It is hot here in Tema, Ghana.  So off the family goes for the Salt Lake City airport.  He will fly solo since he is the only American to join this intake group.

Note the Joy in Craft Making - Ghana MTC Relief Society

Sister Robison and the six-week sisters made Midori style notebooks after the two-week missionaries left.  Interesting that the African sisters all chose prints for their covers rather than batik fabric.  Why is that?