Dear Family and Friends,
Sorry, I didn't send an email yesterday. The internet here wasn't working. And I only have 15 minutes to write. So I will try my best to write as much as I can.
After traveling almost 2 complete days I finally arrived in Ghana. The humidity here is super super high. It feels like you are in a swimming pool all of the time. I have gotten used to sweating all the time. Once I got to the airport two MTC drivers picked us up and drove us to the MTC. The roads here are absolutely insane. You can drive as fast as you want and cars swerve in and out of traffic constantly. It reminds a lot of my dad's driving. ;) We almost got into two car accidents in the 25-minute drive to the MTC.
The food here is very very different than back home. The first couple days I had jet lag really bad and the food made me very sick. The food is basically the same for every meal. It contains a mountain of rice and chicken just cooked and flavored differently each time. I have had more rice in the few past days than I have had in my whole life before the mission. The serving sizes are massive. I haven't been able to finish a plate yet. But, the highlight of the food here is the fruit. The fruit here is so ripe and juicy. It is 100 times better than the fruit in the US. The other day we were watching a video about missionary life in the MTC and a video of the food from the Provo MTC came up. The elders were eating donuts, french fries, hamburgers and ice cream. I instantly became homesick and wondered why am I here in Ghana. I want to be back home eating all of that. But the more I am here I have realized that I am here in Ghana for a specific purpose. I have come to love this place so much.
The Africans are always happy and love to laugh and joke around. Out of the 98 missionaries in the MTC there are only nine white guys. Everyone loves us and we are practically famous. My companion is Elder Sagoe and he is from Cape Coast, Ghana. He has taught me a lot about Ghana and what to expect in Kumasi. I
love being a missionary very much. I have truly felt the Lord's love for me and everyone in this world. I know that this is the place that I need to be now. I love you guys and miss you a lot.
Sincerely,
Elder Ordyna
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| Elder Sagoe (my companion) and I in front of the MTC |
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| Loving the MTC Food |
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| Enjoying Class Time in the Lehi District |
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| MTC Ball Africans v. Americans |
It is wonderful that you arrived safely and that you are happy. Believe me when I say that donuts, french fries, and ice cream are not good for you in hot and humid weather. These foods will make you tired and sluggish. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink lots of liquids. We wish you well and encourage you to work hard. Be faithful and obedient. Lots of love, G.O. and G.O.
ReplyDeleteElder O., your companion looks like a nice guy. Enjoy the fruit, and stay safe on those roads! Thanks for the great example of leaving home to do this for two years. Caliendos love and miss you.
ReplyDeleteElder O. YOU ARE DOING GREAT! Love you.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to hear you made it!! You look great and are already being an amazing missionary!! I wish I could have some of your fruit!! Stay strong! :)
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