Dear family and friends,
I officially only have five more days at the MTC until I depart for Kumasi. The time has flown by. These past few weeks I have learned a lot and have had many awesome experiences. I have learned how awesome Ghana and Africa is. It is by far the coolest place that I have ever been. The people, plants and animals are amazing.
I have gotten used to the humidity and sweating all of the time. In my classroom there is a little AC unit but it is never on because as soon as it goes on for just a little bit the Africans in my class get cold. So, all of the Africans are fine while me and the other American in my class are constantly sweating the whole time. It has been a test of patience. But, I have made it through this far and only have four more days of class time.
Every day we have an hour of sports time. All of the Africans play futbol (soccer). They are very competitive and play like it is the World Cup. There have been a couple of fights already. I don't play futbol. Most of the Americans and some Africans play basketball. It has the been the funnest and craziest basketball games I have ever played in my life. (sorry Elder Cox and Cazier) The Africans are so fun to play with and playing outside in Ghana is spectacular. It is like we are playing in paradise.
This week I also ate Fufu for the first time. Sadly, I don't have any pictures but I will take plenty out in the field. Fufu is a big pile of dough made from cassava and plantains that is mashed up. It is served with Groundnut soup. Which is basically peanut butter, chicken stock and chicken.You peel off some of the dough from the pile and dip into the soup and then put it into your mouth and swallow. If you chew it all of the Africans get mad at you. It is very interesting but better than I thought it would be. It felt pretty awesome finally eating it.
Every day we teach people that the MTC brings in from the Ward next to us so that we can practice teaching and the lessons we have learned in class. Last Saturday, I met with Brother Solomon and we taught him about the Book of Mormon and the love that Heavenly Father has for him. We taught him outside the MTC in the Ghana rain forest. It was the coolest teaching experience I have ever had. This was the first lesson that I actually felt the Holy Ghost impress me to say things that the investigator needed to hear. As missionaries we help guide and teach investigators but it is the Holy Ghost that testifies to them that the things we have taught are true.
The days here at the MTC are very long. We begin classes at 7:30 in the morning and end at 9 at night. At times I get really tired but I know that the things that I am learning will help me so much in the mission field. As I have practiced teaching my confidence has improved and I have become better. Practice really does make perfect. I have learned how to sincerely love those that I am teaching and to be in tune to promptings by the Holy Ghost so that i can teach based on the needs of the investigator.
I leave the the MTC next tuesday on July 2. The next time I email I will be in my first area in Kumasi. I am so excited and anxious to meet President Cosgrave and find out who my first companion will be!! I love you guys so much. Hope you all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Ordyna
Every day we have an hour of sports time. All of the Africans play futbol (soccer). They are very competitive and play like it is the World Cup. There have been a couple of fights already. I don't play futbol. Most of the Americans and some Africans play basketball. It has the been the funnest and craziest basketball games I have ever played in my life. (sorry Elder Cox and Cazier) The Africans are so fun to play with and playing outside in Ghana is spectacular. It is like we are playing in paradise.
This week I also ate Fufu for the first time. Sadly, I don't have any pictures but I will take plenty out in the field. Fufu is a big pile of dough made from cassava and plantains that is mashed up. It is served with Groundnut soup. Which is basically peanut butter, chicken stock and chicken.You peel off some of the dough from the pile and dip into the soup and then put it into your mouth and swallow. If you chew it all of the Africans get mad at you. It is very interesting but better than I thought it would be. It felt pretty awesome finally eating it.
Every day we teach people that the MTC brings in from the Ward next to us so that we can practice teaching and the lessons we have learned in class. Last Saturday, I met with Brother Solomon and we taught him about the Book of Mormon and the love that Heavenly Father has for him. We taught him outside the MTC in the Ghana rain forest. It was the coolest teaching experience I have ever had. This was the first lesson that I actually felt the Holy Ghost impress me to say things that the investigator needed to hear. As missionaries we help guide and teach investigators but it is the Holy Ghost that testifies to them that the things we have taught are true.
The days here at the MTC are very long. We begin classes at 7:30 in the morning and end at 9 at night. At times I get really tired but I know that the things that I am learning will help me so much in the mission field. As I have practiced teaching my confidence has improved and I have become better. Practice really does make perfect. I have learned how to sincerely love those that I am teaching and to be in tune to promptings by the Holy Ghost so that i can teach based on the needs of the investigator.
I leave the the MTC next tuesday on July 2. The next time I email I will be in my first area in Kumasi. I am so excited and anxious to meet President Cosgrave and find out who my first companion will be!! I love you guys so much. Hope you all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Ordyna
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| MTC Lehi District |
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| District at the Ghana Accra Temple |
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| Ghana MTC |
Great that you recognized the Holy Ghost so early in your mission. Every time you meet and teach people, ask them how they felt after your discussion. Tell them that feeling was the Holy Ghost acting upon them. Thereafter, when you teach them other Gospel principles, they will recognize their feelings and more quickly come to know of the truth you are teaching them.
ReplyDeleteWe love you Jerryck. Grandpa and Grandma Ordyna
Sounds like the MTC is treating you well. Looks like you have made lifelong friends that have adopted the Elder Ordyna thumbs up. ;-) Continue to let the Holy Ghost guide you. The Lord is on your side.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great job and we love you!!
Uncle Brad & Aunt Kaylene