Transitions

President Sabey welcomes President Shulz to the Ghana Cape Coast Mission. It never ceases to amaze me how smooth leadership transitions are in the church. No campaigning, no complaining, one graciously steps aside and wholeheartedly welcomes his replacement.

President and Sister Shulz, the assistants, Elder Mackay and Elder Adams, and Sister and President Sabey. One last photo before we drove the Sabeys to Accra to catch their flight to Colorado and family and friends who have been waiting 3 years for their return!

Our one and only picture with just us and the Sabeys! We love them and will be forever grateful for their incredible example, love, and friendship.

Good Day!

The last Monday before the Sabey's left we had a special zone conference with 6 of the 9 zones in our mission. The other 3 zones had met together the previous Monday in Kumasi. President and Sister Sabey gave their farewell talks (yes I was in tears the entire time). After the meeting we had a very good lunch and then went to a soccer match!

We rented a soccer stadium in Cape Coast and had a football (soccer) tournament. President Sabey was the ref and the rest of us watched. Elder Akoki who went home to the Ivory Coast a few transfers ago travelled back to Cape Coast for the Sabey's final zone conference. It was wonderful to see him again. He said he wasn't missing wearing a white shirt and tie while watching a ballgame in the hot sun...but I'm sure he really was! :)

Good council...good food...good company...good fun...good day!

The Faithful People of Bibiani

This is a story of faith and perseverance. Bibiani is a community where several non-members meet to hold church. They are not allowed to be baptized because they are far from any church presence. They faithfully read their scriptures, pay tithing, and many other donations. They meet together every Sunday in this old building. They fast and pray quite frequently that the LDS church will come there and allow them to be baptized.

Here the youth of the Bibiani congregation meet outside for a combined primary and junior Sunday school lesson. The day we attended they had over 50 people at church. They have had over a 100 people in the past but since they cannot be baptized some eventually loose interest. On the day President Sabey left the mission he requested permission from the Area Presidency to baptize these faithful people and send missionaries to Bibiani.

Here we are with some of the faithful after our visit. The man on the far left "Brother Turkson" watches over the little flock and keeps them hoping for the glorious day. These are very spiritual and faithful people who truly deserve to be baptized into the Lord's church.

Saying Good-Bye

Our hardest Temple Trip yet. We not only had to say good-bye to some of our dearest missionaries but also to our dearest friends, Jani and Michael Lamb. We loved serving with them and look forward to seeing them when we return.

The "last supper" with Elder Akoki, Elder Nathanial, and Elder and Sister Lamb.

Special Friends

Sister Saunders with her fellow missionaries and dearest friends, Sister Sabey and Sister Lamb in their African dresses. This was taken the morning of Sister Lambs departure.

Some volunteers from Utah joined us for church in Abakramba. Alex, Rosalind, Meghan and Rachel. Meghan called us a few days before their arrival. It didn't take long for them to become dear friends. Along with two of their husbands they are working in a local hospital and orphanage for the summer. We admire their willingness to serve and desire to make a difference.

Another Abakrampa Baptism

Here we are with Elder Joseph and Elder Smith after their last baptism of their mission. They both left to go home three days later. They were wonderful missionaries and were loved by the people of Abakrampa. We will miss them. Victoria & David who learned of the gospel from their neighbors, and eagerly accepted the baptismal challenge from Elder Smith and Elder Joseph.

Elder and Sister Saunders with the 14 candidates and 1 child of record from Abakrampa right before their baptism. When we first arrived in Abakrampa 20 months ago the average attendance for Sacrament meeting was 60 people. We now average over 100 people attending every Sunday. We have had as many as 130 in attendance!

Margaret Saunders Thompson

A few weeks ago, Isaac Thompson, one of the guards at the mission office shared with us the news of the birth of his fourth daughter. A few days later he surprised us by announcing that they had named her Margaret Saunders Thompson! Today he brought her into the office to show her off. She is absolutely adorable!

Sister Sabey and I with our "namesake". Margaret's fante name is Adwoa Sabey Thompson.

Sister Saunders, little Margaret, Isaac, his wife, Pat and their third daughter, Dinah. I'm almost positive I will never have another baby named after me so I'm just enjoying the moment!