Christmas eve day felt nothing like Christmas eve, but it was a wonderful day all the same. We met brother Ewudzie in front of savoy at 830, and for the next couple hours we visited historical church spots I did the same with my parents 2 years ago, but we were able to do more this time.
Sadly they have turned the baptismal area by the sea into a butchers shop. All I have to say is I'm even more worried about eating meat from Ghana. Seriously awful. I was trying so hard to feel the spirit, but somehow the machete cutting through the stripped cow or the dead animals soaking in the ocean was a bit distracting. The story however still moves me.
Next we were able to go into the first chapel they met in. He shared several visions he experienced while in that room. He would walk to a certain spot, and begin to share how he felt, what he saw, and what was said to him. Oh I literally just wanted to trade eyes for just a moment so I could see those beginning days here in Ghana.
Next we drove past billy Johnson's first home, and meeting area for the saints. He also showed us the house that actually burnt down after a vision for telling it happened.
My favorite part was visiting the hill cumorah. It was a place the saints would meet before they had the priesthood, and the place James Ewudzie and Billy Johnson would meet to pray for guidance. They spent 3 days upon that hill praying to know what to do when those following them were rebelling because they didn't have the priesthood yet, and they were unable to be baptized. I felt the spirit strongest as I stood on that hill imagining how thin the veil was for these two men atop this beautiful hill. He bore testimony that he has seen god no less than 3 times. He shared answer after answer to prayers they received while praying here. It was amazing. I can't believe this was happening just 30 short years ago, and to see where Ghana is now is more than humbling. They have a temple, 3 missions, and I think 19 stakes. Their country held an election 3 weeks ago, and all these things were promised to those two men if they would remain faithful, and build his kingdom in Ghana.
We finished the morning with a drink at the Savoy hotel. He shared pictures, experiences, and kenny and I just tried to take it all in. James Ewudzie is a man than you just want to soak up all his goodness. I know my testimony has grown from his faith, and his understanding of God.
We weren't able to make it to kakum like we planned, and so we finished shopping and saying our goodbyes in Cape to Francisca, Lily, my seamstress, Mercy, and a couple others. Tonight we ate a fishy palm leaf stew with yam...can't remember the name, but I do remember it not being my favorite. Luckily Jude took most of my stew, and of course Kenny ate everything...once again.
We finished Christmas eve upstairs with everyone. I tried explaining Christmas traditions, and why we do them...not sure if they were following. We all opened our Christmas pajamas, and Jude was by far the most excited to be matching Kenny. Doris and Rosemond were worried to put them on because they hadn't taken their baths yet, and so they only wore them for a picture...because I made them. Gifts are so funny sometimes with Ghanaians. Doris thinks things are too nice so she won't use them. Ha ha I've tried explaining that I want her to enjoy the gift, but she wants everything kept well.
I'll be honest my pajamas were changed quickly because wearing anything long makes me burn up. The heat in ghana is really too much.
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