Tema Newtown

I didn't get a chance to email last week, but a lot has happened. In my last email I said I was going to Tema Newtown. I like it here. The people here speak a lot of Ewe so it is has been nice to speak that language again. Our area is on the ocean, giving us fantastic views from time to time. It also brings a nice cool breeze which makes the work a lot easier. Ghana has a problem with waste management. It makes me sad to see all the pollution and trash that is going into the ocean. My companion is named Elder Kankam, a Ghanain from Central Region. He speaks Twi which is super helpful. He also knows how to cook some of the foods. 

We are teaching a lot of people here. I look forward to what we will be able to accomplish for the next few months. I don't know the area very well yet. It probably has the largest population out of any area I have been in. They don't speak English as well here. This leaves me sitting and watching my companion teach in Twi often. Even more often I have to make an extra effort to speak loudly and slowly so people can understand. The people here are poorer than my last area and so they aren't as educated. I can feel my effectiveness in teaching decrease because of this barrier. How do you teach when you have a hard time communicating thoughts to people? The answer is through the spirit. The language of the Spirit is universal. It is a language of showing love and interest of those around you. All can feel that. Everything else is easily forgotten. 

I have had a lot of spiritual experiences lately. They have been private and personal instances when I feel the Spirit of the Lord. I attribute this to a study of the Book of Mormon I have recently started. I am counting and looking for every time God speaks to people. I am writing down anything that could apply to me. It has been enlightening. Receiving revelation is far simpler than I had previously thought. I feel more deeply as I become more in tune with the Spirit. I look forward to what I will glean from this study. 

I love all of you! I hope that each of you are doing well! I look forward to seeing many of you in the next couple months. Many of you have asked what my plans are for when I get back. I am going to BYU Provo for school a month or so after I get back. I am planning to get a degree in business. I am excited for the opportunities that are coming my way. Let me know how you all are doing!

Elder Garrison

Conner & Elder Kankam