church in ghana

the church in ghana is growing rapidly. the cape coast mission averages 90 baptism's a month (i think, correct me if i'm wrong mom.) we had a chance to go to two different branches while we were there. the first one was on day two of our journey in Africa, the Kissi Branch. we stepped into the chapel, a cement building with no doors or windows. no electricity or fans. the branch president quickly introduced himself and asked what are names were. the people were so friendly. more so than any ward i've ever been to. everyone was on the greeting committee.

we took our seats and waited for the meeting to begin. it wasn't long before we realized we didn't understand a word. it was definitely not english. however, the songs were, so singing time was something that we did understand!

when the branch president started conducting there was one other thing i understood. "our first speaker will be sister pratt, followed by brother pratt." my parents looked at us as if to assure us that they most certainly meant us.

after our very short talks (with an interpreter of course) and a few other short testimonies it was time to split to classes. i wanted to check out the primary.

the children all gather in one little room and the primary president teaches all of them. she started with a short intro then came to the back of the room where my mom and i were sitting. she then said, "i am leaving." mom asked if she would be back and she said, "nope, you will take over." so it was up to my mom and i to teach the primary kids. and there was still an hour and a half left. so in the middle we took a short picture taking break. try teaching primary to a class full of children that don't speak your language. we sang a lot of songs and showed lots of pictures! :)

some of the young ones get a little fussy during all the activities. this little ones sister, who had been trying to carry her, plopped her on my lap with this fabric and motioned for me to carry her. i figured i'd give it a try.

it didn't take long for her to fall right to sleep. and boy did she get heavy! he older sister stayed right by my side the rest of the day, making sure her sister was safe. and she loved touching my white skin and blonde hair.

some of the primary kids after church. don't we all look tired!

but nothing is more realaxing that sitting on the beach after church. i love the ocean and the ocean in ghana did not disappoint. (although, dirty and smelly it was still majestic!)

the second branch was in Abakrampa. while we were there the branch recieved a new branch presidency. the president has now been a member for two years, the first counselor has been a member for one year, and the second counselor was baptized in April. talk about a fresh bunch of leaders! i went to primary again. i can't get enough of these beautiful children. they melt my heart. they all draw to james like bees to honey. we had a blast with them.