15 months in Ghana..........

Elder Ormond, Elder Doggett

Elders with sweet family from the area who used to live in the U.S.

Dear Family and Friends,

            This week was super hectic. P-day on Tuesday and Christmas on Wednesday. We just went to a member's place with the other elders and had lots of free food. So the old holiday tradition of over-eating prevails once again... We had a fun district /testimony meeting in the morning, too. The phone call home was okay this year, our network was kinda bad. I couldn't hear very well. But it was still nice to hear everyone. I just wish I had time to make a list of questions to ask everyone.

            This week's proselyting was pretty weak. Last transfer, Elder Ormond's son (trainee) went home because he claimed he had back problems, so the area hardly got worked on at all. And the transfer before that Elder Ormond killed (was the last companion to) a missionary who was going home, so we all know how that is. We don't really have any serious investigators. We're planning to come in full force this new year though. We've made some plans to kick things in gear, working with members, missionary Sundays, increased enthusiasm. We'll see how things go.

           On Sunday we had a baptism, two young men around 16 years old. They've been to church for a long time and they already seem like part of the ward. Sitting in PEC the other night, I can see how zealous this ward is in missionary work. They are very dead set on their goals. These two boys rounded up their goal of 42 converts for the year. Our ward mission leader is really active and wants to help a lot; he just likes baptisms, I think!  I'm sure we will accomplish a lot here, it seems that the members really live and love the gospel. I think there are like 250 active members.

            Man, my legs are sooo tired, this area has more hills than Green Hill. We've been pounding this place down since I got here, and there is so much dust, haha. Your shoes stay clean for about 10 seconds out the front door. It's a bit smaller than my previous areas, though. I'm surprised, because the ward is so big and the area so small. We're trying to learn where as many members live as possible.

            I'm working on salvaging my photos from my camera cards, so I'll send pictures as soon as I can. It's nearly impossible to keep your cards clean here if you're sending pictures all the time. I hope it works.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Game night

D. and J. baptism on Dec. 22nd

Mattress moving day

Email from Dec 24, 2013:

TRANSFER NEWS:  Mpintsin, Kojokrom

Dear Family and Friends,

            On Sunday D. and J. were baptized before church. Both were member referrals. Both had investigated the church previously and for some reason ceased. It was a pretty good service, just before church with some member support.

            We always taught J. with Bro. O., the member who referred him. He is also an older gentleman, so it was always entertaining. Bro. O. confirmed J. a member of the church; he always helped a ton with our proselyting.

            On a much different note... transfer news. Chapter 4, Mpintsin,  Kojokrom. I'm with Elder Ormond from New Zealand, my MTC mate. He's a big, rugby playing islander. We had transfer day yesterday due to the normal day falling on Christmas. Apparently Mpintsin ward is the fastest growing in the Takoradi Stake; I believe it because I met the bishop last night and he is pretty zealous, in a good way. I've finally made it over to Western Region, and at the moment I am emailing in the fastest cafe in Ghana. Elders Shinasi and Sakala are our ZLs, also my MTs, haha I think we'll have some fun here. I've been waiting for a while to serve with a MT (Missionary Training) elder.

            So, Elder Cowan has gone to Moree in Cape Coast. I went on splits there a few times, it's a big place. It's a giant fishing town, but they have pretty powerful members and a really nice building. He'll probably enjoy himself there.

            To my utter depression though, nobody is replacing us in Swedru. President has killed the area again. My initial reaction was, 'WHAT!? WHY?' We just spent 4 1/2 months picking that area from the dirt and setting it on it's feet. Now, I won't say ALL our hard work is lost, but some of it will go down the drain. We were just contacting last week and we found a lot of promising potential investigators. Since we transferred only yesterday, we didn't have time to record those people; so they'll be lost. Our teaching pool was so intelligent, too! Everyone we were working with were people who would be able to build up the church, which is what Swedru desperately needs.

            I'm also sad that we don't get to teach J. and D. about the temple and new member lessons. Our goal in the Swedru District was to get every recent convert to the temple as fast as possible. I've given some names to Elder Suntau, as he is taking over our area for now, but he is already so busy as a ZL. I pray things will work out. I was deeply frustrated to leave that area with no watchmen.

            While we waited for 3 hours at the Cape Coast tro station, I ran into none other than my recent convert and member from Green Hill! Sis. T. and M.A. were going to Accra to deliver some pastries, and just happened to have one for me too, haha. I'm pretty sure Elder Larsen tipped them off, but they claimed it was all just some crazy big chance. It warmed my heart to see them, I love Green Hill branch. Being a missionary rocks!

            Mom I got your Christmas package just before transfers. It was sweet, thanks so much. I filled Elder Baird's and Suntau's stockings and ambushed them with the Nerf Gun. Then they found theirs and when we should have been packing, we all had a Mexican shootout in the apartment for about an hour. Haha it was awesome. I'm gonna miss that apartment, it was so fun, all we ever did was eat food. The night before we left we had root beer floats and cheesecake. Although, this new apartment is pretty sweet. I'm with Elder Ormond, and my MT Elder Wamono is with Elder Reihle from D.C. Also there is Elder Miskin from Arizona with his son (trainee) Elder Larsen from Logan.  Elder Miskin's father (trainer) was also Elder Larsen, the one at Green Hill now, haha. funny family line.

            Love you,

Elder Doggett

Meeting Old Friends at the Christmas Devotional

Dear Family and Friends,

            This week we had our Christmas Devotional down in Cape Coast. It was a sweet program of singing hymns with a few talks. Then we watched 'Forever Strong' again. That's our mission motto. We finished with a huge dinner and a Zone Talent Show, which was a lot better than last year. Swedru Zone sung a song with a slideshow in the background.

            It was so sweet to catch up with everyone though: Elder James, Elder Hansen, Elder Moore, and others. There are so many new faces in the mission though, I didn't know most guys. This mission is changing so fast, seriously. So many incoming missionaries, and President Shulz has done an amazing job of cleaning the place up in the way of obedience.

            What pleased me the most, though, was hearing that all my converts from Green Hill are still going strong. A. is going to school to be a teacher, C. received the Melchizedek Priesthood, and J. is teaching institute in Accra. I can hardly explain how much that info warms my heart. It strengthens my testimony and gives me confidence that my efforts are not wasted. Truly, how great shall be my joy with them in the Lord's kingdom. I can only imagine!

            Also, Elder Hansen told me that the Green Hill apartment was broken into not long after I left, and they had to put bars on all the windows. I'm not surprised…. looking back that apartment was not very secure.

            Today we had a small service project at an orphanage, where we just weeded the front area with cutlasses. It was fun. I feel powerful with a cutlass in hand! Then we went to the Ivies to watch the Christmas Devotional, which was pretty good.  And it appears from the pictures you sent, Dad, that you also enjoyed it. Probably more than I did. It is very nice to have a senior couple around when we want to do activities, haha.

         We are preparing two more candidates for baptism this coming Sunday, so pray that all will go through well enough. We've been working so hard for these people, their names are J. and Dobby  (No, he is not a house-elf... but he does have really big eyes) Elder Jensen can't hold himself whenever we talk about Dobby, he says, "Elder gave Dobby a Book of Mormon... Dobby is FREE!" Yeah, he's a big Harry Potter fan. Anyways, J. is a 60+ year old bus driver and Dobby is a 27 year old security guard. Both referrals, by the way.

       You guys got to see Gimli?! I'm jealous. And I will grow my beard out and see what it can do after I get home, haha.  Although I might cheat and put Rogaine on my face...

       Don't forget to write a missionary this Christmas! (That means me)

Love,

Elder Doggett

Elders from many nations

Last week's baptism mom forget to post!

Dear Family and Friends,
    All the windows of our apartment are reflective from the outside, including the front door, it has a window that goes to the ground. Almost every morning, this salt and peppered rooster comes to the door window and stares at himself. He just cocks his head and ruffles his feathers at himself. We decided he was really conceited, so we named him Narcissus. That was Elder Cowan's idea; personally, I think he looks more like a Carlos.
    Elders Baird and Suntau found passion fruit here in their area. I have never found it here, although I've heard of it. We had some last night and I now understand the reason for the name 'passion fruit'. Words cannot accurately describe the heavenly impressions I had while indulging in that goodness. I'm convinced that fruit is not of this world.
    Ladies, and Gentlemen, Brethren and Sisters, the happy day at last has come. We've finally had a baptism here in the Aboso/Chapel Square area in Swedru. 4 months running. We've been teaching P. for a long time now, since September. She is the 13 year old granddaughter of one of the long- time members. P. had a baptism date set for October, but we were informed by our leaders that regulation says she needed to attend church for 2 more months, so we post-poned.
    She is a brilliant girl, intellectually. She understands the gospel, picks things up fast, and applies them to herself. Sometimes she gets bored when we teach too slow, haha. She has started working on some names for baptisms for the dead already. That's something the Swedru District and the Ivies are pushing for--- recent converts to do temple and family history work.
    It's always a good feeling to see an investigator through to baptism. We work really hard with these people. I know Elder Cowan is enjoying himself; he used a knife to scratch one tick mark in the back of his missionary nametag, haha. He'll be keeping track. I'm glad that now he sees that sometimes you'll see success in the field.
    The baptism went pretty well, we had it Sunday morning before church; sometimes that's the only way to get member support here. It worked out pretty well, though.  The other Elders had two candidates, unfortunately only one showed up.
    Oh, I almost forgot.  Today the Ivies took us to the hospital in Winneba because Elder Doggett has something wrong with his foot. We sent the picture to Sis. Shulz and she sent it to the area doctor, and he said to get it checked out. The bottom of my foot is really white, and it looks like a giant blister although there is no pain, burning, or anything like that. We went to see the doc and he said it's fine, there is just a small problem in getting blood flow to that area, but it's only on the surface. Eventually, the place will peel and underneath it will be fine. So no worries, mother. :) By the way, 'hospital' here means, 'doctor's office'. It was nothing serious.
    Anyhow, my entire purpose in telling you about this is that on the way home, Elder Ivie hit a goat on the highway. It just got caught under the rear wheels, but he couldn't swerve due to traffic, it was too late. Sister Ivie was so sad, haha. She's just a really sweet lady. Elder Ivie just acted like nothing happened. It's really entertaining to watch them, haha, they are definitely an old married couple, and I mean that in the best way possible.
    Until next time,
Elder Doggett

P.S.  Yes, Dad,  the Ivies do treat us like their own blood. We actually had dinner with them yesterday again, on accident. We had to stop by so they could take a picture of my foot, and of course, Sister Ivie had dinner on and a few members of the branch coming over so she wanted us to stay.

Honestly, I think Ghana doesn't celebrate Christmas partly because of money and partly because religion here is an entertainment business, not religion. It's hard to explain, but people in general do not see things the way we do in that regard. For example, no matter who you talk to, they will ALWAYS refer to Christ as 'the Jesus'. They see him as more of an object than an actual person.

But, it's still great down here, everyone is so nice. I will probably be offended pretty easily when I get home and realize that not everyone is so hospitable and friendly...

 

This is a pic from his old area Elder Doggett finally downloaded.....

GIANT SPIDERS and GIANT-SIZED CARROT CAKE.....EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN AFRICA!

Giant spider in apartment....below is a standard 2x4.  They broke the broom killing it!

Dec. 2, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

            First of all, we had interviews with President last Tuesday, and during our combined meeting, he told us that after the missionary department has 'caught up' to the influx of new missionaries. The two week extension that was attached to our mission will now be void after July, meaning I will actually go home on time! I'll get to see Elder Jackman's homecoming, which will be awesome.

            Mom, I got your Christmas envelope with all the testimonies, and it's killing me that I can't open them until starting December 13th. The patriarchal blessings were very interesting to read, though.

            Our new apartment is proving to throw up some dust in the local area. Everyone knows the obrunis live in that house now, haha. They're all so curious. We've had some people just showing up and looking in the windows and stuff. One guy even came knocking on the door asking for money. One morning this week like right before 6:30 AM we heard a guy calling at the door. "Argo! Argo! Enoch, where are you?" ('Argo' means who is home) Then he came to our bedroom window and opened it from the outside yelling for Enoch. We told him, "There is no Enoch here!" He said, "Oh, sorry sorry sorry," and he disappeared. We are being pretty careful about making sure everything is locked when we leave, this area is actually pretty prone to thieves. 

            This week during proselyting my companion and I came across a baby goat nonchalantly munching on a Jehovah's Witness 'Watchtower' magazine. Needless to say, we were pleased.

            How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was awesome and full of gluttony. The Ivies were kind enough to buy the apartment some boneless chicken from Accra, so we cooked it in terriyaki sauce with onions and green peppers and made sandwiches. Then I mashed potatoes and made gravy from a packet I've had in my bags for over a year. It was all quite delightful. Sister Ivie made us carrot cake, but we were too full after dinner on Thursday, so we had in the next morning for breakfast--- all of it. We sliced it into 4 giant pieces and raced to finish. I won, of course, and I felt simply awful. There was SO much sugar in the frosting, haha. I really have lost almost all toleration for sweets. Even all our chicken from the dinner was too much. I can't believe how much Americans eat back home. 

            Also hit my 14 months mark this week. These last two month marks have caught me off guard because I'm not counting anymore. All the way up to a year you're just waiting for the next month, but after you hit the year mark, you just turn apathetic. Time is going fast. Elder Doggett doesn't have a lot of time left in the field.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Swanky new apartment

Nov. 25, 2013:

Dear Family and Friends,

            We moved into the new apartment this week. It took two days because we had to help the Ivies pick up some things and finalize stuff in the place. Our missionary work took a dent for the week, but now we are settled in. The place is so awesome. Quiet, clean, and conducive to the Spirit, haha.

            Our investigators are progressing quite well; we had 5 of them at church this week! We have been thinking a few of them would fail us recently, but they picked up the slack. We've been trying harder to teach in unity and really get down to their concerns, and it has worked. We have been lead as to how to help them.

            During our weekly planning this week, we had no idea how to help an investigator named O. So we prayed for help. We got the feeling that he needed to understand that he should fear God instead of man, and he will have strength in his convictions. We planned to address it in the next 2 lessons. Then, after our lesson with him the next day, he said, "I'm hoping you can help me gain faith, and make it so I can only fear God and nobody else." We hadn't even discussed that yet. We had just proceeded with our previous lesson plan and he came out with that. It was interesting. He's a really sincere investigator concerning his gospel learning. He wants to find that peace and love that is promised in the scriptures. He's probably over 50. He looks like 40 but I can never tell with Ghanaians.

            I went on splits with Elder Collins, a missionary from California posted in Odoben. He's in his 2nd transfer of training. I was really impressed though; he taught like he had been here as long as I have. He could teach very simply, and was bold in answering questions. We had a pretty good day, although we got caught in a storm and almost got struck by lightning, haha. I think I am cursed, anytime I come into contact or affiliate in any way with someone or something from Odoben, the rain comes. It's very strange. I have really enjoyed working with the missionaries in my district though, they are all really humble, effective missionaries.

            Mom and Dad, I'm glad you got to go see Elder Smoot's homecoming talk. He's a really chill guy, we got along very well. All we ever talked about was good food back home.

Love, 

Elder Doggett

Zone activity on beach

Local merchant who sells coconuts

Dear Family and Friends,
    This week was really hectic. Transfer week. Our new apartment was not ready in time, so the Zone Leaders moved over to the Swedru apartment. Now the day after tomorrow we'll move into the new place. I'm excited, the new place is really nice.
    Our transfers were strange. Because the mission is growing so fast, President is opening new areas all over and trying to make room. This transfer E. Ike and E. Jensen moved to the Zone Leaders old area and the ZLs took over theirs in our branch. President needed to get his Zone Leaders more central because he's going to put more missionaries in an even farther area in the zone. Everything is growing so fast, it's really cool to watch.

      This morning we went to the beach in Winneba and played some ultimate frisbee and handball. It was really fun actually. And the sand was really hot. It was a great way to let off some stress. The Ivies made a picnic for us. It was quite nice. I really love having them around; they're pretty much like our parents, haha.

      So I had an epiphany the other day when I wanted to scratch a mosquito bite. Everyone knows that if you scratch it, it will only itch more and get worse, right? It's like Satan and his ridiculous temptations. A thought will come to your head and then you'll think about it a moment. "Should I scratch it? I really want to. But wait, if I do that won't end up well for me. Just do it! No---" Haha so think of your temptations like mosquito bites. They're annoying, small, and completely unnecessary in your life.
    We have a few progressing investigators. But they are progressing sooooo sloooowly. Mom, it doesn't matter how many lessons we have, if people don't actually progress in their gospel learning and commitments. There is an older man called J. who was investigating the church some few years ago but stopped. One of his friends, a member, introduced us and we've been teaching. He comes to church, but the problem is we can't see him until the weekend, and even then sometimes we miss him, so it's moving so slow. He has the desire to be baptized though. He wants to become a full member and enjoy the blessings.
    Another investigator who I really like is named S.; he is 19. This kid is seriously the most intelligent person I've met here. We call him Solomon the Wise, haha. He called us over one day and asked us what we were preaching about, so we explained and set a return appointment. He's really interested in finding the true gospel. He has studied the scriptures very well, asked a lot of opinions on religion, and he asks DEEP questions, which I just love. It's so nice to teach someone who is a bit of a challenge intellectually. He has stated that he has interest in being a missionary. He would be POWERFUL if he became a member. He's having trouble attending church though, because he's a youth teacher in his church. But, he is very honest with us, and I respect him so much for that. I get really tired and frustrated at people who lie to us all the time. It's just so socially accepted here.
     We also have been teaching a 13 year old part member who is very smart. Her grandmother is a long-time member and they both come to church together. She gets bored sometimes when we teach the way we do because she comprehends things so much faster than most people here; we're used to teaching at a slower pace. We set a date for her in October ending, but we found out according to President Shulz's regulation, we needed to wait 3 months for her to become comfortable with the church, and to make sure she will stay. So many young people who are baptized here fall away as soon as the missionaries leave.
    So things are moving here, just not as fast as I would like them to. Things always move forward though, pretty much no matter what, from what I've seen.

Love,
Elder Dogette (with a French accent)

P.S.  Elder R. who just went home, sideswiped a trotro in the mission van like a month ago, haha. He drove like a true-blooded Ghanaian!

ROACHES BE GONE!

Tricked-out bike

Dear Family and Friends,

            Transfer news: we are both staying here in Swedru. But we're moving into a new apartment next week, with the Zone Leaders. I've seen the apartment, it is NICE. It has real windows, not those cheap lever ones. I'll admit, I was hoping to leave Swedru. I love being with Elder Cowan, but the slow areas are starting to grind me down. So I'll count my blessings instead: the new place will be very quiet (no more apostate churches going off at 5 AM), the apartment will stay clean (the ZLs never have time to eat in), we'll be a two minute walk from the chapel, we'll hear lots of fun news from the ZLs, we'll finally have a fan for study, we'll have our own toilet and shower (with a NICE showerhead), Elder Baird (from Preston) has a washing machine we can use, we'll be normal missionaries again (no more training), and finally, we'll probably get to see some of the people we've been working with for a long time get baptized!

            At district meeting this week I had assigned Elder ______ to instruct, and he did a swell job. He instructed on how important are gospel conversations and working with members. It was interesting to me, because when I was assigned him in [a different area], he wasn't doing those things……. It was rewarding to me to see how strong he had become in those areas, and to hear his experiences…….. He's a really powerful missionary now. He was just assigned to be a DL himself.

            Well, there's not much for this week. Better luck next time.

Love,

Elder Doggett

P.S.  I forgot to mention the cockroaches. They've been slowly invading our holy edifices where our food resides--- the cupboards. This was an ongoing battle. Last week I hosed the kitchen with strongly mixed permethrin in an attempt to drive them out. In fact, that's all it did, they just came back into the cupboards when it dried. I think they're immune. No wonder these things can survive a nuclear blast. So Elder Ivie bought us some Target bug spray  (I looked on the ingredients and found out that it's pretty much just butane and kerosene, who woulda thought?) and finally, we've seen the end of the roaches. I can't describe how satisfying it was when the can started spraying like 400 MPH and I just went to town on them. Revenge is sweet...

Sleeping with "Maggie"

" In spite of my.....sometimes juvenile follies, the Lord has allowed His holy work to progress. Even in my greatest weakness, He has seen fit to use me, however clumsy or unfit, as a tool in His hands to advance the areas to which I've been assigned...... The Master Carpenter is continually carving, shaping, and sanding me into the witness He needs me to be....."

Dear Family and Friends,

            So I received some conference talks from Mom some time ago, and they were from my favorite speakers: Elders Holland and Oaks. There were pretty awesome. One of them mentioned a scripture from D&C that caught my eye. D&C 64: 32-34 says, "...be not weary in well doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work." The story of my mission life. That's apparently my role as a missionary--- to plant seeds. It's not easy, but I've learned a lot of patience. "...We should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness." (D&C 123: 13)

            Last week I finished the Old Testament! And guess what I gained a testimony of? The Book of Mormon, haha. From reading the OT, I understand the difference between an inspired collection of writings and a not-so-inspired one.  The Bible as we have it now was compiled by a council of men who fought over doctrine. The Book of Mormon, however, was compiled by a man inspired of God, who was led as to what he should include. There are parts of the OT that I'm not sure are 'inspired writings' at all, as defined by Peter in 1 Pet 1: 21. Reading the OT is quite like mining: you'll go through tons of repetitive dirt that all looks the same, but occasionally you'll find hidden treasures of doctrine. And those doctrines you discover are really intense. For example, I learned a lot about the role of the tribe of Ephraim: Gen 49:26/ Deut 33:13-17/ 1 Chr 5:1/ Jer 31:9, 31-36 cross referenced with 2 Ne 12: 2-5 and D&C 133: 30-34. Besides those fun hidden truths, the rest of the OT is about the follies of Israel, their cursings, and the fact that the Lord will gather them in the last days. I can't count how many times I 

read about those things, haha. All in all, it was good to read, though. I understand all the chronology much better now. Now I'll never have to read it all the way through again! I prefer the more poetic and personal feel of the rest of our standard works anyway. (I'm NOT bashing the OT, by the way.)

            This week we taught the second group of people who came to District Conference, most of them were just kids, albeit they were really smart, and our member helped us a ton. It's... an experience to teach a large group, and slightly more chaotic if that's at all possible.

            Some months ago, Sis. Shulz challenged us all to re-commit to exact obedience, and she promised that we would see miracles from it. I was up for it, I had slackened a bit and there was room for improvement. So I did as directed, went through my white handbook to mark the places where I had fallen short, and began to work on them. Things did improve, but over time I realized I was still making mistakes. I was doing my best, and my best was the most I could give. I came to internally understand and personally realized the words of the Preacher, "For there  is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not", (Eccl 7:20) Also, "...there is not flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah..." (2 Nephi 2:8) I thought I could simply choose to be perfect; I now know it's not possible by my own meager power.

            I have seen miracles from my EFFORTS to obey, though. There were no majestic visions opened to my eyes; there were no grand outpourings of the Spirit; there were no golden investigators begging to be baptized. The miracles I've witnessed were small, seemingly finite instances in everyday work. In spite of my repetitive and sometimes juvenile follies, the Lord has allowed His holy work to progress. Even in my greatest weakness, He has seen fit to use me, however clumsy or unfit, as a tool in His hands to advance the areas to which I've been assigned. He has still led us to the people we needed to meet, and granted that necessary circumstances fall into place.

            Perhaps the greatest miracle I now see is how all along the way, the Almighty manages to teach my stubborn soul one by one, the lessons I must learn. The Master Carpenter is continually carving, shaping, and sanding me into the witness He needs me to be--- for now and for years to come. I need to be forever strong on the field, so I can be forever strong off the field.

Love,

Elder Doggett

P.S. The computer I am on right now is apparently British. It's trying to correct my spelling, telling me 'favorite' is actually 'favourite', and 'meager' is actually 'meagre'. Pssh... Brits. :D

 "This gospel changes lives. Not the least of which is my own. I'm ever-grateful for the Atonement and I'm so happy to be a part of this work!"

Dear Family and Friends,
    This week was insane! I was doing baptism interviews all week. Overall I did 10. I love doing interviews, though.  It's really sweet to hear people's testimonies. I went on splits with another companionship in my apartment on Thursday to do 5 of theirs for the upcoming Saturday. Meanwhile, E. Cowan got sick that day. Then on Friday I had to take a 1 1/2 hour tro ride to do an interview in Asikuma, since E. Cowan wasn't well to travel, I split and took E. Jensen while E. Ike and E. Cowan cleaned the baptism font all day.
    So we linked up with the Odoben guys, and while we waited for another tro, it started raining like mad. Not cats and dogs, mind you, it was raining goats and pigs! So we ducked into a little chop bar and waited. A car came and I called out to the mate that we had four and he said to come. There were already like 20 people mashed in the tro, haha. E. Jensen and Lee are bigger guys and E. Collins is like a telephone pole. So we all piled in and bounced along through the jungle in a monsoon. It was quite memorable.
    We arrived and I started the interview. The baptismal candidate was powerful; I had met her before on splits. E. Lee made me aware that she had a problem, though now she is 54, in her youth she had some [serious transgressions]. The missionaries explained to her that it may be an obstacle for her baptism. I was told to call President Shulz when it came up. When we started the interview, I could see she was pretty nervous and tense. She knew the question was coming. Before I even asked her the direct question, she came out with it when we were discussing repentance. She had a pretty guilty conscience, but I suppose it's because she understood the severity of her sin in God's eyes.
    I called President and he asked her some questions through me, and he said it was ok to go ahead with baptism, as the incidents had happened over 30 years ago in ignorance. When I relayed that to her, I could see the burden being lifted away from her--- there was a physical difference. She seemed brighter. As we finished, she was ecstatic, she said, "I can't wait to be baptised so I can be an angel". On Sunday, after her confirmation, she was called as the Relief Society President.
    That interview has had a big impact on me. It was something so amazing to see this woman embrace the gospel and watch the Atonement of Jesus Christ take action in her life (Heb 11:1/Alma 32:21) We all make mistakes. An individual without a past is like a tree without roots. Being out here, teaching and learning the gospel has shown me how many roots I have of my own. But I guess that's why the gospel is there; it's about progression. In His own due time, the Lord prunes us like olive trees in his vineyard, (Jacob 5) and step by step, we move toward perfection, (2 Pet 1:3-8) until eventually we become joint-heirs with Christ. (Rom 8:15-17/Rev 3:21)
    This gospel changes lives. Not the least of which is my own. I'm ever-grateful for the Atonement and I'm so happy to be a part of this work!
    Oh yeah, we also went to visit the village where about 100 people came to church. We just sat down and had an informal chat with 5 people, then people just kept joining until there were almost 40, haha. We're going there next Saturday with the Ivie's to show them the Restoration film. Most people were kind of disinterested, but 7 or 8 were really picking things up, which is about what I expected, so we'll see how that goes. The only problem I see in the future, is the distance. The village is really BUSH, pretty far out of the way.
    Hey, it's my 13 month mark today! I just noticed.
Love, Elder Doggett

Zone activity at the Ivies

P.S.  Dad, we don't have any American sisters here, and I don't think we ever will. No American girl I know could handle the living conditions here, haha. And it's not necessarily safe.  Zeke's hair is getting long and he totally looks like Link from the Legend of Zelda games. He should be Link for Halloween!!

 

Elder LeLea, Elder Doggett

 "All of a sudden our plates are full. It's glorious!"

White Man Town with Elder Lee

Dear Family and Friends,

            This week has been promising. Things are finally starting to pick up here. Since the boundary changes, we've been working in that new area a ton now that it is ours. We've found some people who are really promising so far. We had a midweek activity on Wednesday where we watched the Restoration film, and we had like 4 investigators come, which was sweet. The Ivies put on the show, and it was a really good idea. I actually wasn't there; I was doing splits in Odoben again for an interview.

            Speaking of which, this split was very fruitful, more so on our side, where Elder Cowan and Elder Kirumira went together to our area. Elder Kirumira was there for one transfer, so he showed Elder Cowan all the progressing investigators they had that were lost when the area was closed. So that was seriously nice. That was the hardest thing about re-starting the area, was how EVERYONE the previous missionaries taught was lost. It was like not saving your game on Xbox, haha.

            Yesterday was our Disctrict Conference for Swedru. Everyone really wants it to become a Stake, but unfortunately, the numbers are not there yet. All the talks pretty much were about temple attendance--- if people want to grow into a stake, they have to be a more temple-going people, which is something that hasn't been happening. So there is still a lot of work to do here, we're being directed to challenge our converts to do at least one family name in the temple soon after they are baptized themselves. Swedru has been a District for 25 years, so it's been a long time going.

            One of our members has been helping us a ton. And we have no idea where he came from, haha. I don't think he actually lives in the boundaries, but he started coming recently and got a calling. He's been in the church for like 13 years. This week he showed us one of his friends, who, when we met him, told us he had investigated the church in the past, and now wanted to come back and be baptized. He decided that "Latter Day Saints is the best church". He already had the BOM and all the pamphlets, in good condition, too (which is rare here.) Also, that same member brought like 100 people to the conference from his village. All non-members. So we're arranging to travel out there like once a week and hold a discussion meeting. Another member also brought like 40 people from HIS village, so we're planning to do the same there. All of a sudden our plates are full. It's glorious!

         We really just have to endure and do our best and the blessings will flow.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Investigators from just one village!

Those wild tro tro rides (with Elder Lelea)!

The whiteboard says it all......:)

A Normal Week in Ghana......phew!

Dear Family and Friends,

    Mom, I got Elder Jackman's letters. It was awesome to hear from him. He had some pretty good stories, ha,ha! I really miss that guy. Also, I think you might enjoy reading Elder and Sister Ivie's blog if you haven't found it already. intoghana.blogspot.com
    So this week I went on my first splits as the District Leader. I went to Odoben to be with Elder Lee, as he had a candidate that needed a baptismal interview. The trotro drive to Odoben is awesome. We had a good time. Those guys have a seriously good area. We were running the entire day.  I haven't had a lot of those days on my mission thus far. But they are really fun. I really wish Elder Cowan could have gone instead, because he needs to see what a sweet area is like. But unfortunately because of the interview that wasn't possible. We're splitting to Odoben again this week for interviews for the other missionaries' candidates. Once again, Elder Cowan will have to stay. But I'll send Elder Kirumira back to our area, as he was there before us. Hopefully he can show us some places we haven't been.
     I gave my first instruction as well this past week. I felt like focusing on Ch. 6 in PMG, about the importance of the Book of Mormon. Recently I've come to see just how awesome and pivotal a tool it is. I've always known it was important, but now I'm trying to give preference to BOM scriptures whenever possible as soon as we have taught about it. The meeting went very well, everyone started contributing tons of cross-reference scriptures from BOM to the Bible and we all copied them down and learned from each other. I guess what they say is true--- you learn more when you're the teacher.
    Elder Ike and I discussed last night how we could change the boundaries of our areas. President called him and told him to talk with me about it since I suggested it to him. We found a perfect place to split it, and I guess it's effective immediately (since we've already been proselyting there for a while now). We should have more to do now that we at least have some MEMBERS to work with. That is absolutely essential here; I'm sure as it is anywhere. The members are the driving force of missionary work, even if they don't know it. People are watching them….. their friends and family. People are much more inclined to listen to and believe the gospel, when they feel the testimony of their peers. That has been the hardest thing about this area so far, is not having relationships with the members. That's half the joy of the work anyway; I love making friends with the members. They're all so powerful here and are not afraid to share what they believe.
    As far as the re-activation goes, it's a little slow. It's hard to find people here. Haha everything is a maze. But last week we had two less-actives come that we've been working on since we got here, so that was very gratifying! The branch president is giving us 5 less actives’ names to work with at a time, and if  they come or fall through, when we do our part, he will give us five more. So it's going on. Slowly. Story of my life, haha. But it's okay.
     I can't believe Tyson is coming into the field! I mean Elder Anderson. That's so awesome. I told him to email me when he's out but who knows if that will really happen, haha.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Whoa, everyone is growing up and hitting the mission field!  "The revelations came down and the floods (of missionaries) came up, the revelations came down and the floods came up..." :)

Scary Drivers, Scary Old Women!

Elder Doggett in front of termite mound

Dear Family and Friends,

    We got party boy-ed by two 70+ year old women this week. We went to check on a less active, she wasn't there, and some old devils nearby started chattering Fante at us. We had no clue what they were saying. We found out shortly. Out of nowhere, they each put their arms around each of us and started grinding! SO. NOT. OKAY. Needless to say, we made like Joseph in Egypt and got outta Dodge. They chased us out. It took a few seconds for what just happened to register, then we couldn't stop laughing, Haha!. On the way home that night Elder Cowan got sideswiped by a truck on the road, it just grazed his arm though, so it messed up his shirt and got it all muddy. At least it didn't mess up his face.
    Also, while we were chatting with a member who owns a fruit stand, I saw this guy walk by wearing an 'Irving Phys Ed' shirt.  I laughed at how he had no idea where that came from. He was one of the guys in the tro tro who calls out where the thing is headed, just next door. Five minutes later, we hear a crash and I look over to see the roof of a shop collapse down on a taxi on the adjacent street. The car hopped the gutter and nosedived. Said 'Irving Phys Ed' guy got out of the driver seat and everybody and their goats came to yell at him in Twi. It was amusing. Our friend interpreted the yelling and told us, this guy doesn't know how to drive and someone told him to go park the car. They said he had done this before. Oh, nobody was hurt, by the way. To get it out, 15 guys crowded around the vehicle and just pushed, haha.
    I have given my first few baptismal interviews as a District Leader. They're not hard, and I won't lie, I really like the prospect of having responsibilities to fill time. But things should start moving here again. Also as DL I get to conduct and instruct in district meetings, receive numbers from everyone at the end of the week, and report those numbers to the ZLs.
    We met with Bro. Acheampong and drummed up some ideas for us to help the branch itself, not necessarily the Aboso area. We want to focus on re-activation for the whole branch, because there are ridiculous amounts of less-actives. It's fairly easy to re-activate in Africa because most people just left because they fell out of fellowship. When you show them some love and that the church hasn't forgotten them, many will return. We will also be going out with the Elders Quorum brethren to do gratuitous amounts of tracting in the part of our area that is closer to the chapel. We want to start in the center and branch out. I'm also going to talk to Pres. Shulz about changing the area boundaries a little; we've already been proselyting in a part of the city that technically is not our area, but he gave us permission to do so. So want to propose that he permanently changes it, so any future missionaries don't have to go through the same thing we did. That portion is the lifeblood of our work right now, it has some good members. I hope everything gets ironed out soon.

Love,
Elder Doggett

 P.S. I would love some pictures of the mountains. Right now we're pulling out of rainy season and busting into dry season. I'm not really looking forward to it. Then comes HOT season around January and February. We haven't seen conference. The Ivies were saying they wanted to download it and invite all the missionaries over to watch it at their place. We'll get the conference DVD in like 2 months and then they'll watch it in Fante at church. So I really hope we get to go to the Ivies.

Spectacular sunset!

Dear Family and Friends,
    "Whooooooa, we're halfway theeere, WHOOOOAAA! Livin' on a prayer!" I hit my one year mark this week, although my official halfway mark is in one week due to the two week extension. It does not feel like I arrived in this country one year ago. It blows my mind how fast it's gone by. Elder Govathson, my MTC mate was betting me that I was going to be the new District Leader, as he was being transferred and he was the DL. We got transfer news on our one year mark. I bet him two packs of salmon that it wasn't me, and his baseball jacket said otherwise. I lost. I got a call from the APs like an hour later, announcing the official beginning of my regime as Swedru District Leader, haha. It will probably just help us fill time, though, since the area is not really moving.
    Today, Elder Rowe, one of the guys in our apartment went home! I was proud him, he stayed strong all the way to the end. A lot of missionaries have premature deaths, but Elder Rowe lived a long and fulfilling mission life.
    We had a branch council meeting on Sunday and we all decided it would be much better if we just helped the other missionaries in the branch with the work they have, which is closer to the chapel. They honestly have more than they can handle. I called President Shulz and we discussed what to do this last week and he said we should talk to Bro. Acheampong, the first counselor in the branch presidency. He's the one who President knows personally. The area is just very awkward. We can't start a group because there are no active members. I see one of three things happening. Best - Over time the area gets a group and starts to expand. Worst - The area continues to have the same problems and causes premature deaths of all Ghana Cape Coast Missionaries who go there. Or also Worst - The area gets closed.
    So we are meeting with Bro. Acheampong this week to discuss how to move forward, then we'll call President and counsel with him on if we should change area boundaries or what. Fortunately I believe things will be getting better, because if we can start proselyting closer to the church and getting to know members, then the work ALWAYS progresses. Simple as that.
    S. didn't make it to church. So no update there. We are kind of in a limbo stage right now, I'm not sure how we will proceed yet in the area. I think we will be teaching closer to the chapel from now on, but we will continue to visit the people in Aboso we have already contacted.
    I was going to send pictures this week, but I forgot my card reader, so I'm out of luck. Sorry.

Love,
Elder Doggett

P.S.  Hahah I'm glad you found Elder Cowan's mom. She also emailed him about that. Please tell me you don't text each other every day... :)

Frustrations of an Empty Toolbox

Elder Doggett, Elder Cowan lunching at the Ivies!

Dear Family and Friends,

The Following is an excerpt from my journal. I didn't want to sugarcoat it, so this is how I am feeling: 

"So this week was beyond frustrating. I'm incredibly stressed out. I'm supposed to be training Elder Cowan; showing him how to play with the ropes, and we have no ropes. Our toolbox is empty. This area has problems, all of which are out of our control. Yesterday was an attempt at a missionary Sunday which failed miserably due to lack of preparation, commitment, and responsibility. We should have planned the day weeks ago at PEC meeting, but the only one who comes to said meeting is the missionaries and the branch president. Two weeks ago PEC was cancelled due to a stupid futbol match everyone wanted to watch…….Our area is too far from the church for people to attend……There are no active members in our proselyting area to help us, therefore we can't form a group (we were also informed last district meeting that President doesn't want us elders to push for a group; it has to go through the branch).  As we were watching the training videos, we realized we don't have any tools at our disposal…… I'm at the point where I simply don't know what to do; which leaves me feeling helpless. Until now on my mission I've had a goal, or something to work for at least an idea of what to do. I've run dry in the idea department. The most frustrating thing is that I know what needs to be done, but I can't force people to do their jobs.”

On a different note, our friend Perpetual sent us over to Elder and Sister Ivie's place with a gift of pineapple. They invited us in and gave us a tour; Sister Ivie was so excited to see us. Their flat is seriously the nicest I've ever seen in this country, it's a mansion, and it's only the top floor of the building. They only have to pay $300 a month for it.  After the grand tour, Sister Ivie said, "Hey are you guys hungry? I just made some soup!" We said we would not decline, haha. So she prepared us a meal with everything she had: soup, grilled cheese (yes!), pineapple, juice, peanuts, tigernuts, and chocolate. While she prepared it, we washed the dishes that were in the sink. It was an awesome visit, we got to know them better and share some insights about Ghana. Apparently a month after they got their call, Elder Ivie fell off a ladder and broke both wrists, his pelvis, and a vertebrae. He was expected to take at least 6 months to recover, but because of fasting and prayers he did so in only 3 months. Needless to say, the doctors couldn't believe it. I won't lie, it was nice to sit down and have a taste of home. I really needed it, too. Sister Ivie is such a sweet lady. She has the perfect 'grandma’ feel about her.

So, since everyone is probably wondering, we do have ONE person who is even close to progressing. Her name is S., she is a referral from a less active member, and she is about 20 years old. She is actually trying to understand our message, mostly about the Book of Mormon. She says when she reads it, she loves it, and that it feels like the Bible. But she's just a little stuck on the 'can't add or take away from the Bible'. We explained it, but a lot of people just need some time to get past it here. She was reading 3 Nephi 11 which we gave her and she got to the point where Jesus teaches the people how to baptize (we knew she would eventually). Last time we sat down with her, she asked every right question about baptism. How should it be done? Should children be baptized? Can someone be baptized again? Every question she asked led right into the next one, which led to a baptismal date. We extended one to her, and she accepted, but the next part is to get her to church. So I guess she needs some extra prayers.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Must have been a crazy 20th!!

P.S.  Mom, I've listened to every Joseph Smith CD but one…… I really enjoyed them!!  It helps to see that he's not just a name on a page, or a man in a story. He was a real human being with a real personality, who was called to lead God's kingdom!

 "It was funny and inspiring at the same time that this man could not even conceive of a culture, or circumstance, let alone a person, who would not believe our message. To him it is just so clear and obvious." 

We have a breach!!!!!

Dear Family and Friends,

            So I'm a terrible person because last week I had quite a few emails and I simply forgot to write back my general letter. So I'll repent, ok? Anyhow, things here are normal... for this country.

            Happy Birthday Elder Doggett! 20 years old this week. On my birthday, the Bybees came by to introduce the new senior couple from New Mexico, Elder and Sister Ivie. They are extremely nice people, and they're definitely in culture shock, haha. I started to write down some Fante for Sister Ivie, and she was a little overwhelmed, but willing to learn. When they all found out it was my birthday, they busted out the singing and peanuts. It was awesome, haha.

            So after they left we continued our weekly planning and toward the end, we heard a THUD outside followed by the sound of falling bricks.  We went to the window and saw a huge dump truck on the other side of our now collapsed outer wall, as the culprit. The driver had no idea what he was doing; I dunno who allowed him to be behind the wheel of that big rig. He also hit a tree beyond the wall, and almost took off the roof of a shop container as he backed toward his target, the welding shop. The landlord didn't even care when we told him; he just shrugged it off. So the owner of the shop came out and told us he'd take care of it. By the time we returned home from proselyting, the broken corner was already bricked back up. I was pretty impressed, in light of the speed in which they build here...

            So we had a full, busy day of work and we retired home to our most glorious egg ‘sammiches’. I could really eat those every night for the rest of my life and die happy. The ones we've been making are practically gourmet. I also added some instant potatoes from my b-day package just for a taste of home. Then we all played Settlers of Catan and I lost miserably, haha. Oh yeah, by the way Mom, everybody loves to play Monopoly Deal. Elder Ike (EEKAY) begs me to get the cards out every night, haha. He's a really hilarious Nigerian.

            As far as investigators go... we have a lot of people we are teaching, but not many are progressing. One girl is asking a lot of questions and trying to understand. She seems to be the most promising right now. Otherwise, people are all kinda in the same spot. They can't come to church.

            In the area we're working right now, we're really in an awkward situation. It's very difficult for people to attend church, almost impossible actually. So we are pushing the PEC to form a group. I called President Shulz and asked his advice on about how to proceed doing that. So we've collaborated and the branch president gave us the names and numbers of every member in our area. We will contact them and tell them that we want to start a group, and ask them if they will come back to church if they have a group nearby. So that's our game plan---re-activate, start a group, support said group every week, and continue proselyting. The people here will receive us, just like they would anywhere in Ghana, but the center of strength is just too far away.

            Speaking of church, we met a German guy named F. at church this week. He was living with a member for about 1 year over a year ago and he visited the church. He never met with missionaries, and he said he's seen the church in Germany, but never visited it there. He said the closing prayer in Elders Quorum and he said it in German….. the guy can speak English like an American, German like a German, and Twi like an African. He knows more than I do, for sure. He's a very friendly guy, which surprised me because all the Europeans I've met so far are less than cordial. Proves me wrong, I guess. But we're going to try and sit down with him this week before he goes home at the end of the week.

            Every week on Sunday we take the sacrament to Brother N., a man in the branch. In 1989, he had an accident in a rail yard where he lost his right arm and leg. He has a powerful testimony of the restored gospel! Every time we see him, he says, "Tell everyone about the Restoration; the First Vision, Book of Mormon, John the Baptist! It's true!" Haha he just spits it all out and stumbles over his words he gets so excited. He talks pretty dang fast for a Ghanaian.

            Last Sunday he asked us if we had a few minutes to talk and asked us how well people receive the gospel in the U.S. I tried to explain how people aren't so religious; they think they have everything they need already. People have a lot of distractions and normally won't even give the missionaries time to sit down. He got angry, saying, "What?! Don't people believe in God? What do they think happens after death? Do they think, 'that's it, I'm dead, it's over'?" Haha I explained that many people have questions, but don't know where to find answers. He replied, "Huh? Don't they read the church books? It's everywhere, just ask someone! When they hear it, do they believe it?" I said that many do not. He then threw his hands (or hand and stump) in the air, crying, "Why not??? It's the truth! Ok. Thank you, see you next time, buh bye." He gave us a grin as he left.

            It was funny and inspiring at the same time that this man could not even conceive of a culture, or circumstance, let alone a person, who would not believe our message. To him it is just so clear and obvious. It's almost as if "he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting", like the Brother of Jared. (Ether 3:19) I mean, all this man does is sit in bed, read the church books, and I'm sure receive revelation, haha. All that's in his room is shelves and books. I bet he seriously knows solid doctrine. It makes me want to build up my own testimony more.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Wait.......Nevermind!!!!!