Celebrating the Holidays in Ghana

We made memories away from home this holiday season! We started with “A Night in Bethlehem” presented by the ward we attended for the first six months we were here. Everyone dressed up like in Jesus’ time. It was a beautiful cool evening, probably in the low 80’s. It’s the time of year when it is hot during the day and cools off at night. They started in the parking lot where they sat on mats (as guests we got chairs at a table) and ate dinner. The best meat was in a Ghanaian soup with a very good broth, and I decided to eat it no matter what kind of meat it was. They said it was beef. I don’t think so. Maybe goat? It was good, anyway. Gordon said it looked like pork but really enjoyed it too. The beef on the kabob was tough and spicy. He ate it, but I didn’t.

After eating we went into the chapel for an enactment of the birth of Jesus Christ. They had obviously practiced hard. There was quite a nice choir and narration.

These two girls, turns out they are sisters, were passing by the gate and someone invited them in. They came over and asked me if this is a church. I told them yes, and told them the name. They asked if they were welcome. I said yes, and encouraged them to get some food and join us. We also introduced them to the missionaries. They sat with us during the play, and enjoyed it very much, and said they wanted to come to church the next Sunday. The missionaries took their information so that they could meet with them. This was Friday, December 23rd.

The next morning, Christmas Eve, we had brunch at the Curtis’ home. We were in charge of making food assignments. We had a great spread, and enjoyed being together.

This would be the last time the Missionary Training Center (MTC) President and his wife would be with our group, so as is traditional, they received a kente banner and said a few words. We told the adventures Stephen, our son, and his family had delivering gifts to friends, trying to do it without getting caught in the act. Everyone enjoyed that. Then President Dickson said a few words. We all had a good time.

New Years eve we met at the Ancillary building to bring in the new year. Gordon and I found these puny balloons, and a couple of boxes of decorations left from other years with which to decorate the cafeteria. This is where the people who stay here when they come from far away to attend the temple cook their own food and eat. We were the only ones in the building this night. We were in charge of the party.

Everyone brought snacks and games to play. We projected “Singing in the Rain” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the wall during the evening, with “Auld Lang Syne” playing right at “midnight” to ring in 2012! We met from 7-10, since some of the group had to travel home, and it is recommended not to be out later.

We were to glad to be able to skype with our kids and hear what they were doing for the holidays! Next year we will be home, remembering what we did this year! Hope you had a memorable holiday. Happy New Year!