POST 77

Hi Friends and Family,
          So things have been just the normal around here. Yeah, the other churches are interesting.
The drums, speaking in tongues, singing, haha..   It’s something else for sure. Yesterday was fine. We only had one investigator (Kwabena) come to church, everyone else had some crappy excuse, but we hope they will come next week.  Kwabena will be baptized on the 25th. I think that having church start at eight is too early. Eight thirty would be perfect; almost everyone was late. Our group leader is somehow serious with the church, but needs to chill out about investigators being late. He doesn’t need to be chastising them about being late. That is our job and not his.  But for the most part he is good group leader. He has a car, so its not a problem for  him to get from Afrancho to Offinso. We hope to find more serious people this next week.  Most of the people that we are teaching have problems they need to work out and resolve before they can be baptized. We are going to go to a little town about  3 miles north of Offinso called Namong this next week. Hopefully we will have success. Half of our area is Zongo, full of Muslims and their cows. There is a certain tribe from Burkina or Niger that are called Fulanies. All they do it herd and raise cows. We are always running into them.
          Anyway, my companion is great. His English is coming along really well. It’s amazing actually!!
I can’t believe it’s been 18 months and only 6 more to go!  I really  cant believe that my time is winding down. Ever since I came I would look at missionaries almost finished with their mission and think.. Wow they are lucky! I wish I was them! Haha… But now I’m saying it to the Greenies, “You are lucky!  Make the most of your time and enjoy your mission.” About all my heroes are all gone home and now I’m taking the plate.
          So that is pretty much it for the past week.  It sure sounds like everyone is doing well and enjoying the fall weather.  That is great that Dad and Chap both got an elk. There's always good times out there getting in the middle of it all and having them run right over ya, ha… At least is wasn't as cold as it was the one year with all the snow.  It also sounds like the gather went well.  It's always quite an enjoyable outing. Anyway, next year I'll be there. I really can't picture it. I think I'll just be in shock for a few weeks, trying to believe that this actually happened. Well I best go! We’re going to Piri Piri to enjoy a bit. Have a good week!!
                             Love, Elder Ty Blackburn

My companion Elder Ilunga doing his traditional dance.

Tro tro

The major form of transportion

POST 76

Hello Everyone,
          Well yeah, everything for the most part is great in Offinso. So yesterday we were able to have church in a school building.  We probably had maybe 30 or so people come, a handful of members and the rest were investigators. Our group leader is from Kumasi Kronum. He brought his family. It was a fast and testimony Sunday so no one gave talks. All four of us missionaries shared our testimony to keep things going. We also had to bless and pass the sacrament which is not a big deal. We started at 9 and got through the sacrament, and then half way through Sunday School the other church in the next room started their drums and what not, so we just stoppped and closed. Its only a 2 hour service so next week we will start at 8 and finish at 10 to avoid the noise. They said that the building will be ready in December, so will just have to deal with it for a few months. Everything else is alright. We are hoping at least for 2 baptisms towards the end of the month, Joyce and Sompomah.
          So the market picture I sent you is a  market on our way to Kumasi from Offinso. The one at Offinso is similar; we have two. The people here are the same as in Nkawkaw for the most part. Everything is the same except they are two different tribes, the Ashanti and Kwahu. The Ashanti is in Offinso and the Kwaho is in Nkawkaw.  Yeah it seems like all the West Africans are all similar in their stature. Overall they are littler people.
          But yeah as for the packages, I have the one Gr. Becky sent me. I gave the ties to recent converts in Nkawkaw. I got one of your packages and one of Gr. Lindas on Wednesday at Zone Conference. Thanks!!! I only have the one shoe though, I hope the other one makes it soon. That is pretty much everything. Thanks for everything! Have a good week!
                                          Love Elder Ty Blackburn

Here's a picture of who was in attendance at our first church meeting 

in Offinso held in a local school building. 

The market on our way from Offinso to Kumasi.

POST 75

Hi Everyone,
          Well for the most part everything is swell. We have had power and water most of the time last week, and not too much else has went wrong. When we don’t have power, we can still cook. We have a propane stove and it’s pretty handy. Buts as for water, we have to go down and fetch it from the lady that sells it. We usually cook rice, indomie, bread and egg. Yeah, come to think of it that is pretty much all we eat. Oh and yeah, we eat oats.  Sometimes we buy fried rice, or go to the chop bar and buy fufu. Our apartment is the top level of the building and I am getting tired of climbing stairs. The last apartment I was in was also up stairs. But yeah, my companions name is Elder Ilunga. For the most part his hygiene is good. I gave him some roll on deodorant to have. He didn’t come with a towel so we had to get him one. He stays clean, bathes twice a day, and I made him buy some cologne. ha… He came from a large family and doesn’t have a dad. The other day he was having a rough time so we sat down and talked one - one English and he was OK afterwards. His English is improving. He can read and speak alright it’s just to hear and comprehend what people say to him.
          Anyway, yesterday we didn’t have church in Offinso. We had to go down to Kronum. Between the both of us missionaries we were able to round up 8 people to come to church. Next week they told us we will be in a school. It will only be for 2 hours. The members here are not serious at all. We are going to have to figure out some way for them to warm up to us. Anyway, we will most definitely have a few baptisms for October; but finding a place for it to happen will be a challenge.  We’ll probably have to go to Suame which is near Kumasi. They have a font there. We have a pretty solid teaching pool, but we haven’t got a fm (free meal) yet. It’s nothing like Nkawkaw, having them 2-3 times a week. But we are managing.
          So thanks for the email.  I can’t believe October is here already and the year is coming to an end. Sounds like you are doing well and working hard. I hope you enjoy the pictures.  Well best go. Take care! Have a good week! Love ya!
                                         Love Elder Ty Blackburn

My Companion Elder Ilunga 

from Congo

My Apartment in Offinso.  

It's pretty nice but it's up a lot of stairs.

A Prophetess preaching on the streets.

POST 74

Hi Everyone,
          Well the past week was full of chaos! Tuesday we left for Kumasi and got to the mission home around 10 for Elder Andersen to have his DL training. So pretty much all day I just chilled with Elder Holmes who is an office elder with Elder Ruske. We drove around Daban and ran errands for Sister Holmes. I slept over in their apartment and on Wednesday I went to the mission home and picked up my companion. He is from Congo and speaks very little English; only French for the most part. He is trying his best, but it’s going to take a while for him to grasp everything.
          The other missionaries in our apartment  are Elder Gibson from Idaho and Elder Ahwehevu.  Our apartment is nice and pretty big but its on the 4th floor of the place, the top level! We had power out from Wednesday to Sunday morning. Talk about suffrage!! And also no water for 3 of the days!  If it wasn’t for the rain we would of died. But now I think that it’s alright. We also don’t have a place to have church. Yesterday we took things into our own and we went to Kronum and talked to the Bishop and Stake President. We now know that Offinso is a group and our group leader will drive from Kronum every Sunday to do so. But we will be worshipping in a school for the time being until they can find a place for us. We have found about all the members here, there are I think 8 or so. We are planning on an FM on Wednesday. It will be the first here in Offinso. ha… But we are managing small small.
          My camera is out of batteries so I wasn’t able to take any pics. But now that we came to town I can buy some few things. Offinso is about 45 min outside of Kumasi on the Techiman road. But yeah, that is about it for the happenings here. Sorry for so short of email. Take Care! Love ya! Have a great week!
                                                               Love Ty

POST 73

Hi Everyone,
          Thanks for the birthday greetings!  I’m not sure if am suppose to be 21. Ha..  But I guess it has come. I never thought I would be to this point. I just thought I would be a litttle kid my whole life and I would never get old!! haha. But yeah, the day was alright. We went to church, had Attah's baptism, went and saw a few people, took some pictures, had a fm (free meal) at a members. They fed us banku with groundnut & chicken.
          O yes, I forgot! So I am being transferred from Nkawkaw to Ofinso in the Ashanti region. It’s another village.  It’s a brand new area, and new a new branch. I’m also training again. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be a challenge. We’ll probably have to do everything in church like talks and teaching etc. I’m not quite sure but we will see how it is. Ha.. So I guess this is the answer to "There is more work to be done Elder!” But I feel like I came here to do what I have done and have accomplished the task. I’m going to miss Nkawkaw for sure.  All the people I have helped bring into the fold and seeing the joy and blessings they now have and are receiving gave me exceeding joy yesterday as I was giving my last testimony.  Also at Attah's baptism; that will be a birthday I will never forget. It was powerful!!  His wife even came and seemed like she like it.  It was a great gift. But yeah, I didn’t do much for fun. I had ice cream and cookies with some drinks. I’m definitely going to miss the mountains here, and all the little creeks everywhere. Anyway, Andersen is staying for his last 6 weeks and Elder Hoffman is coming to replace me. They are bringing 4 more missionaries to Nkawkaw. They have another apt. on the other side of town for them.
         That’s pretty much it. I go to Kumasi tomorrow cuz Andersen is being made DL for his last transfer and he is going to the mission home for training.  I’ll sleep in the AP's apartment and Wednesday I’ll get my son (companion) and head for Ofinso with 2 other missionaries.
          We are going for another FM at a members for lunch today. We never know what it will be, so we just expect the worst! Haha.. Its’ bad to say, but it is what happens most the time. I can't think of anything else that has happened this past week.  All I know is that I’m going to Ofinso which means I’ll have to give it all I’ve got and do my best. The place has never had missionaries or the church so a lot of contacting to do. Ha…
          Well it sure sounds like you are doing well and are getting things done and taken care of for fall. Yeah, I guess its that time of year. You better get some rest before the games begin. I’m going to miss the gather but next year is upon us. Well better go! Thanks for the email. Have a good week! Take care!
                                                               Love Elder Ty Blackburn

Saying goodbye to a family in Nkawkaw

Attah's baptism

                Old Train Station

fm- free meal at a member house

POSt 72

Hi Everyone,
          Ha… So everything is just the norm around here. First of all, we have had power about half the time this past week. Today we came to town and there was no network at the café.  And then there’s no money in my missionary money account!! I was about to just let loose on someone or something!!! Then to top it all off, the power goes out again!!!!! Talk about patience barometer going over the top!! Ha.. But now I think that everything is fine. We have come to town for the third time now. So I think that it’s OK. We had to go to the other bank called Barclays. Anyway, enough about that.
          Yesterday we confirmed Bernard. Sister Ofori came late, so we will confirm her next week. They finally found a solution to the water ordeal at the chapel. They put a pump on the pipe and then it blew all the rubbish out. Haha.. Brilliant! So now we can have a baptism on Sunday.  We are planning to baptize this guy named Attah. He is about as humble as can be. We are suppose to baptize his wife and 2 kids next month.
          Here in the village things are not easy. It seems like everyday there is something. We had a run in with our lunatick landlord who was either drunk or high. She proceeded to take down our drying lines; meanwhile, the whole time I was asking her who she is and why. She also wanted to see the inside of our place.  I called Cooper who is over all the mission apartments and he said to let her in if she’s the landlord. So we did.  She was speaking twi really loud. Haha… We haven’t heard from her since, so she was just really drunk. The small things like that all add up till it seems like you can’t take it any longer. But it seems like there is always a way out and I manage to pull through.
          Anyway,  I’m thinking that I may be leaving Nkawkaw.  President Holmes came yesterday and interviewed me. I asked him if I would be staying or going. He just put his hands on his knees and leaned forward looked at the ceiling for about 10 seconds and then said, "Yes, you may be leaving!" Ha… Talk about a shock!! I asked him to where. Ha.. He said,"I should be patient till Friday, and that there is more work to be done!" Hah… What does that mean?? Anyway, I guess I’ll just hurry and wait till Friday. Somehow I feel like I have come here to accomplish something, and that was to get the members involved with missionary work, and it is happening. So we will see.
          O and yes, I think I may of put on a few more lbs. All the heavy foods people like to stuff us with is working. So take care!! Have a good week! Thanks for everything!
                                      Love ya,
                          Elder Ty Blackburn

Eto
 Its mashed plantain with other stuff in it spices etc.

POST 71

Hi Everyone,
          I hope you had a good time on the mountain and was able to relax a little, kick back, and drink a mineral. Haha.. Also, I hope you were able to get some cattle moved and into the right place,
          Anyway, the past week went over quite well.  We were able to have the baptism yesterday due to Gods grace. We had the water ready in the tank, but on Saturday I guess someone cleaned it out. Instead of flushing it out the right hole, they flushed it down the pipe that goes under the chapel and into the font.  The line was full of moss and rubbish which ended up in the font. But as I said, by the grace we were able to pull it off. A member rounded up a bunch of his neighbor kids and had them fetch water for about thirty minutes. It was a powerful experience!! Elder Roach has a few pics I’ll send them next week.
          We baptized Sister Felicia Ofor and Bernard. Both are part member families. So slowly small small we will get them all. We also had 8 come yesterday to church, which is another blessing as well.
          So we went to our Branch Presidents place on Thursday and I found out that our Branch President raises grass cutters and rabbits. I had never seen a live grass cutter.  It looks like a great big prairie dog with a roman nose. I didn’t have my camera or else I would of taken a picture, but next time I’ll have to. He breeds them and sells them for big money.  One medium sized one would be about 80 cedis. Now they are saying that bush meat should not be eaten, but who knows the Ghanaians will still probably eat grass cutter.
          So no, we haven’t gone back to Afram. Maybe next transfer or something. Also when we were there, that was when I saw the spider.
          On Monday me and Andersen almost got hit by a bus. We did some mighty fine footwork for a few seconds or we would of been road kill; and it was right next to a big wash, so we were pretty lucky. We also saw a door of a small car get flung off by a dump truck. That scared us completely to death!! I’d say we are lucky to be alive. Haha…  So that is pretty much our week.  I hope you all
have a good week and are able to relax. Before you know it, it will be fall. Love ya! Take care!
  Love Elder Ty Blackburn

Eating fufu with Elder Anderson (my companion from Texas)

Baptism day for Sister Ofori and Bernard.