Hi Everyone,
The New Year was good. That is good to hear that people are still thinking about me over here. Mostly everyone probably feels like I have just disappeared off the face of the earth. Haha… Well yeah, it’s true, I have. Haha.. We didn’t end up going to Suame for New Years. We will go there on Tuesday night because on Wednesday we are having a Zone Conference at Bantama, with the Bantama and Obuasi Zones. Suame is a part of Kumasi when you are coming from Offinso. The Elder's names are Richman and Rindlisbacher, they are both from Utah. So for us on Wednesday (New Years) we stayed up. Well just me, Gibson and Helgesen. Elder Ilunga went to sleep. I watched Gibson and Helgesen play chess, and I made one of the brownie mixes. That is pretty much all that happened.
We are planning on moving into the chapel the next Sunday after this one. It will be great. We could have probably an easy 15 people come when we are in the new building.
So another blessing that I have received while being on my mission is being able to see how the gospel can bless others, and how they can prosper while living the commandments.
That is good to hear about the calving. It sounds like it has turned to Winter. Over here it is just getting warmed up. It’s starting into the dry season. This morning it was quite windy and dusty. They have graded the dirt road in front of our house which was a mistake. It’s just all powder and the tro tro’s just fly down it. All the roofs are just caked with at least a half an inch of dust. We have to keep our windows closed always now.
That is about it for the news here. It sounds like everyone had a good time for New Years. Well I better go! Thanks for all you do.
Love, Elder Ty Blackburn
Monday, January 5, 2015
Monday, December 29, 2014
POST 88
Hi Friends and Family,
Well I never have been more satisfied, more happy and full of joy than this last Christmas calling home. It was really nice to talk to and to hear everyone. It’s unreal how everyone has grown up, and how things can change in two years. Sounds like everyone is doing well and moving forward in life.
Lately the past few nights has been cold as well. The past mornings I have just been walking around the house with my blanket wrapped around me. It’s also been a bit windy as well.
As for Appiah, we are not too sure what will happen with him. He hasn’t came to church the past few Sundays. He doesn’t like to make decisions that are hard. Most of the people we teach do not want to change or do something different. We are trying to help him, but maybe one of these times he will be pricked and realized that this is his time to make the step towards Christ.
Well as for the blessings I have received while on my mission maybe is,, peace of mind that I know that we can all be saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ as we partake of it, umm also that it has given me an opportunity to see how the gospel can change lives, my life, family and such. Like we can always find rest as we are keeping the commandments, that true happiness can follow as we do so. It is a life training center, LTC. It gives me a layout of the rest of my life and I probably wouldn’t of had or been able to see if I hadn’t of came out here. Also, that we Americans don’t know how grateful and spoiled we are day to day with each and everything we have and do. Yeah, that’s about all I got for now, next week maybe I’ll have more for ya.
Yeah, I agree to not make a decision too fast about what I should do when I get home. President Holmes said when you get back the things that you should do will come upon you and you will know then what the Lord would have you do; but it wouldn’t hurt to start thinking now. Anyway, it sounds like you guys are going to enjoy for New Years. We are also going to do something. We are going to Suame to celebrate with Elders Richman, and Rindilbacher, eat pizza with alvaro/malta, wait for the ball to drop, and let off some fire works!! Haha… Well thanks for everything!! Best go!
Love ya, Elder Ty Blackburn
Well I never have been more satisfied, more happy and full of joy than this last Christmas calling home. It was really nice to talk to and to hear everyone. It’s unreal how everyone has grown up, and how things can change in two years. Sounds like everyone is doing well and moving forward in life.
Lately the past few nights has been cold as well. The past mornings I have just been walking around the house with my blanket wrapped around me. It’s also been a bit windy as well.
As for Appiah, we are not too sure what will happen with him. He hasn’t came to church the past few Sundays. He doesn’t like to make decisions that are hard. Most of the people we teach do not want to change or do something different. We are trying to help him, but maybe one of these times he will be pricked and realized that this is his time to make the step towards Christ.
Well as for the blessings I have received while on my mission maybe is,, peace of mind that I know that we can all be saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ as we partake of it, umm also that it has given me an opportunity to see how the gospel can change lives, my life, family and such. Like we can always find rest as we are keeping the commandments, that true happiness can follow as we do so. It is a life training center, LTC. It gives me a layout of the rest of my life and I probably wouldn’t of had or been able to see if I hadn’t of came out here. Also, that we Americans don’t know how grateful and spoiled we are day to day with each and everything we have and do. Yeah, that’s about all I got for now, next week maybe I’ll have more for ya.
Yeah, I agree to not make a decision too fast about what I should do when I get home. President Holmes said when you get back the things that you should do will come upon you and you will know then what the Lord would have you do; but it wouldn’t hurt to start thinking now. Anyway, it sounds like you guys are going to enjoy for New Years. We are also going to do something. We are going to Suame to celebrate with Elders Richman, and Rindilbacher, eat pizza with alvaro/malta, wait for the ball to drop, and let off some fire works!! Haha… Well thanks for everything!! Best go!
Love ya, Elder Ty Blackburn
A recent pic of myself since I didn't get to Skype home.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
POST 87
Hi Everyone,
Well it’s Monday once again. It really seems like the time is just flying now, 2015 is here next week!! Ha… That is something else, Things are just normal around here; nothing too much exciting has happened the past week. Although Theresa was confirmed yesterday. We had the baptism last week.
Our area is doing good. Although it seems like everyone is focused on Christmas. Haha… So missionary work has been a bit slow. It’s alright though, it was the same last year.
So today is our Zone Christmas Party. We are all having them in our individual zones. It ought to be fun. It would have been nice to see all of the other missionaries though.
Yeah, I can’t wait till Thursday. The mission office says that I have four packages that have come, so today at the Christmas party I’ll pick em up. My companion hasn’t got anything from his family, but I’ve been spoiling him with food and what not. He is always happy and can’t wait to call home on Thursday as well.
Oh, tell Chap Happy Birthday last Saturday, also greetings to Belle and Bryler!! I’ll save the rest till Thursday. Haha… I best go to the party. Take care!
Love Ya, Elder Ty Blackburn
Well it’s Monday once again. It really seems like the time is just flying now, 2015 is here next week!! Ha… That is something else, Things are just normal around here; nothing too much exciting has happened the past week. Although Theresa was confirmed yesterday. We had the baptism last week.
Our area is doing good. Although it seems like everyone is focused on Christmas. Haha… So missionary work has been a bit slow. It’s alright though, it was the same last year.
So today is our Zone Christmas Party. We are all having them in our individual zones. It ought to be fun. It would have been nice to see all of the other missionaries though.
Yeah, I can’t wait till Thursday. The mission office says that I have four packages that have come, so today at the Christmas party I’ll pick em up. My companion hasn’t got anything from his family, but I’ve been spoiling him with food and what not. He is always happy and can’t wait to call home on Thursday as well.
Oh, tell Chap Happy Birthday last Saturday, also greetings to Belle and Bryler!! I’ll save the rest till Thursday. Haha… I best go to the party. Take care!
Love Ya, Elder Ty Blackburn
Theresa's baptism day
Hanging out with Elder Meredith (my father) and his companion
before he went home a few weeks ago on P day.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
POST 86
Hi Everyone,
Well for the most part it has been just another week with staying busy doing missionary work. Some things sometimes seem to get easy or easier, but I’d have to say that it seems like a never ending battle and that I’m always going up hill and never down hill. If it is easy, I am not progressing is seems like. Haha… But yeah, not too much bothers or get to me for the most part.
So this week not too much exciting happened other than that yesterday, we had a baptism for Theresa, who is Joyce’s sister. It went well and it was a happy day for a lot of us. We have Appiah who wants to be baptized in a river. We read some scriptures and now he accepts that anywhere where there is water he can be baptized, but he still insists on a river. I told him before next Saturday when we meet with him again, he has homework to do and he needs to find a good place in the Offin river. Haha.. Talk about a wild goose chase.
Everyone else is doing well. Mostly everyone does the same kind of work. Appiah is a guard at a bank, the rest have little shops. They sell parts, food, provisions and so forth; or they have a farm where they do everything by hand.
As for the fettish priests, they are traditionalists. They don’t believe in God or Jesus Christ. They worship smaller gods like idols and so forth. They believe in some weird crap. If you have problems with something, like you need money or whatever, you go to him at his shrine. He will line you out and tell you what you will need to do and it will happen. I’m not too certain on all of it, but it’s what I’ve heard. They have snakes and all that kind of stuff too.
As for being a DL, it’s not too bad. It’s just the four of us as the Offinso District, so it’s all right. Also Elder Vause is now in our zone from Enterprise. He’s a real cool guy, and a dirt farmer/rancher at heart. Ha…
We were soppose to have a mission Christmas party, but Pres. Holmes said that the area office or whatever said that it is against church policy. Ha… I find it hard to believe, but I guess I won’t get to see all the brethren in the mission I would of liked to see. But we are having a zone Christmas party at Bantama. Also, on Wednesday, Cooper, one of the guys that is over all the apts in the mission has invited us over for fufu. All the elders in the Bantama Zone will be there, so it will be great! I think we will have around 12 there.
Anway, that is about it for the week. I got two of Gr. Becky’s packages, so that was great. Yeah, I can’t wait to talk on Christmas, and get all filled in. Ha…. As far as my accent, I can control it in the apartment, but as far as with the people as we’re out, it is noticable. Anyway, best go. Thanks for everything! Love ya, love Ty
p.s.I forgot my camera. Next week I’ll send some pics. kafra (sorry)
Well for the most part it has been just another week with staying busy doing missionary work. Some things sometimes seem to get easy or easier, but I’d have to say that it seems like a never ending battle and that I’m always going up hill and never down hill. If it is easy, I am not progressing is seems like. Haha… But yeah, not too much bothers or get to me for the most part.
So this week not too much exciting happened other than that yesterday, we had a baptism for Theresa, who is Joyce’s sister. It went well and it was a happy day for a lot of us. We have Appiah who wants to be baptized in a river. We read some scriptures and now he accepts that anywhere where there is water he can be baptized, but he still insists on a river. I told him before next Saturday when we meet with him again, he has homework to do and he needs to find a good place in the Offin river. Haha.. Talk about a wild goose chase.
Everyone else is doing well. Mostly everyone does the same kind of work. Appiah is a guard at a bank, the rest have little shops. They sell parts, food, provisions and so forth; or they have a farm where they do everything by hand.
As for the fettish priests, they are traditionalists. They don’t believe in God or Jesus Christ. They worship smaller gods like idols and so forth. They believe in some weird crap. If you have problems with something, like you need money or whatever, you go to him at his shrine. He will line you out and tell you what you will need to do and it will happen. I’m not too certain on all of it, but it’s what I’ve heard. They have snakes and all that kind of stuff too.
As for being a DL, it’s not too bad. It’s just the four of us as the Offinso District, so it’s all right. Also Elder Vause is now in our zone from Enterprise. He’s a real cool guy, and a dirt farmer/rancher at heart. Ha…
We were soppose to have a mission Christmas party, but Pres. Holmes said that the area office or whatever said that it is against church policy. Ha… I find it hard to believe, but I guess I won’t get to see all the brethren in the mission I would of liked to see. But we are having a zone Christmas party at Bantama. Also, on Wednesday, Cooper, one of the guys that is over all the apts in the mission has invited us over for fufu. All the elders in the Bantama Zone will be there, so it will be great! I think we will have around 12 there.
Anway, that is about it for the week. I got two of Gr. Becky’s packages, so that was great. Yeah, I can’t wait to talk on Christmas, and get all filled in. Ha…. As far as my accent, I can control it in the apartment, but as far as with the people as we’re out, it is noticable. Anyway, best go. Thanks for everything! Love ya, love Ty
p.s.I forgot my camera. Next week I’ll send some pics. kafra (sorry)
Monday, December 8, 2014
POST 85
Hi Everyone,
Well it’s nice to come to town and email in a nice environment. We came to Kumasi today to enjoy a little, and to drop off Elder Ahweyvu. He is going home with Elder Meredith, they are TC's. They should be in Accra about now. Meredith said he would call me when he gets there. Yeah, we hope to meet up again someday. He said he'll go back to Hawaii and work for his brother, and says he might come to Utah and visit me and Nielson. Elder Gibson's new companion is elder Helgesen from Michigan. He goes home one transfer before me, so it’s possible we will both finish here.
But things are great. We have had power and water all week, so all is well. Our investigators boss says that she will get sacked if she is baptized, but she doesn’t care. She knows that it’s true and she loves our teachings. She just needs to get married first. She says they are doing it on Christmas, so hopefully by January she will be soaked. Her sister we are going to baptize on Saturday.
So Pres. Holmes made me DL again for some reason. Haha.. I guess its maybe to keep me alive. He said it would only be for one transfer, but who knows. This will be my 5th transfer as DL carrying off from when I was in Buokrom.
Anyway no I didn’t get any pictures last week. I forgot my camera. It would of been a wall hanger for sure. Everyone was wasted and just having a good time. haha…. They have it every two years. The Ashanti King was soppose to be there, but they said he couldn’t come because if he crossed the River Offin he would die. Haha… I’m not sure if I believe that or not, they say it is cursed.
So on Tuesday we went going to a place in our area called Ampabame. We were sitting down waiting for someone, and the next thing we know is five or six fettish priests were walking down the road. One had a smoking pot on his head and throwing flour or powder all over him. The other ones had guns, bows and arrows, and one was tossing eggs on the ground. They turned back around and start flinging their machetties around playing their drums. We made some nice footwork and got out of there. Haha…. It could of been fatal. They said it was for the natural and cultural rights. Anyway, enough of that.
The office said that there are two packages for me at the mission home. They could be the ones you sent. Cant wait to talk on Christmas! Take care! Till next week.
Love , Elder Ty Blackburn
Well it’s nice to come to town and email in a nice environment. We came to Kumasi today to enjoy a little, and to drop off Elder Ahweyvu. He is going home with Elder Meredith, they are TC's. They should be in Accra about now. Meredith said he would call me when he gets there. Yeah, we hope to meet up again someday. He said he'll go back to Hawaii and work for his brother, and says he might come to Utah and visit me and Nielson. Elder Gibson's new companion is elder Helgesen from Michigan. He goes home one transfer before me, so it’s possible we will both finish here.
But things are great. We have had power and water all week, so all is well. Our investigators boss says that she will get sacked if she is baptized, but she doesn’t care. She knows that it’s true and she loves our teachings. She just needs to get married first. She says they are doing it on Christmas, so hopefully by January she will be soaked. Her sister we are going to baptize on Saturday.
So Pres. Holmes made me DL again for some reason. Haha.. I guess its maybe to keep me alive. He said it would only be for one transfer, but who knows. This will be my 5th transfer as DL carrying off from when I was in Buokrom.
Anyway no I didn’t get any pictures last week. I forgot my camera. It would of been a wall hanger for sure. Everyone was wasted and just having a good time. haha…. They have it every two years. The Ashanti King was soppose to be there, but they said he couldn’t come because if he crossed the River Offin he would die. Haha… I’m not sure if I believe that or not, they say it is cursed.
So on Tuesday we went going to a place in our area called Ampabame. We were sitting down waiting for someone, and the next thing we know is five or six fettish priests were walking down the road. One had a smoking pot on his head and throwing flour or powder all over him. The other ones had guns, bows and arrows, and one was tossing eggs on the ground. They turned back around and start flinging their machetties around playing their drums. We made some nice footwork and got out of there. Haha…. It could of been fatal. They said it was for the natural and cultural rights. Anyway, enough of that.
The office said that there are two packages for me at the mission home. They could be the ones you sent. Cant wait to talk on Christmas! Take care! Till next week.
Love , Elder Ty Blackburn
This was our Thanksgiving Dinner.
A truck load of fresh bananas.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
POST 84
Hello Family and Friends,
Haha, well what can I say? I didn’t have time yesterday to email, so now I have a few min today.
So yesterday I was with Elder Meredith (my father), his comp, and a few other guys that came down from Sunyani to flex in Kumasi and to do some few things. Last night Elder Meredith came to Offinso with his companion and stayed the night, and today he went to Obuasi. Elder Meredith will be going home next week, so he went to Obuasi to visit a few people there.
The past week there was a big festival here. It was the Amonhinko; Saturday was the grandeavor. We saw the Offinso King on his throne (or whatever), being carried with massive drums going down Main Street. It was the neatest thing I have ever seen!! It was pure African culture! We could even hear the drums from our apt the morning of!! It gave me goose bumps the whole time.
So for Thanksgiving we didn’t get to have a big meal. All we could manage was to cook some rice and chicken in our apartment. But things are great! I only have 3 transfers left. This coming Saturday is transfer news. I hope that I stay with my son (Elder Ilunga) and that I can finish here in Offinso.
Haha.. Well I got to go. I will do better emailing next week. It sounds like ya’ll had a good time over Thanksgiving. Take care!
Love, Elder Ty Blackburn
Haha, well what can I say? I didn’t have time yesterday to email, so now I have a few min today.
So yesterday I was with Elder Meredith (my father), his comp, and a few other guys that came down from Sunyani to flex in Kumasi and to do some few things. Last night Elder Meredith came to Offinso with his companion and stayed the night, and today he went to Obuasi. Elder Meredith will be going home next week, so he went to Obuasi to visit a few people there.
The past week there was a big festival here. It was the Amonhinko; Saturday was the grandeavor. We saw the Offinso King on his throne (or whatever), being carried with massive drums going down Main Street. It was the neatest thing I have ever seen!! It was pure African culture! We could even hear the drums from our apt the morning of!! It gave me goose bumps the whole time.
So for Thanksgiving we didn’t get to have a big meal. All we could manage was to cook some rice and chicken in our apartment. But things are great! I only have 3 transfers left. This coming Saturday is transfer news. I hope that I stay with my son (Elder Ilunga) and that I can finish here in Offinso.
Haha.. Well I got to go. I will do better emailing next week. It sounds like ya’ll had a good time over Thanksgiving. Take care!
Love, Elder Ty Blackburn
Monday, November 24, 2014
POST 83
Dear Family and Friends,
Well the past week has just been the norm. The usual thing. We had quite a few new investigators and are planning on having two baptisms this coming Saturday. Appiah fell through. He won’t tell us his other concern, and when we ask him a question, he just sits there. I can’t tell if he is thinking or day dreaming. But he says he will be ready for Dec. 13. Hopefully we can get to his other concern and help him. As for Rosemary and Sarah, they are ready for Saturday. We are certain they will. As for everyone else they are doing fine. We have one sister named Abrefe who is quite fascinated with what we share every time, but sometimes she about falls asleep. But she has agreed for the 13th as well.
We haven’t moved into the chapel yet. We are still waiting on Prosper to finalize it. I think things will start to pick up and progress once we get a place of our own that there can be peace and quiet.
My comp is good. His English is coming along great. Time is the best thing that will help him to get it all. The transfer ends in two weeks and that is when he will be finished with his training.
So we are in Kumasi today. We had a Zone Activity. We went to the Bantama Chapel and played basketball and football, (soccer) and then ate fruit. We had bananas, apples, papau, and pineapple. We seem to come to Kumasi every Monday cuz the cafe's are chicken coops in Offinso. They take all day to send something.
So yeah, things are going great. I’m trying to take it all in and enjoy my 3 transfers left. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. I’m not sure what we will do. The guy named Ben from Atlanta invited us a few weeks ago to come over and have turkey with him. The woman next to where he stays has an oven, so he said we could come and eat. So enjoy your holiday and eat my share too. haha… Better go! Take care!
Love Ya,
Elder Ty Blackburn
Well the past week has just been the norm. The usual thing. We had quite a few new investigators and are planning on having two baptisms this coming Saturday. Appiah fell through. He won’t tell us his other concern, and when we ask him a question, he just sits there. I can’t tell if he is thinking or day dreaming. But he says he will be ready for Dec. 13. Hopefully we can get to his other concern and help him. As for Rosemary and Sarah, they are ready for Saturday. We are certain they will. As for everyone else they are doing fine. We have one sister named Abrefe who is quite fascinated with what we share every time, but sometimes she about falls asleep. But she has agreed for the 13th as well.
We haven’t moved into the chapel yet. We are still waiting on Prosper to finalize it. I think things will start to pick up and progress once we get a place of our own that there can be peace and quiet.
My comp is good. His English is coming along great. Time is the best thing that will help him to get it all. The transfer ends in two weeks and that is when he will be finished with his training.
So we are in Kumasi today. We had a Zone Activity. We went to the Bantama Chapel and played basketball and football, (soccer) and then ate fruit. We had bananas, apples, papau, and pineapple. We seem to come to Kumasi every Monday cuz the cafe's are chicken coops in Offinso. They take all day to send something.
So yeah, things are going great. I’m trying to take it all in and enjoy my 3 transfers left. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. I’m not sure what we will do. The guy named Ben from Atlanta invited us a few weeks ago to come over and have turkey with him. The woman next to where he stays has an oven, so he said we could come and eat. So enjoy your holiday and eat my share too. haha… Better go! Take care!
Love Ya,
Elder Ty Blackburn
The school where we hold church in Offinso.
A tro full of people from Offinso
going to Stake Conference
in Kumasi.
Picture of a few people that
attended Stake Conference.
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