The Call: Accra, Ghana

The call arrived in our mailbox in Nevada about 2:30 pst on Thursday, January 17.
After failing at booking a flight to Salt Lake because of the Sundance Film Festival, Steve jumped into his little car, call in hand, and drove 6 hours, arriving at our daughter Heather's home about 10pm. We were gathered: Jon and Jess, Beckham and Ira, Heather and Steve and new baby Brooklyn (their older children were fast asleep), and Robyn and Matt (her new husband) and myself. Steve gave me a hug and handed me the envelope. I carefully tore it open and pulled out the packet - the call for Steve was on top - my eyes skipped down to the name of the mission and I covered my face with my hands in shock - then read Accra, Ghanna. Your assignment will be the Executive Secretary to the West Africa Area President. What an honor for Steve to be able to serve in such a position. I wondered what would I be doing? I quickly found my call which stated that I was called to the same place to work in the West Africa Area offices to support office staff. It was a sweet experience. I have read much on Africa and the church in the Church News, in one book I read many years ago and in Meridian Magazine. I have been enriched by the art from Africa that has come to the Museum of Church History and Art in the competitions and in other exhibits through the years. I have listened to the documentary history of the church in Africa on KBYU many times - it has always touched my heart to hear of these saint's stories, and their faith. I think deep inside I have longed to witness the church in Africa first hand, but never felt I would be able to because of the pacemaker which keeps my heart ticking. So I was thrilled with the call and feel very blessed when I think of the experiences that will come to us in the next year and a half. We called in as requested to find that what they wanted us to know was that they would like us to fly (at out expense) to Johannesburg, Germany, or England twice a year for my pacer checks. The phone call was not to explain more about our call and we are filled with so many questions that may never be answered until we experience life in Ghana first hand. We report to the MTC February 11th! There is a lot to do before then, but we are very excited to serve the Lord in Africa.