This Machete is like a "Leatherman" for Ghanaians. It is a multipurpose tool that is used for almost everything and you see men carrying them down the road all the time - it kinda freaked me out the first time I saw someone emerge from the jungle with this in their hand! They actually use this hand tool to hack through the jungle, and completely clear land to farm just as they have for the past 4,000 years! It is also used to weed, prune nick and hack at everything else in sight. Elder Asay had a lot of fun with it so I'm glad it's too big to attach to his belt or he just may want to replace his leatherman with it.
Land here is owned by the Chief of the village. Tenants must pay 1-3 million Cedis to enter into a 40-50 year contract in order to farm the land. The loan process usually takes around 3 years if you can get a loan. The Chief then accepts a mere 35-50% of the crops in exchange for rent each year. Life for farmers is short and difficult. Is surprising that the farmers all choose to grow the same crops even though ANYTHING will grow here. What they grow is very perishable so getting it sold (through a middle man) before it is harvested is very important. Nothing is processed or exported so supply and demand keeps prices low and farmers barely survive.
Notice Elder Asay's hair - or lack thereof! He got buzzed during his first trip to Accra. Ah ha ha ha ha...he thought it would be cooler. I've never seen his hair this short and his poor mother is probably turning over in her grave to see his torpedo head!
Land here is owned by the Chief of the village. Tenants must pay 1-3 million Cedis to enter into a 40-50 year contract in order to farm the land. The loan process usually takes around 3 years if you can get a loan. The Chief then accepts a mere 35-50% of the crops in exchange for rent each year. Life for farmers is short and difficult. Is surprising that the farmers all choose to grow the same crops even though ANYTHING will grow here. What they grow is very perishable so getting it sold (through a middle man) before it is harvested is very important. Nothing is processed or exported so supply and demand keeps prices low and farmers barely survive.
Notice Elder Asay's hair - or lack thereof! He got buzzed during his first trip to Accra. Ah ha ha ha ha...he thought it would be cooler. I've never seen his hair this short and his poor mother is probably turning over in her grave to see his torpedo head!
What an exciting time for you. Thank you for your example.
ReplyDeleteLove the Machete... Elder Asay. Sounds like you're living the dream of sharing the Gospel and learning the lifestyle with some of Gods most humble people. I shop at open markets also....the food is very fresh with no preservatives....so you do have to eat it that day. I am sure your day is much different than back at home in Idaho. My neice just left for the High Mountains of Cusco, Peru to serve a Mission. What a blessing to share the Gospel with God's children throughout the world. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteHi Elder and Sister Asay,
ReplyDeleteWe (Calvin & Joan) spent some time today reading and exploring your blog. What a wonderful mission you are having and such amazing opportunities. The Lives you are touching will be grateful for an eternity.
We couldn't help but compare our experiences with your and find so many thing so similar. Yes the language the money and even the housing looks a bit different, but the humble circumstances, cooking, toiletry, and the growth of the church seems a lot the same. You will cherish this time and will NEVER forget it. What a blessing you are to the church for your service there.
Things here in the Sherbrook ward are going well. We have had several new move in's so it continues to grow. Calvin and I were called as Ward Missionaries and have enjoyed serving in that calling. We didn't realize the work that needs done right here in our own ward. We were blessed to be asked to do a fireside about our mission last Monday night and had a good time doing that. Calvin has been speaking in the different wards in the stake promoting the work and recruiting couple missionaries. The Stake has a big push for seniors to answer the call.
We will be starting on our home we hope in a few short weeks. Then by Christmas will be moved out of the ward. We will have been here a whole year by that time. I never dreamed we would have been here this long but, such as it is that is the way it goes.
In Sacrament today we were told that whenever there is a trail put before us, we should Thank Heavenly Father for it and ask him what we are to learn from the trail. In time it will come to our mind what we are to learn which will help the burden be lighter. Also, when we go through these trials to learn what we need to learn it is in preparation for us to return to Heavenly father.
We also had a Great lesson on the Life of the Savior in Sunday school and a Christ center home in Relief Society and Priesthood.
What a blessing the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is in our lives.
Are your quarter's adequate? Do you have electricity, modern appliances, and bathroom facilities?
Is there something that we can do for you both?
If there is something you can think of we would be happy to help.
Do you get to fellowship with the other Missionaries in the area? Do you get to go to district meetings and have the association of the other missionaries or are you out pretty far and isolated in your service?
How far is the nearest temple for you?
I know you don't get news so here is a few things going on in the world.
The Hurricane Irene hit the east cost early this morning. It has been responsible for 16 deaths so far and so much distraction. We keep a prayer in our hearts for all those that are effected by the tragedy.
The political race is getting pretty intense with several debates going on.
Of course we are anxiously engage in the war against Satan, he is ever present and our Brother's and Sister's all over the world are in harms way. That never changes.
On a positive note Satan is NOT winning because of good Brother's and Sister's like you!
Thank you so much for your service, Thank you so much for your tender care of our brother's and sister's in that part of the vineyard and Thank you so much for your example.
God bless you in all of your endeavors!
Please take good care of yourselves. Love the Newby's