Atsia Tree and Adaklu Mountain

Last week, as we were traveling outside of Accra, we noticed a tree growing something unfamiliar to us. Our friend, Emmanuel Sadahem, told us to stop the car so we could get a closer look at the Atsia tree.

  

The fruit grows in clusters on the youngest branches of the tree.

They are a luscious pink color with an unusual shape.

In-N-Out

If there is one thing that is constant with missionary work throughout the world, it is the regular turnover that takes place as new calls are made and seasoned missionaries return home. We were delighted to welcome Bob and Deanne Wilde to the Africa West Area, where Elder Wilde will serve the Area Presidency as executive secretary and Sister Wilde takes on other important responsibilities to help the work move forward in this very busy administrative office. At the same time, we reluctantly said "farewell" to Kent and Judy Fitzgerald, who so capably and beautifully served in these positions for the past 18 months. 

    

Elder and Sister Wilde are friends from the past, plus we have other connections, too. Deanne's sister,
Tricia, is married to Doug's brother, Steve. We're not sure what that makes us, but we're definitely family!  

We feel like Elder and Sister Fitzgerald are long-time friends, too, even though we have only known them
for the past 10 months. Their constant care and concern for all couple missionaries in the Africa West
Area has endeared them to so many of us. We look forward to more good times with them in the future. 

Choir Competition

Elder Stoker was asked to judge a choir competition in Adenta Stake. Each ward was instructed to prepare the same hymn arrangement and also choose a couple of other numbers for their performance. When we entered the stake center that Saturday morning, we immediately sensed that this was serious business. The front half of the cultural hall was filled with excited participants and a supportive audience filled the rest of the chairs. It was a very fun event.

  

Many of the choirs had sewn matching clothing.

Some songs were a cappella, others were accompanied.