Selected Adventures of
Elder Dale and Sister Lea Huff serving in Dodowa Group,
Christiansborg Stake, Ghana Accra Mission

On arrival in mid-January, Elder and Sister Huff were assigned to work with a small group of members and some young missionaries in a village named Dodowa. These members belong to the Adenta Ward which is a large, strong ward in the suburbs of Accra. To reach Dodowa from Adenta is about a 30 minute ride. The members don't have cars and the public transportation costs more than many can afford each week, so church attendance was limited. The goal is to create a branch in Dodowa. The minimum requirements for a branch are 35 active members with at least nine being tithing faithful Melchizedek Priesthood holders. The first step is to hold remote meetings in Dodowa with a member of the Adenta Bishopric presiding each week. Then teach, baptize, fellowship until a self-sustaining branch can be formed. Sounds easy enough.

The Huffs decided to spend as much time as possible in Dodowa, even though their assigned residence was a new leased house in Adenta. They have learned to be part of the village. They also have had a few "adventures" making the new house liveable. These pictures are small and only minimum narrative is added---but you will see the amazing work they have done in a few short months.

Shopping at the Market Adventure

Shopping is easy, everything you may need is located somewhere among the 100+ vendor stalls in this market square.	There are no signs, no marked prices, and in many cases you don't even recognize the produce.

Payment is simple: cash or barter for an negotiated price.	The vendors are always friendly and helpful.

Food Preparation Adventure

Most Ghanaian food preparation is so easy even a child can do it.	These ladies are wrapping freshly made kenke in leaves like tamales.

Tend the kids and stir the pot.	Chopping up the spices.

I think I can do this.	I can pound fufu---I've got the rhythm.

Eating Adventure

The trick is to roll the fufu into small balls and dip in the soup.	That's correct Elder, use the right hand. The left hand is for something else.

The Ongoing New House Adventure

This looks like a great place to live.
If things just worked!

The road in is a little rough...	...and there is razor wire on the security wall.

This water tank needs a pad.	No problem, we'll mix a little concrete right here on the driveway...

...and pour a new pad. Note the working foreman on this job!	Finishing off a nice job.

Elder Huff chasing plumbing problems...	...all over this new house.

After it was killed in the yard of the Huff's new home, this snake was identified as a dangerous green mamba. Hopefully he was a loner and not a family man. Elder Huff has recently acquired a well-used lawn mower from the mission home. After a little work it runs well. Short grass keeps snakes away.

Visiting families in Dodowa provides healthy perspective---the plumbing doesn't seem so bad after watching this...	...family building their new mud wall dwelling. This new construction looks very "old" from the start.

Finding Parts, Pieces and Tools Adventure

Sometimes you have to poke around to find the part or tool that you need.	Other times you just take over the shop and make your own pieces.

The Driving Adventure (Ongoing)

Driving requires dodging cars, and street hawkers...	...and many unusual vehicles.

Animals legally have free roaming rights including on the roads.	Of course, sometimes it is hard to even find the road!

The Termite Adventure

Brother Anipa, the Dodowa Group Leader shows Sister Huff a small termite mound.	They get pretty big.

The Toy Adventure

This young man shows off his favorite African toy.	These children have learned about paper airplanes from the chief designer.

The Truck Repair Adventure

This truck broke down while headed north full of people and materials.	When a truck has problems it is repaired in place--hindering traffic.

Note the phase painted on the truck. Also note the white shirt and tie on the right.	Now Elder Huff is addressing the whole group. Is he teaching restoration or transmission repair? Probably both!

The Neighborhood Adventure

This family has a neighborhood shop. The mother is a widow and all the children are helpful, good workers.	The eldest daughter, Lovejoy, works for Sister Huff on Saturdays. She attends a university. Here she is teaching Owere, an African game, to Sisters Huff and Armstrong.

Attending a National Home Economists Convention Adventure

Making friends with people they meet landed an invitation to a Home Economists convention. Sister Huff fit in nicely. Elder Huff had fun too.	Dance, yeh, I can dance! What happened to the shy, demure obruni missionary that arrived in Ghana only a few short months ago?

The Washing Adventure

Everything is kept clean in Ghana. Cars...	clothes...

...and younger sisters.	Getting water is a daily family chore.

The best source of water is a bore hole with a hand pump.	Better yet, attach a friendly beast of burden to do the work.

The Young Missionary Adventure

Elder and Sister Huff watch over a group of dedicated young Elders. But African sun can sometimes affect them.	Don't Mind Your Wife Chop Bar (Cafe) Have these Elders corrupted Elder Huff?

No worry--Sister Huff knows how to tame the savage beast!	She has the young missionaries eating out of her hand---literally.

The Member Home Visit Adventure

Brother Anipa greets a sister with a young son in her living room.	The sister shows Sister Huff her kitchen while she prepares dinner.

Here are extra burners...	...and a food storage pantry.

Elder Huff checks out the family truck which is used to haul loads for profit.	The sister is also doing the laundry.

The Church Preparation Adventure

Church meetings are held in one end of a rented school building.	It must be cleaned every Saturday. There is no electicity in the building.

Elder Huff repairs anything that needs it.	Sister Huff cleans and teaches.

The Priesthood Adventure

Since the first missionaries in Africa wore white shirts and ties, this has become the trademark of Priesthood brothers.	Sister Huff named this tree "The Sleeping Tree" because men frequently stretch out on the roots to rest---including members.

These young men are eating a snack. Many walk a long way to meetings.	This investigator purchased shirts and ties for himself and his son.

The Relief Society Adventure

Sister Huff is friendshipping this young mother of twins. She is Muslim.	Two sisters after church.

Enrichment night at the Huff's home.	Who is teaching whom?

Sisters after one of the first Dodowa meetings

The Primary Adventure

The children of Dodowa love the Huffs.	Many want to attend church.

Hopefully this will pull some parents along.	The children care for one another while the parents work.

They love the attention Primary gives them.	They have fun when the Huffs visit.

This is a class at an early meeting.	This early group has tripled in number.

The White Clothes Adventure

For behold the field is white already to harvest;	and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might,

the same layth up in store that he perisheth not,	but bringeth salvation to his soul.

Elder and Sister Huff have already blessed the lives of hundreds of people
in Ghana. Just think how many will be touched before they complete their mission.

Click here to email the Huffs, they would love to hear from you.
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