This was transfer week! On Monday, I was still in Kronum. The church had a big regional football tournament for all of the wards and branches to participate in. There were several stakes present. Both the players and the fans took the matches very seriously. I didn't get to play, which I'm grateful for because it got heated sometimes. "Churchball" is the same across the world. Same game, different sport.
On Wednesday, a whole bunch of missionaries met at the Metro Mass station, where everyone picks up their new companion and gets transportation to their areas. I arrived at the station with Elder Antwi at 10:00 am. The Techiman group took a long time to get organized, so we left at 7:30 pm. Then we had a two-and-and-a-half hour drive to Techiman. It was a long day.
Techiman is pretty sweet so far. People can actually speak English! They still speak Twi, which is comforting, but it's Bono Twi, not the Ashanti Twi that I grew up with. Techiman isn't as packed as Kumasi; it's more rural. Which I found out that I really like. People are more spread apart and their lives are a little more private.
The area I'm in is Dwumoh 1 (JEW-mow). It's a biking area, at least in part. I found out that it's been a long. stinking. time. since I rode a bicycle. We rode up a nice little hill and it was one of the hardest rides of my life. I didn't realize how much I've gotten used to walking. But bikes are a lot of fun. I've missed going fast and feeling free. It rained hard while we were out, and we got trapped at the home of a less-active family. By the time we were able to begin riding back to the apartment, it was pitch-black and extremely muddy. Riding in the dark through the mud and rain with only the lightning to illuminate our path was sketchy at best, but exhilarating, especially since I hadn't ridden a bike in forever and I was wobbly. But I'm still alive.
The Dwumoh apartment is the Dwumoh chapel. They're the same building. If you step out the door of our room, you're in the baptismal font. It's super convenient but kind of a hassle on Sunday. I'm playing the keyboard for the branch now, which is a fear that I'm working to overcome.
Elder Khumalo is from South Africa and he's a sweet guy. He's a powerful teacher and he's fun to be around. He likes making friends with people. He'll be going home in just a few months. One other companionship stays here in the chapel with us. It's a good place to be. There are no less than seven churches along the same quater-mile/half-kilometer street as us. Only one of those churches is true.
On Saturday I GOT TO WATCH (almost) TWO WHOLE SESSIONS OF GENERAL CONFERENCE! It was totally unexpected and fantastic. Elder and Sister Wardle, the senior couple/mission nurse, came to stay in their apartment in Techiman that night. Because of the time difference, we were able to view the conference live at 4-6 pm and 8-10 pm. It was a blessing. I love listening to conference. I'd really appreciate it if you can let me know some of your favorite conference talks, especially from theSunday/Priesthood/Women's sessions so that I can keep an eye out for them in the Liahona next month. One talk that I liked was by M. Russell Ballard about family councils.
Life is good here. Have a great week!
Elder Nelson
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