Surprise Surgery and Salt of the Earth

Good morning! I hope you're all doing great this morning. This week was simultaneously very eventful and very boring. 

Part of the reason it was eventful and the whole reason why it was boring is that I got my ingrown toe nail fixed on Tuesday. Yay! It was an eye (and toe) opening experience to go to the doctor in Ghana. Even though I came on a day when you can't normally schedule surgery,  they were really nice and were able to get the surgeon to come and see me. It took the whole day, but it was a blessing to be able to get it all done in one swoop. It hurt pretty bad that first day, but since then it's been good. We spent the night at the hospital which was also fun. Elder Momoh is a very patient and fun adventure buddy. 

So that was the exciting part of the week. The doctor said I should avoid walking on my foot for a few days, so we spent a lot of time in the apartment. It was hard to do nothing, but it was also cool to study and rest small. I realized that if I was going to have my toe fixed, now is the best time for a few reasons. First of all, Elder Momoh is the best and if I have to be stuck with someone, he's a good guy to be stuck with. Second of all, I was already kinda sick so it was good to rest a little anyway. Additionally, we were able to find a hospital close to home that could do it so we didn't have to go far. Last and most random, the shower in Elubo is set up in a way that makes it easy to keep one leg dry while you shower. God's tender mercies are specific and sweet. 

Sunday we were also able to watch a YSA devotional with our branch YSA from Elder Christofferson. It was awesome. In his talk, he talked about how inspired mission calls are. He talked about how when he assigns missionaries, which he does regularly, the Spirit makes it very clear where each elder or sister should go. It was just another testimony that I'm where I'm supposed to be. Sister Gifty, our branch president's wife, also made us meat pies and this super yummy milkshake drink to refresh us after the activity which was another big win. 

Saturday, though, was tough. We found out Elder Momoh is going on transfer. It wasn't a surprise because he's been here for awhile, but I'm still going to miss him a lot. He's one of my favorite people I've met here in Ghana. Possibly even here in mortality. He's patient, diligent, funny and just plain good. I'll miss him a lot but I know he'll do great in his next area, wherever that may be. Sunday and today included a lot of goodbyes. 

My last addition to this already lengthy email is a thought about being the "salt of the earth." In my studies this week I've thought about this a lot, and we talked about it in church as well. Being the salt of the earth means that we are pure. In the new testament institute manual it talks about that. It talks about how salt loses its savor but because of age or anything but because of contamination. If something dirty comes in, then the salt becomes useless. Purity=saltiness. 

Speaking of salt of the earth people, today we met an entire bus full of saints from Ivory Coast on their way to the temple in Accra. Only a few of them spoke English, but it was still cool to talk to them and feel their spirit. It's a really long, uncomfortable journey from Abidjan to Accra, but they were making it. In a talk I listened to this week, someone (again I can't remember the speaker or year) said that growth comes from sacrifice. It was cool to witness faith and sacrifice in action. 

I love you all! The Church is true. 

Love, 

Elder Johnson

1. Ivorian saints

2. Us and Evelyn, our number one translator who is going to school. Pray for us. 

3. Us and Joanna, our homie g

4. Us and the whole Agyapong family looking fresh. Kofi, Daniel, and Patience are the additions. 

5-6. Us and the Apraku fam. I love them so much. 

7. President Morgan asked us to take a pic in front of our new baptismal font to make sure it's tall enough. It's tall enough. 

8. Yummy stew made out of leaves and fish and stuff that Sister Gifty prepared for us

9. Us and our member Proserlita after church