MAKE A DIFFERENCE

General Conference, as usual, was absolutely wonderful. It is so refreshing to be reminded of things we can do to improve our lives and become more like Christ. We will miss President Nelson, but the church will move forward with a new leader and a new First Presidency.

After serving our mission now for a little over four months, we were excited to see someone from back home. Amy and Jason Hiatt, along with two of their daughters Sophie and Livvy, showed up here in Accra, Ghana. They have been coming for many, many years as they work with the foundation “Ghana Make A Difference”, in a city about two hours away.  This is a medical group of professionals that come twice each year, maybe more often, and provide charitable medical services such as major surgeries, dental, and eye care.... to hundreds and hundreds of people here in Ghana. I read somewhere that over 200 surgeries will be performed in a week’s time.  Jason will perform some of those surgeries and Amy, Sophie, and Livvy will be there to help in any way they can. I have just a few pictures below but will provide more next week. We are going to go up to Winneba and visit them. It's a two-hour drive.

"Ghana Make a Difference”…..check it out on the internet. I have a small video that talks about its beginning 13 years ago.

Making a positive difference in the lives of people is really what life on earth should be about. We know that “when ye are in the service of your fellow being, you are only in the service of your God”.  Jesus said, “love thy neighbor as thyself”.  We often hear the phrase, “make a difference”. But what does that really mean? Does it mean changing the whole world?  Does it mean solving global problems? Or is it just something much simpler….. something that you and I can do right in our own communities? I believe making a difference doesn’t always require huge gestures and lots of people involved. It begins with the small things we do every day – the moments when we choose kindness, or offer a nice smile, a friendly “hello”, a listening ear, or providing some service to someone in need. Every person we meet each day is fighting a battle we know nothing about. Being kind to those people or giving a helping hand can transform someone’s day, and sometimes, their life. When we make someone feel seen, valued, and respected – we make a difference.

Here is something I read recently....."It's easy to think that our efforts are too small to matter. But history shows us otherwise. The world’s biggest changes often start with one person who cared enough to act. One teacher who believed in a student. One doctor who stayed late to help a patient. One neighbor who reached out when someone was struggling. Each of us has that same power. We may not change the entire world, but we can change someone’s world – and that’s just as meaningful". Making a difference is about choosing to leave people better than how we found them. To be a source of hope, not harm; of encouragement, not criticism. One does not have to be rich, famous, or powerful to make an impact. You just have to care.

As I look more into the “Ghana Make A Difference” foundation, a non-profit organization, it is about people and doctors and medical professionals trying to make a difference in the lives of people here in Ghana. They are here on their own time and dime. They leave their practices back home, spend their own money to get here, and then work 12--hour days for a couple of weeks. The task seems overwhelming…..Hundreds and hundreds of people waiting in line to get medical help and hopefully for surgeries they desperately need. Some may have been waiting for several years to have the chance for an operation to heal their body. Most have never been to a dentist or eye doctor. They can’t all be served, which is sad, but that is reality.  Fortunately, hundreds can be helped and that is what making a difference is all about…..one person at a time. It won't be the whole world and not everyone in Ghana.....but one at a time.....making a difference. I am grateful for people like the Hiatt's.....who are making a difference in people's lives.

That is what the missionary program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is all about.  Reaching out to the one…..trying to introduce the one to the Savior…..teaching as many people as possible about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.....but teaching them one by one. Reaching out to the One. The gospel of Jesus Christ is where happiness can be found. That is where hope can be found. That is what serving and loving and caring is all about. One person at a time.  Look for the one…..and make a difference !!!

The pictures below once again show what we are seeing each week.  Living here in Africa…..and seeing all of the poverty around me…..makes me be even more thankful of where I live and where I grew up. I never had to play soccer on a dirt field….only grass. I am grateful for my parents and what they taught me and how they provided me with a comfortable living. But the more I live here, the more it makes me feel sad for so many people around me. I just have to keep telling myself that there will be better days ahead for each of them in the eternal perspective of things. Heavenly Father loves each of them as much as He loves each of us.  The good news…..Jesus Christ is coming back, hopefully sooner than later, and there will be a millennium (1,000 years of peace and harmony) and there will be a time that we will all be equal and have the same privileges, the same advantages, and we will all be happy and content…..just doing good to one another and enjoying our existence. It says this in the Book of Revelation , Chapter 21:3-4....."and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away".

Those are the days I am praying for to come soon…..a day where “all is well, all is well”.

Jason and Amy and Livvy Hiatt. It was so good to see them.

A few of the doctors and volunteers putting together some protein shakes for patients after surgeries. They are special people to be doing this kind of work for total strangers in a far away land. "Making a Difference".....FOR SURE !!!

The Group of medical professionals in our Mission Office before they drive to Winneba. They flew all night and I'm sure were exhausted.

Amy found out what my favorite treat was before she came. Thank you Amy. M & M's don't taste the same here in Ghana as they do back home. Check out my tie I had made here in Ghana.....I wear it on Game Day.

Not only M & M's. We had Amy bring all kinds of things we had Bonnie gather for us.....Christmas in October for Jill and I.

More Sisters spending time cooking with Sister Blodgett.

Pancakes and French Toast are the two favorites.

We had MLC.....Mission Leaders Conference this week. These missionaries are some of the best.

Finally.....some much needed rain.

This is Gilbert. 19 years old. He works at the front gate and is looking forward to going to college some day. He is always asking for something to read so Jill has given him the Liahona, the Youth Magazine, and of course, the Book of Mormon. He loves to read and he is liking what he is reading.

This is where peace is found early in the morning. Very soothing. And so close to home.

The tech elders on the far right. They keep us organized and when something doesn't work....."call the tech Elders". Elder Cid was one of the "tech" guys for 7 months.

Jill is getting some serious "air".....for someone her youthful age.

We play Pickleball 3-4 times each week to get some exercise.

When I see "cuteness".....I just have to take a picture. I love that all the children wear the same uniforms to school. When the two on the left saw me.....they ran and both gave me a big hug.

We love this desert where warm chocolate flows out of the cake.....Mix a little ice cream and I'm almost in heaven.

Jill likes the "Pizookie'.....with a little ice cream. And some bites of mine.

The MTC foyer.....very peaceful and I love the picture of Christ and the Apostles.

Soccer with high school age kids.....like I said above, I am grateful for where I grew up.

They are good....better than I ever was.

Take the time to watch this video and find out more about "Ghana Make A Difference". The "Beast" helped fund the new surgery center and it looks wonderful. I will post more pictures and videos of the facility next week. These doctors and volunteers and making a difference for sure.