Malaria??

Let's see, let's see.... well, Elder White is hitting the double digits as it is going on 10 months since he has been in the mission field. Time is flying by! At times he even thinks so. Others have told me that when the one year mark hits, the second one will go even faster. Elder Son (aka Elder White) is doing well for the most part. He does have his "ups and downs" but tries to stay positive as he says, "It's (mission) always been great for the most part. Challenges are great to overcome and look back on. It's just at the time they are rough. For those that can look at the benefit of the outcome, those are the true winners!!!" Spoken like a true winner huh!!!!!!!??????

He is having some wonderful missionary experiences and just said recently that they have four baptisms coming up. He truly loves the people and doing the work of Our Father in Heaven. He had gone back to an area where he had served and saw the lady Jane that he baptized... remember her? CHECK OUT THE BLOG ENTRY FROM APRIL 2, 2009. He stated that she was so happy to see him and that he was even happier to know that she was still attending church and that her daughter had even been BAPTIZED!!!!! Look at the hand of Our Father in Heaven!!!! Gentry says that he was able to hear a little of General Conference and states that "those guys are right on it." He says that a lot of the talks seemed like they were just for him. I am happy to hear this as I must admit that Elder Son would take naps during some of the talks when he was home. He says that he loves Dieter Ucthdoff (o.k. I KNOW it is not spelled right but you know who I'm talking about!!!!).

Gentry turned 20 on November 17th and I must admit this was hard for me not having him here and being to hug and wish him a Happy Birthday and EVEN HARDER not having him here for Thanksgiving. I KNOW I will be a "basket case" come Christmas morning and I don't have him in the house. I know that he is serving Our Father in Heaven by serving others on his mission but I still MISS my son "something terrible" sometimes!!! He too missed the family for Thanksgiving. My brother emailed pictures to him and he stated that he "teared up" when he saw the family all together as this was only the second time in years that ALL of his Aunts and Uncles have been at home at one time. He wished that he were there but said that for now, he was in the right place... serving his mission. Gentry did not get a birthday package as it is SO expensive to send anything to Africa. With Christmas being only a month away, he will get his package then. Instead, he got MALARIA!!!! Oh my gosh!!!! I was going crazy but he immediately told me that it was caught in time and he got medication and was better after about two days. He said it was such an AWFUL feeling!!!!!!!! He said his head hurt, he had diarrhea and body aches. He said that from this experience, he got a "little taste" of how his Aunt Margie probably feels on a daily basis (she is on dialysis and has alot of other serious health problems). Elder Son says to tell everyone that he is STILL healthy and strong!!!!! He sent me pictures to let me see that he was doing well... WHEW!!!!!!!! He has befriended a lady named "Aunt Aggie" who he says is his "Mama" in Ghana. She has some kind of a shop (not sure what) but says that she gave him spiced cider and cake on his birthday. THANK YOU AUNTIE AGGIE FOR TAKING CARE OF MY ELDER SON!!!!!

Elder Son has a really great companion named Elder Nielsen that he says he likes alot. He is from N.Y. Gentry says that they get along well and this makes SUCH a difference!!! Recently, Gentry got an email from a friend that he graduated with who is now in college. She is taking a religion class in college and as an assignment, had to have some questions answered about someone elses faith/religious beliefs and church. She immediatley thought of Gentry and requested to have 12 questions answered. Well, what does he do but send her email to me... a Ward Missionary!!!!! At first I was so pleased that she would ask him and to see that she still remembers from high school that he is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and is serving a full time mission. The next thing was... oh my goodness, now I have to answer these questions. Along with my own knowledge, that of the full time missionaries in the Monroe Ward and with Allison Lucas' input, Chelsea Reed (that's her name), got her questions answered and was offered to have brought to her home, a personal copy of the Book of Mormon. I have yet to hear from her but at least she now knows more of what Gentry and what we as Latter Day Saints believe THANK YOU ELDER SON FOR THE MISSIONARY OPPORTUNITY!!!!!!

I continue to see the change (s) in my son in that he knows even more so, the love of Our Father in Heaven for himself and His children. He is serving our brothers and sisters of Ghana and leading them into the waters of baptism and if not to baptism yet, is "planting the seed." I am so proud of him and of his sacrifices.We as his family love him, are proud of him and miss him. Him serving his mission continues to bless him and our family and we are so grateful to him for this. He wants me to let you all know that he misses you, asks that you continue to do missionary work, pray for him and all missionaries and for his family.

~ Mama White

Happy 20th Gentry!

9 Months Down!

10/26/09--- Ok, I have had this email in draft as I did not finish it and was unable to, but the info to you, a "week or so ago" is still true.

SORRY... I have not been slack in updating you on Gentry's life in the mission field, just busy! Gentry is doing SO well and has grown SO much in the Gospel. I continue to be AMAZED at his growth and insight when it comes to himself and what he is learning and has learned about his faith. He has even given me encouragement and advice that has caused me to laugh. Not, that I think that what he has said is funny or "out there" but that he is right and that he is actually counseling his Mother. I am so grateful that he is my son and how Heavenly Father is working in his life to help him, me and those that he serves.

He told me that he KNOWS serving a mission was the right thing for him to do. He feels that he is getting older in the mission field. He says that it is a good feeling but "scary" as one day he will look around and it will all be over. In one of his emails, he wrote,"I keep saying what I would be doing if I were home but I cannot see myself not here doing this at this moment in time. It's crazy. You have to rely on the Lord soooo much as a missionary more than at home. You have no sense of real comfort other than Him. Your apartment is unsafe to you, your companion may not be the best, you don't know what to eat, you feel like you don't know what you are doing at times but through it all, I know that I could never imagine myself anywhere else." Ok, now if you know me, you know that I cry VERY easily when it comes to "matters of the heart," Gentry and spritual feelings. When I read this, I LOST IT!!!!! He is seeing first hand how Our Father in Heaven is there and if he trusts Him, He will help!!!! Over the months he can see in himself how he has grown and that things have gotten easier. He says that they just got a new Missionary in their apartment and he is having a hard time. He and Gentry talked and he asked, "will I get use to this and was it hard for you?" Gentry was able to give him encouragement as he too, along with SO many other missionaries have been where this "greenie" is.. Baptisms are going well for Gentry and his companion. Speaking of companion, Gentry's new companion is a branch missionary and is Ghananian. He says that he is only 18 years old and is serving currently with Gentry because another missionary got sent home. Alot of things have been going on with other missionaries which Gentry says, "missions are NOT for the light hearted."

Gentry reports that he LOVES reading the Liahona and wishes that he had read the Ensign and other Church publications when he was home. He realizes now just how connected we all are around the world. I told him that while he wishes that he did read more, the important thing is that he is reading NOW!!!

It is really hot there in Ghana. There is something called the "rainy season," where it rains ALOT and so much that at times, people have lost their lives. Now mind you, though it rains this much, it is STILL HOT!!! It may be a little cooler but not much.

I laughed in one of Gentry's emails where he talked about how while out tracting they will walk past "missionaries" of other faiths that are talking to people and passing out literature. Gentry says that they "eye" one another as at times it is the same people that maybe they have just talked to. Gentry says that the thing to it is that OUR literature is FREE!!!

It is ALMOST 9 months that "Elder Son" has been in the mission field. He is learning alot and misses EVERYONE here in the US! I KNOW that Heavenly Father is pleased with his efforts and that he is and will continue to be blessed!

~Mama White

Direct From Elder White Himself!

Akwaaba!

Thank you all so much for checking this blog! Its amazing to hear how many of you actually look at this thing! HAHA But I just wanted to say hello and thanks for the support and prayers given to me. I cant tell you enough how much it helps to get an encouraging email from a friend or family member. No one will ever quite realize the mental and physical challenges that we as missionarys face here in Ghana, but let me tell you "It aint easy!" However I love it so much! Its crazy, some days I will wake up and be like i cant do this everyday for 2 years but somehow I get out of my room and out the door and as soon as I sit with someone and share "The Gospel of Jesus Christ" I KNOW that this was totally worth it! I gave up a lot to be here as many of we missionaries have, but its still the best decision i could have made at this point in my life. I can't believe i've been here as long as I have but it's flown by for me, what about you guys? hahaha
My friends have really come through with the support and you know EXACTLY who you are, so thanks again.
This work I am doing for The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a tremendous stress but if the outcome of stress are the blessings i've recieved thus far in my soon to be 20 years of life, THEN BRING ON THE GRAY HAIR!
Never Fear Elder White Fans! Im coming back sooner that you think, but the question is. . . Are you ready for the new "Gentry White?" A question for the class.

Temple and My "Sons"

Here are some [pics] that i just took

One is the Ghana Accra temple. Just months ago this was just a pic on the internet but i took this myself tonight.

SO this last one is of me and my "Sons" I know you'll love it. I love these boys (Mama White tells me that these boys sit with Gentry every Sunday at Church)

Elder White

Friends and Baptism!!

SO here are pics of me and my apartment mates

(from left to right Elder Stout, Anokwah Donkoh, Soloia, and ME)

The other two are from my most recent baptism of two Nigerian men, John and Johnathan. At the baptism and at church the next day.

Oh yea and im going to start sending my pics home on disk so i can keep them safe and you can look at them. =)

YA BOY!

Elder White

First Accident & Mamma Hammonds

Here is a quick update from Momma White.

Let's see... Gentry has been on his mission 5 months now and says that he finally feels like he is getting the hang of this "missionary thing." He says that everyday feels like Sunday when you're on a mission and sometimes forgets the days of the week. He continues to be in the mission office but misses riding his bike as he drives a car while serving there. He wants to get back to riding the bike to maintain some form of exercise and that thinnner body that hehas gotten from all the sweating he does and NOT eating alot of the fine African cuisine. Since being given the opportunity to drive on his mission and learning to drive a "stick shift," Gentry had an accident already. He hit someone's car. He said that the man was nice about it and he did not cost the mission alot of money as it was about 60 cedis (Ghanain dollars) which in US dollars is about $75.00 dollars.

Gentry's 2nd companion, Elder Stout whom he liked got transferred. He has been on his mission for about 10 months. Gentry's new companion he says is the BOMB{dot}COM. He is from South Africa and is 24 years old. I forgot his name and probably none of us can pronouce it anyway! LOL!!!!!! Gentry says that he is really cool. He says it really weird being the Senior companion when this guy is like 5 years older than him. For those of you that get the Ensign or can get it online, the July issue has painting of Ghanain Pioneers. The lady on the front of the issue is a Sister that he knows. She feeds him every Monday. He is still awaiting the camera that we disguised to send to him. He says he will take a picture of him and her and send it. How exciting! I was at work the other day and had gotten a call on my cellphone that I did not recognize so I did not answer it. I wished that I had as there was a brother by the name of Robert Sheckle who was calling to tell me that he was in Ghana and had seen Gentry and that we was doing well and looked healthy. That REALLY made my day! I miss that young man so much!

I can just see his smile, hear his laughter and sometimes I feel his sadness in his emails and I just wish that I could see him but I KNOW that he is and will be fine. I can see amd feel the Spiritual growth in his emails as he focuses on his mission and those that he teaches and those he is preparing to teach. It continues to AMAZE me how these 19 year old "boys" transform into men of God and are able to find out about themselves and help others to do the same as they search for peace and happiness. I am SO proud that Gentry has made the choice to do what he is doing. My son is AMAZING and KNOWS that he is a child of God!

Gentry stays busy since working in the Mission Office so he does not always have alot of time to email or his emails are short. He just wants to say hello and let me know that he is all right. Gentry did say that last week when President Obama was in Ghana last week that the people there were really excited. He did not get to see him though. Gentry has not told me of any new baptisms lately. There is not alot more to say in this entry but until next time, continue to think of, pray for and read the blog of the "happenings of Elder Son.!"

Here is a pic of Gentry with Mamma Hammonds (who was on the cover of this months Ensign) She feeds Gentry every Monday night. Awwwwwe!!! Much love and thanks to Mamma Hammonds!!!! The last pic is Gentry "just happy to be up outta church" bah-hahahaha!!! Some things never change ;)

To Fetch a Pail of Water

Pic of me Getting water from a well ( just like Jack & Jill did!) It was for an investigator whos water shut off. It happens often in Ghana here. There will be random shut offs of water. It never happens to us though! lol President Smith would not allow it! lol

SO the next is me and a GIANT LEAF in my old area Atchimota! Good veggie never hurt nobody! lol

Elder White

Meat Pies and Mineral Water

here are some quick pics Gentch sent me, and followed by an update from his Momma. This is what Elder White says about the pics

"Pics of my last couple days in Atchimota (my first area) with different ppl. ie.church members, neighbors etc...There are always white ppl in my old ward too so of course i got a picture! Its rare! lol This is a picture that i loved of a little black girl with Jesus. You dont see that too much in pictures."

Ok, it has been a while since I have sent an update on Elder Son but here goes... Gentry is now working in the Mission Office as of the end of May. He states that he felt like no one understands him there and he has no one to talk to. His companion, Elder Stout is a lot different than his first companion but then he had to remind himself that he prayed for this. I had to remind him that you have to be careful for what you pray for because "you just might get it." Gentry has felt that some of the missionaries that he has encountered has not had LIFE experiences and this had been difficult for them, as he says that when teaching at times, they are at a loss of what to say or how to respond when trying to relate to others. This is where companionship comes in to play even more so and he is able to guide the conversation with what knowledge he has in that area that may be to help that person or people. Gentry wrote a REALLY long email to me about this subject and his frustrations. I did have to remind Gentry of the story that President Hinkley's father told him when he was serving his mission. I think that his father counseled him to " remove" himself and to do the work. Gentry though, through his frustrations says that despite how he feels, does not want to come home and for me and the family not to worry. He is learning a lot about who he is, others and what he can handle. What an experience this is for him! It is at times, that I wonder who this young man is! Hey, what did they do with my GENTRY!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!

He says that he likes Ghana over all and loves going to the marketplace to meet people and to "bargain" for cheaper prices for himself and his companion as he is not likely to be cheated. He continues to use his "skill," personality and some "twi" language to converse with the locals. He LOVES it! Since he has been transferred to the Mission Office, he says that they do A LOT of office work and do not have a "P-Day." When I was reading his email about his duties I was laughing so hard as he shared with me that he has learned to drive a "stick shift" and did so in about an hour and will soon know Ghana like the back of his hand. He says that Zone Conference is coming up and he had to order 40 meat pies and mineral water (soda/seltzer water) for the event. I immediately got this picture of Gentry in this little truck with smoke coming from the exhaust, meat pies flying out of the back as he turned a corner and this big set of WHITE teeth grinning as he comes to a screeching stop with seltzer water "sloshing' EVERYWHERE!!!!!! What a visual!!!!! I was laughing so hard that I was almost banned from Union County Public Library as this is where I was reading the email!!!!!

Gentry has dropped and broken his camera and is about to lose it!!!! He has ordered another camera and is having it sent to the house to have me skillfully disguise it so that he will not have to pay so much to get it at the post office. He wants me to put it in a cake or candy box. I will let you know how that goes! I just hopes it works!! He did get the package that I sent to him back in May. I did see a picture of some of the contents but he did not say if everything was in there. He continues to grow and is enjoying his experiences! Please keep "Elder Son" (aka Elder White) in your prayers!

NASTY!!

These are pics of Gentry's kitchen (as I dry-heave in the corner here)

Mothers Day Call Home

(This is an email update I recieved from Gentry's Mom)

Motherhood and Mothers Day has been great and exciting for me but this Mothers Day was extra special as I got to talk to Gentry!! I was so excited and because Gentry does not always explain things in detail, he had sent me an email stating that he would call me at 3:30 our time in the US and 7:30his time as Ghana is 4 hours ahead of us.  I got up at 2:30 in the am and went to pick up my Mother and Sister so that they could come to the house and talk to Gentry.  He told me that he only had 40 minutes so I go out to about 5 different Mexican stores (of course at the last minute) on Sat. with the help of Sister Rodrigquez to find calling cards to call for the 40 minutes he told me he had to talk. I ended up getting all of these cards with 8 minutes at a time to talk.  OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I knew that this would be difficult as you know me and my family.... we can talk!!! I knew the 8 minutes would go by fast and then when it was time to try to use the next one and make the connection that far away could sometimes be difficult.  The next time I WILL go to an African store with the help of my Ghanain friend Addison and get the proper calling cards as the cost from a land line is CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!

Well, we are at the house and it's about 4:00 and no call from Gentry.  All of a sudden I got this feeling that he may have meant in the afternoon US time but remember he did not specify this in the email that he sent saying what time he would call.  I used one of the calling cards and called anyway.  Gentry answers the phone and apologized for not telling me that it was 3:30pm that I was to call.  Can you imagine how CRAZY I felt and besides, I had used some of the 40 minutes of one of the calling cards!!!!!!??????  OH NO!!!!!  I took my Mama and sister home and went back to bed!!!!!!

Of course 3:30 could not come soon enough!!!!!  I had alot of family to come over to the house and so did Elder Nelson and Elder Andrews ( they never have met Gentry but talked to and encouraged him).  It was SO CRAZY to try to have all of these people talk to Gentry on this crazy calling card stuff and with so few minutes.  Gentry was happy to hear from all that was present but at one point said that he just wanted me to be alone and he wanted to talk.  At first, I thought something was wrong and as I type this, I get teary but he said he just wanted to talk to me!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!  I know how much he loves his family but it just reinforced how much more he loves and misses me!  

I went upstairs to my bedroom as family visited downstairs and entertained the Elders.... Oh my goodness, those poor Elders!!!!! LOL!!!!!!! No, my family are GREAT people and love the Elders and the Church.  Gentry and I talked for a long while as he used his calling card when mine "ran out."  My how he has grown in his testimony of the Church and of Jesus Christ.  Gentry has struggled with the companion that he has had sent leaving the MTC in Ghana.  It has been such a trial for Gentry that he has spoken to President Smith, the Mission President about it and received counsel and a blessing.  Gentry hopes to get another companion at next transfers.  Gentry feels disappointed that he has not had the leadership in his companion , he is not truthful and has lost sight at times of the work that he has been called to do.  What Gentry is trying to do is to love his companion and not become bitter towards him.  It has not been easy for him but I know Gentry and he will work through it all.   I have counseled my son to REMEMBER who he is, to do the work he has been called to do, to seek God in ALL things and know that he is a White and to RETURN WITH HONOR!!! He is such an amazing young man and reads his Pat. Blessing often and gains inspiration and hope from that. 

Gentry is happy to report that he is studying his scriptures more and even has amazed himself with the progress and understanding he has.  See what sitting still at times and serving a mission can do for a young man!!!!! Gentry's reading his scriptures!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!  I KNOW that Gentry will be blessed for his serving and for the person that he is.  He feels that though it has only been 3 months since being on his mission, the time is going pretty fast.  He still says that things are difficult in the inconviences of life in Ghana (e.g. washing clothes on his hands, cooking, eletricity going out, people being late all of the time, the culture and the HOT sun with no a/c) but it is not so hard that he wants to come home.  Now you know this can ONLY make me, his mother proud as well as Heavenly Father proud!!!!!!!!

Hey, do you all remember Jane the lady that had the broken glasses when Gentry went to teach her and then was given new ones by Brother Catchatoorian when he went to Ghana?  She asked about being baptized but Gentry wanted to teach her more... well guess what, she was baptized by Gentry on Mothers Day along with another lady named Emma that Gentry and his companion were teaching.  Janes's daughter was to be baptized this same day but did not as she said she was sick.  Check out the pictures he sent!!!!! Is that not GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gentry and his companion continue to tract and preach the gospel but says at times things still are slow.

Oh yeah, I sent Gentry a package about a week and half ago of some things that he wanted.  I guess the cost of the content of the box was about 80.00. I knew it was going to be expensive to send it but I had no idea it would that much!!!!! The other thing is that the package could get stolen, be damaged, not arrive, be smashed and have the contents taken out!!!!! Oh My!!!!!  Gentry told me to put pictures of Jesus outside the package in hopes that these things would not happen.  When I got to the post office downtown Charlotte and was talking to the clerk and she began putting the postal tape on the package as he weighed it etc. I told her "please don't cover my Jesus pictures"  she laughed and said that she prayed that Gentry's package would arrive just as I was sending it!!!!  Of course you know I almost lost it with the tears!!!!!!! To my knowledge he still has not gotten it so I will let you know.  It was 6-10 days that she said it would take.

I pray for Gentry, his companion and all Missionaries far and near.  What these YOUNG men and women have been called to do is not easy but it is worth it.  Look at how lives have and can be blessed for their efforts!!!  I am so proud that my Gentry is one of those helping to bless others lives with the help of Our Father in Heaven.  I know that it is because of Our Heavenly Father that he is the person that he is today and will ONLY be the man that he is to be!!!!! Thank you ALL for helping me too to get Gentry to the place that he is today in life and the place(s) that he will go!!!!!!!  I feel that there is so much that I have not said but hopefully it is the most important things.

Please pray for Gentry and know that he is trying and wants to serve our Father in Heaven and His children.  Until next time.....

 (the baptism pictures of Jane are in the previous post)

Baptism of Jane

(The first people Gentry baptized) This is before the baptism. Jane is the Older lady and Emma is the Younger Lady

Next is me with some little Children I saw while contacting. I probably got a ringworm from touching all of them! lol

Then there are some pics of the ally ways we have to walk down to find ppl to contact and share the gospel, 

JUST LIKE JESUS DID! 

A quick update from Elder White...

One is me and Jane the Lady That recieved the glasses from Brother Catchatoorian when he visited Ghana

 

One is Me opening my moms easter card i recieved last month but was told not to open it till easter! lol

 

ONe is me with a sparkler! lol We found them when we were cleaning.

 

So yea thats that! Oh we have a baptism next week! Yes!

Hey guys, just got this email from Gentry's mom, and after I was done drying my eyes, I knew I had to share it...

Now that I know that his emails come on Mondays and is there when I get to work it makes me look forward to getting up now!  I love hearing about his happenings and the teachings of Our Father in Heaven and of His Son,  Jesus Christ.  He sent me some pictures of his nasty kitchen and I was so upset with the condition of how the other Elders are keeping it.  He says that they will not wash their dishes and one of them just washes a dish as he needs it. DISGUSTING!!!! I want to call the Mission President and complain but I will wait to see what Gentry wants me to do... if anything.  We are just not accustomed to that. The saying goes... cleanliness is next to Godliness right????!!!!! Not in this case.  

I must share with you how I know that Our Father in Heaven's hand is in our lives and others.  In Gentry's second email, he told of a lady that he and his companion were teaching.  He said that they had asked her to read a verse from the scriptures and when she pulled out her  glasses, he said that they broke.  Gentry said that she looked so helpless because she had just been saying how she sometimes looks at others who are doing "bad" things in life and they seem to get blessings anyway.  Gentry said he wanted to cry.  He told  her not to compare herself to others as she does not know what these people have to contend with once they go into their homes at night and what sufferings they have "behind closed doors." 

After getting this email, Stake  Conference was about 3 weeks later in Charlotte. My family and I got there fairly early and was summoned by Allison Lucas to sit with them and some others from the Monroe Ward. Not knowing that the 2-3 rows in front of us were reserved for investigators and new converts,  a  member of the church, Sarit Catchatoorian who is an eye Dr. in Charlotte sat in front of us with his mother who recently had joined the church.  He knows Gentry and his daughter and Gentry are friends.  He turned around and wanted to know about Gentry's mission and said that he and some other Drs. would be going to Ghana  to do some volunteer work at an eye clinic and if I wanted him to take something to Gentry then he would ... if he could find Gentry.  I never got from Gentry what his physical address was but prayed that they would make the connection.  I told Brother Catchatoorian about this woman and what had happened  when Gentry was teaching her.  He said that he was taking 300 pair of reading glasses and maybe he could give her a pair.

Gentry says that he was at church and Brother Catchatoorian comes in with the package and he could not stop smiling!  He said that Brother Catchatoorian hugged him and handed him the package and a letter from his daughter, Latisha.   He said that it felt like "a piece of home!!!!" He said that the best part was when Brother Catchatoorian asked where was the lady whose glasses broke?  Gentry was like huh? Brother Catchatoorian told him that I had told him about a lady whose glasses had broke while she was being taught. Gentry said that he thought she was there at church that day and Brother Catchatoorian told him that he had brought her a pair of glasses.  Gentry said he could have cried!!!!!! They found the woman, I believe her name is Jane and she tried on a few pair of glasses and was able to wear the second ones.  Gentry said that they had not seen her in a week and "just think if she had not come to church that day she would not have received the glasses." Gentry said that after church she asked about being baptized.  Gentry said that he and his companion  want to teach her more before she is baptized as he did not want her to join the church based on a pair of glasses but hopefully with her seeing the blessings that come from Heavenly Father it will lead her into the waters of baptism.

Gentry thanked me for everything and said that I was all the way in America but was able to help bless this woman.  I do not feel that it was me that did anything... it was Our Father in Heaven's hand that...

1. Lead Gentry and his companion to Jane
2. Gentry emailed me to tell me Jane's situation
3. Brother Catchatoorian just happened to pick Ghana to go to to volunteer as he told me he had 2 other
    other choices but chose Ghana
4.  Brother Catchatoorian is an eye Dr.
5.  After searching for the church and going out of the way... (the church was only a mile from the hotel
     where Brother Catchatoorian was staying), he found Gentry
6. Jane just happened to be at church that day as she had not been in week

Look at Heavenly Father's hand!!!!! I am sure that this is just the beginning of how Gentry will be a part of touching and blessings other lives and helping them to come to know Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ.  To my friend and brother, Sarit Catchatoorian, I thank him and am grateful for his efforts, for finding my son, delivering my package and blessing the life of Jane with what might seem "small" to many but was truly a blessing in her life.  WOW!!!!!!!! 

Gentry continues to adjust to the food and feels that he has lost some weight.  He says that of the 4 of them that share an apartment, he is the only one that has not gotten sick from eating the food.  Brother Catchatoorian says that he took Gentry and his companion to dinner along with the other Docs that were volunteering.  He said that they needed a cab to get to the restaurant and to get a good price, you negotiate with the driver.  Brother Catchatoorian said that Gentry put on his Ghanain accent as was able to get them a good fare.  I found this to be funny as I saw Gentry's personality and acting ablility come out.  Gentry says that  because he is African they don't cheat him. Gentry continues to try to "light a fire" under his companion.  He feels that their companionship has gotten better. Gentry says that the people of Ghana are friendly and he loves them.  

He is reading now in the book of Alma and is impressed with himself as scripture reading was not, let's say his first love!!!!!  I can see the growth in Gentry and am so proud of him and the choice and choices that he has made in life.  He says that because of different experiences that he has had in life, he feels that he is able to share that with the people he teaches.  I love my Elder Son and do miss him greatly!  I thank ALL of his friends, church members and my family for helping me to help him "be the best that he can be!!!!" He is a child of God and is truly a blessing in the life of me... his mother!

***FINALLY!!!***

Elder White has finally found some time to send along an update YAYYYYYYY!!!! Here is what he had to say...

What ...........A WHIRLWIND! This is definatly an experience that nothing in the states could prepare you for. I just got out of the MTC a week ago and I was not expecting what I had coming next. I moved into this, what they call, apartment. its more like a cement floor flat. Oh but it comes with 2 bedrooms a bathroom and kitchen. Let me tell you the perks of each! lol The building itself is A/C-less so we have fans, the bathroom is so filthy when i walked in for the first time I couldnt stop gagging from the sight. The kitchen is the best, it come equipt with little creepy crawlers of every kind! Rotches, spiders, everything. THe thing is is that it could be a

lot better in the kitchen but my roommates allow for it to be so, and you said they would have a problem with my tidyness,yea right! other than robbie hicks, the guy that sent me the email, im the cleanest person there. It is so hard for me alot of times that I normally feel like crying at least once in the day. But dispite all that I am ajusting and i love it here! The ppl are so receptive and wonderful. They love to laugh at my last name = ) I have had fun for the most part. There is so much to say that i cant think of what all to write.

I miss Grandma and Aunt Margie so much! I love them so much, hug each other for me, for real. I dont get to hug ppl here, not that i'd want to, all that must and sweat lol

People here have it hard. there are so many unique and beautiful children here, you know i want them all to come

model for target in america. I love it the best when the girls have short cut hair like mine. It looks good on them. I have pics but ive forgotten my camera cord so i'll have to do it next week.

I have made good friends with Elders Robbie Hicks and Brad Beeston. Hicks Is a student at University of Utah, and Beeston is a Football player at BYU.

oh and its so funny at the MTC everyone thought you (Mom) were either my sister or girlfriend in that black and white picture, even my roommates now! lol

ok well my hands are hurting from hand washing all my clothes this morning (Grandma would be proud)!

(In another letter..) I am ok. My tranior/companion is ok, very lazy and we haven't been as effective as we should but I am gonna speak to him about that. I was actually just talking about you (Cara) last night to someone in our apt, about how we had that text convo about it not being fair that kathrine heigal was so famous and is not following the teaching and commandments she knows and how upset i was but then i taught a lady and she had a similar problem and i knew how to answer it because of the things you said to me. = ) WHAT......a good example you are!

Mission home is ok, the brief time i saw it. My mission president smith is a beast a little but he's cool. Africans are something else! I want to be skinny like the guys here though! lol ppl here think im starving myself but i am like no! Betty never cooked so my bodys has just adjusted lol

Yea I did make it seem like this place would be alot nicer than it is! WOW! Our apt could be better but my companion is a slob so yea. I have to "endure to the end!" well, there is so much to do! Love you guys!!!

The first pic with the missionarys was taken at the airport in NY. After almost9 hours alone they showed up. They were all leaving to go back home to Utah and one to Las vegas, they all served in londan. the two standing beside me are ( from the left to right Beeston and Elder Hicks) they were coming with me to ghana.

The Second pic is of us at my first baptism as a missionary. We had a total of 6 baptisms between all the missionarys in my apt.

The next pic is of me and my district (abinidi district) on the temple steps as they were all endowed that day! I was actually the district leader! Be sure to tell my mom that i forgot and im running out of time.

Doctrine and Covenats 6:34 my favorite Scripture

He has Arrived!!

Heya ya'll this is Cara.  Gentry has asked me to keep his blog up to date while he is away for the next 2 years.  He will send me updates and I will make sure they get posted for your viewing pleasure.

Obviously he hasn't sent anything yet since he just left (duh huh), but the fabulous Betty White, aka "Mom", called me to let me know that the mission presidents wife called to ease those Mommy nerves and inform her that Gentry has arrived and is well.  She said he was all smiles and oozing excitement...that's the Gentch we all know and lurve!!  As soon as I get more info I will pass it on.  Happy Reading!!  Oh, and I told Gentry that I would pass along some of the comments he gets, sooooo... leave one for him!!!

Here are some pics I took of "Elder White"  only hours before heading to the airport 

(at 3 am... OUCH!!)