and with a case of the Ghanas: July 2009

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 ;)