Last week 14 members from Ethiopia came by air to the Accra Ghana Temple, thanks to the blessings of the Temple Patrons Assistance Fund. They had a 4 1/2 hour flight. There were four families sealed together -- seven individuals were endowed -- they spent from Tuesday until they left on Saturday in the temple. There were two 18 year-old girls who watched the young children after their families were sealed. One outstanding young man had served as a missionary to Ghana. He brought his beauitul bride of two weeks, and they were sealed in the temple. He is in the Branch Presidency in his home town. One older lady was sealed to her deceased husband and a baby who had died. They are beautiful people -- look more Indian than African. We were able to help them prepare names of their ancestors -- usually parents or grandparents -- some deceased spouses and children.
Elder and Sister Wilkes from Sacramento, California accompanied them. Elder Wilkes is a counselor to the Mission President and the "First Elder" in Ethiopia. The mission includes Zimbawe and Uganda as well. We invited the Wilkes to dinner one evening and had a good visit with them. What an amazing small world it is in the Church! We discovered that Elder Brad Wilkes was one of President Harbertson's missionaries in the Fresno, California mission! They still have a great love for President Harbertson and have visited him for a blessing for each of their three sons before their missions. Their youngest son is now serving in the Washington D.C. mission, Spanish speaking. They left on their mission when he had been out three months and will get home three months before his return. They are in their mid fifties and are young and vigorous.
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