Our Ghana Adventure: Day One

April 2026

We spent 10 days in Ghana, and I don't even know where to begin. It was such a different world from anything I had experienced. The people were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I always felt safe.

Accra, the capital city, was loud, busy, and full of energy. There were cars everywhere, constant honking, people filling the sidewalks, and countless small shops lining the streets. Many of the gutters were open, so when we were walking, there was occasionally unpleasant smells. Also, the air was often filled with exhaust from the heavy traffic.

Traffic laws seemed to be followed... loosely. Everyone drove on the correct side of the road and generally obeyed traffic lights, but beyond that, drivers seemed to communicate almost entirely through honking their horns and confidently squeezing into any available space. Somehow, it all worked.

In some areas we saw women and children begging or selling items along the roads. Our driver told us that most were not Ghanaian and explained that some had been trafficked from neighboring countries. Later, I read more about the situation and learned that while human trafficking and child labor is a real problem in the region. Many of the women and children are also families who have migrated from northern countries because of poverty, conflict, or instability. It was sobering to think about.

 

One of my favorite parts of riding through Ghana was simply looking out the window. There was always something unexpected to see. At one point, we passed a man standing beside a busy street, casually talking on his cell phone while hanging out with his cow.

The vehicles were interesting too. We saw cars, vans, and trucks packed to the brim, carrying just about anything and everything imaginable. It was amazing what people could transport with a little creativity and determination.

We stayed in Accra's business district, just a few blocks from the temple. Our Airbnb had a beautiful view of the city, and it was a nice (air conditioned!) place to come back to after exploring each day.

On our first evening in Accra, we walked to a local market and a few neighborhood shops to buy bottled water and breakfast supplies. I was hot, thirsty and beat from our Senegal flight, but I was also so interested in the sights and sounds around me. 

This is Monique. She is a member and has a hair shop on one of the main streets. Parker said the missionaries would stop by and visit her if they were in the area. She was so surprised to see Parker. She jumped up from her seat and started screaming and crying. It was pretty starteling and cute.

This is a family who from his ward who lives near the main street. They helped us buy fresh eggs from their neighbor and gave us grocery shopping advice.

One of my favorite parts of that evening was seeing Parker so happy to be back in Ghana. He was confident and comfortable and just seemed at home. It made me look forward to our Ghana adventures even more.

Home MTC: Zoom Life, Spanish and Spiritual Growth

May 27-June 10, 2026

All three of our kiddos who have served missions have had the Home MTC (Mission Training Center) experience, and each one has looked a little different.

Aubrey's was unique because she had the challenge (and opportunity) of learning Spanish in addition to the gospel study and teaching side of things. She was also home for two weeks rather than one.

Brian and I loved having the chance to be a part of the beginning of their missions. Here are a few things, from my perspective, that I want to remember about Aubrey's home MTC experience.

I witnessed her countenance soften as she began immersing herself in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I loved hearing her share parts of conference talks or firesides that impacted her. About 10 days into her training, she said something like, "I'm listening to conference talks for the first time, and they are good. I've also come to realize that Jeffrey R. Holland is really amazing."

(Sidenote: she's listened to conference talks all of her life... but I understood what she meant. Also, welcome to the President Holland fan club!)

Seven plus hours of Zoom a day is ROUGH....but she pushed through everyday. She also had about three more hours of personal gospel study, Spanish study and companionship study daily. Whew.

Not going to lie... there were some rough moments, especially when it came to Spanish class. 

Luke 13:28: "There shall be weeping (and wailing) and gnashing of teeth...." 

It was a three-hour class at the end of the day and didn't end until 10:00 p.m. She was mentally and emotionally worn out. From day one, the class was taught entirely in Spanish. It was a lot.

There were tears, pep talks, back rubs and late-night walks pretty much every night. 

But then she would be up early again the next day with renewed energy, determination, and a smile on her face. It was impressive.

I loved walking by her room and hearing her laugh and interact with her district. She loved them and couldn't wait to meet them in person at the Mexico MTC.

I tried to stay pretty available so when she popped out throughout the day for an eight-minute break, she had someone to talk to... and I wanted to hear everything she had to share.

Brian and I also spoiled her in one of her love languages: fast food. Her lunch or dinner wish was our command. (Well... we picked up food for her once a day — and sometimes Diet Coke or ice cream too.) She had short breaks and a packed schedule, so she often had to scarf down her food!

A couple of times we were able to have a late family lunch and include Aubrey. Her schedule was full, so mostly she wasn't available.

"Girl lunch" at Olive Garden. Every Thursday my dad, Britney, and I eat out together. This time we included Britney's girls, Aubrey, and Kaide.

Speaking of Kaide, one of Aubrey's favorite things was having him come in and out of her room during breaks to give her a hug. He was always hoping she could play with him, but she was a busy sister missionary. She was especially happy when he happened to be over and her eight-minute break lined up.

One really fun thing about home MTC is a little flexibility as a missionary. Her Sundays were much more open, and these amazing friends came over one week. I LOVED hearing them talk and laugh as they watched a church show and made bookmarks. I could tell it rejuvenated her. 

Joseph, Kate, and Wells were in town for a few days, and they were so sweet to stop by one last time to wish Aubrey the best before she left. (Home MTC perk for sure!)

I love this girl. I am so proud of her for choosing to serve a mission. I know how much it will bless her life too. Heavenly Father is so good. She is sacrificing 18 months to serve, but I know how He will be able to bless her life forever through this experience.

A Little Loud, A Lot of Love

June 7, 2026

Don't let this cute little photo lull you into believing we had a calm and quiet Sunday night family gathering. It was not.

Kate, Wells, Noah, Brian, and Aub

It was loud and chaotic. There were conversations in every corner. The littles were running in and out between the playroom and the family room. Some were playing outside at times and then popping back inside to ask a question or grab a snack. Christian (6) was practicing the piano. It was a lot--but also a lot of fun.

Here is a short video glimpse into the evening.

Lincoln, Joseph, Adam Vore, Grandma Honey, Noah, Brit, Tanner, Erin, Ella, Char, Wells & Kate w/ Braddock, Hud and Aubrey in the background

The men were late joining in due to a Priesthood meeting in Midland. Brian, Hermana Gwilliam and I were late to join due to an MTC family fireside. (Our Stake President asked us to call Hermana Gwilliam while she was in the home MTC. Overall, I have not done very well. Kaide has been a great example though. When he comes over to the house, he asks, "Where is Hermana Gwilliam?" and then he'll sneak in her room where she is doing Zoom. He gives her a hug and tries to get her to come play with him.) 

But back to Sunday night. Joseph, Kate and Wells were in town, which made it even more fun--it's nice to switch things up. Wellsy was the cutest: chunky, happy and busy. Everyone wanted to hold him and play with him.

Our numbers are dwindling in the Big O. We love it when family comes through, and we get to all be together. 

Aub and Hud are besties and have been soaking up the past month since she's been home from college. This was her last Sunday night

Grandma Honey (Shari Martin) joined us for the evening. She is family, but only related to some of the group—Angelique's mom, the Vore kids' grandmother, and the "little Vores'" great-grandmother.

This group was all chatting but then Joseph left to get a drink. I "made" them recreate so I could snap a picture, and they were giving me a bad time--ha ha. They did a good job though!

On Sunday nights, the kids often come in and out of the main room in different costumes and sometimes they do little shows. Here are Lincoln (8) and Kaide (almost 4) having fun.

I went in to video Christian playing the piano. (He loves playing and is amazing, by the way.) Then I heard little voices coming from the closet and found these two cuties inside the toy box with the lid closed. It was hilarious. They were sweaty but happy.

Kaide (3½) and Gracie (2½)

And that's a wrap. Family gatherings around here are rarely calm, but they always leave me grateful for the people filling the rooms.

Pressing Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ

April 2026

Our three days with Chris and Ang were wonderful and flew by far too quickly. They were gracious hosts, but we knew they needed to get back to their full-time calling as mission leaders.

I was grateful for the opportunity to get a glimpse into their mission life. They were always busy—even while taking a couple of days to spend with us.

They were fielding phone calls, answering emails, and managing illnesses.

They were preparing for mission health council meetings and an upcoming zone conference.

They were hosting us, overseeing their missionaries, and FaceTiming with their children and grandchildren back home.

They were celebrating the achievements of recently released missionaries and cheering on the successes of those still serving.

They were busy, and they were happy.

The love they had for their missionaries was unmistakable. They seemed to glow whenever they talked about them. I found myself both overwhelmed by all they were juggling and inspired by the joy they found in their service.

West Africa is blessed to have President and Sister Vore, and I am grateful we had the chance to spend time with them.