Accra to Takoradi

After some hiccups with transferring money to Ghana and a solid day of nervous praying, we finally got our money. We were able to get 50 lamps, pick up some sweet company polos, and find the only yellow tent/canopy in Ghana! (a necessity for any marketplace seller)

We were also able to go to the temple with a Ghanaian friend visiting from Virginia. She was super excited to see us and to hear about our work. It was an interesting session, the temple president on one side, an area seventy on the other. And - due to jetlag - we still couldn’t stay awake!

Today, Thursday, we were up early to get on our way to Takoradi. Unfortunately, Accra traffic rivals that of DC. And Accra drivers make New York cabbies look faint hearted. Who knew how hard it would be to find the bus station to Takoradi? After two and a half hours of driving around the busy city with the amazing couple missionary, Elder Peine, we finally found the giant “VIP” bus and stashed all our luggage, canopy and all 10 boxes of lamps underneath with only a slight quarrel with the men there. “No sir, you lifted one box, we are not paying you.” We mounted the bus from Accra to Takoradi and settled in for the long and bumpy ride to our new home. Takoradi will be our home base for the next 4 weeks, serving as a hub to the villages we plan to visit.

Bus to Takoradi

            It only took 5 hours to travel to Takoradi - and we tried to be productive on the way. The bus station happened to be right next to the LDS Stake Center and we didn’t want to have to pay a taxi to carry our things and only go 100 yards. So, despite the doubtful sneers of the men at the station, we carried/dragged all of our luggage and equipment to the church. It was probably quite a sight seeing two white guys and a friend carrying 10 large boxes and luggage down the busy road!

The LDS Stake Center was full of people ready to help us. Not like the guys at the station helping just to get our money, these people wanted to help from the goodness of their hearts, and because they could see that we ne

eded them. We met with the Stake Presidency and told him about our venture and he offered us plenty of good advice. It also just so happened that this evening was the night that all of the Stake leaders came for a meeting and we had the opportunity to discuss the pros of solar power. Many of them were interested for themselves and also for their ward buildings.

First in-country sale! 

            Additionally - WE SOLD OUR FIRST LAMP! A man named Henry who was one of Stake Clerks saw it and immediately wanted one. He bought it on the spot. All the feedback we got was extremely positive and many people are interested in the solar lamps.

            We were unfortunately never able to find a long-term place to stay for the time we are here so we had to stay in a guesthouse (basically a hotel). Of course we pitched to her and she is thinking of buying some for the 15 rooms in her place!

             Tomorrow is a new day! We are optimistic about finding a place to live for our four weeks here, and finding a sales team here in Takoradi.