Mission life is AMAZING!!!

This is my most recent handwritten letter from Elder Cody Randall! It is to the family, and I am his mom! I couldn't be more proud of him!!
For those of you who followed the blog early on, I apologize for not keeping things "up-to-date". I always had intentions, but it didn't happen:(

Letter dated September 2, 2013

Hey Family!

Sorry I haven't written in such a long time. Busy, busy, busy, but no excuse! How's everyone? How's life back at home? Everybody is back in school? Man that is crazy to think that D's in college and B's in high school! They're getting old, which means so am I!

GHANA IS AMAZING! I love it here! It will be weird coming home, cuz I mean, I feel like I am home. My mission has seriously flown by and it's crazy. I can't believe I'm approaching my last few months. It feels like I just got here. As of now, I'm not ready to go home yet, so I'm working really hard to make my time count!

Thank you guys for everything! Your love and support ... I don't know what I'd do without you guys! When I sit and think about my mission and the experiences I've had, thoughts flow, but I can't focus on just one. They jump from one to another, but when we start talking about it, it's weird how well I remember it all. I know I am always asked about a new spiritual experience, but when I think, I just can't find one cuz my whole day is a spiritual experience! So much I learn, so much I gain!  The spirit I let guide me. I just let it flow.

Anyway, we're teaching a lot of really sweet investigators right now! Yesterday we received 4 referrals at church and 3 came, and 1 we went and visited. Powerful!😃 Well guys, I  love you all and thank you for everything. I am forever grateful for all of you! The Church is true, I promise! There's only one thing we must do in this life and that's obey God and follow His commandments so we can go to Heaven!

I love you all! Hugs and kisses! MUAH!

❤️Elder Cody Randall

Letters dated Oct 7, 2012

Hey Mom!
So, this past week has been pretty good! Monday, as you know, was deep cleaning day. Not too fun, had to scrub the gross bathroom! No Bueno! I couldn't remember how to spell bueno! What?! So, Tuesday, 2 Oct 2012 had district meeting and instructed on obedience. Taught 3 sweet lessons but had to clase early because of rain! Wed 3 Oct the day kinda fell apart, rained all morning. Finally let up for us to teach our powerful investigator, Samuel, so smart! 4 Oct Thurs I was sick so I just stayed at home and played "golf" a new card game I learned. Went by kinda fast. Elder Baird was sick with a bug so me and him stayed home while the others went out. Oct 5, Friday, good morning. Me and my companion, or "son" are ALOT different than each other. It's kinda hard sometimes, but we are still enjoying. God works in mysterious ways. lol. Had a great lesson with a girl by the name of Celestina, then taught another sweet lesson to a girl named Esi. It was sweet. They're both super smart! Then we went and taught Bro. Samuel again, he's so powerful, it's crazy, so smart, too. He is really big into families so it's awesome to teach him. We just got done teaching the plan of salvation. Then we had a party for Elder Okaka, my MTC mate, had fufu, brownies, and fan ice soo yummy! Awesome day!:) Sat Oct 6 - taught 2 great lessons to Constance, a girl we will be baptizing Oct 21, then taught a girl named Cecilia the BofM powerful lessons! Had to end early again cuz of the rain! Then, today, Oct 7, Sunday, was great! Church got moved to 8:30 a.m. instead of 10:30 a.m. so kinda not happy about that, but it's good! It was a great Sunday! Testimony meeting was great! Went up and bore mine. I think I've bore my testimony every fast Sunday here. It's sweet! Got a sweet referral today, so excited to be teaching him! He's a smart man! This area is sweet! I love it here, mom, and I'm enjoying! I love you all and hope all is Great! Be safe and know I love you and we're working hard!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall

Hey Dad!
How's it going? I hope and pray and is well and you're all safe! Things are going GREAT here in Ghana. This area Telecom is a sweet area! Alot of great members and people here! Should be having between 4-8 baptisms in the next 3 months. Sweet, right?! So, as I was saying, life's great here! LOVE IT!! Learning somethng new everyday. I always write some sayings on my planner for remembrance and motivation. The things for this planner are 1. "Don't judge me cuz I sin differently than you" 2. "Every person is my superior is one way" and 3. "Lose yourself in the service of God". and on the back "Just Do It!" Yeah, buddy, we be workin! So in answer to your question about Moses 3:7, so from my understanding I think we are considered SOULS in a body. You read we are Spirit children and when we entered into our body we became a "living soul" maybe meaning someone who can grow and learn, where to a spirit can't grow. And when we read, the prophets always advise us to serve with all our heart mind and soul, meaning EVERYTHING we have! But idk, that's just what I think. Another question is how, or can the soul die? Just something that came to my head just now. But, ya, so lately, I've been reading alot of the Bof M and New Testament. I'm in Alma 56 about Moroni, he's so powerful. The example he sets for his sons or people is so amazing! Alma 48:17 says all that needs to be said about Moroni. Also, the love Helaman had for the 2000, or as he called them, his sons, was great. Every battle fearing they might have died, but not one had fallen, what great faith the young men had! There is a blessing and a curse put upon America. As you read in Alma 45:16, and you remember if you are faithful you shall prosper in the land. God throws us curve balls of heart ache and accidents to STRENGTHEN us and our faith, not to destroy it. Faith is that of a muscle. If you want to become stronger, do you do nothing, or stay at the same weight? NO! You test yourself and push yourself. Just like God does to strengthen our faith. I love you Dad! Thank you for everything! Have a safe and great week!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall

Hey Lauren!
How's it going baby girl? Everything here in good ole Ghana is GREAT!lol. Mom told me you are doing amazing in volleyball. So great job! That's my girl! She also told me you are having tons of fun with the sport, she says you're very athletic which is AWESOME! Sorry that I'm missing out on it, but don't worry, when I get home, I'll make up for the lost time! You can show me all your volleyball moves and all your new soccer moves. It'll be sweet cuz I've gotten pretty good at soccer now, too. So it'll be awesome. Get to see who's better!:) Well, sweetie pie, everything here is great, like I said. Really having a lot of fun! I'd say I'm becoming a pretty sweet cook, too! My companion, Elder Lucas, has taught me how to cook some pretty yummy things. I'll show you all my tricks when I get home!:) I'm in a new area as well, called Telecom its in Assin Foso. It's a nice place, I like it alot! The missionary work is really progressing and the members are really cool!:) Kinda all the wards are like my family somehow. They all LOVE me. I mean, who can't, right?! We should be having a baptism this coming 21 October, so it should be sweet!:) Laurenarella, I miss you!! I love you so much!!
All my Love,
Elder Cody Randall

Letter dated Sept 25, 2012

Dear Mom, Dad, and Family!
Sorry I haven't written you in a while. I've been super busy. Training, studying, teaching, and all that good stuff. So, I apologize. But, everything is going good. Having fun like always:) So, I'll just go through my past 2 weeks! So, Sept 10, just washed and had a fufu party, it was yummy!:) Then Sept 11 we had mission tour where ALL the missionaries in the Cape Coast mission met and it was sweet to see everyone. Then ate chicken and rice for lunch there. Sept 12, just a normal missionary day. Sept 13, sick, but at 5 went and taught. Sept 14, normal missionary day, walked a ton! It was a great day though! Sept 15, we went to farm with our Bishop. It was cool, got the Bishop to dance, it was sweet. funny, too. I heard the Bishop was pretty tough and stiff...not for me, but not by my own strength but God's. He is a sweet guy! Gets work done! Sunday Sept 16 was good, had a baptism of 2. Was good, my companion baptized. Sept 17, did nothing, power was out ALL day, played UNO. lol. Sept 18, normal missionary day, taught sweet lessons! Sept 19 had a meeting with Dr. Fife about health, lasted ALL day, no bueno. Sept 20-21 were just normal mission days, worked and walked alot it was a good few days though!:) Sept 22, we went to our Bishop's farm again, it was sweet! He has coco plants so we just treated them, good day though. Sept 23 Sunday was good. Good sacrament, had ward council afterwards, then taught a sweet lesson to 2 girls. Ended up being stuck at their house cuz a huge rainstorm. It was crazy! Then yesterday, Sept 24 was sub day or money day, ya buddy! :) Went to Cape Coast and played football (soccer) on the turf field. Then pulled money and gave Elder Adair my camera to see how much it is to fix my camera. Then got to the Cape Castle restaurant and ate a hamburger and fries. First time my entire mission, it was soooo freaking good! But way too expensive, spent 12 cedis there, too much. Then I sent your package for way too much, stupid customs price raised so I was soo pissed. Then came home, showered, and had breakfast. Great p-day. So ya, that's what I've been up to, sorry I haven't emailed or sent pics, but not my fault. Takoradi internet was like America, but here it's not at all and power is shaky. But I do my best! Well, mom, I'm doing great and thank you soooo much for EVERYTHING you do and have done for me. I can't express it enough. I know it's not easy. But I love and miss you guys so much! Have a great week. I love you all and be safe! Mi do wo!
Always with all my love,
Elder Cody Randall

Letter dated September 10, 2012

Dear Family,
Wow, hey guys! sorry.....I've been super busy lately. Lots of last minute teaching and good-byes. But it's been a great time here. Sofokrom was AWESOME! I loved that place so much! The members, investigators, everything was great!:) Seriously, it was awesome being there. I'm going to miss them so much. People there I'll never forget!! It was seriously SOOO much fun! My last Sunday there, I didn't tell anyone I was going yet. It was fast and testimony meeting, so I just got up last and bore my testimony. Then after I expressed all my love and appreciation for them, I said I was leaving, you could just see everyone's faces got super sad. Closing hymn we sang, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again". wow inspired! The spirit was so strong! It was amazing, really unforgettable! Love that place so much though! Everyone was sad to have "Kwasi Pataku" Elder Randall their "powerful" missionary, leave them. I was almost brought to tears. Deep sorrow and love enveloped my soul for these people. I can't even imagine how I'll feel leaving. Looking forward to it, but then again, ehhh....not so much. lol. Well, ya, I'm training and in a new area called Telecom in a zone called Assin Foso, way far away from everything, but it's cool. I'm training an Elder Lucas from Utah, sweet kid. Says he actually saw my "blog" you have about me before he came, kinda cool. But it's definitely hard training in a new area where you start from scratch. lol. But I love you guys and miss you all so much! Be safe, muah!
Love from Africa,
Elder Cody Randall

letters dated August 19, 2012

HEY FAMILY!
Sorry Mom and Dad about no personal letters, but I'm tired and I was busy today. so (mi poucho fechem) I'm sorry please forgive me. So this week was good. Monday played soccer and emailed then FHE it was great. Happy I was able to email the two of you! How was SeaWorld, or should I say California? I'm jealous! Wish I could have been there enjoying with you, but I'm sure you had a great time!:) Tues - had a good district meeting, found out Elder Akpan is leaving and Elder Brown my MT (person who was in the MTC the same time as me) is coming, so should be sweet! Taught a really good lesson to Sis. Natasha, just one, but it was good, all our others fell through. Made a stew, tomato paste, onions, green peppers, garlic and seasoning. mmm yummy, and hot dogs, yum! Weds. - went on splits with our new district leader Elder Rowe from Sierra Leone, sweet guy! Went out to the beach and taught sis. Charity and Sis. Patience great lessons along with Sis. Charity's interview for baptism. At the Eyway food A-poung. Yumm! and 3 coconuts:) So full! Came back to Sofokrom and had PEC, it was good. Then taught Bro. Solomon and he was great!:) Thurs- our appts in the morning dropped, both of them, so be decided to explore our new area. "The Bush" LOL. It was good,  met some potential investigators and went and taught Solomon again on the resurrection and Heaven, went great! He is ready for baptism. Friday was a bust, every single one of our appts fell through. So we visited members and helped them out alot. Saturday was good, went to a service project "weeded" which was fun:) came back home, dressed, and went to our baptism, was good. Baptized only Bro. Solomon, Sis. Charity got sick and couldn't come, so next week! Today was good. good Sunday went and taught Primary today, it was fun!:) I love you guys soooo much and miss you like crazy! Be safe and KNOW that I am great! I love you and I couldn't be in a better place at this time:) All my love!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall

letters dated August 12, 2012

Hey Mom!
How are things back at home? This past Tuesday I received your envelope you sent! Got here quick, thank you very very much for everything that you sent, the chicken, tuna, jerky, mixes, toothpaste (which was much needed), shampoo, EVERYTHING! THANK YOU! I did notice on the package list deodorant, but there was none, so hopefully you just forgot it and no one stole it. LOL But again thank you so very much. Oh, also for the book. I've been reading almost everyday, it's a great book:) So how are you? Hope all is going well. I miss you all!!! Sooo my week hmmm...It was fun, I guess, LOL. Monday-p-day, played soccer and scored 3 goals, ya boy! Then emailed in Takoradi and then went and had a good FHE with Angelous. Talked on how we should feed our spirits and not our body. Tues- District meeting was powerful:)  I must say. I instructed on Honesty and WOW the spirit was with me it was awesome!:) The most powerful instruction I've given yet. The rest of the day was good, taught 3 lessons, good day. Weds- taught 2 really good lessons:) and had PEC. Thurs- was kinda a bust all but 1 appt fell through, but the important one we saw  had a really good lesson:) Friday- decided to explore the unknown areas of our area. Found a man named NaNa, smart, said he's really interested and had a really good lesson with him:) Sat - the day was filled with walking,  no one home LOL so we helped clean the church and ate Banku and coconuts mmm yummy!:) Sunday church was good:) Had 3 investigators come to church. Taught them really good lessons! We are preparing to baptize 2 people this coming Saturday, exciting!!:) So that was my fun filled week which included me dancing Azonto and people calling Kwasi Pataku:) So I love you all, have a great week!
Love and Hugs,
Elder Cody Randall        mi do wo!

Dear Dad,
Hey Pops! How are doing? How's work? Church? the family? Any questions you got for a son who wants some?:) LOL So this past week, I got the book you sent me "The Discourses of Brigham Young" WOW, he was a great, spiritual man! When I've been reading it I can still feel the power and conviction that he probably had while saying what he said. It's awesome I really like it alot! Thank you for sending it. I've been highlighting the passages I like, hope you don't mind. So, I've been studying that, along with Alma 17. I really like the example the sons of Mosiah set in 17:2-3 it shows us what we should do and how we can be strong in the faith or gospel.  v. 11 I like as well instructions on how to be God's instruments. 18:30-35 I like as well, real teaching tools in such an old book. lol. I also started reading the Bible I read Gen 1-6 and I learned things lol. Ch 1 talks about the days of God's creation. I also learned in ch 2:10-14 of 4 rivers that flowed the Garden of Eden. Ch 3:14-15 curse upon Satan. v. 22 how we are like Gods. Ch 4:11-15 curse of Cain, also in Moses 5:37-41. Ch 5 geneology. Ch 6 drew a question on v. 6 it says the Lord repented, can God repent? (see Moses 8:25) Also read Matthew 1-7, Ch 1 talks alot on the conception of Jesus 1 8-25. Ch 3 Jesus baptism 13-17 & John the Baptists instructions (3:2-3) Ch 5 2-11 they are key indicators of blessings. God will still bless the wicked cuz he loves them, and if he didn't he'd be taking away their agency. Cause they know they need to be righteous for blessings. But God blesses the righteous more because of their righteousness. Also v. 16 is nice to read:). Also v. 34-35 don't swear! v. 44 advice:) ch 6:1-7 why we shouldn't pray and boast of blessings miracles. Also v. 14-15 Forgiveness v. 19-21 read and apply. v. 24 speaks for itself. v. 31-33 blessings from tithing:) Ch7:7-11/ v. 13-15 straight is the gate narrow is the way:) Things I learned! I love you Dad! And am so grateful for you. Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall

letters dated August 5, 2012

Dear Mom!
How are you? How was SeaWorld? Did Brendan win their games? I  hope all is great:) This past week was really good! Still pushing back those people we wanna baptize till they are ready. It should be, at the latest, the end of this month. So my week: Monday woke up, cleaned the apt and played soccer in Takoradi and afterwards the couples brought lunch for everyone, chicken sandwiches and chips. mmm so good!:) Tasted small like home! Then emailed and went to Angelous's house and had family home evening. It was really good:) Tuesday - District meeting was good but the day was kinda a bust all our appointments fell through. It's ok though. Wed- taught 2 really good lessons and had a good PEC. Thurs- was good taught 3 really great lessons:) Friday- taught another 3 great lessons. Saturday was fun!:) went to the beach and rode the canoe again, looked for some shells and taught 2 great lessons. They don't speak Fanti there, they speak Ey-way. It's crazy hard to learn but I've learned like 5 words LOL. Sunday was good had 3 investigators come, testimony meeting was good and ward council was good as well, it was great!:) Great week, great companion, and great amazing family!:) I love you Mom! And I can't tell you enough times how much I love and miss you! Be safe!
All my love,
Elder Cody Randall

Dear Daddy,
How are you? I hope work is good and well and everything is going smoothly. How are things back at home? I pray all is well!:) This past week was really good! Working hard in the Lord's vineyard:) This week study was good. Read in Alma 11:2 talks about judgement kinda like our judgement system today. Alma 11:21-46 its a powerful discussion Alma and Amulek had with Zeezrom, it kinda makes me laugh every time I read it. It's a good chapter about the resurrection and judgement:) Alma 12:10-13 all about how we shouldn't harden our hearts and what will happen if we do. Spiritual death 16-18 and why the fall happened 22-26 along with our probationary state 37 is key:) Alma 13:3-4 I like and the rest talks about the priesthood, the Melchizidek priesthood and 27-30 are key:) I like to use the word "key" alot now, lol. and Alma 14 showed and gave me a great example of long suffering. All Alma and Amulek went through - man WOW! But I know this church is true, the ONLY true church and I'm so grateful to you and mom for bringing me up in the church. I love the Book of Mormon and learn something new every day. It's great!:) I love you Dad! Remember, feel free to ask me any questions. I love you, be safe!
All my Love,
Elder Cody Randall

Dear Lauren,
Hey sweetheart! How's my little princess?! I hope you're doing GREAT!! I'm doing good. Having fun here in good ole Africa!:) Everyone who sees your picture says you're so beautiful and so cute! I just smile and laugh and say YEP! that's my sister!:) Yesterday was alot of fun. We went out to the island in my area. We took a canoe across the river. Then when we got there we went and looked for seashells and stuff like that, didn't find too many, but it's okay:) Then we went to a member's house to visit and they made us food, it was yummy. Then we went and taught 2 really good lessons. It was alot of fun. And church today was fun, too! Oh, mom told me you're doing great in volleyball, you're like the best one on the team and you're a natural athlete like your brothers:) It's good to know!:) I love you and miss you soo oh so much! I hope you have a great week and are having a great summer!:)
Love,
Elder Cody Randall