Hey Mom!
How are you doing? Hope all is well back at home with all the kids being outta school and their activities they're doing! My life here in Ghana is great! The other night I was laying in bed trying to sleep while my mind was racing- no bueno! But, I was just thinking (for some reason unknown to me) "I'm in Africa right now, on my mission, what I've dreamed about since I was little and I'm really here! I'm not in America, I'm in Africa, half-way across the world! I'll probably never see these people again until the next world. I'll never be in this moment again!" Just some thoughts that were running through my head it was crazy! I've been in Africa almost 8 months already, time flies! Seems like just yesterday I was waking up at 5 a.m. and getting ready to go to the airport to come here. I LOVE THIS PLACE! THERE'S NO PLACE I'D RATHER BE SERVING! The people here are amazing. And I'm so blessed to be in their lives. I can truly see how much the gospel has blessed my life, without it I honestly have no idea where I'd be right now! So thank you and Dad for EVERYTHING you've done for me! The things I'm doing now and what I'm preparing to do and who I'm preparing to be, I never would have guessed in a million years I'd be doing them. When I'm home we'll have some great talks!!:) So you better start to prepare your questions for me. I'll be expecting millions!!!:) I love you mom, and again, thank you for everything! Have a great week and send my love to everyone.
All my love,
Elder Cody Randall
Sunday, August 5, 2012
letters July 1-3, 2012
Letter dated July 1, 2012
Dear Family:
Wow!! Can you believe it’s already July?!! It seems as though just yesterday we celebrated New Year’s. WOW! Well, I hope all is well and everyone is great! I love and miss you all very much! So this past week was amazing! Last Monday we played soccer in the rain it was so fun! Tuesday we had some good lessons and then the AP’s (President’s assistants) called us and said to meet them right then, they had an assignment for us. So we went and they gave us something called the “MAGIC PACKAGE”. To help us strengthen our relationship with the ward, so we were excited! Wednesday we prayed on which families we should visit and who would be happiest to see us. Thursday we went and saw the Oseis, a family of 6. We went and asked them to pray for our investigators’ hearts to be softened and that new people as well will be softened. It was really cool, the spirit was there! Friday, the AP’s came on splits with us. Elder Alba went with us and Elder Nzuki went with Nketsiakrom. The day was amazing, we could tell the families we asked to pray have been praying. We taught 3 lessons, all very very powerful. The day wasn’t over. We received a referral or a “who do” and then went to another family, the Cobbinahs, to ask them the same things. Now this visit was inspired! The mother, Sis. Cobbinah, was sick and last night had a dream about Elder Alba. 4 missionaries surrounded her as she sat in a chair. She couldn’t understand what they said but she said she felt really really good. Now all of the missionary faces looked like Elder Alba and WHITE! So we sat down and tried to figure out what the dream meant. My first thought was “give her a blessing”, but I thought, naw, there has to be more meaning! So I continued to think about it, but “blessing” wouldn’t leave my mind! So I looked at Alba and said, “Maybe we should give her a blessing”. All he did was turn to me and smile. He told me after that he felt the same way, but pushed it from his mind thinking it was more. But when I said “blessing”, we all knew what it meant! So we went inside and gave her a blessing. It was a sweet prayer! After the prayer, Alba looked at me and said, “I have no idea what I just said. Was it good?” I laughed and said, “YES!” We then sat down and gave the family the magic package commitment! The day ended with us going and buying a fan ice and talking. GREAT DAY! Saturday was great as well! We went to the island in our area, WOW it’s beautiful!! We also went and saw a less active family with the Bishop and 2nd counselor. It was great. We ate some coconuts. Struggled, but was able!J It was an awesome day. We then visited the Oseis to thank them for praying and to continue. It’s helping a lot! The church was so full today. We had 6 powerful investigators come to church, 5 new investigators! Wow, it’s crazy to see the ways of the Lord! I LOVE YOU ALL BE SAFE!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE.
All my love,
Elder Cody Randall
Letter dated July 2, 2012
I just finished reading some dear elder letters and the card that had the tuna and Lauren’s pictures in it. WOW! She’s getting so big! I feel like I’m missing so much! But I just wanted you all to know that:
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOO MUCH!!!!
You guys are so amazing. I seriously couldn’t ask for a more amazing family!! I love you guys all sooo much and am so grateful for everything you all do and have done for me! And, yes, mission may be hard, but it comes with endless growth, strength, and love. You learn so much here, and I’m not even done yet! I can’t wait to see what else the Lord has in store for me. I just hope I can be good enough for Him! I can’t lie, mission is the best 2 years for your life! There are many sayings I’ve learned to say to continue! Forever Strong! KIA KAHA! Again, I miss you all so much and am so grateful, sooo very grateful, for everything you do! I love you, remember that!!!
Send my greetings to the ward and all our friends!
Love forever,
Elder Cody Randall
Letter Dated July 3, 2012 to his brothers
HEY BOYS!
How’s it going?! I hear you are both busy in some sports! How are they going? Everything is going great here in good ol’ Africa! Finally learned how to pray in Fanti. LOL It’s cool! Even last Sunday, “fast Sunday”, I got up and bore my testimony in Fanti. It was sweetJ
I love you both and I miss you guys a lot! When I get home we’ve got a lot of catching up to do!! So be aware, that when I come home we’ll have some good ole brotherly timeJ I love you guys again and miss ya. Take care!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall
Dear Family:
Wow!! Can you believe it’s already July?!! It seems as though just yesterday we celebrated New Year’s. WOW! Well, I hope all is well and everyone is great! I love and miss you all very much! So this past week was amazing! Last Monday we played soccer in the rain it was so fun! Tuesday we had some good lessons and then the AP’s (President’s assistants) called us and said to meet them right then, they had an assignment for us. So we went and they gave us something called the “MAGIC PACKAGE”. To help us strengthen our relationship with the ward, so we were excited! Wednesday we prayed on which families we should visit and who would be happiest to see us. Thursday we went and saw the Oseis, a family of 6. We went and asked them to pray for our investigators’ hearts to be softened and that new people as well will be softened. It was really cool, the spirit was there! Friday, the AP’s came on splits with us. Elder Alba went with us and Elder Nzuki went with Nketsiakrom. The day was amazing, we could tell the families we asked to pray have been praying. We taught 3 lessons, all very very powerful. The day wasn’t over. We received a referral or a “who do” and then went to another family, the Cobbinahs, to ask them the same things. Now this visit was inspired! The mother, Sis. Cobbinah, was sick and last night had a dream about Elder Alba. 4 missionaries surrounded her as she sat in a chair. She couldn’t understand what they said but she said she felt really really good. Now all of the missionary faces looked like Elder Alba and WHITE! So we sat down and tried to figure out what the dream meant. My first thought was “give her a blessing”, but I thought, naw, there has to be more meaning! So I continued to think about it, but “blessing” wouldn’t leave my mind! So I looked at Alba and said, “Maybe we should give her a blessing”. All he did was turn to me and smile. He told me after that he felt the same way, but pushed it from his mind thinking it was more. But when I said “blessing”, we all knew what it meant! So we went inside and gave her a blessing. It was a sweet prayer! After the prayer, Alba looked at me and said, “I have no idea what I just said. Was it good?” I laughed and said, “YES!” We then sat down and gave the family the magic package commitment! The day ended with us going and buying a fan ice and talking. GREAT DAY! Saturday was great as well! We went to the island in our area, WOW it’s beautiful!! We also went and saw a less active family with the Bishop and 2nd counselor. It was great. We ate some coconuts. Struggled, but was able!J It was an awesome day. We then visited the Oseis to thank them for praying and to continue. It’s helping a lot! The church was so full today. We had 6 powerful investigators come to church, 5 new investigators! Wow, it’s crazy to see the ways of the Lord! I LOVE YOU ALL BE SAFE!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE.
All my love,
Elder Cody Randall
Letter dated July 2, 2012
I just finished reading some dear elder letters and the card that had the tuna and Lauren’s pictures in it. WOW! She’s getting so big! I feel like I’m missing so much! But I just wanted you all to know that:
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOO MUCH!!!!
You guys are so amazing. I seriously couldn’t ask for a more amazing family!! I love you guys all sooo much and am so grateful for everything you all do and have done for me! And, yes, mission may be hard, but it comes with endless growth, strength, and love. You learn so much here, and I’m not even done yet! I can’t wait to see what else the Lord has in store for me. I just hope I can be good enough for Him! I can’t lie, mission is the best 2 years for your life! There are many sayings I’ve learned to say to continue! Forever Strong! KIA KAHA! Again, I miss you all so much and am so grateful, sooo very grateful, for everything you do! I love you, remember that!!!
Send my greetings to the ward and all our friends!
Love forever,
Elder Cody Randall
Letter Dated July 3, 2012 to his brothers
HEY BOYS!
How’s it going?! I hear you are both busy in some sports! How are they going? Everything is going great here in good ol’ Africa! Finally learned how to pray in Fanti. LOL It’s cool! Even last Sunday, “fast Sunday”, I got up and bore my testimony in Fanti. It was sweetJ
I love you both and I miss you guys a lot! When I get home we’ve got a lot of catching up to do!! So be aware, that when I come home we’ll have some good ole brotherly timeJ I love you guys again and miss ya. Take care!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall
June 17, 2012 letters
Letter dated June 17, 2012
Dear Brent My Great Father!
How are you doing dad?! I miss you! This past week was sweet, a lot of fun!J As you’ve heard, I’ve got a new companion, he was in the MTC the same time as me and his name is Elder Mbeson from Nigeria. He’s really cool. I like him a lot, we are having fun!J And thank you so much for the packages!J They’re amazing and I couldn’t ask for any better, more amazing parents. Thank you again so much! This past week was great! Had fun! Been raining a bunch! It’s raining as we speak! CRAZY! How are things at home? I hope they’re all great! The past couple of days we’ve been having deep doctrinal discussions before bed. It’s awesome!J Some questions, “What are the names of the 12 disciples in the Book of Mormon, or for the Nephites that Jesus called?” “Did the apostles get married?” “Did Moses die?” “Why are we called Elders and we aren’t married?” “Who was the prophet after Jesus?” “Do angels have wings?” I know the answer to these questions, do you know them? If you don’t, feel free to ask!J I love you Dad, have a great week!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall
(P.S. read Mom’s letter, its for the familyJ )
Letter dated June 17, 2012
Mom! OMGosh THANK YOU!!
You’re amazing! The music, pop tarts, candy, chocolate chips, carne asada! Holy crap! I opened that thing and I almost cried! Thank you sooo much!!! The America food tastes sooo good! I forgot what a poptart tasted like. LOL. Thank you for everything! I can’t thank you enough! And thanks for the Conference talks, I hope they weren’t too much. No letters though…next timeJ So this week was super eventful. Monday, P-day, didn’t do anything till the evening, as you know, I emailed you. Came home and went to family home evening. It was soooo awesome!J Then came home and watched Elders Akpan, Edwards, Ayang, & Nwoko (Nigerians) all cook a dog. Yes, sorry, a dog. Tuesday after district meeting, we all came to our apartment and at dog & rice. **(Yes, mom is getting sick to her stomach right about now)** It was hard to eat cuz I knew it was dog. But it tasted like roast beef, so it wasn’t bad, once I got over the fact that it was dog. Wednesday I woke up at 3 a.m. to get ready by 4 a.m., left to Takoradi to go and get Nwoko’s Patriarchal blessing. Then we went to the STC station to send Nwoko to get his new companion and for me to get mine. It was a long time. Sat there 6 hours waiting! But the rest of the week was normal, hard missionary work. Enjoying I am!J I love you mom, and thank you so much for everything! I’m so grateful! Tell me all about how everything is back at home!! I love you and miss you all! Have a great week and know that I love you!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall
letter dated June 10, 2012
Hey Family!
Man I am tired! This week was really cool. Monday we went to the beach and played football, ultimate Frisbee, and soccer. It was sweet! Then Tuesday was a good district meeting! Wednesday we were super busy and had PEC. Thursday we taught some sweet lessons and committed 2, soon to be 3 people, to baptism. It’s awesome!J Friday we walked a bunch and we were going to visit a family and share a scriptural thought with them and to get to their house you have to go through a school for the deaf. So as we passed through the kids were on recess and ran at me laughing and smiling. I didn’t know how to react cause they couldn’t hear me and I didn’t know how to “sign” so I just embraced them with a smile and hugs!J Waving and dancing to make them all laugh! We went to see the family and it was a good lesson. Then we made an appointment for family home evening next Monday and they taught me how to “sign” “How are you?” “I’m from America” and “I am SUPERMAN”!J lol. So as we left the kids ran to me again and I asked as many as I could how they were they all replied “I am fine”. Then I said I was from America and that I was SUPERMAN! They all smiled and laughed and continued to smile. It was such an amazing and humbling experience!J I LOVE IT here! Saturday we walked tons again and saw a lot of less actives to tell them to come to church! And Sunday was sweet! Church was good! I should be sending another memory card full of pics againJ soon! I love and miss you all!
Love,
Elder Cody Randall
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
A few pictures
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| Beautiful beach |
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| baptism |
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| Elder Randall's new way to carry his scriptures:) |
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| Old school house where they meet as a unit |
emails 7/2/12 and 6/25/12
Email highlights 7/2/12
Hey! I just read ur dear elder from last week and it sounded like u all are having a great time. I love the pics! It’s so great to see u all!! Everyone is growing!!J I miss you all tons!! And I hope all is well, and tell Lauren to be happy and that I love her!J haha that’s crazy soo many apricots, haha send me some!!J ) and this week was great, it was really really awesome, I loved this week:J ))))!! I’m doing great and feeling great, and me and my companion are great!! The area I am in is SOFOKROM and it is GRRREEEAAAATTT!!!J I live with 3 Nigerians, elder Akpan, elder Williamson, who was 1 of my MTC mates, and elder Mbeson, my companion. And yes, it is rainy season, it will rain for a while. haha WOW, good job Brendan, tell him I said that! I am proud of him!! And next time we go camping I will be there, maybe, haha, but man I’m loving it here really!!! The things here aren’t too hard, I’ll be sure to explain every picture to you all and you will laugh and enjoy with meJ Aha, so this week was awesome, I sent a long letter explaining it, cuz if I were to write it here it would take the whole hour. So ya, this week was great. Cape Coast came to Takoradi and played soccer today for p-day, it was great, I got to see my dear friend Elder Rogers, love that guy, and all the others, it was really goodJ And I’m getting to look fit, not fatJ haha so I wanna be super ripped!J haha. That’s good that you are working, are you enjoying? Oh, and if ur sending any packages anytime soon, send me shampoo for my hair please, I’m all out, and candy is always invited, as well as cake mixJ haha. I love you all so much and thank u for everything u have done for me in my life and I love you!! Hope you get all my emails!.Hope u have a great week and remember I love you all sooooo very much and I pray for u all the time. I wish and hope and pray that all is wellJ Have a great week, I will, too, and be safe!!J HUGS AND ALL MY LOVE TO VEGAS!! My times up!
Email highlights 6/25/12
Hey Mom! How is work? I see ur working tons!! Ahah sounds fun. I’m great, nothing too new here just a lot of walking and working and having fun though! This week went by super fast, it was sweet.. having funJ oh, btw, I got the book of Ghana, its super cool!!!!J Did you get all the pics I sent last week??? And my new awesome good looking Cody Randall face book pic?? Lol if not please doJ Have a great day at work. Love you mom have a great week!!!! All my love and hugs!!!!
emails 6/4 and 6/11/2012
Email highlights 6/4/12
Yes, its rainy season, it will only rain more, haha. But its okay. I got my packages and yummy!! Thanks so much for them im so thankful and grateful. I loved the letters and the pics!!J I want more pics! I’m in Sofokrom, not Kojokrom. My area is good, teaching a lot and should have a baptism this month some timeJ . And idk if or who will be going this transfer. Hope all is well. This week was good, had fun. Had interviews on Tuesday, went very well, um then I was sick until Sunday, went to church, had meeting to go to, then came home to lights out, power outL Then it came on finally in the late night. Then we came here today and played football, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee, and it was fun on the beach!J and now im here emailing u. Let’s see what the week has in store for me.J And yes, I bought the book of Ghana, I’ll be getting it soon cuz it can only be bought in Accra. I love you mom and AGAIN I AM SO THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING U HAVE DONE FOR ME!! Send my love to alllll!!!J
Email highlights 6/11/12
Well, I’m not going anywhere. Nwoko is being transferred but not far so I will still see him all the time. I’m getting a new companion named elder Mbeson. He was in the MTC the same time as me. He’s really cool, I’m excited. I’m doing very well and having tons of fun!:] Tell Lauren “go girl!” on scoring 2 goals soccer champ!! Ahaha. I am missing out on so much. What Mom u sent me 2 more packages? You’re crazy thank you so much!:]]] You have no idea how grateful I am!!!J I love you so much and miss you all like crazy but I’m working hard and learning tons, but I still miss you! No amount of work can deny that! This past week I went to go see a family and taught them a spiritual thought, and when you go to their house you have to walk through a school for the deaf, so when we walked through all the kids ran to me and hugged me and smiled and I had no idea how to act since I didn’t know how to sign and they couldn’t hear me so I just smiled and waved and embraced all of their hugs!:] It was so neat! Then after we left the lesson they taught me how to sign “how are you? “ “I’m from America” and “I am SUPERMAN” haha. So when we left I asked as many as I could how they were and I was from America and that I was superman!!J It was such a neat and cool experience and so humbling!! I love you mom. Have a great week! Send my love to everyone!!:]]
Yes, its rainy season, it will only rain more, haha. But its okay. I got my packages and yummy!! Thanks so much for them im so thankful and grateful. I loved the letters and the pics!!J I want more pics! I’m in Sofokrom, not Kojokrom. My area is good, teaching a lot and should have a baptism this month some timeJ . And idk if or who will be going this transfer. Hope all is well. This week was good, had fun. Had interviews on Tuesday, went very well, um then I was sick until Sunday, went to church, had meeting to go to, then came home to lights out, power outL Then it came on finally in the late night. Then we came here today and played football, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee, and it was fun on the beach!J and now im here emailing u. Let’s see what the week has in store for me.J And yes, I bought the book of Ghana, I’ll be getting it soon cuz it can only be bought in Accra. I love you mom and AGAIN I AM SO THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING U HAVE DONE FOR ME!! Send my love to alllll!!!J
Email highlights 6/11/12
Well, I’m not going anywhere. Nwoko is being transferred but not far so I will still see him all the time. I’m getting a new companion named elder Mbeson. He was in the MTC the same time as me. He’s really cool, I’m excited. I’m doing very well and having tons of fun!:] Tell Lauren “go girl!” on scoring 2 goals soccer champ!! Ahaha. I am missing out on so much. What Mom u sent me 2 more packages? You’re crazy thank you so much!:]]] You have no idea how grateful I am!!!J I love you so much and miss you all like crazy but I’m working hard and learning tons, but I still miss you! No amount of work can deny that! This past week I went to go see a family and taught them a spiritual thought, and when you go to their house you have to walk through a school for the deaf, so when we walked through all the kids ran to me and hugged me and smiled and I had no idea how to act since I didn’t know how to sign and they couldn’t hear me so I just smiled and waved and embraced all of their hugs!:] It was so neat! Then after we left the lesson they taught me how to sign “how are you? “ “I’m from America” and “I am SUPERMAN” haha. So when we left I asked as many as I could how they were and I was from America and that I was superman!!J It was such a neat and cool experience and so humbling!! I love you mom. Have a great week! Send my love to everyone!!:]]
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