Picture Of A Picture

November 23, 2015

Got my card reader. I'll just send this one picture of a picture that a missionary long gone left on the dresser. It brings me so much peace each morning as I look at these men called of God and imagine the words of comfort they would give me. 

It's like being in the same room with them sometimes:)

All Is Well, All Is Well :)

November 23, 2015

Called to serve.

Dear Family and Friends,

I can say I believe part of the reason I was called to Ghana is to learn appreciation for washed clothes...(I miss you mom) Every clean garment I appreciate after having to scrub by hand haha. 

Everything is going very well here. Even today we had a wonderful experience giving a blessing to a women we stopped to buy some ties from. She was crying because of the pain of her head and eyes and we were able to comfort her and bless her to feel peace. She stopped crying:) 

This Sunday at church we confirmed Benard a member of the church. It was so special. After I was done giving the blessing, I looked up to see smiling faces and knew the spirit had worked through me in that moment. 

I don't know if I mentioned, but we watched the Sunday morning session of general conference last Sunday! It was in twi though lol but! our Branch President is awesome and let us take the disc home where we could watch it in English. The church is True.

I just realized I don't have my card reader to send pictures this week, but I think I can send them to my mom who will probably put them on my blog. gunnarghanaonamission.blogspot.com

I love all so much. I am so happy to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for all those of our faith and not, who still uphold good standards and Christlike attributes. I Love my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is my Savior. HE is my Redeemer. There is nothing more sweet to my ears or a thought to my mind:) In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

*Who is this man and where is my baby boy?

Packages! Packages! Packages!
*The box on the desk is a full-on Thanksgiving meal. Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing...

*His mission would not be half so fun without a Zelda t-shirt and U.S.M.C. shorts from his dad's drill in Korea :)

Nutella and Smucker's Jam, baby! Whooooooooooooooooo!

*Ranch dressing on his salad. Who knew getting a bottle of Hidden Valley would be the highlight of your day. lol.

What's In A Name(tag)?

November 16, 2015

On mission if your tag floats up it means one of two things... 

One corner popping up, a girl back home is thinking about you (happens to me a lot ;) 

Both corners popping up, your family is thinking of you:) Both corners is by far my favorite to notice though:)

No Place I'd Rather Be :)

November 16, 2015

Happiest Missionary!

Dear family, Dear friends,

Thank you for all the love and support you give each week. As a missionary the simplest message from a loved one brightens your whole day, so thank you:)

This week has really strengthened my testimony. The first experience was with baptizing Benard:) I have never seen his father so excited:) Benard is such a sweet boy and we hope he will continue forward to the temple one day and establish the foundation of his life on gospel principles:)

We watched the Sunday morning session of conference in Twi on Sunday, but our Branch President let us take the dvd home and we watched in English. So so wonderful. All I have to say from the small that I've watched is President Monson is a man of God and truly a Prophet, seer and revelator of our day.

My testimony was strengthened as I learned of the loss of a loved one. My dear Grandfather Trotter has passed away. This has been the hardest thing for me so far, but I can feel his love for me. I can feel how important this work is and without it my Grandfather would not have been a member of the church. He is such a sweet and humble man. I look forward to the day we meet again:) 

Dear family and friends, I know this is the restored gospel... with all my heart. I know Jesus Christ understands our pains and sufferings. He sees our loss and his Grace is sufficient. I really thought about ether 12:27 this last week and truly if we humble ourselves the Lord will make our weak things become strong. I love you all and bear you my humble testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Benard's baptism day!!

*Not quite sure what's going on here...but I like it. ha

It's great to have Tongan elders in your apartment!

*Elder Bramwell bought a pair of clippers!
"I cut Elder Cole's hair, on my own, no help."
(*Of course now all the missionaries are going to look like Marines. haha.)

Learning The Alphabet

A Ghanaian Class room.
We got taught the alphabet here, it was so cool:)

Week...I'm Not Even Sure :)

November 9, 2015

Snails :)

Dear family, Dear Friends, 

How are things in the US of A? Things in Ghana are bebi ya boko or cool/normal as you might put in native English:)

It honestly feels like I was just here writing you yesterday. This week went by very fast!

A lot of activities this week. Wednesday, Achiase district went to the mission home for interviews. Everyone says it's because we are out in the boonies that they like to treat us nice lol. We even had brownies and ice cream holy smokes! That was the best day ever. I love President Stevenson as well. He really respects and trusts us missionaries. The way he will speak with you makes you feel like equals and important. Couldn't think of a better leader for our mission:) 

Then on Friday I went to Achiase on exchange and Elder Edachi, our district leader, went to Akrofuom with Elder Griffin. I was with Elder Aniwa. Super great guy, from Ghana, new on mission, really loves the work and loves to cook! The night I went he made me an absolutely amazing dinner too. I enjoyed:) 

I fell a little sick on the weekend. I think from all the travel and different apartments, but other than that it was a really great week!

Because of all the craziness this week I/we didn't get to spend too much time in our area. On Thursday we didn't have a translator so we just "went about doing good!" We stopped and pounded fufu for a family. When we finished, the mother was gesturing and telling us to eat it, but we just, "Oh Anishfre, Anishfre" or "It's no problem no problem for you and your family" and left:) They were so surprised and grateful:)

Truly that is what the Lord expects of us is to go about doing good sometimes, just as He did, and expect nothing in return. I can testify as we do this we will feel a deep sense of joy and satisfaction in our lives. I know my Savior lives. He is Real. God knows us and our weaknesses and I know if we turn our lives over to him, He will make us into something we could have never imagined. I have seen it in my own life:) I am so grateful for all the love and support that keeps me going. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Family, friends, I love you and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

It's a special day when you enjoy chicken gizzard and coca cola from the bottle:)

If you can guess what kind of meat that is with the rice, I will give you 1 cedi. I'll give you a hint... It's man's best friend...(zone/halloween activity) yummy yummy!

Ma Chi! (good morning!)

November 2, 2015

That's Chirles and me about to head off to school together:) (Our recent convert, name pronounced Charles.)

Dear family and friends, 

This week was wonderful and long:) Elder Griffin got sick after a member fed us and we forced ourselves to eat too much. Fortunately my stomach is used to all the craziness, but he was out for about two days. It was nice to really ponder some things, study the scriptures, wash some clothes, and practice my futbol skills. I will say the second day I was dying to go out and proselyte. The apartment is fun and all, but it's not compared to going out and sharing the gospel with new people and having new experiences.

This week we have been focusing on Benard, Brother Seth's son, who is progressing very well. I love that kid so much. Always has a smile on his face and says the sweetest prayers (in Twi of course). I love being a missionary. This week has strengthened my testimony of missionary work. I love working with members. I love going out each day and meeting new people. There is nothing I would want to be doing more than this. I love self-mastery and discipline. Waking up each morning even when your tired, working out, shaving, showering, study, proselytize . It feels good to master that routine and to feel competent within the aspects of your preparation. I desire to translate over these skills I am learning to work and schooling back home.

Brother Cash has continued to come to church, but unfortunately after the sacrament. It's ok though, he's coming. He's progressing each week, and I have strong faith as he continues this way he will prepare himself to make that covenant of baptism in the near future.

The biggest problem we face in our area is a lack of translators and people to teach from the hours of 12-4ish. Most everyone goes to farm from morning until then. It's always been a struggle in Akrofuom, but we are doing our best to find creative ways to make that time productive. The most important thing is building relationships with the members. Going to farm with them, serving them, consistently checking up on them without asking anything in return, builds a strong relationship. If you go each day and ask will you translate for us, they won't like you very much. But if you go and learn about their needs and concerns all of that seems to work itself out:)

Tonight we will be having a wonderful Halloween party:) I won't tell you what we are eating to keep you from feeling sick. You're welcome. Just know you eat some pretty interesting things serving in Ghana! On Saturday Elder Griffin and I passed out candy to all the kids. They had no idea what was going on, but they loved it! It was a really wonderful day:) 

I was inspired as I read 1 Nephi this week. Nephi goes through so many experiences and afflictions throughout this book and each time a storm comes a blowing, he trusts in the Lord with all his heart! I Believe it is in chapter 16 where even Lehi the prophet murmurs against the Lord. Nephi, he keeps going though. When he breaks his bow, everyone begins to mummer and complain. Not only does Nephi not complain or feel sorry for himself, he goes out and finds a way. He makes another bow and arrow and then with faith and humility he goes to his father and asks where he should go to find food. (chpt.16: 18-23) When I read those verses, Nephi became my Book of Mormon hero. He is a great example of what it means to be diligent and to trust in the Lord. Even those times when we are not murmuring or complaining we need to get up and do as much as we can through our own efforts and the Lord will provide.

I know my Savior lives. It's not easy, but I know if we believe in the reality of His existence and trust in him all our days we will be able to overcome all challenges. We will have many wonderful experiences and we will find ourselves at the last day having accomplished all that our Father in Heaven has sent us to do. It is my humble testimony that I bear to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder 'Atu'ake and me sporting our Halloween costumes. He is our zone leader in our apartment with Elder Stulce. Very very humble missionary:) Goes home this transfer. I'm going to miss him!

This is a picture of me and the talking tree from Pocahontas. Only kidding, but this sweet sister, Hannah Jane, had to have been the model for that face! She always has that sweet comforting smile on her face:) Please, if you don't know what I'm talking about go and watch Pocahontas and you will know what I mean:)

Dear Family, Dear Friends, Dear John.

October 19, 2015

Try eating an orange like this. It's so good! You just cut the top and squeeze the juice. Eat the inside if you like or toss it!. Like a little orange juice drink from an orange, who knew!

     Hope everyone is doing well! This week was really nice, but hard as well as one of our main translators traveled and we were left to really dig for some English speakers to work with our members. Our Branch President lost one of his nieces this week and it was so sad to see. Sometimes we look at these great leaders and think nothing could stumble them, but it is humbling to see that we are all human. Elder Griffin and I visited their family a lot this week and did our best to bring them some peace and comfort.

     Today we met a man who fuels Air Force One when any of the presidents come to Ghana. He studied all about fuel growing up in Wisconsin and came back to Ghana to refuel planes. It was really quite interesting. Two other Elders in our zone ran into a group Americans doing humanitarian work in their area and were invited over to teach a lesson! I can't imagine how that went, haha. The way Americans and what I've seen white people in general communicate with each other and interact is soooooo different then the people of Ghana. I don't even know how I would teach a lesson to Americans. I would probably start with the Restoration though:)

     We have a lot of new investigators right now. The closest to baptism is Benard, Bro. Seth's son. We are planning that for the15th of November. One man named John Cash who is a man everyone told us to forget about and he said he would be coming to church for over a year now, but for some reason we kept running into him and having impressions to meet with him and you know what? HE CAME TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY:) the Lord has his time and his ways that is all I can say.

    I know the Church is true. I had the chance to hear the audio of 4 of the conference talks and I can stand as a witness Jesus is our Savior, he directs this church. The men and women that stand in positions of leadership are called of God and are imperfect! Which is beautiful because I am imperfect too! And that is a gift from God that we can all learn and grow in our imperfectness. Relying on the Atonement and helping and lifting one anothers burdens. The Brethren of this Church are so loving, so kind. They really do their best to represent and do the will of the Lord. And when they make mistakes, which they will, then wonderful because we all have things to learn no matter what age or point in our life:) I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Sincerely Elder Gunnar Stanley Bramwell

Creature of the week.

Yes these are posters of women who died at age 129 and 120. I met this women who looked like she was not alive, and her family said she was over 100 years old... they live forever. It's no joke. That or until about age 30. It's really 50/50.

Ma JDoooooooooooo! (good evening, my time)

October 19, 2015

Family, Friends, How far? Something you'll hear people ask, meaning how are you doing? President Stevenson said the only prank you can pull on your new missionary is if you see a plane fly overhead (which I haven't seen yet). You can ask, "Elder so and so, how far away is that plane from you?" "Ummm 30,000 feet?" And your response, "Two years Elder, that plane is two years away from you," :) Man, I thought that was so funny. Some elders did it to President when he first came to be a mission President. "For you? It's about 3 years away." lol

Anyway I had a really wonderful week. I can see how all the experience I am gaining on mission is beginning to manifest itself in the work. I'm beginning to think like a missionary. What I mean by that is in our planning in who we focus on, what we teach, I really feel like I understand what I am doing and what might help the work. It's really cool. It's like doing algebra for the first time and then looking back at the work you have done and at the work ahead and seeing how you look at the new problems differently:)

I really love being a missionary. I love learning about other missionaries, myself, the Ghanaian people and how to be a servant of the Lord. Contrary to what I thought, the longer I am here the more I rely upon the Lord for everything I do. He really does answer my prayers. It can be surprising sometimes like holy cow prayer works. Thank you! I love seeing the faith of Elder Griffin, my companion, as well. He always said from the time he came, "The Lord will provide." I like it:)

Our investigators are doing really well. We have being getting double the new investigators then in the past lately. All really promising so we have plenty of work to do and people to teach. Sis Mary was confirmed this week, that was wonderful:) A few people whom we haven't even taught yet have been coming to church. Working in branches is not easy, but really cool because in my experience there are a lot of people interested in this new Mormon church! The difficulty we have been facing now is finding out who is serious and who just wants to talk to two Obruni's, haha. We have begun teaching Bro. Seth our recent convert's son, Benard, age 10. Really great kid. The mother is a die hard Methodist, but I have faith she will eventually see the blessings of the Gospel and join the church:)

I know the Chruch is true and at some point in our lives we all have to ask God for ourselves if it is true. I know and testify as we do this God will answer our prayers through the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost we can know all things:) I love you guys. Please stay strong, keep fighting, keep sharing what you learn with friends and family. One Golden piece of advice my trainer, Elder Antwi, gave me is even when you know, pretend like you don't know and you will be able to gain knowledge from everyone you meet. That is the secret to knowledge and wisdom. Being willing to share and humble enough to let someone share with you. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen:)

Sincerely, Elder Bramwell 

Ghana Cape Coast Mission

*Elder Bramwell, your hair is so blonde! Must be all the sunshine.

What I imagine an apocalyptic world looks like.

He was very proud of the squirrel he caught:)

Yummy food from our zone activity. Theme...make food from your country and bring it. Nigerians by far won this. Their food soooooo good.

We made chicken alfredo;) Totally American food!

Take Time To Realize

October 12, 2015

Sister Mary got baptized this week! 

That quote has nothing to do with this email, maybe it will, I'm not sure. The song just popped into my head.

It's true though, we need to take time to realize how great life is! I was just telling my dad how great mission is because I don't have any worldly distractions to keep me from seeing the truth of the moment. Now there are stressful things on mission that do, but for the most part there is a lot of time to realize how beautiful life really is:) I think that's just a little piece of my heart to you this week is that Heavenly Father has created us, given us families, and a world full of opportunity and adventure. Take heart in the small things. For who is really to say what is small and what is big. For me I would rather stop and spend a short moment with my family then worry about something that may seem 'big' at the time. I don't know:) Just some of my thoughts!

We have met some really great new investigators this week! This one man, Simon (who we are going to teach today), just spoke with us for about an hour straight. Throughout the conversation I could see where the Gospel would fill in some of his doubts or confusion. It was wonderful:) He was talking about how he feels like there is another book of scripture out there besides the Bible, but he doesn't know what it is... Just things like that let us know God has prepared this man to hear our message:)

Sis Mary got baptized this week! WHoo whoooo! I love her so much! Holy cow! haha She's very, very shy and we had the hardest time getting her to pray with us at first. She was a Muslim as a small girl and was never taught really how to pray. Throughout the months that we have taught her though I have seen her countenance change. A literal light has begun to shine forth through her smile and her life. I'm just really grateful she has been able to make that first covenant with her Heavenly Father.

Elder Griffin and I went to farm coco with our 2nd counselor Bro Kraunkye (ky is pronounced ch) and before we went in the morning he fed us milo (chocolate milk mix) and bread and put on what sounded like Johnny Cash... It was the strangest feeling haha. We thought we had time traveled back to the 50's:) It was great:)

Family and Friends, I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. This life is not easy, but I can't imagine a life without it. Let us all rejoice in the Gospel. That is something the Ghanaian people have mastered. They have a very real love and respect for one another because they realize they can't get by without one another! And because of that they create deep long lasting relationships. I love you all. I bear my solemn testimony that the answer your looking for, that the little piece of happiness you feel you might lack, can be found through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Eternal and Endless love for us. and I say that in the name of Jesus Christ Amen:)

*Stop! Gunnar, WHY are you holding it?! You are to come home right now! I literally want to throw up every time I see this.
I hate it! I hate it! I die.  -love momma

Yes, that is a dove in a frying pan... literally flew in our apartment, let us pick it up, put it in a frying pan, and cook it. haha! JUST KIDDING, but it did let us take some funny pictures. I think it's still sitting outside our apartment. Ghanaian doves, who knows!

There Is Nothing More True

 October 5, 2015

Hello family and friends:) A lot has happened this week! And to start off, no I didn't get to watch General Conference:( In about December or January they will show a session in twi at church, lol. But the good news of it all is we will get the Liahona with all of the conference talks around the same time. 

I was really pondering that this week. I was sad because there is just no way for us to watch it and then I had a cool thought. As missionaries we are all set apart from the world mentally and spiritually. Being here in Ghana it feels I have quite literally been set apart from the world. At least the world I have grown so used to. Here in Ghana there are not a lot of distractions or things to do that would take my mind off the work. Sometimes I wish I could go get a burger on a Monday;) But I am so grateful for the opportunity to spread the gospel in Africa.

I just read an article from Neil L. Anderson that my mom sent me concerning one of my dear friends who lost his parents in a plane crash. My heart and my testimony are overwhelmed from his dedication to continue to serve and put his trust in the Lord.

Something cool is Elder Griffin and I were doing some family history training at the cafe this week (which of course didn't work because were in GHANA lol) but after some good time loading we brought up my family tree and guess what?! Elder Griffin and I are related! He has his family history printed off so he recognized a name on mine. But in the 1300s we both come from Sir Henry Griffin or something I forgot. We may be closer related, but we didn't get to check. No wonder we're best buds!

Our District leader Elder Nielsen has a ring that says 730 on the outside then "730 days to serve. An eternity to remember" on the inside. I thought that was the coolest thing because time is passing so fast for me out here I really have to be careful to make the most out of each day! If I don't I could have the "what if" thoughts chasing me throughout my life. No, but I really just appreciate the time that we have been given and I am beginning to realize how precious it really is.

My testimony has just grown so much this week.

It's hard here. I'm not going to lie. Having no water for 2 weeks, a lot of times no light either. It's not easy. This list could go on for all the craziness that I could share, but at this very moment my heart is constrained to share my testimony with you.

I know why I am here. I know that God loves me. That his Son, Jesus Christ, bled and died for me and that this is the most important thing I could be doing in my life right now. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has changed my life. I can see it working in the lives of our investigators and with every trial I face, my testimony of my Lord and Savior only deepens, only strengthens. My brothers and sisters I can imagine you are all very spiritually uplifted from conference this weekend. Please don't let that desire to serve, to share, and to grow take the back seat to all the many vices of the world. This is His work and His Glory and I am eternally grateful to be here in Ghana doing my best to help move that work along. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

We got to go to the beach before a trainers meeting in Cape Coast. The Ghanaians just hangout and watch the water. 

It is so cool:)

            Helping bring y'all in the USA your coco! lol