",,,for unto you...."

This Christmas season is so different from those we have become accustom at home. The outside temp is 90 degrees during the day and 85 at nights. No one here has ever seen snow fall from the heavens. Pineapples are flourishing throughout the bush. We have seen no Christmas lights or windows decorated with chocolate displays. No “shopping days left before Christmas” signs or choirs of people singing carols. No gifts under a masterpiece of a Christmas tree, no ringing of a bell by the Salvation Army. No hustle and bustle of shoppers on the streets, no gathering for family dinners and parties, and no traffic snarls. Though we miss the common sights and sounds of the season, our reflections of Him who we celebrate have become more tender and meaningful. His birth was not heralded by stores or decorations or parties, but stable animals, a lone young couple, shepherds, angels, and a star. I’m sure Heavenly Father and Mother were tenderly there with their infinite love and warmth. We feel the exact same this year as we serve Him whose humble birth blesses all mankind. May we always have this years’ experience etched into our souls.

 Merry Christmas to all from

Africa!

Love, The Daltons

"...families are for ever..."

    “…Charles Ofori, take Charlotte Owusua by the right hand…” As I watched the scene unfolding before my eyes we all had tears of joy for the sealing power of the priesthood as a faithful and loving couple knelt across an altar dressed in white. The spirit was rejoicing for this celestial moment where angels witness vows that bind for eternity. I watched as they looked into each other’s eyes for just that quick glance reaffirming their love for each other. She was small in stature with straitened black hair tucked carefully behind a veil. He was dressed in a white shirt and a white tie with hands callused from years of toil and labor. The Sealer spoke of eternity and blessings promised with faithfulness to these most sacred covenants. Two witnesses from their branch and Sister Dalton and I were all that bathed in this glorious scene, yet we all could feel others in our presences as covenants were pronounced and acknowledged and a simple “eyu” was uttered. Simply and eloquently eternity became as one with two souls now as one, in purpose and loving care.

    The door opened and five of the most precious angels quietly and slowly walked into the room; two daughters, Christianna and Belinda, wearing white lace covered dresses that glowed with brightness, and purity. Then 3 sons followed their sisters wearing white shirts, white ties and white trousers with rolled up cuffs. Tears flowed from mother and father as they beheld their posterity clothed in heavenly attire. It was if we had parted the heavens and were witnessing angels attending to all of us in that most sacred room here on earth. I once again drank of the spirit that is only found in these granite walls. Visions of generations to come filled my mind’s eye as time seemed to pause for all of us who embraced this tender mercy granted to this wonderful family.  Mirrors of everlasting were filled with this little family who gently embraced by the altar.

    “…Charles Ofori, take Charlotte Owusua by the right hand…” Ernst then placed his hand on theirs, then Christianna, Johnson, Belinda and Andrew. Seven of Heavenly Fathers children gathered around an altar of the Lords, receiving an ordinance that surpasses time and matter. A wash of eternal loving kindness from Father in Heaven enriched our souls as choirs of angels sung throughout the halls of Heaven. I shall never forget the feeling and love that filled my whole being as I sat with celestial kindred on a Saturday afternoon in the Ghana Accra Temple, December 17^th, 2011.