A WALK ON THE 24TH

 On some level it is hard to believe that it is Christmas Eve. I walk on red earth, there are no sidewalks here, the sun shines through the palm trees, the goats share the path as they work their way through the brush and the garbage piles, the chickens peck the earth looking for goodies, the rooster shouts out like he is king of the day and maybe he is,and it is Christmas Eve. WOW! We are going to celebrate the greatest gift ever, God Incarnate here on earth. WOW It's Christmas Eve. 

I wish everyone a healthy and peaceful Christmas and an even healthier New Year!!

GREAT DAY

 got a Pfizer booster shot, found an Immigration Reginal Office in Wiawso to renew the date for my visa (saving the 3 hour drive to Kumasi to carry out the same and the Commandant  said it could be done in  day, wow I am impressed as it took 2 trips to Kumasi to accomplish it prior) and I had wieners and beans for supper. Life does not get better than this.

ENTHRONEMENT OF RT. REV. KWAME KYEM AMPOMAH

 Great celebration through out the ritual of Enthronement. We Canons in Full Regalia ( I needed to ask what that meant), Cassock, surplice and Mozetta  with Beretta (thank goodness I got mine last month, never having had one before) 

The Canons seated behind the altar 

the decorations on the wall were created for last weeks Farewell to Bishop Ackah

The dancing before the address by Bishop Kyme. If you want to see it live with music see https://youtu.be/zEn1yxMefmw

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THE RT. REV. KWAME KYEM-AMPOMAH with Cope 

FUNERAL OF OBAAPANN GRACE ARTHUR

 I am constantly intrigue with the funeral rite here in Ghana,

9 am It begins with the casket arriving in the church. Prayers said, water and Incense spread over the casket.

A while later, procession into the church, funeral service includes tributes by the family, prayers, and concluding with the committal.

Off to the family home, casket brought in to the middle of the home, we were received and asked why we were there. Precentor Rev. Fr. Canon Benjamin told said that Grace was a member of the cathedral and has died. we had a service at the church and now we are showing the family that it truly is her and when that has been validated then we will bury her. Water was passed around but we as church did  not take any as Libation is a ritual that comes from Tradition Religious beliefs and as such, we actually leave the house while it is done as we do not want to be part of it. 

Then off to the cemetery Cemeteries here are like a building site with high weeds trampled down, gravel, dirt paths, and one walks between the graves to the site for today. Prayers, incense and water spread and the funeral now is ended. It is important when back at the cathedral all of us washed our hands.

Back at my house after 2pm with a take away lunch in hand. 

Here is the marble cover for the grave. There is a space underneath this for the casket to slide under. Wreaths made of plastic flowers to have a long life, Only silk and plastic flowers are tastefully arranged for funerals and weddings as real flowers would not last because of the heat.

                              MAY SHE REST IN PEACE AND RISE IN GLORY. AMEN

CLOTHES SORTING

 The shipment sent in November 2019 was delayed in sorting due to my early return to Canada in March 2020. Things got underway yesterday as the clothes were brought to the Diocesan office. Sorting and having giggles were the order of the day. It became apparent that folks are much larger in Canada that here. There were few pieces of clothing that fit, most were too large. The linens were greatly favoured.     A gift from someone at  St. Michaels was "Pillow Case Dresses for children" We have 44 of a variety of sizes. So Victor decided to try one on. cute eh! Open the closed end of pillow case, add ribbon for straps and add a pocket and trim.

Bishop Abraham 70th Birthday

 December 13 was the day that Bishop celebrated his 70th birthday. Unfortunately I was not told so I got the party favour yesterday. I must admit it is difficult for me to get all the notices as communication is still very much an oral tradition.  I say to the two in the office that if I am missing at an event the odds are that I did not know of the event.  

Party favours here are very practical. This one included a handkerchief stamped with bishop's pic and name in the corner, and a small orange towel all packaged in a sparkly orange net bag closed with gold cord, very pretty presentation.

VALEDICTORY SERVICE FOR THE RT. REV. ABRAHAM KOBINA ACKAH

 Biishop Abraham turns 70 today. Yesterday festivities and salutations were the order of the day. Accompanied by his wife and children, many bishops and many more priests Bishop Abraham celebrated. Preacher was a friend from Long Island USA the Rev. Canon Lkoyd Anthony.                 These events do go on. I left after 4 1/2 hours as my taxi had come.

EVERYONE UP DANCING

     A  LINE OF THOSE WHO RECEIVE THE BISHOP'S MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE

LOTS OF INCENSE WHILE EUCHARIST CELEBRATED

THE RIGHT REV. ABRAHAM KOBINA  ACKAH