The surprises started early today.
At 6 AM, the students and our family attended the Christian prayer service to start the funeral day for deceased Paramount Chief Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III. Afterward, Tracy, the students, and Mark viewed the body. (I had done so yesterday, and Catherine was too squeamish.)
Thereafter, we took breakfast at the Akrofi Christaller Institute. Jemima, the receptionist at the University of Ghana’s Institue of African Studies surprised us with a visit. Only, we didn’t know it was her. She was dressed differently, like royalty. Which she is, being the niece of the deceased paramount chief! Last week, she told Tracy she would be attending the funeral, but we had no idea in what capacity.
Jemima invited us to the queen mother’s house where we met the younger brother of the deceased chief and the Queen Mother’s daughter. (The queen mother, herself, is frail and was unable to receive our delegation.) Catherine was granted the amazing privilege of sitting on the edge of the stool beside the Queen Mother’s daughter, and I took the photo of everyone assembled. The Queen Mother’s daughter invited us for buffet lunch at her mother’s home, and Tracy accepted on behalf of the Calvin delegation. We gratefullly acknowledged the home’s hospitality with a small gift. But, on Tracy’s birthday, her best gift was the opportunity to meet royalty.
Tracy organized another lecture on funerals, which she attended with the students after our visit to the Queen Mother’s home. While Mark read, Catherine and I played “find the limes.” I would hide two limes in a tree, and she would climb to seek.
After the lecture, Tracy and the students attended the Christian funeral service as guests of the Akrofi Christaller Institute. As such, they were privileged to sit under the black and red awnings. After the lunch at the Queen Mother’s home, Mark, Catherine, and I went back to Accra while Tracy and the students stayed in Akropong. Tracy attended the cultural service in the late afternoon.
Check back here occasionally, as I might post more photos when I have access to Tracy’s phone. But, for now, here’s a family photo in our funeral finery.
—Matt
