The Funeral Service

During our visit to Akim Ayirebi Village we made a routine of walking to David's house, sitting around, and listening to loud music, always with multiple escorts, always in an unearned place of honour. We viewed the body on Saturday, third and fourth in line after David and Hannah, who were wailing, having entered a very deep period of mourning. We returned to our seat and sat there a long time as the music blared, some people danced and some swayed mournfully. We foolishly decided to go for a walk on our own and our great escape was quickly foiled by David's younger cousin, who said we needed David's permission to leave. David advised us that we could do whatever we wished but the Chief was on his way and tradition demanded that we pay our respects, which everyone did by standing on his arrival. Soon after the coffin was brought in to bring the body to the church for the service, during which we sat up front with the most senior family members, five priests and a bishop.

The service itself was lively and joyful, a celebration of Mercy's life that included Twi and English hymns, a biography of this devout woman's life (she and her deceased husband had started about a dozen churches together, borne 10 children by whom she is survived by five), tributes by the children, grandchildren, and in-laws, a song by the Women's Fellowship performed while they danced around the casket, a sermon on living life fearing nothing but God, an offering during which everybody in the church, including us, danced around the entire outter church while a brass band (hired by David) played, and announcements of donations to the church and community by David, his friend the Honourable former Minister of Health, and other dignitaries, to compensate the community for the loss of one of its esteemed elders.

[minutes almost up here, the burial comes next time...]