Another funeral

 Hammer's sister in Nigeria passed away a few weeks ago, around the time of the elderly man's funeral in March. The funeral for Hammer's sister was held this past Saturday in Vo Asso.

Karen decided that she was not going to go to the Friday night wake, because that would involve a return to Vogan after dark. Naturally, I decided the same. I thought there might be a possibility that I would need to drive--if there were church people wanting a ride, for example--and was preparing myself for that eventuality, but it was just Karen, Afro (Hammer's brother), an aunt, and I traveling from Vogan on Saturday morning. 

We left at 9:15. The way there was a bit of an adventure because, although all of us in the car had been to Asso a few times, none of us was certain of the way there. So we drove, stopped to ask directions frequently, and made it, safe and sound to the funeral. 

The service took place in the Compassion International project property, which was ideal. There are classrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, etc., and a large open space to set up the canopy and chairs. Things had started when we arrived; the praise band (though here we call them the musical group) was already performing a song. Wilson, a leader in our congregation and also in the Compassion project, was the master of ceremonies and gave the history of the sister. Because of the Nigerian and Ghanian family connections, three languages were used: Ewe, French, and English. 

Hammer's sermon text was from Job. Of course, I can't find it now! But in the verse, Job said something to the effect that soon he would die and where would his soul go? It was a good message and, while strongly encouraging the attendees to give their lives to Christ so that their soul would go to be with Him, it was not harsh toward those who had not done so.

The final resting place was a short walk from the funeral site. I had asked Hammer several weeks ago about the grave-robbing that occurs here. People dig up graves and take the bones to use in voodoo rituals. My question was that voodoo followers surely don't like the idea of people using their loved ones' bones in rituals, so what did they do? The answer is that many people bury their dead in the house, or right outside it in the compound. His sister's grave, he said, was right outside the family compound.

After the graveside service it was back to the Compassion compound for the meal. Joycelyn and Victoria had prepared a special meal for us. Whereas the other guests had fufu, rice, and sauce, we dined on fried rice and chicken. Although we hated to eat and run, we did sort of do that, because the weather was threatening rain.

On the way back the car was more packed. In addition to our two original passengers we had two ladies from the church and a generator. Karen remembered the way well, so she only hesitated at two intersections. The passengers had no hesitation and guided us in the right direction. 

I pray that there will be no more deaths for a while!