Today in church, we had the blessing of a new baby. A little background first. This sweet family now has 4 children - 1 teenager (boy), 2 young elementary aged boys, and now a new baby boy. The mother's name is Precious. The blessing today was given by 3 priesthood holders, called up by the bishop to officiate. The father was not in attendence. We have never met or seen him. My heart ached for what he is missing. As we listened to the beautiful blessing, it was obvious God is aware of this wonderful little baby. He will grow up and bless the people here.
I love listening to the "naming & blessing" given to newborns (or sometimes older children) in our church. The child is held gently or surrounded by authorized Melchizedek Priesthood holders. Then one acting as voice for the group, addresses the child and gives a blessing as directed by the spirit. They generally speak of the future, of characteristic traits to be developed, hopes and desires for the child. Each blessing is different and unique, just like each one of us. Heavenly Father is so aware of what we need to make it through this journey. Our bishop then said, "We warmly welcome this new precious angel in our midst!"
We met Precious and her family the first Sunday we arrived in the Trade Fair Ward, exactly 1 year ago next week (our first Sunday was spent in the Cantonments Ward, prior to being assigned to our current ward the following week). Precious was teaching the Gospel Doctrine class and it was obvious she was a strong, independent woman with beautiful and active children. She seems to be an incredible mother, raising these children "alone" in the church and at home. Her husband works 9 hours away and only commutes home a couple times a month to be with the family. Sacrifices must be made to support a family.
Richardson is her oldest son and like his mother, has been growing his hair since birth. It is pretty rare and quite beautiful. He was sitting directly in front of us today.
It isn't often to see "real" hair being grown out, as most women braid synthetic hair extensions into their fairly short "real" hair and men keep their hair very short or head shaved. That said, the hair styles here are incredible!! Absolutely stunning!
NAMING CEREMONY
In Ghana, an Outdooring is the traditional naming ceremony for infants (not to be confused with the "day of the week" name they also receive at birth depending on day they are born).
Traditionally, this ceremony occurs eight days after the child is born, where parents bring their newborn "outdoors" and give the child a name. Cultural beliefs dictate that after eight days, the infant was likely to survive and could be provided a name. In addition to the day name, Ghanaians frequently give children the name of an elder relative, either living or deceased. During the Outdooring, male infants would be circumcised and female infants would have their ears pierced. Currently in Ghana, many of these practices including naming, circumcision, and ear piercing are done after birth within the hospital, and the Outdooring serves only as a symbolic ceremony and celebration of birth.
Although there are slight variations among the tribal Outdooring ceremonies, the practices are mostly similar and focus on welcoming the baby. Among the Akan tribes, babies would be raised toward the sky three times as an introduction to the gods and earth. The Ewes thank God, giver of life called Mawu Sogbolisa for the new gift of life. Among the Ga and Ewes, the elder drops water first, then dips their finger into alcohol and places the finger on the child's tongue to symbolically let them know water represents good and alcohol represents evil. Libations (a ritual pouring of a liquid like alcohol or grains such as rice) are given as an offering to a deity as protection over the child.
After being given a name, friends and family provide gifts to the baby which is then followed by a feast. Seems like all good things have food!!
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
New life always gets me thinking, especially here in Africa. What is to come for this child? Will they be cared for properly, loved, encouraged, given opportunities for growth and learning? What changes might they influence, or contributions will they make within their family and community?
Speaking from personal experience, I can truly say, "The Best is Yet to Come!"
I may not have had the best upbringing, the best chance for success in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the best chance to make anything good out of a difficult home life, etc. I struggled as a teenager to believe anything good could come to me, given the circumstances I faced and choices I made. There were some very difficult days ahead. I left for college, started to find Jesus Christ and then married an amazing man. However, we struggled and life was not easy. We had two very different upbringings, which created our vision and paradigms in life.
Long story short, it took us quite some time to figure things out, all while raising 3 amazing boys who taught us some of the greatest lessons in life ever. I will be forever greatful for these incredible humans who were patient with me while I was learning how to navigate life. And now they have amazing companions and children who continue to teach me every day, as they quietly go about living their lives of kindness, service, hard work, determination, continued education and zest for life!
I'm currently reading, "Live Life In Crescendo: Your Most Important Work is Always Ahead of You" by Stephen R. Covey and finished by his daughter Cynthia Covey Haller. I love the message I am hearing! To me, Crescendo is a gradual increase of goodness in your life and ability to contribute to this life in a meaningful way, with everyone you meet!
Yes, The Best is Yet to Come!!! We are trying to live our best life, honoring our children and grandchildren in everything we do and say. Giving all glory and honor to God above, His Son Jesus Christ and His powerful gift of the Atonement to each of us.
I remind Jordan that we beat the odds, and continue to hang in there even when life throws unexpected curves and swerves in the road.
Thank YOU for YOUR influence in my life along the way also! If you are reading this, our paths have likely crossed somewhere and I'm so grateful for YOU!
Sending love and admiration from Ghana!! 💓💛💚
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