Ghanaian Naming

How would you like to figure out YOUR Ghanaian name? 

In Ghana, each child is named by the day of the week - in addition to their first and last name.  Astrologically, each day is attributed certain attributes (i.e. stubborn, crafty, calm, always seeking).  If you've ever heard of "Kwaku Ananse stories" from Africa or the Carribbean, the main character is considered crafty, in part because he is a Kwaku - a Wednesday-born.  In practice, however, the names serve to bond people together, and it is not uncommon for two people to get excited when exchange names and discover they were born on the same day of the week!  When we visited Peki, every time we announced who we were (including our Ghanaian names), those who shared our birth day would shout and applaud.  In Ghanaian churches, the offering is even given according to the day of the week you were born, using separate plates.  You'd be surprised how intense the competition between days can get to raise the most!  Spellings and pronounciations vary depending on the spoken language and region you are traveling in, but here are some common ones for the Peki area:

Ghanaian Names

(Note:  z's are pronounced like j's)

Sunday -  Kwasi (male) & Akosua (female)
Monday - Kudzo (male) & Adzoa (female)
Tuesday - Kwamla (male) & Abra (female)
Wednesday - Kwaku (male) & Akua (female)
Thursday - Yao (male) & Yawa (female)
Friday - Kofi (male) & Afua (female)
Saturday - Kwami (male) & Amaa (female)

Ghana Mission Trip - August 2008

This is from Sofo Afua.

Sofo is Reverend in Ewe language in Ghana.  Afua is the day I was born which is Friday. In some parts of Ghana people are named according to the days of the week that they are born.  There are separate names for females and males.  The unique thing about the name is, it is believed that each day has a special personality. Some sort of astrology!  Anyway since this are common names we share names with the people from Ghana as we introduced ourselves by our Ghanaian names.  People who have the same name as yours affirm you with clapping, smiles or laughter.  For me that is an amazing relationship among us as people of one God.
This is bridging the cultural gap!
"Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall be raise up the foundations of many
generations;
you shall be called the repairer
of the breach,
the restorer of streets to live in." (Psalm 58:12)
I invite everyone to be part of this wonderful experience.
If you need more information, send me e-mail victoriaafframboyd@gmail.com or call 516 482-4016
This is trip of a life time.

love, love, love

Sofo Afua
 

Peki Mission Ambassadors 2008 Meet To Share

Mia Wiezor!

Our Peki Mission ambassadors met last Saturday for the first time since returning from Ghana.  We are happy to report that Max made it back safe and sound, despite the extra five days he spent in Ghana after we left.  Our prayers continue to be with Alice, who remains in good spirits as she works in the fashion industry in Cape Coast - and especially with all of our new friends/siblings in Ghana. 

Our meeting together at Sofo (Rev.) Victoria's began afresh with each person that walked in the door.  Every time there was a knock, everyone looked up and saw a familiar face, and Sofo Victoria would instantly call out "Wiezor!  Wiezor!"  My own response (a little out of practice now), was a very Americanized "yo!"  We all chuckled a little as I realized just how much I'd become an American again.  Each person that walked through the door generated new excitement, bringing fresh memories, gifts, and momentos.  Once settled, we began to notice James' laptop, which showed slides of our trip throughout our meeting.  We took another photo outside, wearing kente stoles and holding roses from Max Rose. 

Accompanied by Jeff on the jembe drum, we officially started our meeting by playing and singing "Fanga", and singing some of the songs that we learned in Ghana as well.  I read to us from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28, focusing one the idea that we should "Rejoice always" (v.16), "give thanks in all circumstances" (v.18), and "hold fast to what is good."  (v.21)  Our time now is all about rejoicing in what God has done, and what God is continuing to do through this mission.  Sofo Victoria began this mission by calling us to "Come and see" (John 1:46); now we must go and tell. 

And that is what we did for the rest of the meeting.  Everyone shared their reactions to what they have experienced.  Some of us are planning to go back again; others are hoping to help from here.  Some of us are focused on the church in Peki (as I am).  Some would like to continue working towards help for the Peki Hospital.  The children are of prime concern to many of us.  A few of a team are even thinking about starting up a vocational school for children, because education in Peki can mean the difference between salvation and a life of obscure poverty and exploitation.  All of us though had an amazing time in Ghana, especially in the Peki Valley. 

Your brother in missions,
Kwaku David