M E R I D I A N M A G A Z I N E
PART FIVE
A
Day of Celebration
A
Photo Essay
Text by: Maurine Jensen Proctor
Photography
by: Scot Facer Proctor
With only one practice before the performance, Sister Wall was nervous but practical. “We had a rehearsal yesterday, but today we’ve doubled our number. In this kind of circumstance, you do things that are simple.
“During the performance,” Sister Wall said, “I am going to hold my hands and step on my toes so that I won’t run up there and correct anything.”
She added, “what is amazing, is that yesterday during the practice, we came in under time.”
The performance that Sister Wall wrung her hands over was colorful, entertaining, and smoother than anyone could have anticipated given its slightly haphazard origin.
With a smiling President and Sister Hinckley sitting front and center before them, and the Ga Tribal Council, looking noble, dressed in colorful fabrics, each with a bare shoulder, and one with a golden staff indicating he was the spokesman for the chief, the show began.
A few youth acted out the traditional enrance of a chief and his entourage, then the crowd was greeted in English, French, Twi, and talking drums.
“We are blessed to have our beloved Prophet,” said a spokesman and the drums beat out the same message. “Welcome,” (drum beat), “Welcome” (drum beat) “Welcome” (drum beat.) President Hinckley smiled at this.
“Today is the wonderful realization of a dream. We become eternal families.”
© 2004 Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.