It was with great sadness this week that one
of the staff had died. Eda, one of our home-workers, had successfully had a
large goitre removed a year ago, had fully recovered and returned to work.
However, this single parent, aged 44, died on Wednesday after a
short illness. On Friday the workshop closed so that the staff could attend her
funeral.
In Tanzania, funerals are a community event. Following a
service at her home where several hundred friends and family attended Eda
returned to her traditional family home, a remote small-holding about 35 miles
from Iringa where she was buried in a small family plot.
Despite the distance and the difficulties in getting there about 200 attended the committal service. For the journey about 100 Neema staff crammed onto 3 buses with a total of 90 seats.
Despite the distance and the difficulties in getting there about 200 attended the committal service. For the journey about 100 Neema staff crammed onto 3 buses with a total of 90 seats.
One bus broke its suspension on the rough tracks. This meant
we all returned on 2 buses – most of us stood!!
For most people there are no formal undertakers to arrange
the burial. Other than the officiating priest the task of burying Eda is shared
by family and friends. Her coffin was transported to the small-holding on the back of a pick-up
truck borrowed from the Diocese.
Hospitality is important and food was provided to the
mourners prior to a short service.
The coffin is opened and mourners show theire respect and say
goodbye to a friend by viewing Eda for the last time.
Sadly, as a single parent
Eda leaves an 11 year old daughter, Efracia, who will in future be cared for by
other members of her family
Friends from work carry her coffin to the grave.
The priest performs the final rites
Mourners helped in filling the grave.
Wreaths were laid and condolences shared
Funerals are a time for reflection.
