The Death of a Swazi child

This is a long blog but necessary to tell the story so please read on.This is a very sad but very common event here in Swaziland. We got word that Muzi had died he was approximately 10 years old, he died of complications from mild cerebral palsy and epilepsy (seizure disorder). But we are comforted to know that Muzi is resting now without the pains of hunger and the agony of living in a twisted little body. What I really want to share is the differences in the events after some one dies here in Africa compared to the states.I had the blessing to help minister to this family these past few days in many ways one in which was to help them pay for and make the funeral arrangements. This is where the big differences come into play. Muzi died at home so the family-the dad in this case had to take little Muzi's body to the mortuary, probably in the back of a bakki (small pick up truck). The next step is for the family to go and make the arrangements. First we arrive at the mortuary a beautiful building in Manzini that compares to one of the kings palaces and so it should, business is good they have an average of eleven(11) bodies per day. The staff are very well dressed and business like well I should say very business like very little to no compassion to or for the family. We were directed place to place, first the show room where they have the different type coffins most of which are made from press board wood with a plastic liner. the family picked the little one in the corner the price was E900 (approx. 110 us dollars)then we were directed to go down the steps to get the invoice and then back up to the cashier which by the way is sitting behind a glass that has a privacy blind covering it, you slide the invoice and money under the glass and after a few moments of silence out pops your change and receipt. The next step was to go back downstairs and wait in a cold non decorated room to be called back to the prep room but since the mortuary was about to close, nearly the end of the business day we were ask to come back tomorrow. Day two we arrived a little past 10am and once again directed the the cold non decorated room to waite for an hour and a half to be called to the prep room. All of this to have the family prepare the body for burial, yes the family does this, undresses the body if applicable, washes the body and dresses the body as this is being done by the family another 5 bodies are present in the room some already in coffins others awaiting family to arrive so they to can do the same as this family. Mortuary staff are coming in and out of the room taking care of other duties, moving bodies around, shuffling empty and occupied coffins, hey business must go on there are many more waiting.After all this and if you have paid the extra fees now it is time for the coffin and body to be taken back to the homestead. This is done after the family and any friends have had prayer and sang a song or two. All this while a mortuary worker stands by eagerly awaiting to move to the next step, this is understandable many more bodies to move get them in get them out never a shortage of bodies. The little coffin is wheeled out side to an awaiting bakki yes a small pickup truck were it is placed in the bed of the truck along with any family members that want to ride and all do there is no other means of transport and it is tradition to ride with the coffin. After arriving at the homestead the little coffin is taken in the house by the one mortuary worker and a family member, the little coffin is placed in the corner on the floor of what we would call a living room this however is an all purpose room, sitting, sleeping and if rainy weather cooking but now it will serve as the holding place before the burial. The family will now conduct a night vigil. Extended family and members of the village/community will come, they will sing, pray and eat the meal little Muzi's family has prepared yes the family of the one who has died prepares the meal and by the way are judged as to how well they have provided for the guests buy what they serve. Just after sunrise the family and few friends will take the coffin by foot to the grave site that is approximately 1 1/2 km away. The shallow hole was dug by hand by a family member, at this point a pastor, family member will say a few words ,more singing and praying now it is time to cover the coffin with the earth in which the coffin and body inside will soon return. The body was not embalmed and the press wood will not last many months. As you can see there is a big difference in the process that families have to go through after the death of a loved one. But before any of us become critical or judgemental we need to remember the western world (USA) is half a world away and the cultures are different, yea life here is more "in your face" but the people endure and somehow find happiness even in the day to day struggles. At times I think they are the lucky ones, life pure and simple. This westerner really got a cultural shock this day but once again God has reminded me why I am here, to help give them hope and hopes name IS JESUS, to God be the glory how blessed we are. Thanks to all of you that help us stay here and minister to the people of Swaziland, bless you all.
Donald/Diane