Funerals

Unfortunately, with the arrival of the AIDS epidemic funerals have become a commonplace occurrence in Malawi. In fact, funerals are so common and it is so culturally important for people to attend that they are becoming financial strain on businesses, not to mention families. Businesses now specify how many days you can be off work for funerals, and how much they will pay for them. (as in the U.S. funerals are very expensive and I think usually include taking the body and a truckload of people to the home village which can be hours away) Karis and I attended our first funeral while John was in Romania.This funeral was for Mathilda’s, our housekeeper and good friend, brother. We had met him and John had helped to take care of him so we wanted to go. In the 10 months we have known her Mathilda has had 6 extended family members die. This gentleman’s wife died last year and he left 5 children high school age and younger. Although Mathilda has 3 other living siblings she is the only one able to help with these kids. This is a common occurrence. We know for certain one of these deaths was the result of HIV and suspect at least 2 others were as well. Karis and I only attended the actual funeral service which was not dissimilar to many services in the U.S. with a eulogy, comments from friends and coworkers and sermon followed by going to the graveside for the actual burial and shorter sermon. The difference was that here all the women were in a hut with the deceased wailing and the ceremony took place with all of us sitting outside on the ground. Then we all walked down the dirt road and cornfield to the cemetery. Mathilda's village is only about 15 minutes from our house so transport expenses were minimal but they fed everyone at the funeral and probably a lot of people for several days before and after.

Last week we attended our second funeral. This one was for the sister of a friend in our Bible Study. The lady was already a widow and leaves behind several (i believe, older) children. Apparently there were originally 9 children in the family and with this passing only our friend and one other remain. Once cannot even begin to comprehend the heartache of losing so many family members and the emotional and financial burden it places on those remaining.