4 day funeral

Well, it's Monday morning, and our 4 day funeral for Colonel Mhasvi is now finished. What an intense weekend! Thursday night we were at their house. Most people stayed the whole night, but we left at 1:00am. Friday we went to work, but the family had constant visitors. Friday night we went to their house again, and there was another service. Saturday there was another service in Braeside (our neighbourhood) at our corps, and then most people who could find transport went up to Mt. Darwin - his rural home (about 2 hours north). We were blessed to find some friends who were going up Sunday morning, so we got a night in our own bed. We missed the singing and dancing throughout the night. Yesterday we left here at 5:30am and got home about 5:00pm. There was more body viewing, singing, speeches, and then the actual burial. It was HOT in Mt. Darwin! About 1,000 people came to his rural home, and it must have felt like quite an invasion. I know some people were worried that there wasn't enough food (they killed 2 oxes). The expense of funerals is incredible. But everyone loved him, and wanted to show their respect. Please keep the family in your prayers. Rumbi sang and danced at all of the funerals. I know she is happy that her dad is in Heaven. The family has such faith, and have been so strong throughout everything, but once everyone leaves, the reality may have more of a chance to set it.

In other news, Friday a few people from my work met with the 2 main national women's organizations to talk about sexual trafficking. It was a great opportunity. This past weekend was The Salvation Army's international weekend of prayer for trafficking. I think in Zim there are lots of issues that are more pressing than trafficking, but women and girls are still vulnerable, so the issue needs to be talked about. When people get desperate, they're more willing to do anything.

And a Happy 81st birthday to my Grandma (for yesterday). Grandma - you are a strong, funny, caring, wonderful woman, and I love you!