As promised, here's my account of the funeral that we went to on Tuesday.
First of all, it was a long way away. I was so glad that I didn't actually have to drive as it was so far. So I travelled in the front of the Combi (the same one I drove a year ago if you can remember that far back). I was also glad as the road we took went from tar road to gravel road, then dirt, then rocks, across a stream and over smaller rocks, through some mud, down a shingly track and into what can only be compared to the wilderness of a game reserve (minus the lions, hopefully) in the absolute middle of nowhere. As far as we could make out, the nearest neighbours were about 6 km away on another mountain slope! Ultimate respect to Samson for driving a combi through what was essentially a 4x4 offroad adventure track! (incidentally, the combi stopped working the next morning, wonder why?!)
So we went via New Hannover to pick up the coffin and then on past Greytown, Muden and into the wilderness for 1 hour till we arrived at the birthplace of the lady. It was bleak, dry rocky ground which was difficult for the men to dig a grave in, probably why they were still digging when we had to leave. Although we did find out that there had been some dispute as to whether she could be buried there as well, which caused delays.
The coffin was taken into the house and the photos and yellow roses that Catherine felt we should buy were laid on the top. Then everyone sat around and sang, prayed and cried in Zulu for what felt like ages. Spha, the little boy sat very quietly to start with but was restless after a while. N, the baby was grabbed by some relatives and didn't appreciate that at all so she wailed a bit, but calmed down later. In fact, both children we very well behaved, all things considered.
And that was it really, we had to drive back before they put the coffin in the ground. The most poignant thing was that the coffin was made of chipboard and cardboard and held together with what looked like tacks. That nearly got me. Even in death, poverty is alive and well. It was all that could be afforded with what little she had. Although at least she had a funeral, apparently there are hundreds of unclaimed bodies in the mortuary that have to be buried in mass graves..
The children are now with us here, now the task falls to Auntie Pretty to sort out their welfare with the social workers. They continue to settle in and are doing well. Pray for the health of the baby and that Spha will adapt to an English speaking environment when he only speaks Zulu.
