We arrived at around 9:15 for the funeral, and I was sitting close to the family section. The funeral started at 10:00 and ended after 4:00. Because I was seated close to the house’s front door, like others, I was able to walk into the very nice house to use the bathroom (and I saw that there actually is some descent painters of walls—unlike my bathroom!), strategically emptying my bladder before the end of the funeral when things were very congested. It is very hard to estimate, but I’m sure there were at least 1,500 people there, if not more! I counted 16 professional videographers and cameramen (yes, all men).
Very close to the action!
The big potato served as the Regional (think US state-level) Police Commander for 3 different regions, was a District Commissioner (sort of like county) and a Regional Commissioner (like a US state governor), and recently was the Regional Chairperson for the leading political party, CCM. The CCM party’s color is kelly green, so there was a lot of green. And it is the party of the current President, Samia Suluhu Hassan (a woman!). So, there were many with dresses and fabric wraps that had her picture on it. There was a very strong political party vibe in the mix of a Lutheran funeral. There were also quite a few wearing sun glasses while under the tent. I have rather sensitive eyes and keep sun glasses handy, but I didn’t need them under the tents.
There were also representatives of the police guard and a gun salute (sorry, I didn’t count the shots). Honestly, I’m a bit confused by what seems to be a police army (jeshi) and police. Maybe, I’ll ask about this.
Lots of pomp!
During a bit of a lull, I was able to see a dear friend, Janet. Another widow in these past few days of events. I first met Janet and her husband, Justo, around 1990. It was lovely to see her, as she is on my list of people to connect with now that language lessons are over.
So great to see Janet!
During the closing procession, Nangole ushered me into the clergy line to enter the house with the large circle of bishop, bishop elect, and 8, or so, other clergy.
After the prayers, I had perhaps 2 minutes to be introduced to the Bishop Elect, Godson Abel. Nangole made a nice connection, and then when Dr. Abel heard “Mama Anya,” he knew me from just getting a girl into Mwika Bible College just 2 weeks ago (see post 2023.10.19 Hosiana). So, he knows that I’m continuing to be a blessing. Then, the current Bishop, Masangwa, was gathering everyone for the food, and I had just a few seconds with Masangwa. He knows me from the 2016 work going to Arash and dedicating the new clinic there in a dedication celebration there (started by my home church, Cross of Christ, and especially championed by Ann). Nangole brought me into the food line behind him, cutting in front of the other people (yes lead by the bishop, yet it is a bit awkward for me as a mzungu (one of 4 in the huge crowd). So, I sat to eat with Nangole, then the Bishop, the Bishop Elect, and then I was talking with the person to the right of me, who was the Assistant Bishop Elect. I knew of him, and I told him that he is the brother of my Wartburg Theological Seminary student! Wow! So, I introduced myself! He is Maasai!!! Perhaps he would be a great person for the group of stakeholders for my project.
I was given a ride home by a Maasai woman who is just starting her PhD with a project on how the church is incorporating (or not!) women pastors. I told her this is a very interesting project, and because I teach PhD courses and supervise a PhD student, she could ask me questions to help with her project proposal if she thought that would help. I met another Maasai woman pastor who is one of the few—if not the only woman—who serves as the district pastor. So, there were many lovely and Providential connections! Who would have thought that a funeral would be so strategic for networking for this research project!
Mungu akubariki! (God bless you!)
Jeff and I had a mutual laugh of not only the zombie term for your Tanzania description, but especially the text proposal you received! You have not only interesting insights, but a very interesting life..