As it turns out the performance at the funeral made quite an impact. We were informed by Richmond that the family of the deceased had been quite moved, and they wanted us to play at the final viewing of the body. At the last minute, it was decided that that would be the best thing for us to do.
After an abridged session at the academy, we loaded up with the students and made our way to the viewing. Conversation was light and easy in our truck until we turned a corner. Students from Choma Secondary had lined up on both sides of the street.
Once we had made our way inside to where the casket was being presented we were told to join the family of the deceased on stage. Ater the ceremony the band played hymns as hundreds of students, family, and community members filed past the open casket. The wailing of the grieving and the solemn choruses continued until the last of the visitors had passed. We left in silence
As we were leaving, Richmond informed us that although we hadn't seen it, we had just experienced the effects of HIV/AIDS. The deceased man's wife had died only a few months earlier from the disease, and now it had claimed him, leaving his children as double orphans.
In that light, I noticed the interesting contrast that this day held. At this ceremony we found both the death and destruction caused by HIV/AIDS as well as our hope to fight against it. Our students, many of whom know firsthand the devastation this disease brings, were able to give the grieving an honor normally reserved for presidential funerals.
This is what Poetice and Fortress Vision are about. We are here to show those devastated by the disease and the stigma around it that there is hope and purpose in spite of it. We are equipping and encouraging them to make a real, tangible difference in their own lives and in their community. Today, one such difference was made, and we got to witness it firsthand.
For more information about Poetice International, its ministry in Zambia, and updates on this trip be sure to check www.poetice.com and follow @livepoetice on twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment