The day the body arrived. (Most of these pictures are from Laurence because I was amongst the community shedding my own tears

The body was carried to the middle of the Mambis square.

All gather round the body to say their goodbyes

Deep mourning

In the days that followed hundreds from many different tribes gathered in Mambis

Speeches were made and gifts like these cokes were given and redistributed

After 3 days of this there was a formal funeral (no pics were taken) and then we left to bury the body

It was a great processional

About half a mile down the road, we arrive at Sam’s land

It takes a bit of doing to cross the bridge (which was really only a log)

And up the hill (you can see me in the bottom right corner)

At the top of the hill the hole has been dug

The body is laid on small planks

Sam’s mother and wife kiss the box

Closest family and friends gather round

All wail and pull out bits of hair to show respect

Pastor Kambu offers a final blessing

Sam’s father Kungu gives instructions for burial

The body is buried, but the grief is not

The grieving mother

Sam and Agus’s oldest son, Bower. One of their three children.

Leaving the graveside

I don’t know what this woman was gesturing, but somehow it seems to bring me hope.