April 12, 2015 - Clark

Sunday, April 12, 2015

This week’s activities have been a blur and all else has been insignificant compared to the death of Kieu Sunguza.  She is the wife of Michel and they own the home and apartments where we, the Mikesells and the sister missionaries live.  On Sunday she went to church as usual to Lubumbashi 1st Ward but became ill and had to leave early.  Michel took her to the hospital and she died on Monday afternoon.  It is difficult to ever receive an accurate diagnostic of the cause of death, but her brother-in-law said her blood pressure was off the charts at something like 250/120.  It is difficult to believe that this couldn’t have been diagnosed earlier and at least in the U.S., she could have received medication that would have extended her life.

Kieu has three daughters: Clara, Beth and Nytasha.  They each live in a different country: France, Washington D.C., and Canada.  They had to make arrangements to fly here to attend their mother’s funeral and some of their stories included more than a few miracles in order for all of them to arrive by Friday.  The funeral was planned for and held on Saturday.  Generally, here they have no embalming and the funeral is usually held within just a couple of days (2-3 at the most).  Kieu has 7 grandchildren and none were able to attend.  Only one son-in-law was able to come but all three daughters were united and all three spoke at the funeral.  Beth did bring a video of two of her children playing the violin. (primary songs)  Instrumental music development here is almost nonexistent other than the piano (which is also scarce), so it was a real surprise and was a highlight of the program.

There were several random events that I want to remember about the funeral.  Desire Ilunga is the bishop who is also the FM Director for Lubumbashi.  We have had considerable interaction with Desire during our time here but few in his capacity as a Bishop.  He usually seemed measured and reserved and although pleasant not overly extraverted.  During the week he could not have been more attentive.  Michel has spent the entire time since Kieu’s death at his brother’s home.  Deisre has been with him and his family every evening from Monday through Saturday.  

When Beth arrived from Washington D.C., Michel, Clara and her husband Christophe and Beth came to visit with us.  This was Thursday evening and they were concerned that the funeral plans were not exactly what they wanted.  They had been told that only Melchizedek Priesthood holders could be casket pallbearers and that only endowed sisters could prepare the body.  They asked if their mother had to be buried in her temple clothing.  They preferred that their mother be buried in a Chinese dress most loved by their father and asked if their family members could participate in both preparing the body and carrying the casket.  I reassured them that Desire would help them see that all their wishes were considered.  I was about to call him but they said it was unnecessary because he would be at their uncle’s home again this evening.  After they left, I called Desire to alert him.  About two hours later he called back to tell everything had been arranged.  He could not have been more considerate throughout the week.

Another interesting dilemma developed when they were trying to find temple clothing for the burial.  They could not find a complete set of temple clothing in all of Lubumbashi.  The Katuba Stake usually has two sets, but there had been some recent funerals.  Here the people do not have access to a temple without a passport and it is difficult for Congolese people to travel outside their own country.  Missionaries receive calls to other African countries but are frequently denied a visa.  We have been asked if we have been to the temple more than once.  Most endowed people here only have a single chance to attend the temple.  The temple patron’s fund assists them in going to the temple by paying for all expenses other than their passport (about $150).  This is still a tremendous sacrifice.  Justin Mukuna, Katuba Stake President and Mission Office Manager told us that when he became Stake President two years ago, only 2 of his 12 high councilmen were endowed and only 2 of his 8 Bishops.  These are representative statistics.  The temple in Kinshasa was announced almost three years ago and still no activity.  It would be such a blessing for the Congolese people.  I believe the church is growing faster in the DRC than in any other African country and they are in desperate need of temple access.  The Ivory Coast temple announcement was also received with joy.

The funeral services themselves were a real tribute to Kieu.  We didn’t know her well because she has only been here for a few months after spending most of the past year in Washington D.C. and Canada.  For her services, they filled the Lubumbashi Stake Center, all three stake presidents and the mission president were in attendance.  The music was provided by a three-stake choir who had also gathered at Michel’s  brother’s home every evening and sang hymns while guests were entertained and fed.  We attended on both Wednesday and Saturday.  Music definitely dominated the mood and provided comfort to all who came.  Michel is not a member, nor is his family.  They are Catholic but respected Kieu’s wishes for an LDS funeral.

I’ve repeated this phrase before that Americans have clocks and watches but Africans have time.  They certainly devoted time to this most sacred event and many were touched throughout the process.  It makes me a little ashamed for my lackluster performance in paying respects to the deceased at home with a quick note, some flowers, funeral potatoes and a half-hour visit to the funeral home.  There are many lessons to be learned from the Congolese people.

Other activities for the week included closing ceremonies for two orphanage projects: Muslim Orphanage and Tumaini Orphanage.  We presented used back packs we had purchased the previous week from a bundles store.  The reception was quite different.  The Muslim Orphanage has been the worst of the worst yet they were the most appreciative and Tumaini was a highlight at Christmas but a lowlight this past week.  They were not grateful and expressed very little genuine appreciation.  It was surprising.  During the week we have been working together with Sainte Yvonne’s Eye Clinic which has offered to conduct cataract screenings at all three stake centers this coming week at no charge.  We have been orchestrating that activity with the three stake presidents and Sainte Yvonne’s.  We had just completed a vision project proposal which will bring them new operating room equipment and we wanted to make sure this was not a payback.   They reassured us they conduct these free clinics at schools and churches all over Lubumbashi.  (They have just never considered the LDS as a church before)  I’m sure it was recognition of our humanitarian efforts and I believe this type of goodwill is generated worldwide by the church’s humanitarian efforts.  

Somehow, Shelley and I have become the social chairmen for the seniors.  It is probably due to the fact that we travel the community and are most familiar with the streets and locations.  In any event, we arranged for dinner together following the funeral.  We went to the Bougain Villa just a couple of blocks from the mission home.  Only 3 of the 11 had been there before.  The food is good but you have to plan on spending 3 hours to be served before you receive your food.  It was a pleasant evening.  We attended the Plateau Ward to day and are just preparing to go over to the mission home where we watch Music and the Spoken Word.  Although we are missing Charlie’s blessing today with Andy’s family, we hope to see Emily in the Choir.  This contact from home has been our favorite Sunday activity.  Bon Semaine.

Love, Dad (Elder Davis)