One of my neighbours told me a few days ago that this is a difficult time for a funeral. It is difficult because the sorghum crop is not yet ready for harvest. They have used up all of last year’s grain and the maize often does not last.
When you have a funeral, you must host a large number of people. The first day people nearby come. The second day people come from a distance and often stay on. It is common for keya to be served (fermented grain drink and their main staple food) to each guest in gourds that are passed around. It is also common for strong alcohol to be served though I think it has to be purchased on site.
The day after the burial, an ox is slaughtered and the meat is distributed. We received a handful of raw beef in a plastic bag. We have heard that this time of mourning has been especially difficult as there has been little keya served. As the people gather, the children must often fend for themselves. Some of the men we know are going hungry these days as their wives have spent the last week gathering with their relatives.
Our desire is to see the Gumuz “mourn and be comforted” because they know that their sins are forgiven. May they hunger and thirst for righteousness rather than the things of this world (few that they are).
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