We just had another woman pass away in the village my team is working in, which brings the total to 8 in just over 4 months. I can't say I'd really been to 8 or 10 funerals in my entire life up until now. They're dying before we get to them. Sometimes for tramatic reasons and some silly, avoidable reasons if they had better knowledge. And I can feel the weight of that settling over my team. And myself. To put so much into building these relationships and getting to know each family and praying for them when we find out they're sick or injured.... its rough.

I went to the funeral alone because another member took it really hard, a second member was translating for a volunteer team, and the other was out sick. I prayed for almost the entire 45 minute drive - for the family, and not knowing how I'd be received, the foreigner coming alone. And I'll never forget their faces when they saw I'd come to sit with them. They swarmed me and took me right to the home so I could be with the village elders and family, all the time patting me and squeezing me.

Here, the deceased remains in the home under a white sheet until after all the ceremonies. When they offered me incense to burn and I politely said I didn't understand, someone in the crowd voiced that I prayed to the Creator god and that I didn't need incense. I smiled slightly on the inside at the way it was said, but quickly fought back tears as I looked at the sheet. (Its not culturally acceptable to cry in public here.) The 2 ladies nearest me, saw my struggle and started patting me and squeezing me again, which most women I know will agree typically makes it worse! I quietly said I was so sorry we couldn't help more, and at that more than a few people, including the widow, were noticably touched. 'We know. We don't blame you. We know.' I don't know if I'd ever experienced a sweeter moment than this one. (We had previously helped cover the costs to get her to the hospital.)

The morning ended with eating the traditional rice porridge with the other 20-30 folks, hugs, smiles, many thanks, and them walking me to my truck. A parallell to Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves when he and the indians part ways came to mind and I smiled when I looked in my rear view mirror.

The language barrier was present, but actions an tears bridged a gap and formed a trust that never might've happened otherwise. I hope they can hear my Heart in the days to come.

Ming Tha, our friend with cervical cancer at age 42, may not be with us too much longer. Pray for us as we encounter and handle this situation, and the possible many more - that Peace will abide in us, and Grace and Love may have their way.