8-month old Baby Emma's funeral - "Blessed are those who mourn"

  Today we buried Baby Emma.  She was 8-months old and died suddenly on Monday morning.  She was reasonably healthy, HIV negative and a joyful baby.  We knew when we opened the El Roi Baby Home and started accepting babies who were coming in sick that we would likely lose some, but we thought they would succumb to Tuberculosis, or another HIV related illness.  We never expected SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).  Children die of SIDS all over the world, and it is a heartbreaking, tragic and soul-crushing experience. 

My heart mourns with all who have lost a baby or a child in any way.  My friend, Teresa Birk, buried her little Jared a few short years ago and it is in his memory that we built the El Roi Baby Home.  It is strange, and yet awesome to think that Emma met Jared (and Solomon) this week in heaven.  I wonder if Jesus is the one who introduced them? That a great greeting that would have been.  It was a hard week for us, but a great week for Emma.  One can never know the pain that a parent feels to lose a child, but we can find comfort knowing that we will be with them again in heaven.

Please find below some photos that I took today, for you the reader.  While I felt very awkward taking photos during the service, I know that there so many of you who were with us in spirit and prayer.  May these photos bring you peace.

The coffin is passed down to two Aunties to place on a grass mat and cover with another one.

The men take turns shoveling dirt and packing it down.

The women collect stones from the area to place around the grave.

Emma's grave is next to Solomon's.

RIP Sweet Baby Emma

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”  Matthew 5:3-4

Live from Swaziland ... it is time to rest.

Janine