A dear and respected mama of our community passed away on Friday. I first met her in ’98, when we arrived to Gamboula as newbies in CAR. She was just retiring from working at the nutrition center at our mission hospital, but I had a chance to get to know her a little. She was a joyful little lady who was always ready with a little dance step and a prayer if you needed encouragement. Recently she had been troubled with many ailments probably related to her age (75 or so). She had just had cataract surgery but hadn’t had much of a chance yet to enjoy her new sight – (hey! did I tell you that Mr. Sims & family are back from 3 years in Kinshasa with a smile and fluency in Lingala but most importantly, the ability to deal with eye issues and to do cataract surgery??) Anyway, it was special to go sit with family and friends to say goodbye to Mama Germaine. Peace to her memory.
Members of her women’s group dancing and singing at her wake
Makeshift rattles – gravel in metal bowls to add the rhythmic beat to their singing
