Toliara Missions Project

November 1st is a special occasion in Madagas-car and it cannot go unnoticed. No work, no school. Rea-son….tombs have to be cleaned and lunch shared with the 'dead' because in reality nobody really dies. In the early mornings and you will see people all around carrying jembes, some flowers and of course food and drinks on their way to the tombs and graveyards. A look from a distance reveals that eve-ryone is excited as they clean, chant and share drinks. For those who had their loved ones buried far from their homes and are not in a position to go all the way, had an alternative. They had to design a sort of a grave, offer food, drinks and tribute to their long gone loved ones. They wrapped stones in black polythene pa-per and set it in the grave yard. It was then surrounded with drinks which would be drank in the same venue. Doing this meant blessings for the generation.

Passing by the cemetery the next day, it was evident that it had been worked on. Flowers beautifully arranged and grass trimmed around the grave yard one could easily confuse the place for a park. It was a beau-tiful site. The fact that I knew for sure that this was a cemetery was the only reason I did not run there, take a nap and relax taking in the cool breeze. When evening comes it is a time for celebration and reflecting on what the 'wazees' said, that is if they said anything at all. Word of caution is passed around on things that did not go well during the occasion. “This mistakes should not be repeated next year or else…..” the elders threaten. Sooner or later the celebration now in full charge. Have yourself an eventful November! Victor.