Ashes and Indians: A Final Journey, Part 2

The memorial service for my parents took place in the Tsáchila's own church.  It was a moving, God-honoring occasion, and there were tears and testimonies, people getting up to speak in more than one language.  Most of them know at least some Spanish, but the reason my parents went to this area in the first place was to give them the Scriptures in their own language, the very best way for them to truly understand with heart and soul what God had done for them. 

After the service, and a little snack to keep everybody on their feet, we posed with all those who wanted their picture taken with Bruce and Joyce's children.  Many of the older ones remembered us well from the time, so many years ago, when as kids we lived among them.  Of course, we look very different now!  In the picture, left-to-right (back row) are my sister Carol, then my brother Steve, my other brother Paul, and I'm at the end. 

When we found out what the Indians had decided they wanted to do with my parents' ashes, we all thought it was a marvelous idea.  We had thought to scatter their ashes where we had lived.  But the Tsáchila's desire was for them to rest in their own cemetery! Isn't that awesome? 

They decided to bury the ashes between the grave of the man who had been Dad's first language helper, and that of his wife.  Their son was present, and was so pleased!  So we all watched as they dug a small hole, and then, with lovely simplicity and deep emotion, we took turns pouring the ashes in, inviting everyone who wanted to to come and participate.  Then we took turns again, each putting a shovelful of earth back in place over them.  The photo right below shows Primitivo, the spiritual leader of this branch; and then I'm in the bottom photo.

We were delighted with the concept of what the Tsáchila themselves had desired.  The couple who had gone to live with them so many years ago with the purpose of making God's Word accessible to them in their own language, who had learned to love them and were loved in return...now had a physical place in their land, besides the emtional and spiritual place they already had in their hearts.  Though knowing that they themselves are in Heaven now, having their ashes buried close by feels like...they finally came home! And it's a physical tribute to the fact that Mom anbd Dad loved them so much that their own wish was to "come home"...to complete the circle.
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I will be sharing some of the things that were said, stories that were told, and other touching details very soon.  But for now...I need to stop and dry my tears.