Mr. Mugala

Devin, me, Rebecca, and Mr. Mugala 

Mr. Mugala was a great man. In the words of Reverend Phiri, he preached his own funeral sermon by his very life. Today I read scripture at his funeral and put a flower in his grave. I got to hug his grandson. I shed tears with his wailing wife, daughters, sisters, and grandchildren.

Mr. Mugala was the first Zambian to welcome me into his home. He and his wife and grandchildren welcomed the three YAVs into their rural, village home during our first week in the country. At 78 years old, he walked us up and down the beautiful rolling hills. He told us stories and myths from his village. He explained cultural practices we didn’t understand. He was good man. It only took me four days to see that.

I will forever remember his kindness and his warm, warm smile. Rest in peace.