Queen Mary's Funeral

Lenox's mom, Mary Peter or better known as "Queen Mary", passed away while we were in St. Maarten. His mom was also a member of the church. She lived in a town south of Roseau. The funeral was on May 8. We were able to go and support Lenox. Lenox wanted all of the members from the church to walk, together with him, to the church where the funeral was being held. When we got to Lenox's house, he wasn't dressed in his church clothes. He said that he was waiting for his sister to come and bring him some new clothes. So after waiting and a few phone calls, and making sure that the funeral didn't start without him, we all finally made it. Owen, is amazing. He is always there, checking in on Lenox and making sure that he is ok. When he didn't see Lenox at the church, he came down to his house to see if he needed help, making sure he was able to be there. What an amazing person.

The funeral was held at God's Family House of Worship to accomodate for everybody. 

Here his Lenox with his sister June

~the family~

It started raining right as we were leaving the church. So we all jumped in a transport. We were nicely packed. But I was grateful they let us squeeze in. We drove to the cemetery. The view was beautiful. I am positive Dominica is one of the most beautiful islands. It is so lush and green! And the lower clouds lingering over the mountain tops are something that I will always remember about Dominica.

The cemetery was a little different as well. Most of the graves were just heaps of dirt marked with flowers. There were only about two of them that had a cement or stone marker.

They lowered the casket into the ground first thing. 

The family got to throw the first handful of dirt. 

Then, the diggers finished covering the casket. 

This was different, as I have never experienced a casket actually getting buried.  

One man, ask me if this was a lot different than the funerals in the States. 

I told him that usually, they wait to bury the casket until everyone has left. 

He thought that was really weird. I guess you just get used to the way you see it done. 

While they were filling the grave everybody joined in singing. 

After the grave was finished, they covered it with flowers. 

Broc was able to help Lenox place some flowers on the grave.

Jesse, Owen, Lenox, and Broc

After all of the flowers were placed, everybody headed to Iguana Cafe for some food and drinks.

It was a really neat experience to witness a funeral here. Though, I'm sure a few people wondered what we were doing there, most everybody was really great. Making sure we got our drinks (sodas) ok. Such sweet sweet people.