Dr. Jonah was buried today. It was so unlike any other burial I have ever been to in Bundibugyo (and I’ve been to a lot) that it doesn’t seem quite real.

I asked Melen (Jonah’s wife) what she wanted, she only wanted to be sure that someone prayed. We circulated looking for someone who was willing to sing, and thankfully found a Red Cross mobilizer who led hymns while the coffin was unloaded. When the coffin had been lowered on ropes, Scott asked for a pause.

He took out a Bible and read from John 12: But Jesus answered them, saying: The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground an dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Jonah fulfilled this description as well as anyone we have ever known, not loving his life too much, being willing to die for the good of others. Scott talked about Heaven and God’s honor, and then about our friendship (with tears), and then against fear and isolation. He prayed. I was really proud of him at that moment, without his leadership there would not have even been that semblance of a service.

Jonah Kule, 1966-2007. He was 41 years old.

I missed the briefing due to the burial, but here is what I can glean:

•    Cumulative Cases: 101
•    Deaths: 22
•    New admissions: 1 in Kikyo and 0 in Bundibugyo

•    Inpatients seen by Scott W in Nyahuka: 1
•    Maternity cases Scott M was on call for in Bundibugyo: 1