The funeral

this is the church the morning before the funeral.

Yesterday a man was buried in the Titjikala cemetery. The funeral was held at the Church in the community.

This funeral had been arranged for a long time but there had been so many complications with getting the money together for the funeral costs and transporting the man out to Titjikala.

After much family discussion and finding the huge amount of money that was needed things were put in motion and it was decided that  a Troop Carrier would be driven into Alie Springs to bring him back to his family. 

Ok so the funeral was arranged for 3pm but because of a flat tyre and other unforeseen problems the body of the man didn't arrive til 4pm. It was a bit of a rush at the end to have him arrive at his own funeral at all. BUT he did arrive and his family gave him a beautiful tribute. 

The old man had not lived in Titjikala but it had been his wish to be buried with family. It was a huge community event and family members had traved from Mimili and Kings Canyon to pay their respects. 

The little church was swept and cleaned, new (plastic....they last longer) flowers were arranged out the front of the church. 

Everyone attended and sang beautiful soulful songs.