This morning at 9:00am the body of the late President arrived on special aircraft escorted by the Zambia Air Force. The body was placed on the saluting dias, the national anthem was sung, and then a 21 gun salute. Later, at 10:30am the body arrived at the Mulungushi International Conference Center, and then a wreath laying ceremony by the First Lady and Vice President. The President's body will remain at the Conference Center until Monday, August 25th.
Ricky was at the airport this morning dropping off some missionaries going back to the States, and he said it was very busy. The airlines called everyone who was flying out of Zambia to encourage them to arrive early for departure since the President's body was arriving. They have decorated the whole airport road on both sides with flags and streamers to receive the body. People are expected to line both sides of the highway in order to get a glimpse of the body.
Beginning Monday, August 25th, the body will be transported around the country to all provinces for the people of Zambia to pay their respects. They will return the body back to the Conference Center on Friday, August 29th, and prepare for the burial ceremony to take place on Wednesday, Septmeber 3rd, which would have been Mwanawasa's 60th birthday.
The country originally was under a 7-day mourning period, but that has increased to 21 days. There continues to be church services held at the Showgrounds (just across from our guest house), and these will continue every day until his burial on Wednesday. Last night, our mission family met together to pray for the First family, the country, and the future of Zambia.
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