I flew out on Sunday, met up with Kent Smith, my brother and my mom at the airport. We went to a coffee shop, Java house and waited most of the morning. Papa and dad were driving up the body from Mombasa to the funeral home in Nairobi. We met them there. It was ever so real to me when I saw papa... all alone. It was a difficult thing to see someone I love go through such loss. I know she is happy, its just those of us left here that will miss her. It was good to be together though. I am so thankful the way it all worked out.
The shots on a cold pack and then to the hospital. I had a bruise for a week! And Yellow fever symptoms for longer!
When we got home from the hospital we went to lunch with the missies that were in town. Then they came over to hang out in the afternoon. I had to get ready that evening for going to Kenya.
Sunday morning at Java. The flight over was sooo beautiful. The sun rose and Kilimanjaro looked so amazing.
At the funeral home. We left Grandma's body there overnight.
We stayed at Loretta Widemans house. It was so beautiful. She had some many nice things! Kent, I and grandpa stayed in this house and mom and dad in a smaller one next door.
I thought she did such a great job decorating. I loved her colors.
That evening Kenya field was having an Easter egg hunt and everyone brought food. We got to be with them and ate with. Lexxi and Ethan would have enjoyed being there for that.
Monday morning.
The flowers at the Memorial were beautiful. Greg and Danna were such a blessing. And Kenya field too. Many of them came for the memorial service.
They set it all up.
Mom and Papa before it started.
Order of service.
Those of us who said something.
One of the songs we sang... resurection songs.
Kevin and family skyped in for it too.
Gigi's picture.
Us. It was good to be there, I am so thankful I got to be apart at this time. Please pray for Grandpa, they were married for 62 years. He still has much life and ministry left in him! GG we will miss you, enjoy heaven and we will be there too one day.
I stayed up catching up with Kent till 3, got up at 4:30 Tuesday morning and took kent to the airport. Went to the hotel where I needed to catch the shuttle. It left at 8. That is a whole nother story! Mom and papa left that night to Malaysia where they were to have a memorial service and bury GG in Malaysia. Then on to the states for a Memorial for her there.
My letter of thanks to her...
To my sweet Grandma Guynes,
Tonight was the first time since you have left this world that we have eaten a meal that you had taught me… one of our favorites… sweet and sour pork. I feel like your departure from this world is something similar… it has been Bitter/sweet. While we ache with the loss of you in our life, you are there loving eternity with our Lord. We would not want it any other way, but hopefully that we will be there as well one day enjoying a wonderful reunion in heaven.
We have so many great memories from living with you at different times over the years. You taught me so many things during my time with you, both by lesson but also by example. I listened to how you prayed every morning for all of our family by name and need. You showed me how to forgive when you forgave me. You tried to teach me how to give other people the benefit of the doubt. (I am still working on that one.) You showed me how to cook like you. How to be generous, loving, and caring.
I will miss your wittiness, your spontaneity, your stubbornness too. Okra and home grown tomatoes will always remind me of you. I will miss all your deep OOhh’s and you clicking tisk tisk tisk. I will remember always your hands, your beautiful white hair and your hugs. You were such a little person…but yet held so much of my respect and love.
Thank you for getting to know me, for praying for me and for taking care of me when I needed you. Thank you for showing me how a woman can be a blessing in every season of life. Thank you for the legacy you have left for us to carry on. I am so privileged to have known you, and what an honor to have had you as my grandmother.
I will always love you,
Kimbra.
