(I had tried to post this yesterday but we lost power so it’s a bit late.)
We came to Tenwek six weeks ago not really expecting to return to the U.S. until we completed our two year term. A few days from now we will be boarding a plane to return to PA to say our final goodbyes to my baby girl. When we arrived at Tenwek, we were welcomed into our missionary family with open arms. Over the past several days those arms have embraced us tightly as we have been bathed in love and prayer. The Kenyan culture is so different (and yet so similar) in so many ways. They see death much more often compared to what we are used to. They know how to sincerely comfort and mourn with you. Mourning in private is not the norm for them as it generally is in America. When someone dies, the home is overflowing with family/friends offering support. They have been incredibly respectful in giving us enough space to grieve in our own way yet still showing their love for our family. We have had many people come by our home to pay their respects and pray with us. We have had meals provided for us along with cards, flowers and more hugs than I think I have ever received in my life. We have felt fully at home.
Yesterday we had a beautiful memorial service celebrating Hannah’s life. So many came to show their love for my family. Songs of worship were sung, powerful scriptures were read, and Jesus was glorified. Even in our short time here, Hannah was loved by many.
Church service today was again a wonderful time of worship and prayer. Tenwek as a whole has had a very difficult week. The death of baby Ruth, and several other patients has made it easy to feel lost and depressed. The uplifting times of prayer and praise were healing for many who attended. It is easy to think that his must be the worst week ever because of Hannah…in some ways I suppose that may be true…but not in every way. Every week that I have worked here I have been witness to the tragedy of death. It is not a new event, rather it is one that occurs with regular frequency for this community. As you pray for Hannah and my family, please remember to pray for the hundreds of patients here. Pray that they may understand and accept the gift that God is offering through His son Jesus Christ. Pray for the many families that are hurting. Pray for the spiritual healing and pray that the staff will be effective and authentic witnesses for Christ.
During our time of worship we sang a beautiful song in Swahili. It really ministered to me so I wanted to share it with you. It went as follows…
Nitainua macho yangu, (I will life up my eyes)
Nitazame milimani, (and look up to the hills)
Msaada wangu watoka wapi? (where does my help come from)
Ninajua ni kwake Bwana (my help comes from the Lord)
Anilindaye halali, (He who keeps me does not sleep)
Ninajua hasinzii (I know He doesn’t slumber)
Nitokapo niingiapo (when I leave and come in)
Kweli najua, ninajua yuko nami (I know He is with me)
Yeye ni Bwana we mabwana (He is the Lord of lords)
Yeye ni Mfalme wa wafalme (He is the King of kings)
Mshauri wa ajabu (a Mighty counselor)
Kimbilio maichani (the refuge of our lives)
We were all able to take brief naps after church. As I woke up from mine, I heard a child crying. I awoke thinking at first that it was Hannah. I quickly realized that it wasn’t and laid back done As much as I hated it when she was screaming, I long to hear that scream now. I miss her wisps of blond hair tickling my face and her sweet Hannah smell when I hold her. I wouldn’t even mind changing one of her not-so-sweet smelling diapers! Miss so much already…but remaining thankful for the memories that we have.
While I’m sitting here writing this, I’m watching my boys, other missionary children, and many Kenyans running and playing games in the yards in front of my home. The laughter and screams of play are priceless. The sun is shining and there is a cool breeze blowing. While I don’t have Hannah sitting here with me watching everyone (as we often did), God remains good. He is in control…and I am still thankful.
One of the verses that has been repeated many times in the last several days is from Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” I still wish that there could have been another way. But His grace is sufficient…I take refuge in His care.
While we will soon be returning to the Untied States, know that we will return to Tenwek to continue the work that God has for us here. We will return to our missionary and Kenyan family. It is our hope that those who have learned of our story will continue with us on this journey. To everyone at Tenwek…we love you. Thank you.
- Changing Seasons - September 4, 2016
- Well Done Good And Faithful Servants - May 2, 2016
- Looking Back….Looking Ahead - March 14, 2016
46 Comments
Elaine, Lewistown
Mar, 18, 2013Your family’s loss has been heartbreaking. But, your witness and your testimony and faith is SO awesome. May God continue to bless your family. And may He continue with showing his greatness to those you share your faith with. Travel safely this week as you return to PA.
Billy and Jenny Fuller
Mar, 18, 2013We spent 7 years at Tenwek many years ago, now serving with WGM in Zambia. We have kept up with your blogs through friends there at Tenwek. Just want you to know that prayers for your family are going up from this part of Africa. May God bless and comfort you on your journey back to the states and the days ahead. Words can’t convery our sympathy.
Laura Noguchi (Jarrett)
Mar, 18, 2013Dear Kelley Family,
Praise be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I don’t know you personally, but I have been praying for you and praising God for you and crying many tears (but not as many as you have for sure!) from a distance. My dad Dr Paul Jarrett is serving with you at Tenwek. I have been reading your blog since he asked us to pray for you and have been so encouraged by your faith and hope in God and challenged in my faith, that we must hold these blessings of children in an open hand and let God have them back in His perfect timing. I live in Sapporo, Japan with my husband Keisuke. Our first born son is 2 days older than Little Hannah. And we just had our 2nd son almost 2 weeks ago now. I ached for you at the thought of having to say goodbye to your little one, but then God reminded me it wasn’t goodbye but see you later, as we have the hope of Heaven! Thank you for your testimony of faith for God’s glory. I noticed you are living in the apartment at Tenwek that we did for a few terms. The blue (not so stylish old couch) is ours from a long time ago! We were homeschooled and sat many hours on that couch as our mom read to us from history books and devotion books. My sweet mother died of cancer 3 years ago and went home to meet her Savior. I am sure she is rejoicing with Hannah at the feet of our Savior together! I am kind of rambling, but your family has been a blessing to me this past week even though you don’t even know me! I am praying for you and will continue to follow your stories. May God bless you and continue to fill you with His peace that passes all understanding as you trust in His faithful Hands. Romans 15:13, “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
We are so blessed to be able to have hope even when things can be so painful and seemingly dark, yet there is light because we have the Light of the world in our hearts. Praise be to our Savior Jesus Christ!
Susie Gordon
Mar, 19, 2013I can tell that this is my sister posting as I completely echo her thoughts and memories that she shared with you. I have been praying for you all daily for the last week and will continue to do so for a very long time. Know that though you will often feel alone in your suffering, you never are truly alone as God knows exactly what you are experiencing and He loves Hannah more than anyone ever could. We love you, brother and sister in Christ. We pray that your time back home will be special.
Bonnie Ablamsky Fontaine
Mar, 18, 2013To Your Family Aaron, You & Your Kenya Family & U.S. Family,
I have not walked in your shoes, though I have lost 5 children to miscarriage and tubal pregnancy, I know the pain of loss, but not the loss you have suffered. Yet, I am thankful with you, for the time you had with your Sweet Hannah! Know my heart is heavy with you, and Psalm 91 comforts my heart when I think of you all! He is your refuge, through this time of trial, He will keep you safe Under His Wings! Your Strength is growing through your love for Him and Your message of Hope in Jesus is resounding so loudly around the world for His Glory! No, it is not easy, it is the hardest thing in the world for you and your family, but His Strength is being perfected in you because of the Love you are not only sharing about Jesus, but they see in your for Jesus in all you do for them and the love you still express for Jesus in what you have endured, and in every act of love you have shown for the people you are caring for. Now they bathe you in the love you are needing, they are looking to you and what they see is Your Trust in Jesus, Your Love for Jesus, Your Total Belief in KNOWING you will be with Your Hannah again and that she is now with Jesus, whole & well, and they too can have the same Love & Hope You & Your Family Have…….Jesus Loves them the same way He Loves You. As I heard one time a long time ago, You may be the only Bible someone will ever read, what will they read when they read you? You are a clanging cymbal of God’s Love for Them! God Bless You Aaron for the testimony you are sharing with us all. I send you my Love in Christ! I am praying for you all Aaron! No, we do not know one another, I know one of your classmates from the U.S. Scott Hamilton. I am glad to say I am your older sister in Christ! I will be praying for safe traveling mercies as you come home, and I will continue to pray for you all for the rest of my life. May God use you in a Mighty Way for His Honor & Glory, and May His Peace that far surpasses our human understanding be yours today & everyday. May His Hands guide yours as you minister to those who need your help in Tenwek Hospital upon your return. I give your whole family into the Tender Care of Our Jesus!!
Trusting Him Always!
Bonnie Ablamsky Fontaine
Grace Applebee - Taunton, England
Mar, 18, 2013As I shared with my congregation last evening the news we all hoped would not happen, we again prayed for you, as you return to the States. Praying expecially for you as you plan to return, that you will know His presence so vibrantly, that there will be no doubts, and no regrets that you have to leave extended family once again. May you know His comfort, His love and His arms around you all.
Rev. Reuben Langat
Mar, 18, 2013Dear Kelley Family,
May the grace and comfort of God be with you during this time of grief, may you feel His presence with you as He comforts you all. Yesterday in our Multicultural Service, we prayed for you, in fact former WGM missionary to Kenya Joy McPherson led in prayer to God to help you. We will continue to lift you up in our prayers in the coming days.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Mar, 18, 2013Our hearts go out to you.
You’re in our prayers.
‘In Christ Alone’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjR_A2pGPrY
Sarah
Mar, 18, 2013Aaron,
My heart has been so heavy for you all. I have literally cried daily for you. I have been praying throughout every day that God will grant you peace. I have never felt so connected to someone that I don’t know, but I feel your heart’s heaviness in my own. Your experience with Hannah and your faith have already impacted me in an amazing way. My faith has been renewed. God is more real to me now than He has ever been…. All I can say is that God has laid you on my heart and is using you to change me. I will pray for safety on your journey home. Know that someone in Michigan is praying daily for you and for your family.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Mar, 18, 2013From Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Jody Allen
Mar, 18, 2013I pray for your entire family and a safe journey back here to pa. My heart breaks for you, but I want you to know what an inspiration your entire family has been to me, your strength and spiritual bond is amazing and is slowly recharging my own strength to regain faith that whatever is in gods hands is meant to be, whether we understand it or have loss from it. Bless you all
Sue
Mar, 18, 2013http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8JsRxVczmQ&feature=youtu.be
Just something I felt would minister to your heart. It seems that music is one of the many ways God is comforting you during this time. Praying for you & your family.
PAULETTE IN PORT ROYAL
Mar, 18, 2013GOD CREATED THE WORLD TO BE PERFECT WITHOUT SORROW, ILLNESS, DEATH; BUT AS WE ARE ALL AWARE OF, SATAN RUINED GOD’S PLAN BUT WILL NEVER WIN THE BATTLE FOR SOULS WHO LOVE CHRIST & BELIEVE IN HIM FOR OUR SALVATION FROM THE EVIL ONE. I GIVE THANKS FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY WHO EXEMPLIFY THIS TRUTH. HANNAH NOT ONLY LEFT HER IMPRINT ON YOUR HEARTS, BUT ALSO ON OURS. SHE HAS NOT ONLY SHOWN YOU A PART OF YOUR HEART YOU DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED, BUT HER SHORT EARTHLY LIFE HAS DONE THAT FOR ALOT OF US, ALSO.
Brian
Mar, 18, 2013Aaron and family, as you seen I am sure there has been a vast outpouring of concern, heartbreak, tears, and most of all prayers for you all. Your words have been an encouragement to those back home here in the states and I am sure as well there in Kenya. There are times when things happen in live that we cannot explain or have no reason why things happen. Despite your awesome work in Kenya, we can’t wait to see you back home. May God continue to bless you and your work. We pray for a safe return for you and your family both back to the states and also in your return to Kenya to complete your work there.
Diane Savidge
Mar, 18, 2013I have never met you or your family and yet I have felt so connected to you over the past days as I have followed you through this loss of love and life. I have prayed for all of you and have had my faith renewed through your posts. Our God IS an awesome God and He has His arms wrapped around each of you. None of us know His reason for wanting Hannah back with Him but there is comfort in knowing that she will be forever in His loving, caring arms. Perhaps He just needed one more little angel. My prayers continue to go out for you and your family and I thank you for the renewed strength you have given to my faith in Jesus Christ our Savior. Bless you all.
Melissa
Mar, 18, 2013I don’t know your precious family, but I’ve been following your blog since a friend posted a request to lift Hannah up in prayer. From the first encounter– your words, the pictures, and your heart’s love for God has crept into my thoughts and not let go. Each day I’d check for updates and intercede for your family, feeling a strange, deep connection even though we are strangers. In ways I cannot understand, God is speaking through your story– whispering his fierce love for me, and calling me to go “deeper” with Him and not be afraid. He is challenging me to hold loosely to the things I value most in this world. He is showing me how to align my heart to His.
So thank you… for being transparent and real. And allowing us to participate in your story and your pain– but mostly in your HOPE.
Please know that I will continue to pray for your sweet family.
Elaine
Mar, 18, 2013Praying for you, weeping for you. This verse comes to mind…Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” May our Lord surround you with His comfort and peace…
Corinne
Mar, 18, 2013Aaron,
Please keep sharing these amazing feelings & thoughts. I know it’s hard for you, but you have given me so much inspiration. I feel as though I am sharing Hannah’s loss with you, and I grieve for her & your family so much more because of your posts. But I have also realized how important faith is, your faith has made a huge difference in my life. Much more than I can explain here.
And I also see that there may be a greater cause served because of Hannah’s short life. When you shared the post about the Kenyans’ response to death, it came to me. Everything happens for a reason & Hannah has a higher calling and her short life may make a global difference. She is an angel now, her soul will continue to shed light on difficult situations.
Safe travels to the US, we’re blessed to have your family back in PA among us. We are here for you if you need us. Just as your Tenwek family has helped you, we will too.
Many prayers coming your way,
Corinne
Jack and Mary Alice Hasty
Mar, 18, 2013We are the parents of Sonya H. Jones (wife of Dr. Aaron Jones serving in Kapsowar, Kenya ). Your families loss has touched us in a way we could never have imagined. Your strength and courage through your faithfulness in God is expressed at a level in which most of us cannot imagine in this day and time. We thank you for that and for sharing not only your strength for others to see, but also your weaknesses. We know that God will continue to bless your family and many ,many others around the world, for the faithfulness you are sharing. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely, Jack and Mary Alice Hasty
Heather Wiersma
Mar, 18, 2013I am a friend of Erin Mitchell’s and she shared your story with me……Your family has been in my prayers since I first learned of your baby girl’s illness. I will continue to pray for strength for you all.
Cindy Peel
Mar, 18, 2013Praying for safe travel for all of you. Thank you for sharing your journey and your faith with all of us.
Francine Ambrosino
Mar, 18, 2013Good Afternoon. (This is Courtney Vose’s sister again). I have been so touched by your family, as have my close friends, who follow your blog daily. I will continue to support, pray, and follow your good work. I have actually cried (hard) for the loss of your daughter Hannah, and for you & your family. Some may think that is “odd” as I never met you or your beautiful wife, but you and your family have the innate ability to truly “touch people’s hearts & souls”. You have certainly touched my life in ways that I am certain that you are not even aware. Your daughter has touched my very soul. If there is anything that I can do to assist you and your family, please call upon me & my family. I love the t-shirts in Hannah’s memory, which will serve both as a daily reminder of God’s good grace, love, and refuge for your precious daughter & as a way for you to continue your Missionary work, which I beleive is God’s calling for you & your family. I have never been more certain that Hannah is holding His hand now, shining down on your family with constant & abounding love. Thank you for sharing your most painful days with the rest of us. You are showing the rest of us what true grace looks like. I am in awe of God’s work, through & with you. I truly believe that Hannah is at peace in the most beautiful Heaven. God Bless you on your journey back to Pennsylvania. God Speed. Francine Ann Ambrosino
Susan
Mar, 19, 2013I don’t know you but feel I do as I have been following your story through friends from Salem on Facebook…and praying along the way. Through your loss of your precious daughter…you have been an encouragement to so many…that this is not our home, and we are passing through. Praise the Lord that you will be able to hold your little girl in heaven. It is so awesome that you are going to return to your mission in Africa and continue helping those people…God’s sons and daughters in a different land. Thanks for sharing this with everyone…to those who don’t even know you. As a mom of 4 (with one little girl in the midst of three boys), I don’t know how you have the strength to even write…but I am thankful that you have. In His Grip! Susan
Lindsey
Mar, 19, 2013I found your story truly touching and so i felt compelled to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. We will keep your family in our prayers as you mourn the loss of Hannah, as you return to Pennsylvania and as you continue your travels doing the Lord’s work. May God Bless you all!
With Sympathy,
Lindsey Smith
Jennifer Snell
Mar, 19, 2013Your family has been on my mind and heart since I first read of Hannah’s illness. I have read and wept for this little girl I’ve never met and the family who loved her.
I continue to pray for the Lord to strengthen you and give you a peace that passes understanding. My family has been living as missionaries just since September and have experienced three close deaths and now my father just had a tumour removed from his spine -and all of that pales in comparison to the heartbreak I’m sure you are enduring. Your words speak truth, we cannot fully understand the reasons for His will, but we understand that His will is perfect. I will be sharing your blog on my blog and my Facebook…that God would be glorified through your beautiful princesses life. As they say here in Brazil, sinto muito…Jen in Brazil
Linda Marie Lovison
Mar, 19, 2013I am so very sorry for your loss. You will see your beloved daughter again. My daughter Jessica is with Him, too. We will see our loved ones in heaven. Your daughter is very beautiful and lovely. May God comfort and love you and show you she is where there are no tears, no sickness, no sadness, no night – only joy and unending love, light and peace.
Kathleen White
Mar, 19, 2013This song seems so fitting to your circumstances. I’ve been praying for you and think that God may want you to hear this song if you don’t already know it. The line “Grace abounds in deepest waters” struck me again as I read your post today with Isaiah 43:2. It’s a Hillsong – title is “Oceans (where feet may fail)” – especially moving sung by this children’s chorus. Dear Aaron & Stephanie – may the God of all comfort continue to meet your deepest needs.
http://www.godvine.com/Inner-City-Children-s-Choir-Sing-a-Moving-Christian-Song-2970.html?fb_action_ids=576264705725144&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582
Randy and Nancy Connett
Mar, 19, 2013Dear Aaron and Steph:
We learned of Hannah’s going to be with Jesus just today and we are stunned and saddened and our hearts go out to you, all.
We were part of the EMI team who were at Tenwek in February doing the master planning work. Aaron you gave Randy much needed antibiotics for his terrible cold and cough and this allowed him to finish the project strong. We met you at the Valentines potluck at the Guest House and visited there, playing with the little boys and meeting precious Hannah. She had lots of mosquito bites and was shy in her Daddy’s arms.
We have a little granddaughter 17 months old and can barely imagine the incredible pain you are bearing right now. We were both impressed with you when we met in February, with you dedication, your deep love and solidarity as a couple and your beautiful interactions with your family. We are even more impressed today after reading your blogs. Your unwaivering faith in our God and His soverignty in all circumstances is such an encouragement to us in our walk with Jesus. Thanks you and know that we are praying for God’s comfort strength and peace for you and your boys as you go forward from today.
With love and prayers from Colorado
Kathryn Crosby Sackett
Mar, 19, 2013From Upstate NY, a little town called Erin~
My husband Brian and I are praying for you and your family.
(I learned of you all via a small FB prayer group to which I belong. We do not know each other; it is indeed a small world as I went to college with Dr. Russ & Beth White. I had no idea you were at Tenwek until I clicked the link for more info. It makes me feel like I know you just a little.)
We cannot thank you enough for all the sacrifices you have made, anticipated and so dearly not, and the ones in the future you will make for service to His Kingdom. Praying for you!
Jane Langat
Mar, 19, 2013The Kelley’s family,
I have followed your story and have been praying that God gives you comfort that surpasses all understanding. You followed God’s call to go to Africa. God knew what was ahead of you and your dear Ruth. I cannot imagine how painful this is to lose a little girl in a foreign land. But in all this, God understands how you are feeling. Your faith during this time is a blessing to those of us that are reading your blog and praying for your family. May God give you peace and be with you in this very trying time.
Dorothy Bowen
Mar, 19, 2013We are praying for you. How good it is to read of the victory the Lord is giving you in this time of great loss. We are also thankful that you will return to Tenwek to continue your service there. Tenwek was our home for 8 years and we can relate to the kind of support that you are receiving from missionaries and Kenyans. May you continue to know the comfort and peace from the Lord.
Heather Gregg
Mar, 19, 2013Aaron and Steph,
I became aware of your story just over a week ago when a coworker posted a link to your blog on FB. This coworker if mine is a nurse who used to work with you. The link caught my eye because I spent some time at Tenwek a little more than 10 years ago, just after I graduated from nursing school. What a special place Tenwek and Kenya in general holds in my heart. Time praying with chaplains and patients throughout the hospital were very special. It seems from your blog that Tenwek has advanced technologically since the time I was there. No CT scanner when I was there.
Now I am a mother of small children and a nurse in a Neuro ICU and as I read your account of Hannah’s illness, I could relate on so many levels. I wept and prayed for God to heal and minister to you all. I passed on your story to the couple with whom I traveled to Kenya. They return every summer with aargh team of Intervarsity students and know many at Tenwek. And so news of Hannah’s illness travelled through. Large network of people, all who continue to l
Heather Gregg
Mar, 19, 2013Sorry…
Continue to lift you up in prayer.
The same day Hannah went to be with Jesus, another good friend lost his son following a severe head injury and pneumonia. He was a college student. Maybe Wes is with Hannah as they praise their savior.
I pray that you will be comforted profoundly by the knowledge that Hannah is with Jesus. His ways are not our ways. And His thoughts are not ours, but they are better.
Know that many lift you up in prayer.
Sending love from Pa,
Heather.
Daniel and Cindy (Steury) Tolan
Mar, 19, 2013Aaron, Stephanie and family,
We are praying for you often today as you make the long, tiring journey back home. We’ve made this journey with kids so many times and know it is exhausting, but never have we travelled with hearts as heavy as yours. We pray God will help everything to go smoothly, that all flights will be on time, that your luggage will stay with you and that the boys will travel well. Your lives have been a blessing to so many, and have touched numerous hearts around the world. Thank you for your faithfulness even in sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you in the days and weeks ahead. May the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…”( 2 Cor. 1:3b-4a) continue to be faithful to you and your family.
Lauren
Mar, 19, 2013I just learned about your story from an LVHN friend. My heart goes out to you, but I feel truly blessed to read about the strength you find from God. I will pray for you and your family. thank you for sharing your story.
Katie
Mar, 19, 2013Praying for your sweet family as you navigate these dark days together. I am encouraged that you have been able to see the bright spots… the sun shining, the cool breeze, the laughter of the children. I am encouraged that you are knowing God’s presence with you while the waves are crashing over you. I will keep on praying for you all…
Lisa
Mar, 19, 2013My heart breaks for your family. Your strength and courage in the midst of this trial are such an amazing testimony to our great God. I pray that you will continue to find peace in His strength and because of the hope He brings. He knows the plans He has for us and although I don’t always understand, I am thankful that I can rest on the promise that He will give hope and a future. I trust that being surrounded by loved ones and the sweet memories of Hannah will get you through these difficult days. Praying for you!
Melanie Harrison
Mar, 19, 2013I do not know you personally, but have come to know you through your postings on your blog. I marvel at how God is holding you so closely and helping you make each step you make.
I lost my husband suddenly, shockingly, without any warning 3 years and two months ago. My children were 19 and 28. I live in a town where I have no family and yet have many friends.
I cannot imagine your pain, as I know what I endured and had to always stay strong for my children and my dying mother-in-law. It was so hard, but what you are going through must be so very much more difficult.
Some moments you just ask God to help you breathe in and breathe out and take one step at a time, I know, for I have so often had to do that. I will be praying for strength and love and support to continue for you and your family. My heart and my prayers are with you. I feel your pain and have some true idea of what you are suffering through. But your words, your courage, your endurance are amazing and possible only through our Lord Jesus Christ. And you have no idea how many hundreds, thousands of people your faith is now touching.
May God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand. May you endure this unimaginable sorrow and find the reason you must go through this heartbreak.
Melanie M. Harrison
Brewton, AL
Serem
Mar, 19, 2013Go well Kelley’s we will miss you but we will pray for you. Trusting God to see you again (trouble!).
Erin Reed
Mar, 20, 2013Your family has been in my nonstop prayers since March 11. I will now add all of the other patients to my list as well like you asked. The Lord is truly doing a great work in you for you to be able to ask this of us. My father mentioned that all those who have heard or been affected by Hannah’s story are now beneficiaries of it. I take that very seriously. The night she passed (Singapore time for me), I rocked my little girl before bed and told her all about Jesus’ death on the cross and why he died for our sins. She listened intently. Would I have done this otherwise? Yes of course, but maybe not so soon as she is still little. She and I had been praying daily together for Hannah. I want to live a better life because of your Hannah and be a better mother and raise my children in the ways of the Lord thanks to your example of faith, hope and trust in our Savior. We grieve with you Aaron and Stephanie (and your boys and extended family and friends). Our hearts ache for you but we praise God Hannah is healed and dancing in the arms of Jesus….what a gift to know. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us all over the world.
Bonnie and Gene Miller
Mar, 20, 201321 But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
Our prayer for you is that you will see and hang onto God’s mercies each and every day. You are blessing so many as you share your journey.
Katrina slingland
Mar, 22, 2013I don’t even know what to say. I read your story and began to cry
I can’t believe god would take such a beautiful
Angel so early. Way to early. You are such a strong
Woman and family and u are goin to be okay. I can’t
Begin to imagine what your going through but
I’m goin to pray every single day for your beautif
Family. Please stay strong. Words can not heal
Anything right now. Please just hold on <3
Erica
Mar, 22, 2013When i heard about hannah today my heart just crumbled. As i drove home from work I kept asking how can this happen to people so committed to doing good, and helping others?? and realized that god only gives us as much as we can handle. Altough that might be a easy answer.. it wasnt…then i reflected on the things you two had said..got on the computer.. read your blogs… and was just amazed, and in Awe… Your strength, Love, Faith, (and most of all).. Purpose was so exstrodinary..Your ability to find Peace, in a usually debilitating time, is inspirational!!!! I have never met such heart warming people! And although Hannah might not have had a long life here on Earth… She spent every moment Here with the most amazing parents (siblings) God could give her!
Much love your way!!!!
Picoty Leitich
Mar, 22, 2013The Kelleys,
Every morning I wake up, I always stop by your face book page to check on what is new on your blog. I was born in Tenwek and went to school in Tenwek not far from your apartment and worked in Tenwek for a year. I am glad that the people there have been supportive during your hard times. Your faith is amazing. You always look for a blessing during painful times. Your faith in God will keep you going. His grace is sufficient, He will bless you and give you strength and peace. May you continue to abide in HIM as you said in your next blog, the double rainbow shows how God will continue his Covenant and as you put it, like Noah’s tragedy He will not destroy you with another tragedy, no more floods. We continue to pray for you as I know your next two days will even be harder. I am glad you traveled safely and got home safely.
Poleni sana.
Susan
Mar, 25, 2013Dear Friends –
We are praying for your whole family in these difficult days and know God has been and will continue to carry you. Because so many of your Christian brothers and sisters are with you in our hearts I wonder if you might consider putting the memorial service online so we all can “be there”? I tried to ask the church but hit a brick wall. I didn’t want to disturb you but I got nowhere with the church. Regardless, know your family in the Lord is lifting you up.
Sincerely,
Susan Gosnell
Aaron Kelley
Mar, 25, 2013The service from Salem is going to be made available online. I’ll post when it is ready.