I am not a writer. I am not a book/story writer. I am certainly not one to come up with an idea for a story and write it down, let alone put it out there for everyone to read.
What you are about to read is further proof that God has a sense of humor. As I’ve mentioned before, my comfort bubble has been shattered and continues to burst every time I write down thoughts/feelings and hit the “publish” button. One night a couple months ago when I was on call, I was having trouble sleeping and an idea for a story popped into my head. I awoke in the morning and couldn’t forget the idea. I tried to ignore it for the next week or so. I failed. New ideas for the story came into my mind. I felt very strongly that this was something I had to do, that God wanted me to do. As the story came together, I asked Noah to illustrate it for me. He loves to color and knowing that this was a story “kind of like sissy’s” made him even more excited. So that’s the background of what you are about to read.
This story is dedicated to Hannah and to everyone who’s life has been touched by her brief time on earth.
John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Visit with the King
Once upon a time, there was a far away land called Tumaini. It was a beautiful country with rolling hills and perfect blue skies. Animals would happily graze across the countryside, birds would sing the most wonderful songs, and children could be seen laughing and playing throughout the entire land.
Tumaini was a special place, for long ago the King himself had designed and built it. He ensured that all of the needs of their people would be met there. The land was fertile and many different types of food could be grown. A beautiful waterfall flowed into a small lake where water could be drawn, fish could be caught, and fun of all kinds could be had. The King loved His people and desired only the very best for them.
After He had completed His work in Tumaini, the King returned to Mbinguni, His palace, which was located on the farthest part of the land. His palace was a place of wonder to all of His people. While they all knew of the Kingdom and it’s surrounding lands, no one from Tumaini had ever been able to visit. Only the King’s faithful subjects who received a special invitation were allowed into Mbinguni.
When the King had been with His people He had told them about His Kingdom. “It is even more wonderful than anything you have ever seen in Tumaini,” He explained. “But for now, I must return to Mbinguni so that I can make a perfect home for each one of you. When I finish each person’s home, I will send my special messengers back here. They will have an invitation for you to join me in my Kingdom were you can live forever and ever. Each invitation will bear my royal seal and is only for the one invited.”
Over the years, many in Tumaini began forget about what the King had told them. They forgot about the work He had done in Tumaini. They forgot about the love He had for all of His people. They even forgot about His promise to create a perfect home for everyone who remained under His rule. Although the people continued to enjoy living in Tumaini, many stopped following the rules that the King had established in order to protect them. But not everyone forgot and not everyone stopped following the ways of the King.
One such family was the Ahadis. In this family, there was a father, a mother, three young boys and a baby girl. This family loved the King and they did their best to remember His promises. On many nights, father and mother would tell their children about the love the King had for them and all the people of the land. They told the children of His promises and about the special messengers who would take His followers to their perfect homes.
On one such evening, as the family sat by the fire talking about the King and Mbinguni, they heard hoof beats pass by the small home. The boys ran to the window to see a brilliant white carriage being pulled by the two most beautiful stallions they had ever seen.
“Are those the messengers that the King talked about mama?” asked the eldest boy.
“Yes dear. They are delivering one of the King’s special invitations to someone. Their house must be completed. They get to go to their new home.”
“But if he gets to go to his perfect home then why is his family so sad?”
Father responded, “Because once you go to visit with the King, you never come back to Tumaini. His family is happy that he gets to go to his new home, but they are sad because they won’t see him again until the King sends them their own invitations.”
“Well, when will he go?” the boy inquired.
“It’s different for everyone,” father answered. “Sometimes they must leave immediately. Sometimes they are able to say goodbye to their friends and family first. But when they receive the invitation, the messengers will wait for them and make sure that their journey to Mbinguni is safe.”
And as the boys looked back out the window, they saw the carriage pulling away and heading towards the King’s Palace.
Over the following weeks and months the young boys often wondered about the carriage and the King and His messengers. They would often ask mother and father about what they thought Mbinguni could be like and what they would do there.
“I bet there will be big fields to run in and cool trees to climb,” said one boy.
“I hope I can color and draw pictures,” said another.
Mother replied, “You know, I bet that you both are right. And I’m sure there are many other wonderful things there that we can’t even begin to imagine.”
Days and weeks passed by and the Ahadis continued to grow in their love and appreciation for the King and His provision. Father continued to work in the fields and tend to the family’s flocks and gardens with his sons. Mother enjoyed making delicious meals with the food their gardens provided. Sissy (the nickname lovingly given to the baby girl) loved playing with her brothers, dancing with father and having tea parties with mother.
One day as father was working out in the field he saw the King’s carriage approaching the village. As he continued to work he noticed that it had turned down the lane to their farm. He ran as quickly as he could and arrived at the front door just as mother received an envelope from two tall men wearing perfectly white uniforms trimmed with gold buttons. Father took the envelope and broke the official seal of the King. When He read the invitation, his heart broke as he saw that his little princess’s home was prepared and she had been invited to return home.
The notice from the King indicated that she would only have time for short goodbyes. Immediately father ran into town to purchase a beautiful pink dress for his princess. Sissy’s brothers chose matching shoes and jewelry. And mother pulled her hair up in a perfect ribbon. Little sissy would look perfect when she met the King. Just as they finished getting her dressed and saying goodbye, trumpets announced the departure of the carriage. The Ahadis hugged and kissed sissy and tearfully waved goodbye as they watched the carriage ride off into the sunset. Although they were heartbroken, they were so excited about the adventure she was about to have.
Life was never quite the same after sissy left for the King’s palace. While father continued to teach his son’s the ways of the world, he missed dancing with his princess. Mother continued to teach and care for her boys, but she missed being able to play dress up with her little girl. The boys continued to love life in Tumaini, but they dearly missed being able to make sissy giggle and laugh with their silly games. Life continued as they waited for their own invitations, knowing that each day that passed brought them closer to a reunion with both their King and their little princess.
Several months later as father and the boys were harvesting in the garden they saw a carriage approaching. While the stallions looked the same, the carriage appeared much different. It was not the brilliant white of the one that had taken sissy home, but is still carried the King’s insignia on the flags and the messengers who exited wore the same brilliant white uniforms. The entire family rushed to meet the carriage with racing hearts, not knowing what could be happening.
Upon reaching the carriage, one of the King’s messengers stepped out and handed father a letter. The envelope looked similar to the one they had received before but instead of it being sealed with the King’s royal insignia, it instead was sealed with a fingerprint…a tiny fingerprint.
When father opened the letter and began to read, his heart almost exploded with joy for this is what he read. “Dear mommy and daddy and brothers. This kingdom is so wonderful. I get to wear the most beautiful dresses and have tea parties with all of my friends and even with the King Himself. He has given me my own princess castle and He has even given me my very own crown to wear. It is so pretty here. I can’t wait to show you everything. The King is anxious to see you too and He wants you to know how much He loves you. I love you very, very much and I will see you soon. Love, your little princess.”
From that day on, every time the King’s carriage would pass through, the family would anxiously await to see if their invitation was arriving. And sometimes, on the sunniest of days, when the wind was blowing just right, the family could hear the most beautiful music coming from Mbinguni. They could almost picture their little princess wearing her crown and a beautiful gown, dancing with the King. And on one such day, they saw the most amazing and colorful double rainbow stretching out from the pinkest of skies above the palace. They knew that their princess was home with her King where she belonged. Ever since that day, any time the Ahadis saw a rainbow or a pink sky it reminded them of their little princess. And even more importantly, they were reminded that the King loved them so much that He was making each one of them their own perfect home…a forever home, where they could be with Him and their princess for all eternity.
The town names and the name of the family were intentionally chosen from Swahili terms.
Ahadi means a promise or a covenant.
God had made promises to us before we left for Kenya. Hannah’s death did not negate those promises…rather I believe it was part of His plan for us. After the memorial service at Tenwek, we saw a double rainbow. It was like He was whispering to our hearts, “I always keep my promises and sometimes I double my blessings for those who remain faithful”. I don’t think we will ever completely realize the fulfillment of His promises on this side of Heaven. But there will come a day when the unseen will become seen and we will know the great works He has accomplished through our joyous sorrow.
Hebrews 9:15 “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”
Tumaini means hope.
Throughout our preparations for Kenya, we were hopeful for many things. For safe travel, for making good friends, for opportunities to grow in our faith, and for opportunities to serve. We remained hopeful even as Hannah became increasingly ill. In the darkest hours of her illness as I was trying to breath life back into her body, I was hopeful that God would work a miracle in her life. Soon after, my hope shifted to the promises He had made to us earlier and to the promises He makes throughout the scriptures. We were and remain hopeful that Hannah is in a place too amazing to explain in mere words, songs, or pictures. Our hope is not a fanciful wish but rather a steadfast knowledge of the truth we know.
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.”
Mbinguni is Swahili for Heaven.
I struggled a bit with what to name the kingdom. We are given so many descriptions of the paradise that awaits followers of Jesus (see Matthew 13 for a few descriptions). In the end (with the help of one of my Kenyan friends), I decided to just go with the literal translation. Heaven is mentioned often after the death of a loved one but how often do we really study what it will really be like. It is not an imaginary location. It is not just a place where we sit on a cloud and strum a harp. Heaven is the place where all of our hearts desires are finally met. It is the only place where perfect happiness can be found. It is the place where the Lord has established His throne (Psalm 103:19). It is where the citizenship of His followers is truly found (Philippians 3:20). It is Hannah’s forever home. It will be my forever home. And it can be your forever home too. If you will only ask Him, the King will prepare a home especially for you.
Romans 3:21-26 “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”
- Changing Seasons - September 4, 2016
- Well Done Good And Faithful Servants - May 2, 2016
- Looking Back….Looking Ahead - March 14, 2016
41 Comments
Summer
Sep, 10, 2013I love your story, it reminds me that heaven is not too far and I will be there one day to enjoy all the greatest things the King prepared for all of us.
Matilda
Sep, 10, 2013I love the story and the pictures.
May Gods face shine through your lives as you continue to allow Him to be glorified in everything. God bless you all……I’ll be waiting for the storybook to hit the shelves !!!
John&Joanne Goodhart
Sep, 10, 2013Aaron, what a dear story! And Noah’s illustrations are so sweet (love the stairs!). The symbolism of the story’s names is wonderful, and apt. I trust that it has brought comfort to many, including to your own dear family.
Miriam Wert
Sep, 10, 2013Your story is truly amazing and inspiring. On a level that children can understand and yet on a level that adults can also appreciate because it came from your heart. I truly hope that it can be published.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Miriam
Cindy Johnson
Sep, 10, 2013Your story is like the Balm of Gilead. Your family is precious to Him. I sense he has some grand surprises for your family. Thanks for sharing. Blessings from Bethlehem,PA
Cindy Johnson
Sep, 10, 2013So excited we finally figured out how to donate by downloading form with your account number on it. We count it a privilege to donate seed to such fertile soil.
Aaron Kelley
Sep, 14, 2013Thank you for supporting our work here. We really appreciate it!
Becky
Sep, 10, 2013Thank you for your love of God, your service to Him, your work as medical missionaries, and your posts which show your love and dedication to God played out as you live every day. If you don’t think you are a writer , then God has written through you and touched my life and many others very deeply. I first saw a post about Hannah being ill and needing prayer on a Samaritans Purse email. My heart has been touched, but I hadn’t responded before. This book is so special! It will be so helpful in explaining to children what happens when someone dies. I teach preschoolers and kindergarteners in Sunday School and have taught for 46 years. I have not found a book that explains death and heaven as well as this does. It will be an incredible tool and outreach to use with families! Thank you for your obedience in writing this and sharing it. Please let us know when it is published. Every church will want this resource and every family with children will too. I know it will also touch adult lives as well. I have gone to church all my life and have not heard this explained in such an easy to understand way for children. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Nancy Termer
Sep, 10, 2013So beautiful, I can’t wait to have that Tea Party!!!
Thank you for sharing-honestly, this needs to be published and the pictures are Perfect…I can’t tell you the number of families with little one’s who would love this book for explaining our Eternal Home. As well as the pictures are right in their language already! I would encourage Samaritan’s Purse to use this story as a way of raising support for medical missions as well as allowing this story to continue on in a book format, so many families can read it over and over! I see it actually being used in Pediatric Centers – specifically Regional Cancer Centers!
Miriam Zimmerman
Sep, 10, 2013I read recently that every song of praise we sing on earth was authored in Heaven and given as a gift to its earthly writer. As I read your story, it came to me that this could be said about stories men write about our heavenly home and Lord. And each is given as a gift from God to the writer. What a blessing!
Monica
Sep, 10, 2013Amazing! Love it! WHEN this gets published, I will buy several copies! What a great story; a beautiful way to teach children about death and Heaven. Great job!!!
Cathie
Sep, 11, 2013You have to publish so simple and so to the point and such a teaching tool!!!
And the artwork is gorgeous!!! 🙂
Betty Hopkins
Sep, 11, 2013This is the most awesome treasure I have ever read. And the illustrations are so touching. I pray that you will have it published for the world to share. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us all!
Gretchen
Sep, 11, 2013One of the most beautiful stories on Heaven I’ve ever read…I think it was all the more moving because of what you & Steph & your boys have been through…wow!
Connie
Sep, 11, 2013A story well written and illustrated by Noah’s lovely pictures. God is truly speaking through you to others. Praise our God for HIs Glory shines! God will prepare a place for each of us….Ask Him and Believe in Him and you will receive peace, hope, joy, love and an eternal home with Sweet Hannah! Thanks so much for sharing. This story is absolutely amazing!! Miss you and love you all!
Barbara
Sep, 11, 2013You cannot let this story stop here. It needs to become a book. Only God knows how many lives it could affect; and it is “picture perfect.” Thank you to you and your son.
Nana Jana
Sep, 11, 2013Such a beautiful story, and I love the illustrations too! No matter how it is retold, there is beauty in your little daughter’s story, and despite such great sadness and loss, there is hope, always Hope, to share with others!
Your story made me think of this song:
This World Is Not My Home (Lyrics)
This world is not my home I’m just a-passin’ through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore
Oh Lord, You know I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
Just over in glory land we’ll live eternally
The saints on every hand are shouting victory
Their songs of sweetest praise drift back from heaven’s shore
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore
Oh Lord, You know I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore
Songwriters
Jr. Brumley
Ella Thoms
Sep, 11, 2013Your story is perfect. I loved it and will share it with my grandchildren. Don’t change anything about it. To God be The Glory!!
Tammy weigner
Sep, 11, 2013Aaron, that is beautiful and such a treasure for your boys. We love and miss you all.
Lynda Tucker
Sep, 11, 2013Aaron, what a wonderful way God has given you to share your story. PUBLISH IT:) and the art work was great. We love you all.
Ronda
Sep, 11, 2013What a wonderful story of hope and anticipation for our forever home. Thank you so much for sharing…
Missy
Sep, 11, 2013Thank you for sharing your story. We just lost a coworker to Cancer tonight and I have prayed with your prayer card everyday! She had just found out yesterday she had cancer and now she is gone!
Aaron Kelley
Sep, 14, 2013I’m so sorry to hear about your coworker. I pray for healing and comfort for all of her family and friends. Thank you for your prayers!
Katherine Suliveras
Sep, 11, 2013This is an amazing story and perfect for children to comprehend life in heaven. I can’t imagine your heartache and I love the way you turned a tragic event into a positive and delightful story. The boys drawings are the icing on the cake and you should be SO VERY proud, I am. God bless you. Much love from Lancaster, PA
The Suliveras Family
Diana
Sep, 11, 2013Absolutely moving!
June
Sep, 11, 2013I’ve always loved to speak … teach … act … lay preach … lead Christian groups — ANYTHING that calls for speech, but writing? I’ve never felt competent. So, I avoided it … until God set the stage (needed to be home as a caregiver) and handed me the tools (a computer). Then, the ideas would surface … mainly memories from my life with a corresponding Christian truth … so, I began to type. I’ve been sending out those little devotionals for over ten years now! Because of my experience, I can well identify with God’s hand in your writing — especially this wonderful story! I pray it will be published — complete with Noah’s delightful illustrations!
Tammy Hart
Sep, 11, 2013What an absolutely beautiful gift God has placed on your heart to write. It is so beautiful. The illustrations are perfect 🙂 Tears of joy are flowing down my face as I read the wonderful words of God’s promise to us all. I truly hope you will publish this so it can be share with children and adults everywhere who also need this gift of healing. Praise be to God!!!!
Deb Leonard
Sep, 11, 2013God has chosen you to put this story on paper; and what a beautiful story it is, not one just anyone would be chosen to write. You probably don’t have time to pursue getting this published but I hope and pray this will be published one day. The art work is great.
I have been following your blog for a while and praying for your family. I know God is in the middle of all you are experiencing, the good and the traumatic. I will continue to lift you up and pray for continued grace and mercy as you work to further His kingdom.
I love Africa and it’s people. Have been to Kenya a couple of times and have seen the hospital where you serve.
God bless you, In Him Deb L.
doug sayers
Sep, 12, 2013Looking for that Blessed [Tumaini] and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ…. (Titus 2)
I reckon that the sufferings of this present world are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us….
Jen Snell
Sep, 12, 2013Aaron,
This is a great story-for my kids who are about to lose their beloved Papa, this is a great story….I will read it to them and let you know the feedback…
God definitely has a sense of humour. 15 years ago when I was volunteering in Africa for a primate sanctuary I couldn’t stand missionaries….and now that’s exactly what I am doing 🙂
Never say never and keep obeying His voice, he won’t let you down
Blessings to you guys
Jen
Aaron Kelley
Sep, 14, 2013I’m sorry to hear about the near home going of your kid’s Papa. I hope that the story helps them to understand and process everything. Africa sends it’s greetings!
Jen Snell
Sep, 12, 2013P.S. say good morning to Africa for me? It wiggled it’s way under my skin many years ago and I haven’t been the same since….
Sheri Parker
Sep, 12, 2013Aaron, thank you for explaining going to heaven in such a tender way! As a former elementary school teacher may I encourage you to definitely PUBLISH this? We need more books for children (and grown ups) to tell the story of the invitation and heaven! This was an anointed gift to share with the world. Blessings to you, Steph, and your sons.
Lyn
Sep, 12, 2013I absolutely LOVED both your story and Noah’s perfect illustrations! Tears coursed down my cheeks, making the reading difficult at times, but I was driven to finish every word – and was SO glad I did! Thank you for sharing your sweet and comforting story. As a fellow believer I had no difficulty “following” its meaning, and I pray that your work and witness in Kenya will illustrate to many who live in darkness there will see your light and be blessed when they hear you tell of its Source. Thank you for being a blessing to the nations around you!
Elijah kipkoech Terer
Mar, 2, 2014What an inspiring story, it will inspire and touch many souls,may the Lord God bless you to overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit
Aunt Barb
Mar, 15, 2014Aaron, Your Dad would be so proud of you and Steph!! Your story brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. I am sure that there will be a publisher who will help you bring this to print. I am thankful that Samaritain Purse included it in their story about Hannah since I missed it in September. Remember ” Miracles are like pimples, because once you start looking for them you find more than you ever dreamed you’d see” Lemony Snicket in A Series fo Unfortunate Events
Love you all…….
Deirdre
Mar, 15, 2014Your family’s story is beautifully told. I too lost my own princess last November while we were teaching at a Christian School in South Korea. Sparkly-eyed Claire was 21. We returned to S. Korea, being carried by Jesus. It is an overwhelming journey that is impossible to understand unless you’ve experienced child-loss. I too contemplate Heaven much more…holding fast the God’s Word, and looking at earthly life through an eternal lens now. God is our strength and we can trust in Him. May your ministry be fruitful way beyond your expectations by the grace and mercy of God. Thank you for sharing and being of encouragement. I am sure my loving, bubbly Claire is playing dress-up and having a tea party with your dear Hannah. Praise the name of Jesus. – Deirdre
laurie fisher
Mar, 17, 2014Dear Kelleys,
Thank you for sharing your hearts through this beautiful story – i just saw it as i’m rarely online and am touched again by your story about Hannah – you have a gift for writing and expression especially in dealing with grief and faith and hope. When i lost my little sister almost 14 years ago I struggled with the whys – you have a beautiful gift of helping others see your faith through your struggles, hurts, joys triumphs – keep up the good fight and know there are many in your corner – maybe Hannah and my sister are keeping company until we all get our invitation. God bless you in all you do and are. love the fishers
Carol Lovw
Mar, 25, 2014I was so touched by Hannah’s Story and the beautiful story you were inspired to write. I do hope it will be published. I’d be honored to purchase it and share it with many.
Jeff and Mackenzie Rollins
Jul, 7, 2014Aaron,
Thank you for this. My husband and I both just read this beautiful story and agreed what a gift it is to families like both of ours who have lost children and search for those words to soothe our children. Our story is similar in ways: http://www.livinghiscall.com/enclosed-by-the-night/
We have been sent your blog by several different people throughout the last months to encourage us. Thank you for the reminder that we are not alone in our pain nor our hope. We are encouraged. We will continue to pray for your family and share this beautiful story you have written with others as well. We are excited that our Zoe will be with your Hannah and others having tea parties and dancing.
Prayers and Hugs,
Jeff and Mackenzie Rollins
Aaron Kelley
Jul, 7, 2014Thank you for your kind words. I am so sorry that our common bond is that our little girls beat us to Heaven. Thank you for your blog and your commitment to Christ. We will continue to pray for you and your boys as well. We will also make a post on our Facebook page so that our supporters can be praying for you also. Please don’t ever hesitate to contact us…even if it is just to cry, mourn or complain. We are both good listeners. 🙂 God bless you as you continue your walk through the valley.
Serving Him together,
Aaron