So much has occurred since my last posting. We had many more tearful goodbyes at Tenwek. On Monday, all of the househelp came together to visit as a way to show their love and support for us. It was a bit overwhelming to suddenly have ~25 people in our home. They each individually extended their condolences after which they sang a beautiful hymn for us (in Swahili). They also provided us with an incredibly sacrificial gift…a bunch of bananas and money. Those of you who had been reading our blogs earlier may recall that the salary for these workers is quite low (though very reasonable in their economy). We were amazed at what they must have given up for us in order to make that gift possible. We are so blessed.
Our last hours at Tenwek were filled with more goodbyes and packing. Knowing that we would be returning to Tenwek did make the packing easier…as did Pennsylvania weather (we didn’t bring too many warm articles of clothing for our time in Kenya). We basically packed up some essentials and some small gifts for family. We were sent off by our missionary family with additional prayer and food for the road. And so began our trek back to the states.
The Kelley kids have always been pretty good travelers. It started for Noah back when he was only a few weeks old and we were commuting between my medical school and PA to visit my dad who was critically injured after a car accident. We had chosen Noah’s name years earlier because “we liked it”. The time we spent in the ICU waiting room, and later at the funeral, was exceedingly difficult but passing around my dad’s namesake (his middle name is Douglas) was like applying a soothing balm to an open wound. It was only later that we realize his name means “comfort”.
Our trip to Nairobi was fairly unremarkable (but I did see a zebra and we saw the horde of baboons). We were then blessed by a missionary family who allowed us wait at their home while we awaited our evening flight. The boys had a blast running around after being strapped down in the car for hours (the first time that was the case since we left the states). We enjoyed a meal of pizza and then left for the airport.
When we arrived at check-in, we became a little nervous about how the next day and a half were going to go. It took over an hour for them to figure out our tickets and when we checked our seats, we noticed that they had several uf us seating alone for some flights, and only Jacob and my mom even had boarding passes for the final leg. Added to this was the fact that due to certain laws, Hannah was being taken to Dulles while we were scheduled to fly through Detroit to Philly. We really wanted to stay with her and wouldn’t have the opportunity to change flights until we reached Amsterdam.
The flights themselves were fairly unremarkable (and saying we are thankful that we didn’t have a repeat diaper blowout from Levi just really doesn’t put things into context). It was difficult though as strangers engaged us in conversation about our kids and their good behavior. Hannah was always counted among the well-behaved as well and the ache of our empty arms made each conversation so painful. Despite the best efforts of the ticket agent in Amsterdam, we were unable to remain with Hannah so we continued on to Detroit. The boys were entertained with in-flight movies and meals with some interspersed sleep. And on arrival to Philly we were greeted by some amazing friends who have been helping to orchestrate and “giving circus” here in the states.
To say that we have received an outpouring of love since Hannah’s death doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the favor we have been shown. I stopped trying to count the number of loving messages we have received. We were offered the townhouse of a dear friend from residency (which was on the same street as our old town home where we stored the remainder of our clothes and other items that were not sold/donated). We were given a van to use while in the states. Our house was filled with furniture, cards, flowers, pink balloons, food, and some gifts for the boys. Our friends had even undone my tetris packing job at our old house to allow us to have some of our own items in the house. We are at a loss. To receive such an undeserved outpouring of love is so humbling. I doubt we will ever know who all to thank for the kindnesses we have received so, while it totally impersonal to do so on-line, THANK YOU!!
For those of you who also have been following on Facebook, you know about what we received after leaving Hannah’s memorial service. As we walked from the service to eat with some friends, we looked in the sky and saw a double rainbow. We were reminded of the promise that God had made to us that if we followed Him fully, that He would save His best for us. The true story of Noah and the flood (and the first 11 chapters of Genesis in general) is one of the sections of the Bible as it explains so much of what we see in today’s world. At the conclusion of the story, Noah gets off of the ark and he makes an altar to make a sacrifice to the Lord. God then made a covenant (a promise) to Noah that He would never again destroy the entire world by means of a flood. He sealed this promise with the visual sign of a rainbow. Later as Steph and I were discussing the promise we received, I mentioned to her that as big a promise as that was to Noah, he received an amazing reassurance of a rainbow. I don’t know what God has in store for myself or my family in the coming days, weeks, months, but we didn’t just get a rainbow…we got a double one.
The blessings we have received don’t take away the pain we feel and they are certainly no replacement for my little girl. If it were possible, I would give up everything I have to get her back. To have her crawl up and hug on my leg or to play our daddy/daughter games. But that’s not the promise I was given. It is difficult to conceive of a forever home…a place where we will live for eternity. A place too beautiful for us to even imagine. A home that the Creator of the universe made just especially for each one of us that would believe in Him. But that is the promise I hold on to. That is the hope that helps me move on.
Please continue to pray for Tenwek as they too grieve the loss of Hannah and other patients. Additionally, there are other family members of our fellow missionaries who are struggling with health/personal issues. For us, the next four days will be filled with several viewings, two memorial services and an opportunity to speak at our sending church on Sunday. While exhausting to even think about, these services will provide us a chance to tell our story or rather God’s story through us. Pray that we will be effective missionaries and effective witnesses to the amazing grace of God. Continue praying for the boys as they struggle to understand what has happened. They are grieving appropriately but it can be difficult to remain patient with them when they act out and everyone is so tired (I’ve been lying here wide awake since 3 am and at this point am not hopeful that sleep will come soon…thankful that internship and residency taught me how to deal with sleep deprivation). We remain weak and broken vessels. It has only been through a multitude of prayer that we have made it this far. Continue praying…continue running the race. The finish line is worth it all.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1–3
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21 Comments
Leiani
Mar, 22, 2013You guys are such an inspiration! Thank you for your vulnerability, and your story.
Diana
Mar, 22, 2013Beautifully written and lived. Rest. Jesus strength be with you, the Holy Spirit fill you and The Father bless you through these upcoming days.
AEE
Mar, 22, 2013Contending with HIM continually for you. Thank you for yielding and giving Him all the room He needs to move in each of you. Like a majestic city on a hill, you are shining brightly all for His glory. Praying His deep, sweet slumber will come to each of you quickly and that His abiding peace will fill every fiber of each of your beings as you put your hope in Him…the keeper of promises.
awall614
Mar, 22, 2013I read your post…I have faith in knowing that this journey will bring something none of us can imagine…it may have already started…I also noticed your thought about an eternal home….I have immense faith that it does truly exist…
My grandmother was in a horrible car accident back in the early 80’s….(LVH was up and coming as the trauma center)…she was suspended on a gear shift (one of those on the steering column)….once rescued and taken to LVH, she managed to pull through and do fabulously…The doctors told her they were sure she was going to die as a result of all this…..One year later she was diagnosed with stomach Cancer….while visiting her after she had had a second surgery she related something to me and to this day it has shaped my belief in everlasting life and the promise of God….
She told me that while suspended in her car she had an experience…..She entered a place that was beautiful, serene, the sky and land were vibrant colors of blue and grean and she heard the calls of those who had gone before, to come to them…..she said she wasn’t ready and she had to go back to her family…..2 weeks later she was being discharged from the hospital…..
That day in the hospital after telling me this story she told me she was at peace with her mortality and knew that a better place was hers. She said she wasn’t afraid to die because she knew everlasting life was hers….
Peace be with you Kelley Family during these next few days and know the gift of everlasting life is Hannah’s…..
Alice Wall
Norann Kauffman
Mar, 22, 2013Although I have never met your family, I feel as though I know you through the outpouring of care and concern our community has had for you. The loss of baby Hannah has touched our hearts deeply, and your testimony has been so inspiring that you give others strength through your loss. May God be with you in the days and months to come.
Brenda Stacey
Mar, 22, 2013Hi I have read the book Heaven is for real. There is a website too which you may find helpful. Thankyou so much for sharing so openly and honestly. It all helps to strengthen our faith. God bless you all
Sarah Hunt
Mar, 22, 2013I have been praying for you and your family daily (several times a day), Aaron. God has placed you on my heart and I will continue to faithfully pray for you. Thank you for keeping us all updated – I can not imagine the strength it takes to just write a single sentence right now. God is amazing… He must have great things in store for you. A double rainbow is quite a promise. 🙂 Sending so much love and hugs from Michigan.
Carol
Mar, 22, 2013My prayers are with each of you! So ,thankful for Gods Amazing Grace! God Bless,Carol P.S. Our son and family live in Gaborne,Botswana. My son is a Hemo-Onco Ped.Doctor working with the children there that doesnt have much chances of help with health care. They are Gods amazing family as well and as much as I miss them just knowing they are in Gods Will Blesses this mother.So thankful you and your family are in Gods Will and like I said will be on my prayer list along with my son and family. God keep you all in his love, mercy and will.
Jody Allen
Mar, 22, 2013You and your family have been a true inspiration and strength for me for reasons I will write you later , privately. I pray for you all in the upcoming days of final farewell to Hannah and for you trip back at a later date. You have wonderful friends and god will continue to reward you for your faith. God bless you all
Allan T. Sawyer, MD
Mar, 22, 2013For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4:6-12
We are praying for you, especially over the next few days.
Deborah Ray
Mar, 22, 2013Aaron, I am amazed at your spirit. I know you must be exhausted physically and emotionally, but you continue in God’s strength. Thank you for being such an inspiration. I am praying God will continue to be with you, Steph, the boys, the grandparents, and all those grieving Hannah’s loss. May He continue to comfort you, strengthen you, and use you for His glory. God bless you all.
Lee
Mar, 22, 2013Continuing to pray for you and your family Aaron. May God envelope you with His peace and presence over these next few days. You are deeply loved.
Denise Untersee
Mar, 22, 2013Our God is an AWESOME ONE! Hang on to those verses in Hebrews. I pray for peace but I also PRAISE GOD for that double-rainbow he blessed you with. Even when we are hurting He knows what we need. May God continue to BLESS you and your family as you continue on this Journey with HIM who LOVES you MOST.
Theresa
Mar, 22, 2013I will continue to pray for God’s grace, rest for your weariness , and peace. Your witness has made me think long and hard about life’s struggles and keeping our eyes always on God even and especially when we can not know His plans for us and do not understand all the “why’s” Thank you for your testimony
Meagan Boozer
Mar, 22, 2013The picture of Rev. Doug (Grandpa ‘K’) and Noah is absolutely heartwarming. Thank you for sharing it here. I will see you all soon.
Ann
Mar, 22, 2013You don’t know me and I don’t know you but I live in Kijabe and have worked at the hospital a while back. I first heard of Hannah when I read a post by Samaritans Purse and remember praying for her and for your family. I was touched by your faith in God and the burden you have to serve Him here in Kenya. Reading your blog inspired me to pursue my dream and ministry. God bless you, I will continue to pray for you through this tough time.
JaneAnn (Ziegler) Baney
Mar, 22, 2013Aaron and Steph – I can’t begin to tell you how much you have been an inspiration to me and to all I have shared your love of our Lord. I started to cry when I saw the picture of “Gramdpa K” with Noah. Such a wonderful man has been passed down through all three of his children and families. Thank you for sharing Hannah’s story with the world.
I will see you Monday.
Devon Wert
Mar, 23, 2013I have been praying for your family night and day from the day I heard that Hannah needed prayers. God brings you to my mind many times and as I read your blogs the tears just flow. You are being faithful to Him and He will remain faithful to you. The days ahead will be difficult but just know that there will be many people upholding you in prayer and I am one of them. May God bless you and your family in ways that only He could.
Natalie king-selario
Mar, 23, 2013I have been praying and thinking about you and Hannah often. It seems to hit me at unexplained times and I am overwhelmed just thinking about how hard all of this must be on you and your family. My family and I will continue to pray for God’s grace and peace for your family. Hannah and her mother and father are an inspiration to us all and although I never met her she has taught me so much about Gods grace and love through you and your family Aaron. I know the next few days are going to be hard and the journey will be long, but God has a plan. We will pray for guidance and strength for your family in the days to come. May God’s peace be with you.
Joyce and Sam
Mar, 24, 2013Count us among those who pray ……. God Continues to equip your for His kingdom work and will sustain, comfort and lead you, even through the valley of the shadow of death…………Psalm 23.
Jen Lavery
Mar, 25, 2013We continue to grieve with you and pray for you daily. We were especially thinking of you and praying for you this past weekend knowing it would be filled with services and speaking at your church. We are praying that soon you will be able to find some much-needed rest. So thankful for your community there who are taking such good care of you!