Like most families, our family enjoys a good meal. On January 18, 2017, Mrs. Joyce Wambui Githitu (fondly known to us as  waMercy or Auntie wa Githitu or wa Githitu or simply Cucu) joined us for a family meal. She brought a goat to share as we enjoyed the meal together, not knowing this would be our last. After the meal, Auntie delivered the Word as she had always done. Her message on this day was on love and forgiveness. "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others" (Colossians 3:13).

The love and forgiveness Auntie shared about is the same one that exemplifies her life. Auntie was introduced to the family by Uncle Peter Githitu Ruibaye in 1978.  Uncle was a loving and a traditional African man; but love endured and Auntie remained a faithful wife. Ephesians 5:22-24 says, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior." Auntie was that woman that is submissive and faithful as she showered her family with love.

 Even after our loving Uncle Githitu passed away after being shot in broad daylight, Auntie was steadfast as she prayed for forgiveness for the murderers. Most importantly, Auntie continued to play the same role our Uncle was playing by being the peace maker and a pillar in the family.  She contributed immensely in being the thread that binds the family together with love. If she was not preaching the message of love and forgiveness in person, she was sharing the same message over the phone with family members abroad.

The love she has shown to the family over the years is best described by comments that have been made this week. One family member said that, "Auntie passing is like a bad dream" "its surreal," another said, "She was in good spirits on the January 18 family party," "I will surely miss her smile," another aded, "She's in God's hands." Others were quick to note that she forgave whenever she was harmed. She is "a beautiful soul inside and out," another one said.  Other family members described Auntie wa Githitu as, "the pillar of the family, beautiful inside and out, a prayerful woman, and a strong woman."

Life has not been without challenges. She buried her late husband, her Parents, her mother in law, and many other very close family members and friends. She has been there to support family members with her presence, prayers, and financial support on different stages of ones life. That, we shall never forget.

Auntie has also faced personal life challenges. About two years ago, she was attacked by robbers who beat her and left her swollen. Despite the beatings, she still preached the message of forgiveness. As she was healing from those wounds, Auntie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She believed so much in the power of God and healing that she declared she was healed in Jesus's name. She remained steadfast preaching the Word of God to those who cared to listen.

Auntie has had a good life. She has endured. She is a woman that is made of steel. She is a woman of strength. It's hard to fathom why anyone would take her life away. Those who know her would tell you that she would still preach the message of love and forgiveness even under these hard circumstances. In celebrating Auntie's life, remember that in "God's eyes, love is never absent. In God's heart, forgiveness is never impossible, in God's embrace, no one is ever alone or forgotten" Unknown Author.

God bless you. We love you Auntie.