A Happy/Sad Day...

It was a happy/sad day...happy to celebrate the life of such an amazing woman/sad for those of us who will miss her so much!  Irene Njeri Kiiru, wife to our pastor (Pastor Mark) was a much loved woman!

The program was a simple card printed on both sides...the photos were taken just a few months before her passing...she orchestrated the whole photo session knowing that her time on earth was nearly at an end...

We arrived at the church quite early for the 10am service...so we had time to settle in to our responsibilities as ushers...I was asked to head a team of people who would welcome the guests, help them find seats and answer any questions they might have.

Shortly before 10, the casket arrived with the immediate family members and close friends who had met at the funeral home...

Ndung'u (on the left) and Doris (on the right) were the MC's for the day.  Les (in the middle) is one of the overseers of our church.  He had prayed for family and friends at the funeral home and prayed for the family at this service, but you will see those pictures shortly!

On the left below is Bishop Kimani, also an overseer for our church.  With his back to the camera is the father to Pastor Mark.

Our awesome worship team (strengthened by other members of our congregation) led us beautifully into the presence of the Lord.

Martha and Daniella from the congregation, Saru (in red) is the Worship Team leader

The procession...

Shiro, the oldest daughter of Irene, is holding Irene's picture...Pastor Mark's four brothers are the pallbearers...

Pastor Mark holding the hand of his youngest daughter Lisa. 

Noni, the middle daughter, being comforted (on the left) by Irene's sister Christine.

Irene's mother, followed by the cross for the graveside, a sister-in-law and Mark's father.

At the back of the procession is Mark's mother (in the hat)

I love that we sang a variety of praise as well as worship songs...the song selection matched and accented the mood in the church...

Throughout the service Levi, one of the ushers, remained at his post...welcoming late-comers and assuring that they received a program...he and his wife Esther are a wonderful couple in our church and fast becoming my friends!

Behind the mic below is Lisa, reading scripture from Philippians...a passage that Irene had chosen for her to read...Irene spent many hours planning aspects of the service; what her girls would wear, certain songs that would be sung, and she specifically requested that Mark not wear black.

Christine, Irene's sister, read the eulogy...

As she became emotional her brother, Andrew, moved forward to give her his support.

Several people were selected to give a tribute on behalf of different people in Irene's life.  Grace, a very close friend, spoke elegantly on behalf of Irene's long-time friends. 

A shot of the church, quickly filling up...

Then it was my turn to pay tribute on behalf of our church, Life Community Church.

I was told to speak for 3 minutes and that is what I did...needless to say, mine was the shortest speech!

When I became emotional Doris, a close friend, stood with me to offer her support - it really helped!

Then Harry, Mark's brother, spoke on behalf of his brothers.  It was a joy to hear about Irene through the eyes of the 'in-laws'...her never-ending hospitality, her warmth, her welcoming embrace.

Wambui, wife to Maurice (the brother who follows Mark), shared on behalf of the sisters-in-law.  This is an important relationship in that the sister-in-law is the one who helps the newest brides to feel comfortable in their new family...

According to Wambui, Irene did her job well!  I love that Harry remained with her...I sense a closeness between these two...

Then Christine read a missive from her husband.  They live in Australia and he was not able to travel for the funeral...again, he spoke of her warmth and welcoming spirit.

It was gratifying to see the obvious love and closeness between these siblings.  He lives in Canada so they rarely see each other...

When it came time for Andrew to speak on behalf of the Irene's siblings he too became emotional.  I am repeatedly moved by the love, concern and support shown one to another...

But then he gathered himself together and proceeded to keep us all laughing as he shared what it was like to be the youngest with an oldest who ruled with an iron fist!  His opening line was "I am not sure who this Njeri is everyone is speaking about!"  (Njeri is her second name)

Shiro spoke on behalf of Irene's daughters...Mark was right there to offer his support...she was poised, articulate and gracious...her mother would have been proud!

Mark shared from his heart about the last few months of Irene's life. 

He helped us to understand that from August Irene's continued phrases were; I want to go to heaven, It is well, and I am at peace...

His words helped us all to find peace and comfort for our own souls...

He was overcome with emotion...Andrew and Ndung'u were immediately at his side...

Even as Irene ministered to all who had the pleasure of visiting with her during the last few months, she continued to minister to us even on this day of her 'celebration'...

If you look at the program above...just under the family portrait is the song she requested that her family sing...

Shiro, Andrew, Lisa, Christine, Noni and Mark

It was poignant, emotional, heartfelt and healing...

Wambui joined the group to lend her support

We then sang "Our God is Awesome" together as a congregation...

The presence of the Lord was felt...

Doris did a stellar job of leading the service...somehow she exuded confidence and calm, while at the same time allowing others to be in the forefront...

Noni - the second daughter read scripture...supported by her Aunt Christine...

Ndung'u briefly introduced Dr. Les Brickman who helped to found Life Community Church and serves as one of our overseers while also actively engaged in his own ministry.

Bishop Kimani, officiating the service, lead us in the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul"...

The message he shared was one of joy, peace and hope for the future...

He then called the family forward, as well as any pastors in the house...so that we could pray over the family as a congregation...

Les led the prayer, which filled us all with a sense of peace and even joy...

The service ended with a word of thanks from Patrice, the youngest of Mark's brothers.  Maurice, the brother who follows Mark, stood by his side...

Doris ended the service with a word of prayer...

The 'recession'...

I was asked to help carry the yellow flowers from the church immediately following the service so that they could be transported to the graveside...

And here they are, with the wreaths that would later be carried to the grave...

Zippy (one of my ushers) and her husband Titus are the ones who drove me to the cemetery...and helped carry the flowers and wreaths...

Then the casket arrived...

...and was carried to one of the two tents which were set up...

  Our fabulous worship team!

The casket, with flowers and photo...

Shot of the tents, the worship team and all the people!

And Tandy looking very cute!

Bishop Kimani also officiated at the graveside...leading us in several hymns before he shared a word of encouragement.

Then the casket was moved to the grave...

Yes, I love this one!

...and lowered into the ground...

...as the Worship Team lead us in the song "Master of the Wind"...

Two of the many gathered together to say a final 'good-bye' to Irene...

Sorrow and comfort...

Another pastor was asked to pray over the grave and invite people to drop dirt into the grave...

We all gathered around the grave...family first...

...and then many took shovels to 'gently' drop dirt in around the casket...

...only some were not so gentle! 

Ndung'u and Les

Then the wreaths were placed...the cross placed by the pastor, then a white heart-shaped wreath placed by Mark, then this pink wreath placed by Irene's girls...

Then a yellow wreath carried by Irene's parents...

...another yellow wreath carried and placed by Mark's parents...

An orange wreath place by Irene's siblings, Andrew and Christine...

...another orange wreath placed by Mark's brothers; Edgar, Harry, Patrice and Maurice.

The brothers are obviously close...and a great support for Mark.

The final wreath, a white one, was placed by members of Life Community Church...there only this one shot courtesy of Christine, who happened to be standing next to me so I gave her my camera!

Then individual roses were given out for others to place...

I believe this is Eva, the house help who takes care of Mark and Irene's girls

Kimani continued to lead us in song as people place roses on the grave.

Beautiful display of so many who love Irene still...

The plaque containing the scripture read by Lisa (and chosen by Irene) during the church service.

Tandy watching as the workers added cement...

Selfies!

Edgar, the youngest brother, with Lisa (youngest daughter of Irene and Mark) and her cousin Tandy.

Mark's mom, Nelly, sharing with Wambui a dream she had on the morning Irene passed.  She saw her brother-in-law who had passed the day before Irene surrounded by a beautiful manicured lawn.  Through a gate she saw Irene emerge...the two embraced, danced and even rolled on the grass together... delight permeating from their presence...each surprised to see the other.  Later that morning she received word of Irene's passing...the dream gave her a sense of peace and comfort as it had prepared her for the news...wow!

Maurice and Harry with Mark...

The workers are almost finished and the crowd is thinning...

It was wonderful to gather together with brothers and sisters in Christ; to enjoy each other and especially to celebrate who Irene was and always will be in our lives...farewell my friend!