Until we meet again

(Me, Ramona, and Haruna at McDonalds in 2006)

The thing about being young is that you think you are going to live forever. Not only do you think you are going to live forever, but you think all your friends are going to live forever. The plan is that we will all become what we dream of or even better, we will find Prince Charming or Lady Fair and get married and have the perfect number of gorgeous, brilliant kids who will always be obediant and we will be far better parents than everyone else we see. The job we plan on will of course yeild an excellent income, the ministry we are preparing on will of course yeild good fruit and seminaries will be writing about us in 50 years or more. We will have perfect health and happiness always.

And then reality hits.

A friend of mine died this last week. We weren't the best of friends, and we had fallen out of touch for about a year. He was Nigerian, and was in Nigeria when he keeled over suddenly and after being in a coma for a few hours was pronounced dead.
Its wierd, because I had just assumed that he was going to be around for the next 50 years. Of course we would somehow see each other again someday. He was going to be a cardiologist and led Bible Studies at the International Church where we met, as well as lead worship from time to time and also give the sermon when the Pastor asked him to. He always had great insights and every interaction I ever had with him I walked away blessed.

(Haruna and Christian talking after church)

Ramona and I would often hang out with a group from the international church after Bible study or church and would go to the mall for ice cream and walk around the city. Ramona - who is Romanian and had a New York-ish accent at that time- could imitate Haruna's deep Nigerian accent almost perfectly; albiet a few pitches higher than Haruna actually spoke. Haruna would, after much coaxing from me, try to imitate Ramona, and would do TERRIBLE at it, leaving all of us in the group doubled over in peals of laughter.

I've been thinking how awesome Heaven is going to be, with all the reunions we're going to have. I am pretty sure Haruna will be up somewhere in the Heavenly Chorus, his deep gorgeous Nigerian voice belting out Hallelujah's to the Father.

Thank You, Father, for faithful servants like Haruna. Raise up many to pick up the torch that he put down when You took him home. Help me to bless others as much as he blessed me. Amen.

~Princess Ouch~

(Faith, DiAnne, Chevelle, and Haruna planning the weeks Praise and Worship scheduale)