Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Mary {Nalongo}



I don't even know where to begin telling you about this incredible woman. She was one of the most vibrant, joyful, caring, loving, people I have ever met. I only knew her for two short weeks, but I grew to love her and respect her deeply. People who knew her called her Nalongo- "Mother of Twins".

She went to seminary in Uganda to be able to better teach those around her about the good news of Jesus. She wanted to be a missionary to her people- and she was. She LOVED Jesus. She served faithfully, she visited those in need, she shared the Gospel almost constantly. She played the African drums quite nicely. Almost every time I saw her she was dancing and singing. She laughed so sweetly and would bend over to slap her knees when something was especially funny. She was a beautiful, beautiful woman. She could chop up a tree better than any woman {or man} I've ever met. She was such a strong, hard worker.

 I am so thankful for the words she spoke to me about Jesus that day as she held my hand and walked  down that orange dirt road on the other side of the world. She called me "'Ow-ah'{our}Smallest Missionary". A title I didn't feel worthy of, but it blessed my heart.

I was looking forward to seeing her again one day when I return to Uganda.

She went to her true home yesterday to be with Jesus. This side of the veil, we are so sad. But I know that she is rejoicing and has been made whole. The Gospel is so true. Heaven is so real. God is so good. We are so very redeemed and we have such a beautiful inheritance. We have such a hope in Christ. We have been redeemed and adopted into God's family. We are heirs with Christ.

I can't wait to see her in heaven, dancing and singing, walking down streets of gold- no longer just talking about Jesus together...but seeing Him face to face. She is truly alive and I will see her again.







We have this hope as an anchor for our souls.


Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.


Romans 6:5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.



{Photo cred: Hayley Catt}

1 comments:

Sharon said...

Such a beautiful post Ellie! You are right it was sad to hear about her passing, but it's so incredible that she is now dancing in Heaven with her Heavenly Father, and will no longer have to suffer. She will be with Jesus forever and always. When you were with her you could tell that's right were she wanted to be. She was beautiful and so very kind and loving. I remember how she kept whacking at that tree with all her might and we were all amazed, and she didn't stop! :) I am praying for her family and I will never forget her sweet face!

P.S. The pictures made me desperately want to go back to that amazing country! Hopefully soon!