Annine.

Annine having fun with the head band of the dress she had bought at the local market.

The past months have been filled with challenges and surprises. There was nothing that could have prepared us for this. Annine was always in very good health. Good eating habits and regular exercise were part of her routine.

On Monday morning I had made a nice cup of coffee for each of us and I went through my daily devotions when she came in calling for help.

The next couple of hours were a battle to try and get her stabilised and with the help of two doctors on the phone I was able to check that all the correct steps were taken at the local hospital to try and help her. No stone was left unturned and no facility in the world could have done anything better. Annine slipped away unexpectedly.

We decided to have the funeral on Friday to allow for enough time for all the preparations that needed to be made. Having the burial on the church property in Ruhatwe where Annine had trained some of the teachers a little seemed to be the best option because it is a place that can be fenced off and cared for.

Annine spent most of her adult life in teaching children and training children's ministry workers, so it was fitting to have her resting place in the heart of Africa near a church pre-school which has a focus of leading children to Christ.

The love and support that Andrieka and I have received from all over the world has been incredible. We were able to stay at Kilwa Dreams for two nights just to get away from everything. Our team and community members took care of all the arrangements.

Our biggest prayer request for the funeral was that we would not grieve as so many people around us would grieve because they have no hope of salvation.

There were testimonies of people who were perplexed by the fact that there wasn't any wailing or grieving such as what the local people were accustomed to.

A memorial service will be held in Bellville where Andrieka and I would love to just see Annine's life celebrated.

May the Lord be truly glorified by our lives also. Annine was deeply loved because she loved deeply.