Florence lived a remarkable life. She liked to remind her children that she used to walk barefoot many kilometers to school, only after her Sekuru was satisfied with her work in the fields. This was a big part of how she understood herself, a rural girl who by the grace of God got to move to the city, go to university, find love and travel the world with her husband and three children. Florence saw great change in her life, but for her the greatest turning point was a church camp she went to just before university, where she met the Lord, and heeded his call to repent and follow him.

Listening to her speak about all the years that followed, one common thread always stood out - that the Lord guided her steps, that he had her in the palm of his hand and that he intended good things for her. He gave her a strong group of friends at university who throughout her life helped her to live for Christ when it would have been easier not to. He sent her Noah: her rock, the father of her children, her calm in the storm. He gave her many mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and countless children who throughout the years have been angels ministering to her need in times of difficulty. He provided the means time and time again for her to give her children the best opportunities and to support all of those who she called family.

Florence often wondered aloud, why had God blessed her so much over the years? Looking back on her life now, the answer is clear. Who else had a heart big enough to do the work he had set out for her? Who else, given the success, would have looked to lift up her neighbours and support the forgotten? Who else, given those relationships, would have brought us all together at her table so that we could learn from and love one another? Who else would have toiled until the last day to make sure that our physical and spiritual needs were met?

No the question is not, why did God bless her, but why did God bless us with her? The hole she leaves is immense, and the work she leaves to us now may feel too much to bear. But can we begrudge her her well earned rest? Can we question the Lord's wisdom in bringing her home? Has she not brought us together, and shown us what we can achieve together? Rest in peace MaiZiumbe, Amai, Yaya, Mom, Mudiwa.

You will be sorely missed till we meet again on that Day.