heavy hearted

this post is a few weeks late but i haven't really known what to say so i figure that it's better late than never.  two weeks ago today my friend Nadyne had a tragic fall and passed away.  she was (it doesn't seem right talking about her in past tense) such an amazing girl that i have been blessed to call my friend for so many years.  Nadyne and I went to elementary school, junior high, and high school together.  we grew up in the same church and went to youth group together and were in the same small group.  we went to winter camp and summer camp every year and shared so many memories.  we went on mission trips to mexico and worked at mary's pizza shack together.  i loved that little peanut.


i was so sad that i wasn't able to make it up to vacaville for her memorial service but so thankful that they had the service live online to watch and be a part of.  it was such an incredible service.  it was more of a celebration of her life.  the amount of people she touched in her short 23 years is unreal.  the things people said about her and the stories they told of how she shined and how she served and loved people like Jesus.. it was amazing.  it was everything you hope people would say about you.


since we're still here on earth we are so sad that we have to go on without her bright spirit and vibrant life.. and that is hard.  the beauty on the other side is that she is now with Jesus.  she is not in any pain.  she gets to walk the streets of Heaven.  i thought of the song "i can only imagine" by mercyme.. Nadyne isn't imagining anymore, she is there seeing it all!
it still doesn't seem real.. and i think that is why i haven't really known what to say.  it was and still is so shocking.  i think, she can't REALLY by gone. she was such a precious girl that would brighten any room.  she wouldn't take anyone's crap and would shoot things straight.  you don't meet people like her everyday.. she was a precious girl and is desperately missed by everyone who has ever known her.


In the midst of all of this sadness, the thing that I have clung to is the hope we have in Jesus.  
God gives us this unexplainable peace that is beyond anything we could ever understand.  and He is sovereign and good.
Nadyne left the earth and went Home while doing what she loved.  She was working at a camp, serving Jesus and loving people.. and that is beautiful.


Life is short and precious and in an instant it can be taken.  Live your life with purpose and don't take any moment for granted.  If there is something on your heart you want to tell someone or do for someone.. don't wait. do it.

i am so thankful to have known Nadyne.  I love her and miss her.. and one day I will see her in Heaven.

Nadyne Janette Qirreh

1988-2011