In the picture you see Mara from Smiltene. A woman who's life hasn't been easy, but who, thanks to her rock-solid faith in God, always kept going.
Mara was taken home by the heavenly Father after a sick bed on Thursday July 8th and on Wednesday July 14th we said goodbye to her.
The reason I am sharing this with you is because she has been of special significance to me.
I met her for the first time during a conference in the Netherlands, besides Dutch people there were also English and Latvians. When the Latvians left, Mara fell around my neck crying. She asked, “Would you like to come to us? Please come to Smiltene.” The reason this was special is because I was looking for the place where God wanted to use me for half a year. This turned out to be God's answer to a word someone had for me during a church prayer meeting.
How special it is that Mara, without knowing it herself, was choosen to give me God's answer!
During my first visit to Latvia, I was also welcomed by Mara and her family. What a hospitality, never experienced such a warm welcome before! She lived in an old farmhouse, no toilet inside but outside, no shower and no running water. But how rich she was! Her wealth were her children, her garden, her faith.
When I had guests from the Netherlands, we were always invited to visit Mara and so some of you know her from the church in Smiltene or even from a visit to her home.
Mara had been in hospital since June 27th.
On Wednesday 7 th ofJuly, her children took their mother home to be in her familiar surroundings.
That afternoon I was in Smiltene and I was allowed to say goodbye to Mara, not knowing that she would die the next morning………
Mara, a woman who was always busy and always had an eye for others.
Mara, a woman who was not always understood by everyone.
Mara, a woman whose name meant bitter, sea, and sorrow.
Mara, a woman full of life and a prayerwarrior.
Mara, thank you for who you were and one day we will meet again!
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