Saying Goodbye to Gilberta

Gilberta was a sweet vibrant 5 year old. Whenever she would see Mandy in the village she would run for lots of hugs. Being small for her age, it was easy to pick her up and cuddle her for a while. Sometimes it was difficult for Mandy to teach when Gilberta would tug at her skirt and asked to be held. We both loved this little girl so much and she was a real source of encouragement for us. On December 30, 2009, Gilberta went to be with Jesus in heaven. She died of complications of an illness because she had AIDS. We were heart-broken to learn of her death, but at the same time, we were comforted to know she would not have any more pain in her life and is enjoying Jesus, maybe sitting on His lap. She was spared the hunger and suffering that many people in her village experience and the awful effects of AIDS. During her short life she shared more love with others than some Malawians share in a lifetime. We are so thankful the Lord shared her with us for that short amount of time.