This is a picture of Amber, Ellie and Isaac.
The past two weeks have been full reflection. For those who are not aware, I lost a dear friend, Amber Mathenia, in a car accident at the end of January. She was twenty-eight years old, a wife, and a mother of two. She and her husband, Anthony, were missionaries in Ethiopia and were in the states on furlow until the adoption of their second child, Isaac, was complete. It seemed that she and Anthony were starting a new season of life together with the addition of Isaac, and yet the Lord had different plans. It has been a startling reminder of the futility of life, and the urgency of the gospel. Amber was a passionate follower of Christ. There was never a time when we were together that she didn't challenge me to treasure Christ more and pursue Him with my whole heart. She loved others very well - she loved me very well. She loved me with the truth. She was always willing to encourage me in the areas of weakness in my life with a passage of scripture or a great book. As a result, I have a collection of books that mark the various seasons of my walk with the Lord. The last time that I spent a significant amount of time with Amber was a few years ago when she and April came to visit Justin and I in North Carolina. She found out that I was going through a difficult time, and insisted that she and April come to encourage me. We spent the weekend catching up, shopping, eating, sharing recipes, etc. But, mingled in it all were sweet conversations about the Lord. It was such a refreshment to my soul. Now she is face to face with Christ, whom she loved and we spoke of so often. It is still so hard to fathom. I rejoice and mourn at the same time. I am so grateful to all who have prayed for Amber's family. They are like my family. I can't imagine the loss they must feel.
