Dear Jeanne

 Dear Jeanne,

You left this earth on 22 May 2026, and yet you still unite us. There are some members of Rhema that  I had not seen in 20 years whom I met at your vigil. I also joined the WhatsApp group for Rhema ladies and your contact is still there.

When I met you in 2005, you were working at Rhema and managing the day to day administrative tasks. I remember when, during my research for gender work, you lent me 500/- to buy fruit salad. And then you would carry digestive biscuits and Nido powdered milk for me to take tea.

That small Rhema office was cold from the air conditioner and yet warm from the conversations. You were consistent and charming. Your dimples bobbed in and out effortlessly. You carried yourself with grace.

The poignant moments I recall were when you visited me a few times, when I was in dire stress. You were my SoS. You saw the signal and came rushing. Listening to my cries for help, because of the increasing stress I faced from unfulfilled dreams, shattered friendships and poverty woes, you patiently responded. Without judgement you listened, and that is what I needed. I needed someone who would patiently listen.

Thanks for the friendship. Thanks for naming our first daughter. Thanks for introducing Ariel to us. Thanks fo renabling us to recinnect with Alex.

Thanks, Jeanne.