Esther Enanga Harry

Aunty Enanga, writing a tribute to an aunt like you is not an easy task at all. What words could one possibly use that would be sufficient enough to describe someone who had such a positive impact on a person’s life just as you did in mine? Words could never be sufficient enough. You had developed the habit of calling me every Christmas and New Year season to wish me well and to bless me…you did that consistently over the years without ceasing. This year, I wanted to surprise you by calling you first. I had become so used to hearing your voice on January 1 that I became a bit worried when in the afternoon of that 1 January,I hadn’t yet heard your voice. I called you later that afternoon of January 1 and I was happy that this time around I got to call you first to express my best wishes for the New Year. You had told me that you hadn’t been feeling very well but you were optimistic that you were starting to feel much better. I encouraged you in my own little way, reassuring you that God was in control and everything would be fine.

My heart broke instantly when I was informed in the morning of January 2 that you had passed away. I was deeply hurt and devastated inside. I remembered that I had just talked to you the previous day. For several minutes, I was just speechless. I put my hand on my cheek sat there staring at the street, looking up at the sky, overcome by emotion but not even sure how to express my feelings. You were always very interested in my spiritual growth; you always encouraged me to hold on to God Almighty despite how insurmountable some of the challenges I was going through might have seemed. Through Nalova, you frequently sent me copies of “Rhapsody of Realities.” Your kindness, the love in your heart for your fellow men and your humility touched me so much and it is extremely difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that you are no longer physically present here with us. You and your good works will never be forgotten, Aunty. May God Almighty remember this legacy of love for your fellow men that you leave behind and accept you into His Heavenly Kingdom.

 

My earliest memories of you go back to my youth. Quite often, you made several trips to Yaounde for administrative purposes. On other occasions, it was just a family visit. Your warmth and soft-spoken nature never left anyone indifferent. Also, your great story telling skills, made my siblings and I look forward to the evenings with huge anticipation, as we delved into a world reverie, before bed time.

What is more, how could I forget your exemplary baking skills? As a kid, I loved the “chin-chins” and cakes you baked. I could go on eating them forever.

Your love for Christ left a lasting impression on me. Above all, your fervor for the word of God, servitude, and humility made you a perfect role model.

Although, your ill health and longtime struggle with asthma often made you look frail, within that physique, dwelled an undaunted spirit of unwavering faith.

Your untimely death came as a huge surprise. Nonetheless, we give thanks to the Lord for your life, believing that you rest peacefully at his bosom.

Aunty maybe it was because you were the youngest of the sisters but you always had an energy, extra step, gaiety, and levity in all you did with us growing up. It was in the smile you had, the hearty welcome you had, your infectious laugh, your openness, and generous heart.

For two years while I was in CPC Bali, it was only natural that I crashed at your place in Bamenda either on my way to or from school during the academic year.

I also got to witness your strength and see the incredible love you have for Nalo. You've been her Mom, Dad, friend, listener, cheerleader, coach, mentor, and rock. She has those same gentle qualities that endear you to us forever.They live on.

I'm so glad you got to meet Manokia and the kids last year when we came to Cameroon. Again those qualities of openness, warm heart, gentleness and kindness made an impression on them and are long lasting. I remember the pictures we all took. It was like you had met them before. This meant a lot. I thank God for you.

So, one thing I can promise you is that we will continue to have Nalo's back.To look out for her. She's not alone. We will see to it that the road be made clear, that there is a shoulder to lean on, someone to talk to, a sounding board, that the ground upon which those seeds were sown, those words of encouragement, the hopes, dreams aspirations would yield fruit.

I thank God for the lessons you have taught us and left with us.

Manokia, Namisse, Malea, Seysa and Ewange Musonge.

A Tribute from Dr Thomas Liombe Luma

Your departure took me by surprise Esther but you will always remain my dearest, beloved and faithful friend forever. From that very first time we met about 48 years ago to the last time we spoke to each other on the 1st of January 2017 you always represented one of the bestexperiences God gave me and I will always thank Him for it. There are just very few like you.

Exactly four weeks earlier we sat together only both of us eating my favorite kpacoco dish, which you always prepared whenever I came home, laughing over so many little things and cracking our usual jokes. You briefed me about everybody I knew, especially about your daughter Nalova. I still remember those last words of yours "…Liombe I cannnot talk much because I feel very weak. I have pains in my chest. Please talk to Nalova" Oh my God I still see those gracious smiles of yours as we both embraced each other to say good bye, those smiles that never changed throughout the years. It just hurts a lot to think that it was our very last good bye.

You were always there whenever I came home. You taught me what true and everlasting friendship was. I still read the old letters when Iwas a young student in Kinshasa.I still enjoy looking at those beautiful photos.I have not and will never forget all the stations of our friendship. I remember Douala, Yaounde and Bamenda. You were such a wonderful person profound and resolute in your faith in God, one of the qualities I admired most. You never complained about anybody or anything even when you had every reason to.

Thank you so much for everything, Esther. Well there comes a time for all of us when we must say good bye but faith and hope and love and trust can never,never die. We must just believe in God's eternal care when the curtain falls. Esther you were such a darling.

Rest in perfect peace with the Lord.

In ever-green memory, Liombe.

I must confess I am shocked, you too? I cannot believe I am burying you too little Sister. I was confident since I never buried you in that famous Mboudacrisis you had; I knew for certain you would bury me. You knew all about me Auntie Enangs… Your life on earth has been full of miracles from God who sent you into this world. Just at the prime of your age, you suddenly and mysteriously had asthma and you became a patient. This made you not to enjoy your youth or your salary because you were permanently on drugs. Despite this, God whom you wholeheartedly served in His mercy and Grace miraculously gave you the precious gift of a daughter whom He Himself helped you to bring up and educate. Just as God saw that she could stand, He decided to quietly take you to eternal rest.

Thank you Dear Lord for her life.  Rest little Sis, rest in peace free from all the earthly sufferings you went through. You were a special Child of God!!

Auntie Enangs, I do love you, for sure we will meet one day to part no more.

With Sis Susie in Mbouda

 Love Profound,

Sister Susie(elder Sister)