“Oh my word…” is all I could say. A woman named Celine Njoki had reached out to me on Facebook in December 2018 with a simple message:
“Hi. My name is Celine. My story is a long one, a long, long one.”
I asked for her number right away and we continued our conversation on WhatsApp. She proceeded to tell me about a series of traumas she had experienced since the age of seven. I couldn’t believe that so much could happen to one person. All I could say was “Oh. My. Word.”
We scheduled an interview and it lasted well over an hour. There were many emotions to sift through, and despite her immense pain, her faith in God remained secure.
“Each time I feel angry, I talk to God and I tell him all my feelings. And I asked him questions…I’ve learned to take my emotions to God. Each day is a new feeling. Each day is a new battle; each day is a new victory. I’ve learned to trust in God. He has always been my true north.”
Celine Njoki
As a writer, my job is to listen intently as a woman shares the most vulnerable parts of her life, and then trusts me to capture her emotions and voice, and find the right language to describe her pain. I count it a privilege to tell someone’s story. It truly is an honour that comes with tremendous responsibility. I felt the weight of Celine’s story and wondered if I could do it justice.
I published her story the following month and thousands of women read her story and were just as moved as I was. If you haven’t read her story, I encourage you to; it’s linked below:
Since then, Celine has continued to share her healing journey on TWSC, and we invited her to participate in our Shero 2019 Runway Empowerment Conference in Nairobi. I remember meeting her for the first time and getting emotional. It’s one thing to write a story about someone halfway across the world from me, but getting to meet them in person is beyond incredible.
We remained in touch over the years and when she informed me that she was getting married, I was ecstatic for her. She shared her love story with us here.
Celine has also interviewed other outstanding women for TWSC and continues to be a blessing to our team. Here are some interesting things about her:
1. What did you dream of becoming as a kid?
I dreamt of becoming a journalist also a newscaster.
2.Tell us the worst trouble you got into as a child.
I got into trouble for reading novels. Some of them were way beyond my age and that always put me in trouble.
3. If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would you choose and why?
I wouldn’t want to switch lives with anyone at all. I love me so much that I hardly think of being anyone else.
4. If you could be mentored by anyone, past or present, who would you choose and why?
I would choose Kathryn Kuhlman for a mentor. I would love to hear from her how she build such an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.
5. What is your typical day like?
I am a random person and the only thing I do consistently is morning devotion, then make sure everyone in my house is well prepared to be where they are supposed to be. I pray for them then I let the Holy Spirit lead the rest of the day, which is mostly ministering to different people via phone calls, visits or zoom.
6. What 3 words describe you the best?
Resilient, kind and I love people.
7. Flats or heels?
Flats anytime.
8. What is your favourite meal?
Oh, I love chicken and Rice.
9. What’s your least favourite house chore?
Dish washing 🤦♀️
10. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Small talk, gossip.
11. If you had to go into isolation for 30 days and electronics were not allowed, what would your 3 must haves be?
The bible, water and a book.
12. Any hidden talents? Tell us something about you that people would be surprised to know?
I sing so well.
13. Tell us about an embarrassing moment as a teenager.
Being caned in front of my peers, That was so embarrassing and messed me up for a while.
14. What do you like most and least about adulting?
I like that I am able to make decisions on my own. The responsibilities are overwhelming at times when I just want to laze around.
15. What do you love most about being a woman?
That I can mix match my clothes with different bold colours and not feel out of place. The ability to nurture children, ideas and the fact that I am a helper (just like The Holy Spirit).
16. What are you most grateful for in this season of your life?
I am grateful for the gift of life, good health and peace.
Vimbai E. is a content marketer, ghostwriter, and the founder of The Weight She Carries. With hundreds of articles and stories publishing online, in print and for broadcast, her love of language and storytelling shines through every piece of writing that bears her name.