To be inspired by a family who should be in despair because of the upheavals they have endured, the struggles they are facing and the challenges they will still face is truly uplifting. Meet the family of six who live in a one-roomed house, in Zola township, in the Western Cape, where life is busy, noisy, often criminal, but happily communal.

A Loving Father
The father, Sammy Mhlokonya, is a painter, who has not abandoned his family (like many fathers) despite their difficulties. He has stood by his wife and children and they love the way he treats them to special occasions when he takes them to the beach or circus at Christmas time. He works hard, but with the Covid pandemic, work has been scarce. Yet, Sammy persists and tries his best to find work, and has built up a good reputation, which has helped him find gap employment.

A Caring Mother
Nontobeka, his wife, is an incredible mother. She remains calm, gentle and wise and is the ever-present mountain mother to her children, giving them direction, confidence and assurance. She keeps her house very clean, comfortable, warm and loving and makes sure everyone is looked after before herself because she knows they all need her attention. She is a trained care-giver, but cannot work at the moment. These parents are an example to the community! They live together, eat and share their joys and griefs together. “I believe that our marriage is strong today because of our children and we praise God for them,” says Nontobeka. “I do not know if our marriage would have survived without them. Of course it has been difficult, but they have been so wonderful that we can honestly say that we have a loving family today, thanks to God.”

Monica, full of faith
Monica, the eldest daughter, aged fifteen, was born with two broken shoulder blades and two broken legs because she suffers from brittle bones. She therefore needs an operation at regular intervals as she grows, as the very latest-on-the-market inserted pins have to be removed for longer pins. Each time, the procedure is a 5-6-hour operation at Tygerberg Hospital, by doctors who now know this little girl. Monica is little, in the sense that her body has not grown much. But her legs have, fortunately. Monica is now in a special wheelchair which ensures that her posture is very upright, to prevent her spine from twisting into an ‘S’ shape. Despite all her pain and suffering, Monica is a bright, happy, popular girl who is a weekly boarder at the amazing school, Astra, just near the Cape Town International Airport. This has its own challenges for the family to cope with, but Monica has not allowed any of her disabilities to get her down. She persists and shows extreme determination in her schoolwork and homework. Monica is a bright, shining star, who leans on God for support.

Anelang, cheerful and generous
The second eldest, Anelang, is a young girl of twelve with no disabilities. She is the mainstay at home, who always helps her mother and is so responsible and considerate. She never complains and is always cheerful. Anelang has the most beautiful heart that shines her faith, and to be with her is to be inspired. She could so easily be forgotten in a home where most attention has to be given to those with disabilities, but it is clear that she is gentle, forgiving and generous by nature. To see these qualities in such a young person is truly inspiring.

Lerato and Lebohang, loved by all
The third daughter, Lerato, is a Down Syndrome child who needs extra care because she is active, inquisitive and does not always understand instructions or have the ability to express herself well. Lerato was born with three holes in her heart, which means she has had to have operations at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital on numerous occasions – and then return for check-ups. This never perturbs Lerato and she remains content and happy to please. She is a joy to watch in action and an angel child!  The fourth child, Lebohang, is a girl, who is two years old and she is loved by everyone, so she is in good hands! She can already express herself very well!

Please Pray For This Inspirational Family
One can honestly say that God has His hands firmly on this family who live so humbly, but so inspirationally. It is difficult sometimes to live in a world where there are so many petty complaints about really minor issues and so wonder full to gain genuine spiritual strength from this family. They are an inspiration to so many of us, as we face the daily challenges of life. Please pray for the well-being, provision and protection of this wonderful family. Despite all their set-backs, God still blesses them. And they bless anyone they come into contact with!

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Date published: 01/05/2021

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