Lee-Ann Tatenda Mahachi (Born 02 May 1995)
In 2005, I had been teaching Lee-Ann and her younger sister Cyanne in Children's Church. Cyanne was later diagnosed with Cancer, a tumour on the stem of her brain. Operating did not help and later she was removed from her life-support machines to make available, the bed she was using. The death was very tragic and I bonded with the family, most of all Lee-Ann. She expressed almost no emotion through this tragedy and I really fell in-love with this little girl, as we bonded as adopted siblings.
One of the things I love most about this young lady, is her mischievousness and bold acclamation for life. She's not afraid of what people think, but yet dresses to impress always! She can look good in a black plastic bag, if she puts her mind to it. That's another thing, is her mind - she is very naughty, some of the most memorable moments in my life recently, have been with this fantastic little girl as she plays pranks on people.
Nowadays, she is the closest human being to my heart - I love her very, very much. Despite my great love for her, she tends to take those who love her, for granted. Hopefully, when she finds herself, she will become more outwardly loving herself. God has an enormous plan for her life and I just hope she will allow me to play a small part in her life.
Lee-lee, I love you and you will never understand how much I mean that!
Tracy Joyce Njeri Ndinguri (Born 04 November 1995)
Tracy started attending our church in about 2003. She was one of the most beautiful-natured children in the church. Her characteristic smile, could light up the room. I loved her hugs, so full of warmth and joy. I started teaching her to skate and I will never forget how she screamed with her first fall! She later stopped, after learning some valuable lessons about life, through the sport...
These days she seems to be struggling to find herself - the biggest problem is that she is all about pleasing others and this really seems to drains her. Anyone who knows her, knows her heart, it's just full of love and despite how the devil tries to get her to rebel, she is always easily corrected by the Word of God. Her compassion and devotion, will be her strong points, when she starts to serve the Lord with her whole heart. I love you my Tracy, you are precious, just the way you are!
Ethan Herbst (Born 03 February 1999)
Ethan kind of wandered into my life recently, also at Children's Church. Nothing was too much of a challenge and I saw a lot of myself in him. He has a zeal for life, second to none and he really has brilliant manners for his age. He is the son of a single mother and together they have come along way. If I ever had a son, I would like him to be just like Ethan. I take him skating quite often and he is a natural, never afraid of getting hurt (displayed in the picture).
Greatest irritation with Ethan, is that he would lose his head, were it not screwed on. I constantly have to remind him about bringing his Bible to church. Besides that, bring on any sport and he'll excel in it...
I love this little guy very much, although I don't see him that often anymore. When he gets older, he will have an enormous circle of influence, as he's loved by everyone, everywhere. Love you my boy!! :)
Tshepiso Edna Millena Mangokoane (Born 03 January 2000)
This little jewel has been part of my life now, for almost 9-years. There are very few children, that can wrap me around their little fingers - this beautiful child is one of those. Perfect manners, a sunny disposition and the cutest laugh on the planet, Tshepiso's one of those ultra-special children. She is also one of the most talented dancers I have ever seen, yet is quite shy about her talent - despite how good she actually is! One mannerism that sticks out, over all these years, is when I used to hold her and run my hand from her forehead, down to her chin (in the process, closing her eyes) and how she would use her fingers to open her eyes again - too cute!!
Today, she is one of the closest little people to my heart. If she does not come through to Children's Church, I go and visit her and the family. My only hope, is that when she grows up, that the whole migration from "Teacher Tim" to just "Tim", never happens. Although, I do not foresee that happening, with the way she has been brought up. Tshepiso has the most fantastic father and mother - just wish I had a daughter, just like her...
I love you my Tshepiso!! With everything in me :)
