Hlengiwe Mphuthini: died on the 10th August 2009, aged 40. Leaving her husband Albert, 6 children and Sipho. Ethembeni pays tribute to her for your faithful service and especially for her amazing legacy of caring for Sipho! Sipho was abandoned by his mother when only 20 months old. Hlengiwe offered to take him into her family home while Linda Smallbones found a more permanent solution. After only 2 weeks of caring for Sipho, Hlengiwe indicated that she was willing to take Sipho into her home permanently. Sipho and her had bonded - God's love had moved Albert to support his wife's desires to have their 7th child in their home! It was a joy for us to watch Sipho and Hlengiwe grow into all God intends for a mother and little boy relationship - laughter, tumbles, stern reprimands, forgiveness....unconditional love and acceptance! When Hlengiwe tragically died we were all afraid that Albert would return Sipho and ask us to find another home for him. But with tears in his eyes Albert told us of how Hlengiwe made him promise to never give Sipho up! He was to always remain part of the Mphuthini family no matter what happened! This is how she taught me to leave a legacy! How you care for people and the promises you make and keep while you are alive - are the witness that speaks powerfully about your life in Jesus! Hlengiwe we miss you and we promise to pray for you and your family faithfully.
Siyabonga Hlengiwe! For everything you have done for everyone and everything you shared with us! I will never forget how you tried to teach me Zulu and have very fond memories of the time we shared in front of the computer and in The Family Centre
ReplyDeleteRichard van Eek