17 Years Ago

It was back in 1992 when I was an amature boxer in Swaziland (Bantam weight division).

Thank you Lord

Big Sister, Connie

Tracy

Nanette

Me and my mother

Precious, Nanette and my mother

Surprisngly today it’s my birthday. I have forgotten about this day, the 30 June 2009 until my wife sent me these smses at 00h00;

“Oh what a lovely day it is! 2day is a blessed day becoz de love of my lyf was born on this special day. Happy Birthday my wonderful Husband. May u enjoy this day till the last second. I pray u will live man more years 2 cum. Thank u 4 being who u r. I love u!”

Another reads;

“Happy birthday 2 u,
Happy Birthday 2 u,
Happy Birthday dear my love!
Happy Birthday 2 u! Heap, Horah.
Heap, Horah!”

Then I received one from my father and mother in law,

“Count ur life by smiles nt tears. Count ur age by friends nt years. Count ur blessings day by day, bcoz u r special in way. Happy Birth to u. Ukhule ulingane neNdlovu. Enjoy. Sarah Nanette’s granny & Baba Mahlangu.”

I am 33 years now. It finally clicked. Yes it is my birthday. I am the father to Connie (9), Tracy (3) and Nanette (1).

I am a husband to Precious.

I would like to thank my parents for bringing me to this world, and taking care of me; Vicente Mondlane and Verah Stengile Mbewu.

I’d like to thank God the Almighty for being with me through hard and easy times. I’ll serve Him and worship Him forever.

Happy Birthday Connie

CONSTANCE MONDLANE

I have come accross this picture of Connie when she was 3 years old. I can't believe that years have moved thus fast. On 11 June it's her birth and she will be turning 9. I love you Tracy.

Connie

Connie was born on the 11 of June 2000. It was exactly 10 am in Matola, Cinema 700 Clinic in Mozambique. She is the first born of my three daughters.

Connie is a very intelligent young girl who had faced many challenges and overcame them all in her own way. She had moved from one school to another, but she has never disappointed us in her school results.

She is also positive in life, and she always says, “Everything will be right one day.”

Connie speaks many languages. She speaks English, Siswati, Portuguese, Tshwana, Shangaan and Zulu.

Connie likes singing and dancing.

On 11 June it is her birthday and. She will be turning 9 years. I am happy for my girl as she grow to be a big girl.

I pray for all the blessings in the world. I pray that she may fear the Lord God as He gives this family strength.

I pray that God may bless her coming in and going out.

We love you Connie.

Connie wrote

My Life As A Kid

My name is Constance Mondlane. I am 9 years old. I was born on 11 June 2000. My father is Solomon Mondlane.

I would like to share my life story so far because it pains me.At 9 and in grade 3, I have already attended in 9 schools and in 3 different countries.

Since my father and my biological mother seperated, I have moved up and down with my father and staying in different families and attending in new school each time we re allocate.

I have been to Mozambique, Swaziland and in South Africa, I have been to Kwa Ndebele, Hamanskraal, Pretoria and now Johannesburg.Each time I move to a new place i'm introduced to a new language.

I have attended model c schools, semi rural schools and rural schools.Inspite of all that, i have never disappointed my father.
I have always come top in my class.I love my father and I know he wants the best for me. He is going through hard time, but he always make sure that i get a safe place to stay and to learn.

Schools I attended;-A Primary School in Mamelodi-Greenwood College in Pretoria-Burger Right Primary in Pretoria-Langa Libalele in Kwa-Mhlanga-Another Primary in KwaMhlanga-A Primary School in Matola, Mozambique-John Wesley Primary In Swaziland-Molefe Mooke Primary In Dilopye, Hamanskraal-Now I'm at Meyerton Primary in Henly, Johannesburg.

Thanks.

Dear Connie

You are the love of my heart. You are my strength. Every time I look at you, I feel the joy in me. 9 years ago when you were born you brought joy in my life.

I pray that you grow and become a big girl, a big sister and a mama. I pray that you may become an exemplary and a role model to your little sisters, Tracy and Nanette.

COUNTDOWN To Connie’s Birthday

11 June 2009, my first born will be turning 9. It is 30 days before that day, now. Join me as I share the good and sad stories during my walk with my baby girl. I love Connie and she is an amazing girl.