Born resilient
Life’s greatest challenges
IF there is one word that can best describe the Qionilase family, it has to be “resilient”. Mesake and Sereana are both deaf and mute. But despite the challenges they faced in life, apart from the obvious communication issues, the couple managed to raise nine children.
The eldest, Vivienne, 22, said life in the Qionilase household — from day one — has been an amazing experience.
“We have been through challenges that most other families would probably never face,” she said.
“When I was born, mum and dad did not have any way of knowing what my needs were.
“So you could say, I was the pioneer for my eight siblings.
“Once they worked out why I was crying or upset, they applied that knowledge to my brothers and sisters.”
Vivienne was studying human resource management at the University of the South Pacific (USP) but has shelved this to take care of the youngest in the family, threeyear-old Luke.
She earns a modest income as a court interpreter and sometimes volunteers at events when requested.
“Housing, feeding and educating nine kids is not easy, so mum and dad both have to work.
“Mum works at Lautoka Special School and dad is a carpenter.
“In the beginning, life was pretty hard because mum and dad tried to earn money anyway they could and when there was no work, things were tough.
“I can remember when we lived for weeks on cassava and tea.
“And just as the last tavioka was pulled for our dinner, dad got a call and began work the next day.
“So we believe God always provides, we are testament to His grace and His provision.”
The head of the Qionilase family, Mesake, is a pastor for the Western Ministry of the Deaf.
Church services are held at the family’s Viseisei Bypass, Vuda, home.
While the entire service is conducted in sign language, Vivienne or one of her sisters interprets should visitors come to worship with them.
Vivienne said the first language she and her siblings learnt was ‘sign’.
“Before we could talk, we could sign and I love the fact that we have our secret language as brothers and sisters.
“A lot of times, when we want to converse in confidence, we just sign to each other and this has really developed a strong relationship between us as a family.”
Of the nine siblings, Luke, three, and Faith, five, stay at home. Naomi, 12, Elenani, 14 and Ruth, 16, all attend school.
Albert, 18, works at a resort in the Yasawas and Kalesi, 20, is pursuing a Bachelor in Hotel Management.
“Even though, life is tough, we would have it no other way. Our experiences have made us strong.
“Sometimes people ask us that if we had another chance in life – would we wish for our parents to be ‘normal’.
“And the answer is a big ‘no’.
“We love mum and dad the way they are, they brought us up to appreciate what little we have and to appreciate one another.”