Mother to many at Ngwana House
Running a home for abandoned babies that accommodates 28 children is no mean feat, but for Ngwana Baby House mother Sandra Jansen van Rensburg, it is an honour and a privilege.
Sandra, who is a mother of two and grandmother to five, describes her work at the centre as a calling.
Since she started working at Ngwana House 14 years ago, her mission has been to provide a safe and loving environment for the children.
The house accommodates children from birth to two years old.
“These children cannot speak for themselves, so it is my job to speak for them. The privilege also comes from the knowledge that I am the first one to teach these babies that their lives have a purpose. I have to teach them that there is a God that is with them. Regardless of their circumstances, they are not a mistake, they have been planned by God. We don’t know the ways of God but it’s my job to show them that there is a higher power that is in charge of their lives,” she said.
The youngest child that they have ever received at the centre, was just 45 minutes old, she says.
“The mother passed away at birth and the clinic didn’t have the facilities to look after the infant. Upon receiving the baby, the responsibility of our work here dawned on me.”
When children that young are brought to the centre, they usually stay with her in the house which is situated on the premises, for a week or two until they are strong enough to go to the baby house.
“We have a special care department where the little ones under three months are accommodated while they are still so small,” she said.
With the pleasure of having the babies in their care, often also comes the pain of having to let them go once they reach two years of age, or find new homes.
Sandra says this has been difficult at first because of the bond that they establish with the children.
“The first time I had to let a child go, I cried for two weeks. My children thought I was perhaps not cut out for this task, and I also doubted whether or not I was resilient enough. But the Lord showed me a puzzle and said to me that I am only responsible for the frame of the puzzle. I must build the frame and when it is finished, He will send the people who must fill in the picture. If the frame is not done correctly, you can’t complete the puzzle. When I had that mindshift, it became easier. I still cry for every child that leaves the home but ultimately, it is our wish for every child to find a loving home,” she said. She thanked the public for the support over the years.
“We are grateful to have a community that is involved. We have people who volunteer to clean, people who bring supplies and these are the things that keep our doors open. We are thankful to God that He is working in people’s hearts, especially in these times that are difficult for everyone,” she said.
Sandra will spend her Mother’s Day at the baby house, as every year they prepare a meal for the staff to show their appreciation.”