You know those few people that are shining souls. Their actions, the way they carry themselves and what they say only reinforce this initial insight. Me Nthabileng Thakane is one of those people. She is a member of twelve women wool spinning group I work with though I know her best of them all. Standing roughly 5'6” she has a soft face and a healthy figure. What could be mistaken for being shy is most similar to a graceful reserve. There is no hasty decision made here and unlike some who can appear inattentive she wants to know.

I first recognized this in her when, after the holidays, I was working out in my gardens one Saturday and she came out. We greeted and she sat for a bit and watched as I worked then asked if she could help. Why would I ever say no to help with weeding so of course I said yes. Working twice as fast as I did bent over and sweating she mentioned 'I am pregnant' which caught me off guard and wondering if she was speaking some kind of Sesotho. I tried to get her to stop working but she was determined saying she needs milk for her baby. I had hired someone and didn't even know it out right.

The rest of our time out in the gardens I got to thinking about my current dilemma. How do I get her to stop? Should I get her to stop? Thank goodness she is smart enough to know what she needs for her baby. We headed back to my house and I paid her what would be the equivalent of a whole days wages; enough for some milk, some bread, and some to save for tomorrow.

If that wasn't enough, she has been the only one this past month to be working in the make-shift shop next to my house. Everyday, rain or shine, this woman shows up more than seven months pregnant ready to work.

'This is Africa' I convinced myself, and with a mom like that this kid is going to be a force in Semonkong.