• Howick and Pakuranga Times
Shortly after the ex-pat South African arrived in New Zealand with her husband Derek, she discovered she had carried some special cargo on the flight over that put her career plans on hold.
“Unbeknownst to me, I was pregnant,” says Viona.
“That turned all our plans upside down. No one was going to hire me, being pregnant.”
After taking time out to look after her daughter, the Highland Park resident decided to study information technology.
But another surprise was due for the family.
“I found out I was pregnant again. I thought, ‘God must be saying something to me. I should stay at home’. We decided it was best for me to focus on the family.”
Her love of children and dedication to God prompted her to take up a position as play group co-ordinator at St Columba Presbyterian Church in Botany.
“They took me on and I was able to have my kids with me – that was wonderful,” she says.
“Children are so natural. You can so just be yourself with them.”
She co-ordinates the church’s Mainly Music group, as well as several children’s groups such as Tweens in Christ, Splash and Bubbles.
“I felt that I might like to give it a go,” says Viona, who has a degree in English and psychology, and a diploma in early childhood education.
“We’re pretty happy and settled at church. My children count it as their second home.”
Children take part in a variety of crafts, games and other activities at church.
“There’s a lot of discussion on aspects [of life] that are important to them, such as taking risks, issues about values, and responsibilities.
“They are enthusiastic and it’s exciting to engage them.
“It’s also wonderful when they take things on board and live out what you’re trying to show them.”
Personal experiences have helped her to understand and reach out to others in the church community.
“I’ve been able to relate to the immigration struggle,” says Viona, who is mum to Savannah, Juliet and Daniel.
Despite the bumps along the way, she says the move to New Zealand has been positive.
“It’s worked out,” she smiles. “I don’t think that I would have pushed myself otherwise.”
