Today we meet South African blogger Melini Moses, who blogs at Diary of a Pastor’s Wife. Melini was also the winner last year for the Wisdom category in the Ackermans BabyYumYum.co.za SA Parenting blog Awards. Don’t forget to enter before the end of the month!
1)What do you normally get up to on an average day? Give us a brief description about yourself
I work in the News Broadcasting field, which means, whether I like it or not, news always has to be on top of my mind (along with coffee)! My job includes making sure that reporters cover stories of interest in Gauteng, whether it’s a court case, a protest, or a woman being a source of inspiration in her community. I unpack the story with the journalist and edit it before it goes on air. My husband, Justin Naidoo and I also pastor Life Community Church in Wendywood, Johannesburg. We are a family-based church, and this personal relationship with those in our church means that we are on call 24/7. Much of our time is spent giving advice, counsel, prayer, encouragement and support to others. I also host several non-profit seminars and workshops with Young Adults and Women, which require much preparation. I have also just started a business – Express Yourself Training and Communications. My hope is that this will allow me to have more control over my time with family, while also enabling me to derive an income from what I am most passionate about. I basically do my best to juggle all my responsibilities every day without dropping the ball. In between, I try to sneak in some writing.
2) How do you feel about motherhood – what are your struggles and joys?
Being a mum is an amazing honour and a massive responsibility. We have two children, Adriel 6, and Gabriella, 3. Gabby is a feisty young lady, while Adriel is calmer, and a deep thinker. Navigating through both personalities is always an interesting challenge. They are miracle children, as I survived Hyperemesis Gravidarum through both my pregnancies. We also would have lost Gabby had it not been for an unusual circumstance that forced me to be admitted into hospital. One more day and it would’ve been too late. When I realise how much our little girl fought to stay alive, it brings tears to my eyes. No matter how challenging mamahood gets, no matter how many sleepless nights I have, no matter how many times we engage in battle over getting ready for school in the morning, I always remind myself of how blessed I am to have these two precious children to love, to teach, and to raise up as a standard in their generation.
3) Tell us about your kids
Adriel, 6, is a handsome young man, who loves sport, cars, books and maths! He also asks a million questions a day. He doesn’t want to be a Pastor like dad, or into Media, like mum – hooray! He is kind and often surprises me with a big hug saying, “I love you mum.” Gabby is a mixed bag of goodies, so we are always reviewing our psychological tactics! She is vocal, independent, and feisty, a 3-year-old who is not afraid to let you know exactly how she feels. Though tough on the outside, she is marshmallows on the inside, so we try our best to shower her with hugs and kisses even when she gives us the stern look.
4) How did you start blogging?
I started blogging, after a baptism of fire into the role of a Pastors wife! I had first met Justin in our early 20’s when he had just completed his law degree and I had begun my journey in the media industry. By the time we had started dating, more than a decade later, he had hung up his robes as an Advocate to serve in full time ministry. The reality of the expectations, joys, and challenges of being a Pastor’s wife only hit me once we were married in 2014. All of my pre-conceived notions of a Pastor’s life were obliterated. I realised that so few people know or value the sacrifices that Pastors and their families all over the world make to ensure that others are taken care of, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Ultimately their families bear the brunt of the late night calls, the weekend engagements and holidays cut short, while the Pastor is out tending to those under his care. It was then that I decided to start my blog, ‘Diary of A Pastor’s Wife’, to give people a sneak peek into the reality of our lives. As time went on, I started writing about my personal experiences, to offer hope and inspiration to others.
5) Share with us a valuable blogging tip, or more that you’ve learnt.
Your blog should always reflect the content you are most passionate about.
People love stories, and stories often produce an instant connection between you and your reader. Take note of little things that take place at home. It could be something your child says, or the way you reacted to a situation. Ponder on it, and how you could turn it into content for your next blog.
Make use of video and/or audio material on your blog. It adds another dimension. Words are sometimes unable to capture the emotion that a video or sound clip would bring.
6) If you make money from your blog, give us a breakdown on how you do it. Give us some of your methods on how to get started on this, or any tips or advice.
My blog is my heart poured out in writing. It’s meant to inspire, and most of all to effect change, no matter how big or small. I don’t make money from my blog, though I sometimes wish I did, especially when I get the bill for it once a year! One of the collaborations I do have however is with a Christian publishing company. They send me books, which I then review on my social platforms, before offering them up as prizes. You could approach companies in a similar way and do a trade exchange, as an alternative to payment. You could also sell memorabilia that people could buy online, via your blog site.
Blog Link : https://diaryofapastorswife.org/
Instagram Link : https://www.instagram.com/diaryofapastorswifesa/
Twitter Link : https://twitter.com/melinimoses
Facebook Page Link : https://www.facebook.com/diaryofapastorswife
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