Rethabile Mbali Khabane

As a child, I felt a spark within me, a desire to dedicate my life to GOD but I didn't know what that meant or how to pursue it. My name is **RETHABILE MBALI KHABANE**, 19 years of age. Grew up in the city of Welkom, in the Diocese of Kroonstad, I was part of Mofumahali oa Rosary Roman Catholic Church.

The idea of joining a religious life has been a long-held dream of mine, one that I've carried in my heart since childhood. That all changed in 2023 when I met a sister from the Benedictine Sisters of Twasana, at our church. Although our conversation was brief, it sparked curiosity within me. I began researching congregations and learning more about the religious life, trying to understand what it meant to dedicate oneself to GOD in such a way.

During my research, I was particularly drawn to the Franciscans, inspired by the life of Saint Francis. After two days of visiting the convent I didn't want to leave. I then mustered up courage to ask my mom to stay a bit longer and to my surprise, she agreed. I never wanted to leave, it was as if I had found my place, and knew that I was here to stay.