A Christmas gift from above

For Bennie and Ivana Meyer, Christmas was unlike any other. While many were exchanging gifts under the tree, the Meyers celebrated the arrival of their greatest blessing – a beautiful baby girl.

Numerí Hava Meyer was born during the festive season and brought joy, meaning and profound gratitude to the family.

Choosing the perfect name for their daughter was a heartfelt journey for Bennie and Ivan.

“My wife and I wanted a biblical name but something unique and meaningful,” Bennie explained. The couple prayed over the decision, and the inspiration came from the fourth book of the Bible, Numbers or Numerí.

“Numerí reminds us that while God does not tolerate rebellious behaviour, He always gives second chances, just as He did with the Israelites in the desert,” Bennie shared.

Months later, Ivan felt strongly that their daughter should have a second name.

“We prayed again, and a week before her birth, we were given the name Hava – the name Adam gave Eve – meaning to live, to breathe and mother of life,” Bennie said. Together, Numerí Hava’s name is a testament to faith, renewal and the gift of life.

For Bennie, the moment he held his daughter for the first time was pure magic.

“Hearing her first coo and holding her in my arms was an indescribable feeling,” he said. “It’s a moment we will cherish forever.”

The Meyers’ journey to parenthood was guided by careful planning and providence.

“We started planning for her even before we became pregnant,” Bennie explained. The couple worked on a month-to-month plan to gather all the essentials for their baby, receiving significant blessings along the way.

“We were fortunate to receive most of the big, expensive items as gifts or find them on great specials,” Bennie said. By the time their baby’s due date approached, the hospital bags were already packed, and the nursery was perfectly set up, awaiting Numerí’s arrival.

The Meyers’ family and friends have been a cornerstone of support throughout their journey.

“From day one, they’ve helped us save on expenses with thoughtful gifts and hand-me-downs in great condition,” Bennie said. But beyond material support, their loved ones have provided emotional comfort, particularly for Ivan.

“My wife has been very emotional after the birth, and the encouragement from our family and friends has been a tremendous help,” Bennie shared, expressing gratitude for their unwavering kindness.

Despite the excitement of having a newborn, the Meyers’ holiday traditions remain unchanged. “Her arrival hasn’t altered our traditions,” Bennie expressed. Instead, it has deepened their faith and gratitude for the season.

As they look ahead, Bennie and Ivan hope to instil in Numerí the biblical values they hold dear.

“We want her to learn and live according to the principles of faith we believe in,” Bennie concluded.