Kate Rhodes shares how she copes being married to a cricket hero How did you become a Christian? I was brought up in a Christian family, but I remember asking Jesus into my life at the age of 10. My parents and I were at a service, and when the minister made an altar call, I remember asking my dad to take me to the front. That was the beginning of my friendship with Jesus. What things are an important part of maintaining and developing your Christian life? For me, the most important part is making sure that I spend time with God each day. I find that if I don't, I get caught up in the hectic life we lead. I also try to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit throughout the day, and try to talk to, pray and praise God through my day. This helps me maintain and develop my Christian life. What is it like living with Jonty? Hectic! Our lives are not the same as your average South African couple as we spend many weeks and months away from each other. And then when we are together, poor Jonty hardly has time to breathe, as he is busy running around trying to catch up with all the things that he needs to do. How do you cope with the adoration of his fans? I can honestly say that it took me about two years to adjust to our lives and Jonty's fans. I found it very difficult. The thing I struggled with the most was that I was no longer Kate. I was now Jonty's girlfriend/wife when he wasn't around. When he was with me people were so excited to see him that I might as well have not been there. I found it so frustrating until I realized what an honor it is to be in his position. There are not too many people who can make a difference: who can walk into a room and make people smile and chatter with excitement; who can help, inspire and motivate people. I count it a blessing to be able to be with and support someone like this. I stopped thinking of ‘poor me' and began to look for ways that I could help Jonty more: be more patient, more understanding, more encouraging. This has changed the way I view his fans. And when he's away from home so much? How do you keep yourself busy? It hasn't been easy being married to the cricketing life. Everyone says, "You knew what you were in for." But I didn't. They never seem to be at home. In the last six months, Jonty has only been home for a week! It's quite scary. So how do I cope? Several reasons: God gives me the strength: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13). And because God is the center of our marriage. My family is also incredible. I couldn't have got this far without my parents. They've always been there for me over the last six years, encouraging, helping and lifting me up when I've been down. I have also been blessed with some amazing friends. I have a wonderful part-time job at Westville Senior Primary, teaching Zulu. I have the most precious husband, for whom I am truly grateful. Do you enjoy cricket? Do you watch most of his games? Yes, I love it. I love sport and have played a lot of it all my life, so it wasn't too difficult to get hooked. I do watch most of his games, but not all. Shopping is sometimes preferred! Do you ever feel like you take second place to the game? Never! Jonty has always kept his priorities straight: God and myself before cricket. What do you love most about Jonty? Everything!