Kendyl giving Mama some loves. Happy Mother’s Day to one incredible woman. For 30 years she’s been putting her own needs aside to ensure the safety, love, and guidance for hundreds of children. We are so grateful for to you Mama. ❤️ #tembisatots #mothersday
Author: Tembisa Tots
Smile Bright…
Things have been going quite well with Mama and the tots. I receive emails, comments, and inquires about ways to help from many. Whether it’s a local business, students, or families who want to donate clothes, involve their company, or stop by and play with the kids; people are wanting to serve.
Summer is ending and winter is approaching. Where I live, summer is just beginning. I can’t wait to throw on some shorts and let me toes wiggle in the warm air. I think of Mama and the tots as the temperatures change and hope they are warm and safe.
There have been so many improvements over the past year they are all doing very well. I can’t thank people enough for being the eyes, ears, hands, and opening their hearts to the Tembisa Tots since I live so far away.
One important goal I’m trying to reach is for the angel who takes care of these special children. Mama lives and breathes these kids and hardly has time for herself. Since I met Mama 5 years ago, her dental hygiene is deteriorating. She wears dentures and they have been broken ever since I’ve known her.
She’s had to super glue them together time and time again. A few months ago, Mama was able to visit a dentist and get an idea of the work that needs to happen. She will need to visit the dentist at least 4 more times to help ease the pain.
The cost is much more than what Mama can afford and I’d love to help ease the physical pain and also the emotional stress off of Mama’s shoulders.
Let’s help Mama fix her pearly whites and help make her life easier and more healthy! Any donation is appreciated! No amount is too small. You have no idea how far it can go!
Love you Mama! You always have a beautiful smile on your face no matter what!
You’re a true inspiration!
Help fix Mama’s smile here.
Difference Maker…
The company I work for is amazing. @chghealthcare has a one-of-a-kind-culture, believes in their leadership and employees, creates community services and the desire to help others is outstanding. I was nominated for a new initiative called, Difference Makers. This nomination is for employees who go out of there way to help others and really make a difference in the community/anywhere. Out of 50+ nominees, I was fortunate enough to be one of the final 13! I was nominated for our precious Tembisa Tots! A small orphanage in Tembisa, South Africa I fundraise for and am in constant communication with. For the past four and a half years I’ve been fundraising and working with many people to help Mama and the 12-20 children she calls her own. There’s been wonderful changes and continue to be with the help of many from all over the world. The four finalists will be announced in February and will travel to Kenya in August with our CEO and others to help at a local school and community! The photo I’ve posted is a small but very impactful gift from our CEO, Scott Beck. I was given this rafiki (meaning friend in Swahili) bracelet that was hand made by a Kenyan woman. I am honored and thrilled to be a nominee and recognized for my Tembisa family ol that I hold close to my heart. Please visit http://www.tembisatots.wordpress.com to learn more about Mama and the Tembisa Tots. #chghealthcare #differencemakers #kenya #change #blessed #southafrica #africa #tembisa #tembisatots #give #rafiki #friend #thankful
Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016
I can’t believe that the year is over. There has been a lot of great and positive things that happened at the orphanage in 2015. I wanted to give a short recap of everything and also share a few goals for 2016.
There are about twenty kids at the orphanage now. Ten of the kids have left, but about ten others have been dropped off. I hope and pray that the ones who left are safe and will be taken care of. Many of the parents had realized their kids were gone or have finally gotten to a place in their lives where they feel like they can take care of the children now. I pray that is the case and they can all be happy and safe.
There are always things that need fixing, taken care and dealt with. Fortunately, there is a local company who has offered their services and making things even better. There has been constant construction going on for the last few months. An additional building has been put in, a new kitchen, cupboards, sinks, running water, an additional toilet in another building, and sliding doors. Thank you Travis and his crew at NURV Decor for all the hard work you’re doing. Mama and the children are so grateful!
Sliding door will be placed here.
Additional building for more room.
New roof!
More construction and work going on.
Putting in the flooring.
The kids are all doing well! They are growing up so fast. Prynce, Esa, Tnandza, Esa are all still there. And there are a lot of new faces I’m meeting via photographs.
Mama with one of the girls…
Esa, Moipone, and Tnandza.
Everyone takes care of everyone ❤
There are a couple goals that I’d like to accomplish for 2016. The one that’s most important is getting electricity. Mama currently has a stove that puts out some, but not enough. There is a lot of debt that Mama has and that’s why the electricity is not on. It would be wonderful if we could raise more money to help pay that debt off and the kids can have electricity. Warming up water, taking baths and showers, winter is only a few months away. I’d hate to think of everyone going through another winter without electricity.
The second goal is to make sure Mama gets proper dental hygiene. Her teeth have been in such bad shape she needs to get it all fixed. She has visited the dentist for a consultation, but will need to go at least three more times to make sure she is healthy and not in pain anymore.
I know everyone is getting ready to ring in 2016 with dinners, parties, drinks, treats, and spending expenditures that we may feel is necessary for tonight. I’m asking you to donate a few dollars to help ensure the Tembisa Tots can have a great 2016.
Happy New Year everyone!
xo
Mama with Duba Duba. She was dropped off at 4 months. She’s now almost 3!
Always Smiling…
We were lucky enough to take a photo of my parents, my daughter and me and have it delivered to Mama back in South Africa.
Dominic and his family went to visit the orphanage the day after they returned home from the States. They checked in with Mama and the kids and gave her our photo. She is doing well and is smiling from ear to ear.
The community has really stepped up and providing for Mama and the kids. Food vendors, neighbors, schools, and even local businesses are chipping in when and where they can. I think with the updates and progression, many people are more willing to help Mama.
They still struggle with day to day living, but they have many more helping hands surrounding them. We love and miss you Mama!
Another new building!
Mama and the tots are getting a new building! This will help them out tremendously! The locals have really stepped up to the plate and helping out in so many ways. We were lucky to have Nurv Décor come in and build this for Mama and the kids. They’ll keep me updated and posted as things progress! Thank you all for your support, comments, offerings, and unconditional love for Mama and the kids she takes care of. Many thanks!
Share your love…
Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve updated on the darling tots in South Africa. They have been doing so well for the past year! The community has really rallied around Mama in helping, volunteering, and showing support. I still receive emails and requests from people to help Mama. She is so grateful and feels so loved! So thank you very much for your kindness.
Even though Mama has been blessed with help from the community and others, she still needs to day to day necessicties. I have been working with and created a great friendship with a local woman, and a few others, who has graciously given their time to help Mama when possible and making sure things are going well.
We have created an account for South Africa and still have an account here in the States for those who would like to donate and help. If you are interested in the South Africa donation, please message me and I can give you those details.
Here’s a list of the basics the kids need
Rice, pasta, cake flour, mealie meal
Sugar, coffee, tea
Mabele, morvite, lentiles, split peas, beans
Oats, cooking oil, salt, soup packets, spices
Washing powder, dish washing liquid, Sunlight bar soap
Frozen vegetables
Tinned food: pilchards, beans, Bull brand
Tissues, toilet rolls
Tooth brushes, tooth pastes
Disposable nappies for 3-18 month old babies
Fissan paste/bum cream
Vaseline
Roll on deodorants for the teens
Sanitary pads for the teen girls
Long life milk/powder
Nan no. 2 baby formula
Sweets/nuts
Soya mince, meat, chicken pieces
Thank you all for your constant support and interest in helping these Tembisa Tots. ❤
Video Update on our Tembisa Tots…
For the last few weeks our friends Dominic and Moipone have been here in the United States. They traveled from South Africa to visit a handful of families they’ve grown to know and love. Many couples have had the oppurtunity of opening their hearts and lives to these wonderful people while serving in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Tshabalala family are one of the most incredible families I have met. With six children, Moipone and Dominic do an amazing job raising their kids in today’s world.
The cultural differences between South Africans and Americans range from many things. Both countries have many things each can learn from, and also many things that are hard to understand since we aren’t familiar with it.
In meeting Dominic and Moipone in 2011, I’ve come to understand a little bit of their culture and history. Less is more. It’s okay to not have everything. Really cherish what’s in front of you. Don’t take anything for granted. History is powerful. Your roots are strong but don’t shape your future; you shape your future. Faith is endless. Hope can be eternal. Family is home.
Dominic and Moipone have been a huge part of the Tembisa Tots. Dominic has been a wonderful translater for me and my family when we’ve visited. He’s been able to explain how things work in Tembisa. From the township’s system, explaining things to Mama, and working with the community in helping where they can. He’s been able to build a trusting relationship with Mama and the kids living in the orphanage. Moipone has grown to love each and every child and knows them individually and collectively.
I trust them completely. They have the best interest in mind for the children and Mama.
Since Dominic and Moipone are such a large part with the Tembisa Tots, Dominic and I made a short video message for all of those who have donated and those future donations. We want everyone to know that their donations go to a wonderful cause and truly help dozen of children.
With the funds that have been donated we have been able to do many great things at the orphanage. But there is always more to do. The kids need funds to attend school, uniform costs, and school supplies are always needed.
Please share and think about helping these darling tots this upcoming holiday season.
God bless and many thanks…
Growing, growing, growing…
In the past several months there’s been a lot of love spread between the gates of our Tembisa Tots orphanage. From the LDS missionaries who consistantly check on Mama and the kids, to many offers from locals who offer their help and services, a wonderful family from Denver Colorado contacted me and is going to visit Mama and wanted to take supplies to her and the children, and an amazing fifteen year old girl celebrated her birthday at the orphanage and now has taken on a big duty to help the tots and Mama…. I feel so blessed to be able to witness these miracles.
As of March 12, Mama has 32 children to take care of. I can’t even imagine. I think more and more kids are getting dropped off. The latest little tots were brought to Mama a couple weeks ago. One is three months old, a baby girl. She doesn’t have a name yet. She hadn’t been cared for. The mother was out of reality, and is now hospitalized. I believe she had two siblings arrive with her as well.
This little babe is just too cute. I wish I could go get her and bring her home!
I continue to love these tots and Mama from afar. I keep them close to my heart and in my prayers. I love to hear and see their successes, and their smiles from my dear friends who help watch over them.
Thanks for sweet Georgia! She and her friends went to the orphanage last Saturday and posted a bunch of photos of the kids!
Georgia and her friends have decided to take on the orphanage as a project of their own. They have an opportunity to meet with a large South African Corporate called BIDVEST, to present the orphanage’s needs to the executive board. They really want to improve the outside play area, and had the idea to request either sponsorship or donations to lay down grass in the area under the trees, get new playground equipment and fix up the paving so that it becomes a place where the little ones can sit on the grass and have a picnic in the shade etc. etc.
Their plan is to get everything done by “Madiba Day” – the 18th July 2014 – and then have a big celebration of the new play area! Yesterday was a day to take photographs etc., and then they will be brainstorming over the next three weeks on what is the best approach to take with their request for sponsorship etc. They have a lot of work to do as far as getting in quotes and sourcing suppliers, and at first thought that the 18th July 2014 was a bit soon (my instruction to them was that they have to have a goal – end date, otherwise nothing will actually be achieved).
Everyone is on board with the idea and are completely committed to the project.
The Tembisa Tots “Power Team” consists of nine 15 year olds who attend school together and Southdowns College in Pretoria, South Africa. Among the parents are two Accountants who will assist with managing any donations they receive and will be able to account for all income and expenditure and report to donors on an ongoing basis.
The Temabisa Tots Power Team consists of:
Georgia
Jordan
Nicolas
Jean-Pierre
Sandile
Xabiso
Dianne
Thato
Siyuri
Bless these teens hearts.
Birthday Party with the Tots…
This young girl is truly amazing! Who would have thought a young teen would want to spend her birthday with a group of small orphans? Well, meet Georgia. Her birthday wish was to celebrate her birthday with Mama and the kids for her birthday.
“Yesterday I celebrated my 15th birthday with the amazing children at Tembisa Tots orphanage. I hope the children enjoyed THEIR party, and I can’t wait to see them again – soon! Thank you so much Mama for all you do for these children, you are truly an inspiration. Lots of love to Mama and to each and every one of those children, from Georgia.”
I just want to reach through the computer and give her the biggest hug ever! The kids look like they are having the time of their lives. Georgia and her friends sure made an impact on their little lives and I know Mama loved every minute of it too.
Thank you Georgia. Thank you for being such a wonderful person and having a loving heart. Keep it up my dear, keep it up.
Tembisa Tots 