Theresia Whitfield's Blog

Bulembu in Germany

Theresia Whitfield — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:56:55 +0000

* Special Note *

This blog post will be written in English and in German as the goal is to reach people as far and wide as possible. The English version can also be found on the Bulembu blog. I’m posting this here as well in an effort to support Gisela Miessner, the President of Kinderlächeln Bulembu.

It’s hard to visit Bulembu and not walk away carrying a piece of it with you when you return home. The children, the people, the sights and sounds, the beauty of the community, and the joy that each person carries in the hope that comes with every new morning is ripe for the picking and available for you to tuck into the suitcase of your heart and mind forever. Most people who visit return home with a newfound zeal for making a difference wherever they are. But some just can’t shake what they left behind in Bulembu. Their physical work may have ended but they’re just not quite ready to give up volunteering on behalf of Bulembu. Such was the case for Gisela Miessner.

Vernon Puttkammer introduced Miessner, who hails from Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, to Bulembu while vacationing in South Africa. Puttkammer is the Director of Child Care Manager while his wife, Leigh, works as the Child Care Administrator. Since that time, Miessner has become close friends with the couple and their two children and has made several trips to Bulembu. With each return trip, Miessner, 66, brings goodies and school supplies for the orphaned children and takes several on safari so that they can enjoy their home country and wild life in their natural habitat. But it wasn’t enough to take the children on trips and bring them candy. They needed so much more. That’s when she decided to form Kinderlächeln Bulembu or Children Smile Bulembu.

The purpose of the association, which is based in Germany, is to give the orphans in Bulembu a safe home, to allow these children an education, to provide for their medical care and to give them safe sport and play facilities. Much of her fundraising will consist of monetary contributions and 100% of the funds will go back to Bulembu. But she’s not stopping there. As the club president, Miessner is determined to collect donations for clothing for children of all ages including newborns, toiletries, school supplies, toys and even blankets. “The simplest of things are lacking,” she explains. “They need everything you can imagine. We don’t take anything from the orphans. We are just volunteers. Every cent goes back to them.”

Miessner wants her German friends and countrymen to become engaged and see Bulembu for the potential it has. She wants people to take off the blinders to the reality of what awaits these orphaned children if they don’t receive the help and care they desperately need. Miessner now has a Facebook page and an email address, kinderlaecheln-bulembu@web.de to make it easy for people to make donations. And in March 2012, she’ll return to Bulembu with the fruits of her labor. But it’s only the beginning of what she hopes will be a lifetime of Children Smiling in Bulembu.

Es ist schwer zu Bulembu besuchen und nicht zu Fuß trägt ein Stück davon mit, wenn Sie nach Hause zurückkehren. Die Kinder, die Menschen, die Sehenswürdigkeiten und Klänge, die Schönheit der Gemeinde, und die Freude, dass jeder Mensch trägt in der Hoffnung, dass mit jedem neuen Morgen kommt, ist reif für die Ernte und für Sie in den Koffer Ihres Herzens zu verstauen und für immer Sinn. Die meisten Menschen, die Rückkehr in die Heimat zu besuchen mit einem neu entdeckten Eifer für einen Unterschied, wo immer sie sind. Aber einige können einfach nicht abschütteln, was sie hinter sich gelassen in Bulembu. Ihre körperliche Arbeit kann endeten aber sie sind einfach noch nicht bereit aufzugeben Freiwilligenarbeit im Namen Bulembu. Dies war der Fall für Gisela Mießner.Vernon Puttkammer eingeführt Mießner, der aus Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland, stammt zu Bulembu während eines Urlaubs in Südafrika. Puttkammer ist Direktor des Child Care Manager, während seine Frau, Leigh, arbeitet als Child Care Administrator.Seit dieser Zeit hat Miessner enge Freunde geworden mit dem Ehepaar und ihren beiden Kindern und hat mehrere Reisen nach Bulembu. Mit jeder Hin-und Rückfahrt, bringt Mießner, 66, Goodies und Schulmaterial für die Waisenkinder und dauert mehrere auf Safari, so dass sie ihre Heimat und wildes Leben in ihrem natürlichen Lebensraum zu genießen. Aber es war nicht genug, um die Kinder auf Reisen nehmen und bringen sie Süßigkeiten. Sie brauchten so viel mehr. Das ist, wenn sie Kinderlächeln Bulembu oder Kinder zum Lachen Bulembu Form entschieden.

Der Zweck des Vereins, die ihren Sitz in Deutschland ist, ist es, den Waisenkindern in Bulembu ein sicheres Zuhause, damit diese Kinder eine Erziehung, die für ihre medizinische Versorgung und ihnen sicheren Sport-und Spielmöglichkeiten. Viel von ihrer Fundraising wird von Geldspenden bestehen und 100% der Mittel gehen zurück auf Bulembu. Aber sie ist nicht dort anzuhalten. Als Clubpräsident ist Miessner entschlossen, Spenden für Kleidung für Kinder aller Altersstufen einschließlich Neugeborenen, Toilettenartikel, Schulmaterial, Spielsachen und sogar Decken einzuziehen. ”Die einfachsten Dinge fehlen”, erklärt sie. ”Sie müssen alles, was man sich vorstellen kann.Wir nehmen nichts von den Waisen. Wir sind nur Freiwillige. Jeder Cent geht zu ihnen zurück. “

Miessner will ihre deutschen Freunde und Landsleute, sich zu verloben und sehen Bulembu für das Potential es hat. Sie will die Menschen, um aus dem Scheuklappen an die Realität von dem, was erwartet diese verwaisten Kinder, wenn sie nicht erhalten, die Hilfe und Pflege, die sie dringend brauchen. Mießner hat jetzt eine Facebook-Seite und eine E-Mail-Adresse, kinderlaecheln-bulembu@web.de, um es einfach für Menschen zu spenden. Und März 2012, wird sie zu Bulembu mit den Früchten ihrer Arbeit zurückzukehren. Aber es ist nur der Anfang von dem, was sie hofft, eine Lebensdauer von Children Smiling in Bulembu werden.

Covering Canada

Theresia Whitfield — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:41:13 +0000

Simon Cowell may be famous for generating the craze that led today’s plethora of TV talent competitions, but there was one who came long before Cowell. Don Weiner created Showtime at the Apollo, and his Amateur Night launched the careers of major artists such as Lauryn Hill, Maria Carey, Mary J. Blige, New Kids on the Block, and countless other artists. Weiner is back at it as Executive Producer for Cover Me Canada, a show where undiscovered Canadian acts will be tasked with covering the most well known, chart-topping songs from some of Canada’s most successful artists of all time. Well, how exciting can it be to watch someone sing someone else’s song? The trick is that each artist has to make the cover song their own in order to receive the $100,000 cash prize, a recording contract for their first original single, which will be released by Universal Music, Canada and airplay of said single on CBC Radio 2.

Cover Me Canada is featuring just eight contestants. Among them is Georgia Murray, a native of Port McNeill. The fascinating thing about this piece of information is that a TV talent show is probably the last place you would ever expect to find Georgia Murray.

Georgia comes from a family of singers. Her parents own a tranquil place for fun and respite called Nimmo Bay Resort, BC. Her dad was always singing, entertaining guests with his voice and guitar. Once she was done with her dishwashing duties, she’d join voices with her father. There’s another fascinating piece of information here. Georgia is also the younger sister of Clifton Murray, one-fourth of the popular and award-winning Canadian Tenors.

Georgia and Clifton are as far apart as the North and South Pole are in distance in terms of the type of music they sing. She describes her music as alt-soul with an urban influence. The Tenors are well known for their classical crossover style. But one thing they’re not far apart on is their love and support for each other.

“He’s one of my best friends,” Georgia says. “I’m so lucky to have him in my life. He’s so willing to help me with the resources he has and the position he’s in. He’s always had my back, supporting my creativity and independence as an artist.”

Georgia admits she’s gone against the grain at times in her musical career.

“I probably could have taken some easier routes,” she says. “And I could have been more successful by now. But I wouldn’t have been true to myself. I didn’t want to settle, and Clifton always supported that.”

It was Clifton who actually suggested she try out for Cover Me Canada. She initially resisted, feeling it wouldn’t give her and her band the opportunity to shine as artists. But once the deadline had come and gone, she found a post that the deadline had been extended. So, she decided to go for it just to see what would happen. Now she is one of eight vying for the top prize.

This competition is quite different from others in that it only allows for social media voting. No phone calls. No texting. While the judges have the final say, fan involvement can help “encourage” a judge’s opinion. But the rules to participate can be a bit confusing. Let’s break it down.

There are two ways each competitor can be granted immunity every Sunday night (which is when the show airs) – voting and online buzz. The judges ultimately decide elimination, but immunity is good!
Your favorite competitor (which is obviously Georgia!) will rank higher on the Cover Me Canada Chart by the buzz she receives. The more buzz, the higher she is on the chart. You MUST install the Cover Me Canada (CMC) app from cbc.ca/covermecanada, which will then follow your CMC activity on Facebook and Twitter.
If Georgia posts anything on Facebook, “like” it, repost it, comment on it. Make sure you become a fan on her fan page.
You can also use Twitter to create a buzz for Georgia. (Have you figured out yet that I’m rooting for Georgia?) Follow her @CMC_Georgia. When she posts, re-tweet, @reply and talk about her! The busier her feed, the higher she climbs. She’s even created her own hashtag, #votegeorgiacmc. But that’s not as important as following her and keeping her feed busy!
You didn’t think we were going to keep YouTube out of this, did you? Georgia and her competitors will post a new video of their cover tune every week and you get to vote on it. But here’s the key, you MUST go through Facebook first. Install the app . Then, click on the blue button that says vote! Make sure you also click the “like” button below the video so she’s creating more buzz on Facebook! You can watch Georgia’s videos as much as you want. And believe me, once you hear and see her, you will want to watch her videos often. The more views, the more buzz! Here’s a sample:
Finally, there is a Cover Me Canada Facebook page. This is where you can knock it out of the universe! Like the page, and then post as many wonderful comments about Georgia as you wish.
More details can be found at: Cover Me Canada

Georgia and her band mates, including long-time boyfriend and producer, Tony Day (D-Whiz) are required to do all of the arranging and instrumentation for each of the cover tunes they’re assigned. They work with top producers who guide them along the way. It’s up to them to put the talent out there. But this is where fans can show how much we appreciate the hard work that goes into the music we enjoy on a regular basis. It’s like watching a good movie. You want to tell someone about it so they can share in the fun, too.

It was once said of Georgia that her voice is connected to her heart. Truer words were never spoken. Her heart comes out of a unique, angelic, crisp voice. Let’s tell everybody about it so they can share in the fun, too.

The Silent Page

Theresia Whitfield — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:25:21 +0000

Today is the first day I have felt somewhat normal in weeks. Many. Weeks. Since I returned from Austria at the beginning of this year, I have been plagued with near debilitating medical issues. I even thought I might not be able to go to Bulembu. Thankfully, a diagnosis was made and medicine was prescribed. But it wasn’t the right solution, and I have since become a guinea pig to doctor’s trying to find the right cocktail that will do the trick. In the meantime, there are days when I can barely get out of bed. Today is the first day I haven’t had a moderately painful headache or full-blown migraine in more than a month. Remnants of PTSD crept back into my life creating anxiety that made me fearful to even leave my home.

And work? Ha. Forget work. If there was enough energy to make it downstairs, I’d consider that a good day. There have been a few projects here and there, for which I am thankful. But my blog…

I consider this blog to be the window to my soul. I know God has called me to write, and I don’t mind opening the shades so people can get a glimpse inside. But I’m the type of writer who believes that writing just for writing’s sake is ineffective and pointless. I’m reminded of the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. When he heard that Jesus was coming, he tried to position himself close enough but the crowd was too much. So, he yelled, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd told him to be quiet but Bartimaeus only yelled louder. When Jesus heard his cry, he called him over and asked him what he wanted. He replied, “My rabbi, I want to see.” Instantly, Bartimaeus was healed, and he followed Jesus. (Mark 10:46-52)

Bartimaeus spoke when he needed to and when it mattered most. And when everything was on the line, he didn’t give up. I liken myself to Bartimaeus when it comes to writing. I write only when I feel there’s something important to say. I can’t blog just to blog. I must make a difference. What I write must matter to the reader. Otherwise, why bother? Bartimaeus believed Jesus would heal him if he just yelled loud enough.

This is where the similarities between me and Bart end. I feel like I have been screaming at the top of my lungs, but Jesus hasn’t been listening. Yes, I know in my head that God always hears us. Moving that knowledge about 12 inches lower to my heart is a different story. When depression takes over, you stop believing in everything and everyone, including yourself.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened up my blog in the last three weeks, wanting desperately to write something that matters. Instead, I would just wait; not for inspiration but for death to wash over me because I don’t have the courage to do it myself. So, another day would pass and another page would remain silent.

Until today when there is a glimmer of hope. But I’ve seen this movie before. And I know how it ends. I wonder how long the page will remain silent this time.

The disfigured butterfly

Theresia Whitfield — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:40:39 +0000

It was nearly 5:00 p.m., and I was finally able to drag my body out from underneath the covers where I’d spent the entire day and night before. It wasn’t that I wanted to get out of bed. My head had been throbbing with the pain of a migraine of epic proportions. The thought of food made me want to hurl as if I was the whale holding Jonah in my belly. Light stung my eyes and made them water. I couldn’t even stand the sound of my own breathing anymore. It was just too loud for this migraine. But I needed to get up. I needed to spend a few minutes with my husband after his long day at work. He wouldn’t have cared if I had stayed in bed, under the circumstances. He’s just that kind of guy! In fact, he ate dinner at the kitchen table in near darkness – blinds closed, no lights on and a dark, damp day made the sun seem as if it had set hours earlier.

There are many things that bring a sense of calm to this weary and anxious mind: music, writing, reading. But all of those things would have brought more pain. While conversation was light, I didn’t want to just sit there for the rest of the evening so I decided I would color. Yes, I said color. I love coloring! Maybe it takes me back to the simpler days of my childhood when my imagination came to life in the wild pigments I displayed on paper and keeping the colors contained within the lines was my biggest worry of the day. But, this 40-something woman still likes to color from time to time!

I squinted my eyes every time I selected a different pencil for the masterpiece I was working on; a butterfly. Each time I began to spread a new color across the page, I realized that the color I had chosen wasn’t exactly the one I had in mind. It wasn’t as green as I’d thought. It wasn’t as crisp or soft as I’d hoped. Before long, my masterpiece looked like a confused collection of strange hues. And then I realized: each new project I take on as a writer never ends up looking the same as I imagined.

The last year has had me chasing two dream projects that seem to be crumbling before my eyes. I have given my heart and soul to both of these projects and kept pushing and pushing, believing that I was following the right path – choosing the right colors. My intentions were pure: To honorably tell stories that I believe need to be told. I have traveled the world over, giving of my talents while asking for nothing in return (including money) and all of it because I believed in both projects. And I believed that my efforts would lead to something bigger and better. I have met some of the most amazing people along the way; many of whom have become my dearest friends and Sisters.

Yet, I feel I have been betrayed, ignored, pushed aside, misled, and had numerous carrots dangled in front of me only to watch them be snatched out of my grasp as soon as I reach for them. I’ve been stuck in the middle and asked to answer for things other people have done all while not having the necessary information to satiate curious appetites.

Why do I keep picking the wrong colors? My writing life looks as confusing and disfigured as the butterfly with all the wrong shades. I have come to doubt myself as a writer; as someone with something of value to contribute based on years of experience. How do I keep writing? Will the ones I’ve been trying so hard to reach notice if I stop spreading my wings? I just don’t want to deface anymore butterflies with every new dream. I don’t want to be the blemished butterfly anymore.

Bulembu: A Forest and A Future

Theresia Whitfield — Wed, 25 May 2011 22:07:05 +0000

Imagine growing up in a close-knit community only to watch your town virtually disappear. The few citizens that remain are suffering for lack of the basics but more than that; they turn to crime to compensate for the lack of jobs. Now imagine watching that same town completely revitalized with new opportunities for business, education, health and hope.

Read the rest of the story…

Bulembu: Another Important Announcement

Theresia Whitfield — Mon, 23 May 2011 13:52:43 +0000

A couple of weeks have passed since we received word that Bulembu International was going to be halting its funding support of Bulembu Ministries Swaziland. I’ve heard from so many of you who have felt similar emotions over this news: sadness, confusion, fear, concern. Dozens of questions were tossed into the air like an exploding bucket of tennis balls. Unfortunately, many returned to the ground without ever making contact with a tennis racket. And, we may never know the answer to some of our questions.

But today I am sharing some great news. Another letter from Volker Wagner and Bulembu International gives us a reason to smile. The letter reads in part:

The BI Board of Directors met last week and unanimously expressed their unwavering commitment to the well-being and future of the children in Bulembu. A scaled back Bulembu International will continue to provide ongoing financial support for the orphaned and vulnerable children being cared for through Bulembu’s Child Care Program. In addition, private funding has been secured to cover the administration costs associated with operating BI to ensure that 100% of your donations will go directly towards caring for the children in Bulembu.

To read the full announcement, click here.

There is much to be thankful for! THE single most import piece of Bulembu is the children. Knowing that they are the focus and will be cared for brings peace to my soul! But the work is not yet finished.

I have had extensive conversations with folks on the ground in Bulembu, and I can assure you that they remain committed to the people of Bulembu and Swaziland. The people there have a heart for the Lord and a passion for His children. Nothing has changed in terms of the vision of providing self-sustainability. They work tirelessly, and often without thanks, for the betterment of the community and country in which they live and work. I can say these things with confidence, and wouldn’t say these things if I didn’t believe them to be true.

Many have asked about the involvement of The Canadian Tenors. I can’t answer that question as they have not yet given an indication of their position. I do know that they will do what’s right for all involved. They are men of integrity and never sought to mislead anyone nor did they get involved for their own personal gain. I feel as confident in these words as I do about the future of Bulembu.

Please prayerfully consider, once again, how you can be involved in bringing hope and a future to the children of Bulembu.

Lending a Hand with Both Hands

Theresia Whitfield — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:41:30 +0000

It is such a special occasion when an orphan is adopted into a new forever family! There are many joys and challenges in what can be a very expensive process. Legal issues bring even more joy and challenges! But, God is faithful. My dear friends, Mark and Diane, are getting ready to welcome to their family of five a little boy and a little girl from Congo! These kids are going to be so blessed!

But first, Mark and Diane need to raise the funds necessary to fly them to the US. And while that’s happening, immigration issues are unmercifully dragging out this already long process! But, God is faithful!

Here are some ways you can help, if you’re so led! If all you can do is pray, then that help is more than enough. If you’re squirming in your seat at the thought of giving money to a family you don’t even know, that’s ok! Help another family who is in the same boat. Trust me: There are many! I don’t know too many people who can just hand over a check and walk away with child in tow.

The adoptive family is having a fundraiser this weekend where they will “Help an Orphan” and “Help a Widow” all at the same time. It’s through a program called Both Hands, via LifeSong for Orphans. Both Hands is an innovative process that helps remove the financial burden of adoption. Mark and Diane have identified a widow who needs help with her home (i.e., painting, repairs, cleanup). For each person who works on the home, letters are sent asking people to donate – or sponsor – the worker. The idea is similar to sponsoring someone who is in a charity run or walk. Kurt and I will spend this Saturday, May 14, working at the house. We couldn’t be more excited, and hope you’ll consider sponsoring us! The fantastic part is that 100% of all the money donated to this project is then given in grant form to Mark and Diane’s adoption fund! Indeed, both hands helping a widow and orphan!

Another fun way Mark and Diane are raising money is through an auction. Visit Sew A Seed of Love to learn more about the item(s) to be auctioned in support of this adopting family!

As Diane recently said, God always brings the right person, at the right time, to encourage when we need it most. God is faithful!

To follow Mark and Diane’s adoption journey, visit their blog: http://goinsgang6.blogspot.com/

To learn more about helping other families with adoption expenses, or to set up your own adoption fund, visit LifeSong for Orphans.

Bulembu – Important Announcement

Theresia Whitfield — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:59:31 +0000

It is with a heavy heart that I share some news with you regarding Bulembu International and their involvement with Bulembu Ministries Swaziland. An announcement yesterday reveals that Bulembu International will no longer provide strategic funding to Bulembu Ministries Swaziland. The announcement reads in part:

“Bulembu’s vision from day one has been to restore Bulembu to a vibrant, self-sustaining community by 2020 caring for 2,000 orphaned and vulnerable children. Over the last several months it has become apparent to BI that a significant vision gap has developed between the two organizations. This vision gap is directly related to our mandate and drive for self-sustainability, but has also magnified the differences in our values and leadership styles which include discrepancies in the need for empowerment of leaders, use of authority, and need for transparency, dignity and respect. In many ways these critical leadership issues are a collision of worldviews which BI believes will not lead Bulembu to emerge a self-sustaining community.

Because of these irreconcilable differences, the BI Board cannot, with integrity and in good conscience, continue to provide strategy and long-term funding to Bulembu. BMS will continue to operate the town and will work to secure new funding partners.”

Please click here to read the announcement in its entirety.

So, what does this mean? Aside of the obvious, I have no idea. I know many hearts are hurting, including people for whom I have come to care deeply both with Bulembu International and Bulembu Ministries Swaziland. Please pray for them. I don’t know what this means where Voices for Bulembu and the Canadian Tenors are concerned. And I don’t know what this means for how Bulembu Ministries Swaziland will move forward. But as soon as I learn more, I will pass on the information.

Whatever happens, let’s never forget the children of Bulembu who have a special place in the hearts of so many. I do not believe they will be left behind or harmed in any way because of this change. But we must continue to remember that this is about them – nothing more, nothing less.

Click here to read the announcement in its entirety. And know that more information will be revealed as it becomes available.

The Next Step

Theresia Whitfield — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:39:41 +0000

Life’s journey for Phephile Khumalo is taken one step at a time. But for this seven-year-old in the Bulembu childcare program, each physical step has been taken only with the aid of crutches. Phephile was a baby when a snake bit her. The bite caused permanent muscle damage, preventing her foot from developing normally. But Phephile is ready to take the next step, and it will come a little bit easier when she receives a prosthetic leg.

Read more about Phephile’s amazing journey…

Phephile Khumalo is ready to take the next step!

Journey to Bulembu: A Day in the Life of HTC Students

Theresia Whitfield — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:57:33 +0000

The next time you’re roaming through the southeastern half of Africa, enjoying a lovely hotel room or a scrumptious meal, take a close look at those serving you. These are waitrons and hotel staff members who may very well have been trained at Bulembu’s Hospitality Training Center.