On the last day of our Bali holiday, we visited an orphanage.
We didn’t know what to expect. We just wanted to go over to see how we could support them.
Most of the children aren’t actually orphans. Instead they’re children of unmarried mothers or mothers who are remarried to husbands that don’t want to look after their children. Some have moved over to Bali from other parts of Indonesia but their parents cannot financially support them.
The conditions weren’t the best but it was a far better alternative when you look at what’s out in the streets.
The kids are happy and safe.
They sleep 2 to a bed.
Volunteers randomly drop by to teach classes.
But priority is to keep everyone clothed and fed.
Joining in Trish at My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.
Good to see them all happy, clothed and fed, fantastic the orphanage is there to take care of them.
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My sister volunteered in a Cambodian orphanage that was heart breaking. I’m so glad to hear they are happy and safe, although it would be nicer to hear unwed mothers could be supported. Thank you for sharing.
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It’ geat that you took the time to visit an orphanage Grace and have a look at such a different reality…
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wonderful of you and hubs to drop by even when you are just there for a holiday xox
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Thanks for sharing Grace. It’s heartbreaking to think that some parents have to be separated from the children because of financial reasons.
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Glad there’s an option that isn’t living on the streets. But it’s a pity that kids with single mothers are there. How horrible for the mothers as well as the children.
Thank you for sharing, Grace x
(Oh, and yes, Wundies are available for boys too.)
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What an incredible experience.
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It’s amazing how people with so little, especially the children, are also some of the happiest people in the world. That really stuck with me after we went to Fiji.
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Makes you realise just how lucky we are
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Thank you for sharing Grace. It was a lovely idea to visit and see how you could help them. They are all smiles.
Sad their mothers have to leave there.
Trish recently posted..Quirky, green stocking fillers for kids this Christmas {giveaway}
Poor little thing s grace, I hope they somehow feel loved. I’d like to take them all home and give the, a big hug.
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Thanks for sharing, Grace. I just love that you went there, with a mind to help and that you’re bringing that to us.
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It’s so heartbreaking that kids have to be put in that situation, but nice to know that someone is looking out for them too. Thanks for sharing x
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Well done for popping in. We did the same in a few parts of Africa. We didn’t have kids then and it really got to us. I can’t imagine what it would do now
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Oh wow, I really want to be able to do this too. And to be able to expose our daughter to an understanding greater than just her own back yard.
lovely post,
how did your twins go about understanding the idea of an orphanage?
xx
Josefa @always Josefa recently posted..Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
We actually didn’t take the twinlets with us, Josefa. It was a bit of a trek and we didn’t want to tire them out before our departure that night. So we hired the hotel baby sitter to look after them for a couple of hours.
Hi Grace, great to catch up yesterday. Please can you post about where the orphanage is and how you organised the trip. I’d love to do visit and support and it’d be great to get the info on how to do that.
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Will do, Seana! It was much easier than we thought it would be but still, it did involve some research and a bit of serendipity.
Great to see you yesterday! Looks like we got lucky with the weather 🙂 x
I’ve been meaning to make a donation to Foundation 18 for ages and just haven’t got round to it – this post is a big kick up the bottom. I will do it today! Thanks Grace x
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..Don’t worry. Be happy.
Wow Grace. Thank you for sharing this with the world. X
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A friend went there and she still visits when she goes back – I think she sponsors a child there now. It’s an eye opener. A girl at an orphanage here asked for school stationary as her xmas gift (from the donators) – it totally broke my heart. My kids take uniforms and school stuff completely for granted. It would never occur to them that that would need to be asked for as a special gift….
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We visited an orphanage in Mexico – but at least they go off to school every day. We gave them our two bikes. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing this, Grace. It’s a good reminder to be mindful of what people don’t have as we get into this season of consumption
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Yep a much better alternative to the streets. The kids in the photos certainly all look happy
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It is so very sad to see children in positions where they cannot be given opportunities to be their very best. On the positive side, it is clean, they are clothed and fed….things could be much, much worse.
Becc, loving #FYBF
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That was so lovely of you to visit the orphanage. It looks clean and tidy and sounds like they have their priorities right – clothed and fed priority #1 ! Bali looks to be so colourful and beautiful. I have never been there..and I’d love to go there one day! So glad you had a lovely holiday 🙂 xo
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Its a far better alternative to being on the streets. The place looks basic but clean and comfortable – like a backpackers really. I only hope that these kids can get an education and make a future for themselves. Thanks for sharing this experience with us.
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Are the volunteers their only source of education? It must be so heartbreaking for the mothers who have to give up their children to orphanages
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Glad to hear the children are happy and safe – two things we often taken for granted that are the right of every child! xx
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Really puts things into perspective, a class is a luxury for them. They look happy, and they have a cosy place to sleep. So sad for the mothers that were (made?) to leave them by there new husbands. What a tragic situation.
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It breaks my heart and yet, these situations are as old as time. I suppose those orphans are still better off than some of these kids around here with worthless parents.
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Grace, I bet your visit was moving on so many levels and I’m so glad that the kids are well cared for but heartbreakingly sad that they’re without family. I’m off to give my 3 a big hug x
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