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What volunteers mean to the children home in Karangasem, Bali
One of the projects we always carry in our hearts is the children home in Karangasem. Karangasem is in the very North East, a very remote and rural part of Bali. It is home to many impoverished families, many of them living from fishing and farming. It seems to be surprising that Ibu Tina chose this far place to raise her fosterlings. But she chose it for a good reason. It is only here, where her fosterlings can grow up in peace and can be taught about the value of true love, simplicity in living and appreciating nature as it is. Without being disturbed by the effects of globalism the tourists bring to Bali.
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A home for underprivileged children and organic farm
On a huge piece of land Ibu Tina built a two stories wooden house with ocean view. They are mostly self-sustaining with growing vegetables and fruits. Besides, they have a pig farm which guarantees them a small income. Volunteers, who decide to spend several weeks up to months in this remote place, have to have a strong personality and a lot of passion for gardening.
“There was a lot to do. At lot of greening and planting new stuff, playing with the children. We took them swimming yesterday. That was so much fun. They loved it and we loved it.”, says Lauren on her last day in the orphanage. Lauren left her British home to spend 3 weeks supporting the orphanage. Even though three weeks does not sound much, it always depends on the impact you leave behind. And she has left a great deal of impact!
“Oh dear Lord, she has a big heart and does everything she can do to help us. I am so grateful to have such an answer for our prayers.”, says Ibu Tina, looking at Lauren, whose eyes have already filled with tears. Also Esther and Nils, two staff member emphasized how her stay has lightened up their work and their mission. “Your presence here made everyone happy.“
A lot of work, not enough staff
Every day, 17 children have to be taken care of which includes showering them, preparing healthy and nutritious food 3 times a day, dropping and picking up kids from school, babysitting, teaching English, settle small disputes, do the laundry, tidy up the tools, clean the house et cetera. It seems like there is almost no more time for the 4 staffs to maintain the garden. “As you know, we are short in staffs, so managing all this work here and there is challenging but I am very sure about one thing: God is hearing our prayers and He will send us wonderful people to help us like you, Lauren. It is an amazing feeling.”
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The work is a challange and not for everyone
It is not usual, to have volunteers like her working in the orphanage. It requires a strong personality and will to help. Westerners will find many cultural differences challenging. Ibu Tina and her staff never know what will await them when a new volunteer enters their door step. Many times they are shy as well and it is part of their Indonesian politeness, not to force volunteer to any work. “When Lauren got here, I was reluctant and hesitant on giving her tasks. I was worried whether she could make it in our garden but everything takes process.” Remembers Ibu Tina. “So when I saw her starting to work hard without taking a break, I even needed to tell her to stop as it gets very hot outside but of course she refused to stop and carried on.”
Also Esther emphasized how impressive Lauren’s willingness to help has been: “Every time she went to check on the garden, she would say “Okay, this is going to be messy. Now, when she is leaving, everything is really clean. I cannot believe it.”
Support as a team
Lauren had 2 other volunteers, Claudia and Talia, living and helping with her, which has been a great support for her as well. They lived in a small house together, just 2 minutes walking distance from the orphanage. They worked perfectly as a team, which tripled the help. “Living in the house with the other girls, the other volunteers, has been so much fun. We got really close really quickly. I feel sad leaving them, leaving the children.”
We do hope that we find more affectionate volunteers like Lauren, Claudia and Talia helping in the children home.