Hi,
We came to Bali this time with our 2 children and we wanted to visit Tuka Franciscan Orphanage.There is about 80- 90 kids there.
Our children had been putting things away for about 6 months to give to the orphans. All the happy meal toys (Unopened), their toys , clothes (In good quality),shoes jewellery, hats as well as some of their pocket money which they bought balls and lollies in Bali,for them. I put aside sheets, towels, medical first aid products, and 80 toothbrushes kindly donated by Colgate and Oral B. When we got there we visited Carafore and bought 2 bags og 25kg rice, 6 boxes full of noodles , biscuits and other treats.
When we arrived at the place we were greeted by lots of happy faces. Some of the kids were busy cleaning eggs( to sell for some income) Others were doing their chores. About 40 children came inside and sang songs to us in appreciation of our gifts. i was fighting my tears. As they opened our bags (3 suitcases full plus the food)Their faces lit up like it was Christmas. The kindness they showed to each other was astounding. I had a back pack in the mix that I gave to one child.he thanked me but then gave it to an older boy, who I found out didn't have a school bag and was sharing one with his friend. Some of the girls were taking bracelets for other girls that weren't there because they were in the afternoon school classes. We had a tour of the place. The children all kept their beds made and neat. From the age of 6 the kids were responsible for their washing, belongings and would have chores like sweeping , setting the table, dishes etc. The washing was done by hand over a bug tub. They had tiny bathing facilities. The kitchen was clean but basic with only a few utensils. We donated some cash which the sister was so grateful for because she could buy a fridge!
Some of the high school kids were trying to study using an ironing board as a desk, with nowere to put their legs and insufficient light. Some of these kids were really bright and would like to pursue something at university but won't because university will cost money.
We were all moved by our experience there. We have made a great contact with a lady called Marina who took us to the orphanage and who has been living in Bali for 30 years and is married to a Balinese. She visits at least once a week. She has been making some renovations are getting done. She has personally been behind helping the place stay afloat. We know that if we send money, she will make sure it is used for what ever is needed or what ever we specify. We will be back in March with lots more for the kids. We hope to sponsor some kids that we befriended for university. (Although we are still finding out what's involved) One of the drivers we met Jack tries to get up there and has taken people to drop off donations, or just dropped off their donations if they haven't got time to visit. We saw him there when we were there. Our kids have already started putting things away (Especially their stuffed animals) for next time as they realize how much they have and how little these kids have.