Jodie O'Shea Orphanage Bali

My day as a volunteer'

It was set up in memory of Jodie who tragically died in the Bali bombing in 2002 while she was travelling from Australia. She had already made plans to set up an orphanage or a children centre so her parents set one up in her name in Bali 2005. 89 children are now at the orphanage within 10years. The youngest is 4 months, one who is premature and the oldest is 21! They support employment once the children leave and as adults, they return to the orphanage. Most of the boys become surfing teachers.

Some of the children are sponsored and donations are received everyday. So I had spent the day touring the home which had over 10 rooms with 8-10beds each and a playground. They had an outdoor playground and two indoor playrooms that are open twice a day. They had enough toys and books that they were no longer accepting them and a kitchen with tables for everyone. They eat three times a day and have snacks (fruits) in between. 

By 1pm four children all 11 years old came to the local market with me. We shopped for food from a wish list such as meat, fruits and toiletries to last them the next month. They were so adorable and extremely grateful. I had spent 500,000IDR which was my budget and we returned that afternoon to cook lunch. We made fried rice with shrimps and ate it late 4pm, I physically couldn't eat the meal as I was still unwell. I stayed on to play with the younger ones who had brilliant English (this made me look bad not knowing their language). Most of the children have parents but parents who are too poor to raise their child. Parents are allowed to stay in contact with their child and even have visits! 

I had noticed the girls had their hair chopped short, all of them. Being in a tight knit place with a lot of other children, head-lice is serious matter. I weren't to be in full contact with the children due to health reasons but I had a fab time and my help was highly appreciated. It was time for me to leave later on that day so I said my goodbyes and joined my driver back on the bike to head back to mine. 

I needed to see a pharmacist so i looked around for one after being told there weren't any. I didn't believe this. I hadn't eaten for two days so I started to feel extremely weak. I found a chemist and rushed inside to find that I was seriously dehydrated from last night's diahorrea. Silly me. I bought Panadol and a rehydration capsule then tried to survive the night. Whenever you travel, do always drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest when feeling nausea. Sucked for me as I lost my appetite to eat and couldn't do anything active. I head to Ubud tomorrow though so I look forward to some prepared action. If I get better. When I get better.