09/09/15

Visit report of a trip to Bali from 20 May 2015 to 9 July 2015

 
Here we are at last.
7 long weeks are awaiting me which I will mainly spend at our orphanage on Bali with all the children and our ANAK DOMBA team. Many organizational duties were to be taken care of and decisions had to be taken.

On 20 May 2015 I left Germany and flew directly into Denpasar, the Balinese capital, where the first task was already awaiting me the next day.

Brigitte Nienass, the 2nd chairperson, had already got in contact with the "Hearing Solution Group" in Singapore in advance. This company examines deaf people and determines the actual degree of deafness. We wanted to get Bram, our 9 year old deaf-mute boy, examined. Fortunately, there is a branch of the "Hearing Solution Group" in Denpasar and our contact person offered us an examination free of charge for Bram. The day after my arrival I contacted Chandra and Komang, the responsible persons at the Bali branch. They explained me the lengthy examination procedure in detail and we made an appointment for Bram in the following week. I got detailled instructions on how to prepare Bram and what precautions should be considered in advance.

The next two days I spent visiting two more orphanages to get an impression on how other organisations operate such a house.

Finally, I set out for the North to Singaraja to our orphanage. I could hardly believe, how touchingly, honestly and cordially I was welcomed there. When the children heard me coming on my scooter, they run exitedly to the gate, calling out loudly "Angela, Angela". For quite a while I was unable to even get off the scooter, because the children assailed me from all sides.

Then Eny and Wayan, our dear house parents channeled their way through the children to finally welcome me. Full of happiness about our reunion they had tears in their eyes and I was deeply moved as well. What I saw was relief. Relief to feel that we all are here to help. They had prepared a big poster saying "Welcome Angela", which was placed across the terrace. All children had painted pictures for me and had learned a few new songs which of course they wanted to sing for me. Whoever experiences the happiness and warmth of these children, their joy of singing and playing music together, will be ensured that we are on the right path.

After all the presents were distributed and the children had calmed down a bit, Eny, Wayan and myself found some time to talk. One child on each leg and all the other children next to me on the bench, we discussed how to proceed further.

There were so many tasks to tackle:
The examinations of Bram, which had to be organised,
the search for an appropriate house or plot for our necessary relocation and
meetings with real estate venders, construction companies and banks.

The following week we spent checking houses. Eny and Wayan on their scooter ahead and myself following them on my scooter. After we had become aware that it will be difficult to find an appropriate and affordable house for our children, we started looking for a piece of land, where we could build a house based on our plans.

Finally, we found a plot. Most of the children can walk to school from here, shopping facilities are nearby and, besides that, the plot is situated in a beautiful surrounding. Furthermore, the landlady offered us the house for a very good price, which at least sets the purchase within reach.

During all these activities I made a side trip to Java/Jakarta. I met a contact person there who offered his support for the project. Furthermore, I wanted to have a look at another orphanage.

At the same time we took care of Bram's treatment. We rented a car and Eny, Bram, Yonatan - our assistant - and myself went to Denpasar (approx. 80 km). For Bram it was an adventure, because the children very rarely go by car. On top of that we stayed in a hotel, because there was one examination in the late evening and the main examination was scheduled for the early morning. That was something for Bram: Watching TV from the bed ...! And a toilet with flush and a shower with water coming out of the ceiling. Compared to a garden house as a shower and the usual pit latrine this was something really special. After certain initial difficulties the examination went well and happily we returned home. Another four examinations followed which we did in day trips. Each time renting a car and driving 3.5 hours to Denpasar and returning 3.5 hours.

Then after waiting for a long time the examination results were ready. It was recommended that Bram should try out hearing devices, before thinking about implants, which are very pricy. Again we went to Denpasar to fit the hearing devices. I had the strong wish to be there when the hearing devices were inserted to see with my own eyes whether it would work out fine. Would Bram really be able to listen with the devices?

When we were not on the road for organisational matters, I spent the whole day with the children, who became more and more confiding. One time we rented a Bemo (minibus) and went swimming with all the children. That was an experience!!!

In the meantime we had also found an English teacher, who is willing to teach the children English twice a week. I was lucky enough to witness the first two lessons and saw how much the children enjoyed the lessons.

Slowly my time on Bali came to an end, although I did not feel I had already stayed a long time. Every day we kept waiting for a message from Denpasar that the hearing devices had finally arrived from Singapore. Unbelievably, but on the day of my departure they came at last.

After such a wonderful and exiting time I had to say goodbye to the children and our assistants Melani and Yonatan. The children could hardly imagine that I would be so far away for such a long time. Unreachable for the children. They had integrated me into their family - I had become a part of it and we had got accustomed to the day-to-day interaction.

With my suitcase packed and still a bit excited we went to the hospital in Denpasar, this time with Wayan who normally took care of the other children. We all were very excited about what the hearing device would do to Bram. After it was installed, nothing happened at first. Bram looked at us uncomprehending and we saw his chances fading away. Great sadness spread among all of us. But Komang, the doctor, did not give up. She readjusted the device, set some of the special buttons and suddenly it happened. Bram, the boy who until now had been unable to neither hear nor speak, looked surprised with big eyes and pointed to his ears. We could hardly believe it! Immediately, all of us including the doctor had tears in their eyes when Bram started to repeat the alphabet. Not completely clear, but we all could understand him. What a wonderfule farewell present!

My little family brought me to the airport and saying goodbye was really hard. I was back in the plane, but this time into the opposite direction.

I had spent a wonderful time in our orphanage and it was exactly these 7 weeks which were necessary and important for us. Many things became easier due to the direct communication; decisions could be taken quicker and many new ideas came up.

Visiting other orphanages was an important experience and ensured me that we are exactly on the right path.

In our "little house" our children find the safety and love they missed before. Here life goes on as in a big family. Also the children have their daily duties in the household and in the garden, but they have also rights.

We simply have to keep going and let the children have their share of happiness.

Each cheerful laughter and singing is a proof of that. (Angela Bendix)