Elisama Orphanage

Today was my first day visiting a Christian orphanage. I will remain for the remainder of the week and visit Hindu and Muslim orphanages next week. Below is a summary of only the first day!

I arrived at Elisama around 9:30 am. I walked in to children running out the gate and all around. I was greeted by a staff member who asked me where I was from, my age, and what I am studying. She invited me to play with the children and I did just that for the next 3 hours. At first I was slightly uncomfortable. The children were uncertain why I was there and they couldn't understand me. And to be honest, I wasn't sure why I was there. But after a few minutes, a jump rope was pulled out and the games began. Three girls aged 7, 8, and 9 took a special liking to me. They showed me around, brought me water, and taught me new games. I eventually pulled out my notebook and asked their names and ages. The three girls, Naomi (7), Ayumi (8), and Maria (9) brought every child to me and helped me spell their name. In the end I had met all 37 children. Some of the older boys also joined in the fun and chased down the younger children.

After a while the children asked about my family. They asked if I had parents and where they were. I knew they were orphans, but asked about their families also. Some of them have siblings, and some even have parents. Unfortunately they are uncertain of where these family members now live.

I learned about their school and that they only live and eat at Elisama. They go to school in their uniforms with the other children in the area. They also asked me about my religion and were very excited that I said I was a Christian like them! They are very smart and even knew the difference between Protestants and Catholics. The discussion of religion ended their, but I found some Bibles in Indonesian on the counters.

They pulled out a school book and we read the English words together. They are learning how to say school supplies in English in school.

They all joined together for lunch around noon and I sat outside with some of the younger children during this time. Angel, a 4 year old, used my notebook as a coloring book. I didn't mind since I have plenty of notebooks supplied by ISP.

I also noticed the staff and older children digging through the hair of the younger children. I didn't ask but I am assuming lice is an issue there. I have learned from SIT staff that lice is common in Bali, especially in schools and orphanages.

After lunch Ayumi came and sat with me until my ride arrived. She learned to spell my name and wrote Shelly loves Jesus in her notebook. She scratched out Shelly loves and wrote Jesus loves Shelly. She then rewrote the saying in the front cover of my notebook.

When I left the children looked sad. I assured them that I would be back the next day and that I too love Jesus.