Writing week

The past couple of weeks have been packed with interviews, orphanage visits, and writing! I now have 4 days to compile my observations into a 20-40 page research paper. I will then return to Bedulu to see my home stay family. We give presentations, take an oral Indonesian exam, and head off the island to take a snorkeling trip. The countdown has begun... I will be home on May 15th. Am I excited? yes. Sad? very. I have grown to love Bali... Especially Sanur where I have been living. It is the Murrells Inlet of Bali. It is a fishing town located on the ocean. Nights are full of live music, dancing, and gathering with locals, tourists, and regulars. Although I have been living alone I have met many people and I have made many friends.

Now, back to the orphanage visits.

I have visited three orphanages... One Christian, one Hindu, and one Muslim. Some interesting things I have discovered are none of the three orphanages allow adoptions. I have found adoptions are very difficult in Indonesia. By not allowing adoptions, the orphanages can ensure the children receive an education and that the children will not end up in the wrong hands. Also, education is the most important thing to all of the organizations. Most of the kids at all of the organizations have parents, but their families can not afford schooling or food. The children remain at the same orphanage until they graduate from senior high school.

I enjoyed my visits to all three orphanage, but I admit I enjoyed my time the most at Elisama. Elisama takes in children as young as two years old. These children were wild, hyper, and active. The other two orphanages only take in children at Elementary school age or about 6 or older.

I will try to write again in the next two weeks, but for now I must return to writing my ISP paper. I look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Happy Birthday Momma! Love You.