Visiting Jodie O’Shea Orphanage
When we were first planning our trip to Bali, we knew we wanted to do some sort of volunteer work while over there. I once heard someone call it “voluntourism” - going to a place and having a mix of vacation style days and humanitarian/volunteer days. Its an interesting name, but I guess you could say its an accurate description of what we were shooting for while in Indonesia.
Since having a child of our own, kids mean something more and something different to us than they used to. We decided we wanted to help an orphanage and while looking across the internet we came upon Jodie O’Shea Orphanage and felt like it was the right place. On their website they had a wish-list which included items ranging from beds and water purifiers down to lotion and hair clips.
Words cannot describe how grateful we are to all of you for your donations, both big and small! We are also extremely grateful for the contributions made by our friends at WANDRD and Fawn Design. Through all of you and those two generous brands, we were able to gather just over $5,000 for the 96 kids living at this orphanage. At the top of the wish list I mentioned earlier was a red notice that said something along the lines of “URGENT: 12 bunkbeds and 10 mattresses.” The money we gathered went to purchasing those exact items (plus a little extra). We wanted to get what they needed most first (and get those cute kiddos into their own beds) and then use whatever remaining funds to go towards other smaller things.
As soon as we walked through the door our cameras disappeared. The kids thought they were the coolest things and just snatched them up and started taking pictures and videos of everything. All of the photos/videos we have from the orphanage were taken by the kids themselves on both our cameras. Literally all of it haha! One girl wore our WANDRD camera bag even and was walking around snapping shots of everybody coloring, while another few kids shared our other camera and played around taking videos talking into the big red microphone on top of it! It was hilarious!
These children may not have a traditional family or a traditional home, but they did an amazing job at making us feel like we were all family in what home they did have. They are humble and loving and full of light, energy, and happiness. We had such a blast visiting them and will definitely be back next time we are in Bali.
Again, a HUGE thank you to all of you guys who helped out with donations and to WANDRD and Fawn Design. This would not have been possible without you guys! THANKS SO MUCH!
Jace, Giddi and Juniper
*For more info on this orphanage click here.