Lat: 10:09.5 S : Long: 123:34.5 E.

25^th September, 2013 – Orphanage visit, Kupang

Although there was terrible poverty, everyone we met seemed genuinely friendly so when we heard of an orphanage not too far away which was surviving solely on public funding, a group of us decided to accept an invitation to visit. Debbie and Eddie had been in touch with those in charge and ascertained that their biggest need was for mattresses (as the little boys slept on the concrete floor, while the girls slept three to a single bed), fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as bags of rice. A quick whip-round among the fleet brought in several hundred dollars as well as bags of “jumble” which we’d been told would be put to good use. A minibus was hired and a group of us piled on, ready to call in at a local market for bunches of bananas, bags of mangoes, beans and whatever we thought the youngsters might enjoy. Next stop, the collection of 20 foam mattresses which Debbie had gone ahead to buy. These were squeezed, rolled and folded into the little bus’s boot as well as every spare inch inside, wrapped around the already-perspiring occupants. Still, it was all in a good cause.

The orphanage was, as you might expect a depressing sight – a collection of very basic buildings, but although shabby, they were well cared-for. The staff came out to extend a very warm welcome and to tell us that several government officials were joining us. This was quite surprising as we had been told that there was no governmental support – they just wanted to give a good impression; get in on the act. They even had a banner Kunjungan Social welcoming the Oyster World Rally, as well as reporters from the national newspaper. Coincidentally, a government truck arrived after us, parked within our sight and dropped off a large sack of rice; a first, apparently.

After being given a welcoming drink and cake we were ushered into a large school-room and seated in rows of chairs facing a little podium where six officials took it in turn to say something to us – no-one had a clue what they were talking about as the translator was too difficult to understand, but that didn’t stop them rambling on! While they were talking crowds of youngsters began to appear, first to stare at their camera-flashing visitors, then to help unload the bus of its goodies. They ran back and forth carrying mattresses on their heads; the little ones two to a load; struggling under the weight of the bags of foods – all grinning in wide-eyed wonder. When all the purchases were unloaded into a corner of the room the children were invited to sit among us and also to have some of the cake we’d had. There was no snatching so it appeared the children were well-fed; they certainly looked healthy and were all smartly dressed and well-behaved. The only time they forgot to be on their best behaviour was when a bag of toys (tubs of bubbles, balls, cars, dolls and so) was simply opened up – then there were no holds barred with some live-wires nipping in quick to grab a handful of items, but there were no fisticuffs, so it seemed there were enough to go round. We were then invited to visit the various buildings on the complex. Boys and girls live in separate houses, their dining room being just a bare room with a concrete step for a seat; their bedrooms truly dismal places, with no beds for the boys and three sets of bunk beds to a room for the girls, but no sign of any personal belongings. Cooking was done in the open air, in the back yard of another building, with chickens scurrying around while water was drawn from a large well. All the time we wandered around the children followed us, clearly enjoying having visitors who wanted to be their friends. Paul and Trish from “Babe” soon had a group of them seated while Paul entertained them, joined by McLean, from “Pandemonium”, who impressed with his juggling skills. It was a wonderful, happy afternoon, but many of us were left with lumps in our throats as we waved goodbye to the youngsters and their devoted carers.