Gianyar Orphanage in the Island of Bali is located not far away from many popular tourist destinations of white sand beaches, shops, clubs, and bars. In contrast, approximately 200 children ranging from ages 8-18 lives at this overcrowded and underfunded orphanage. Each small room has about 13-17 children. Until recently the children slept on the floor but now four kids sleep on one mattress and they have a few pillows and blankets that they too share as well. And whatever clothes and possessions they have are kept in a locker size closet. Most of the rooms are in need of repair. The paint in all the rooms is peeling. The air in many of the rooms is damp due to poor ventilation. It's difficult to breathe inside. Many of the windows are broken and nailed shut and the ceilings are leaking. They get three meals a day mainly consisted of rice, vegetables, tofu and soybean. There is no doctor on-site and he only comes once a week so if a child is sick he or she must wait until the next visit. The children almost never go out of the orphanage. There are no field trips or activities other than going to school and their daily prayers. Despite their living condition, they tried to make their rooms cozy, comfortable, and beautiful. Many had photos of their families and friends in small frames. The boys covered their wall with cartoon drawings and writings of anger, frustration, love, friendships, and broken hearts. The girls' rooms were decorated with pink and purple flowers, and posters of female artists and male heartthrobs. Though each child was clinging to any fleeting remnants of their childhood, they still they have each other to share their joy, laughter, dream and sadness. A family is a unit that keeps hope from being extinguished in our hearts, a driving force that never gives up when we've often given up on ourselves. A family is a home beyond bricks and mortars but rather a sanctuary where hope and love stays afloat.
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