I just came back from an Orphanage visit in Batam, Indonesia. Me and my other 13 friends visit EL Saddai Abigial Orphanage, which located around 45 minutes drive away from batam city centre. This was my very first visit to el saddai abigail, where some of my friends have been visited them for the 2nd, 3rd, ans 4th times.
After we reached batam ferry terminal, we had our breakfast at Bakmi French Bakery at Ruko komplex Nagoya Hill before we head to Nagoya Hill Shopping centre to buy some necessities for the orphanage and some games for the children there.
After we reached the orphanage, who Mr.Tanggang is the father of the children, i assess the condition of their house. There are 30 children in the orphanage, 4 of them are Mr.Tanggang own daughters and sons, with only 3 bedroom, 1 main hall (for visitors to sit and gather with the children), 1 kitchen and some toilets at the back of the house.
I can say that the conditions of the house is very sad and need extra care and attention. Heard that this el saddai abigail orphanage do not have regular donation to support them, in which one of the reason why my friend choose to visit this orphanage instead.
we sat down and the kids introduced themselves with their name, age, school, grade, and their dreams. It touched me so hard when i'm listening to some of their big dreams. Some of them wish to become a model, TV host, teacher, nurse, soccer player, and some of them have a dream as high as a pilot. They shows us, no matter how small you are, no matter what is your status, it's not wrong to have a big dream, which i definitely support them fully. Wishing them to have a proper educations so they can continue to achieve and a step closer to their dreams.
After introduction, we had lunch together. As we already prepared some mix rice lunchbox for each of the kids and includes 14 of us, which contains sambal kentang (spicy fried potato), ayam goreng (fried chicken), stir fried vegetables, rice, crackers and a banana. This lunch may be just a simple lunch to some people, but to them this may be the most delicious food.
After lunch together, we sing together, play some games with the children, and give each of them some gifts and presents. I personally prepare a simple toblerone chocolate bar for each of them, some of us prepare pencil case with pencils and pens for each of them. On top of that, for this trip, we manage to collect Rp.11,000,000 (approx SGD$1120) for el saddai abigail orphanage. Thanks to all my friends and colleagues who helps. A small token of donation will make a huge different to them, those who need it the most.
I will definitely visit them again someday soon, and hope i can help them more, build them a better living, better education and better life.