Just returned yesterday and will do a JBR later but needed to put my thoughts on paper regarding our trip to Amlapura last Monday. I heard about this orphanage from Barry (aka "JERRIATRIC")last year on the forum and the plight of these kids really touched me in ways I cant describe. Í had collected loads of kids clothes, toys etc from work and friends and had contacted Pacific Blue regarding excess luggage.Long story but ended up paying $225 excess. In some respects I could have spent the money on more food for them but their faces when they saw everything was worth the costs (although I will be taking it up with PB as soon as I settle back to normality)So along with my cousin Lindy and another forumite (my soul sister)Tracym we headed off to Amlapura via a huge shop at Carrafour.(we filled 4 shopping trolleys) I rang Kadek before going and via an interpretor found that they were Ok but needed any staples we could bring. The trip took 2hrs through beautiful countryside and we were amused by the antics of our driver "Jimmy" along the way. Anticipation was building and at last we arrived at our destination. The buildings at first seemed large with plenty of greenery surrounding. There was a gentle rise along the drive to the front door. We were greeted by a party of children and Kadek, who is their "mother". The initial welcome was overwhelming and humbling. Kadek was in tears with gratitude as they had no food that morning. She held us to her like we were something special but the reality was she was the special person amongst us. We were shown around the home and although sparse and bleak it was obvious there was pride as everything was neat and tidy. There was some rice in a pot in the kitchen but no other food seen. The bathroom facilities were dismal. The bedrooms were either side of the courtyard with boys and girls separated. Some had posters on the walls like any kids here and there were frames with family pic's. Some had old bed covers donated by tourists, some had none! Amazingly the Indo gOVT. had built a "dance area" at the front which seemed incongruent with the obvious poverty, but Kadek seemed happy with this building as it was a place for the children to play. There are 31 kids there, 20 boys ans 11 girls and 3 of Kadeks children. Quite a few had gone "home"as it was school holidays. But there were a few kids there who were polite and affectionate. They loved the choc milks and mouth organs. They quickly learnt how to play shuttle cock, and loved the soccer balls. We left enough food hopefully till the next visitor arrives, They have a "visitor book"and it was good to see a few BTF's have been before us.I have taken quite a few pics and will put them on webshots this week. When it came time to go the 3 of us were in tears. It has had a profound effect on all of us who will now look for other ways to try to help these kids. Believe me the honour was all ours to have had this experience and indeed a self evaluation of what is important in life was held by all 3 of us on our very quiet trip back to Kuta. So for anyone thinking about doing something for the orphans in Bali I can only say, Just do it! PS: I sent your love Barry & Trish and told Kadek you will be with them very soon, Thankyou Carmel