Amazing!

I hardly know where to start to tell about my volunteer trip in Bali. It would be impossible to summarize all the incredible moments and one of a kind experience. As soon as I landed in Bali the fun began. The organization representative who picked me up from the airport barely spoke a word of English but tried so hard to communicate with me to make sure that everything went well and that I was comfortable. On our way to Ubud, he stopped to show me one of his favorite temples and let me time to wander around for awhile to take in the breathtaking sights and get my first glimpse of the Balinese culture. I stayed in a hostel for a few days in the heart of Ubud waiting for the other volunteers to arrive before we went to our volunteer compound for the remainder of our stay. On our way to the compound, we stopped to explore Tirta Gangga, a beautiful water palace decorated by pools and fountains surrounded by a lush garden with stone carvings and statues. After a three-hour drive, we finally arrived at the compound on the North Eastern coast of Bali in Tianyar and that’s when all the magic began.

I spent two months volunteering with Yayasan Widya Sari, a non-profit foundation, teaching English to the 7-9 year olds and 11-13 year old group. The organization founder, Ketut, made the entire program a life-changing experience. The other volunteers I worked with felt like family to me. We ate together, taught together and played together. Out of all the countries I have volunteered in, I have never felt so at home and appreciated. The people of Bali are the most kind-hearted, friendliest people I have ever met. I had so many memorable experiences and developed so many friendships with the locals and other volunteers. If it weren’t for the Visa restrictions, I would have stayed in Bali even longer.

The community involvement and sense of camaraderie in Tianyar is overwhelming. When you are a visitor, the locals take you in as one of their own. Bringing you home to meet and talk with the family, enjoy a meal with friends, and what turned out to be my favorite activity was being invited to go fishing with the locals. The Balinese people are always smiling and waving to others; and they are always willing to help their neighbors in any way they can. There was never a moment on my trip that I didn’t feel the love, friendship and hospitality of the local people.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I recommend people visiting this beautiful place. If you want to have a truly life changing experience that will challenge you to broaden your horizons and learn more about yourself and other people in the world, this is the ideal program.

I have volunteered with a variety of programs across the world and I can honestly say that my experience with Ketut’s program in Bali was one of the best times in my life.