The perfect experience

Volunteering at Yayasan widya sari has to be the most beautiful, eye opening life changing experience for me. I don't feel like my review should be about the every day schedule but more about what you get out of the program as a whole and as an individual. I'm sure every volunteer who has come through has felt the same about this beautiful place. There was not one moment here where I longed for home because being surrounded by the happy, smiling students, Ketut and his welcoming family and all the super cool volunteers I felt like I was already there. I volunteered at Yayasan widya sari, Tianyar for a total of 5 months (20weeks) that was after I decided to extend my stay for an extra month, and if I could have I would have stayed forever. I wish I could find the words to describe how this place made me feel, because then this would probably be one of the most positive reviews out. The way classes are done here is a very good system, easily allowing for new volunteers to get into the flow of things which is good because I was very nervous and shy at the beginning as I had never had any teaching experience but I soon got right into it teaching the b2 boys and c girls (13-15) I couldn't have asked for 2 more perfect classes for myself, the system is very straight forward, lots of fun and very comfortable. The children are so eager to learn and so so loving and happy, so many hugs and new drawings to add to the collection on my wall every day. it's impossible not to get attached to each and every one especially living there for 5 months, I got to live and breath this experience and Honestly felt like a proud mother watching the children grow and succeed. Living right next to your classrooms and in the area of ketuts family home you get fully involved in everything happening around you, including things like eating dinner all as a group around the table, going out on a Wednesday night for a beer and to watch the live music and attending ceremonies which i think is really special. I enjoyed every moment spent here, even just sitting in the afternoons watching the children play brought so much joy, and meeting so many volunteers and also locals who have become forever friends. Ketut, Leony, Nyoman and Made really go the extra mile to make this an amazing experience for everyone and support you along the way with anything you need. I couldn't think of a more perfect place to have spent my time helping to give back to the Tianyar community, it ticked all the boxes plus 100 more. Volunteers are just ordinary people with extraordinary hearts, they offer the gift of their time to teach, to listen, to help, to inspire, to build, grow and to learn. They expect no pay but the value of their work has no limit, rewarded with a simple hug, they plant tiny seeds of love in countless lives. Volunteers are just ordinary people who reach out, take a hand and together make a difference that lasts a lifetime, thank you volunteer in Bali, forever grateful for this perfect experience x