Some news

It's been a while since I last gave a sign of life. But I wanted to make sure everything was sorted out before revealing any false information about my future here in Bali.

But now it's finally certain!

Now let's get back to where I left off..

On September 25th, I met with Blanca for the first time and quickly found out that the orphanage wouldn't work out, as the Indonesian government had a lot of complaints about it...

So something new had to be done because I had planned on staying in Bali for 6 months. Although I knew there were some issues with the government regarding the orphanage, I wasn't aware that they were so serious.

From the beginning, Blanca said that Bali always needs help, so I didn't give up on my plan. However, this whole thing has turned into an even bigger adventure. Because from that moment on, I was practically in Bali but I had NOTHING in my hands. So a new plan had to be made as quickly as possible.

First of all, I needed a new home. As a temporary solution, a nice little hotel (Villa Puri Royan) only 150m from my other hotel, which was much cheaper, was available. I moved in there for 7 nights in order to develop a new plan. Blanca knew an organization (Uofn) nearby that was also looking for volunteers. I applied there right away, but as it is in Indonesia, everything takes time...

I used this time to explore Bali. I rented a scooter (for the next 2 months at least because I would definitely stay in Bali until then, as I had applied for my first visa by then).

In the following days, I visited all the beautiful beaches and some sights along the south coast of Bali:

-Jimbaran (the beach where I live, there was a proper entrance after all :D, very beautiful bay)

-Kuta, I spent most of the time in the mall, as the beach is not very attractive (Ballermann for Australians)

-Green Bowl Beach (my favorite)

-Nusa Dua

-Uluwatu (temple)

-Padang Padang (beautiful but very crowded)

-Blue Point Beach (paradise for surfers, not a proper beach but super beautiful)

During all my outings, I met or got to know people, I was never alone. You can meet people here so quickly, and they usually have so many new tips for you!

In the evening, I usually went to the base, as the headquarters of the organization is called, and there are many people my age who are currently attending a discipleship school there (DTS). I quickly made connections there! I got along particularly well with a girl from Germany (Marleen). So I hoped even more that I would be accepted by the organization.

But even after a week, I still didn't get a message...

My time at the hotel had also expired, so I spontaneously decided to join two girls (Tula and Sunna from Braunschweig) who were planning to go to Ubud (in the middle of Bali). My plan was to go to Ubud for the next 3 days anyway, so it was perfect.

On October 2nd, we went to Ubud in the morning, we shared a room at Sania Guest House (everyone who wants to go to Ubud should go there, super cheap, best location, a little oasis in the middle of Ubud).

We visited the Monkey Forest, went on a trekking tour to Mount Batur, and visited the rice fields. The rain sometimes spoiled our plans, but it was still three super awesome days!

It was a great time, and it's incredible how quickly you get to know each other and suddenly find such good friends.

On Monday, I finally received confirmation from the organization that I could start there on Wednesday.

So this morning, I hopped on my scooter again and headed back to Jimbaran. I was already expected there, and my new 'home' was shown to me, which I would share with two other girls. Another girl from Canada is arriving today.

Tomorrow, I will receive proper instructions, and from now on, I will also know exactly what is coming my way.

Now everything can really get started!

Looking back, everything actually fit perfectly: I was able to settle in here in Bali, got to know the island a bit, and made many new acquaintances. And just at the right time, the organization got in touch.

These 2 weeks alone have already enriched me so much! I have often been completely on my own before, but America or Europe can hardly be compared with Asia. That's why you can be even prouder of yourself when you have overcome these challenges as a small person in such a country. I know that many more challenges will come my way, but it's important to remain optimistic and you can't lose the joy of life on an island with such people!

It can only get better from here..!!