November visit to PASK

Recently, Chris and I traveled to Bali, Indonesia for a transfusion medicine conference. While on the other side of the world, we were able to hop over to Sumba for a brief visit. It was wonderful to see all of our old friends and to visit with people we consider family.  We spent an entire day at PASK chatting with Ibu Esi, the headmistress, touring the new dorm building, and catching up with the children who stole my heart more than 5 years ago.

It was the end of dry season during our November visit, Sumba is just as beautiful as I remember!

Seeing the finished dorm in person was fantastic. The floor in the main room is still waiting for a final coat of smooth cement and they can always use more furniture (chairs, tables, beds) when housing 40 kids, but the extra space the new building provides is extremely helpful. 

Many SYI supporters donated presents for the children. We passed out toy cars, hair ties, books, skip-its, jump ropes, beach balls, card games, and puzzles. Belpre Dental Solutions (Belpre, Ohio) also donated toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss for the kids. 

Ibu Esi and I went over the list of current residents at PASK and their parental status. PASK houses between 38-40 children at any given time. Their parental status ranges from orphan to living parents who are unable to care for the children. They were excited to show me how the children's grades in school have improved over the past five years. Ibu Esi told me that the children want to make SYI supporters proud by doing their best in school. I agreed that their best efforts in school and in bettering their futures is the best way they can show their appreciation to SYI supporters!

While at PASK, we presented Ibu Esi with ~$3,000 USD from SYI. PASK used the money to buy a refrigerator, 2 small pigs and other food staples. They also planted a new garden when the rain began and built a concrete and metal fence around PASK for added security.