Every Life Matters
Especially Those Who Can't Shout the Loudest
Earth is a symbol of the Mother. Present in all. All that arises returns to the Earth and settles at the heart, the centre of creation. The marginalised voices and caregivers of the world need us to step up, to receive them fully, to acknowledge their beauty with unconditional love, presence and care, time as the most precious resource.
Over the last year i have been introduced to Bali Baby Home, and I've been visiting the babies and the staff, and they helped me understand the value of play, to laugh with your eyes, to play, express unapologetically and love unconditionally.
Bali Baby Home provides shelter, care and educational support for vulnerable children, and supports many babies across Indonesia. For them to be eventually rehomed. I was drawn to the home because of the owner, Mr Burhan, and Lucy, a lady who has been a driving force to ensure care and education for the babies.
Many of the mothers who come to the home have faced incredibly difficult circumstances, such as sexual violence, abuse a lack of sexual education and the stigma of pregnancy before marriage. This affects the fathers too, yet as i have seen across many cultures, it is often the woman who carries the weight alone, for one of the most sacred and powerful gifts of nature. The babies and caregivers of the home have inspired me very much and are helping to reduce the number of babies dying across Indonesia.
KPAI, Indonesia's Child Protection Commission, recorded 192 cases of babies being found in 2023, and the real figure is thought to be much higher because many cases go unreported (CNA.id). About 80 per cent of babies found abandoned are found not alive, so roughly 2 in 10 survive (CNA.id).
Mt Burhan wonderful man with a big heart and all the volunteers and staff who work within the home. Saving many children and reuniting over 50% of babies to their families. Come together over the last 4 years to provide a home for mothers, babies and their families.
You can see more and donate here: https://www.balibabyhome.org/donate/
Every Life Matters, Especially Those Who Can't Shout the Loudest
Radit, a voice outside of words
We first met during a hospital visit, when he was almost 2 years old. i held him in my arms, and though he was not speaking with his voice, i saw him speak through his eyes. My eyes listened; he was scared. Imagine what it feels like to be handled and not know where you are going. To be regularly examined by people in white coats, with needles placed into veins. i would be scared too.
He was still stiff and wouldn't look at me. He rested in my arms, sat upright, and began to hum. Hum with me now. Three times, in three different tones. Let it soften you, as it softened him.
Radit's body began to soften; his joints, arms and body released. His gaze would later meet mine, and i listened from his eyes to mine.
All voices need to be heard, even ones that speak through eyes.
Radit went through challenges at birth, and he and his mum have been supported and cared for by the home. He was born with cerebral palsy and has recently undergone surgery, the fifth of five major surgeries. The home is funding this, along with his ongoing aftercare and development.
Radith's presence in my life has taught me to be brave, to keep going when the pain is unbearable because it will pass, to have faith, and to lead with a compassionate heart over judgement.
How we can support Radit now
What is being done to support Radith now is amazing. They need additional support. He is homed here and taken care of by Mr Burhan, the babysitters, volunteers and his little friends. All contributions toward the home are welcome. The home funds Radit's ongoing hospital care, support for his mother's visits, and future aids to provide the best education, the staff and the in-house nurse, Elsa.
The home supports Radit's (and all the babies') relationship building with his family and mother, and hopes to organise a wheelchair, activities and holistic treatment to help him live life the best he can, with the support of his friends at the home. And his ongoing care, i visited Radith recently, and he is putting on weight and still needing ongoing physiotherapy, speech therapy and medication.
The funding and contributions make a difference to a child's life. Alongside Radit, the fundraising will contribute to activities, to celebrating births, and to education such as butterfly art, art workshops, singing and dance lessons and regular soft play activities.
Every life matters, even those who can't shout the loudest. Your contribution really matters. It makes a huge difference.
Radit taught me to listen differently. i hope you will listen with me.
If Radit's eyes spoke to you, you can help his voice be heard. Every contribution supports his hospital care, his family, and the education and joy every child deserves. Give what feels right for you.
Donate here: https://www.balibabyhome.org/donate/
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