In order to provide the best opportunity for this transfer to a completely new and improved style of living, we have moved 45 children from ages 4 until 14 (with a couple of exceptions) to the new Cinere Mas location.

Due to problems with school transfers, there are still six children in this age group who must remain at the old location. Also, we have ten babies currently in the nursery and one two year old "toddler". The remainder of the older students will live at the second house that was rented last July 1^st for a two year period. For purposes of improved records and bookkeeping, we are keeping funds separate for the two locations. Out of necessity, Janet has become day-to-day manager of staff, office and funds at Cinere Mas. The director, Ibu Sri Mandagi, founder of the orphanage, retains her role as "mom" to all the kids at both locations.

The staff has largely been changed, and now we have fewer staff but with better qualifications. The nurse who oversees the nursery as well as her three assistants came with the change in location, and all four individuals now live as well as work at the residence. At present we have 12 staff members and with the addition of one more person, this number should be sufficient to manage all areas of the orphanage.

In order to make thus "happen", we used the funds donated by friends and expatriate groups to purchase furnishings for the new house. As the children never had beds or tables for eating, this became the top priority. We also were able to buy new cribs for the nursery, and furnished the office with a combination of donated and purchased equipment. Fortunately, a computer was donated to Cinere Mas and this replaced one which was no longer useable. Getting everything physically into the house was a challenge especially when the landlady didn’t move out on the agreed upon day. That meant postponing deliveries, making new arrangements, and generally having a few "meltdowns"; but all worked out in the end.

On July 1^st, we had four volunteers with cars bring the babies to their new home which Janet went out to buy cribs. For a while mattresses sufficed until things were in place. However, now the nursery is in a new and larger space, and it’s absolutely a delight to see the babies looking beautiful and healthy again. Every day they get a chance to be taken outside to the garden area and get some much needed fresh air…a huge change from the last building!

The new house has a large balcony for sitting and enjoying the surrounding view of trees and "greenery". We are surrounded by trees and bushes, and there are no neighbors nearby to be bothered by our presence. There are two rooms for eating, and one room also operates as a general activity space, especially for arts and crafts. For the first time everyone can eat at a table, have a chair, and sit down for each meal. Further, an ample supply of extra cabinet space means that things can be put away after their use, and kept in good condition for the next time.

There are two rooms on the second floor for the 15 girls, and the boys have their own dormitory on the first floor. All the children have either a cabinet or shelves where belongings can be kept. And, the best part is the backyard which comes complete with birds in cages and hens followed by their chicks. There are swings to play on, a tent and tunnel to play in, and lots of space for practicing soccer skills. Also, in the front of the house, there is room for riding our three new bicycles.

Ronald and Janet Stride
Residences at Dharmawangsa
Jalan Dharmawangsa VIII/1608
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta

Tel/Fax: 021 7233593

janetstride@hotmail.com

ronaldpstride@hotmail.com

251-006002301.001