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 Bikabele first met Putu Aditya Widhi Nugraha in July 2006 during one of their visits to Panti Asuhan Semara Putra orphanage in Klungkung, Bali. At first, Aditya seemed quite a shy young boy, and it was obvious along with his hearing disabilities we were informed about, that he had some other challenges in life also. He became eligible and was sponsored to join Bikabele's Hearing Aid program during the latter part of 2006. Aditya became affectionately known as "Michael Jackson" at the orphanage. As we would sit in discussion with Made, the head carer at the Orphanage, we'd notice that Aditya would suddenly break out in a "Michael Jackson" style of dancing, including the moonwalk, and he would capture everyone's attention with his wonderful dance moves and his gorgeous little grin on his face, and then just as quickly, realising everyone's eyes were on him, he'd slip quietly away into a corner. A little boy with no hearing, yet obviously taken by his favourite popstar's dance moves, that he'd learnt them, despite not hearing the music! In his braver moments he would entertain us all with his other love....magic! He loved to play little disappearing tricks with items laying around and had us all in laughter, then again, he'd slip away quietly into the background. We do become very attached to the children at the orphanages who we endeavour to visit at least 3 or 4 times per year, and particularly those who are part of our Hearing Aid program, as we follow their progress and watch them develop in many ways. During our visit to Bali in April 2010, we were extremely shockd and saddened to learn that our little Michael Jackson had passed away just 4 days prior to our visit to Semara Putra. Such a precious little boy who is and will be sadly missed by us all. Take a moment to watch the following slideshow and share in some of our memories of this beautiful boy who was taken way too early in life. "Rest in Peace Michael Jackson". Istirahat di persik anak cantik, Semua cinta kita dari Bikabele. |
 The playground at Panti Asuhan Semara Putra in Klungkung was re-developed in October 2006 in memory of twin baby boys, Caleb & Spencer. Their story can be read in full here . May the special memories of Caleb and Spencer forever live on, in the laughter of the children at Klungkung as they enjoy their new playground facilities. |
 The words below are written by Vibes' brother, Ray... I would like to share the story of my brother Ian “Vibes” Murray’s trip to Bali and our visit to the orphanage, sponsored by Bikabele. Vibes was a much loved member of the West Australian surfing community, earning his nickname from his amazing ability to pickup the Vibe of what was happening around him despite or perhaps because of the fact that he was profoundly deaf from birth. Surfing from a young age at Cottesloe, Scarborough and later down south at Margaret River and Yallingup, opened a whole world to him, not usually available to a young deaf guy growing up in the 60's and became his life long passion. In his later years he was instrumental in introducing many younger deaf guys to surfing and in establishing the Australian and International Deaf Board Riders Associations, helping to organize and competing in competitions that bought together deaf surfers from all over the world. You only need log onto www.deafsurf.org to get an idea of how this has grown. Vibes was diagnosed with terminal cancer in late 2006 and told that he had only months to live. Despite the devastating effect this had on his young family and friends, Vibes showed amazing strength, courage and acceptance of his situation, determined to spend as much time in the waves as he could, while he could. Vibes had never had the opportunity to surf in Indonesia and it was something my wife and I wanted to give him before he died. Unfortunately, by the time we got him there he no longer had the strength to surf, but we were able to get him out in local fishing boats at such places as Dreamland and Ulawatu and get the vibe of the waves at least. We also wanted to take him to the orphanage we had heard about through our sister, who is one of the founding members of Bikabele. This is an orphanage for children with disabilities, with a number of them being deaf, so there was an obvious emotional connection there for us all. That day at the orphanage is one that will stay in the memories of all of us who shared it. The immediate bond that was established between Vibes and the children was quite fantastic. They found a common language of laughter, play, sign language and gestures that went way beyond the usual restrictions of people of different languages and culture. Being deaf made them part of the same culture and the children had a rare opportunity to meet a deaf person from another world with many more possibilities in life than any of them would normally expect. To see a deaf person who could stand up in front of a room full of people and address them in such a confident and complete way, had an effect on them that was tangible. The effect on Vibes was no less and I know that he saw in that day a vision of where his life might have lead had it not ended so early. When we left, I asked Vibes if there was anything he would like us to do for the children in his name after he had gone, and he said he would like to see the work started by Bikabele continue and for as many deaf friends as possible visit and be involved. Vibes died two months later. His passing was magical. One of his last wishes was to see the ocean one more time, which he did only hours before he passed away and he died with his feet on his favorite surfboard. I ask you all on my brother's behalf to support Bikabele in the marvellous work it is doing, and not miss the chance to visit the orphanage if you are ever in Bali. |
| Founded 8 August, 2003 | Bikabele Cares for Kids Inc. | Registration No. A1012443P |
| A registered non-profit Community based Charity Organisation |