Written by The Travellist, as an honoured guest on a WOW Day

We’re honoured to share an inspiring glimpse into a SoleFamily WOW Days, a unique outreach experience that takes us across beautiful Bali, touching lives and making a difference. We want to share a WOW day through our eyes as guests, focusing on the profound impact we witness firsthand.

The Journey Begins: 9 AM Departure

Our day kicks off at 9 AM as we start the drive with the dedicated SoleFamily team, along with food and clothes parcels for all SoleBuddies and families we visit. We are humbled by the opportunity to assist SoleFamily, even just carrying the bags of food and clothes to the SoleBuddies, each with their own story and challenges, but all with a huge smile and warm greeting when they see the SoleFamily team.

Connecting with SoleBuddies

Throughout the day, we travel from one home to another, and the roads not always ideal and often we need to park and continue on footpaths, man-made or natural, to where the SoleBuddies live.

• Divia: Divia and her mum were staying at FINNS Care and Recovery Centre while visiting the hospital. We dropped them home on our way to Singaraja – another reason the SoleFamily cars and the FINNS Care and Recovery Centre are so important – some Solebuddies have no means to get to the hospital or anywhere to stay once in Denpasar.
• Candra: A child with special needs who speaks little and faces challenges related to developmental issues. The happiness of new clothes and lots of healthy food was quickly replaced by sheer excitement at seeing new toys – squeals of delight that he now has two new toy cars.
• Ibu Suartini: Recovering from a stroke that affected half of her body, her strength and determination inspire us – her love for Sarah and the team evident. Ibu Suartini and Candra are from the same family, so we visited all the family at the same time.
• Dharma Sakti: A vibrant child with health challenges whose joy is infectious. Although shy, we do suspect his game of hiding is all part of his fun when the team visits, as he is actually hiding with a smile on his face and lots of giggles behind the hands covering his face.
• Eka Wati: Thriving after thyroid surgery, now married with a 2 ½ yr old daughter – her journey of recovery showcases hope and resilience, and we are so happy to be able to visit her, catch up on baby news and deliver a healthy food parcel to the whole family.
• Ketut Bentir: Living with mental health challenges, our visit is filled with understanding and compassion as we listen to her news about how she is going. Her brother, also with mental health issues, joins in the conversation with the cheeky banter; their sister also lives with them and while she has some health issues also, she is able to work. Their Mum lives close by and comes to visit regularly. Ketut Bentir was living in pasung for many years and had been shackled due to her behaviour. Now under treatment, her beautiful gentle personality shines through – a true statement to how SoleFamily changes the lives of the SoleBuddies they care for.

The Story Behind WOW Days

WOW Days got their name from our very first outreach experience with SoleFamily. After each visit, all we could express was “wow”. The overwhelming emotions—from witnessing remarkable improvements to understanding the struggles faced by families—left a lasting impact on us that day and forever after.

Sarah, has become known as the “WOW Sis” due to the unique bond she shares with our SoleBuddies. They trust her and recognize her genuine desire to help. Each interaction is a testament to the love and connection that is evident during these visits. There is no doubt that the SoleFamilies consider Sarah and the SoleFamily team as part of their family – hugs, tears and cheeky chatter shared in equal measure.

Each WOW day reinforces what we already know about SoleFamily – they never say no and always have open hearts and minds to help everyone they meet; and we are proud to support them in every way.

Homeward Bound: 10 PM

After the sun has set over Bali, we wrap up our visits and are home by 10 PM. With full hearts and minds buzzing with stories, we reflect on the day’s experiences.

The SoleFamily team bring hope, support and essential health care to those who need it most – changing lives in Bali with open arms and a determination to help anyone who asks.