KBRN, Yogyakarta: A joyful and peaceful atmosphere surrounded Rumah Buah Hati Orphanage in Plumbon Village, Banguntapan Subdistrict, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Province. The children at the orphanage are preparing to welcome Christmas with enthusiasm.

“We are practicing singing and dancing for the Christmas celebration,” said Elsa, one of the children at the orphanage.

The 28 children of Rumah Buah Hati Orphanage come from various tribes and regions such as Surabaya and Papua. Although orphaned, they still feel the warmth of Christmas every year.

This year, they were invited to attend Christmas worship at Grand Diamond Hotel, participate in choirs at The Rich Jogja Hotel, The Manohara Hotel, Arthotel Hotel, and Pakuwon Mall Jogja. They also enjoyed various exciting activities such as swimming and picnics at Villa Opa Doel in Bantul Regency.

“The children are very happy and enthusiastic. We hope they will always be happy, and continue to pursue their dreams and enthusiasm,” said the chairwoman of Rumah Buah Hati Orphanage, Telly Jemy Dameria Panjaitan, during an interview at the orphanage on Tuesday.

She said during the Christmas holiday the food stock was abundant because many good people send rice and others.

Telly further explained that the orphanage was established in 2010 after going through a licensing process from the Social Agency of Bantul Regency. Since its inception, the orphanage had created a conducive atmosphere for the spiritual growth of the children.

“The orphanage was first built when my daughter was seriously ill and almost died. From there I made a vow to open an orphanage, “Telly explained.

Then they started gathering children, beggars, and buskers to be placed at the orphanage after consulting with the social agency.

Rumah Buah Hati Orphanage, located in the home of Telly and her husband provide shelter, education, and love free of charge. The Christian-based orphanage accommodates 15 girls and 13 boys, orphans, street children, and children with various challenging social backgrounds.

Asa, one of the caregivers at the orphanage said the ages of the children at the orphanage ranged from 9 months to 17 years. Those aged 17 years and younger were considered as the orphanage's foster children, while those above 17 years old was tasked as caregivers.

“Mrs. Telly, or Mami as we call her, is the head caregiver,” said Asa.

The orphanage has a routine mass praying practice every morning and an intensive singing practice which has yielded proud results. Many of the children at the orphanage have made achievements in various fields, such as winning singing contests and basketball competitions.

The success cannot be separated from the support and guidance provided by Telly and her husband. The children are educated and attend seven different schools and some of them have lived at the orphanage for more than a decade.

Asa thanked Mami and her husband for the wellbeing of the orphans. “We hope Mami and Papi will live a long healthy life and always be here for us and always be patient,” she said. ***