The House CPF Built

It has been my great pleasure to write my introductory series on the people and ceremonies of the Batur Caldera, and the new “Off The Beaten Track” tours that Gede and the Cempaka Putih Foundation have created in order to help generate funds, increase tourism revenue, and create awareness of the cultural heritage of the area. I hope that I have been able to express my impressions and my wonderment, and have perhaps been able to interest a reader or two in learning more about this fascinating region of Bali.

It may seem to some that the rich cultural and religious practices of Bali, as well as the influx of tourist revenue on the island, create an inconceivable contrast with the poverty and misfortune many people experience. This is especially marked in the isolated, relatively cool, dry, and dusty volcanic environment of the Batur Caldera. For this reason, we would now like to introduce and report on some of the projects that the Cempaka Putih Foundation has begun, in order to directly assist some of their most poverty stricken neighbors.

Area Surrounding the Family Home

Prior to getting involved with the Cempaka Putih Foundation, I had an impression that poverty was directly related to crime and moral decay. However, after spending time with Gede and visiting some of the families assisted by CPF, it has become clear that the poverty they experience is due to isolation and a lack of access to education and basic support. The people I met created a positive impression on me that was only confirmed by their gracious reaction to even the smallest assistance. On my first visit to Kintamani, I was honored to witness exactly this humble gratitude, of giving to those in need.

It was a cold, misty, and rainy day when Zoray and I drove up to Kintamani, wearing a plastic raincoat poncho, on a scooter! Gede was actually surprised that we had kept our appointment. The cold rain and mist obscured any view of the spectacular lake and mountain that are the main draws of tourism to the area. There was no trace of any tourists, police, or street vendors that morning. Perhaps it was, indeed, the perfect weather for my first visit, and to visit the house the Cempaka Putih Foundation had raced to finished, just in time to shelter the family against the weather and elements of the rainy season.

Gede Chats With Neighborhood Woman

After sitting with Gede for some time, and discussing ideas for my time in volunteering with him, he was eager for me to see Serronga, Songan Village, and to show me the house the Cempaka Putih Foundation had built, using donations and volunteer labor. After a muddy slippery ride in Gede’s car, we arrived at Serronga. I found the setting rural, yet beautiful in its serene simplicity.

The modest home we went to visit did not have electricity or running water, though there were a few cows, chickens, and dogs running around fields that looked freshly harvested, and in need of being ploughed and worked again. Gede informed me that, modest though it was, the house is a marked improvement on the previous one room bamboo thatched dwelling. Although not plastered and painted, the brick house at least has a waterproof roof and ceiling.

The New Kitchen

As the family still does not have electricity or a gas stove, fire is the only way to cook. For safety, and to prevent smoke inhalation, the new house has a separate kitchen, with its own outside entrance. Lunch had already been cooked and the fire was out as I entered, but I noticed that the ceiling of the kitchen doubles as pantry for food and basic appliances.

As I walked into the house, I was surprised to be greeted, with a warm smile, by a little boy lying on a mat and playing with a bamboo stick. This was I Komang Yoki, who suffers from a debilitating congenital disease that has stunt his growth and left him paralyzed. When his parents aren’t home, a woman in the community helps to look after him during the day.

Sleeping Area

I continued to view the bedroom of the house, where the entire family sleeps. It is also quite basic, with no soft luxuries like mattresses. There were only a few pillows and blankets to keep warm during the cold Kintamani evenings. With limited donation funds, basic needs like this could be met, and would be as appreciated as a fully interior decorated designer mansion.

It was my first visit to the area, and I felt totally overwhelmed with empathy for the little boy. I had to step outside to calm myself. On the step, I started to talk with Gede about my impressions and feelings. As I became more emotional, I asked Gede if we couldn’t take Yoki to the beach, or at least find him more toys to play with as I think it must be very frustrating for him in the house all day.

Strangely, I felt some instinctive desire to take him away from there, as though I could provide a better place for him. These thought were, of course, completely irrational, and I began to realize that this small dwelling isn’t just a house. It is a home. This is Yoki’s home that he shares with his family, who love and care for him, in the small village community where he is known, happy, and accepted.

That is the wonder of the work of the Cempaka Putih Foundation. It is a grass roots effort, by people from the area, attempting to help their friends and neighbors by bringing the things they need most right to their doorstep. Sometimes the neighbors even pitch in to create that doorstep for them!

No donation is too insignificant to make some small difference in the life of a child or a family affected by such poverty. Even when things are unwanted or superfluous to one person, they are sure to make someone else’s life better.

In these times economic uncertainty, it is perhaps wise to realize that it was not from giving too much that we are losing our security. It might rather be said that it is from taking too much. Donating to any project, and in particular the Cempaka Putih Foundation, is an opportunity to change lives, and bring some comfort to people who are very much in need.

A Warm Smile

I hope that by telling the story of the people and their culture, and by working with the Cempaka Putih Foundation, I might strike a chord as to the importance of preserving, protecting, and supporting the people and culture of the Bangli regency. Your support, no matter how small, could help the area gain strength, and win the fight against poverty. Thanks to support from our existing contributors, Yoki got a home and this rainy season will be dry and warm.

If you have any comments or suggestions please contact us! We are always open to suggestions and appreciate all help offered. We have the PayPal and bank transfer options available for making donations, and would love to hear from you would like to volunteer your time and skills.

If you are in Bali, please consider taking the “Off the Beaten Track” Tour with Gede and CPF volunteers (suggested minimum donation of $45 USD per passenger, all profits go directly to CPF projects) to learn more about this unique regency, and the issues, ideas, and goals of the people who live there.

Hope to hear from you soon!
Dee

A Tree in Songan Village

Modern Western society seems to focus on new stories and gratuitous entertainment, whereas more traditional societies celebrate and reenact the stories of their cultural heritage – or legendary history. The road towards the truth, literal or subjective, is a road less traveled, and the road from Songan Village up to Belandingan is a 4×4 extraordinaire’s ultimate journey.

As the road to Belandingan is steep and treacherous, Gede offered to find an experienced driver to help me make my way. I bravely declined. If failure is the first step towards real success, I think I made a giant leap!

As I followed Gede closely up the first steep incline, studiously in first gear, I had to swerve to avoid the loose rocks propelling from his back tires. Mortifyingly, the engine of the little Jimny promptly stalled out. Petrified at the swift, and seemingly uncontrolled, gravitational pull on the steep incline as we attempted to restart the car, Zoray and Cempaka fled from the Jimny and sought refuge in Gede’s car. Gede was left with the task of driving both cars up the worst of the incline, and I was left to follow him, alone in the Jimny, to Belandingan.

A Woman in Belandingan

As we all got out of our respective cars, Heather kindly stroked my bruised ego with the words: “Dee is a really good driver!” Some women really do seem to have nurturing and healing powers. As my embarrassment subsided, I could focus on the hive of activity in the streets of Belandingan.

The practically deserted village of our first visit was now buzzing with people making their way towards the temple grounds. Along with Heather and Pete, I immediately became aware of the intense gazing stare of an elderly woman, from behind the short exterior wall of the nearest house. If I could read her mind, I wonder what tales her thoughts would tell. I reached for my camera and started to record the events unfolding, with great excitement, all around us.

Villagers Walking To Temple

Young and old were equally surprised and amused by our arrival. The community’s hospitality was overwhelming for Pete, who was greeted by a young man who apologized for speaking bad English. Dumbstruck, Pete replied: “Excuse me! I am here in your village and I cannot even begin to speak your language. I am the one who should be apologizing!” Visiting the Head of the village, and having his blessing to be there, really paid off, thanks to Gede and The Cempaka Putih Foundation.

Temple Entrance

With no rice stuck to my forehead, I was politely stopped by the temple security and asked if I had been to a ceremony (an apparent prerequisite to enter and see the dancing). I gave them a friendly and detailed gesture that I had been and, with a few Balinese words from Gede, they allowed me inside. The atmosphere in the temple was majestic and festive with the gamelan playing and young dancers practicing the traditional Balinese choreography and movements in unison. As the evening progressed, and darkness descended, the experienced masters took over the dancing, performing in full costume.

A Dancer in Costume

Gede introduced me to a guide that would escort me around the temple grounds, so I could take some photographs and short videos. He introduced himself as ”Ketut Dodi,” and, with confidence, I could reply: “Nama saya Dee.” Ketut Dodi turned out to be a wonderful wingman and right hand, as I sneaked around the temple grounds. I left Heather and Pete with Zoray, and explored every square inch of the Temple. It was as exiting as having a press-pass at a fashion show in Milan!

Balinese Delicacies

A new delicacy for me, which may be an acquired taste for some, is the Balinese Cuisine for sale at little temporary “warungs” around the temple. What a feast! At times I might not have known exactly what I was eating, but I surely enjoyed all of it. I highly recommend the smoked pork sausage and coconut doughnuts. To be daring, I would suggest that you eat to your hearts delight, even if it may cause your stomach some distress!

Singing a Duet

Back in the temple, the head of the village was singing a duet of phrases from a book with another man. As I sat and listened, while watching the dances, I became aware of the intrinsic effect. That was the closest I have ever been to understand the true meaning of something referred to as a “time warp.” The highlight of this evening was to be at 2:00 o’clock that morning, but it was time for us to leave this place, and return to our own lives with a bit more respect and dedication.

Dee with the Dancers

At times “Terima Kasih” or “Thank You” just isn’t enough to show appreciation. Luckily for me, I learned a new phrase from Ketut Dodi, to express the highest appreciation in Balinese.

I lift my hands together in prayer up to my chest and say to Gede, Zoray, Heather, Pete, Cempaka, the people of Belandingan, and the readers and supporters of the Cempaka Putih Foundation a warm and heart felt:

“Matur Suksema”

Dee Goes to Temple!

I have never before been inside a Balinese temple, or attended a Balinese ceremony. This is hardly surprising, considering I am not a Balinese Hindu. I am more familiar with rituals such as baptism, Holy Communion, and Sunday Prayer Services. Religion is, perhaps, something your parents or culture introduces to you. However, I feel your true faith or belief is revealed by the way you live your life.

If you know who you are, it is easy to be yourself regardless of where you are. So, going to the temple wasn’t something I feared, exactly, but I anticipated the experience to be strange, possibly uncomfortable, and probably not quite life-changing. When I am exposed to the unknown, I often find comfort and reconnection with the well-known inside myself.

Sruni Carries an Offering

I cannot recall if I was the first or the last to walk into the temple out of Gede, Zoray, Cempaka, Heather or Pete, but I know my expectations were immediately blown away. Most churches, mosques, and cathedrals, in my experience, are opulent, spotless, well-maintained buildings, with spectacularly shaped roofs or domes. In contrast, a Balinese temple is a roofless enclosure, with an intricately carved entrance, and walls all around that resemble some kind of ancient ruins. Erected during the “Elephant Century,” that would be around the 1600s, as Gede explains it, all temples in Bali are believed to have invisible walls of energy around them. In hindsight, it also makes sense to me to worship in a place that has no ceiling or roof. I am sure it creates a more “direct line.”

Temple and Bale

I admired a detailed black and gold, multi-tiered thatched roofed temple, containing ornate offerings, piled high, as a priest chanted in a small roofed enclosure, called a “Bale,” before it. I then saw Sruni (Gede’s sister-in-law) carrying her offering towards a long table, where she placed it among all the other offerings. As she returned to where we were standing, everybody started to get seated on the temple floor. I sat with Heather and Pete, right at the back; partly because I was feeling like a naughty schoolboy, but mainly out of respect, and a desire not to be too interruptive. Just before we started, I whispered nervously to Pete: “I don’t know what to do. I have never been to a ceremony before!”

Table of Offerings

Gede quickly explained to me that there would be five prayers, and the blessing from the priest to look forward to. Pete comforted me by saying you can do it all with your eyes open, and follow along with what everybody else is doing! Sruni placed a little bamboo square try in front of me filled with flower petals and a burning incense stick.

Being Seated

First, I saw Pete waving his open hands over the incense smoke and did the same. With the men in cross-legged position, and the women kneeling on their heels, we then placed our hands together and lifted them over our heads, while bowing ever so slightly forward. Shortly, I heard a priest ring the bell, a faint “Om,” and we were at ease again. The next four prayers involved placing flower petals between your index and middle fingers and then placing your hands together, in prayer position, to lift above the forehead. Afterwards I saw some people throwing their flower up in the air, while others placed them behind their ears or in their hair.

Zoray Shoots Me a Look

After a final empty handed raising of the hands, the atmosphere changed to be a little more joyous as the priests came around sprinkling us with holy water. In a humorous moment, the little girl seated directly in front of me got a precisely aimed splash of holy water to the head, in order to get her attention, as she craned around to stare at me.

A Priest Dispenses Holy Water

The priests then dropped holy water into our cupped hands. After drinking three times, we wetted our hair with the final splash. After the holy water ritual, a silver plate of hard, uncooked white rice was offered around. A small amount is taken from the plate, and placed on the center of the forehead. This procedure seemed to clearly suss out the most uninitiated person at the party, as I couldn’t managed to get my rice to stick!

Though I didn’t expect to feel anything, to claim I didn’t would be a blatant lie. Regardless of my inexperience with Balinese Hinduism, the meditative nature of the ritual and ambience felt soothing and cleansing. I was particularly surprised at the gentle acceptance I felt, as an outsider, and that nobody approached me with any literature or handshakes, as often happens at religious services in the West. It was the most refreshing religious experience of my life! It felt entirely personal and intimate, without the showcasing of coming forward to confess or being singled out in any way. It felt like being part of something without being asked to abandon myself.

Inside the Main Temple

More open than before, we moved on to the main temple. As Heather entered in front of me she said: “Oh, Dee you’re going to love this one!” Shiny, colorful, plentiful bling, and a hypnotic visual feast were to be found inside the main temple. Heather pointed out the small, ornate palanquins to the side of me. Gede explained that all families coming to the temple carry the spirits of their ancestors in them, from their houses to the temple, to join them in worship. We had another six phased ceremony where I hope I improved on my posture and hand gestures. I could only ask Gede more about the meaning at a later stage:

Ancestors Palanquin

In the following days, and peppered with questions, Gede explained to me that the height of your hands is important. When worshipping the gods they need to be held above your forehead. When worshipping your ancestors they need to be placed above your nose. When paying respects to spirits and mortals, your hands should be placed by your chest.

In the five prayers done in the temple, each one is offered to a different God and has a distinct purpose. Firstly, you raise your empty hands to ask permission from the gods to speak. Then with a flower petal in hand you thank the sun for shining, the water for flowing, the unique spirit of the temple, and the supreme god of all things. Finally, you raise your empty hands again, end your prayers, and bid the gods farewell.

A Father and Son at the Lakeside Temple

Holy water from the priest is for emotional and spiritual cleansing. Rice to the Balinese is the source of life. Sticking rice to your forehead, or your third eye chakra, serves as proof that you have been at a ceremony, and as a reminder of what is important in your life as a Hindu.

Speaking to Gede, I realized that Hinduism, and the way it is practiced in Bali, is more than a lifetime commitment. It is a way of life, and of death. It is a journey beyond a lifetime.

To be continued…

See More Photos From This Post on Facebook. Become a Fan!

Heather

Many visitors dream of finding “the real Bali,” and many businesses, from tour guides to golf courses, purport to offer an exclusive glimpse. It should be remembered, however, that all of it, from the airport to Singaraja and everything in between, IS real! Bali is a dynamic place, and every person here, from a hotel desk clerk or a tourist dancing in a nightclub to a rice farmer or an expatriate English teacher, is experiencing the “real world.” It is all around us.

Even in this swiftly changing world, however, there are still proudly traditional rural areas, where very few tourists get to go. Whether an area is simply too remote, not economically developed enough, or simply doesn’t cross the path of the major flow of tourist traffic, the events that happen there remain clearly personal, cultural, and truthful to the people of that specific area.

Bali is a mystical and spiritual place. If you’ve spent time here, then you probably already know that. If you haven’t, I’d highly recommend a visit to experience it first hand. Some people believe in fate, kismet, karma, or just simply “coincidence.” Personally, when I witness or experience a divine momentary “coincidence” here, I like to say: “Only in Bali!”

Heather and Pete

Meeting Heather and Pete was an “Only in Bali” moment. When a sudden cloudburst forced me off my scooter, I ran into the nearest restaurant for shelter. Seated, “coincidently,” at a table with a friend I had met previously, was Heather. I felt I already knew her the moment our eyes connected. After a brief conversation with her about the Cempaka Putih Foundation, and without even showing her the pictures I took of the warrior village for bait, Heather and Pete, her traveling companion, agreed to accompany me on this unique “Off the Beaten Track” experience. Heather explained to me that it had been a dream of hers to experience something authentic and traditional, free of the obvious influence of tourism, in her remaining days on the island.

Rice Terrace View at Tegalalang

The very next day, Heather, Pete, myself, Zoray, and her six year old daughter Cempaka (named after the flower, and the namesake of the Cempaka Putih Foundation) were in a little Jimny Jeep, taking the scenic route past the rice terraced valley of Tegalalang, on our way to Kintamani. Our journey was pleasantly moving along until a passing man on a scooter signaled to me that we had a flat tire. Believe it or not, just another two minutes down the road, we came across a small local mechanic. In a slow motion F1 racing maneuver, we managed to pull in and negotiate a tire pump. “Only in Bali!” Perhaps it is saying that so much that is making me believe it so strongly?

Heather, for reasons unknown to me, was surprisingly open and receptive of all the suggestions I made to make the most out of this trip. She even (with a small prior caveat) agreed to have lunch from a local warung that looks like it might not pass a western health inspection. One of Zoray’s favorite treats on our regular sojourns to Kintimani, this small family warung sells the tastiest fried fresh water fish, with rice, vegetables, peanuts, and sambal. It has become an instant tradition for us to stop there every week. After one bite, you would be willing to fight off a thousand flies to ensure that you get the next bite, and can finish your meal without sharing any of it!

Dee, Pete, and Heather in Pakaian Adat

With our stomachs full of this “daring” local delicacy, it was time for us to transform our outer appearance to please the local dress code, or “Pakaian Adat.” Gede played tailor with Pete and me to get us geared up with both an inner and outer sarong, a white headband, or “Udeng,” and a lovely cream jacket for me. Zoray assisted Heather in slipping graciously into a sarong, kabaya, and sash. Surely, this style of dress must have a lot of meaning, symbolism, and history. However, in our ignorance of such matters, we could only go with the flow in order to be allowed into the temples to experience an outsider’s glimpse of Balinese culture.

Gede, Zoray, and Cempaka

Escorted by Gede, Zoray, and Cempaka, we drove off from Volcano Breeze Café in Toya Bungkah into Songan village. As we arrived and got out of the car, we felt a little as though we had slipped through a portal into an alternate universe. It was a bit like in “Being John Malcovitch,” except perhaps this film would be called, “Being Balinese.”

We had arrived at the edge of Lake Batur, and were making our way towards the temple, without another foreign visitor in sight. I took several pictures to try and capture the moment. I mentioned to Heather that this place is so beautiful that it would be a dream to live there. In that moment, Heather looked at me and said: “Dreams do come true.” Her modest dream was being realized that very second, surrounded by people so giving in spirit as to allow us, as foreigners and outsiders, to join them in their offerings and prayers.

To be continued…

See More Photos from this Post on Facebook. Become a Fan!

Belandingan Village from the Caldera Ridge

Politeness and protocol becomes a unity when dealing with people from a different cultural background than yourself. Both elements are vital ingredients for successful communication; however, politeness and protocol are culturally infused in a unique combination, unknown to an outsider if not properly researched. Language, verbal and physical, is a huge barrier to overcome when dealing with the people of Bangli, Bali.

Therefore, I strongly advise any traveler to have the services of a local guide when visiting the Bangli Regency, and the Kintamani area in particular, or you are bound to experience some difficulties. Gede is such a guide, and can show you the true magic of this mystical caldera and its people. Being from the area, and a respected business man in his community, traveling around with him not only connects you with local people, but materializes possibilities to have experiences you never expected!

Monument to the Warriors

Prior to attending the ceremonies and dances of 4 October 2009, Zoray and I were taken to Belandingan by Gede to get introduced. “Belandingan” directly translates into: “Place where warriors hide.” It was during the unsettling time of the Dutch invasion that the Balinese warriors of the day got together in this place to put up camp and plot their defense strategies. There is still a monument erected in honor of these brave men, close to the temple as you enter the village.

Besides the fairly modern school building, all the houses are predominantly traditional; this creates a fascinating rural facade rich with historical intrigue. As I looked at these “doll-like” houses with bamboo shingles and thatched ylang-ylang rooftops, tiny doors all clustered together, I knew that I was far away from Westeria Lane!

The village however seemed deserted. The warriors of yesteryear are the farmers of today, and the village was quiet during the mid-workday hours. As we walked up the street, a dog’s bark alerted to our presence and a small boy peeped out an alleyway. Gede spoke to the boy in a local dialect of Balinese and asked where we would find the head of the village.

A Traditional Village House

Following his prompt directions we entered the open door of a fairly modest house not yet fully completed but livable. Inside a little girl was watching an Indonesian broadcast on a portable color TV set. I heard a loud greeting and saw a man walking towards the house. I soon realized that he was the head of the village, and that the little girl is his daughter.

After a brief hand shake, and telling him where I am from, Gede and the Head of the village continued their discussion in Balinese leaving me and Zoray completely oblivious to what they were talking about. Not wanting to become a staring non-entity I started up an English conversation with Zoray about how surprise I am to see a TV and that they have electricity!

Gede (right) with the Head of the Village

A few giggles later, Gede informed me that the head of the village would like us to bring some tourists to a ceremony and traditional dance, commemorating the brave warriors of times past, which was to take place the following Sunday.

Twins Temple

With that task in mind, I asked the Village Head for a short guided tour, so I could take some photographs with which to entice some tourists to his village. Walking up the street a small temple like structure on stilts with two tiny doors immediately grabbed my attention. As I started to photograph it, Gede explained to me that the family of this house was blessed with twins, and the temple with the two doors was built in their honor. Unlike in other areas of Bali, having twins in Kintamani is celebrated and embraced by the community.

Man Carrying Spring Water

We continued walking past the empty water tanks, depleted in the arid dry season, up a hill toward a small temple surrounding a trickling mountain spring. It takes about 12 hours just to fill one bucket of water, and lucky our timing was in, as an elderly man had just got his bucket filled and was preparing to carry it back to his home. Generosity, however, seemed to be plentiful, and I was offered a sip of his precious water. We politely declined, and replenished with our own mineral water instead.

Dee at Caldera Ridge

My sense of curiosity took over and I asked Gede if we could hike further up the mountain. Although Gede was able to bounce up the mountainside as though it were a stroll in the park, Zoray and I were forced to put up a brave attempt to keep up, wearing flip-flops, and no sunscreen!

As we reached the top of the ridge, the punishment was well worth the payoff. The serene view of the ocean on the one side and Lake Batur on the other was breathtaking. A shorter bush path hike further and we were back to Gede’s car, without being too out of breath.

The waving farewell cheers of children serenaded us as we left Belandingan to go and find another westerner or two with whom to share an exclusive Off the Beaten Track Tour with Gede and the Cempaka Putih Foundation!

To be continued…

View More Photos From This Post on Facebook! Become a Fan!

Dinner in Belandingan

My name is Dewald Haynes, but my friends simply call me “Dee” – and all friends of Cempaka Putih Foundation I consider to be friends of mine!

Seven years ago, I came to Bali the first time. Being much younger then, I explored what the island had to offer from the view point of a tourist, resulting in fun filled days at beaches, pools, restaurant, and meeting lots of people. It was during this time that I met Gede (the founder of CPF) and Zoray (the CPF Web Manager) and became close friends.

Back in South Africa, my home country, I realized that it was really the Balinese people who left the deepest impression on me.  The dilemma of the day was; “How could I learn more about this fascinating and alluring cultural identity within the overwhelming cosmopolitan arena of Bali?”

Volunteering for the Cempaka Putih Foundation seemed the perfect opportunity to fulfill my dreams of returning to Bali while learning more about the people who inhabit this popular, and enticingly cultural, tropical tourist destination.

I cannot claim to be an activist, a medical doctor, a political pioneer, a moral authority, or religiously enlightened in any way! If I was indeed any of these things, I would already have my hands full with all these issues in South Africa! I am just your average Joe.

I feel that it is naïve and defeatist to think that you simply can’t make a difference, and totally arrogant to think that you could change the world single-handedly. In the grey area between these two extremes, I hope to create a cobble-stoned pathway to get more people involved in this innovative brain child of Gede’s by reporting on villages, people, and projects of the Cempaka Putih Foundation, and all the experiences and lessons in humanity I am bound to have in the coming months.

If you are reading this, and in Bali, please consider joining us in our weekly excursions into the remote villages where Cempaka Putih Foundation hopes to make the most difference. Please contact us for more information on our weekly Off The Beaten Track Tours.

I hope that you will find my updates on the site insightful and informative in the quest to help the people affected by poverty. In my next post I will be reporting on the ceremonies and dances in Songan Village, and in Belandingan, where I had my first lessons in Hindu protocol and procedures!