My Bali trip last year

This picture was taken December of 05, when I was in Bali. We visited the children that we and some others from the US were sponsoring through the YKIP organization. The four of us had brought 25 disposable camera's with us on the plane, and through interpreters we were able to teach them how to use their cameras. We asked them to take pictures of their family and home, so we could send the pictures back to their sponsors. In this picture they were all holding their camera up, pretending to take a picture. they had a lot of fun with their cameras, and their pictures they took, were wonderful. Even some of the smaller kids did a great job with their assignment.

We meet one week later after all the film had been picked up and developed, and they received two sets of the pictures that they had taken. One set they got to keep, and the other set was to be put into a booklet for their sponsor. We had so much fun with them, and it sounds like Heidi had a wonderful time this year too. (See the tuesday's post)

School is free in Bali, but it is still expensive for a family to send a child to school, because they wear uniforms and need school supplies. All these children have a family, but often their family, due to different reasons find it difficult to handle all the expenses. When a child is sponsored the family can then easily send their child to school. They were not in school the day we meet for the picture, so they did not have to be in uniform.

During much of the traveling that I have done, I found that there were some very special places and Bali was one of them. I love practically anywhere that is tropical, so that was already a plus for me. But the people, their customs, and their way of life is what makes Bali so special and unique. The trip last December was amazing, because of the time I spent with the children and I also got to meet some very beautiful families. We were also included in some of their sacred ceremonies and temples. We felt very privileged and honored to be let into their homes and temples. They are a very kind and loving people who have huge hearts. I saw how they live their spirituality on an every day basis. It was truly inspirational for me, and they touched my heart. I wish more people on this planet lived life as they do, I think this planet would be a much kinder place to live in. Of course, they have their challenges, just as we do, but practically everywhere I went, I saw happy people with huge smiles and a playful attitude.

It was a trip I will not forget, and I hope I will get to go back soon.