All for the cause and never cease to be amazed...

It's funny, as I was sitting next to a dear friend of mine, she laughs and says this place is like the Desperate House Wives of Tembagapura. I think what she means, and I agree, that it isn't drama or anything like that, it's that there are so many amazing women here. They all have character to each their own and unique stories. The women have tremendous differing talents, grace and loveliness. They have such big hearts and all would do anything for anyone. It is very true that a camera crew would keep very busy and entertained filming the various lives of the women and families here. Not to mention the stories of the men who go up every day and work in the largest gold and copper mine in the world.  
Today all of us women gathered for a charity event called the Pink Tea. Now the events here are out-of-this-world amazing. The women who put these events together leave no detail out. I thought I knew how to throw a party but this is a whole new level.
The Pink Tea's intent is to raise funds for a few charities for breast cancer. A few international charities and a local, Indonesian charity. It was mentioned that in Indonesia, most of the time, when breast cancer is discovered is it already at stage four due to lack of education and religious barriers.
The Tea was held in the restaurant where there were white linen-lined tables and chairs with pink sarongs tied around them. The tables were delicately decorated with beautiful lanterns as centerpieces with tiny boxes full of treats as gifts to each lady. The walls were lined with an abundance of gift baskets, paintings, jewelry and flowers, all donated as part of the silent auction.  One wall was encrusted from one end to the other of bras. Each bra was personally decorated by the women as a competition and fund raiser. The bras completely baffled me! The time and talent that each woman put into them was inspirational. The bras varied from a metal "Zina" like look to a feathered bird to massive sparkles to beans and pasta. That was really fun. There was a tree in the middle of one of the tables that held hearts with names of friends and family members who are battling cancer. I placed a name on the tree of a friend back home who is battling ovarian cancer. There were also tons of door prizes, food and drinks.
The entertainment was a drumming group of comprised of ladies called the Thunder Ladies (I think that is the name). They were awesome!
The blessing of the event came when two beautiful ladies of Tembagapura shared their personal stories of beating breast cancer. Two quotes, one from each of their stories moved me- "happiness is a choice" and "don't be afraid". Their stories brought us all to tears.
The event was truly moving. The time, talent and monetary donations of the women, the company and other companies was absolutely stunning. We all had such a great time and raised a lot money for a great cause. It never ceases to amaze me how lucky we are to be apart of this adventure in this tiny little town.