Under the sea...

The last few months have been busy and taxing. From planning and executing a formal ball and school production, we found some time for a mini-vacay and traveled back to Cairns, Australia to get scuba dive certified. The trip was just what we all needed.

Our dear friends traveled with us and while Mike and I got certified Hannah and Mason got to partake in the various adventures Cairns has to offer with our friends and a darling college student. They ziplined, went to a movie, ate McDonald's (more than I'd like to admit), went to a waterfall, got to fish in a river and swam in the famous Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. While the kiddos played it up, Mike and I were deep in the throes of learning to breathe and swim under water.

One may assume that scuba diving maybe easy to master but that is definitely not the case. On Friday we arrived at a PADI dive center for our closed water training (in a pool). (Mike and I completed our PADI learning online prior to leaving for Cairns.) We were mentally prepared for what was about to happen but the physical test was about to commence.

Our dive trainer was very nice and immediately gave us a test to take that pertained to what we learned online. After passing it, it was now on to getting our equipment fitted and getting in the water. Before getting suited up Mike and I had to complete a swim test. We both had to swim 300 meters and then float for 10 minutes. That was fun but set the tone that this sport is not for sissies.

Once we finished the swim test it was full-on. We got into the pool with, what felt like, 100 pounds of equipment. It was HARD! The process of acclimating and telling my brain "it's ok" and "you will not drown, calm down" was overwhelming. After 3 and a half hours we passed our closed water training.

We tiredly walked back to our hotel and crashed hard that night. The next morning came early and on our way we were to attempt our open water training (in the ocean). I have to admit, I was nervous. However, the thought of scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef made it more exciting. We snorkeled the Reef last October but this was going to be a different adventure.

The large boat was stuffed to the brim with locals and travelers from all over the world. After an hour or so boat ride we made it to stop #1. It was time to jump in. It was like I instantly forgot everything. It was very busy and chaotic. We jumped in and had to release air from our BCD and allow the heavy weights around our waist bring us down (holy crap!!). There were flippers, poorly trained divers and snorkelers everywhere. I was able to equalize the pressure building in my ears but the other divers-in-training had a more difficult time. The chaos finally lessened and we then had to complete several tasks under and above water. One of the tasks is completely removing your mask underwater, putting it back on and then clearing the water. It's amazing how removing one or more of your senses heightens the others and fight or flight kicks in. After 4 dives and 2 days of scuba diving we all finally completed our required tasks.

Our last 2 dives were more relaxed as we had more of a handle on what we were doing. The fish at the dive sites are very accustomed to humans and are very friendly. I would be swimming along and all of a sudden there is a huge "Wally" fish right in my face -- freaked me out! But nothing prepared me for the sharks. Yes, sharks!! And the barracuda! Yes, barracuda!! The barracuda was a little too interested in us so we surfaced and got out. The sharks weren't aggressive but intimating as heck!!

As I got more comfortable the more I was able to really take in really what I was doing and where I was. It was an unbelievable and magical moment. The bubbles from all the other divers caught the sunlight from above sparkled and the colorful coral and fish were just so perfect -- it was very surreal.

Our mini-vacay ended and, again, we were off back to the mountain but not until after a cancelled flight and additional night in Cairns. Again, props to my amazingly patient kiddos.

Finally arriving back on the mountain, the Ball and school play went off without a hitch and I am really looking forward to some downtime and holiday time. In two short weeks, right after Christmas, we are headed to Tulamben, a fishing village on the north-east coast of Bali. Where we hope to dive two ship wrecks and snorkel with the kiddos.

As always, to be continued....

Fantastic Fiji…

Time flies in the jungle, as well as in the entire world, and that being said it’s been a little over two weeks since we arrived home from Fiji. What a fantastic place – fantastic Fiji.

After long flights and layovers we finally arrived at the Nadi airport more than 24 hours after our first departure. The airport is quant, warm and delightfully pleasant. We were greeted with a lei of seashells and smiles all around. We found our transport to take us to the resort and on our way we went.

The drive from the airport guided us through vast agricultural and mountainous land. Cows, horses and houses greeted us on our long drive. We finally arrived at the resort and a gentleman was drumming on a hallow log welcoming us. We checked in and set off to our bure.

The entrance of the resort hid its treasure. As we turned the corner from the check-in area we stepped out onto a beach dream – a Fijian dream. We were confronted with a crystal clear ocean with white a sandy beach and far-off breaking waves. Palm trees scattered the property and “Bula” ("wishing you happiness and good health") was uttered by every employee of the resort as we walked to our home for the week.  

The bure was perfectly sufficient for sleeping as that is all it was used for but the best part was that it was ocean-facing, unobstructed and close enough to hear the constant break of the beautiful waves. Mike and I spent many nights sitting on the patio, talking and listening to the waves. Gorgeous!! That day we met up with Grandpa Wayne and Grandma T and our first day was magical -- playing in the ocean, snorkeling and discovering the abundant ocean life. Truly amazing.

The resort was absolutely beyond our expectations and perfect for families and couples alike. That night we dined at the restaurant and enjoyed a delicious three course meal and tiredly ate the delicious desserts. The next night, unfortunately, both Hannah and Mason got pretty sick and lost a lot of their spirit and energy until the day we left. Despite being sick they were total troopers.

I have so many favorites of our Fiji trip. One was the night we got there, Grandma T and I played in the dark ocean under the starlit sky while laughing uncontrollably as passers-by heckled us on our craziness. Another was snorkeling. I have never seen such variety of ocean life and coral. Mike and I did a ton of snorkeling together (even did yoga underwater, too fun) while the kiddos tortured many hermit crabs on the beach. The whole family kayaked one day and Hannah and Mason did a great job paddling.

One particular favorite was when we went to a school at the nearby village. We walked with our guide Kini, who is an amazing person. She told us about the village and its culture. She is especially familiar because she grew up in the village and attended the school there. The school was small but very organized. As I understand, the Fijian government requires each child to achieve a certain level of reading, writing and arithmetic in three languages English, Indian and Fijian. They must achieve the expected level before they can progress to the next grade. Way to take care of your future leaders, Fiji! The entire school also does daily devotions and requires each child to brush their teeth after lunch. I was so impressed with the school and its teachers as the kids sang and greeted us. It was very moving.

The firewalking and Kava ceremony was another memorable night. Legend has it that over 500 years ago the men of Beqa Island were given the gift of being able to walk on fire by an eel in exchange for its life (http://www.fiji.travel/activity/firewalking). The descendants of those men are the only men who are allowed to participate in the firewalking ceremony. The men were dressed in grass skirts, chanted and sang while each one walked over the hot coals. It was crazy. Following the firewalking was the Kava ceremony. Derived from the kava root and mixed water, the villagers drink kava out of a large wooden bowl scooping it out with a coconut shell. They start with their eldest, then men and lastly, women. Each participant has to clap once first, take a sip, and then clap three times. The kava root is a mild narcotic that numbs the tongue and makes one feel relaxed. The audience was invited to drink after the villagers. It was NASTY tasting and holds up to its reputation of tasting like dirty dish water. An experience for sure!

The last day we got to go deep sea fishing. It was a cold, windy and rainy morning. The captain and his shipmate (finally) showed up holding gas cans and a cooler of beer. They walked us over to a part of the resort and told us to wait under the shelter of a hut as they proceeded to walk in the ocean to a small boat. We soon realized this was not going to be a luxury day at sea. We shed as much dry clothing that we could, took our good cameras back to the bure and had to make our way through the ocean, in the rain and, now, fog to the little dingy of boat.

The captain finessed the boat through the tight passages of coral and we soon hit the waves of the ocean. I am not talking about little waves these were huge swells that tossed us about and covered us with cold ocean water. The excitement turned to straight fear. There weren’t any suitable life jackets for the kids and visions of them toppling into the ocean consumed me all the while Hannah was losing her mind! Screaming and crying each time the boat slammed hard on the water after the waves brought us up. To make matters worse, poor, Grandma T started to get seasick and Grandpa Wayne was starting to get a little green himself. The captain and shipmate were business as usual. The shipmate was busy setting fishing lines into the water in hopes to catch a big one.

After an hour of fighting the waves, Hannah screaming and Mason motionless (in fear, I am sure) we decided to head back. As the boat started to turn around FISH ON!! Two of the four lines had fish on and they were fighting. Mike and Wayne jumped up and each reeled in the monsters. The two beautiful dolphin fish leapt into the air out of the water. They successfully brought the fish in and were smiling from ear-to-ear. Our little fishing trip was now complete.

It seemed like forever to get the boat back to its docking point because the captain had to navigate through the waves to avoid flipping the boat over. He even had to go back out to try another angle back in. Once we anchored, we happily disembarked the boat, thanked our captain and shipmate and hurried back to LAND! Mike brought the fish to the chef and that night, our last night, we enjoyed the fish in a buttercream sauce – delicious! An experience, I don’t think any of us will forget.

Sunday was a sad day of saying goodbye and tears were flowing. Back to the jungle we go. I have to admit, I have expressed and experienced some amazing cultures that are warm and welcoming but Fiji is comprised of the absolute warmest and most welcoming people of any other culture. We made many new friends at the Fiji Hideaway Resort and hope to return one day.

We are settled back into the routine here and now looking forward to the holidays. I am currently teaching the music classes and directing the upcoming school musical. It has been a fun and learning experience and blessed to have such opportunity!

As always to be continued…  (more photos to come but my internet is too slow right now ;)       

            

 

The Carpet Man from Pakistan and the gift of a group...

The possibilities of meeting a new face from a different country are endless here. Aside from my newest friend from India who has already taught me many of her cultures and inspired me, I met an interesting soul last week from Pakistan -- the Carpet Man from Pakistan (as I have dubbed him). I volunteered to help at a carpet bazaar and that is where I met him.

The Carpet Man from Pakistan (who now lives in Bali) arranged to have hundreds of hand-woven and machine made carpets (rugs as we in the US call them) and spices brought up to Tembagapura to sell. These are opportunities we thrive upon, especially getting the chance to shop and for something unique right in town!!

I walked into the hall (where I am to volunteer as a greeter and help point out the differences between hand woven carpets and machine made to potential buyers), the hall was full from side to side with hundreds of various rugs. It was so full that it left the hall with no acoustics. I was given a tour from one of the other Ibus on the differences etc. There is a HUGE difference between hand woven and machine made. She then left me in the hall, it was just me and the Carpet Man from Pakistan.

He and I sat for hours and he told me of his life in Pakistan especially the story of how he and his wife met. It was a Romeo and Juliet tale of clashing families and two star-crossed lovers. He told me how they ran away together for three days (a pre-wedding celebration, wink wink (so not allowed)) and upon their return she was taken home by her father for disobeying. The Carpet Man detailed how every day he went to her house and asked her father for her hand in marriage and every day the door was slammed in his face. Everyday he could see her looking at him from her window as he walked away (break your heart, right?). One day he couldn't take it anymore and knocked on the door, the door opened and there again was her father, the Carpet Man slowly sat down on the stoop and said he wasn't going to leave without her and would die there from starvation and thirst if that is what was meant to be. The door slammed (UGH- killing me!!). But a few moments later the door opened and it was her, his Juliet (YAY!).

The day went on and the Carpet Man told stories of the ancient rugs that filled the room as we stood on them feeling their texture with our toes -- one depicted war planes before dropping deadly bombs, others were more inconspicuous detailing the tree of life and the Garden of Eden. They were all so unique and special and as he told their stories the room changed, it became a haunted gallery full of historical life (gave me the goose bumps). That night he cooked a Pakistani dinner at the Lupa Lela for the community and it was delicious! A great end to a great day.

As I have said before the friendships here are the foundations of this community. If not for that it wouldn't be a place worth living in. And what a fantastic community we have. The thing I love about it is yes, there are many groups of friends within the community but we all, for the most part, support and care for each other on such an amazing level.

My most recent experience of said support was for a friend of mine. It was her birthday and, of course, we only do things to the nines here it was more than just her birthday, it was a celebration. This friend has undergone such an astonishing transformation. She has worked tirelessly to transform her physical self but through the process has transformed her inner self, as well. Just being around her, her energy is contagious along with her drive and determinations. She is such an inspiration to us all. The night at her birthday party I stood back and looked at everyone and how it was a gathering for her, a celebration for her accomplishments and a testament of our love and support. Such is a true gift!!

Life in the jungle continues to go on and we are getting closer to our trip to Fiji. We are all looking forward to some sun and warm weather.

As always, to be continued....
         

     

What am I missing?...

We've been back in Indonesia for a month now and having a schedule and routine has served us well. But there's this strange feeling like I am forgetting something! For the past four weeks I haven't been able to figure it out. Until today. I have come to the conclusion that it is anxiousness. Now that we are technically going on year two here, I (we) have already conquered and hurled over every (most) unknown obstacles to be tackled when moving from a suburb in America to a mine-mountain-remote-town in the jungle of a foreign country as far away as almost possible. And that's it. My guard is now more appropriately allocated instead of full-blown, all the time. I now find ease in my step and my approach is less weighted of fear. The monkey on my back and it's heavy weight has been lifted!

Now the monkey won't ever be gone completely as I know there are always lurking unknowns (especially living in a mine-mountain-remote-town in the jungle) but such is life and a little fear and humility is always good! Expectancy (as much as it could be) has become my friend as well as Mike's, Hannah's and Mason's. We're no longer a total "dear in a head light", we are (a little more) seasoned.

Our little life here in the jungle has been amazing, stressful, unique, frustrating and a true blessing at the highest and lowest decibels.

Life, as always, continues on and the countdown forges on to our next adventure island, Fiji. We continue to look forward to seeing Asia and its surrounding countries...     

     

Back to the jungle and sneaky triggers...

Now approaching a little more than a week back in the jungle and it's strange. It's like nothing changed while we were gone. It just froze in time! Yet getting back has taken on new feelings. The weather is gloomy and cold and has triggered an internal sense that Autumn is coming. Which it is back in States but not here and that's confusing and saddening. Last year this time I missed the feelings of Autumn and the upcoming holidays but it was tamed by the excitement of being in a new place. This year not so much. Even for Mike. But life must go on and it is what we make it. So finding the greatness in the jungle is always fun -- like starting the countdown to Fiji. Not a bad thing to look forward to!

In addition to triggers of Autumn, another sneaky trigger occurred this morning while writing this post, the death of Robin Williams. A strange correlation? Sure! But it's that he reminds me of my dad. His humor, personality and fantastic zest for life hits a little close to home and makes this little jungle on the map REALLY far from my dad and family! It's those sneaky triggers that randomly come up and they are good things! It's good to never forget where you come from and those special people who helped make you who you are.

Tomorrow our jungle kiddos go back to school and they are very thrilled! Life in the jungle is about to get more routine and normal, thank goodness. It's just amazing how much they have grown and developed over the last year! So proud of them and would never have changed this adventure as it's made us all stronger and more resilient!!

As always, to be continued (and dreaming of Fiji)...

     

Beautiful and Beloved: the photo shoot to help aid human trafficking survivors...

A dear friend of mine, Amber, who has the most beautiful soul and smile, contacted me and asked if I would volunteer my time to model her new line of products from her boutique: Beautiful and Beloved (http://www.beautifulandbeloved.com/). Her boutique sells items such as clothing, jewelry and accessories that are made by survivors of human trafficking. Here is her mission and just a few snap shots of information on human trafficking from Beautiful and Beloved's website:

"No pen can give an adequate description of the all-pervading corruption produced by slavery."

{Harriet Ann Jacobs}

 Beautiful& Beloved desires to make a simple path for you to support individuals freed from slavery who are now empowered to earn a living in a safe, clean and just way.

Not only is our merchandise beautifully made and unique, but each purchase will dignify a survivor of human trafficking or living in extreme poverty… 

Each item is hand crafted by someone who is now free to earn and create.

On human trafficking:

That being said I jumped on the chance!! I absolutely would do it and for such an amazing cause.

I took the pleasant drive to Palmer Lake which is just outside Colorado Springs. I was excited to take the long drive as the chances are few and far between and lessening by the day before I return to the jungle. It was a beautiful afternoon. I arrived into Palmer Lake and it is stunningly beautiful and eclectically small. Her boutique resides on the corner of a small street and, as it's owner, emanated beauty and passion. As I walked into the boutique my heart banged with an immense presence; each item seemed to speak its story as I walked by them and as I was happy to be there and for the cause I was a little emotionally overwhelmed. Though these survivors survived they still yet endured undeserving pain.

My moment was pleasantly deterred by the women I began to meet. They too had such amazing presence, smiles and souls. We gathered our things for the shoot and headed to a gorgeous field. As the set up took place the photographer and another model shared their stories on how and why they were there. The model was there because not only is she friends with Amber but she works for a group that empowers women in the Middle East by education and life-sustaining training. The photographer, Tanya Kay (http://www.tanyakayphoto.com/) has been a documentary photographer of human trafficking throughout the world. Tanya Kay is probably one of the most talented photographers I have ever seen and worked with, with the most passion and spirit. Here is a blip on her from her website:

(Tanya Kay is:)

A dreamer, advocate & believer...

Capturing the essence of people around the world inspires me to use my gift to bring world change. I strive to capture hope while bringing freedom, truth and love to the unknown.

My life is one of strengths and weaknesses, moments of laughter and pain, but one I want to be sure gives God continual praise.

So here I am...expressing my heart, and reliving my adventures of what I've learned and loved.

I was in awe of these women, their mission and their unselfish desire and drive. I was so honored to be amongst them and participating (even just slightly) in a terrific cause and fight.

The evening turned into night and as the sun set on the photo shoot peace and determination fell upon my heart. These gorgeous women inspired me and showed there is always a voice and venue to stand up for what's right!!

Thank you to Amber, Beautiful and Beloved and Tanya Kay for allowing me to participate and share your stories, websites and photos (shown below). As the new catalog for Beautiful and Beloved is still in the works please view their websites and help aid in supporting human trafficking survivors!!

Camp Wildcat…

One thing is for sure, my family sure knows how to have a good time! No, not good, GREAT!! It’s an environment where letting loose and being yourself is more than encouraged (it’s expected). They are a group of sweet, downright crazy, life-loving individuals! It’s a hard group to truly describe but a group that I am blessed to be a part of!

The morning after Mike left to go back to Indonesia the kiddos and I loaded up in my parents RV and headed to the great and magnificent Western Slope. The destination: Camp Wildcat. For many, many years it has been a tradition to spend the 4^th of July camping with my dad’s side of the family (the life-loving crazy people). We arrived with ATVs in tow and parked along the circle of other ATVs, Razors, RVs and an airplane hangar.        

We set up camp and headed in for the festivities. That night’s game was Giant Jenga where all of us little and big kids took turns taunting each other and laughing as the large 2x4s toppled to the ground. A great start to the long holiday weekend.

Friday, the 4^th, began with an awesome accomplishment when both Hannah and Mason learned to ride their first motorcycle (a 50) with the help of their Uncle Paul. It was a bittersweet moment because they really enjoyed it and did so well but I know Mike would’ve love to have been there -- such a big milestone. After the, oh-so competitive, Olympics (teams of two competing against each other playing various games and sports) we finished the day by atv’ing up a large hillside to watch the fireworks. I was a little teary because last year we spent the 4^th in Indonesia with great new friends but it felt like we were still so lost at that time. We have come so far!!

Saturday we all traveled to Paonia, Colorado for the Cherry Festival (cheers to delicious cherries, right my Tembag friends!?). Paonia is a beautiful and quant little town nestled amongst orchards and vineyards – super gorgeous! The Cherry Festival had local vendors, food, music, games etc. They had body pumper balls where you slide into large inflated balls and bump the crap out of each other. It was hilarious!  

Sunday we loaded our atvs and headed to Escalante Canyon. A gorgeous, dry, canyon marked with ancient Indian carvings that are overshadowed by graffiti from derelict visitors. It was a beautiful, hot and dusty ride. Most of us adults continued on and zig-zagged through the canyon viewing historical sights until we met up with the rest of the group at the infamous “Pot Holes”. These “Pot Holes” are natural made pools where the river rock has been hollowed by the swirling, rushing water. They are perfect for swimming in with a little beach on the side. We all played in the river, dousing each other, as the little ones floated down a perfectly made water slide from one pool to another. Another great finish to a beautiful day!

Monday came quickly and it was time to pack up but before we left, the kiddos and I, got to visit their grandparents who live just a hill over. We enjoyed catching up over a cup of coffee, a horseback ride, a tractor climb and hike up a large hill. It was a blessing to see them!

The RV was loaded, gassed up and away we went back to Denver. On our way we stopped on the top of Vail pass. Another favorite place of mine as it was where Mike took me snowmobiling for the first time. A memory that I hold dear to my heart. We reveled in the outstanding luscious view for a few moments and then journeyed back.

It’s been a tremendous, fun-filled, packed vacation with still more yet to do. I am looking forward to participating in a photoshoot for a dear friend of mine who owns a boutique that sells items made from survivors of sextrafficking. Excited for the opportunity to help a great friend and amazing cause.

As always to be continued!!!!!....