A lesson under the shade of a tree

This update is about 2 weeks outdated! The previous blog had it that we were all heading out of school for lessons…but we had consulted the village head too late! The bale banjar was to be still occupied for ceremonial preparations… Also, we completely forgot to at least TRY to inform the kids, so they all still came in their “pakaian adat” (ceremonial attire)- sarong and all!


In the end, we had to do it in school…but out of class and under the shade of a tree, it was a lot of fun! Lessons should be conducted so, shouldn’t they?



There were more kids than usual that day, the 4 of us had a rather hectic time, but it was well worth it. We started off singing some English songs that we learnt together previously, then played word games, followed by some light snacks, and finished off with a closing group photo session...we were so inspired, we’re planning for an English day camp during theirs hols in June!

Some Progress on the Library Project

Before we even started work on the library at Sekolah Dasar Samu (which is actually the only library we’re working on now, the other is an English program at Sekolah Dasar Belang), Miyuki had already drawn up the design for it.



For a volunteer project, she certainly has put in a lot of heart into it! Just goes to show that we don’t need lots of money to make a place look cosy!



Seems to be turning out like how Miyuki envisioned it.

Previously, we had some problems getting a tukang (worker), a general one, a fix-it-all. Which was in fact our good fortune, for some time later, SC’s dance teacher’s (Ibu* Cok Rai) husband (Pak Toni) volunteered to take it up.


So far Pak Toni has done a commendable job, and we’re considering of enlisting his help for future projects.

*Additional info: Ibu is a term used in Bali (actually, Indonesia) for calling women who are ehhh...well, not so young… (like “auntie” or “makcik”) For men, that’ll be “Bapak” or “Pak”. So I am called “Pak” pretty often here. Ibu Cok Rai is in fact younger than us, but we still call her “Ibu” cos she’s 1) Married, and 2) a mother already. Kids run around calling almost everyone “Ibu” or “Pak”, anyone that’s older than them. Adults will probably refer to you as so…probably cos they respect you as an equal hehe…so don’t be offended when you’re referred to as so here ya?