We are learning more background information to our situation. We have recieved great support from the Yayasan members. We have had amazing meetings with brilliant people, all trying to help us meet our mission. While this trip will not bring us back into the field, we are growing stronger as an organization. If we can succeed in our goals, we will become an even stronger presence here in Indonesia. I can’t say yet what the outcome will be, but we have great plans in place. Once the pieces settle, I will let you all know. We have another meeting scheduled for Christmas Day. More than half of our group will return to the US, myself included, in the next couple of days, depending on our ability to change airplane tickets.

Meanwhile, Pak Dharma, one of our sponsors, has offered to lend his car and our translator Agus so that some of the team can go to see more of the island. Renate, Ann and Matt took him up on his offer. Linda is visiting new friends in Candidasa. Dan, Frank and I stayed behind to sort out and store our supplies for next time. Julie, Mimi and Katie are preparing to leave tomorrow.

We all met at Cafe Batujimbar (our local expat hang out who serves a great latte and everything from Nasi Campur to Spaghetti) for Xmas eve dinner. And then reconvened after for those of us suffering from “Bali Belly”, otherwise known as dysentery.

Daily treatment helps a lot! Well, it’s the same treatment we give to villagers who complain of “ma” or digestive upset. So we know this protocol very well!