





Garrett Kam on Galungen
The holy days of Galungen make up the most important Balinese holiday, this (Balinese) year falling on 1-5 February. During this holiday the Balinese gods visit the Earth, and family ancestors descend to their former homes. They must be suitably welcomed, entertained, and prayers and offerings made for them.
Learn about the legends, practices, beliefs and celebrations surrounding this central event. Garrett Kam joins us once again for this monthly series on Balinese Culture.
Once a month, we do not schedule a speaker for our meeting. This gives us time to discuss current club issues and get to know our members, our club and Rotary better. And have fun while doing it! This week we will hear more about Zsuzsa Harsman! Guests always welcome.
There was joy and enthusiasm in Kerta as FINALLY we broke ground and started the water projects for our Global Grant. Construction materials were delivered to the schools making it possible for the schools to hold a special “starting a building project” ceremony. At this ceremony land was literally broken. A hole was dug where the ‘cornerstone’ of the project will be located and the priest deposited all kinds of symbolic offerings in the hole, including large stones that symbolize a strong foundation.
As each of the schools move forward, we are reviewing drawings and plans with the villagers. . There’s a lot to be done at each school like building water towers, water tanks, piping, septic tanks, toilet facilities and childrens’ wash basins. The labor is all donated by men in the village where each school is located. What is quite wonderful to see is how villagers are ‘owning’ these projects, eager to start work and enthusiastically participating. (You can click each photo to see larger)
Pres. Sue and Rtn. Donna, with Rotaracters Lesoh and Sudana, went up to Kerta late last month to discuss with the village leader and principals and school committee heads of the 5 Elementary School recipients of our Global Grant.
The plan is to build and renovate toilets in the schools, to put in wash basins, and to also put in water tanks, piping, and whatever is necessary to make sure the schools have a steady and stable water supply. Renovation plans were discussed and schools were polled as to when they would be ready to begin. School #2 is ready to go NOW, as soon as they find a good day!