beautiful bali

Typically when people first think of Bali they think of beautiful vacation destinations – beaches, mountains, forests. Their minds go to bougie resorts surrounded by crystal clear ocean water, surfing, spiritual enlightenment and sunshine. And yes, this might be the Bali that some people experience. 

Our experience in Bali has begun in a small, remote village, living amongst a tribe that has never had Americans in it before. We are staying in their community center comprised of two very small rooms, a “bathroom” and a “kitchen”, which is really just a stove. It’s hot and humid. So much so, that eight out of the thirteen girls I’m living with have opted to sleep in tents outside since it serves as respite from the heat as well as the many lizards we have grown to call friends. Our feet are dirty, backs are sore from sleeping on the ground and we definitely don’t smell the best. And yet, Bali is absolutely beautiful. 

The beauty of Bali, obviously, has not come in the ways that we expected. Yes, the mountains are beautiful, the beach that we got to visit on our sabbath was breathtaking and the rice fields are uniquely stunning. But the beauty of Bali has shone through the Balinese people and their hearts more than all of these things combined. 

The Balinese people are the crown jewel of this island. Everyone we have met, from the bus and taxi drivers to the leader of the tribe we are living amongst, has greeted us with a smile and a bow. They are kind, compassionate, thoughtful and extremely giving. It’s only been about a week since we’ve been in Bali and these people have taught me so much. These people do not know Jesus as savior, but they are teaching me what it means to love as God loves us. 

they have taught me to serve

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

When we first arrived, slightly shellshocked from the 30 hour bus ride we’d just encountered, our team began setting up our room so that we could go to sleep. We needed mosquito nets put up on the windows to keep the bugs out, and honestly, we were struggling. Five men from the tribe showed up at our door with a hammer and nails saying, “as a team is better”. They put up our mosquito net for us and then returned ten minutes later with a fan to keep us cool. A few days later, it rained here in Bali. The rain brought a much needed cool breeze but it also flooded my teammates tents. In a matter of minutes we had tribe members helping us move things out of the way as we relocated our tents and the children even attempted to help us scoop out the water. These people serve us as though we are honored members of their own family. They don’t even know us and yet they help us with whatever we need without even having to ask for it. And isn’t this how God serves us?

they have taught me to give

“some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!” (Proverbs 21:26)

On our second day in the village, our host took us on a little tour of the area we are staying in. We found ourselves being ushered into a traditional balinese home where the family cooked all thirteen of us dinner, gave us flowers and served us coffee. When we asked what we owed them, they quickly denied any form of payment, claiming it was a gift to us. Not only this, but they asked us to come again soon. During our time here, we are doing an after school program for children in which we “exchange culture”, teaching them about our beliefs while they teach us traditional song and dance in return. On the very first day, three of the girls left and came back with ice cream for me and my teammate, Kylie. Each of them watched intently, giant smiles on their faces, as we enjoyed and repeatedly told them thank you in our janky Balinese. They had pulled all of their pocket change together to give us a gift. Their generosity and willingness to give whatever they have brought us to tears. The Balinese people are extremely giving of both time and resources, constantly in the posture of giving more than they have. They give simply because they want to, not because they are expecting anything in return. Giving is their way to show that they care and that they want the very best for us. And isn’t this how God gives to us?

they have taught me to love

“live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:2)

These people are loving. Dita, a girl in our after school program, has begun calling us all her sisters and Mama Ritna calls us her daughters. As we walk down the street, the people  stop and wave and smile. They offer for us to stay in their homes and bring us fruit in the afternoons. It isn’t uncommon to find ourselves being invited into a new person’s house to enjoy a meal together. Every time we leave the village and return, it feels as if we are coming home. And this is kingdom living. It is loving each other more than yourself. It’s making sure that everyone is safe and cared for and fed. It’s picking someone up when they’re down. It’s the idea that living as a community is always better than living for yourself. It truly is heaven on earth. Here, even though I am a stranger to them, I am loved as I am. And isn’t this how God loves us?

Our time here is unique. We have to be careful about what we say and who we say it to. Most of the work we are doing is relational and  it takes time to build trust. We are hoping that it has an eternal impact, but in the meantime, God is teaching us so very much. I pray that we can carry what we learn here with us for the rest of our lives. I pray that we can learn to love and give and serve as the balinese do. And I pray that one day we will impact them as much as they have impacted us. 

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I love and miss you all and I have been so overwhelmed with gratitude for this experience. I am praying all of you are well and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have questions or want to know more about what I’m doing here. 

Much love and many blessings,

Annie