Clean Water, Fresh Fish, and ...

Living in Yogjakarta, we have experienced a mostly urban lifestyle. Today, however, was a delightful exception. We were invited by Rotary Club Indonesia to visit their clean water initiative that was funded by rotary clubs both in and outside of Indonesia. Unfortunately, most Indonesians do not have access to clean water, so this initiative is something desperately needed and appreciated. We drove deep into the "Jurassic Jungle" (as some of our members called it) to see the reservoir. This system took two months to complete and was built entirely by hand. The well cost $13,500 and is 60 meters deep. From a well, water is pumped in to a large cleaning reservoir spanning 350 meters, where is further pumped a mile up the mountain to serve 1000 families. After traveling up the mountain, despite a few car malfunctions, we were greeted by some the warmest people we have met thus far. We were instantly welcomed as friends of the community and were proudly shown around the village. We were then ushered in to a meeting hall, where a surprise feast awaited us. There was a smorgasbord of cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, un-roasted peanuts, water and tea. The meal was particularly meaningful because it all locally grown on the mountain. Our leader is constantly telling how guests are highly honored in Indonesia culture, and today it really showed. And then, to conclude our time withe Rotary Club, it started to rain...or downpour. Oh, Indonesia.

For old time sake, Herry and Augustini took us to a similar restaurant where they had their first "date" (its quite a story). At the restaurant, tables surrounded a pond filled with fish that one could catch for their meal. THAT WAS NOT ALL. Their were also traditional boats to ride on and a stage with a live band (gladly accepting karaoke singers). After ordering our food (no one decided to fish their own) Stephen and Avery "lept" at the opportunity to sing both "My Heart Will Go On" and "Killing me Softly" both on and off key. It was quite a show. The video will be up on youtube after the trip. No, seriously.

-Hannah and Stephen