Dear Sis,

I just travelled from Bali to Australia to Los Angeles to Vancouver and I am now on a BC ferry working my way to Vancouver Island.    I have been in transit for the last 37 hours.   I am exhausted but there is a mindfulness in each moment and an awareness with my thoughts, feelings and surroundings.  One feels different when they return from such an experience.

Last night, I took the opportunity to watch the last sunset on my own.    I cried.   Not sobbing but quiet tears.   It was simply a beautiful moment, allowing me to reflect.    I even had a newly divorced lovely gentleman from France wanting to watch it with me.   As we walked down the beach I kept laughing to myself and smiling thinking, “I can’t wait to tell my girlfriends I am having my Eat, Love and Pray moment!!!! :).  Regardless of the Eat, Pray, Love, I still watched that sunset on my own.  It was exactly what I needed.

I thought about the unique experiences I had, the people I met whom impacted me and I asked myself, “Am I on the right track of knowing exactly what it is that I want at this very crucial stage in my life ?”

The highlight of my trip was spending quality time with the beautiful children at the Orphanage.   They were so kind, happy and so respectful of each other.   It really didn’t take much to please them.    I will forever try to maintain the picture of their faces and smiles in my mind.

One of the gifts that I received on my second to last night, from the ladies I volunteered with, was extremely special.   It was a  bracelet, earrings and a ring that were all made by Yanti, a 12 year old girl (13 this month) who has been at the orphanage for the last 7 years.   Her story is quite tragic.  I was very much drawn to her from day one.

She is one of the many examples of “hope” that you feel from all these children.    There is so much love and ongoing support for these kids.   During one of my conversations with Yanti, she told me that she wanted to be a doctor or a writer.  She is extremely driven, very capable and it warms my heart knowing that there is a place like Jodie O’shea who continues to help build on their self confidence.    So yes, I get to wear this special “priceless” gift. Those gifts are the most cherished and meaningful ones.

After my time on the beach, I walked back up to my hotel.  I had made arrangements for Senanta to drive me to the airport.  He was the young man who picked me up when I first arrived, and the one who took us to his village.  As I walked up the hill, I saw his wife and two young son’s get out of the car.  The were all going to drive me to the airpot.  He wanted for me to meet his family.  I was so touched.

There was a strong connection I felt with all of the Balinese people.   They are so kind.  Even the connections I made at the hotels I stayed in.    The first one I stayed for 14 nights and the second for 7.   Saying goodbye to all the staff,  restaurant, front desk, housekeeping, was emotional.   Everyone took such good care of me.  And they did so because it is simply who they are.  Not because it is their job.

I have blogged and posted about a few of my experiences in Bali.  However I could easily list dozens more because everyday you are experiencing something new.

When I left almost a month ago, I really had no idea what to expect.  I just did it.   There was a personal growth that took place that I didn’t even really think I needed.   Things have become more clear.

On the ferry tonight, I found myslef looking around the room, feeling so different from everyone.  I remember feeling this way when I returned from Asia in my 20’s early 30’s.   A good way to compare this – I have talked about this before with friends – is similar to  when you experience death.  When someone really close to you dies, than the next day you look out your window and you think, “How the hell is the world still moving forward ?  People are out shopping all just doing their thing”.  You have just been through so much and your world has changed.   It is just a feeling of feeling different on the inside.  It really is a very needed emotion that needs to be recognized.

Sis, I had such an amazing 50th birthday.   I look forward to celebrating both our birthdays when I see you next month.

Call you in next day or two.

Love you sis,

HI JP !!!!

Kathy xo