This month I experienced gratitude A M P L I F I E D. Gratitude for life, love & sight. I was surrounded by strangers who didn't speak English - yet their Gratitude didn't need words. They communicated through their smiles, their eyes (that were shedding tears of joy) their touch, their hugs, their ENERGY. It was intense & overwhelming at times. It was a delight & an absolute honour.
Back in March I booked a trip with Love Heart Travel & the John Fawcett Foundation (JFF) in Indonesia. It was a trip I just knew I wanted to be on. And one I would remember & cherish for many years to come. The dates coincided with my 43rd birthday, (in the words of Matthew McConaughey “Green Light”). I knew deep in my soul & in my bones, I was meant to be on that bus. I just had to convince my husband & daughter. I knew, this experience would be very special; and we would receive tenfold in gratitude the monetary value we were giving them. We met in Bali, to check out the JFF HQ & meet Gede 😇 (pronounced G'day) - who heads up the foundation. He is an angel in human form. The next day we boarded a bus & our adventure began. The traffic was nuts. Luckily Ruby & I were at the back of the bus on the way to Java - our bus driver was overtaking e v e r y t h i n g; including trucks, on busy & sometimes winding roads. He was navigating through intersections (with no obvious rules ) with hundreds of scooters, often with more than 1 person, (think mumma & baby; dad & children); and my personal favourite bringing lanes of traffic to a complete halt to “Hook a U-eee” (perform a U-turn for those who don't speak Aussie) on 2 lane highways 😳🤣 - it was something else. We had a pit stop just before the ferry crossing to Java. Think fresh sea breezes; picturesque ocean views; 50c ice blocks & dirty squat toilets with a big bucket of water next to each seat to “wash it down”- oh what an experience. Once on the ferry, it was a short 40 min cruise to Java, where we then headed to Banyuwangi. JFF were set up with their team for there & with 2 mobile eye clinics to provide sight restoration for people who couldn't afford it themselves.
As we arrived into Java I was struck by the beautiful mosques; and the call to prayer music playing. The music would play at different times day & night & early in the morning at sunrise. The music was soothing. It woke me up both nights I was there - so it's played quite loud. I loved it. Outside of Bali, most Indonesians are Muslim (85% of Balinese people are Hindu's). I also learned (I'm about to show my ignorance) that Indonesia is the 5th largest population in the world; with 275 million people. It goes China, India, Russia, USA and then Indonesia. There are 145 million people living on the island of Java - 🤯 Woah!
So a bunch of Aussies & a couple of Kiwi's (my hubby & daughter) all made a donation of $1500AUD pp - which totalled $27,000 and with this money in the hands of JFF - miracles happened.
In 3 days, the incredible team there conducted 1400 eye screenings.
Resulting in providing to people who would otherwise be blind / partially blind:
To say it was moving is an understatement. Imagine not being able to afford glasses, or simple surgery. Imagine what life would be like if you were blind? Close your eyes. No seriously. Close your eyes & count to 5. Then open them.
On the last day, that's what we witnessed over & over again - as 278 people had their bandages removed after their cataract surgeries the day prior. And they were sooooo grateful, happy & joyous. Even though were in pain as they were only 12 - 24 hours into recovery. It sure provided me with some perspective. And I know my first world problems will come back irritate me. It's only natural. I made a promise to myself on the days I do notice (awareness), and catch myself tensing up, I will pause & feel in my body what I felt that day. Because it was bloody special. During the tour, 13 prosthetic eyes were handmade & fitted. This means not only do these humans gain confidence once again (which happened pretty much immediately once it was fitted), but it means they can work & marry. If you're missing an eye in Indonesia, you can't do either. Once again a BIG impact for these people.During the tour, 13 prosthetic eyes were handmade & fitted. This means not only do these humans gain confidence once again (which happened pretty much immediately once it was fitted), but it means they can work & marry. If you're missing an eye in Indonesia, you can't do either. Once again a BIG impact for these people.
What I loved was the huge impact the money had on these people's lives. John Fawcett had the idea of bringing volunteers to the people, so they could see where the money had gone & how it helped. I can't recommend this experience enough. If not now, but perhaps someday when the timing is right & resources allow, book a tour. Follow Love Heart Travel on IG. And also check out John Fawcett Foundation too. You can donate here any time.
There are so many organisations doing amazing work around the world. Is there one that speaks to your soul? You don't have to give money if your circumstances don't allow; perhaps you could lend your time. There's a reason people say that if you want to improve your life, get yourself out of a rut or simply improve your mood - give. Because the secret is, giving is a gift to yourself and I would argue even more so than the recipient.
The reaction from this man below brings tears to my eyes every time I watch. Some other snaps of joyous souls & family members below after their sight had been restored.
