Side-by-Side Farm Visit

I have always felt drawn to do some sort of aid work. When I was in my early 20's I wanted to go to Africa and help with all those poor little kiddies with swollen stomachs. Realising I needed something to offer, I embarked on a nursing career, but found I hated it! Then I had 2 children of my own and of course got distracted with them for 20 or so years! I realise everything happens as it is meant to happen, so I have no regrets. But when someone says there is a need somewhere that I might be able to help with, I get excited. Such was the case when I met Pamela, on the night before I left Bali on my last trip. Call it destiny or serendipity....Pamela and I became email buddies and her project in Bali is one of the reasons I am returning there. Pamela is quite an amazing woman who has dedicated her life to helping Balinese women who are disenfranchised....women who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves on their own, sometimes with children. The culture in Bali dictates that these women are no longer valued. They were dependent on their husbands and now that their husbands have died or left, they are alone, with no skills to earn a living. So, they and their children suffer immensely. Is this fair? Of course not. But it is the way it is. Pamela found a group of women in this predicament and decided to help. Thus was born the side-by-side farm project.
If you want more details, please check out this link:
http://sites.google.com/site/sidebysidefarmorg/

One of the plans when I go to Bali is to visit the Side-By-Side Farm. I hope to offer something to them, perhaps some of my permaculture skills. Maybe something more concrete: I will be taking 3 little pigs and 3 fruits trees as donations on behalf of my 2 children (Christmas presents) and my sister (who is celebrating her 50th birthday in Bali). Stay tuned for photos of the 3 little pigs as they are delivered to Side-by-Side Farm on Feb 3, 2010. It should be fun!