The children of Bali touched my heart |
They are delightful, excited at the sight of a tourist and always greet with a welcoming wave |
They love to be photographed and also jump voluntarily into pose |
Some not so daring peek with curious eyes over a wall |
They are funloving and playful |
and amuse themselves |
They are very creative and have the ability to entertain themselves ... |
...but most likely engage a friend... |
...or work harmoniously in a team |
There is a strong bond among them |
always holding and supporting each other |
Brothers hug sisters |
hang out in twosomes |
They love to cool down in the ocean |
...refresh and play in a river |
...or any running water will do |
They play ball just like other kids |
They practise traditional Balinese dance with the same enthusiasm Western children care about soccer or hockey |
...and peform with great pride and joy |
skillfully |
powerfully |
ever so graceful |
adorable |
beautiful |
They are most comfortable in traditional clothing |
...and attend all temple celebrations |
the old comfort the young |
fathers are proud parents |
...and they fall asleep in the arms of a loved one |
|
Older siblings take care of the younger when they head out to play |
like this boy who carries his brother who cannot walk because of illness |
Life is often not easy for these children, but it is rare to see a tear |
many live in property without running water |
and a daily bath is taken outside |
A handheld mirror is all this girl has ever seen herself in |
So it is not surprising to find a deep and serious look between the smiles |
approaching a stranger with curious eyes |
...have no words for this face..., it is the same boy who waved so cheerfully in the second picture |
they feel deeply |
they wonder |
not always so sure |
enjoy the simplest meal |
fortunate ones have a teddy bear to hold |
but in an instant of a second they pose |
showing you who they are |
they love joking and making funny faces |
happily smile from the inside out |
joyfully skip along the path |
happy with who they are and what they have |
This is Julitha, four years old. She and I share a story even so neither one speaks the language of the other. |
