Reflecting on Bali

Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008
To: Dan Yeager

Hello Dan, It took a few days to feel like I was really home and a couple weeks to setlle in. It was great to get back to my family! I was right back in the frying pan at work and all the holiday stuff going on this time of year. Bali was quite an adventure and all about making a lot of new friends. Many people here ask how this trip was as they often do after I take similar photo adventures (for myself). This was so different, it gave me a lot of perspective about helping people in need and that we take a lot for granted. I have a better understanding of people here and abroad, the "have" and "have-not's". To sum it up in one word.... humbling. Thanks again for all your assistance and greasing of the skids prior to my arrival.... it made it all run smoother.

It's great to hear that the cameras are still making a "lasting impression" and are being continually used, many thanks to all. Indra has sent me many great images from the kids cameras directly, (see attached). He really took a liking to using my smaller camera, so I'll look into trying to get one and ship it back to him. We'll also need to coordinate the fab / import of the custom wood carved frames from Ubud for my exhibits leading up to the May finalle. I'll pass along that contact info. I'm meeting with Anne, Steve and the AHFC web designers next week, so that will allow me some time to sort through the many images , audio & video.

I again have to express my thanks to everybody who supported the project to date, there is a lot more work to be done! I'll keep you posted, until then Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Homecoming

Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:56 PM
From: Dan Yeager

Kurt, Well, have you had the time for your adventure in Bali to sink in... and make some kind of sense? I know you made lots of friends... and made a lasting impression on a lot of people.. including me. Tina and Jason came by Indra's today to borrow cameras to cover their Annual Christmas celebration on Sunday. Also Pastor Bongbong, who does Sunday and Thursday services at Indra's is using a camera for their churches celebration in Bukit. So, the project cameras you left behind are being well used. An interesting bit of funkey news: While walking in the Denpasar Airport before leaving to Singapore to have my Kidney condition checked out...... My left achilles tendon popped. So I've been crippled again! Spent 4 days in Hosp. in Singapore. Have not had any Kidney pain since after the first night there......so that's a real blessing.

I sent emails to our AHFC directors and volunteers last week asking if they had seen the Silver Jewelry from Bali. Joyce and Barbara said they are looking forward to seeing it it. So how's that situation looking? I guess you'll want to show them the silver products photos also.... so I understand there is a lot to do..besides the stuff that your other life demands. Anyway Kurt.... It was a real adventure , wasn't it? I pray that you are able to put together a presentation of your work that reflects the beauty and spirit of the Bali people you met......and that opportunities will open up for you to show your finished work .... enabeling you to help financially those who faithfull trust in our Lord. May God truely bless you and your new family Kurt

Love you man, Opa Dan

Dan Down but not Out!!

Dec 01, 2008
I received a call from Indra today telling me than Dan was admitted to hospital late the night before with pains in his abdomen. I first thought that it was complications from the flu, but when we visited the hospital we found out that Dan has a UTI and a lodged kidney stone. As usual, he was in good spirits and Indra and his wife had stayed at the hospital all night. These people are amazing with all that they have responsibilities for and they stayed up all night looking after Dan. I helped align some finances for his stay and arranged to get him some personal items from his house. The kidney stone(s) are painful, but they are taking very good care of him. He has a good urologist who is performing a procedure Thurday morning. He hopes to be back home by the time I depart for the US Saturday night. I’ll keep you posted on his progress.

Finally working with Tina's Kids

Nov 30, 2008

I met with Tina’s group of kids in Kuta this morning to inform them about the project and leave the cameras with their kids for a few days. I met all the kids and the staff; Scott, Jenny & Jason. Very well organized group and some very happy little faces over here! Great to hear some of the turn-around stories for some of these kids that were abandoned, abused and physically/mentally broken-down.
The group invited me to head off to a nice surf beach with all of them, so I piled into the truck with the kids who sang most of the way there. We arrived at this beautiful, remote beach where development has not, but will soon take over. I helped the kids (three boys, three girls) use the cameras while I took pictures of them doing so. Jason was nice enough to give me a ride home on his motorcycle and gave me some antibiotics to kick the flu I caught. All in all, a great day and a great group of people!!

Round #3 with Eternity Orphange

Nov 29, 2008
A lot of people are fighting the flu over here right now, so I’m hoping that I don’t come down with it too. This afternoon, I handed off the cameras to Indra’s kids again and we headed off to the mangrove and sea turtle preserve to take more pictures. The kids were excited again since they hadn’t used the cameras in almost a week. Indra and I fed the sea turtles while the kids took pictures and explored around. We then walked around a fisherman’s village amongst the boats and docks for some interesting shots. Since we reviewed, printed and critiqued images the day before, they learned a bit more by seeing the output of their work. By watching their work today, it’s obvious that they learned to be steadier with the camera’s, more creative in with subjects, composition and lighting. Some really great stuff!!

Collecting Katrina Gia's Youth Group Images

Nov 27, 2008
Returned back to Legian/Kuta area from Ubud after a couple days stay there. Upon return, we all drove out to Jimbaran tonight to get the cameras back from Katrina Gia’s church youth group who had them since Monday the 24th. All the kids were very thankful and spoke about their experience with the project. We looked over a few images then headed back to Indra’s house for his kids weekly church service and dinner. Reviewed some more pictures, excited to see them all!

Mrs. Darsinni & Family Visit

Nov 25, 2008

Indra and his family/friends who are barely making it on their own, yet care/provide for six other children and four staff, and give whatever they can to those who have nothing. The times of our shear laughter and playfulness are often met with immense compassion and humbleness. We visited a family north of Ubud in a mountian village today to assist to their needs. They are a family of four with three kids aged 3, 8 & 9 y/o. They live in shacks with dirt floors, no toilet, no fresh water, no utilities of any kind, minimal clothes/blankets, no money to farm their land...NOTHING. Despite all of those hardships, the mother has been cripled since birth, she has absolutely no use of her legs so she crawls/drags herself around the shacks taking care of kids, cooking on firepit in a side shack (kitchen) that also houses a dirty, empty chicken coop. I will never complain about WHAT I HAVE or HAVE NOT ever again.

We ended the visit by assessing their immediate needs and making plans to provide farming necessities, water & food so they can start an onion field and a separate family garden. We finished by having a group prayer with everybody. We'll visit again in a week to check on their progress. It was a bit of a tough day. Dan has been all over the world helping unfortunate people, and he could not help from weep on the way home. We all talked and reflected with a positive outlook and a strategy to get the family established. I knew this would be a humbling experience and the most significant Thanksgiving ever, but one can never expect, nor take for granted what they have.

Ubud Culural Art & Jewelry search

Nov, 25 2008
We headed away from the coast and into the mountains to Ubud today to visit another orphanage and preview cultural art and visit a wholesale silver jewelery-smith to prepare to ship back items to support the non-profit fundraiser in May. Iphoto-documented tons of beautiful jewelry/art and we bought a sizable sampling that I'll bring back and give to Steve & Anne. The young girls who worked there gave us full reign of the shop since they are friends of Jemmy's. We had a lot of fun and the girls modeled the jewelry too, so cute.. they were very shy and bashful. I missyou all dearly and look forward to my return. I bought everyone lunch and wetook some great group photos.

Arrival in Bali, Project Kick-off !

In the first 36 hrs, I endured three midnights back to back via a 12 hr layover in South Korea! I'm glad the long travel part is over, it took me forever to get here! I must say, that I'm having an amazing trip so far!! Dan and some local friends Indra and Tao picked me up from airport Friday at midnight (15 hrs later than So. Cal time), and took me to my cool little hotel, Lumbung Sari in Legian Tengah near Kuta. Dan was so generous to give me a cell phone with his and all our local contact numbers in it!

The next day, I had a nice breakfast at hotel then the guys picked me up and we visited one of AHFC's orphanages to schedule time with kids in the coming days. We then visted Dan's newly leased house in a "local's" neighborhood on the edge of Kuta . It just so happens that his new neighbor/friends Indra and his wife have two young girls and operate a small christian orphanage from their home just a few doors down the street. We are all the best of friends now, and they are likely soon to be supported by AHFC and the project! I met all of the volunteer support staff and the eight kids at their home. We then watched the intro/hello video I shot with Steve and Anne of AHFC last week. Dan spoke on our behalf while the father interpreted to the kids about AHFC and my project. I videotaped that too and took pictures during. Afterward, all the kids and staff sang while Indra played the keyboard. It was really beautiful! They further welcomed me to their home by making us all an awesome Bali style lunch.

After lunch we went north to the Jimbaran fish market because they wanted to have a big seafood BBQ Saturday night to celebrate my arrival. How cool is that?! They have taken us into their family so kindly and generously. On the way home, I bought them some new guitar strings so they can play and sing tonight. One of the fellows named Teo is an amazing singer and guitar player! He has actually been a runner-up on 'Indonesia Idol' a couple times. I intend on playing back his music during the project exhibits and Dan and I are discussing about flying him to So. Cal in May for the big AHFC fundraiser. What an experience and it's only my first day!! Much more to come, miss you all!! -Kurt

Fundraiser Success!!

Thanks to everybody who participated and contributed to the Fundraiser on Sun Nov-16. We met the goal amount to cover the costs of nearly all the kids photo equipment. A sincere thanks to the ladies at Salon Salon who donated their time, wages and even their tips! The kids looked great and the parents were very happy with the results and the cause. Thanks to all for the very generous tips, contributions and additional proceeds that were raised from the rafflle participation. The raffle will be drawn for a personalized photo from the kids upon my return in December. I leave tomorrow night and will be updating the blog with entries and images as I go. Thanks again for all your support!!

Update for Image-In Fundraiser Sunday, Nov-16

A sincere thanks to all of those booked to date, the generous contribution of the hair stylists and Salon Salon hair studio's support. We have confirmed booking of nearly thirty kiddos so far! That's about halfway to the goal of 50-60 total. We've added another hair stylist for a total of six to accommodate the goal. If we surpass the 50-60 participant count, we can add additional stylists to accommodate.

Steve Williams of the non-profit, A Heart for Children (AHFC) will be at the event to speak on behalf of his organizations vision and support of the project. We have also received some tax deductible donations and welcome more. On another note, I was interviewed today by the local newspaper 'Coast News' and they will be running an article in the Thursday Nov-13 edition promoting the fundraiser.

All of the digital cameras, printer, paper/ink, batteries and associated equipment have been ordered and will arrive next week in time for my Nov-20 departure. Again I must express my gratitude for everybody's overwhelming support and contribution of the project and the vision of AHFC. Thanks again! - Kurt

From: Dan Yeager
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:35 PM

Hi Kurt, Have connected with Kristinna Gia's Church Youth Group. They are anxious to participate .... but need to know more info to plan and inform the kids. Their group meets every Monday, so that's when you can make your 1st contact. Their questions are: What date will you start the program. How much time do you need for relaying instructions? You can meet at their meeting place and Kristinne can act as your interpreter. This will make the children's parents more comfortable ..... rather than having complete strangers coming in and being alone with the kids. We have selected 6 from 10-14 yrs old. Am also arranging 6 kids (or more if needed) from the Kuta Orphanage. You will be able to hang out with these kiddos throughout most of the day and evening. I am recommending you start your program with these kids and staff.... they will be very forgiving and will provide you with the time to work out and kinks in language, technique, etc. What do you think? Will make contact Sunday with other Orphanages and will keep you posted. That's it for now. Dan

Fundraiser Benefitting the Image-In Photo Project, Sunday, Nov-16!

What: $15.00 haircuts for kids and teens 3-18 y/o. 100% of proceeds raised will benefit the Image-In project’s objective.
When: Sunday, November 16, 2008 from 9AM – 3 PM.
Where: Salon Salon International, 16236 San Diegueto Rd. Rancho Santa Fe, CA - 859.756.0082.
How: Call to make an appointment, space is limited !

IMAGE-IN Kenya 2009?

From: Heather Domenico
To: Kurt Kiel

Kurt,

That's great news. I can't wait to hear how your first project goes in SE Asia. Let me know when you plan to visit next year. Next July and August are starting to fill up...

Let me know if I can get started on anything here for IMAGE-IN KENYA : ) Would also love to find out where your friends children are from. How old were they when they adopted the kids (and how old are the children now)?

Thanks for the update!
Heather

Re: Image-In Bali

From: Dan Yeager
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 4:25 PM
Subject: Image-In Bali

Hey Kurt, I'm seeing lots of participants ...just in the Kuta area of Bali. Kristina and Theo Gea's Christmas pageant is expected to serve 500 people. Their church youth group participants are prime subjects for your project. Although they are not orphaned, their everyday life experiences may offer another valuable perspective.

Children's Home orphanage where Scott M. supervises may have not returned your message but that's expected since he's taking care of his business Bali style.... I/we can arrange 12 kiddos from the 30 or so to take part. There's also Salam Children's Home with 45 kids... many who attend the Legan Church where I hang out....There is real promise there too. I'll nudge them Kurt...... It's fortunate for us that I'll be there a month before you to prime them for your arrival. If you want to travel to Surabaya on Java Is or Singaraga on North Bali (for the muslim flavor)..will probably depend on your time frame and your additional communication.

Personally, I recommend you that you fly in and join the pace of Bali and not get twisted up in agendas that may not fit into the flow of the culture. Please keep me informed when you will be arriving in Bali....so I can pick you up at the airport...I'll arrange a hotel for a base untill you get settled. So, no worries mate! Regards, Dan

RE: IMAGE-IN Photo Project Status

Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2008 6:17 PM
Subject: RE: IMAGE-IN Photo Project Status

This is terrific Kurt. Well done.

I’m forwarding your info & blog to Martyn and Sian, a talented couple. Anne and I recently met. She will be designing and developing AHFC’s new website. As you can see, there are many exciting and timely components beginning to take place, and we’ve only just begin to do His work…

Martyn and Sian will be looking forward to your trip images at the earliest opportunity to implement the best photography into the new site as they go. If it is possible to forward images, via online, from Bali while you are there, that would be great. If not they’ll just have to wait. Like you, they are an important and instrumental part of AHFC going forward.

Cheers mate…,

Steve L. Williams

Mother's Heart House - Kuta

From: "Mothers Heart House"
Sent: Friday, September 26, 2008 9:39 PM
Subject: Re: IMAGE-IN Photo Project Status

Dear Kurt,
We from Mother's Heart House agree to join the program. Please let us know the details. By the way we have 2 children joining.
Many blessings,
-Ine

Welcome to the Image-in Bali Blog

Hello! Iv'e set up this blog page to track progress, promote and publicize the Image-In project. Please take a look and feel free to comment or post to it in support of this great venture I am endeavoring on! Thanks for your support!!
-Kurt

Travel Dates to Bali set!!

After several months of evolution and pre-planning of the project, my travel accommodations & dates are set! I'll arrive in Bali on Nov-21 just in time for interaction with some of the kids during Christmas events at an orphanage in Jimbaran, Bali. During the trip, I'll be visiting a half dozen orphanages in the Kuta area through Dec-6.

I'd like to give many thanks to the non-profit organization; 'A Heart for Children Intl' for their continued support and collaboration on the project. I also would like to express my sincere graititude to my family, friends and the community for their overwhelming support of the Project. Thank you!