Confession

Caution: Some information in this post might be considered by those of a delicate constitution to be “over-sharing”.  If you feel you fit in this category, perhaps it would be better if you explore this site. 

I don’t bathe as often as I think one should in the tropics.  I am not on some sort of bathing boycott.  I just don’t find it so enjoyable.  When the time arrives that standard convention would say I should shower, I find there are other pressing chores that desperately need my attention.

Our house is equipped with a traditional mandi.  That means we have a big sink that holds water and a plastic pan to douse one’s self with when it is time to bathe.  The water waits in this tank cooling down in the cold tile and dark bathroom. 

I find a splash of cold water perfectly wonderful after a hot run in the tropical sun or after a long, muddy day in the field.  Some members of this household (ehem... Chris) find the cold water “refreshing” and a “great way to wake up” in the mornings.  I find this morning ritual positively heinous.  I might smell, but frankly it is hard to tell here.  There are a lot of “organic” odors floating about for your nasal stimulation. 

I do have my limits and will force myself to endure the torture of a morning mandi at least every 2 days.  The rest of the time I bird bathe (as Gramma Hazel would call it).  This method ensures that I have the least amount of contact possible with the icy water and still have cleaned the...um...important parts of my body with soap. For these in between times, my hair remains tied up on my head and I apply ample deodorant.    (Again, I am not sure this matters given the common environmental bouquet of this region.)

I partake in a Western shower whenever it is made available, and I am looking forward to a conference in Bali next month.  I foresee many hot showers during those luxurious two days.  

Regardless of my current aromatic status, I make this solemn promise. Before I darken any doorsteps or present myself in public, I will thoroughly shower.  I promise to use hot water and soap, and spend an extraordinary amount of time behind a lovely vinyl curtain lathering and scrubbing.  

Timing

We finished the cross-sectional survey on Tuesday and threw a small party for the team to celebrate.  The following morning a land dispute erupted in Kodi.  The entomology team was in Wainyapu when men from one sub-village marched by carrying spears and large rocks.  They started a battle with men from the neighboring village of Waiha.  For the time being, all work has ceased in Wainyapu.  We must wait until they have decided to put away the big rocks and pointy sticks.  The worst part, according to Chris, is that access to a prime surfing spot has been cut off.  I realize what I am about to write may sound flippant, but I have a hard time imagining an actual battle in Wainyapu given that no one out there weighs more than 110lbs.

In all seriousness, though, the situation is real and people will get hurt maybe even die.  An elderly woman in town told us there must have been blood shed as all of the light had gone from the sky (no moon) last night.  I hope she is wrong.

The Nixons are safe and sound.  We live at least 1.5 hours from Wainyapu and won't be getting anywhere near there for quite some time.  It just feels surreal to have people nearby engaged in a tribal war and people in Waitabula (where we live) to say, "tidak apa-apa, itu biasa" (No big deal.  It's normal.)  The whole situation makes me seriously question their definition of normal. 

1000 People

This past week has been extremely busy for C3. (...well...for C2.  Colby hasn’t really noticed any change to his little life of leisure.)  We are in the midst of completing the cross-sectional survey that we have spent four months preparing for.  This survey encompasses two projects: 1. Mass blood survey (mbs) for the Gates Project and 2. Test validation of a G6PD rapid diagnostic test.  The mbs focuses on determining the prevalence of malaria in Wainyapu, while the G6PD test validation is evaluating the accuracy of a test designed to determine whether someone has a G6PD enzyme deficiency in the field (important information when deciding what drugs to prescribe to treat malaria infections).  A team of people from the Eijkman Institute arrived from Jakarta and we headed to Wainyapu to collect blood.  We set up in village offices, in churches, and in schools throughout the village.  Some places had ample light, while others were dark homes for spiders.

 

People poured in to participate in the study or just stare at the strange scientists and their weird contraptions.

With any field study, there are many logistical and ethical considerations.  Do we have enough batteries for the digital thermometers? What do we do if the lady who keeps the church key is at the market?  Which wife can consent for which children when there is more than one wife? What about the man standing over our worktable with his large machete blowing smoke over our reagents and sensitive equipment? 

Or what do we do when the person in front of us (or the parents) have no idea how old they are? I was constantly flabbergasted this week by the number of parents that had no clue how old their children were.  The G6PD test we are validating has only been approved for persons 5 years and older.  Given the limited education for the majority of villagers in Wainyapu (Maybe 1% of the villagers have completed school through highschool. I am not quite finished calculating this data – so this estimate is a guess.), it is difficult to explain why their child can’t participate in the full study.  Not that full participation really mattered.  Regardless of age, we screened for malaria infection and anyone currently infected was provided with treatment prescribed by a physician free of charge.  The age cut-off only applied to the test validation. 

I had one woman holding a toddler (2 years at best) on her lap telling me that he was most definitely 5 years old.  What do you do?  Is the child absurdly small for his age?  Do you run the test anyways (since it will cause no harm to the child) or do you disregard the word of the mother and proceed cautiously?

As of today, we have enrolled nearly 800 people and we are hopeful that we will reach our target of 1000 by the end of the survey in a few days.  Only 200 more people to convince that the pipetman in my hand is not for stabbing them! 

Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I like Turkey Day much, much more than Christmas.  I know many of you think I am crazy, but well that's how it is.  In Christina's world, Thanksgiving is cool and Christmas drools...well, perhaps I am overstating...

Anyways... today is the first day in Sumba I feel homesick.  During this adventure, I have missed things from home.  I'll be honest - mostly food. Pizza, cheese, hamburgers, yogurt, pretzels, etc.  But today, on my favorite holiday, I miss my family.  I miss the craziness that happens in Southeastern Ohio.  I miss fighting for the last piece of pumpkin pie only to find out that my Mom has hidden a secret pie in the laundry room  in case we run short.  I miss the laughter, and the stories.  I miss loading in the car after all of the food has been consumed and heading to the mall to see a late night movie with some of my cousins.  So Gibbs Clan, have fun deep-frying the turkey and save a piece of pie for me. 

Regardless of my location (and the fact that no one in Sumba has ever heard of Thanksgiving or pecan pie), I am still thankful for many things today.  I am thankful for my loving husband and my happy, healthy son.  I am thankful for an extended family that is supportive, caring, and doesn't think I am crazy (well at least they don't say it to my face!).  I am thankful for the opportunity to learn new skills, and meet new people.  Most of all, I am thankful that I can afford a pair of shoes. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Surf Report

I haven't seen Chris in a few days. I am sure there is a good explanation for his disappearance.

 

Perhaps, there is a problem in Kodi with the knowledge and practices survey?

Maybe he is off in some quiet location preparing for his upcoming board exams??

He mumbled something about Pero Lefts in his sleep last night.  That sounds like the name of a surf spot.... no, not Chris.

Waikelo Sawah

A few weeks ago, we took a “family” daytrip to a place called Waikelo Sawah for a picnic.  I have been so busy with the census, grant writing, and trying to get Operation Dig up and running that an opportunity to write about this beautiful place didn’t present itself until this evening.  Regardless of time passing, I think this place deserves a post.

Novi and Esty made enough for food for all five of us and the ojeks, and we headed about an hour South of Waitabula.  We had to travel by motorbike - ojeks (motorbike taxis) for the girls.  On our way we saw beautiful rice fields and open space.  It reminded me of Bali (the area just North of Ubud). Our destination was at higher elevations, which meant cooler temperatures – a nice respite from the hot weather of Musim Hujan (Rainy Season).

The big draw to Waikelo Sawah is the waterfall.  This waterfall naturally surges with force out of a cave, but has some man-made help directing its flow into the rice paddies below.  People come from all around to wash up or just cool off. 

We had a fun-filled afternoon trekking around and swimming in the pool below the waterfall.  There really isn’t much to say... so I am just going to show you the pics!

 Novi, Esty, and Colby in one of the water channels leading out from the waterfall into the rice paddies.

 Novi loves her tiny Prince James Bond!

 Esty giving the camera a big smile.

 

An art shot and Chris's right foot. (Perhaps, I should spend a little more time editing photos before I post them!)

  

The water was fantastic!

Operation Dig

A little more than a month ago, I posted about the orphanage next door to our house – Panti Asuhan Sinar Kasih.

I also wrote that I had a plan.  Have no fear, dear readers!  This plan is entirely legal and in no way will land my backside in jail (I hope).  Since I can’t bring all 39 children home in my suitcase (definite jail time for that plan), I have decided to do my best to better their lives in Sumba.  Please allow me to present the plan:

 

Operation Dig

Objective: Fund and install a well for the Panti Asuhan Sinar Kasih

Estimated Cost: $2000 No drill is available on Sumba.  Well must be hand dug.  Estimated depth of approximately 40M as wells closer to the ocean are between 15M and 25M, and wells at higher elevations from the Panti Asuhan are 60M.  Preliminary estimates indicate 350,000 rupiah (~$39) per meter. Additionally, one part time supervisor must be hired at $100 per month with an estimated contract of 3 months.

Funding Target: $3000 Note amount is an overestimate to ensure a sufficient funding source in case well depth must be increased. Leftover funds will be used to purchase other necessities for the Panti Asuhan (i.e books, clothes, shoes, food, etc.).  Any additional items will be listed on the blog for donor review prior to purchasing.

Implementation of the Well: 1.    Hire a crew to hand dig the well 2.    Hire 1 supervisor to over see digging of the well 3.    Payment will be made by the entity I am calling: Sumba Youth Foundation (i.e. Anonymously)

Potential for Future: If fundraising is successful, Sumba Youth Foundation will become a permanent entity.  With the following mission statement: The Sumba Youth Foundation seeks to offer youth in Sumba Barat Daya, Indonesia a helping hand by fulfilling their basic needs (shelter, clothing, food, and clean water) and by offering them a chance at education through support for school fees and scholarships.  It is our hope that Sumbanese youth will bring a brighter future to this unique island.

Two lovely ladies, Kate and Heather, have been roped in  already agreed to help make this idea a reality. One fundraising initiative is underway as well.  I have designed a Sumbanese-inspired knitting pattern, which is currently being test knit by Judy and Gale, outstanding knitters and all-around fantastic people. The proceeds from selling the pattern via Ravelry ($5/pattern) will go towards Operation Dig. (If you knit and are not on ravelry, consider joining.  If you don’t want to join ravelry, but you would like to purchase the pattern once available, please let me know!)

Novi strikes a pose with my "Tradisi" shawl under a mango tree. 

These knitted items may be for sale in the future as well. Currently, I need them for pattern drafting and photos!

You will also notice a new addition to the blog – a paypal donation button.  I will tally the donations once a week and update the totals in the side bar of the blog. I was hoping for a little thermometer do-hickey to tally the donations as they were made, but alas, I do not have the computer skills or the internet connection speed to figure that one out.  If anyone can help out, let me know.  I will happily give you access to make changes to the blog.

One of Colby's Panti Asuhan friends climbing our papaya tree for a sweet treat!

I would love to see Operation Dig be so successful that I have no choice but to make the Sumba Youth Foundation a permanent organization.  It would be great to offer grants to schools for computers and facility upgrades, and scholarships to bright students who can’t afford to go to high school (which are not available in every town or free to attend), or to university (~$400/year).  If you want to offer your services (web design, legal help, fundraising ideas, etc.), be warned... I will take you up on it!