but Booth suspected that maybe it had been Lombok, due to a strong resemblance to those who reside on that island.
The eruption, poor diet, a persistent problem with goiter, and a few other environmentally related issues had combined to provide a lack of real history due to memory loss. In effect, these people were the tribe that the world had forgotten and who, literally, had no real knowledge of their own history. Imagine that, not knowing where your family had come from or your town.
In terms of Western understanding, that is true loss and deprivation— not having a history. No connection to anything. They were a people who had lost almost all aspects of everything vital and necessary for human existence. They were failing. I met and interacted with the children and had a hard time keeping back the tears because I understood that now these children have hope. A future now exists for them, where only death and oblivion had loomed prior.
The short of it is that the tribe is back. And in their return, Booth has shown us a way that we can transform our own society potentially. It is a great story that will make the world smile. We all need hope. No matter what our lot in life.
Hate, division and separation are odd and common bedfellows. Love is a better way, and it is much stronger. We saw the effects of it our entire trip.
It was a great gift, and we learned in the process of surfing, communicating, planning and working with Betty B’ s affiliates in Bali( yes, this is somewhat ironic) what“ green” and“ sustainability” ought to look like: health and happiness. Pursue that. We have the world and the oceans to gain.
On the back end of all of this, one of my favorite organizations, 1 % for the Planet, which was conceived by Patagonia’ s Yvonne Chouinard, had at Von Hoesslin’ s behest and efforts, put the EBPP on its donor list as an environmental cause. I was impressed by this because it illustrated to me that some people in charge really do understand that the key to a green world is in affecting people. It left me with a dose of hope.
To learn more about the EBPP visit www. eastbalipovertyproject. org / tag / david-booth.
Von Hoesslin filming one of the lead artisans building a seaglass ring. What she did not know is that it would be her engagement ring.
Osborne with East Bali Poverty Project founder David Booth.
Bali sunset and boatmen watching the surfer’ s ride.
Agung, an upper Caste Hindu, on his tiger bike.
www. deepzine. com 29