Bali has taught me many things over the past several years. On a trip there in 1999 I had no intention of learning about compassion. It just happened. I thought I was a compassionate person already, but on that trip I experienced the compassion at a much deeper level in my heart. Here's what happened. I met a young woman named Made, who at the time was working for a friend of mine. Made had a 6 week old baby son who was in the hospital syffering from malnutrition. Made was constantly itching and scratching herself. I asked her what she was doing about the scratching and she said she had run out of medicine and that the medicine hadn't helped anyway. I asked her if she would like to go with me to visit a Balian. Even though she was a bit afraid (as some Balinese are) she agreed to go as long as I promised to stay with her. Off we went in a transport to see the Balian. The healer knew exactly what was wrong with Made. It had something to do with her not having any milk in her breasts after giving birth to her son. He made medicine for Made and told me of a cream I could buy at the Apotik. Made healed quickly but would never have milk. In the car I talked to Made about the baby. It turns out that the reason he ended up in the hospital was because she was making the formula only half strength. Not good! I asked her WHY she did the half strength mixture. Her answer was...I'm afraid I will run out and not have money to buy more. Soooo, off we went to Tino's. I bought all the boxed formula on the shelf. I read the directions on the box, and this time it was me who made Made make a promise. She promised to mix it according to the directions. Then, out of the blue, I told her...Made before you run out of these boxes, you will be able to buy more.

I haven't mentioned that Made was without any support from her husband. He had left with a new girlfriend. Okay, so now I'm really worried. I had only about 3 days left in Bali before my departure. What to do? I had told Made she would have more money for formula when the current supply was used up. Would she? I went to see a good friend of mine who agreed to meet Made the following day. My friend could employee her at much better wages, if she would fit in on his staff. Well, thankfully he hired her. The story ended on a happy note. Made and her son are fine now...and happy. My friend says Made is a very good worker.

I was in Bali to "buy stuff". The real understanding of heart felt compassion came when I stood in Tino's and truly realized what was important in life. Here was a Mom with minor health problems and a baby who needed milk to stay alive. Beads? More beads? No way! To be able to be of real, authentic help to another human being is a blessing to all concerned. I'll never forget Made or her son. They helped me understand what real compassion is all about. Thank you Made!!!! I'll never forget you or the gift you gave me.

Sorry if I've bored you all to death. I would love to read stories from you that "changed" something about your view of the world. Anybody???