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CURRENT LOCATION: BALI, Indonesia

LOCAL TIME: 01h05

LOCAL TEMPERATURE: 25 degrees

CURRENTLY READING: Beauty is a wound - Eka Kurniawan

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Hi there!

It’s been a month now since I've been living in Sumba. It has been quite the month I must admit, with many different things unexpectedly coming together. But in this edition, I want to focus on a few of the many highlights I was able to experience once again. I hope you enjoy!

Natural Dyeing in Bali

One thing is for sure, the process involves a lot more steps than you would expect and my appreciation for the artisans who still do this on a daily basis has only grown. In addition to the introduction to dyeing, we also learnt some techniques for creating patterns, such as tie-dye and waxing. Wax dyeing involves using wax (like candles) to draw a pattern on the fabric, which is then dyed. After dyeing, you boil it in hot water to dissolve the wax and reveal your pattern. We were able to be creative throughout the days in a serene setting (with great food!!!).

Sumba life - Teaching the MD students

After this mini trip, I returned to Sumba and continued with the one million projects I have going on. One of the highlights was finishing my year of teaching with the Makan Dulu students. They started their program last year in August and are the first group of students I have taught for a whole year. In our last lessons, we discussed the “Community” module, in which I introduced them to human rights. They found it super interesting and encouraging to know what rights they have and how they can protect themselves from violations. In the last lesson, they all presented their business ideas that they would like to set up in Sumba one day. From waste banks to bakeries to restaurants in the rice fields, they all have big dreams that they are determined to realise. Their growth over the last few months has been incredible and I couldn't be more proud of them!

Sumba life - Sewing at SHF

My sewing students in SHF are also making great progress and have been able to complete their tote bags and bucket hats in the last few weeks and have even started work on their pencil cases. We did a little photo shoot with them and they were so proud to show off their bag. One of the details I love is the label on the inside that says their name: “A bag with a story”.

Sumba life - Hestie the gardener

I've also really enjoyed working with the garden team to design the campus. On our weekly walks, Anwar and I are constantly looking for places to improve, new plants to grow and areas we need to green up. Over the last year, I have seen a real transformation that has only just begun. In the beginning, SHF only had a few trees, and now we have managed to turn it into a green oasis that is increasingly becoming a centre of biodiversity. I am focussing as much as possible on indigenous plants as these can thrive on the island (which is extremely dry as the rainy season was late and short this year). Next we are working on a medicinal plant garden, we will also create a SHF forest and hope to start a bee project to produce our own honey.

Sumba life with Asty

I also spent some time in Karaja and met with Asty to work on our upcoming projects. I helped her create Karaja’s website and new logos, which are now online (and which I am very proud of!!!). Over the last few months we have been spending more and more time together and it has been wonderful to connect with her. She has been doing community work in weaving, English and women's empowerment for years and is such a valuable partner and friend (a Sumbanese sister I might even say). We are planning to open an upcycling hub in Lamboya, just like in SHF, where we employ women and make products with impact from old textiles. This is part of my PhD and couldn't be more meaningful for the island, Asty, Karaja and myself.

Sumba life, trying to make a home away from home

Besides all that, I had many lovely Sundays at Oro Beach, where Mama Noni always makes me feel at home and her banana pancakes always win me over. Liese and her family, who I have known for a long time, came to visit me (or rather Sumba) and it was great to see familiar faces here. Island life is sometimes difficult, and living so far away can make you long for home at unexpected times. It's when things get difficult or stressful that you miss the warmth and care of someone you love. I have many people in Sumba that I really care for, but building lasting relationships takes time (and I am getting there). So this month I've reminded myself once again that balance is key. Investing enough time in my life on Sumba and getting to know the locals, volunteers, staff and students without forgetting to keep in touch with everyone I love who doesn't live on the island. The time difference and unreliable Wi-Fi don’t make it easy, but where there's a will, there's a way (<3).

I'm currently at the airport about to leave for an incredible trip to Raja Ampat with Margot, so stay tuned for an update.

Lots and lots of love,

Hestie -x-

Greetings from SUMBA #17

Greetings from SUMBA #16