Sharing.

09/07/2011 at 6:34 am · Filed under Uncategorized and tagged: Balinese, family, language, sharing

“Sharing is loving”

Today when I handed Mr. Pande the 20,000 rupiah (<$2.50) for getting the lightbulb replaced on my bike, he handed me his cup of coffee. I told him I didn’t drink coffee, so he told me he would make me tea. I told him that wasn’t necessary, and only after a few minutes of convincing, did he go back to his work. Although he had already given me everything I could ask for (multiple rides to and from work, and a new lightbulb) he felt it was necessary when I gave something, to give something back.

Bali is like this. The Balinese people put a lot of emphasis on giving when receiving. I see this in the language I am learning- Thank you, or “terima kahsi” literally translates to “it is accepted with love.”

You’re welcome, or the formal, “Terima kasih kembali” translates to  “I’m returning the thanks.” The less formal, but still quite beautiful, “sama sama” means, “same to you.” We give, receive, and give back again in a never ending cycle of giving.

Today when I was making lunch, I made extra apple sauce for everyone to try. After everyone had a spoonful, they immediately filled a bowl with delicious nasi goreng. (nasi= rice, goreng = fried .. look at all my language skills!) as if they could not accept something from me without giving back.

I went to go work on some applications on the computer, and Cadek stopped me and told me that I had to sit with them and play cards. “Sit with us, be Balinese,” she said.

I have no clue how I will thank these people for becoming my family here in Bali.

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