Is anyone else exhausted?? I am, and as a result today’s update is purely off-the-cuff — no edits, no revisions, no rethinking.

That said, the thought for today is this: I miss you. I miss you, New York, I miss you, Washington. I miss you, friends, families, colleagues and acquaintances, tap water, washer/dryer, high heels, salad, Western toilets… and, I ask, exactly what does a girl have to do around here to get soymilk in a latte?

Don’t get me wrong, Indonesia has been great. I’ve enjoyed the food, the forests, the beaches and blue sea, not to mention the shopping, live music, and terrific time with the nonprofits I’ve visited. But while I like it, I don’t love it, not the way that most people who come here do… which makes a bit easier to continue on my way, without risking another trip extension. No, I’ve been here for three weeks, away from NYC for nearly three months, and it’s time to go home for a while.

Before I get on the plane to go, though, here’s where I’ve been. After my last post from Ganung Batur, I ended up in Ubud for an extra few days. Why I stayed is a long story, and here’s the short version: recall Lily, a student from my yoga class here. After accepting her invitation on visit her home, I learned that she was delivered at Bumi Sehat, a birthing center in a village near Ubud. I’d originally planned on spending my final time in Bali on the beach in Nusa Lembogan, but given my training both as a doula (i.e., labor assistant) last year and a prenatal yoga teacher, it didn’t take much to change my story.

In total, I spent a few days with Bumi Sehat, observing, watching, talking with its fearless leader and pioneer in the industry, Robin Lim, and, of course, advising on various NGO-related matters (pro bono, naturally). While I was absolutely hoping to help with a birth or two, we had none during my hours in the clinic, but the time was still so well-spent. It was my third, and final, NGO stop in Bali and, just solidifies for me that if money were no object, I would *so* do this as part of my career. That is a good thing to find, to have, to go back to when the professional path gets a little twisted.

After Bumi Sehat, I left Ubud for good, spent the morning at Pedang Pedang, known for great surf breaks (though the swell was down this morning, unfortunately) and, now, I’m finally back where I began, in Seminyak. The pre-plane plan is to enjoy a highly-recommended dinner n’ sunset on the beach in Jimbaran Bay before catching my much-anticipated flight back to the States. Things could be worse. *smile*

More to follow. ‘Just because I’m heading stateside doesn’t mean I won’t be writing…at least one more update is in the works. ‘Can’t very well leave without sharing an epiphany or two, right?

Man giving offering to gods

Sunset at Jimberan Bay