Kittens and Galungan

 Vaughn has 3 new kittens that go everywhere he goes- breakfast, lunch, bath, walks and even on the scooter.  He takes very good care of them and they like the same people he likes!  We had an unusual ride home from dinner the other night.  Vaughn was holding tight to his kittens which meant he could not hold on to the scooter.  I had to drive and keep a hand on a very squirmy Vaughn.  Suddenly he was very upset.  It turns out that one of the kittens had jumped off the bike!  We stopped and Harmon rescued the fleeing cat. 

V with kittens- just rescued from their scooter escape

kittens, Vaughn and Ganesh (his favorite diety.)

walking with kittens

Other than chasing kittens we have been enjoying watching the village get ready for Galungan a Holiday as big as Christmas in Bali.  For weeks the ladies have made offerings.  The excitement built up all week and there were small ceremonies almost everyday leading up to the big event.  Then the day before the all day event the kids have a parade with a Barong and band.  The Barong is a great spirit that fights evil.  He is powerful and strong and the kids a a bit scared of him.  The children make their own Barong just like the one that will be in the offical procession at the ceremony.  They go up and down the streets playing for the people.  IF you don't give a donation for their school they move on!  As they go down the street more and more children follow the parade.  But when the Barong turns around to see them they all run away screeching and laughing. 

waiting for the band

 

waiting to run.  they hold their flip flops so they can run faster.

Bodie and Elly and Vaughn made their own Barong when we got home

The men are busy getting ready as well.  Huge poles line the streets for the festival.  Every house in the village has one of these giant decorations. They symbolize dragons, heads buried in the earth, tails following on behind.  The men are also responsible for sacrificing the chickens and pigs for the ceremony.  All is done very respectfully and with much prayer and ritual.  

final prep before putting up.

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3!

Tomorrow photos of the big day...