The life of an MZIS middle school student is best described as being experientially rewarding. Ally is offered opportunities that, at one time, were beyond her reality. Opportunities that allow her to venture out into the big world (without her mom and dad) to engage in activities that will become deeply entrenched in her mind and soul forever.
MZIS goes to great lengths to develop and promote experiential learning activities for its students. Most recently, the PE coach organized an extended field trip for the 5th-8th grade students to attend Bali Green Camp. Located along the Ayung River in Bali, it provides “transformative learning adventures inspired by nature.” The eco-driven camp teaches sustainability, promotes holistic learning, and encourages personal motivation through active participation and critical thinking.
Ally’s group spent three-nights and four-days at Bali Green Camp. The simplicity and practicality of green living created a unique living experience for the students. They slept in bamboo yurts, made their own plates and utensils from banana leaves, used non-flushing compost toilets and solar-heated showers, and ate food that was grown and raised within the camp’s confines.
This is one of the yurts where the students slept.
These are the bowls and spoons that the students made to eat their meals. The bowl is in the foreground and the spoons are in the basket.
The students were constantly engaged in activities that taught and fostered the concept of “finding one’s own direction.” The concept presented itself in most of the camp activities. Some of Ally’s favorite activities included surfing in Kuta, climbing coconut trees, making chocolate from freshly-picked cocoa beans, exploring rice paddies, and practicing Balinese martial arts in a mud pit.
Ally (on the left) and her friend, Summer, catching a wave.
Ally gearing up to climb a coconut tree.
This was a perfect activity for Ally, who is an avid tree climber.
Ally’s favorite picture of the rice paddies, where they spent time participating in activities and exploring.
A group picture of the MZIS students (Ally is in the middle back, wearing a blue T-shirt) and camp coordinators. This picture was taken after they completed a course on Balinese martial arts.
7693 Miles from Home 
Hi Kriste,
I hope you’re putting all these posts in a folder so you can put it all together when you get home. I think you could find a publisher who would jump at the chance of making this into a book. You are an excellent writer.
Since Jeannie passed away life has been rather meaningless for me. I keep trying to find things to do to pass the time but I’m afraid I’m not very good at it. I won’t ever be able to get over her loss it seems. Joined the YMCA to get some exercise and also volunteered to help people who can’t help themselves through the Foothills Caring Core. I transport individuals to and from doctors appointments, grocery shopping, etc. gives me something to do to pass the time.
Say hi to the family for me,
Don
Sent from my iPad Don Doody 9795 E. Forgotten Hills Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 480-585-0937 Cell – 480-213-7541 doodioni@aol.com
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I’m glad to hear that you’re volunteering! I think that’s a great way for you to keep busy, and those people are probably very grateful to have your help.
Thanks for the compliment about my writing. There are companies who will create books from blogs, so I’m hoping to get one made when we have finished this adventure (just for our family though).
I haven’t heard much (from Rania) about the couple who bought your house. Hopefully, they are enjoying it!!
Great to hear from you!!!!
May 23, 2014
Dear Kriste, Chris, Ally and Kylee:
How are things going for the four of you?
The Viet Nam paper money arrived today, the day after my 71st birthday arrived yesterday. The paper money was all just beautiful and it fit in a day late, as a birthday present. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou.
The weather up here is very warm, just like a Summer day. The lawn is growing and is very green. It needs to be cut just about twice a week. That is O.K. as we have been wanting summer weather for a couple of months now.
How are the granddaughters doing in school? I hope very well. And how is Chris doing on the job?
Have you got a time yet when you will be coming back to the U.S.A.?
Mom and I are doing well starting to get ready to move.
We love you and we miss seeing you and we miss your telephone calls.
Love,
Dad.
Happy Birthday!!!! It was nice talking to you today. I hope you have a nice birthday dinner next week. I’ll call you in a few days. Love you!
Hi Kriste:
Mom ended up in the hospital at 1:00 AM, Tuesday morning. She is having some blood circulation problems. May your prayers be with her at this time. She is probably hospitlalized for 2 or 3 days.
Love,
Dad
Dear Kriste:
Mom is feeling much better this afternoon than what she was this morning.
Thank you for the wonderful tie. It arrived in the mail this morning. It is just
beautiful. My two grandaughters on a nicely green lawn. The colors and the
pictures of the girls are just wonderful.
Thanks again.
Love.
Dad
I’m glad to hear that she is doing better! I’ll call when I get up tomorrow. I’m glad the tie arrived without any problems. Happy (early) Father’s Day! Love you!!