Kau tau betapa ku sayang tepumu?

Walking behind my tepuq as we made our way slowly but surely towards the fields, through treacherous muddy buffalo trails with piles of poop and steep jungle tracks; all I could do was to try not to slip each time I took a step forward. It was undeniable that the locals here were super humans, taking these trails daily to the rice fields that provided for them year after year. However my heart sank each time I watched my 80 year old tepuq made that trip, and it sank a little more each time I walked away.

I never expected to bond with her as much as we did over the short five days that we had together. Our relationship started off like any new working partners, foreign and a little awkward. Neither of us were big talkers, that made day one in the fields silent with a tinge of apprehensiveness. I remember thinking “Data collection is going to be a bigger challenge than I thought, or any sort of communication even!”

Our entire relationship was placed on fast-forward, including the warming up to each other. Tepuq was not a person of many words, but what she lacked in words she made up a hundred foe in her actions. She brought way too much food to the fields, ensuring that I was never hungry, even giving me snacks to take back with me even though she knew that I was going straight to lunch right after. She brought boiled eggs each day, and something told me that she doesn’t usually boil eggs because the first time she brought them mine was half boiled and exploded all over me. She was embarrassed and apologizing for her cooking saying ‘Tepuq tidak pandai masak ini’, but I just smiled and slurped the whatever egg I could salvage from the bits of shell I had. The egg boiling improved over time as each day the egg was a little more solid, and on my final day the egg was perfectly hard boiled! She kept giving and giving and all I could do was accept it with a grateful heart. She would stop me from working every so often only to say ‘minum!’ which meant ‘drink’. She would make little comments about how I was not covered up enough from the scorching sun that proved to be a lot closer to us than usual for we were in the highlands. She kept saying ‘nanti balik ibu bapa tanya kenapa tanam padi jadi hitam?’, worrying that my parents would wonder why I was burnt from my work in the fields.

She would often comment on how I wasn’t allowed to spend more time with her, a mere 5 hours a day in comparison to the 8 hours she had with participants of the previous batches. After explaining to her the first time that we were on a completely different program and schedule, I came to realize that she was saying it out of affection more than actual questioning. This added to my weighted heart as I made my slow, slippery hike back to the village each day.  

She mentioned to me that she had told her husband who was working in Miri how she acquired a new ‘grandchild’ a.k.a me, who was following her around in the rice fields helping her with the planting. This was such a random thing to tell me but it warmed my heart through and through, for it was recognition of sorts from my stoic tepuq.

It was strange and interesting to see everyone grow more protective of their tepuqs, and it became almost competitive in a subtle game of what I like to call “my tepuq is better than yours”. It was sweet to observe the different dynamics between the each ‘tepuq’ and their ‘cucu’. You’re not just accepted into the community there, but you gain a new family.

Bario surprised me with lots of tears, pineapple and rice. Saying goodbye to my tepuq was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, as I did not expect to develop an emotional attachment to that degree. My heart breaks a little every time I think of my tepuq all alone in the fields, working slowly each day in silence.

Thank you Bario for Tepuq Supang, and thank you Tepuq, for sharing your Bario with me.

With love, Sigang

Bario and Me

“Should I go? Maybe I should stay home.”

One night before our Bario trip, I was battling with a very difficult decision - to go or not to go. I had gotten a bad throat infection (tonsillitis) three days before the trip and my condition was getting worse. I called Rhon (our mama boss) to get her advice - she encouraged me to go and gave assurance that there is a clinic available in Bario if I needed more medical attention and most importantly, the 10-day experience would be unforgettable.

So I went, and yes, Bario, was amazing.

In 10 days, I met so many new people, forged great friendships with my batchmates and the Tepuqs (respected elders), learnt about the Kelabit culture, understood the problems associated with traditional paddy farming and ultimately, experienced the village life in Bario which has changed my perspective towards life.

There are too many things to say and write about Bario. For this post, I’ll cover my five favorite memories and takeaways:

1. Mountains, Clouds, Land, Breeze - Nature’s Wonder

The evening sky on our first day in Bario

It was our first day in Bario and I was already blown away by the beauty of this place. Because I was not in my best condition, I had to opt out on many farming activities that my batchmates were doing and rest at the homestay. In other words, for a few days, I was spending my mornings and afternoons staring at the sky. Yup, just staring and staring and staring... Until someone shouts, “Jien Yue, we’re back!”.

BUT HEY, the view was absolutely breathtaking. I loved the alone time spent looking at God’s wonder - it gave me so much peace, helped me think about life from different perspectives. How nice it would be if I could wake up every morning to such a beautiful sight!

2. A Heart of Gratitude  

Living in the city, many times we take things for granted. Many of us do not even know where our food is produced or how difficult it is to grow them; we just eat. Sometimes we even complain that the food we have doesn't taste good and stop eating them.

What surprised me in Bario was how everyone in the village was grateful for the food placed on the table. I remember when we arrived, Tepuq Sinah Rang (our homestay host) had all of us hold hands to say grace, giving thanks to God for the food. A few days in, she taught us to sing the song - “Aku Mengucapkan Syukur” (in English it means “I Give Thanks”) it was really catchy and all of us sang it happily before most of our meals.

Tepuq Sinah Rang roasting wild boar for dinner

The simple act of giving thanks before our food reminded me to always be appreciative and grateful of what we have - our food, our health, our family, our friends, our homes and our lives.

3. Fully Engaging in the Present  

There was no internet connection where we stayed; hence, my batchmates and I had to live without Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and WhatsApp for 10 days (difficult for a millennial). The beauty of disconnecting from technology was the bond formed while connecting with one another, face-to-face.

During our free time, all of us would sit down for hours talking, jamming, singing songs, exchanging experiences and lessons learnt on the field. It was amazing how much we have grown to be closer and comfortable with each other through the time spent together. We have also bonded immensely with the Tepuqs by working alongside them in their respective paddy fields and listening to their interesting life stories during meal times.

Having breakfast with Tepuqs on our second last day in Bario (Photo credits: Project WHEE)

There was so much happiness when we were fully engaged in conversations and jokes without distractions from technology. It dawned upon me that the key to happiness isn’t in wealth or material things; it is in having great relationships with people you care about through spending quality time together.

4. Always Better to Give than to Receive

In the business world, nothing comes free. When we give, we are taught to expect something in return. I came from a finance background and the concept of having good “return on investment” is a key requirement for any decisions - often times, helping someone comes with an ulterior motive. In Bario, people are so genuine with one another and there isn’t anything like this.

I was amazed by how the villagers helped one another in so many ways. For example, when someone in the long house catches a wild boar, the owner would share the meat so everyone gets a piece of the catch. When farming, they would help one another with planting or harvesting so the pace of getting things done is faster.

Receiving souvenirs from Tepuq Bulan Radu on cultural night (Photo credits: Project WHEE)

On our final night, we had a time of appreciation where us volunteers presented small tokens from KL to our respective Tepuqs. Instead, it was the Tepuqs who were blessing us generously with the fruits of their hard labour. We went home with bags of rice, salt, pineapples, pineapple jams, and a beautiful piece of Kelabit necklace known as “Kaboq”. They gave without reservations and Tepuq Bulan Radu told me she found great joy in doing so.

5. Love and be Loved

I remember during the introductory meet-and-greet session on our first night, Tepuq Sinah Rang gave a welcome speech saying how grateful she was to have nine of us from KL visiting and helping them with farming activities. She said, we aren’t just volunteers; we are like grandchildren sent from Heaven. Instantly, the Bario Asal (the long house we stayed in) community took us in like family and showered us with so much love and care.

With Tepuq Sinah Rang in her traditional Kelabit head gear

When Daniel, our Project Coordinator, told the Tepuqs I wasn’t in my best shape, instantly, Tepuq Bulan Radu took me to the clinic for a checkup - she made sure I had proper medical attention and was always hydrated. Tepuq Sinah Rang cooked porridge for me so my throat could heal faster and Tepuq Ratu made lemon water for me to make me feel better. They cared for me like their very own child and I was truly touched by their love.

A picture with the Tepuqs on cultural night (Photo credits: Project WHEE)

When we were leaving Bario, many tears were shed and I believe it is because of the bond formed through love over 10 days. There was a feeling of sadness leaving the place but a greater joy of getting to know these amazing, genuine and loving Tepuqs. When I hugged them goodbye, I know one day I’ll be back to visit again.  

Words could only express so much, the rest are left to be experienced personally. If you are thinking whether you should sign up for the upcoming project, do it! Trust me, you will gain so much more than you expect. Bario has left a mark on me and will always have a place in my heart.

Skies of Bario

Growing up in a city like Kuala Lumpur and pursuing my higher education at Sydney, I've always been in a fast-paced environment. Everything and everyday passed by so quickly that I do not even have the time to stop and think. It was like I am constantly on auto pilot mode.

Hence, I made the decision to participate in WHEE's Bario: Growing Food, Sustaining Culture volunteering program in Bario for 10 days. I wanted a change and to experience the lifestyles of the Kelabits and to understand their ways of living. Furthermore, this would be my first time flying to Sarawak.

                                                    Tepuq Do Ayu (Photo credit: WHEE) 

Participants were paired with a farmer, or as we fondly address them, Tepuq (a Kelabit term to address the elders). Mine was Tepuq Do Ayu. I had to walk a good 15 minutes to her home in Arur Dalan Village. I was fully prepared with my boots, hat, sunblock and gloves. I still remembered how she laughed at me when I wore 2 layers of socks while she was barefoot in the paddy field, what a joke.

The first day was tiring and intense for me. We started at 8am under the scorching hot sun and I remembered being really restless and anxious about the time, all I could think of was ' Am I done yet?'. But since both of us did not have a watch, the only 'watch' we had was the sun. I found myself searching for the 12pm sun very often.

As the days went by, I tried to understand my Tepuq's lifestyle. I noticed how carefree and contented she was with her life. She was always ready to harvest rice despite rain or shine, she is a hardworking farmer indeed. I started to stop my thoughts and immerse myself with the current situation. I slowly realised how quiet and peaceful the environment was. I did not even notice that her paddy field was only surrounded by mountains, what a beautiful sight it was. Slowly I learned to appreciate the silence with her, it made me feel very calm and the only distraction for us was the noise of her chickens/dogs.

I still looked up very often, but this time not to search for the 12pm sun; it was to admire the skies of Bario. It was something about the skies there that made me feel tranquil. Maybe it was the clouds, or maybe it was God overlooking the village from above. During break time, I would look up to Prayer Mountain from the paddy fields and I would pray a small prayer for my Tepuq as well. That 15 minutes walk to her village was a morning joy for me too.

On the last day, I gave a new pair of socks to my Tepuq, her face beamed with joy. I never once thought that a simple pair of socks made someone feel so special and happy. In return, she gave me 2 large pineapples, a bag of Bario rice, pineapple jam and a beautiful necklace handmade by her. I was speechless, she treated me like her daughter and she will always have a special place in my heart.

                                        
                                           Giving my Tepuq new pair of socks (Photo credit: WHEE) 

I thank WHEE for this opportunity, I feel very lucky to be able to experience this journey with Tepuq Do Ayu. Despite coming back to the hustle and bustle city life, I've learn to appreciate the little things and the people around me. I've learn to stop and admire the skies more often as it brings back good memories that I've once had at this place. Till next time, Bario.

My Rural Trail

My rural trail started from Kampong Speu (Cambodia), and through to Dulan (Taiwan), Jerantut (Pahang), and Bario (Sarawak) up until now. This trail may have been by chance or could have also been actually scripted. Geographically, these places are far from each other. Yet, as I travel and gain new experiences, I keep noticing some similar relationships among these places. This is very interesting and I am always amazed with every trip I embark upon.

Bario, being another rural area in my trail, was a unique experience. This unique feeling can only be experienced when you participate and interact with the locals mentally and physically. One of my friends asked me, ‘Is there any difference between Bario and other rural areas?’ 

Yes, they are different. However, certain aspects of their lifestyles are similar. For instance, agriculture is extremely important for the residents in all these rural areas to sustain their lives.

Out of the four rural areas I have visited, Dulan and Bario are well known for their indigenous cultures. Interestingly, the Amis in Dulan and Kelabits in Bario share some of similarities. For example, their traditional attires are similar. Both wear plain black shirts decorated with colourful beads and necklaces. Regardless of whether both ethnicities are actually related or this similarity may just be coincidental, this is still an interesting brand new discovery for me.

Tepuqs in the traditional Kelabit attire during Cultural Night in Bario Asal

Another characteristic the people in these rural areas share is their simplicity and peacefulness. This is a significant reason why I love Bario so much. The locals were friendly to us; it was nice to be always greeted by the local Kelabits.

My assigned farmer, Tepuq Lun Anid lives next door to our homestay (Tepuq Sinah Rang’s Homestay). This was a benefit for me as I could spend more time with her family, something I really enjoyed. They accepted me like one of their family members and this feeling of inclusiveness in their family was priceless. 

Tepuq always introduced me as her ‘cucu’ (grandchild) to others and addressed me with my Kelabit name, Supang, when we met people on the way to her paddy field in the morning. There was also one Sunday morning before attending church service, Tepuq passed a Kelabit necklace to me and asked me to wear it to the church. When I saw everyone of their family had one on their neck, I felt really touched and grateful.

Tepuq Lun Anid’s family and I

Interacting with the locals and especially with Tepuq reminded me of my times in Jerantut when my group mate and I were in a focus group discussion and interview session with the locals. That experience actually improved my language and communication skills, and this was a great advantage for me when I was conducting my data collection task under the Growing Food, Sustaining Culture project in Bario. 

Somebody once said, 'For every step you take, some traces will remain,' Reflecting upon my accumulated experiences, I realise the truth of that statement, seeing how every trip and experience counts. 

Undoubtedly, I will continue with my rural trail as much as I can.

The Bario Experience

My batch mates; the people I spent my everyday with. 

There are so many things that can be said about the Bario experience. But one of the things I'm immensely grateful for would be to have gone to Bario under/with Project WHEE.

While we were in Bario, we came across a couple of tourists who were there for a couple of days, and it was obvious that the only people the tourists interacted with were the people in their homestays and their guides. No doubt the villagers were immensely welcoming and friendly, but it simply wasn't the same being a tourist in Bario and being there with Project WHEE. Through Project WHEE, I was able to experience so much more of Bario, as opposed to only being able to experience it as a place. I got to experience its community, its people, and to truly understand what their daily life is like. To me, Bario is so much more than just a place.

I honestly believe that Bario wouldn't have been as amazing if it weren't for the activities we had. The talk series were really eye-opening and allowed me to broaden my understanding and get a glimpse into the issues faced by the Kelabits. It made me realize how little I truly know about the world, and how real the problems faced by traditional farmers were. The farming, trekking and hiking allowed me to challenge my own capabilities, and I learned more about myself as well. Activities such as beauty sessions and cultural night really brought the team together, and it was lovely seeing all the Tepuqs enjoying themselves. If it weren't for these activities, I don't think I would've been able to form the relationships I did or have such a deep appreciation for the Kelabit culture.

However, aside from forming close relationships with the Tepuqs and the people of Bario, I also formed close relationships with my batch mates. Experiencing Bario isn't something that can be put into words, and I'm grateful to have shared this life-changing experience with my batch mates; its comforting- to have people who understand. It was the simple things such as brushing our teeth together, saying prayers before meals, and having all our meals together that made me so fond of my batch mates. Who else would I compare insect bites with?

One of the things I found to be really surprising though - was how much I enjoyed not having any internet connection. Before going to Bario I braced myself for the frustration I'd endure with having little to no internet connection. Initially, it was pretty strange not having any internet connection. I'd reach for my phone out of sheer habit before realizing, there was nothing to check. However, as the days passed, I found it to be oddly peaceful and comforting. There was simply no need to check in with the world because for that ten days, Bario and its inhabitants were my world.

Not having any internet caused us to interact more with the people around us, and made us more proactive in looking for things to do. During our rest time, my batch mates and I would bond over things we wouldn't usually practice in the city, like jamming and just spending undiluted quality time together. It was refreshing, and it taught me the importance of giving my full attention to the people and things around me.

The Bario experience was a lovely one, and it simply wouldn't have been the same without Project WHEE and my fellow batch mates.

The People, Always.

My Happy Tepuq Club; the people I worked with on the farm. 

What makes Bario so special, for me, would always be the people.

The Kelabits have a unique tradition of changing their names when they have their first child and first grand child. For me, the changing of names represents how one's life is transformed just by having another person in his/her life. The tepuqs i worked with gave me a Kelabit name just after a couple of days in Bario, and I believe that this is symbolic of how through this one encounter with the people of Bario, my life has changed.

I came to Bario expecting to grow - but i never imagined being able to build such strong relationships with the people around me, and I never expected that I'd end up being so attached to the tepuqs. On our first night in Bario, we had a meet and greet session which consisted of a series of ice breaking games that allowed for all the participants and tepuqs to introduce themselves. When it was Tepuq Sinah Rang's turn, she gave a mini-speech and said something along the lines of how she was immensely grateful for us, and how we were sent from up above to help them out. During her speech, I remember feeling a tad bit touched, but mostly,I felt surprised at how warm and loving she was - when she barely even knew us.

The people and community of Bario have this special way of emanating warmth. There was never a single second during my stay in Bario where I felt like an outsider, and for someone who has lived her whole life in the city, this was new, and strange, and lovely. Everywhere I went, people would wave or say hi, or smile at me, but it wasn't the kind of acknowledgment and attention that made you feel like you were a famous superstar. It was the kind of welcome that made you feel like you were coming home.

Aside from that, the people of Bario were extremely genuine in everything that they did. My mom has always taught me that things are never free in life, and that if people were to gift you gifts outside of special occasions, that one should always return the favour. However, in Bario, the tepuqs never had any ulterior motives and never wanted anything from me. They legitimately just wanted to give me things or help out, and this baffled me for a bit. But the people in Bario have the culture of sharing, and its something that's hard to come across in the city. I mean, it isn't even easy for me to give a nugget away despite having 20 pieces of nuggets, and these tepuqs are just giving their rice and pineapples away, left, right, and centre.

The people of Bario have left an impact on me, and I'll always hold in my heart the little things that I love so much about the people there. I'll always miss the way Tepuq Ulo whistles while we work in the field to call for the wind, the way Tepuq Sinah Ribed has the cutest way of saying "takpe lah" whenever something happens, and how Tepuq Maga came to the airport to see us before we flew, and so much more.

The contrast between how I felt when Tepuq Sinah Rang gave a speech on our first night versus how I felt when Tepuq Maga gave a speech during breakfast on our final day in Bario was immense, and if it weren't for the sudden attack of sneezes on my part, I probably would've bawled my eyes out.

I believe that its the people who make the place, and for me, the people of Bario have definitely made it one of the loveliest places to be.

Tepuq Supang and I

How was Bario? How was Bario?

Even now that the project has ended I still find it difficult to gather my thoughts and express them in words because the only way to accurately convey my experience to others is for them to eat chunks of my brain which contain memories of Bario, like R did in Warm Bodies, and experience Bario themselves via my cells.

I’m kidding.

Bario was amazing (this is an understatement. No adjective can represent the WOOHOO-KABOOM-PLACK-WOOISH-WHEEEEEEAOOOIIIWW-ness of my experience thus far. But for the sake of convenience, amazing it is). Bario was, to me, an unexploited masterpiece. I love Bario for its serenity. I love Bario for its people, their warmth and friendliness towards everyone. Ultimately, I love Bario for teaching me what it’s like to love and be loved in a whole new place.

To be honest, I was slightly apprehensive with the idea of forging new relationships, especially with Tepuq Supang, because of the preconceived notion that I had about her before reaching Bario. Tepuq Supang was the lady I was assigned to, and I was informed that she had a shy demeanour and was not very talkative. On the other hand I can be extremely chatty and I was worried it might put her off.

Tepuq Supang taking a break from paddy work

Tepuq Supang taking a break from paddy work

However, when I met her in the cozy Arur Dalan longhouse for the first time, I knew everything would turn out fine. The first thing I noticed about Tepuq Supang was her face. Her face exuded warmth, and it eased my unnecessary worries immediately. Knowing that she was shy, I did not bombard her with questions, but rather I turned myself into an open book in an attempt to gain her trust. I shared my life stories with her, and I was glad she found them intriguing. At times she would even chuckle at my shenanigans. Eventually, she opened up and we got along very well for the whole duration of the project.

Tepuq Supang and I

Tepuq Supang and I

I would say my relationship with Tepuq Supang was an unconventional one. We displayed our affection in subtle ways. For instance, she would ask if I wanted to leave the paddy field early if I seemed burned out, or she would feed me with lots of fried ubi (tapioca) because I once told her I absolutely loved it, or even ask me if I was doing well in school, whether I had friends who came to Bario with me. She wasn’t touchy-feely, and neither was I on most occasions. But I realized that if I took the first step she wouldn’t hesitate to follow suit. If I initiate a high-five, she would return the high-five. If I gave her a hug, she would hug me back, no doubt. Same goes with learning English and developing the highlights of her trail. All I had to do was get the ball rolling by asking her what an object was in English and if she knew, she’d answer immediately and in return she’d ask me what something else was. Otherwise, she’d tell me in earnest that she didn’t know the answer and I would teach her from there. My point is; Tepuq Supang was affectionate in her own ways and was always willing to learn, an attribute that I look up to.

Tepuq Supang, Shannon (my paddy buddy) and I

Tepuq Supang, Shannon (my paddy buddy) and I

Writing all this down brings me back to one of the Training of Trainers sessions (pre-Bario). We were asked if we were more task-oriented or relationship-oriented. I said I was in the middle. In hindsight, I learned that I am more inclined towards maintaining and building a relationship rather than focusing solely on the task of teaching English and developing Tepuq’s trail. Personally, it was easy for me to say that I prioritize the task. But at that moment, when I stood in front of Tepuq Supang, a living breathing human with stories to share and whom I would get to form a bond with for the next three weeks, I realized that I do value the relationship as much as the task, and that I couldn’t wait to embark on the WHEE journey with her and my batch mates.

“So, how was Bario?”

“Perfect.”

Don't you worry child, see heavens got a plan for you

Have you ever stopped to wonder why everyone has a girlfriend/boyfriend and you don’t? Do you ever feel anxious about what career/lifestyle path you will stumble upon? Or wonder what is the purpose of your life?

Well, I have!

In my humble opinion, I think it is normal to think about these legitimate questions because that is part of the journey to figure what God has in store for us. 

Being in Bario has allowed me a chance to step back from life in the fast lane where we continuously chase deadlines after deadlines. It is crucial to slow down and assess what it is that we are trying so hard to chase towards.

If God is the beginning and the end (Alpha and Omega), then He must have already thought about each one of us when He made the earth. 

Certainly, not everyone is called to a life of marriage. And certainly not everyone is meant to be a doctor/lawyer (as one of my batch mates, Kan Wai Min, wrote in one of his WHEE! posts). Neither am I fit to explain what is the purpose of life.

But what I do know is, we might have a plan for ourselves, but very often we lose out on the most important things in life, such as love and happiness (I should only highlight these two values now because they are what I wish to deliver). To understand these two simple-yet-complicated values, the presence of God needs to fit in the equation.

From Strangers to Family

Participating in Project WHEE! was a very last minute decision for me. I only found out about the project after they had held the first two sessions of the Training of Trainers for Batch 7 participants, hence my late application. To make matters worse, I wasn’t in town when they had their next two sessions so I had a separate training later on with just Shu Anne (one of our coordinators for Batch 7). So that meant that I had not met any of the other participants before the trip. Since most of the participants had already met up a few times before the trip and were already friends by then, I was a bit worried on how I would be welcomed to the group.

I flew to Bario one day later than the rest. So I finally met the group when they came to pick me up from Bario’s very small airport. I thought it would take some time to get close to them but we all got along really well, really fast. The day I arrived in Bario was a Sunday so it was a free and easy day for us.

My room for 21 nights

After I settled down and had lunch in the longhouse where we all stayed in, a bunch of us went to play Frisbee at the secondary school’s field, which was just a 10 minutes walk away. That was my first time walking around Bario and everything seemed so wonderfully simple. There were no high rise buildings around, no shopping malls, no highways and no traffic lights. Everything was within walking distance.

Bario's long straight road

Every morning we would be awakened by the sounds of the roosters crowing, dogs barking, and the sounds of the floorboards creaking caused by the footsteps of the early risers. I would finally drag myself out of bed at 7.30am to have breakfast with everyone. No one usually showers in the morning over there because no one would want to shower with cold water when the morning air is already quite cold.

My assigned lady - Tepuq Bulan - and I agreed to meet at her house at 8.30am every morning. It’s only a two minutes walk from our part of the longhouse to Tepuq’s house. I always take my time walking to her house so I can take in the beautiful surroundings and breathe in the  cold fresh morning air. Everything seems so much calmer in the morning. Within my short walk to tepuq’s house, I never failed to see chickens and their chicks crossing the road and dogs lying around. I would just admire the mountainous backdrop behind tepuq’s house as I walk towards it. The clouds would hover around the mountains early in the morning, which made the view even more breathtaking.

There is no doorbell on her door, so I would just knock or shout her name and she would open the door and greet me with a “Petabi Leketang” which means good morning in Kelabit. I would then spend time with her from morning till late afternoon either at the paddy field or her house.

            
By 4pm, all us participants would start returning to the longhouse after we were done with our work. We would exchange stories about what we did earlier during the day with our respective tepuqs. It is never dull to hear those stories as everyone’s day differs from each other. Before dinner, we would usually nap or hang out with each other, play cards or watch TV shows on a laptop. 

The living room where we would hang out at after work.

On some days, we would all workout together in the living room to make up for the amount of rice we consumed there. Then we would take turns to shower and get ready for dinner. One thing that I enjoyed surprisingly that I thought I wouldn’t was the cold showers. Granted, not all days at work were tiring for me as some days I got to stay in Tepuq’s house doing housework, I really appreciated the cold showers on the days that I did work in the paddy field under the blazing hot sun. Even though we had the option to boil water so our shower wouldn’t be so cold, I had no need to do that as I really enjoyed the refreshing cold showers. By the end of my stay in Bario, cold showers became a norm for my body.

            
I always enjoyed the food served for dinner. Tepuq Sina Rang, our homestay host would prepare us a variety of dishes, buffet style. We ate our dinners on a long table in the longhouse along with the tourists that were staying at Tepuq Sina Rang’s homestay as well. Every night after dinner, we’d stuff ourselves with Bario’s mouth watering pineapples. Bario has the sweetest pineapples that I’ve ever tasted. I had it everyday after lunch and dinner and even brought some back for my family.

            
The time we spent together in Bario flew by so quickly. Before I knew it, it was already time to pack up to fly home. Spending three weeks together can turn a bunch of strangers into family. I can now say that I have a family back in Bario that will be in my heart forever and a group of friends that I can call my famiWHEE!.

 My new famiWHEE!