BCA-USA MIRROR
PERSPECTIVE ON THE BALI CULTURAL ASSOCIATION: 30 AND MORE YEARS By Ma Marie Ngetiko Fongwa, PhD, Member of the BCA-USA Board of Directors
T
ime passes fast and it is the series of events on our experiences that mark the process of time passing. It seems like yesterday but it is already 30 years since the idea for the Bali Cultural Association- USA, (previously called Bali Family Reunion) was conceived. That was in 1988 in Atlanta, Georgia. As we gathered in Dallas, Texas during Memorial Day weekend in 1989 and elected Ni Cosmas Muted Fofung as the first President and with whom I served as the Vice President, I could see the group as a great support for myself and the rest of the Bali men and women. The riddles, jokes, dances, and just sitting to share with those who truly love and care about one another energized me as I returned to San Jose, California from the first ever annual Bali convention in the United States. Based on that experience, I looked forward to the yearly meeting and I have been attending frequently except for when academic related events get in the way. To underscore the importance of the annual convention for me and other Bali men and women, in the early years when I was unable to attend, I would write a letter to be read to the attendees at the general assembly. These letters were energized by optimism, emphasis on Bali cultural values,
and respect for my people and the organization. In a sense, I have always wanted to keep going regardless of challenges that are common in any organization; things would happen but how they are handled determines the outcomes. To be a very active member of this association has brought me lot of joy, respect for self and others; I believe many would express similar sentiments. Therefore, I look forward to continue serving and influencing the association using my best abilities and especially as a Bali woman who believes in hard work, quality, diligence, respect, truth, and fairness. Many changes have taken place within the association over time. It is hard to mention all but I will highlight a few, most prominent of which is the passing to eternity of several members including the visionary who conceptualized the formation of a functioning cultural group of the sons and daughters of Bali, Ma Margaret Vakena Fogam. She envisaged the possibility of coming together for a common cause, embarked on it by writing invitation letters to a meeting of those whom she could get hold of via physical addresses and/or telephone. May all the departed souls rest in perfect peace knowing that their hard
Ma Marie Fongwa, PhD
work, blessings and good wishes will continue to move the organization forward. The size of the organization, particularly registered members, has jumped by leaps and bounds. People only gravitate to an attractive value and the organization is an attractive value for the sons and daughters of Bali. Yes, it is beneficial to belong to this organization. There are a few ‘hiccups’ every now and then but we are able to handle them with respect and dignity.
HOW FAR WE HAVE COME!
The way we do many things have changed for the better and the volume of the product is large and beautiful! For instance, the secretary used to have to arrange for and communicated
Continued on page 23 BCA-USA.ORG
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