Hello, my name is Debra Pascali-Bonaro. As a doula trainer, I’ve been fortunate to spend time in Bali, Indonesia, sharing my knowledge and connecting with incredible people.

During my very first visit to Bali in 2010, I met my dear friend, Congtit. From the moment I arrived, he welcomed me wholeheartedly—not just into the vibrant village of Nyuh Kuning, but also into his own family. He introduced me to the richness of Balinese culture, guided me through local traditions, and invited me to family ceremonies, helping me feel at home even though I was far from my own.

Every year since, as I return to Bali to co-lead our Eat Pray Doula Retreats with midwife Ibu Robin Lim, Congtit has been an essential part of our community. He arranges transportation for all our participants, leads cultural tours to waterfalls, rice fields, and temples, and graciously welcomes us into his family home, sharing his incredible wood carvings and deep knowledge of Balinese life.

Now, it's our turn to give back.

Congtit’s son, Chikara, recently received a scholarship to attend Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, USA—a dream come true. His passion is track and field, and his goal is to one day become an Olympian and make his family proud. He believes that training in the U.S., where the level of sports and coaching is world-class, will help him reach his fullest potential.

But Chikara’s dreams go beyond athletics. He plans to study sports physiology and hopes to one day become a track coach or school teacher. His vision is to use what he learns in the U.S. to develop and inspire young athletes in both Indonesia and Japan—perhaps even becoming a coach that future Olympians could turn to for guidance and mentorship.

Although he’s been awarded a scholarship, the additional costs of travel, housing, meals, books, and basic living expenses still pose a significant financial challenge.

Let’s come together to support Chikara the way Congtit has supported so many of us through the years. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings him one step closer to fulfilling a dream rooted in dedication, hard work, and the desire to give back to his community.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Love, Debra