I met Dr. Kinari Webb in 2005 when Health In Harmony (HIH) was yet a dream of possibility and have been a financial supporter since HIH’s inception. I have seen consistently excellent stewardship of the resources given to this organization – not just “treasures” received but time and talent donated as well. Additionally, the partnership between HIH and their Indonesian partner, ASRI, is a model of mutually supportive interdependence, international partnership at its best. The “radical listening” that has been done in the communities they serve has resulted in meaningful and sustainable change that benefits not just those whose needs are directly met but all of us who live on this planet as well. I have personally spent time there in 2014 and 2016 so am also speaking from in-person, on-site experience. If you are looking to contribute to accountable, meaningful work then I encourage you to support Health In Harmony.
I spent 6 weeks with HIH/ASRI at their site in Borneo as a medical student. Given a lifelong interest in environmental sustainability as well as human health, I was attracted to the program by the mission of providing healthcare while protecting the rainforest. Upon arrival, I was thrilled to find a community-driven effort built to empower the local community and create sustainable change. Rather than imposing Western ideas, the organization draws from the genius of the place to develop creative and effective programs that evolve out of the locals' experience with the unique resources and challenges of life in West Kalimantan. I saw every member of the team--including security guards, various program members (e.g. conservation, children's program, Goats for Widows), and clinic directors take turns leading morning meeting, discussing their concerns, and sharing new ideas. Outside of the obvious impact on lives I witnessed in clinic daily, I met a farmer whose life was transformed through his ASRI/HIH sponsored training in organic farming, met ex-loggers turned into forest guardians, and sat with a team of village leaders celebrating their success in fighting tuberculosis in their communities with their ASRI/HIH partnership. These are just some of the many profound stories that emerged regularly during my stay. On a personal note, spending time with Dr. Kinari Webb, an incredibly inspiring person, re-awakened my own desire to live a purposeful life driven by my inner guidance and the needs of the people and planet, in part through a career in family medicine for the underserved. I cannot more highly recommend becoming a part of this organization directly or through providing financial support! Thank you HIH/ASRI!
