My beloved kampung.

At the first sight of the old faithful Baram river, i took one deep long breath to savour the moment. I was unable to identify any of the different scent of the trees nor the river. I wanted to ask the driver, but quickly withdrew the idea after realising how silly the question would be. Whatever the scent was, i decided to named it the jungle scent.

The last time i went back to Lio Mato was ten years ago. I could hardly recall the memories and time i spent there. Apart from meeting my grandparents uncles, aunties and cousins, i also remembered playing soccer at one of the Christmas tournament in kampung.

I must admit that i was a bit terrified and numb knowing that i would be going back to Lio Mato after a very long time. I felt almost senile, as if i betrayed my kampung for the pleasures of the cities. As though i was no longer a part of this Kenyah community. I felt that i don't belong here.

I remembered how my body stiffened when my father announced that we are going back to Lio Mato for Christmas. I didn't received it well. I knew he could tell from my face expression. I was thinking of something smart to say and tried to make an excuse, but all i could forced to do was a slight smile in approval.

I'm glad that i decided follow my family to go back to Lio Mato. It was a very meaningful time. It was God's present for me this Christmas. For the first time in many years, we come back as one big family and celebrate Christmas together. Though i couldn't converse very well in kenyah, by just being there felt that i was already speaking to them.

As i post this entry, i heart misses all my family back in kampung. I could almost feel the warm tears i shed when i waved goodbye to them as we left Lio Mato. My heart was growing fond of my big family in kampung when it was time to go. It felt almost cruel, parting us when we were getting close.. Nevertheless, they are still close to my heart... a part of who i am now.

I know i have changed in some ways after my visit to Lio Mato. It was a heart warming moment to be able to embrace this big family of mine. Now, i have a mission for my kampung. I wish to help my cousins, especially those in secondary school now in their studies. Two of them are doing quite well and i know that they could go far. I spoke to them about studying in Universtiy and hope to spur them to achieve high in their studies.

I also took family photos of different uncles and aunties. I wish to print it big and framed the photos for them. Apart from that, i have also promised myself to sharpened my kenyah language... hehe..

This is the view of Lio Mato from the sampan i was on.
According to my cousin Emang, Lio it's the only kampung with coconut trees.


This is our temporary longhouse. A new one is expected to be built.


I woke one morning and saw this beautiful morning scene

A waterfall near a logging camp.

SMK Lio Mato School. Only have five classes with 4 teachers.