Field Trip!

Hello friends! It has been a whirlwind of a month...I went to Myanmar on a social work field trip, helped coordinate a child abuse training that was here in Thailand, and my roommate just moved back to the states.

So, first thing is first - trip to Myanmar. It was an informational and educational trip. We basically went in order to network with contacts there working with children and to experience the situation there. Myanmar (formerly known as Burma)has been suffering from political unrest and a military government for many years. It instills fear and intimidation to those that live there, and consequently, who visit. I was unsure of what to expect, but it was a little nerve-racking.

There were 6 of us on the trip, by van, walking across the border, and by taxi (or beat up old toyota corolla, as we call them!). *Literally, this is the 'gas station' here in Burma - hysterical! Life is so much more simple here than even in Thailand... We had to go through like 5 'check points' throughout the day long trek through mountainous fields and villages.
These were relatively painless - although, it always seemed we were being watched....although everyone is being watched i guess! A little unsettling and funny at times - but survived unscathed! It is a very poor country with little resources or job opportunities. There were also alot of street vendors along the way.

We stayed in a guesthouse and met the sweetest little girl working there. Yes, working there. "S" is only 10 years old, but her mother died and she needed to help provide for her family. She was so cute and friendly - we instantly took to her and got defensive of her. The owner was nice enough but in a sort of a sleazy businesswoman way, and sometimes she would make a comment about "S" that she is so pretty she attracts alot of farang (men and women). Also, that if she plays her cards right and is a 'good girl', she can hope to marry a farang one day and have a better life. Typical. It was just sketchy and we worried for her. There was not much to do except inform some local contacts to keep an eye out for her. Sure, we gave her attention, encouragement, smiles, and some money, but i couldn't communicate with her, and she can't even read or write.... Some of my coworkers talked with her and warned her of the dangers out there. Please pray for her - she is so vulnerable to be exploited and really is the sweetest little thing...


We met with local churches that are working with girls coming off the streets. It was great to see that they care and are involved, but it is just a start to what is needed there. Most of the community is not interested in helping because these girls have 'shamed' them. There is also a high number of HIV/AIDS cases - and more education and prevention is needed: for the churches to be more informed and prepared, for the community to view this as an important societal issue, for the parents of these girls to be informed of the reality of this issue, and for the girls for prevention and awareness of the dangers out there. Please contiue to pray for this action to take place and how we can help.

We also got to meet with a few of some clients my coworkers have worked with. It was great to meet them and see that they were out of their bad situations and healthy. Although, it's still difficult to estimate 'success' on a scale that doesn't provide options and opportunities and stability.... one girl was in school and doing great, but financially struggling, one was a single mother, and one was a 16 year old wife working in a store front shop. The good news is they were off the street, unlike a couple other girls we were supposed to meet, but never showed up. We found out that they are still 'on the streets' working. It's just heartbreaking to know that they feel it's their only way out (these particular girls are not forced to be there, but i wouldn't exactly call them 'willing' either...) Please pray for their safety, their salvation, and for a way out.

We did manage to have lots of fun too! :) We had a counting contest - just on the ride up alone, we practically hit around 30 animals in the road!? chickens, ox, water buffalo, pigs, dogs, what have you. hahaha - no road kill - no worries! :) I definately stuck out there - but it was also nice not being the only farang around (besides sally with me, my thai coworkers were too!) although, i felt like some of the locals had never seen blond hair before!? We got to shop a bit (very cheap) and see local life in action ...and ate some great food (better than in thailand!) Yes, we were alittle nervous at the sight of this..."bird flu" and all, but we are all happy and healthy! :)

Well, all in all, it was a great experience and hope that we can go again in the near future to further our efforts. *working on some trainings and a networking conference with contacts, as well as prevention ideas. It was encouraging to see people of faith in this oppressive country. I know that the Lord is working there - i can feel it...and see it! :)