It has been a busy couple of weeks around here especially since I have decided to come home at the end of November rather than mid-December. I am trying to wrap up all my projects and also prepare to collect data for my thesis. I have also been able to visit a few other organizations within the camp that I was really interested in learning more about. Especially interesting were my visits to the two women's shelters. One was in a very nice and wooded section of the camp, up a hill and very secluded. It was very peaceful and comforting. The other was right in the middle of a busier section and it seemed to be a lot less protected. It is just so interesting because in some ways these safe houses are so similar to safe houses for women at home. Just with chickens running around. The staff and I talked about the work of the counselors and the programs offered to the women - not so dissimilar to our own programs. But on the other hand it would be incredibly difficult and at times scary to work in this position. The houses and fences are made of bamboo - although strong, they really aren't that good at keeping people out. The staff mentioned that angry husbands have on occasion jumped the fence and jumped on the roof of the house. Although security is provided, it is quite minimal and in an emergency, security comes on foot. Additionally, the women who work in the safe house live in the same community as those families involved with safe house. Staff mentioned that it is not uncommon to have husbands come to their homes to yell at them and threaten them. But the staff also told me that the passion for their work comes from knowing that they are educating the women in the community about their rights and are also providing a safe place for those women who need support. The commitment to the work, requires amazing strength and is pretty incredible.
In my wanderings, I also stumbled upon a weaving workshop! Much of the weaving in this camp is done on large looms like the one in the picture. Some women spin the cotton into thread and the other women operate the looms weaving the cloth. Although it is a large "machine" it is still manually operated by foot pedals. It was really amazing to listen to the looms in operation. Actually really soothing. I could have spent all day in there.
Finally, this past week was the Buddhist festival of Loi Krathang. My co-workers and I sent lanterns into the sky and launched flower boats onto the lake. In putting the flower offerings into the water, it is hoped that the water goddess will forgive you for using her [water]. I hope she does.
I also had a couple new food adventures. My co-worker taught me to make La Pet Thoe - Burmese Green Tea Salad. I bought a whole a lot of packs of pickled tea, so I will make it for you when I get home. Also I finally got to try Mu Ga Ta (?). Very similar to Korean BBQ but you put a big slab of pork fat on the top of the grill to keep it lubed up and then grill any kind of meat you can think of. My choices, beef and shrimp. Popular choices of my co-workers, liver, intestines, and pork fat with a little meat clinging to it. It was very delicious!
A couple of updates: our staff member who was in the accident with the landmine, is still in hospital but is expected to recover with time. She is currently in a body cast which she will likely have for about 3 months. However, with rehabilitation, it is hoped that she will be able to walk and fully recover phyiscally. Thank you for the donations. It really does help, without money, people honestly do not receive treatment here.
My co-worker's in-laws with the orange farm - unfortunately the fighting continues and the entire village has had to flee to the city. It is harvesting time but no one can return to their farms to get their oranges. As well, they have been told that all of their animals (6 cows and 9 pigs) have been stolen or killed by the SPDC (Burmese Army). It is a huge loss for them. Luckily they have family and friends to stay with. For those without any safe place to go, and who have fled to the Chinese border, many are surviving on rice and salt.
A good website to learn more about current events in Burma is www.irrawaddy.org
I am finishing up some peer support training this week and teaching my last English class. Leaving is always bitter sweet. I am moving to Mae Sot on Friday and will be there for a week. I'll try to have a couple more posts before I leave for home.
xo
M
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