Warm, Sunny Thailand

Quite a change from Chicago. Hope I packed enough shorts -- how tacky, sorry.

Our flight was amazingly easy. So far Kathy and I have adjusted reasonably well to the thirteen hour time change. And, suprisingly, there was was room for my legs on ANA. Lots of movies, reading, and sleeping. Not nearly as bad as I feared.

Our trip got off to an amazing start. It was so wonderful to see Julia at the Chiang Mai airport! She seems determined to push her parents travel legs, but we are happy about that.

We went immediately to the big graduation. Last night the 21 Burmese students who have been in training for six months "graduated." It was all very emotional for Julia, the staff, the students. Gorgeous program, by Julia, of course.

The student studies focused on sustainable argriculture. The farm they all live in has one modern building, and several mud brick ones where some people sleep. The Head's wife fixed us all a traditional Burmese dinner in an open air kitchen. The main farm is surrounded by rice paddies and other irrigated fields. All the neighbors were invited as they have been good to the students. Funding is tough but there are some international agencies that support the cause, like American Jewish World Service.

The students learned agriculture, English, leadership, community organizing, economics, and social justice. This kind of training can't yet happen in Burma, although the country seems to be opening up some. Each had to complete a project about what he or she would do upon their return. The students sang and danced--beautiful men and women. Because most grew up in ethnic areas (there are over 135 ethnic groups in Burma) many didn't even speak good Burmese, so teaching was most difficult.

All will go back to their communities with a project and some modest funding. Julia plans to visit a couple but many are returning to areas to which foreigners are not allowed. Some will need a week of travel just to get "home."

The "best project" was a young man who will start a small farm to sell fruits and vegetables, with the proceeds used to tutor local students in the tough exam they must pass to get to Burmese university. Education in Burma is still a huge problem. Farmers are massively in debt, but they have very good natural resources -- something the Chinese desparately want.

It was very heartwarming to see our daughter so committed and involved in helping these economically poor students half a globe away who are so rich in spirit. Lots of happy and sad tears for us all.

For the next few days we are sort of resting here, seeing Chiang Mai, a very beautiful city in the north near the mountains where many retire (including Americans). The cost of living is very low; our nice hotel room for three is a little over $30 a night.

Much too long a post this time, but lots to share. Talk to you soon.

Alan