My trip to Myanmar so far...

I was invited by a couple in Wichita to join an adventure with them to see the work of World Vision in Myanmar. It is only a couple of days in it, and I'm still processing what I'm seeing. I don't have a hook to hang any of these experiences on.

Day 1-3 - Flying. We were in the air for 28 hours. Flying through Moscow was not the way to go. So I left Wichita at Feb 5th at 10am and arrive in Myanmar at 6a.m on the 7th. Wow....Singapore air is very nice, but 38 hours...whew... We were smart enough on the 7th to run as hard as we could all day so we were tired. Therefore, we settled in the hotel and then went on a tour of Ragoon, the capital of Myanmar. The Pagota's are very interesting. There is 72 tons of gold at this one pogota and an amazing facility. People are kind, peaceful, and seemingly happy. I know that reprodcing life in the west does not lead to happiness. Watching them pray to a tower of gold bowing three times. 1. For the Budda, to for the revelation of the budda, and third for the monks and other people is interesting. I might be wrong, but that's what people said they were praying for.

Day 4 - Jack and Marylin Deboer arrived and we had an overview meeting at the World Vision office. You would not believe the work they do and the staff of over 800 people they have in this country. 99% national people making very little money.

The most interesting thing in this day was our dinner. You'll have to read about the government in Myanmar to understad the challenges with World Vision, but we had very interesting dinner company. We had the former minsiter of finance who established the economy in Myanmar. This was a high diplomatic dinner and I sat at the end of the table hearing discussion on the UN, Unicep, USAIA, Drugs, etc, and the most intensive political discussion. The Dr. was a dynamic individual and very helpful in understanding the government while being very supportive of World Vision. I believe it is a fine line he had to walk. I will write more when I'm back in the states.

Day 5 - We visited two projects: The Evergreen Project and a Drop in Center. Both of these projects are for children of crisis. It's like the Wichita Children's home, but in a 3rd world country. The drop in centers are in the city and are amazing how they provide shelter for kids. The Evergreen project is in a hour outside of the city in an agriculture area. They provide all the basic needs for kids, educate them, and have projects of farming, rasing animals, that are projected to produce revenue. The hope/plan is that it is selfsustaining and doesn't take donors to fund it. Amazing work.

Overall, I've learned more than you can imagine by being with amazing peole Jack and Marylin have extrodinary hearts, but are also amazing historians. Fritz, the president of the Deboers foundation is also an amazing individual who has amazing knowledge of the world.

My thoughts so far...even desite the economy....Wichita, KS is a simple place in the world.