family.

Front page news: Canada won the World cup with a come-from-behind Cinderella story of a victory. The tournament was a great day. We had 8 boys teams and most of the girls played - an afternoon of intense competition. We had to take breaks to water down the dusty field because the neighbors where complaining of the giant cloud that continually grew as we played...

Graduation was great. I have learned quickly that every special event in the Burmese community consists of 4 fundamental things: speeches, singing songs, eating and speeches. This one did not disappoint. It was great to talk with the students and meet some of their parents. The teachers conducted exit interviews to help the students with future choices and stay connected with them in the coming months as they go their separate ways. In Burmese culture a teacher is a highly respected member of society and students view their teachers similar to how they view their own parents. The students kneeled on the ground and prayed for us as a parting gift. Kind of overwhelming...just like the students back home...

I think everyone strives to be part of something bigger than themselves - A community where they are valued, loved and respected by others. One of the most powerful things I have noticed about the students and the community surrounding the school is their sense of commitment to one another. They are one giant family. Almost everything is shared. A new shirt was bought by one of the boys in the market and for the next 2 weeks following I think it was worn by a different boy each day. Everyday the boys and girls wear a combination of each others' clothes, shoes and jewelery.

When the students are sent money from their parents the teachers are usually the first to know. I have been treated to special meals and delicacies without ever asking. Last week I was given an ice dessert consisting of a bright green sugary syrup, red beans, bean jelly and peanuts all mixed together...it was so sweet I almost couldn't eat it. When I asked why, the student responded that he was given some money by his dad and he wanted to "appreciate his teachers".

This was the first thing he did with his gift.

I have started to learn Burmese and one phrase I love is "Saw bi bi la?" which means, "have you eaten yet?". Instead of asking "how are you" it is customary to ask if people have eaten..and if they say no, you have a meal together. No one goes hungry.

The sense of family here is unreal. The school consists of students from a lot of different ethnic groups who previously have been taught to shun ethnicities different from theirs. The school has all the students live, cook, and learn together in very close proximity - almost having no personal space. I think this has broken a lot of the animosity and given the students a different perspective.