That’s how we ended up in a small village at the Thai / Burmese border eating rats and learning about ghosts.

We went and met with the elders of the Village Moo Ban Huey Keaw. DooDoo, who discarded his traditional sarong for a blue leisure suit speaks broken English. He explained that the village is mostly Christian because the missionaries came decades ago to convert them to Christianity and change their culture. They keep some of their old ways and animistic beliefs, but the new generations are quickly forgetting. After converting to Christianity, the village remained in poverty.

We asked DooDoo how we could help. Could we build them houses or repair the school? He laughed and asked if we thought we could do a better job building houses than the locals. He was right, that’s no help to them, and it does not remove them from poverty. He told us that the best thing that we could do for them was to prepare the children for the changing world.

So we shook hands and agreed to help prepare their children by teaching English, tourism, new agriculture techniques and how to harness hydroelectric power. DooDoo made one stipulation: Unlike the missionaries, if we teach them the modern way, then, along with the children, we must learn the old ways of the Karen people.

Thus the cultural exchange was born. We teach English, tourism, and other skills and trades, and they would share their history, cuisine and arts. It is an ongoing mutually beneficial relationship where the history and culture of the Karen people are preserved and we are fortunate enough to experience and share it.

A Typical Day

No days are typical in this village, but there is a plan. We wake up and eat a breakfast of eggs or joke (rice soup). Then we head down the dirt road to school. It’s not long before we have a group of school kids walking with us to show us the way. It’s not hard to find on the only road that goes through the small village. Then we watch as the children Kowtow in front of the Thai flag and sing the national anthem. Then we play. The morning is spent playing games that encourage the children to use words that they have been learning. Their pronunciation is very muddled, but it’s improving.

Then it’s lunch. We work with the children to prepare a traditional Karen lunch. Usually it’s chicken or pork cooked in a unique and delicious way. For those with less adventurous stomachs, we always bring some familiar backup meals.

After lunch we work with the villagers on projects such as generating hydro-electric power from the nearby stream or building a playground for the children. They are hard workers hungry for information about other places and cultures.

Volunteers then get some free time to read a book, chat with the villagers, hike in the hills, or take a nap. After free time, we get together to prepare dinner. We alternate cuisines. Some days we make dishes from our cultures and other days we learn a traditional Karen or Thai meal.

Dinners are usually an event. You can start a dinner with 3 or 4 people and slowly others creep into the room. Eventually as small room is packed with 15 people all telling stories. Villagers love to watch foreigners attempt spicy or unusual food. The children show their parents the new English words that they learned that day. The village elders then speak about their history, their parents, the missionaries and the old ways of the Karen people. The room is filled with Thai, Karen, English and laughter.

So far from the city lights, Moo Ban Huey Keaw is a great place for stargazing. We can take time to reflect on the day and the people who we are so fortunate to spend time with. We came to help them, but sometimes it feels that we’re the ones benefiting.

Volunteer Mission

The Hill tribes of Northern Thailand have their own languages and cultures. The teachers are often Thai nationals from outside of the village. They teach the Thai language and culture. The distinct character of individual tribes is being compromised as children abandon their ancestral language and customs. Due to the remoteness of this village, teachers are reluctant to take a long term post.

Support for hill tribes has waned since Aid has been redirect to the Tsunami affected areas of Thailand.

Meals and AccommodationsIn order to be truly immersed in our host’s culture, we will utilize home stays with local families. Meals are a combination of exotic local dishes and familiar favorites. Of course, part of the fun of exploring a new place is living like a local and experiencing the regional cuisine. You’ll often find yourself eating simple, spontaneous, and what is available.

Dates

March 26 – April 1, 2006

Contact number in Thailand 03-198-3424