Saw wa dee pee mai ( Happy New Year )... Thailand celebrated the New Year on April 14th. Songkran is the traditional New Year and is an occasion for family reunions. Paying respect to ones elders is an important part of the day. Thais pay respect to their elders by pouring scented water over the palms of their hands. The elders in return wish the young people good luck ( chook-dii) and prosperity. This is done by smearing talcum powder on their face. Songkran is also known as "water festival" as people believe that water will wash away their bad luck. Throughout the day people joyfully splash water on each other. Michel,Kelsey and I joined in the fun equipped with our water pistols.
During this time of the year many of Bangkok's service workers return to their family homes in the north to help with the rice planting. These valuable workers keep the city functioning and their absence is clearly felt.
To begin the rice planting season a Ploughing Ceremony is held near the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This ceremony is thought to date back to the times of the Buddha more than 2500 years ago. His Majesty the King appoints a Lord of the Festival (Phya Raek Nah) to carry out the rites. The Phya Raek Nah chooses from three 'panungs' (a long cloth worn about the hips). If he chooses the longest one, there will be little rain during the coming year. The shortest cloth means plenty of rain, while the medium-length panung denotes average rainfall. A procession follows with sacred bulls, festooned in flowers, drawing a red and gold plough. Green-costumed drummers, Brahmans chanting and blowing conch shells, umbrella bearers and four 'nang thepi' or consecrated women, carrying gold and silver baskets filled with rice seed, proceed with the plough. Once the bulls have turned a few furrows, they are presented with seven different foods and drinks - rice, beans, maize, hay, sesame, water and liquor. Whichever the bulls choose to eat or drink should be plentiful during the coming year. Then the rice seed is scattered over the newly turned earth. Once the ceremony is over, hundreds of people will rush to the spot in the hope of gathering some of the precious rice grains to ensure a good crop of rice in the next season. 
During the holiday and to escape the heat of Bangkok and temperatures reaching 40 degrees- we took a vacation in the south of Thailand to Krabi. Krabi is known for its gorgeous beaches, crystal clear water, towering mountains and great food. We had a wonderful time. Kelsey and I did some rock climbing under the guidance of a competent teacher. Krabi’s limestone cliffs are a heaven for rock-climbing . Routes follow limestone crags, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites. We found it to be an exhiliarating experience When we reached the top of the rock , the feeling of accomplishment was unbeatable!! Michel explored of the islands near Krabi and did his own rock climbing enjoying the photo taking opportunties present in Krabi's breathtaking landscape. Here is a sample of the fruits of his labour at the peak of one of Krabi's cliffs
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During the holiday and to escape the heat of Bangkok and temperatures reaching 40 degrees- we took a vacation in the south of Thailand to Krabi. Krabi is known for its gorgeous beaches, crystal clear water, towering mountains and great food. We had a wonderful time. Kelsey and I did some rock climbing under the guidance of a competent teacher. Krabi’s limestone cliffs are a heaven for rock-climbing . Routes follow limestone crags, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites. We found it to be an exhiliarating experience When we reached the top of the rock , the feeling of accomplishment was unbeatable!! Michel explored of the islands near Krabi and did his own rock climbing enjoying the photo taking opportunties present in Krabi's breathtaking landscape. Here is a sample of the fruits of his labour at the peak of one of Krabi's cliffs
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Recently I spent 1 week in Northern Thailand visiting 2 refugee camps on the Thailand-Burma border. I continue my part time work as a Management Consultant for the Thai Burma Border Consortium and a visit to the camps gave me a better sense of the work they do in the field. I heard ( with the help of an interpreter) stories from families who have escaped the atrocities and abuses in Burma ( Mynamar) imposed by the military Junta. The daily struggle for survival in their homeland and threats to their livelihood has resulted in over 150,000 ethnic minorities from rural communities taking refuge in camps in Thailand. As I observe, reflect and question I'm left with many questions and feelings about the situation as I learn first hand about the harm inflicted due to the abuse. I'm also left with questions and concerns about the role and involvement of the international community to protect these victims of mass atrocities. My 'political as well as my humanitarian drive' has kicked in!
The children in this photo were relatively new arrivals to the camp. They enjoyed getting their photo taken and were curious about the blonde, white woman walking around the camp. I met a family who will resettle in Toronto Canada on April 21st. Canada is one of the countries that has agreed to resettle some of the refugees. The father and his family ( 7 children) have lived in the camp for 10 years. This family's farm was destroyed in Burma to make way for a highway. He fled with his family to the refugee camp when he could no longer support his family. For the past 7 years he has taught at a school located on the camp. Through an interpreter we talked about Canada... and yes, he asked about the snow:) When I asked him about his hopes for his family in Toronto- he said he wanted his children to get an education and have opportunities. His 16 year old daughter told me she dreamed to be a doctor and in Canada she would have this opportunity. My Canadian pride 'filled me' at that moment. Some of his children have never known life outside of the refugee camp. Just imagine what a culture change is in store! 
I'd like to introduce you by photo to this family.
I'd like to introduce you by photo to this family.
Steps are now being taken to help families making their homes in the camps develop self sustaining means to support themselves. Efforts to build capacity are underway however there are many challenges to solve. It was apparent to me that these victims of conflict are resilient survivors with a wealth of knowledge about the nature of threats and the psychology of the military. If you wish to learn more about the issues in Burma you can go to http://www.burmaissues.org/
The Canadian Club of Thailand is a woman's organization working to promote friendship and moral support to Canadian woman living in Thailand. As well as cultural and recreational activities, the club raises and distributes funds to support local orphanages and scholarships for young Thai women. I was pleased to accept a position on their Board as Chair of the Welfare Committee.
Michel's work continues to go well and he will be taking on some additional responsibilities shortly. His passion for photography has been heightened and he's regularly scouting for the next lens purchase.
Kelsey's school year is winding down with less than 30 days left. It's been a good year. She has been blessed with caring and diverse teachers from various countries. Her math teacher is from Pakistan and lived in Wolfville a few years ago where her husband taught at Acadia. Math in the past has been challenging for Kelsey however this year with little steps she is making good progress. She'll return to school here at the end of August to complete the credits required for graduation in the international system.
Thailand and it's culture continues to open our eyes and stretch us amazingly. We're constantly witness to an incredible culture filled with scenes and experiences that appear so foreign to our western beliefs, yet with reminders of how much the western world continues to influence this developing nation.
We're now beginning to plan our visit home this summer. It looks likely we'll be back in the valley for 4 weeks around the middle of July. We're looking forward to seeing you.
Wishing you many blessings.
Until next time
Go well
Love Dorothy, Michel and Kelsey
