This month I have the priviledge of hanging out with some of the coolest kids in Malaysia. I am staying at a refugee home for Burmese children here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These children are extremely brave and resilient. In case you are unaware of the problems going on in Mayanmar (or Burhma) for years now, allow me to explain a few things to you.
This country has been in turmoil ever since the end of World War Two. Due to the Military Rule, there are over 1 million internally displaced people in the country currently. The Buddhist and Muslim country is afraid to lose any power, therefore there is constant burning of villages, raping of women, trafficking of children, and forced slavery of young men. Mind blowing, huh? Funny how this does not make the nightly news, but we hear too much of Brangelina’s marital problems.
These children here are the lucky ones. They made it out. Usually by a days trek across rivers and mountains to either the Thailand or Malaysia border. However the struggle for them is not over. These “refugees” are not seen as refugees by the Malaysian government, instead they are viewed as illegal aliens. Imagine, they are not safe in their home country, but even neighboring countries are not helping them either. Now the UNHRC (United Nations High Commisioner for Refugees) is stepping in to help in this international human rights crisis. The children that we are with this month are currently in the middle of a 1-6yr process of attaining their international refugee status, then resettlement into the United States. So this month, it is my job to teach this kids about American culture! How crazy of a job is that?
In addition to teaching English in their school three times a week, we eat meals, watch movies, play games and try to do American things with them. I correct them of their “British” English that they have been taught and greet them every morning with a “sup?” or “What’s poppin?” and even my favorite – “mornin’ yall!” Thankfully I do not have to teach them about Beiber fever, because they are already so aware of that. In the afternoons we watch American comedies or Disney movies, then play Ninja in the park. Later on, we hope to teach them how to cook some delicious American meals as well.
Pretty much, to sum up this blog, I just want to say that I have the best life ever. I mean, what else is there to say really? The end.
