Oh, Myanmar!
Walking the border into this country was like a night and day difference when compared to Thailand. I was suddenly amidst colorful houses and squatty potties. I remember commenting how I felt I had kinda stepped back into Africa yet I still knew I was in Asia.
My new team B.A.R.E. was officially entering our first month together. We spent one night together with another team that included travel, a semi-birthday celebration, and literal rain showers. Then came the 24 hour bus ride to a new state with a 20 degree drop in temperature (yeah for us!) and beautiful mountains.
We set up housing and found out we’d be riding the school bus as we taught Monday through Friday. It really felt like an uneventful couple of weeks. I taught with Alexis to about 6 students who were shy, hilarious, and eager learners. English lessons often consisted of manners, colors, common phrases, and shapes repeatedly. It brought out creativity in us when so much has to be covered for review!
Bible lessons were so fun and often looked like comic strips so that pictures would create clear understanding among language barriers. Songs and games become a new kind of standard when one has taught 3 months in a row and the sillier, the better!
Suddenly we all (except one) ended up with varying forms of sickness that seemed like we passed it around like a plague. While it was not an easy time, it was amazing to watch how the Lord made certain that we had enough teachers every day and that others were taken care of at the guest house.
As out time came to a close and we had 2 nights left, we were trying to sleep. Suddenly I was woken up by teammates Jess and Bri. They were in the room next door, and the fact that my room that I shared with Rebecca and Alexis was actually unlocked was a feat in and of itself because we were diligent in that manner. Jess quickly relayed that buildings next door were on fire and we needed to grab our things and get out. I would have slept through that had it not been for them because I was knocked out with an eye mask on and earplugs in. I groggily tried to grab my things and Bri rushed in and helped me out. I obviously made it out along with all of my team and some of our things.
We watched as the flames were brushing the roof of our guest house. A nice man was trying to help us find new lodging at 2:00 AM. After gathering everyone together again (we have a couple of adventurers), we prayed with the ladies that live and work at the guest house and began to travel up to our new home for the night. We had pretty much no sleep, some of us went back out and watched the firefighters get it somewhat under control, and then we came back together. We literally climbed into one bed even though they gave us 3 rooms and proceeded to rest together, talk about our night, and finally sleep some while being in one another’s presence.
We got up and got ready for school, rode the school bus, and arrived to school. I hadn’t offered much on the processing end like some of my teammates had and honestly wanted to pretend I was OK. A couple of them recognized I was not OK though, asked me about it, and I didn’t yet share. The moment we stepped off the school bus, I decided to cry and talk. It was a beautiful moment of being met by my team and us crying together and talking. Then we went on to our classrooms and finished strongly. I am amazed at how much energy we had honestly and truly believe the Lord gave us grace to finish well with our students!
That night we talked about our days, processing out loud together and stating our appreciation for one another on that particular day. We then decided to listen to worship music, journal, and pray. It created a certain space for the Lord to give us His perspective and to listen to His voice. We needed rest, and it was not easy.
We came back together with our squad after another 24 hour bus ride and knew our time in Myanmar was pretty much done. It’s not something that was quickly or easily processed. I would watch as a barking dog, the smell of smoke, or loud popping sounds would trigger either myself or one of my teammates because of that one night with a fire. We see it usually, recognize it, and check on one another.
It was amazing to come back to that conversation with my team about processing that time and to hear the variation in responses, to mourn and rejoice and to understand, which not everyone can do. It served to bond us in varying ways and while I’m not thankful for this fire, I am thankful for some of its results.
I knew we left a town in good hands – they all cared for one another so well and were already preparing to help each other out! I knew my team would be OK as well. It made me and us thankful for the Lord’s protection, our courage and compassion, and for the literal breath in our lungs.
We made it one month down as Team B.A.R.E and finished month 5 on the World Race together.
From my heart to yours,
Kim
