Apologies for the bad pun but I just coudnt resist.
I’ve been in Myanmar (Burma) for about a week and a half now. Our bus ride from Chiang Mai, Thailand to Yangon, Myanmar was nothing short of adventurous. The whole journey ended up being 22 hours, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but it took longer to get to Myanmar from Thailand than it did to get from America to Asia (thank you Jesus for airplanes, am i right?) When we crossed the border, we were asked to walk across to ensure border control. This is the first time that I felt like an actual backpacker. When I crossed the border, I felt like I was transported back to the ‘60s and had the biggest culture shock. Thailand is very developed, and being put into a small town in a country that isn’t as developed was an experience to say the least.
Myanmar is something completely different than anything i’ve ever experienced. The culture is so cool and different,and the people are amazing. It’s easy to say that in every country, but here it really is something special.
Our ministry for the month is to teach English at a bible college.Their mission is to raise up young believers and to educate them about the bible with the idea that they when they graduate, they will return to their villages around Myanmar and plant churches as well as evangelizing. I love it so far, everyone is so awesome and i’s been so much fun to be around other believers that have the same mindset to share the gospel. We hang out with the students everyday and have had the opportunity to get to know them and their stories.
A few cool facts about Myanmar
1. Myanmar is more culturally diverse than America, with over 100 ethnic groups. At the school, 5 states are represented, all with different languages and tribal traditions of their own. We have learned a few traditional dances from the Chin, Shan, and Ka-Chin states.
2. Men wear skirts here! I thought it would be weird to see it, but it turns out, it’s awesome and it makes Myanmar even cooler.
3. It is really common for people to wear a white paste on their face. It is made of ground up tree bark and they often paint it in beautiful designs.
A common phrase on the World Race is “I am thriving” which sometimes is annoying to hear but let me tell you I am thriving!!! Myanmar is my jam, I feel right at home here, which is the first time I’ve been able to say that so far.
Thank you all for all the support and love throughout this whole journey.
Love,
Bri
