Burma...a primer.

I do not know how many of you have heard of the country Burma (Myanmar)...  I had heard of it at one time, but probably could not have pointed to it on a map, until a few years ago, when I took a really great Anthropology class from a professor at I.S.U. who was very familiar with S.E. Asia, particularly with Burma.  (Map)  It is a country rich in history, tradition and beauty, but ravaged by what is now decades of a brutal military regime.

As quoted from Partners webpage, "Burma is a country of extraordinary beauty: Its people, the landscape, the culture. And yet, it is disfigured and scarred by one of the cruelest regimes in the world."

I was fortunate enough to receive a wonderful birthday present this past month (from a pretty great guy, thanks Stephen!)...this book, "Displaced Reflections" by Oddny Gumaer, co-founder of Partners Relief and Development...in which she captures a few of the stories and lives of some of the most remarkable people, refugees from Burma.  The book is currently available on their website, along with some great information about the country and its people.  Please take a minute to look at their site...and maybe even consider how you can help.

I am fortunate enough to be considering a humanitarian trip there this Fall, with Partners...and will surely keep you posted on my experience.