Trekking the Wild - Finding the Treasure

Hello again friends! My sincere apologies for not keeping in better touch with you over the past few weeks. I have found the realities of writing and research to be much different then I had imagined they would be. I have been exposed to the heart of a matter that I've found incredibly inspiring, depressing, beautiful, and heartbreaking ..all at the same time. "How can that be possible?",you ask. Well, that's a very good question. One that I keep asking, myself. Let me try to show you.

Saturday, June 7th, "Tete" Zothansiami (She goes by "Siami"), traveling along with one of her older students, picked me up at the Sanborn's home in Chiang Mai. It was 3:30 pm. We drove around down town, buying supplies and running errands for a few hours. She then took us out to "The Rainbow House" - a home that HRDC (Hill tribes Resource and Development Center, the Ministry she founded) has in Chiang Mai. It is at this house, that some of the older high school age students live while they are attending school in Chiang Mai. While I was at the Rainbow House, I got to meet Missy - Siami's eldest child - who is in the 10th grade.

We waited for the rain to stop before starting our drive to Musekee. Siami told me that it was about a 5 hour trip, depending on how fast you drive. I was thankful that we were taking their big truck (filled with supplies) so we couldn't go too fast around the corners. (I'll Save the Dramamine for later)
We stopped in Pai (Pronounced = Pie) for supper and then continued on our way, arriving at the Center around 1:00 am. I couldn't see anything until I got to what would be my home for the next few weeks. A one room dorm on the second story of the Medical House. Here, I was greeted by American electrical outlets, dependable electricity, and a beautiful pink mosquito net! I even got to call home (with good reception) and talk to my mom for a bit before crawling into bed. It was amazing to be back after a year's absence, and I was anxious to get started on the story.

The next morning at 5:00 am, I was woken up by a song - better then any I've ever heard on a radio alarm clock. Tannin, Ah Tee, and a group of girls were strumming away and singing at the top of their lungs outside my place. The roosters joined in as they made their rounds, and soon I could hear the cow bells ringing as they barreled out to pasture. Rain pelted down in sporadic sheets on every side...making the morning as fresh and sweet as it's sound. I went to church twice that day, as is the custom in Musekee. The Center's service starts at 9:00 am with worship and prayers, a little devotion, and then more singing. (I think these kids sing more then they breathe.) We joined the community (village) service across the street in the big church too. The evening always ends around here with devotions in the Chapel, and then homework (usually English lessons) in the cafeteria. So they've got worship, like two solid bookends at the beginning and end of each day.

Siami gave me a pretty hefty load of literature to catch me up on the history of her people (the Mizo from Mizoram, in NE India), some papers on Karen culture and customs, local history and information about the area, and essays that have been written over the years about HRDC. So I've had my work cut out for me this week, and I'm not even close to half way through the reading. But I'm hoping that she'll let me take some of it with me...on loan. I don't want to miss any of this research, but I don't see how I can get through all of it in my time here. Don Fox, (one of the founders of the Hand Clasp Organization that has worked with HRDC for many years) said that I could have a look at the letters Tete has sent to him and his wife over the past 25 years. They're back in the states right now, but I can get them later. That will add more texture to the story...so I'm glad he's saved them.

I've done some conversational interviewing, taken lots of pictures and trekked around to various key locations in the area. We went to Wee Nam Som, and Wee Pa - branch ministries of HRDC - several hours drive from the Center. We brought half a dozen large bags of rice, a truck load of cement blocks (for the building of a new toilet facility), medicine, and cookies for the kids. While we were there, some of the staff took pictures of the kids who are still waiting for sponsors. (You can sponsor one child through Hand Clasp, for $20 per month. For more information you can email at: yada.root@gmail.com) Siami is also working to gain "Foundation Status" as a ministry (which she is more then worthy of); this would allow tax deductible donations and child sponsorships to be made directly to her at HRDC.

I've gotten to go along some different medical runs, and have learned a lot, while getting to see another way that Siami has impacted this area. People call all the time with different needs...and she is always willing to help. This is definitely a "church" without walls - a band of disciples both young and old who are actively practicing what it means to "love their neighbor as themselves."

As the days go on, this panoramic is becoming more colorful. I'm learning the meanings of so many things. Like the importance of the letter Z, for example. Yesterday, I found that people in Mizoram who's name begins with Z, are of the utmost importance. They come from a very significant family origin, and are very respected. Siami's full name is, Zothansiami Ralte, meaning, "Make the Mizo Famous". (or, One who will make...) I thought that was interesting.

Everyday the story develops a little more. Inch by inch. Although many times I feel like I really am in a "black room" and would like to shine a little more light on the subject. Other times I find things that I wish I didn't know. The truth can be painful, the world can be cruel, and people (even the good ones) can let you down. I keep reminding myself that I'm not here to write fiction, so it's good that I'm not looking at the situation (historically, politically, strategically, and otherwise) through rose colored lenses. Ajan (teacher) Tete hasn't become who she is over night. And just the same, I can't expect to grasp the essence of who she is and all she's done..so early in the game. Still... the more I get to know her, the more I want to know her. And that says a lot, right there.

For the past week I've been back in Chiang Mai. Siami has been working on a tourism project that will bring financial help to the hill tribes, while helping to preserve the culture. So we've been checking out other tourist places in town, seeing how they run their business, and planning ways to make her future endeavors run effectively.

Tomorrow (Monday, June 23rd) , I will be driving back out to Musekee with Siami. There are many things planned for the week. And I'm hoping, personally, to have more time to talk with her and hear the rest of her story. I still have a lot of questions.

The 28th, I will be coming back down to Chiang Mai for a quick overnight, before taking a bus to Mae Sot. I will be there for about a week meeting with some really brave men and women who've founded ministries that reach out to the Karen refugees in Burma and Thailand. If you'd like to look into who they are and what they do, here are some of their websites:
www.partnersworld.org
www.freeburmarangers.org
www.prayforburma.org
www.compasio.org

I hope to be able to meet with all (or as many) of these organizations as possible, to gain a better understanding of:
1.) Who the Karen are
2.) How they've gotten to where they are today
3.) What obstacles (governmental, political etc.) are holding them captive
4.) What these organizations are doing to counter-act the problems
5.) How we can help them to help the Karen people
6.) ETC.....


Please keep me in mind and in your prayers over the next few weeks. My journey is far from over. I will do my best to keep you posted more frequently.


Joanna

pictures in order:
-Siami and Soradaat - her husband
-A child from the Wee Nom Som Center
-a jungle over look
-A Karen woman who invited us into her home for tea
-Tete's Uncle Peter

One Week Inside - the photos

Here are the pictures that go along with my last post on June 5th.  They are as follows:
~ Sean & his family
~ Gumpon & Mirijam Kumdee, the pastor of City Gate Church who I have been helping with their coffee shop.
~ "The Light House" coffee shop & garden outside it
~ The Links Mansion where I am staying in Chang Mai
~ A picture of their cool hot water heater rig for the showers

More pics to come later.

One Week Inside

Hello Friends,
I'm one week into my voyage here. And I believe it would be safe to say that I'm sure I am only standing at the door of all there is to come. Let me rewind the past seven days for you, and try to bring you up to speed.

I left Billings at 4:55 pm. Wednesday. (May, 28th) After a quick stop in Salt Lake, I continued on to L.A. It was my first time in that airport, and I got pretty lost trying to find the international terminal. I didn't want to believe the airport employees - who kept telling me I had to go outside and walk a few blocks to find it! Turns out, they were right!

My flight into Bangkok was 16 hours! But I had the company of some really nice seat-mates, and the hours didn't seem as long as they could have. One of them even helped me find my next gate when we landed. I arrived in Chiang Mai at 8:50 a.m. Friday. (May 30th) My bag looked like like it had gone through allot during the trip too! But it was there, I was there, my friend's who were picking me up were there, and that's all that mattered!

For the past week I've been staying at the LINK MANSION. It's about 1km. away from Sean and Anne's home, and just down the road from the City Gate Church. I've been helping Sean and Mirijam (the Pastor's wife at City Gate) get there coffee shop started. They plan to open in about one month, and none of their staff had ever made espresso before. So I've been training them on the machine and teaching them how to make the different drinks. Sean even made an 'instructional video' of me making a latte, and talking my way through all the steps. It came together really well. Sean said it was good enough from the food network! (But I think that is a bit of an exaggeration. He just better not put it on U-Tube. That's all I've got to say!)

Tete came into Chiang Mai last night. She stopped over at Sean and Anne's home (where I happened to be, at the time). And explained that she had some work to do in the city for a few days. We had originally planned on going out to Musekee today (June 5), but now we're going on Saturday. She said that before I go up to Musekee, she would like me to meet her Uncle Peter. The one who helped her come to Thailand, all those years ago. She expressed her fear that he will pass on, and there will be nothing left behind. No memoir, no journals, no letters. Nothing to tell of the life he has lived and all that he has done for the Lord. She hinted to some secret missions he has been involved with, and that he has led a rather daring life. "His life would be another book for you! If you can get it all, that is." She said.

Today I had the honor of meeting him. Tete and her Husband drove me downtown in their yellow SungTow (Taxi Truck) to Uncle Peter's office. It was in an area of town that I had never been before, a business district. We visited for about an hour and a half. Not long enough, to even come close to part of his story. He was fascinating! (I can see where Tete gets it) I won't get into all that I learned this morning. I'll save that for the book. But I am planning on visiting with him again, probably when I get back from Musekee, in a few weeks.

In the past 7 short days, God has been breaking my heart for the Karen people. I'm sure allot of you have never heard of them. I know I hadn't, until I came to Thailand last year. But even at that time, I didn't know their story. I didn't understand who they are as a people. What they've suffered. How they continue to be exploited, and cheated out of the hope, of ever having hope. Not to mention freedom.

I am compelled to do some thing to help them. To get involved somehow. I have no idea what I could possibly do, to bring any kind of relief or support. But I've got to do something. And I feel that one of the biggest problems they have, is the simple fact that nobody knows they're here. Tete's work has been among their different villages, with their children, and widows. And so..inadvertently, they are already apart of the story. I've decided to start do allot of digging, and try to learn as much as I can about them. I've been fortunate enough to know people who (who know people, etc.)who have worked with them for decades. I can't understand the importance of the work at Musekee, without understanding the Karen. And I can't write about the one, without the other. That is my big assignment, now. Who knows where it will lead? But I just have to keep walking. Keep on taking small steps of faith, until I figure out what it's all been for. We don't need to see the big picture every time we see a problem. We just need be willing to be the answer...

It's not heroic to want to help. To see and hear the injustices that have been committed and not be moved to action, would be inhuman (barbarously cruel and unfeeling) of me. Or anyone.

Thank you for your letters of encouragement and your continued prayers. I cannot do this, without them! And I have noticed their effect day by day. God has indeed gone before me. I am not doing this alone...
We are all connected - One body, united in Him, by His Blood, for His purpose - to love Him and make His great love known to the nations.

City Council Meeting - Follow up

As I promised, I'm writing to let you know how the City Council Meeting went tonight. Their response was favorable, though there will have to be more consideration and input from the community. One council member suggested that I make sure the Laurel Outlook (newspaper) wrote about the Sister City Idea. Then we could gage the community's interest level based on the response we get from the article.

I can also print out responses, opinions, and suggestions that any of you have. So please post comments regarding this idea. Would you be interested in having a Sister City?

I will write more soon,
Joanna

ps.) for those of you who are new my this blog, you can read more (below) about how Project Musekee got started. Thanks for visiting this page. And feel free to contact me with questions or comments. my email is - yada.root@gmail.com

FYI - Why am I so into yada? It's the Hebrew word for Knowing or loving someone or something deeply. The actual definition is "To Know by observation, investigation, reflection, or firsthand experience." But the highest level of yada is in 'direct intimate contact'. I take "root" from Psalm One - being rooted and grounded in God. Together they symbolize what I've given my entire life to. Knowing God. And from that place of love and security, making Him Known to others by allowing Him to been seen in me.

I'm not sure if I ever explained that to you before. But lots of people laugh at that silly phrase, when it's really so much more. It's just hidden, like most treasures.

Update

Some of you may already know this. About a month ago, I felt led to do more with Project Musekee then just write the Tete's story. I was talking about what the 'more' could be, with some friends, when the idea for a "Sister City" came up. The concept seemed to click.

I spoke last week with Mayor Olsen, of Laurel, explained my personal project, and asked him what he thought of the 'Sister City' idea. He seemed interested and asked me to speak at the upcoming City Council meeting (which is tomorrow, May 27th). The meeting starts at 6:30 and I will be presenting the project around 7:30.

Please pray for me and with me about this. I'll let you know how it goes!
- Joanna

Project Musekee - Launched

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope that this letter finds you all well. I also hope that you enjoyed the little video about Thailand that I sent out with my last letter! I mentioned at that time that I would be writing again soon – to tell you about the next project the Lord has given me for this year. It's taken longer then I originally thought to get the finer details nailed down, but now they are, and I am excited to share it with you!

Throughout the course of this past year I have been reminded that "...He who began a good work in you, will complete it [or perfect it] until the day of Jesus Christ."(Phil.1:6) Today, I'd like to share one such experience with you, an experience that has grown into an understanding, which, for me, has become a mandate. The journey began last year while I was in Discipleship Training School at YWAM. God spoke to me one night – imploring me to not ignore the gift that was in me. He was talking about writing.

That night stirred something in my spirit. The feeling could be compared to the hunger pangs that set in once you smell something cooking. The scent triggers your senses to respond. Your mouth waters, your stomach growls, you find yourself longing to fill the need you hadn't realized you had, until moments before. That's exactly the sort of physical yearning I experienced at the moment of his exhortation. The only thing I didn't understand was that he called me 'a scribe'. I didn't know what he meant by that. Was I supposed to journal more? It seemed strange to me. Little did I know, God was setting me up, and would explain everything soon.

Two weeks later my team of 9 left for Thailand. We worked in several different locations, as you remember me telling you in previous letters. My story picks up again when we reached Musekee (which means "God's Haven") – a small hill tribe located three hours outside of Chang Mai.

The events of that day will always stand out in my mind. We woke up in our comfortable little guest house in Chang Mai. We got ready, repacked, and ate a few bananas for breakfast. At eight o'clock sharp, Sean, our translator showed up at the house. With him was a woman. At the time, she was a stranger to me, just another woman. I didn't take note of her slight but sturdy frame; her long, wavy black hair, salted with a few strands of white. I didn't notice her calloused feet in sandals, and I didn't know that she made the blouse she wore. How could I have known that she woke up at three that morning to get ready and prepare breakfast for her family? That she had driven three hours to come and pick us up. Or that she would, in the next few hours, change my life.

We loaded our packs into the back of Sean's truck, covered them with tarps, and tied it all down with heavy ropes. Then we began the long dizzying drive out into the Thai wilderness. The road was rough in spots and always turning. It seemed like a never ending tropical merry-go-round. We stopped at a few guard patrol stations as we drove through several different districts. We stopped numerous other times to get sick on the side of the road. But finally, we made it to Musekee.

A thick fog shrouded all of the buildings as we drove into the property. I could see the faces of children poking out of the upstairs windows, while others surrounded our trucks, waiting for us to get out. They clambered around us as we carried our things inside the two-story cabin we were to stay in. Terry, one of our team leaders, told us to meet out on the porch as soon as we got settled.

It had begun to rain as we gathered on the porch that afternoon. The woman from that morning was sitting between our leaders, visiting. They told us to sit down, and we did, in a half moon shape around them. The woman introduced herself to us. "My name is Zothansiami Ralte, but you can call me Tete (De'tay), I go by Tete. Ok?" She spoke with an Indian accent in a low raspy tone that immediately caught my attention. I had to lean forward to hear her, over the sound of the rain.

She explained to us that she was not from Thailand, but actually moved to Chang Mai when she was in her twenties to work with the Karen people. She was originally from the Mizaom States in N.E. India. She went on to explain how her people used to be head hunters. But because of a missionary who came to her tribe years ago, now they are all Christians, and 80% of them are working in foreign missions today. She went on to tell us how her work in the hill tribes began. The struggles she's faced, the persecution, and the miraculous ways God has provided & protected both her family and those they have taken in.

As Tete spoke, I heard the Lord tell me to "Pay Attention." Instantly I sensed His presence among us, in a strong way. He spoke again, "You are my scribe. Write for me, the story of my saints." I remembered the Word that our speaker had given me during lecture phase, and I finally understood what I was supposed to do.

I thought of how Mother Theresa was discovered by a British reporter who took an interest in her work. I thought of how the world has been impacted by the life she lived, and all she did for the poor. She, like Tete, was just a faithful friend of God – who simply did what the Master was asking her to do. She wasn't looking for praise or honor. She wasn't looking for press. But her story was told, and those who've heard it, will never be the same. Because she chose to give her life away, she chose to help those who couldn't help themselves. I was reminded of Hebrews 12:1-2a

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…"

That cloud of witnesses is not just the saints who have gone before us. I believe that it is also referring to those who live among us. We are the redeemed, we are His saints – His sanctified ones. And we are all called to edify, exhort, and build each other up in the faith.

I thought of how the Church and the World needs to hear stories like these; stories of the everyday hero, the radical ones - who actually do what the Bible says. The ones who don't spinelessly conform to the molds around them, or slink into the shadows of compromise and complacency. If the first century Church was born through the blood of the Saints, maybe the Church of today needs to know that there are living martyrs – who die daily for the cause of Christ.

After hearing pieces of her story, and being briefed on our work for the week, Tete led us on a tour of Musekee. Time and again, I was overwhelmed by the Presence of the Lord in that place. I could not stop the tears from filling my eyes, or control the way my heart was racing. This place was sacred, it was holy. The Spirit of God was there in a tangible way, I had never experienced (to that degree) before. It was as though His very eyes were upon us as we witnessed the evidence of His provision.

As the days passed, I prayed for an opportunity to talk to Tete. It finally came on Friday, June 20^th. The day before, we had been clearing land for a water line. I had gotten a little over-zealous with my machete, slipped while chopping down a bush, and nearly split my toe in half. But this worked out for the better, as I was able to spend a few hours the next morning with Tete – while recovering. I shared with her what I felt the Lord was telling me, and asked her what she thought. She was silent for an uncomfortable amount of time. But when she looked up there were smiling creases at the corners of her eyes. The long and short of our conversation that morning confirmed that I had heard from the Lord. She wanted me to come back. And we talked about how I should go about writing her story, and the story of that place.

After we had left Musekee, I learned from Sean and Terry that they had originally planned for us to work in a different hill tribe that week. But, due to some complications, we decided to go to Musekee instead! Don't you love the way God gets us where we need to be? He really is the voice behind us saying, "This is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)

God has continued to open doors for me and show me how to move forward. A week after getting home, my friend Emily sent me her laptop in the mail. She said that she knew I'd need one when I went back to Thailand, and that God told her to give it to me. Later, I met a writer/actress of 30 years, on a flight to Miami who had just written a book herself. She took an interest in my project, and has become a sort of mentor to me, as time has progressed. God has literally been networking for me through divine appointments, like these. I have been surprised by how many people I have met who have connections in Thailand. Every time I have become discouraged by what seems to be 'impossible circumstances'; every time I have been tempted to give up, God has brought it right back. He continues to show me that this isn't about me. It's not by my might, not by my strength, but by His Spirit. What He began, He will finish. What He has spoken, He will accomplish.

This isn't a dream I dreamed. This is a dream that began in the heart of God - A heart full of love for the children of Thailand. A love that cannot be silent; a love that cannot stand back and watch the innocent be exploited. His love calls us to action. It calls us to be the voice of those who have no say; to defend those who cannot stand up for themselves. He calls us to be our brothers' (and sisters') keeper. That's the kind of love He birthed in Tete's heart in 1984, and she has been selflessly pouring herself out ever since.

I have continued to stay in contact with Tete, and I look forward to seeing her soon. I will be returning to Thailand for two months ( May 28^th - July 30^th). Sean – our translator from last summer – will be my contact when I arrive. He will pick me up at the airport in Chang Mai, and I'll be staying with his family for a day (or so) to get over jet-lag, before traveling the rest of the way to Musekee.

My purpose in returning to Thailand this time, is two-fold:

1.)To encourage, support, and honor Tete for her faithfulness. And

2.) To put to action the word spoken to me from the Lord – 'to write the story of His saints'

By capturing the essence and spirit of the work God has been doing through Tete in the hill tribes.

In the future, I would like to raise support for the village school that many of the children at Musekee attend. They are in desperate need of books, food, and a nurse's station. I would like to give to this school on behalf of Tete. This would help the continued effort to build trust, and a good name for her with the other tribal people in her area. Not to mention, the practical ways in which it would meet the needs of the children.

MORE ABOUT TETE (De'tay):

As time has gone on, Tete's work has grown. She not only rescues young girls (and boys) out of their poverty – thus saving them from being sold into Thailand's booming sex trade industry. But she also has built homes on her property for widows and orphans. She teaches the young women different trades (weaving, sewing, gardening, etc.) – which will give them a way to provide for themselves and their children. Now that some of the older children have graduated and moved on, Tete also travels to visit them, making sure they are doing well in college, finding work, and are in connection with a good support base – church, fellowship group, friends, and families.

Musekee has rice fields, gardens, cattle, and fruit trees, which not only provide food for themselves, but generates an income to help pay for the needs of the children and the costs of education. Tete is also accredited for helping to bring plumbing, running water, irrigation techniques, and solar powered electricity to the hill tribes. Sean – told us that you can travel anywhere in the three hour radius of Musekee, and people know Tete. She has literally changed hundreds of lives, and continues to reach out to as many as God brings her way.

As I venture out on this second mission, I want you all to know how grateful I am to you, for your prayers, and financial support. Please pray for wisdom and protection for me, during my time there. I will have satellite Internet access while I am at Musekee, so I will be able to write updates and keep you informed on my website: www.yadajoanna.blogspot.com .

In His service,

Joanna