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Published: January 12th 2010
Over dinner and drinks last night Matthew explained far more about what he is doing here, some things I cannot put on the web but what I can talk about is that he is working for a American charity that is supporting, medical needs inside Burma, support for an orphanage and a care centre for blind landmine victims, which is the in the largest refugee camp, there being 9 camps in all down the border with Burma ,some 700 miles.
Yesterday you saw a little of the medical work that feeds the needs in Burma as the Karen people get nothing from their government for medicine, the Burmese government spends 60% of their GDP on the military, it is clear where their priorities are.
Matt wanted to take me to the Karen orphanage some 5 hours away but we had to go through the jungle...by car thank goodness. It is hard to take good pictures as everything is green and close to you or very dusty as the road weaves its way up and down mountains with jungle all over them, that’s what makes it all odd because they are 9000 ft plus high and in Europe you would expect
cragginess.
5 hours later the jungle opened up and we turned into Safe Haven Orphanage. The lady running it just flowed with love and warmth but the place has obviously been struggling lately as Burmese soldiers had destroyed a Karen village 6 months ago on the Burma side and 200 people in fear had crossed the border and descended on her, they have been moved to a refugee camp now but it had left its mark.
The orphanage cares for 60 orphans, many of whom were in the local town when we arrived, those there welcomed us with their innocent smiles but one does wonder what they have seen as the Burmese Army had their parents blood on their hands.
I will let the pictures tell you the story as what I write cannot express the situation, after I took the photos I just went to a quiet corner and sobbed.
It was hard to drive away but I am so pleased Matt is one of those who helps her and the kids.
Our drive was taking us another 90 miles South back through jungle to Mae La refugee camp that evening.
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Ian Albon
non-member comment
Thailand
Very much enjoyed Reading your blog.I found the river Quai experience very moving.very nice to have met you on the plane and will keep in touch.Hope you have recovered from journey.Cheers Ian