The sky opened up and the rain is not just coming down. Nope, it is rushing from the heavens, soaking anything in it's path. The sight to see is not plastered clothes on the bodies running around, trying to find shelter, but the rapidly growing river that is rushing down the street. The river is the color of chai tea, with a bit of milk. It is monsoon season here in Myanmar and I experience this scenario on a daily basis, now at the point where sunshine could not be more welcomed and my skin craves the feel of the delicious rays, browning my epidermis.
Yangon has changed. It is amazing at how every day, I spot something new: a car dealership, street art, stretch limo or perhaps the American coffee shop on the corner. Rumor is that 7-11 is arriving this fall and we are expecting McDonalds in 2013. I am excited to think about the opportunities that being given to the people of Myanmar, but sad that it has to be run over by the franchises of the western world. What I love most about this country is the innocence of a developed nation, where people still wear tanaka on their face as make-up and listen to poorly arranged pop music. Now I have noticed shops selling short shorts (gasp!) for young women and less men are wearing the traditional longi, opting for jean pants instead. What the world is saying about Myanmar being the "sexy" place to go is true- you can see the change happen before your very eyes- on a regular basis. The bittersweet attitude I have that goes along with this change is frustrating, yet also exhilarating, for I cannot help but have pride for the people that are (for some) seeing the world for the first time.
5L's classroom is a totally different chapter in the tale of Yangon. I have 24 children that not only have the contagious excitement to learn anything and everything I can offer to them, but are also wise beyond their years. From hand holding to Sideways Stories from Wayside School to Shwedagon Pagoda being a perfect illustration of a heart to the most in depth over-population discussion to math karate to solving community problems, my kids have stolen the majority of my heart. Here I was thinking that after "figuring out" teaching and getting into a rhythm from last year, I could have a little more time on my hands... psh, was I wrong. Most of you know me better than I know myself and lets just say that I pulled a typical Lynsey and have kept my plate filled. My most exciting activity is the reading buddy program we are setting up between our elementary school and a local government school! The kids all get to play and read together- building relationships and understanding that no matter what class they are in, they are capable of having an inclusive community. It's thrilling to think that after thinking about doing these kind of projects for the last year, I am able to see them come to life! If there is anything that I have learned about dreams, it is that after a lot of hard work and sorting out the ridiculous details, they can become a reality. :)
"
We need to be the change we wish to see in the world." -Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
