Update Number 1

The Myanmar/Thailand Team decided it would be fun to have a mascot (a small stuffed dinosaur we bought at an airport) and to give our updates through his eyes as he writes home. His name is MEBS which is the combined first letters of each of our team members (Mercedes, Emily, Brian and Sarah). NMSI seems to love acronyms.

Dear Mother,
I thought I should write to let you know that I'm
doing well. Regretfully, my hopes for a vacation in
Hawaii didn't pan out, but somehow I think I found
something better.
I was purchased from the airport toy-store by three
lovely and cheerful American young ladies. They
seemed to be looking for a mascot for their
adventures, and somehow they decided that a green and
yellow dinosaur fit the need. With giggles and smiles
they brought me to the ruggedly handsome male of their
herd. He was bravely guarding their belongings, as we
fearless males do so well.
We soon boarded our first plane for about 21 hours of
flying (right past Hawaii!!) ending in Yangon,
Myanmar. That's right, Myanmar, where the cyclone hit
about a month ago. Come to find out, these young
people were bringing bags of clothes and shoes and
toiletries and two water filtering systems.
We arrived in Yangon Saturday morning and spent the
remainder of the day settling into our rooms and
getting familiar with the city. We took long walks
down busy streets. One cannot help but to be taken
back by the friendliness and hospitality of these
people in this forgotten land in the heart of
Buddhism.
Sunday morning I think I was mistakenly left behind in
their room, but they won't admit it to me. Anyway, it
seems they had a wonderful time, and they met two
English speaking families that were greatly encouraged
by the visit and have invited them over for dinner and
English conversation.
The team has agreed to act as substitute teachers over
the next two weeks to classes of adult students
learning English as a second language. This will give
some of the American teachers the opportunity to go to
Thailand and renew their visas.
The team was hoping to be able to help more directly
in the cyclone relief efforts, but the rural delta is
still not open to foreigners. It has been encouraging
and interesting to visit with and learn from the
agencies who are helping send and fund nationals to go
and aide the hurting communities.
Through many conversations and stories, we have
learned that the cyclone was a terrible and
devastating tragedy upon an already hurting people.
Their suffering and unheard cries for help were not
just for one night, but have been for more than a life
time. Yet, there is a hope.
Well, my little herd sends you their love. We
treasure your prayers.

Your son,
MEBS (Mercedes, Emily, Brian, Sarah)