We're off to the Jungle!

  Mae Sariang, Thailand
Saturday, January 3, 2009

Hi, Everybody!

We began our morning with an early breakfast and then completed packing our field-bags for a long journey into Mae Ra Moe refugee camp.

Packing Kameron

We then loaded four-wheel-drive trucks with our field-packs and food supplies to last us for the next four days, as we will be staying in the camp that long. Pi Jean (one of our drivers), switched his 15-passenger van for a 4-wheel-drive truck more appropriate for our journey into the refugee camp.

Drivers Dorothy & Matt of Partners

We also have three additional 4-wheel-drive trucks for the journey driven by: Matt, Dorothy (photo at right), and Deborah (pictured in our team photo, front row, far right).

Team at Riverhouse Hotel

What an adventure! We left the paved roads of Mae Sariang in about our first 30-minutes of travel, and continued on a rugged dirt-road for the next three hours. The road was very dusty and windy as it meandered up-and-down the mountains. We made a few rest stops to stretch our legs, enjoy snacks, and snap photos. One stop was at the top of a mountain, and had an incredible view.

Jungle Rest Stop In-route to Refugee Camp

We also stopped once to assist some other travelers in moving and loading a large heavy log.

Road Assistance

Loading Log

We arrived into Mae Ra Moe refugee camp about 3:00pm in the afternoon, and first encountered the Thai guards at the gate. Our drivers signed-us in, and we proceeded into the camp.

Refugee Children

During our 20-minute or so drive through the camp, we were greeted by waving hands and smiling children saying, "Hello". Finally, our trucks stopped at a foot-bridge over a beautiful stream, and we unloaded ourselves and our bags. Lots of helping hands appeared as the Karen gathered to assist us with unloading. They would smile and politely take a bag or Action Packer from our hands, and then take off across the bridge to deliver it to our guesthouse. 

Team on Footbridge

We eventually made our way across the foot-bridge to the guest house (a two-story bamboo house), where we met Pastor Robert (an old friend of Terry & Jocelyn's).

Pastor Robert, Our Host

He had initially offered the invitation for us to visit the camp, as well as made the arrangements for us to stay in his guesthouse. After our introductions, we made our way to the upper-level of the guesthouse by climbing a steep ladder.

Guest House Sign

Here we selected our sleeping area, and setup our mosquito nets before if became dark. Then we made our way downstairs to enjoy our first meal in the camp.

For our first meal, we enjoyed boiled chicken and vegetables with steamed jasmine (white) rice. Then Pastor Robert informed us of the activities for the next few days. Each year he hosts an annual event known as the Thanksgiving Celebration. Many people (including invited foreigners like us) travel to the camp for the event. Per Pastor Robert's request, our team will be involved in each event for the next three days. We selected Terry as our first speaker, and he begins tonight at the event scheduled for 7:00pm.

After dinner, we changed into our Karen duds, loaded our daypacks with water, cameras, and flashlights, and followed our guide & interpreter, Deena. We crossed the foot-bridge, and then walked for about a mile to a very large cleared field.

Thanksgiving Celebration Stage

A cement stage had been built near the center area, and a large area covered with straw at the front of the stage. A tarp-covering was erected with bamboo poles for shade are the strawed area, and large speakers rested on each side of the stage. Large lights were also placed around the stage area. It all looked quite odd to us for a refugee camp, but we could see that great care and preparation had been done for the special event.

We took a place on the ground in the straw, near the middle, and were soon joined by a cluster of curious children. Then many more people began to arrive and fill the area. We played with the children, snapped photos, and made creations from the straw such as eyeglasses and hats.

Straw Creations with the Kids

Pastor Robert sent a messenger to invite us to sit in some chairs near the front of the stage (which is a place of honor for guests). We were reluctant to leave the children, but respectfully made our way to the chairs. Jack was asked to sing, and then Terry spoke a short message of encouragement. Afterwards, we were treated to the incredible singing of the several Karen choirs during the Quartet Competition.

Then we located our flashlights for the mile-long walk back to the guesthouse, as it was now quite dark. The sky was filled with beautiful bright stars, and the walk was peaceful through the camp along the stream. Upon arriving at the guesthouse we enjoyed some hot chocolate and coffee and snacks before climbing into our sleeping bags for the evening. What an eventful day!