Why Burma?

I decided to travel to Burma during the beginning of 2009 for many reasons- most of which I still cannot fully explain. I had never traveled outside of the country, and thus decided that it was time to see the world. I was also so focused on all my schoolwork and activities, I was intrigued by the prospect of traveling somewhere where I didn’t always know what was coming next- where we would be, what we would eat. I was ready to just take it as it comes. I had also raised funds for Give a Girl a Chance, a program through New Community Project that provides scholarships for girls in remote parts of the world who would not have the opportunity otherwise. I was interested to see firsthand the effects of such programs- perhaps to make legitimate my cause for future benefits.

The trip with New Community Project is a Learning Tour- not necessarily a mission trip, but neither is it a tourist vacation. We visit many places tourists don’t go, and sit down and talk to the people, thus learning about the lives they lead, the problems they encounter, and their needs. This paves the way for new programs through NCP. It’s both the organization’s method of action and of supervision, and travelers like us get to learn along the way.

Many of our group was interested in the government and politics of the country and their effects on the people. I find that I tend to focus more on the people themselves, the lives they lead, and especially aspects of the education system. I also notice in my journaling that I take a scientific approach to noticing the environmental aspects of the land and the plants and animals I observed. I get many questions about the politics and I know they are somewhat under international focus and scrutiny these days, however I can’t say I took in as much of that as I did other areas of interest.