The Blessing of the Karen

Well, it's done. My work with Babies at Risk is nearly done. I've taken my last trip to the border and now I just have a few loose ends to tie up here. I was able to visit the two main areas where BAR has been set up and is seemingly thriving. In both areas we are blessed to have trained health workers who are so eager to do this work. Together they have registered over 150 babies under the age of two. Registered babies are those who are underweight and malnourished. In addition to education that all women with infants receive, registered babies and their families receive more focused education and additional nutritional support. It is wonderful to hear the stories of babies who are no longer underweight and their mothers who have more energy and are feeling more confident in caring for their babies. Although there are still many babies who are not growing well, I am encouraged that more will be positively impacted as the program continues. Like me, my partner Kelly in the UK is being led to move on to other things and will no longer be working with BAR. The program will now be led by its founders - the couple who started Hand in Hand for Asia.

On Mothers Day, I was asked to take part in a church service that also celebrated and honored mothers in the village. During the service the mothers were called to sit up front to receive gifts. Naturally I was not expected to be ushered up front. As Nana (the head of the local clinic and senior BAR worker) began to pull my arm in the direction of the stage I said, "I'm not a mother." She quietly whispered to me, "You have many babies in Karen State." So, I sat up front, I said a few words and they gave me gifts, all the while feeling slightly out of place (which is not uncommon for me anyway in these situations).

I have had the privilege of working with the Karen and learning from them but this is not all. They have become my friends, my brothers and sisters. Their lives are not easy; full of uncertainty and physical insecurity. Most of them have already seen and experienced more pain and trauma than most of us will ever know of in our lifetime. Yet they remain joyful and happy to serve those around them.

They tell me we've given them so much and they've given us nothing. This is clearly not true. They have taught me about giving thanks in all circumstances, being content, and experiencing joy in the midst of trial and despair. Also, they have taught me about hospitality and service. I am completely amazed at their ability to love and to praise God in the most desperate situations. I will forever be changed by knowing and working with them. I will never forget the Karen and promise to pray for them continually.