When can Bhutanese refugees reunite

Yesterday, I went to a potluck picnic organized by Nepal Seattle Society. I was suprised by the number of people present and never thought of them being in so large number here in this place. While meeting people in the event I encountered with people from Bhutan in the group. They were Bhutanese refugees to Nepal and were living in the eastern part of Nepal since nearly last two decades. The US government statement of bringing them to US had initiated since the end of 2007. The group I met came last 20 days ago and were placed in Renton and Everett, 15 families were brought in this area. They were excited to be here and were aiming for a bright future of their families. When I talked with one man in his sixties, his family is in disparity, one group is in Bhutan, women members of the family were in Nepal, he himself is in Everett and his sons are placed in Renton. What a critical situation. When can they reunite as a single family, this has been a critical question for me.............. now.........

Resources led questions

I got to see the Fireworks in Seattle last month. It was colorful evening and hundreds of thousands of citizens of the city enjoyed the fireworks. It was first time for me to see the event like this. While the fireworks went keep going for an hour I was thinking of the people who are lacking basic day to day needs, those who lacked education opportunities, those who had no electricity, no transport means, no communication facilities and so on........... The resources used for an hour event could have made a village equipped with basic facilities. I tried to relate and compare the resources.......

Last week there was another similar event, The Blue Angels show........ burning fuel for an hour by half a dozen crafts. I do not want to just focus on the event but when we observe the back side of each events there has been more resources used than in front. Its really amazing to see how these events are organized and its impact over people. Are these sustainable activities and approaches that we are taking in the 21st century............ Do we lack understanding of how many millions of people are suffering from hunger today............... What kind of education are we trying to deliver........or have gained to think about the future as human beings.. Are we the best animal in earth still? How long will our superiority last among the animals?

Life in a boat

Yesterday Tony, my host took me to the Washington lake in the boat. While in the water Tony asked me if I wanted to visit one of the boat houses. As my interest we met Tim who is working for Tony in one of the boats lined near by the beach. It was small boat but with all basic facilities inside. Tim has been staying in this house for almost a year. When entering the boat the jurks which went up and down suprised me how he is so comfortable with it. When waves pass the boat house moves along with it. I had a feeling that I need time to adjust with these movements. Anyway this was the first time for me to know that people love to live in the boat houses floating.

Tour on behalf of Asian Rural Institute

A week long trip to California gave me an opportunity to meet whom I knew since few years back from Asian Rural Institute; Steven, Tomoko and Susan. Besides I met Pam and Dane who are working endlessly on behalf of American Friends of ARI (AFARI), of course JB does't need a special mention for his restless work for ARI . Its always a good moment to meet and share after long time no see.

I was invited by AFARI to join the annual general meeting and speaking in some of the churches; I enjoyed the events very much and hope the people who attended also enjoyed. The booths on behalf of ARI gave us an opportunity to share about the work of ARI to various people. We were able to share the mission of ARI to many individuals and organizations. Thanks to AFARI for organizing this trip!

Arrival at Sacramento

On 17th we flew from Seattle to San Jose. Upon arrival, Steven came to pick us up and we heeded towards Marry's home who has been a great supporter for ARI. In the afternoon we drove to Davis and finally to Sacramento. It is warm finally after 12 wks of Seattle time. We prepared a booth to display Asian Rural Institute in the convention center and were prepared for the meeting for the next day. I am excited to have the meeting and see how people respond to the acitivities of ARI and its training program.