It has been humbling for us to get to know a few Burmese people, and to learn something of the grief and anguish hidden away in this country. For those who escape into Thailand, life is still extremely tough and many wait for 20 years or more in refugee camps along the border, hoping that one day they might be recognised by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and have the chance of resettlement.

Even then, the challenges are enormous.  Leaving a familiar culture and taking off into the unknown is a terrifying experience. It can involve learning a new language, facing a new climate, adapting to a new culture, and often involves laying down one’s personal dreams of career or study in order to survive the many  years needed to obtain citizenship.

Changing Lives heard of a Burmese teenager who needed some urgent heart surgery. We were able to provide about 25% of the total cost which was needed for her treatment. We can report that she is making good progress, but is one of those waiting in a refugee camp along the border.

Our visit to the Thai/Burma border was the first experience which began to ignite in us a passion for the poor.  During that trip, our daughter was called to give emergency treatment to a Burmese man who had been found in the road, paralysed from a broken neck.  He was later transferred to a Christian rehabilitation centre in the north of Thailand, and Changing Lives Worldwide was able to give a significant gift to his care over a number of years.

Each week he was given a small amount of pocket money from his Changing Lives allowance, and we understand that he was clutching some of that small change when he died in April 2009.

We honour the work of the McKean rehabiliation centre who cared for him so lovingly during his time there.