"In 2008, there were 15.2 million refugees around the world, and it is estimated that 80 percent of refugees are women and children" (Refugees International) . . . most Shan refugees continue to be left out of this statistic and denied official refugee status despite undergoing severe persecution in their home country.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Welcome!

Hello my loved friends and family...I have debated for a while whether to continue my old blog or begin a new one. The reasons being... Talking about the work I am now doing in Thailand is risky for the population I am working with and frankly I find writing facts about what I am doing boring. But alas...after some consideration I have decided that this is the best way to keep in touch with and engage in dialogue with, everyone being spread about the world...and me of course on the move a lot. My dear friend Leah who is currently in Burkina Faso for the Peace Corp has inspired me to take a more story telling approach to my updates :) which should at least for me be more enjoyable!


 Some Aussie friends and I after a hike to the waterfall :)

My blog shall consist of three parts...day to day updates (to keep you updated...obviously), human rights issues that are on my mind (to engage in discussion and grow as a person), and political activism (to 1. keep Tash and I up to speed on our proposed goal of writing a "letter for change"  a week and 2. to invite you to get involved in doing the same). So read what you like, keep in touch often, and smile always.

Love, Peace, and Popsicles,
Michelle

4 comments:

  1. Yay!!! What a great idea Nails...and I'm so excited that there's a political activism letter element :) ...and it's already got me going:

    www.globalpovertyproject.com/campaigns/cadbury

    we should write to the KEO of Kraft (Irene Rosenfeld) asking her to publically announce a committment to uphold Cadbury's fair trade committments as they take over Cadbury! (I was soooo excited about being able to eat chocolate that was easily accessible again when Cadbury made this announcement - let's hope Kraft change their style and start supporting fair trade!)

    Anyway, can't wait for the updates!

    biiiiggg hug

    Tash

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  2. oooo wonderful Tashie I will tag onto this one too! miss you heaps! :)

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  3. Michelle, you are amazing and true to your heart. Keep going and I'm there too. Hugs, Kate

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  4. wonderful to see some pics:)looks like its a beautiful area. have an amazing time:)miss you... love P.

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