Burma Night June 2010

Meaningful Volunteer is a way of life and how to live your life to the fullest.

Visiting different countries has always been exciting and fun. I've realized that the places I have visited have meaning not simply because of the location but mostly because of the people.

Although l have never been to Burma, the Burmese people I have met here in Vancouver, are so proud of the beauty of their country, with rolling hills and vast amounts of green space, that their country seems amazing to me. You can almost feel the serenity while some elders talk about where they grew up.

Elders often speak of such things as the spirit of kindness and dedication, the spirit of fortitude, as well as loyalty and family values. They stress the importance of passing these values on to the next generation.

They dedicate their lives to serve others, especially their family. They will put their lives on the line, creating a better future for their sons or daughters. One feels their palpable kindness wrap around you like a warm blanket.

The parents will often go without, in order for their children to have a better life. The happiness of parents is based on fulfilling their children’s happiness and ensuring a successful future.

The adage to find something more meaningful than yourself, to dedicate your life to it, is something Burmese people demonstrate on a regular basis, in how they care for their families and their country.

Last night, preparations for ‘Burma Night For Aung San Suu Kyi’ started off chaotic, just like any other fundraiser event. Lots of “things” to be done before the guests arrived. One can feel the pressure of “too many things to do with so little time” but somehow, this time, it was different. It was peaceful, even though things didn’t go exactly according to plan. Some people were late. Some items that should have arrived didn’t make it. It didn't matter though because everyone just moved forward and did what needed to be done.

Once everything was decorated and in place, the guests started to arrive one by one. A few opening speeches were made by Burmese representatives followed by various performances. The food was delicious. There were varieties of vegetarian dishes but also some food for non-vegetarians.

Most of the songs were sung in a different language. That didn’t matter. Their passion and expressions on the faces of the singers along with their body language conveyed how proud the Burmese performers are of their heritage and nationality. Through their music & expression, they helped me envision what Burma must be like. Burmese people seem to understand how to live their life to the fullest, with kindness and compassion, which is a reminder of what Burma’s Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was all about.

I feel so fortunate that Meaningful Volunteer was there for Burma Night, because as our organization grows, this is exactly the kind of ideology, principles, and direction that we are striving toward. Meaningful Volunteer is not just about a unique travel experience, it’s about making a difference in the way we live our lives to the fullest. It’s about having shared beliefs that bring us together and help us care for each other in a meaningful way.