Myanmar Observations and Thoughts

Just a few thoughts and comments I have on our experience in Myanmar:

• Myanmar is still a poor, developing nation with potential (the Chinese already have a foothold in the growth potential)
• Basic needs, such as electricity, clean water, and sewers, are not yet available to the majority of the rural population (90% are farmers)
• The plastic bottle and trash in the waterways is a serious problem (as it is in most of SE Asia)
• There is wealth, but it is in the hands of few
• The monks depend on local donations, and there are not enough people to support the swelling number of monks here
• The people are willing to sacrifice their own current well-being in order to make donations to the pagodas and monasteries to improve their chances of a better after-life in Nirvana
• There are two sides to the political troubles in Rohingya, and atrocities are coming from both
• No matter how crowded a pagoda may be, you can always find your shoes where you left them when you come out!!!