On April 10th, 2014… I was called by Bu Reh to attend to Phray in the hospital…
Personal Disclaimer: this is the story of how God brought me to him through answering a call to social justice. Our story is from my small perspective and with respect to others, potentially NOT their experience or perspective. The pictures and words of this story are written in full collaboration with Phray's son, Ywi (Phray's POA) and the verbal permission of Phray, HIMSELF- obtained during moments of lucidity and clarity. As I bring our story public for the good of others, I am reminded of the 5th Commandment ordering God's people, "Thou shall not kill"- and I add, as I understand the 5th Commandment… Not kill the body or the soul. I nor Ywi nor Phray hold willful intent to cause harm to others with this blog. Our only goal is to give hope, teach and share God's message through our story. Your comments are welcome in a private email. ywijeni@gmail.com
"Thay Bwee" (Thank You).
WHO AM I?
For many this may be one of life's most perplexing questions? For me? Not really. I have known who I am and what I was from as early as I can remember… maker, creator, artist and teacher. Give me permission and I will do my best to give you a masterpiece!
As early as I can remember, too. I have been a Catholic in the making +++
Discernment has not been without great pain, sacrifice and dying to the self many many times over. I have suffered, my loved ones have suffered and those on the perimeter have watched and wondered.
In 2005 I became a Catholic by the seat of my pants. In 2009 I met the indigenous people of Burma (now Myanmar) from Karenni State. My life, my character and personhood was changed forever.
To Americans I am Jennifer.
To Burmese Americans I am Jen.
To Karenni-Americans, I am Ywijeni.
To Ywi, I am Jeni.
To God, I am Child.
To Jesus, I am Sinner.
To the Great Advocate, I am the voiceless.
WHO IS YWI REH?
Ywi, multi ethnic- Kayah and Shan, is the second to youngest son of Phray. He was born as an IDP (internally displaced person) in the jungles along the Thai- Burma (currently Myanmar) border. Ywi arrived to the US in June of 2009 with high hopes of an education and seeking answers to his many questions and curiosities about the West. For two weeks, he sat quiet and terrified with his Father and two friends inside a brick and mortar 'home'- eating from the Save-A-Lot across the street. Ywi was one of the first Karenni refugees to arrive in Bowling Green. Time and Money. Only two months later, Ywi learned the realities of the West. High hopes for an education and a quest for knowledge came to an abrupt halt. Ywi began work in the US at three months 'resettled'."I am the basics learning English in United States. I would like to learn English with the English people for a second language to improve my life. I do not have grades and college in Thailand and I study by my self and try to do everything by myself. I don't want to be like the past. I would like to improve my life in the future. I try to study the English better for me. If I have an education in the US, I would like to return to Thailand and teaching the Karenni people how to do and also English. Also to build Karenni culture good. If you read this letter, you need to try more than me."
WHO IS PHRAY REH ?
Phray Reh is 68 year old, single man from the Country of Burma. Phray Reh and his family survived in hiding along the border of Burma (currently Myanmar) and Thailand for nearly 20 years before finding REFUGE in a closed camp along the Thai border in 1996.
Thirteen years later, Phray and his son Ywi, along with two friends relocated to Bowling Green, KY. Here Phray attended weekly worship service and was a regular at the local resettlement agency, where he gleaned as much education as he could about American culture and the English language.
NONE OF THE EDUCATION HE RECEIVED PREPARED PHRAY NOR YWI for the events of late March.
