Rachel Johnson
RPCV
Myanmar, 17-19
“Every person can make a difference, and every person should try.” – John F. Kennedy
The Backstory
The story of life
Slideshow
Images of the memorable moments
The Golden Land
Friends and I in our school uniforms for the first time.
Kambathazadi Palace, one of our first excursions during pre-service training.
Students during a summer session (student teaching practice for volunteers!)
In Myanmar, it's customary to give gifts to show your appreciation. Flowers are a common way to do so - we bought these for Myanmar teachers helping during our practicum.
It's also traditional for teachers to wear flowers in their hair!
Another excursion to a pagoda nearby to Bago City.
View of Bago City from a rooftop during the rainy season.
A sunset view from Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, where I spent my service.
Exploring my new neighborhood in Yangon.
Throw what ya know.
A group of neighborhood kids who followed me on my first run at site..
Shwedagon Pagoda during a monsoon. Myanmar is a majority Buddhist country, and this pagoda is the country's oldest and most significant, with pilgrims coming from all over to pray and meditate.
A Christian student prays among his Buddhist classmates while they chant their morning prayers.
Hnin Nu Nwe, left, my best friend, counterpart teacher, and, on this day, bride!
Left to right: Hnin Nu's a^pwa, Hnin Nu, and myself on her wedding day.
Enjoying the beautiful weather during pre-service training. My skirt is a traditional Myanmar longyi, worn by both men and women in all social situations. When in doubt, longyi out.
Kyaytio Pagoda: another holy pilgrimage site. It is believed that this rock stands on a piece of Buddha's hair. Male pilgrims can walk up to the rock and rub gold leaf on it as an offering.
Laughs and snugs in a pre-service training doggy pile.
A trip to Ngwe Saung beach, about a 5 hour bus ride from my site in Yangon.
Land of Smiles :)
Famous fishermen from Inle Lake. Fun fact: they pose like this just for the tourists!
My counterparts and me with the English dean.
Posing next to a tree frame used on Ka^htein, a celebration where the school gives gifts to local monasteries.
Group photos with my classes :)
Teachers and me in Bagan
Yangon graffiti.
Stories
The memorable moments
A Day in the Life of a Sayama
Routines
Lessons from the Golden Land
First Days at Site
Classroom Culture and the Role of the Volunteer
Micro View of Teaching in Myanmar
Language Learning
A Tool in Developing Identity
Jaun Journals
Resilience
Rae Roams
A Trip to Shan State
What's Love Got to Do With It?
How We Love One Another
Happiness Isn't Real
A Volunteer Journey
Lightbulb Moments
Revelations of Service
Waso, Thadinygyut, Tazaungdaing – oh my!
Celebrations in Myanmar
Gallery
Some fragments of life
Comments