From Janaki

As we prepare to depart, I look back on the two weeks we have spent here in Thailand. Our visit has been two fold, one to re-kindle friendships from 15 years ago and the second to introduce Samina and Jehan to exotic travel.

In many ways the situation on the Thai-Burma border remains unchanged. Despite the elections last month there has been no political shift and if anything the situation for the Karen people is worse as fighting in the area has intensified. Visiting the refugee camp felt much the same as it did when we were working here. There are differences of course the main one being that the community groups are much better organised. The committment and enthusiasm of these groups are very much alive as they seek to ensure the refugees needs are met. Mairah and Esther are as busy as ever working for the women's groups, documenting human rights abuses and conducting peace and conflict resolution workshops. The years since we last met melted instantly when we greeted each other which made me realise how deep our fiendships go. Time was short but precious as we exchanged important news. The children being there seemed very natural as both Esther and Mairah treated them as their own. It was a sad parting as we don't know when we will meet again but the internet certainly helps reduce the distance.

We received an equally warm welcome from our Thai friends Su, Pat and Anchalee. When we knew each other 15 years ago we were younger and believed we had the power to change the world. Now, with more maturity and life experience, we have more realistic expectations of the difference we can make. It was wonderful to discuss the paths they have all taken which are not far off from the dreams we used to have. They all have Masters degrees and are working for a range of NGOs dealing with cross-cultural education, HIV prevention and control and the rights of indigenous people. Again we part in the knowledge that for our friendship, time is insignificant as the bonds we once had were still as strong.

Samina and Jehan have taken to travelling with complete ease. We have journeyed many hours on various forms of public transport without a single complaint. Their highlight is riding and swimming with elephants. A close second is the warm sea and sands of Koh Chang. They have absorbed all we have shown them and are now looking forward to being home again. I too will miss the sunshine the food but otherwise feel it is time to get back to reality. The past two weeks have been nostagic, exciting and re-juvenating. Till the next time ........