Huffmon in the Himalayas: May 2012

Kezang's family

After many hours and days working on the school newspaper, Teacher's Day, and all my "markings" ( grading papers) I was ready for a nice little break. Little did I know I would get it by spending more time with my students over my small 5 day break. I was asked by one of my favorite students and newspaper photographer to come with him and his family to Tsechu in Youngphula. Now, I must be honest that I have only read about this event and it was from the government mandated text, so I had no idea what to expect. However, if you know me or know anything about me I accepted the offer as soon as it was given. What was to lose and I NEEDED the
break away from work. "Madam, I will come and get you at 9AM",

Kezang, who invited me to Tsechu with his family

"over sized" Kira

Kezang said. However, that morning I received a knock on my door at 7AM, making sure I was awake and a notice that we were leaving at 8:45AM from Kezang. "Ok", I said. half asleep. (One of the first Saturdays I was able to sleep past 9AM). I rushed around thinking should I pack a lunch, should I bring money for offerings, a Raichu or no Raichu, and many more random thoughts flowing through my head. However, by 8:30 AM I was walking up to Kezang's house without any expectations or any idea of how to act or what to even say. Dressed in my finest Kira there I was standing outside of house of people I had never met and only knowing the 12 year old who lived there. I knocked nervously and they greeted me with open arms and big smiles. I was asked to "take" breakfast, but I had already had an apple because my stomach was slightly unsettled. I walked into their traditional Bhutanese home and met his mother and father for the first time. They still are some of the most generous people I have met here in Bhutan. They showed me around, offered me tea, and even made Kezang show me his sister's photos of her graduation. After about 30 minutes of broken English conversations, Kezang's father told me that my Kira was too big and that I needed a "belt." I laughed it off nervously because my kira is "ready-made" meaning it was fit to size 3 months ago. ( I've lost weight as I have said before) Feeling more nervous they said it was time to go and they suggested I sit in the front seat of the truck. I agreed and if you know me I love "shot-gun." I sat in the truck waiting for everyone else to arrive with his grandmother who only knows Sharchop ( the local eastern Bhutan language) talking to her about my country, which she thought was Africa. I laughed it off, but only to realize that so many Bhutanese think I am from Africa because i'm brown skinned. ha! On the way I was able to talk with Kezang's father who talked about his job, America, and have other misc. conversations. He knows English so it was good to ask questions and he even stopped the truck a few times so I could capture the many beautiful sights on the way. When we arrived we he suggested I look around and he sent his neice who is 17 years old to help me translate and find my way around this event. Her name was Pema and she ended up being so much fun to be around. We shopped and she took me into places that I normally wouldn't have went to being too afraid. The day was by far one of the most memorable moments I have had here in Bhutan. The masked dances, the people, the food, and Kezang's family were more that I could have expected. Days like these in Bhutan make me feel so blessed and privileged to be here. I couldn't have been more happier laying my head down at the end of the day and I am sure I fell asleep with a smile on my face. Thank you Bhutan for once again opening my eyes to something wonderful.

Tsechu in Youngphula: Masked dances

Warding off fear or death and sins...follow along closely friends.

It's beautiful

From my class 6 students for Teacher's Day in Bhutan

After many deliberations and plenty of silence from all 22 of my colleagues, I volunteered to host Teacher's Day at Kanglung Primary School. Yes, I have only been here for 4 1/2 months and I had no idea what I was doing...I was up for the challenge. Teacher's Day celebrated on May 2, which coincides with the birth anniversary of the third Druk Gyalpo, is observed as Teacher’s Day in Bhutan. It is a day when students pay their tribute to teachers. I had no idea the magnitude of what I was getting into until I had groups of students begging me perform songs, recite speeches, and even perform dances as well. I had a whole itinerary set up for the event and let me say as they say in Bhutan,"Nothing ever goes as planned." So there I was 5 holidays due to Youngpfula Tscheu and no one to answer my many questions about what to plan, what to include, and how the day should go. I was on my own and panicking to say the least. Thank goodness for my colleagues Rika Tanteno and Sir Phutsho who I think I have mentioned before. Rika, the JICA volunteer had included many events through her Japanese club and Sir Phuntsho had decided to be the decorator and artist for the event. They both helped me out to make this Teacher's day at KPS a huge success. They say hard work pays off and by the end of the day, I couldn't have been more satisfied with the outcome. Although, I missed 5 amazing vacation days and a trip west, I have no regrets...what a memory and a day I will never forget.