The sun was rising this morning and for the first time since I arrived in Cambodia, the heat wasn’t merciless. I was headed to the Siem Reap airport to make my way to Kuala Lumpur to complete the circle and final chapter of the IndyRefugee project: personally deliver photo books and express my deep gratitude to each person that contributed their stories (provided they weren’t resettled somewhere else). As the plane descended into the city, I had this weird feeling that I was in a dream. The anticipation of seeing everyone again is overwhelming and exciting.

I know that the city will be different this time, my experience will be different (nothing is ever as it was), and Natalie isn’t with me. I have this uncanny familiarity with the city. Amidst the chaos of the airport and the city, I feel this incredible sense of peace and contentment. It’s hard to believe that an experience in a Karen refugee camp so many years ago kick started all of this.

I know that several of my good friends that live in KL have been resettled. I’m equally thrilled and sad. I’m sad that I may never see them again. Sad that I can’t hug them again. Sad that we can’t laugh together and swap stories. But I’m happy. I’m happy that they have begun to rebuild their lives.

I’m on a bus right now – on my way into the city center of Kuala Lumpur and I can hardly contain my excitement. I have a huge smile plastered on my face and am listening to the Smashing Pumpkins and staring out at the palm trees. I just got over a gnarly case of the flu and am happy to be on the uptick. It’s only a matter of hours and I’ll get to see some great friends again. More updates to come. – Katie

Indy Refugee is partnering with the lovely folks over at Exodus Refugee Immigration for a fundraiser tomorrow. If you haven’t already, get your tickets by clicking here. 

Aung San Suu Syi is coming. Aung San Suu Syi is coming!!!!!

Click here for details.

image by Shepherd Fairey from http://www.obeygiant.com

Patrick Sangbawi is the type of person that, after meeting him, you will never ever ever be able to forget him. Every now and again in life, you come across someone that you decide that no matter what, come hail or high water, you’re going to keep. Sangbawi, as I call him, is one of those.

I met him on day two of my stint in Kuala Lumpur back in October. Not only is he completely brilliant and full of any information you may need about Burma, life, refugees, and Malaysia, but he works more hours in a week than I probably work in a month. The most striking thing about him is that I have never seen him not smiling. He has this supernatural ability to find something to be thankful for in any and every situation in life. I spoke with him recently as there was a fire in his office/home. His words. “I think God that we are all safe and everyone got out. God is good.” That kind of positive outlook and gratitude is something that I can only hope for in my life.

Sangbawi is a young guy. He left his family in Burma and doesn’t know if he will ever see them again. He works in Kuala Lumpur every day with one vision: to help and serve his people living as refugees in KL.  He is hilarious, loves pop music, could probably give Justin Timberlake a run for his money in a dance contest.

Here is a photo of the living legend.

We had quite the turnout on Friday. Like an unexpectedly large turnout and were sooo thrilled to see so many people in our community supporting the project. I must give a special shout out to Sun King Brewery for peddling the sweet nectar of the gods for the duration of the night and proceeding to christen the evening with a complimentary round for the 21+ crowd.

In addition to the mosh-pit of a crowd that gathered and got their photos taken at the photo booth and we did sell some art and gather some donations. This is extremely good news and means that we will no longer be giving plasma to cover the costs of the evening.

Biak (our local Burmese patriarch) and his kids were present to take everything in. The guest of honor, he cruised around all night smiling. We had several students/photographers from North Central High school present as well. And from the likes of the photos, they totally loved the photo booth.

A big thanks to Jane Gehlhausen from the Mayor’s office to making it out. We know you had a busy evening.

We are putting the finishing touches on all our plans for tomorrow. Be sure to come out to the Harrison Center from 6-10pm.