Dragons on the Mekong
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Three months ago I was on a night-bus to Tibet with 13 young men and
women I barely knew. Now, I’m alone in Phnom Penh, soaking up the
memories, wondering how those same 13 students are doing as they
transition home to America.
A
full semester of rugged travel down one of the most powerful and remote
rivers in Asia is an epic life experience any way you cut it, but in
the company of intellectually and spiritually engaged gap-year
students, the journey became even deeper, even more profound.
The Dragons Mekong Semester did SO much. We learned SO much. We grew SO much.
And we made connections.
Connections
between friends on the program, for sure. Connections between cultures
and communities, definitely. Connections between students and home-stay
families, yes.
But we also made connections between mollusks and
the moon, between American consumerism and Chinese dams, between
Afghanistan and Laos, between stillness and peace.
Our students now emerge into the world as young adults who are empowered and aware.
We need them. I’m proud of them. And I can’t wait to see what they do.
6 responses to Dragons on the Mekong
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Tim Patterson said on December 15, 2009
It’s all about finding the connections and relationships between seemingly disparate entities and issues…the life cycle of a mollusk is dictated by the tides which are dictated by the moon…Afghanistan is rapidly catching up to Laos in terms of the tonnage of bombs dropped by American planes…
Tim Patterson said on December 15, 2009
Thanks Eva!
Yes, I fly to Vermont from Bangkok tomorrow – first Christmas home in 5 years. Hope all is well in Whitehorse -
Tim
Tim Patterson said on December 15, 2009
I had the snails, Darrin, wouldn’t miss ‘em! Now enjoying chicken liver on the streets of Bangkok.
Eva Holland said on December 14, 2009
Congrats on another amazing semester, Tim! Sounds mind-expanding. Home to VT for the holidays?
Darrin DuFord said on December 13, 2009
Must have been a great experience! Methinks this sounds like a prelude to several travel pieces…
BTW, have a plate of snails for me while in Phnom Penh.
Hal Amen said on December 12, 2009
Sounds amazing, Tim. Particularly curious about the mollusk/moon and Afghanistan/Laos connections.