OPC

So, after the shortest flight ever (25 minutes) that even served a snack (oh Thai Airways, you are the best), I've arrived in MHS. Or as A describes it, "I'm here to drop you off in the most remote, NW corner of Thailand!" Although, I can actually head a little bit further NW before running into Burma.
Thus far, we've been hit with heavy rains (those same ones that are causing all snow in china), but fortunately, the rain means that there's clean air (rather than smoke filled air). The town isn't quite as 'middle of nowhere' as I thought it'd be--there is a 7/11, internet cafes, but overall its incredibly mellow, with very few cars. After running into my prof at the same guesthouse (I decided to stay there, and out he came! which makes it uber convenient), I'm starting to get a feel for what I'll be doing for the next 2 weeks.

So, I'm working with Opportunity for Poor Children (OPC) a local NGO (although not legally recognized as such, since that requires paperwork, money, and random checks by the police) that works as an orphanage, learning center, and all around resource center for the surrounding Shan and hill tribes. These groups live in the mountains of Thailand as refugees, but without refugee status. Considered 'land-less' and pushed out of their native areas (Burma), they are allowed to live on the land, but can't receive social services or education. Pretty much, they're just allowed to exist. While some are able to obtain yearly work permits, those are few and far between. And even the social services that are provided (if you have the work permit) are often inadequate or require bribes. And, if you're burmese (and there are a lot more here after the September protests) you're pretty much SOL. These groups suffer from the same problems as other marginalized persons (drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, inadequate vocational training and education, thereby creating a nasty life cycle) despite living in the 'wilderness'. Thus far, I've heard stories about the crazy Farang (foreigner) who came to OPC under the guise of 'helping the orphans', but really created a huge mess by calling the cops on the director (they told the cops that he was hiding burmese refugees)and getting him arrested, which then cost the organization a lot of time, energy and money.
Right now, it looks like I'll be working on grant applications (they operate on close to $35k/year) to secure more funding for education scholarships and health work, and heading out into the field with another medical volunteer to do health assessments with the tribes.
It's kind of nice to be somewhere with a purpose.