On The Borders Of Thailand

By Sr. Zosima R. Dalena, OSA

I encourage the people to minimize the use of plastics by using the baskets or re-usig plastic bags instead.  Through this we can keep the environment clean and green.  And at the same time we can also help the government solve the garbage disposal problem.  While giving free reflexology to members,  I also campaign for use of herbals.  People here are heavy users of drugs.  Prevention is being promoted also--no sale of liqour and cigarettes in the store.  I am the only one working here fully convinced of the harmful effects of heavy drinking and smoking.   Education is a lifelong process.  But, there is great hope.

Refugees

I am one of the three Ausutinian Sisters sent here to Thailand in June 1991 at the request of the Archbishop of Thare-Nongseng.  Together with my community, I live and work at Thare in the Northeast of Thailand near Laos.  Most of the villagers here are Laotian and Vietnamese who fled from their countries during the Vietnam war.  thus, they speak the local language called Isaan.  There are differences between the Thai language I stuied in Bangkok and, that spoken here.  however, even at a slow pace, I am learning how to speak Tsam; praise the Lord for the blessing of determination to go on and of perseverance to learn a new language and a dialect.

Village Co-op

We have now opened our Villagers Consumer Store.  Cooperatives, as a way of life, is very relevant, most especially these days where rampant 'isms' like materialism, consumerism, and individualism, are creeping into our society.  Having one store which is owned, supported and managed by the people themselves helps them to build their own future amidst fast-changing values in society.

Handicapped to Handy-capable

One day, something amazing happened!  Six-handicapped youngsters from very far places came to our little co-op.  They had an ambitious dream for themselves and their fellow 500 youth.  they wanted to own their own store and manage it as well,  So, they attended a Crash-Coop-Course for 8 days.  They learned by watching and doing what the Store Staff-officers do.  how I enjoyed their presence --teaching them listening, being close and learning from them too.