It is Anam's birthday today so I'd like to dedicate a special post for him.
I met Anam in Maungdaw, Northern Rakhine State, Myanmar, last year when I was assigned there. He was supposed to be my translator/personal assistant but we ended up as brothers. I told him that was snubbish when I first met him... making me find it so hard to work on weekends because he would find alibis not to work. Of course I understand that it takes a lot of trust for friendship to settle in and trust takes time. After that it was all easy. He arranged my schedule, followed me whereever I go (as long as it is within the travel authorizations) and his family fed me up whenever I come for a visit. We shared t-shirts and other stuff during MMDs (mobile malaria days), had several rounds of beers somewhere, and talked about personal stuff like there was no ending. He knew when I am angry (he keeps quiet when I start to raise my voice), adjusts when I am lonely and sad, listens to my wild ranting about work and people in the office and introduced me to people and places and things other expats would never have the chance to. It is probably because of my friendship with him that I was endeared by the staff and was welcomed by the Muslim community in Maungdaw.
Looking back, I wouldn't have change anything -- he was one of the many people who made my work easier and my stay in Myanmar more memorable. Long after I finished in Myanmar, we still keep in touch, and update ourselves with daily changes in our lives.
So here's to a deeply nice guy who I wish will find success in whatever he does and whereever he goes. You are one of a kind and I am so lucky to have known you. Happy birthday....
I met Anam in Maungdaw, Northern Rakhine State, Myanmar, last year when I was assigned there. He was supposed to be my translator/personal assistant but we ended up as brothers. I told him that was snubbish when I first met him... making me find it so hard to work on weekends because he would find alibis not to work. Of course I understand that it takes a lot of trust for friendship to settle in and trust takes time. After that it was all easy. He arranged my schedule, followed me whereever I go (as long as it is within the travel authorizations) and his family fed me up whenever I come for a visit. We shared t-shirts and other stuff during MMDs (mobile malaria days), had several rounds of beers somewhere, and talked about personal stuff like there was no ending. He knew when I am angry (he keeps quiet when I start to raise my voice), adjusts when I am lonely and sad, listens to my wild ranting about work and people in the office and introduced me to people and places and things other expats would never have the chance to. It is probably because of my friendship with him that I was endeared by the staff and was welcomed by the Muslim community in Maungdaw.
Looking back, I wouldn't have change anything -- he was one of the many people who made my work easier and my stay in Myanmar more memorable. Long after I finished in Myanmar, we still keep in touch, and update ourselves with daily changes in our lives.
So here's to a deeply nice guy who I wish will find success in whatever he does and whereever he goes. You are one of a kind and I am so lucky to have known you. Happy birthday....
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