Myanmar (Burma)

I figured I would write about Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, today for several reasons. My primary reason is that I just received a shipment in the mail and have roasted my first batch. My other reasons are the fact they are in the news, and I have spent time with their Catholic community in Charlotte, N.C. and I have a small connection to this culture.

To begin on the political front, I’m not totally sure what is happening over there, but for years it hasn’t been good, and things are coming to a tipping point currently. When Pope Francis visited they had the Rohingya crisis, where large amounts of the Muslim population in Myanmar were being wiped out and forced to flee to Bangladesh. Sadly, Muslims, Jews and Christians alike are suffering religious persecution in different ways depending on the part of the world and situation. We see this with Muslims in China who are detained, reeducated and sterilized (nearly a million currently). Sadly there is great intolerance in humanity when it comes to difference of opinion and cultures. We see it in our current country as well, which is why all freedom of speech is important. I was listening to something yesterday, that freedom of speech is the pressure release valve for tension. When we can’t talk openly about things, we eventually fight and the environment becomes very toxic.

This brings me back to the coffee and the community. They are amazing, humble and kind people. I was reminded of this when I watched my favorite YouTube channel, “The Best Ever Food Review,” and the producer, Sonny Side, visited Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The small community I visited in Charlotte was made up of a mix of people from Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. They were very loving and had that free spirited way of worship, while still remaining reverent. They are often quiet and reserved in their approach, but once they see you are interested in learning about their culture, they welcome you right in. Very beautiful experience.

My hope is while we enjoy a cup of coffee, especially some from Myanmar, that we would take the time to say a little prayer for this country in turmoil. May God’s will be done, since man is often corrupted into fighting and imposing their will on another. I pray that the peaceful resistance of the faithful of all backgrounds will show these hardened types, their aggression solves nothing. Most of all, rejection is God’s protection. While it’s no fun being driven from your homeland, may they find prosperity in their new homes, just as we see many refugees doing in America.