Wrong Way, a short movie by iRaysCreation

 
"Wrong Way" is a collective effort of our Bhutanese friends resettled in United States. This short movie gives a good message to our resettled friends across the globe. See below for the full description of this movie as posted in mearomeo1000's channel in YouTube:

"WRONG WAY" is the first work of "iRaysCreation" and a first Bhutanese short movie in USA. This movie reflects the dreams and the consequences of Bhutanese and Nepalese people being abroad due to little carelessness. Movie might be coincidence to some viewers. "WRONG WAY" is written,directed,photographed and edited by Bhanu Tiwari in the assistance of Arjun Devson. Hope you will consider this as the first work of "iRaysCreation" team and gonna support and suggest us. Thank You.

Don't forget to leave your feedback/comments after watching this video. Check this out:

Letter to a friend in refugee camp

Tika Ram Ghimirey, who is currently residing in Forth Worth city of Texas states in USA shared his letter to Ram (name changed) who is in refugee camp in Nepal through this online platform. Giving clarification about his letter, he writes: "This letter doesn’t look general, however it’s not too personal either. I am writing to my typical Bhutanese friend in a refugee camp - Ram and Bhumika who are just representations. I always intended to give a general picture in this letter". Check this out:

Hi Ram,

How are you doing these days?

It is good to hear from you that you eventually accepted resettlement. I knew you were always in favor of it but some situations were always unavoidable, it’s very usual.

I also know at this time you are kind of confused, undecided and more eager - the reason being obvious that it is a big decision. You have just applied and it will surely take a while, leaving you enough time to decide what and what not. It is all about moving abroad altogether. Be decided that we will be in foreign land forever. Once you arrive here, going back to Nepal or Bhutan becomes a distant dream. Never bring big dreams to your new home. Simply believe in fortune and understand you will have an easier way of living here. America is not a heaven - as everyone should understand it, but it is certainly better than Nepal or Bhutan. Means of living are better, life is easier. There are more opportunities for job but remember you are doing an entry level job. Earning is far better and you will soon go about 20 times richer in about just 3 months. You don’t have to think twice to buy another laptop for your wife or son.

Don’t worry about American tax system. It is good and perfect. It will take a part of your earnings from your every paycheck but will refund it at the end of the year as a tax return. It is just like your saving account. Because you have a baby, you will be eligible for more tax returns than what you would pay. You will also pay a part of your income for your social security thereby securing your old age.

It is always better to be together in a family. Be sure to bring your parents along with you. They would look after your baby so that both of you would go to work. Remember, kids can be a big burden in a nuclear family in the United States and most other countries!

Ram, if you want to show that you are clever in these matters, don’t forget to bring your differently able sister Bhumika along with you. She will get a good medical treatment and she might be eligible for disability benefits. She might get caregiver services at home. You would find yourself really fortunate for that. She would definitely get a new life here.

Life in America is stressful. You feel alone (so don’t think of moving alone leaving your parents behind) and harassed with American work schedule. Surely, you don’t like someone shouting at you when you are working. If you are not working well, they won't ask you for a reason but simply you will have to look for another job the next day. Usually you are at work and you will have almost no time to enjoy. You may not get to sleep together with your family for the whole week for the same reason. You will get bills after bills in your mail box. You will have a large amount to pay off your bills and rent at the end of the month.

Most of the immigrants dislike America for its crazy schedule and no sitting job and so do our people. America over there and America over here is really different. Majority of my friends regret for being here due to the same reason. However, I don't because I was not influenced by an American fake story narrated over there. I always knew that it would be life full of struggle but still better to live in an advanced country like this than living as a refugee.

Wishing for your better future!

Thanks,

Tika Ram Ghimirey

Forth Worth, TX

United States

(Formerly from Khudunabari camp, Jhapa, Nepal)

Notice

Hi Friends,

The Administrative Division of Bhutanesefriends.com is going to form a strong governing body for this circle. So, if you are interested to make more friends, develop your personality skills, perform and present your talents through this platform, and stay in touch with your friends worldwide, please let us know via email. We will be discussing on different topics including networking, communication skills, technology, friendship, and much more.

Please email us with your brief bio in frens.bhutan@gmail.com, and we will respond to you shortly.

FYI, we are also preparing to launch podcasts, online radio programs, and magazines. If you are interested in this field, please email us.

Thanks and Happy Diwali!

Tri Bikram Adhikari

Admin

Bhutanesefriends.com

Message from Texas State of the United States

Tikaram Ghimire/Bhutanesefriends.com

Tika Ram Ghimirey, who is currently in Forth Worth city of Texas in United States has expressed his feelings through this network. Enjoy:-

Hi Friends!

I am Tika Ram Ghimirey originally from Samdrupjongkhar district of Bhutan, later from Khudunabari refugee camp and presently from Fort Worth city, Texas of the United States.

While in Nepal, one of my friends said "Speak Nepali or Hindi and no English necessary in  Texas". "If you like to go to a State with a lot of Nepalese, I recommend  Texas, sir" he added. I was his tutor whenever he came to Kathmandu during his vacations.

This is really really true. There are a lot more people from our part of the country than expected. Most of them work in hotels, cellphone companies and others. I work in a big company with a large number of Nepalese friends. We celebrate every single festival in the warehouse cafeteria. It is a great fun to be there! When the company throws party during occasions it excludes foods which otherwise they would not.While back in the apartment, its all our people in the street in Nepali DHAKA TOPI.

Elderly people here have little different story. A man in his late eighties who came from Beldangi III the other year is reported to have said "They said heaven!....well!! right this is the heaven". They spend a part of their days talking on the schedule for next BHAJAN in the following evening. A part from this they take English language classes every other day. No one is desperate, no one is left alone- it is all like being in Nepal! They never thought it would so fun abroad.

My personal feeling is that the impact of moving to third countries in general is not fast it is rather very slow. A wide range of generation is gradually giving up sense of responsibility and identity in the vastness of modernization and ever growing technology. 

It is good to change but we should not change at the cost of our own culture tradition and language. The young generation is the most prone to unwanted changes as they are more accessible to resources here than originally. However, it depends on the kind of culture we give to our kids in our own family. It is very important to keep our kids within the Nepalese framework like the Indians do before it is too late.

Thank You
Tika Ram Ghimirey

Message from Toronto City of Canada

Dilli ram Lohar, currently resettled in Toronto City of Canada has shared his feelings through this network. Take a Look:

तिमीलाई देख्दा, आगो लागेको रात सम्झे,

दुई मुठी सास बचाउन, भागेको रात सम्झे,

थोरै सपना, बाँचेको आशा खरानीभै उड्दा

नाङ्गो अस्तित्व जोगाउन, गुहार मागेको रात सम्झे।

Dear Friends,



My Name is Dilli Ram Lohar. I am a Christian boy of 23 years old. I was previously from Goldhap Bhutanese Refugee Camp. Currently, I am ressttled in Toronto City of Canada with four of my family members including my parents and my sister.

I am very happy to introduce myself to you and to the entire team of this network, family and all my known and unknown friends. Till today, nobody had asked me to share something about me and my life. However, I found a good platform to share those feelings. I have travelled a long journey with many obstacles and difficulties. And the same memory of the past, gives me lesson to face all the challenges today and also in the future.

I know the sorrowful situation of Refugee camp and crisis that I used to face in that period. I think not only myself but all the people who came across those situation and circumstances will never forget that. It should not be forgetten, too. Otherwise, the living history will die and remind us not to forget it.

I am interested in writing and listening to music. I felt that I have to share something from this platform so that one can understand my feelings and I may become friend with whom:

I CAN SHARE SORROWS AND PAIN,

HAPPINESS AND SMILE THAT I HAVE GAIN,

SWEET MEMORIES OF THE PAST,

IN EVERY HEARTS WHICH EVER LAST.

If you wanted to be my friend and share some part of the memories and have a great fun of the life with smile and cheerfulness, with the blessing and grace, with love and comfort, than I welcome him or her in my friendship profile. Happy New Year 2011 to you all and Stay in touch!



Your Friend,

Dilli Ram Lohar

Contact me in: sreborn33@yahoo.com

(The short poem in the heading of my message is about Fire Incident that took place in Goldhap Refugee camp which I wrote it to remind you all.)

Heartfelt Condolences

 

Menuka Poudel (Source: BNS)

We are deeply saddened with the sudden and untimely demise of our friend Menuka Poudel in December 1, 2010.

Poudel, 20, who was currently residing in Phoenix city of United States was previously from Beldangi-II Bhutanese Refugee Camp.

At this moment of grief and sorrow, we would like to express heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray the almighty god to rest the departed soul peacefully in heaven.

Friends Circle, Bhutan Family

 http://www.bhutanesefriends.com/



Message from North Queensland, Australia



Lok-Nath Bhandari/Bhutanesefriends.com

Lok-Nath Bhandari, previously from Khudunabari camp has expressed his feelings after he begins his new life in North Queensland of Australia. Check this out:-

Hello Friends,

My Name is Lok-Nath Bhandari. I am currently resettled in Bribie Island, Brisbane of North Queensland in Australia from Khudunabari Camp. Firstly, I am glad to get this Circle to express my thoughts, feelings and also about my new life in Australia.

I was only the baby of 9 months when my parents were evicted from Bhutan. After that, I was brought in Khudunabari Refugee camp located in Jhapa district of Nepal. I passed my early childhood period in the camps facing numerous difficulties. There was no proper shelter, no good health and education systems, and in particular, we can’t fulfill our basic necessities remaining in the clustered refugee huts.

In the last 17 years, my life was full of sorrows and difficulties. I was unknown about my future. Sometimes, I used to stay alone thinking about my standard of knowledge, and also my goals and the ways to achieve those. As a refugee, I cannot do anything that I wanted for my overall development because of lack of opportunities and also good system of education. In the mean time, the situation in the camp was worsening day by day. I was neglecting my education due to frustration and dissatisfaction.

I think that this all happened in my life due to the lack of opportunities and also prevailing social problems in the society including Racism, Vandalism, Quarrels, and other forms of misunderstandings.

I was always searching the way to escape from these sorts of obstacles and getting rid from this vulnerable situation. My small and immature brain started to think upon the offer of Third Country Resettlement Process which was begun already in the camps. After all, we applied for Australia keeping in mind that my family will be having better life there.

Along with my parents, I left Nepal in 28th July, 2010. We boarded a plane from Kathmandu and landed in International Airport of Brisbane of Australia in 29th July via Singapore.

I feel bad when I left my friends, relatives and neighbors and to be away from them.

I have been here for 4 months. I got many opportunities which are supportive to achieve my goals in Australia and it is glad to mention here that I am still in progress and struggling hard for my better future.

Currently, I am admitted to State High school in Grade 12. I am very glad as I get standard living, basic needs, and basic fundamental right to human beings, clean environment and climatic condition. I am in progress in building positive thoughts and feelings so that I can achieve my goals in the future.

I am also involved in keeping the relationship with other Bhutanese communities and networks including Bhutanesefriends.com Circle.

At the end, I wanted to remind all the Bhutanese friends to stay in touch and get connected through this network. Miss you all.

Thank you,

Lok-Nath Bhandari Chhetri

Bribie Island

North Queensland, Australia.

E-mail: lovu_aspari01@yahoo.com.au

Message from Minnesota State of United States

Arjun Pradhan/Bhutanese Friends

Arjun Pradhan, currently resettled in Minnesota State of United States shared his feelings upon arival in the new place. Check this out:-

Dear Friends,

It's me Arjun Pradhan. I was born in Chirang District of Bhutan. I spent my eighteen years in Beldangi -1 refugee camp in Nepal. Currently, i am resettled in Roseville city of Minnesota State of United States.

I arrived in United States in 17th August. On that long journey, I leaded 37 peoples and we came safely and now they are in their allocated cities.

I really missed my next mother lap Nepal, where i got my Education and spent my childhood. I remember my refugee hut made from plastic and thatches for protection from sun and rain. In particular, I visited all the seven camps and had made many friends and had good relationships with all the agency people in camp. I remember the precious time I spent with Reverent Father PS.Amalraj SJ, Father Peterjong Lepcha SJ, brother Monrath Pokhrel, Seven YFC Co-ordinators and Prateet Editorial team as well as Damak based journalist and also my brother Rajen Dahal, Yam Thulung, Prakash Angdembe and many others. I missed them all.
It was difficult to reside in refugee camp for a long time waiting for a good solution. Many of my friends had already started their new life in different parts of the world. I also thought about good future and better life rather than the life in refugee camps. Hence, I applied for resettlement in United States of America. I am grateful to IOM and UNHCR for resettling me here in United States.
Through this site, I wanted to remember all my friends living across the world.

Stay in touch. You can also visit my blog http://www.newsofexile.blogspot.com/.

Thanks all!

Poem:- "A DIFFERENT ME?"

Hari Adhikari who is currently residing in Tucson city of Arizona state of United States has shared us his poem entittled "A Different Me?" Check this out:-

Hari Adhikari/Photo by Bhutanesefriends.com

The brook was babbling,

trees were dancing,

but I was delved to depth

looking for a different me..

Sun was sinking into the horizon,

Birds were chirping to go home,

the wild west wind's touching

was trying to soothe me,

I was only concerned

about one thing...

find a changed me,

totally different from the past,
I can't imagine the time has gone so fast,
completely turning my life around,
from a happy and contented me to a different me..
which I was trying to figure out

I think it is the irony of my life,
or may be something else
for which I am in to an endless mission
full of suspicions and hallucination;
hoping to discover a changed me -
regardless of whether it is a
positive or negative change.

This look for a different me,
has become a familiar refrain
without which poem...is incomplete
I tried it yesterday also and
I am doing today also
will be doing the next day too...
until I sense ......a different me?
or feel the accomplishment of my endless mission.....

Message on the occasion of Friendship Day!

“Friendship is like a perennial river which flows forever. It may change its path but will never ever dry up.” -- Pinaki Prasad Mohanty

Hello friends,

In the auspicious occasion of “Friendship Day”, our team would like to wish a good and happy Friendship Day to all the Bhutanese friends residing across the globe. After the resettlement process, we all the Bhutanese friends have been separated from each other and are residing in different parts of the world. The social networking sites and communication tools have made us nearer.

As a matter of fact, the celebrations of "Friendship Day" take place on the first Sunday of August every year and this practice of dedicating a day in honor of friends started in US in 1935. Slowly, this celebration gained popularity and at present, it is celebrated in many countries across the globe. On this special occasion, we spend time recalling the memories and also share the message of friendship and love for them. There is also practice of exchanging cards and gifts in this occasion.

Bhutanesefriends.com would like to say “BEST OF LUCK” for all the Bhutanese friends living in the refugee camp in Nepal, inside Bhutan and also to all the friends who are residing in different parts of the world. Let us share our plight and sorrows along with happiness with all the friends through this site so that we can be in contact every time. Once again, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY to all. Let us stay connected!

FRIENDS CIRCLE, BHUTAN FAMILY

Heartfelt Condolences

We are deeply saddened with the sudden and untimely demise of our friend Mitra Mishra in July 5, 2010.

Mishra, 20, who was currently residing in Syracuse city of New York State of United States was previously from Timai Bhutanese Refugee Camp.

At this moment of grief and sorrow, we would like to express heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray the almighty god to rest the departed soul peacefully in heaven.

Friends Circle, Bhutan Family

www.bhutanesefriends.com

Message from Vancouver, Canada

Ganga Subedi, who is currently resettled in Vancouver, British Columbia of Canada has expressed his feelings through this site. Check this out:-

Hello Friends,

I am Ganga Subedi. I was only of 4 years when I was brought to Jhapa district of Nepal from Bhutan and kept in Bhutanese Refugee camp (Timai) for eighteen years. After 18 years of my sorrowful life, I left Nepal on 5th October 2009 and got my first step in Canada on 6th October 2009.

In last 18 years, my life was full of misery and sorrow. I was like a fish climbing up to the earth. I was thirsty for knowledge and success. I didn't get step for hardwork. I raced towards the goal but I couldn't catch it. Then one day, I realized that all of these were just a surface to show my weaknesses. I wanted to be seen as strong and independent, but in fact, I wasn't. These all were due to the lack of oppertunity and the quality of life that I was existing.

Third country Resettlement brought a lot of conflicts and stresses in my brain. My little brain started bearing a conflict between a nationality and opportunity. I became irritable with everyone around me and didn't want to be with anyone. By the time, I was missing my friends and relatives. I was forced to think a number of questions. Who am I, How I exist, How I relate to and interect with others, and what have I been doing for the last few years? I started seeking answers and Third Country Resettlement was letting me confirm to myself the correct answers. Suddenly, I pulled my brain towards Third Country Resettlement. So, I applied for Canada. My process for Canada became well and I got a chance to be here in Canada.

I have been here in Canada for seven months. I got a lot of opportunities to be integreted here in Canada. And still, I am in the process of integration. Right now, I am doing job. Though I have to work, I am very happy to be here. A lot of opportunities, safe place to live, rights provided to us and good environmental conditions are some of the characters which which really made me happy. I am fortunate to be able to change my noisy mind which controlled every actions and thoughts. I am so lucky.

Ganga Subedi

Vancouver, Canada

g.subedi@hotmail.com

Message from New York!!

Devika Acharya, who is currently residing in Queens City of New York State has sent message to all the Bhutanese Friends in Wednesday, April 28. Check this out:-

Hello Friends,

I am Devika Acharya, currently in Queens City of United States. Born in Bhutan and raised in Khudunabari refugee camp of Nepal, I arrived New York in 16th of February with my brother and sister. I am very happy that we all Bhutanese refugees got a chance to expose to new world. We got a platform to stand on. I still remember those days when we used plastic and thatches for protection of shelter from rain and sun. We have waited a long and compromised for needs. We had hidden tears in our eyes and also laughed in pain but now we have quite better life though we are not in our homeland. Thanks to those who gave us knowledge that's what we have and will be ever. Though, we have faced many difficulties in past, we are now struggling for better life in the developed nation. However, it's too hard to be out of those memories.

All those years of my life when I was in refugee camp is very precious for me. I was blessed by my friends and was with my community. I just tried to remove my pain by the love and affection from all. I spent my childhood and learned to speak there. I met SADPK and I was so glad that I was with my Bhutanese community. Now I am neither with those friends nor with those people. Sometimes I feel so lonely that I feel all alone in the crowd. I miss them so much and miss those days a lot.

After all I need change and progress. Sooner or later everything will be all right, lets hope so. Through this network I want to say that in each new step we are leaving some memories. You can keep in contact with my id which is devikaacharya@yahoo.com. I am missing you all. Stay connected!!

Thanks

Devika

Anniversary Special!!!

Ram Bahadur Baniya, who is currently residing in Norway wrote message to all the friends in the occassion of our anniversary:-

Prior to the concern of my recognition, I am a resettled Bhutanese in Alta, Norway. It is evident that, I arrived Norway in 2008 i.e.almost two years before. To say precisely, the new life was quite difficult for me in the beginning but as time went on, I emerged myself with efforts to explore the new culture, language,religion allternately.Whereby I am undergoing higher studies as well as, working as a part-Timer in various service centers. On behalf of current existence, I am also enrolled in keeping up friendship with all the Bhutanese Community in a global context by involving myself in FREIND CIRCLE,  BHUTAN. Hence, I ensure to all colleagues to remain closely connected ever after.

Thanks,

Ram Bahadur Baniya

Valhallveien 5D

9511 Alta

Norway.

Anniversary Special!!!

Hello Friends! We received some messsages by Bhutanese friends coinciding our anniversary. Check this out:-

Nandita Khanal, who is currently in Phoenix city of Arizona state in United States has given her short message coinciding the anniversary of our network. Her message begins like this:-

Happy Anniversary Friends Circle, Bhutan!!!

Hello and Namaskar to all friends,

Thanks again Friends Circle, Bhutan for joining us and on the auspicious occasion of its Anniversary, I wish  this circle keep broadening rapidly in the days to come. I hope this is the best platform to connect our departed friends and relatives to bring together and let everyone of us to share our feelings, views and experiences, events, celebrations and even pictures and videos from the various parts of the world.

We feel great when we have someone to ask how we are and it is individual to make that happen. So, I want to thank to those who have already joined this network and request to others to join to reconnect with old friends or make new ones to make the world happy to live.

Hope everyone is doing well in their respective places. Here’s what I think about friendship:-

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Nandita Khanal

Phoenix city, USA

Similarly, Rupa Basnet from New Hampshire State of United States wrote this messsge for all the Friends:-

Hello Friends!!

Thanks for sending mail to me. I am very happy today as our network stepped in the second year. Anyway, here in United States, we all  friends are fine and doing good. How about the camp situtation?  I hope they all doing well. I am knowing that many friends are also leaving camps for resettlement which is a good step.We also need to look for our future. If we get resettled in any of the country, we will be making our bright future.

Lastly, I want to request that please convey my message that i am missing to all Bhutanese friends. I hope that you all will think about your future. I will write more next time.

Let us stay connected through this network!!

 

Thanks,
Rupa Basnet

Message from Canada

Saraswati Chhetri, previously from Khudunabari camp and currently resettled in Quebec city of Canada has expressed her feelings to all the friends. Here you go:-

Hi  friends,

It's me Saraswati Chhetri from Quebec city of Canada writing a message to all the known and unknown friends who view this site. Firstly, I would like to give hearty thanks to those friends who have created this site through which we can share our thoughts to all the friends residing in different corner of the world. As like you all I was born in Samchi district of Bhutan, however i spend my childhood in Khudunabari camp of Nepal as a Bhutanese refugee.

When I recall those days of refugee camps in Nepal, it's so painful.We lived there with difficult situation. People  in camp worked hard to make their living standard better but they couldn't make as they think. The concept of people was so conservative and there was discrimination between peoples through castism and religion. It's due to lack of  good Education and awareness. Though CARITAS ahd UNHCR assisted in our Education and also fullfillment of  basic needs but I still feel something missing there.We did nothing great except getting some education. It was so vulnerable life which I spent there. Hence, after spending a 17years life as a refugee, i finally decided to go to Canada under resettlement process.

After i got resettled in Canada- a complete new beginnng of life, i just thought that now i am free as I have left that place surrounded by complicated situation and have started new life with new thoughts. However, in another sense I sometimes get scared about myself thinking that I may face with great obstacle in a middle way of my life  because i am  travelling a long distance which I had never thought and travelled. In the meanwhile, the network with all the Bhutanse friends of mine has given me strength to overcome such obstacles which comes in the way.

Everything is systematic here and it made my life totally different and better then before. Here in Quebec city, now we are more then 20 Bhutanese families living. When i observed peoples ought here, I came to know that they all are feeling happy and peace than in camp. But one thing is different in our place.That is language. Here, we have to speak French language. It's quite difficult but i am trying my level best to learn that.

When I talk about the climate, there is snow falling here nowadays and it's cold but charming. For financial supports and basic needs, Canada Goverment will  help us for all purpose like-fooding, renting appartment, etc. Medical it's free here but we have to pay for some severe operations only. Regarding Education system, Children get free education up to class 12. As i had  finished grade-12 in Nepal itself,  i am planning to join university soon.

Finally, I am feeling much better here but missing friends in Nepal. Lastly, friends we should keep in mind that ''In this world nothing and no-one last last longer except trust and remembrance''. So, to remember all, let us have sound understanding, mutuality and brotherhood and have network. I am always in touch with you all. Thanks

Bye

Message from Phoenix city of USA

Nandita Khanal, currently residing in Phoenix city of Arizona state of United States wrote message to all the Bhutanese friends across the globe in January7, 2010 at 1:08 PM. In her message, she describes about her new life and also her experiences along with the community activities ought there in the city. Check this out:-    

Dear Bhutanese Friends,

I am Nandita Khanal from Phoenix, Arizona, USA. First of all, let me thank to one who brought this awesome thought of creating this network to bring all our Bhutanese friends together from different parts of the globe and thank to one of our senior brothers who spilled his idea of the essentiality of this network in face book which reminded me to come back and check the blog. Here’s my story and 1.9 years’ experience in the United States.

As you all, I am a Bhutanese born in Danabari which is in Sarbhang district in southern Bhutan. In July, 1992, I became a titled Bhutanese Refugee. After spending successive 16 years in Eastern Nepal under Jhapa district at Beldangi 3, sector A1, hut 61/62, I stepped into United States in the hope of having a peaceful and independent life and to erase Refugee title forever.
On the 8th day of May 2008, I was dropped into the soil of United States of America, in Phoenix, AZ along with my little sister and brother leaving behind my dear parents, elder brother, sister-in-law, 2 lovely little cousins and my other sisters and their family, all my relatives and friends with or without the hope of joining with them in rest of my life. Both happiness and sadness were weighing my mind at the same time. HAPPY: because I hoped I would be able to help my lingering family in Dharan after being displaced from Camp and SAD because I was missing and worried about my family who were at risk. We could finally join them in about 2 months which made us very joyful.
Today, there are about 1200 Bhutanese Refugees resettled in the State in two different cities, Phoenix and Tucson. We live close to each other and have close connections and good relationship. We celebrate our festivals and New Year together in some public place and have lot of fun. We have formed a community named “Bhutanese Community in Arizona” which is headed by Mr. Manorath Khanal as a president of the community. The community has provided English Language class open to all where our Bhutanese literates/educated voluntarily teach them. Classes run one on one basis, a computer, a teacher and a student which helps student focus more and head forward as per their learning level. The service giver is the Abounding Service. The intention of the community to give these classes is to make them literate and able to find a job. It is also on the way to do many more in future.
The job, any international starts here in their arrival is mostly a general and entry level, despite their education and experience in their homeland or host land but as we see many other refugees have occupied distinct places, we hope we can get there sometimes in life if we take our education further and/or get certifications. The slow economy of the country has made people a little frustrated but they are given at least food and medical benefits and sometimes govt. housing as needed. It’s not only our people victimized without a job but the poor economy of the country has created problem with many nationals by laying-off from the job or not lending one. In this threatening economic situation of the country also, satisfactory number of people from our community is working. I hope no one goes in against of me if I still say the life here is better than in Refugee Camps. People who had never seen computer is unable to exist for a moment without it. There is no house without telephone and a television provided they are interested in watching English channels. About half of our resettled family has a car and more than 70% have computer with internet. Over 65 age and people with major illness get social security income from the government and if they are eligible for a care-giver, one of the family members get paid as a care-giver.
With any kind of full time job, it’s not difficult living here and if they share house with at least 5 active members, they can sustain with a part time job also. The largest expense goes in the house rent. After 4-6 months of our arrival, we have to pay back our loans (the air fair) as monthly installments at least $30 per head but there are people who have not started their payment even for a year and more. School going children are provided free food and medical. The education up to high school (10+2) is free. Grant is provided for the two years degree in the community colleges. After that, we get loans in low interests or without interest and some portion of grant for furthering our education. Any legal immigrant under 24 years of age can stay and study in community college for free of cost, here in Phoenix. The immigration agencies have been giving free trainings like CNA, interpreter, customer service, computer etc. for our people to increase the chance of getting a job and fit into the society. There are free public libraries where we can get different books, movie CD, DVD, use internet for personal use and look for job and many more. Goodwill Career centers provide free computers to search and apply for job and also give basic computer classes on Ms. Office, email, internet, online shopping etc. Eligible people can get loans to buy house or start their business if they want.
As I have learnt from my American friends, Arizona is known as the land of opportunities and a great place to live. It is comparatively cheaper to live. I have already spent two summers and enjoying my first winter now. To be honest Arizona is known as desert but yet it is good place to be. It is comparatively hotter in summer and winter is admirable. There are many touristic places in Arizona. Grand Canyon, known as one of the 7 wonders of the world lies here. The other state attractions are the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Fort Apache, and the reconstructed London Bridge at Lake Havasu City, Tempe Beach Park and Lake pleasant. It is a developing state and systematically designed such that it makes any new people get their destination easily. Transportation is good in the city.
Phoenix is the top 5th city in the United States, where the estimated population was 1,552,259 in 2007. Here, in Phoenix is an international airport named PHX Sky Harbor Airport which has employed many Bhutanese in different companies.
I started my study in a college in four months of my arrival. I gave continuation to my computer science study at a Technical Institute. I will be graduating Associate Degree this August. Hopefully, with a better job at hand I can shift to University for my bachelor Degree and more. In my opinion education is the most for everyone. I have no regret for being here. I can’t imagine how life would be if I had no opportunity to take my education further. I am getting the most out of my life here. I hope me and my family’s life will be better in near future. Now, almost all of my brothers and sisters have started their study and many other Bhutanese are attending college while some others are making their mind.
I am hanging out with 2 contract jobs with my full time college. They pay me well for my living. My family also has no lamentation for being here. We like this place. My citizenship status is green card. I am happy with my life because I got possibility to fulfill my dream of continuing my education. I love to be independent and like others being independent. Hard work is another name for me. Pleasure and leisure is on the side and in our hand I believe. In my view, life is what we make, not granted and nothing is impossible for a willing heart. If we want to make a better future, pray is on our part but hard work is essential. Finally, I want to say I have not forgotten my motherland Bhutan despite the treatment of the Govt. and all my Bhutanese folks. Repatriation was not possible but I hope I can at least visit my homeland once in my life. I want to make as many loyal friends and be happy in between them. I like to help anyone around me with all my might. No is not synonymous to me. I am more direct in expressing and never want to deceive anyone. I think decision should be taken after thorough consideration and once we make decision, we shouldn’t have any hesitation in action. For me, goal, commitment, hardwork, respect and culture are things to be kept always and in any situation.
At last, Wish you all remaining 356 days of the New Year 2010 and request you all to be around to help each other in real times, stay connected and be one soul as there is a “saying united we stand divided we fall”. Let’s not forget our culture with the advancement. We’ll be there only if we possess our actuality.
“Help ever and hurt never”.

Sincerely,

Nandita Khanal

Phoenix city, Arizona, USA