It Starts with a Dream (and a Visit to the Karen Hill Tribe)

See the scarves hanging by the side?

I bought a few of them from the lady in the picture to give away as gifts for my friends.

The photo was taken when I visited the Karen Hill tribe in Chiang Rai a little more than two weeks ago. The visit to tribal villages was part of a tour that we had signed up on the spur while on vacation in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Our tour guide had taken us all the way up north to the border that separates three countries, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. We had stopped by at the Karen Hill tribe in the mountainous region.

Back at home, I gave away the scarves as intended. One of my girlfriends, in particular, like her gift. She sent me a text today to thank me. While responding to her, I reconnected with a dream that I once had. And I’d like to share about it in this post.

It Starts with a Dream

More than 10 years ago, when I was contemplating about my life purpose, I was asked this question: Why do you want to make money from your business? What will you do if you’ve made lots and lots of money, with enough to spare?
The question made me ponder for a while.

I was urged to allow my imagination to stretch.

Eventually, I answered…
Channel excess funds to support women in tribal areas. It will involve first creating the business that I love and making enough money for a major philanthropic effort.

The idea was not to donate money directly nor to buy a scarf or two from tribes but to help them with a means of living. They would use their skills to weave baskets or do their crafts. Put simply, if they have a means of using their skills, they will not have to rely on putting on a show – as some critics will claim – to “lure tourist money”.

On the Side…

The Karen Hill tribe comprises of a few major sub-groups, each living in village communities. At first, I was struck with a moral dilemma about whether I should visit the Karen Long Neck Hill Village in particular. Generally, we’ve got no issue visiting other villages or cottage industries selling their craft work. We had bought stuff and both sides were happy!

But Karen Long Neck Hill tribe was different. Initially, it did not feel right to go see a bunch of women with brass rings on their necks for display. However, a quick check online revealed that this tradition is part of their culture and that they had escaped from Myanmar to protect their tradition. Our tour guide also told us not to believe the many myths about the rings. The truth is that the women put on the neck rings for beauty reasons.

What was clear was that the women were doing their part to earn some money. There was a small  entrance fee that we had already prepaid to our tour guide and we were allowed to take photos freely. Many tourists were clicking away with their cameras. Well, I thought the least I could do was to also buy souvenirs from them.

After doing even more research while writing this post, I read that many in the Karen Long Neck Hill tribe prefer to remain in Thailand with life being much better. Also, they need the money to improve their living conditions. They are glad to have tourists buy things from them.

Indeed, the main idea is about empowering women in village communities build economy.

The Inspiration Behind the Dream

Admittedly, I was not the one who came up with the philanthropic idea.

I was greatly inspired previously after reading an article on how the founder of a chain of luxury resorts Banyan Tree, Claire Chiang, sourced craft works from village cooperatives in such areas for sale in her spa locations around the world. Through Banyan tree, employment was provided for artisans in the areas around the group’s resorts and hotels, and to help conserve local culture and heritage. If you’ve not been to any of the Banyan Tree resorts, consider checking one out!

The initiative to help female tribal folk gain financial independence was something that I connected with. Many of them are gifted in weaving or their handiwork. What a wonderful way to impact lives! I’d like to be able to give back in some meaningful way.

Laying the Seed

Going to Chiang Rai had reminded me of the idea I once have more than 10 years ago.

Of course, I now know of Kiva (of which I have been participating). However, a search on its listings did not show up lending schemes to places like the Karen Hill tribe. So there could still be areas left unaddressed of which we can render direct assistance.

When I look back, I believe it was the seed of an idea laid unconsciously years and years ago, that led me on an eye-opening trip up the north of Thailand. I didn’t think that I would end up there. As it turned out, my journey was unexpected in many ways. But thoroughly enriching.

So, who  knows what can happen? This may just be the beginning! Perhaps there will come a day when I go back to Chiang Rai with enough resources and a better plan to improve lives. Maybe back to the Karen Hill tribe or some other tribe that needs help. Especially the womenfolk.

(Above and Feature Photo)
The White Temple, Chiang Rai

Access Your Imagination and Tap into Belief

We will never realise what or when an idea will lead us to. Yet, for anything to manifest, it begins with seeding a thought. Imagination takes us to places. In my case, it translated to an actual trip.

Which brings me to what I hope to ultimately share with you…

It Starts with a Dream.
A Seed of Imagination
of What the Future Can Hold.
To Be, Do and Have.
For As Long as We Believe In It,
We Can Achieve.

 

I hope this inspires you to dream, to imagine and to make manifest in a meaningful way!

Love and Abundance Always,
Evelyn Lim

P.S. Share your thoughts in the comments below. Is there a philanthropic cause that you feel drawn to and would like to support?