Today is Woeser Lhamo's 6th birthday. Woeser lives at the Tibetan Children's Village in Dharamsala, India. She is a Tibetan refugee & our dear sponsor child. Woeser's mother carried her over the Himalayas when she was almost three. Her parents, farmers who depend totally on their small plot of land for their daily livelihood, wanted their little daughter to grow up with a true Tibetan identity which is not possible under the Chinese Communist regime. Woeser was very fortunate to escape from Tibet along with her mother who later returned to Tibet to join her family.
Indira is always so delighted to receive a letter from Woeser. She carefully assesses the stamps, the writing & then quickly opens it to find little messages from abroad & all about what is happening at the Children's Village. Often Woeser - with the assistance of the child sponsorship secretary - will send a letter & a variety of art work, some English writing & some Tibetan writing - Indira often copies some of this.
The Tibetan Children's Villages were set up by the H.H Dalai Lama's elder sister, the late, Mrs. Tsering Dolma Takla. In 1960 she responded to the needs of 51 very young refugees that were crossing the border & also from a near by road construction - malnourished & orphaned. The school has a long history & today they have over 16,726 students in 16 schools.
Mrs. Tsering Dolma Takla had much insight & 'advertised' for two Montessori trained teachers. Maria Montessori was exhiled from Italy because of her views on World War II. Whilst in India she trained teachers & set up a lot of schools. The Montessori philosophy spread quickly throughout all areas of India. All of the Tibetan Children's Villages teach using the Montessori method. The schools are directed by Jetsun Pema, the Dalai Lama's youngest sister. HH is the patron.
The school's motto is;
Others Before Self.
Many nights I have spent wondering what I would do as a mother in this situation - of course I have not been in this situation, it really hurts to imagine this situation & it is one that I hope I never find myself in, any lifetime. I wonder about all the families who have had to separate from their children. I prayer for them & their children.
Woeser Lhamo - pronounced O-ser Larmo - means Goddess of Light. The secretary wrote, "She is friendly by nature & carries a beautiful smile that attracts everyone." We send parcels of Love over to Dharamsala - inside they carry our thoughts, hopes & dreams. One of the dreams - that I feel quite certain about - is that we will meet Woeser Lhamo in Dharamasala. One of the thoughts is that her dear little heart is calm & peaceful. & of the hope, that she; her family, & all Tibetans, will be reunited again in a Free Tibet.
Happy Birthday Woeser Lhamo. We Love you. May your light shine bright.
The period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one's life. Through a difficult period you can develop inner strength, determination and courage to face the problems
~ H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama.
