Nats in the night

There is a huge banyan tree at the end of our little road that we ride by every day on the way to school. Like many big trees in Myanmar it has little houses with figures, candles, and glasses inside. Some have buddhas as well but mostly these are the houses for nats.  Nats are spirits that can help you... or play tricks on you. There are different nats for different reasons, one will keep your children safe, one will help your new business venture. Here is a good article that tells you some of the others.

Lisa and I took a walk the other night. Our hearts have been heavy as the daily news in Myanmar is getting worse by the day. It was nice to be out though, just amble along and let the dogs sniff and go their slow curious dog pace. There was no traffic as we were about 30 minutes before the curfew so we could be curious dogs too. We looked closer at the nats and also saw some graffiti.

 I like the idea of pouring a drink or leaving some fried chicken for a nat to ensure better luck on my next wager. Or to leave some candy and an egg with another to keep my children safe.

I so wish it was as easy as leaving something at the base of a painting and it would ensure her release, or end violence and repression. Or keep 19 year old daughters from being shot.

Its hard when you want to help but you don't know what to do. So if there are any nats out there listening and needing something- phone in those orders- I'll see what I can do.