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Dear Fellow Members,

It is time again to celebrate the Maha Thingyan, Burmese New Year Cele-

brated with Water Festival, fashionably late in BAAT style: a picnic in the park

complete with tasty food, games, friends and ending in high note with

water

festival. Although this picnic does not resemble the vigor, grandeur and cere-

monial aspects of Thingyan as celebrated in Burma (recently known as Myan-

mar) on April 14, it broadcasts a clear message — with proper care and nurtur-

ing, Burmese culture and traditions can survive even in a foreign land for gen-

erations of Burmese-Americans to benefit. For BAAT members, the participa-

tion in Thingyan picnic, albeit humble in nature, is a cultural conservation

effort that they can be proud of.

Furthermore, BAAT members can be proud of many forms of relationships

they have built through BAAT network. Perhaps, friendship is the secret

medicine of the Burmese citizens from the homeland and ex-Myanmar citizens

living in the United States (US) who have endured life’s many hardships that

manifested in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

Moreover, people of Burma are born blessed with their remarkable natural

ability to appreciate quick wit and artful humor. Renown Burmese comedians

had always presented situation comedies and spoofs to the public to lessen

the effects of hard times. They provided laughter stimulus packages in Burma

even before Saturday Night Live television program was created in the US .

Although I am not a historian, I secretly believe that RAP originated in Burma

as Than-gyat in Thingyan to vent frustrations and to present controversial

ideas.

In essence, strong friendships and laughter in abundance will prepare the

BAAT members to gracefully weather the economic challenges of our times.

Therefore, please seize the opportunity to renew old friendships and also

make new friendships by showing up at the picnic. Above all, please enjoy

yourself at the picnic. You deserve the wonderful company and attention of

your friends and follow members. Let’s meet up and have a fabulous time

together!

Yours truly,

Aye Aye Kyi

2009 BAAT President

Volume 9, Issue 1

May 2009

BURMESE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (BAAT)

Fun, sun, great

food, music,

fellowship and

splashes

Pot-luck lunch.

Bring your

family mem-

bers & friends.

Baat celebrates Burmese new year

Picnic Invitation

Picnic Details