Thankful for TNKR

Happy Thanksgiving!
I was fortunate enough to attend a local KOTESOL chapter fall event in Daejeon and hear a message from Eunkoo Lee and Casey Lartigue, co-founders of the Teach North Korean Refugees (TNKR) organization. TNKR is a life-changing program that raises money and helps North Koreans, who are able to escape the country, adjust to life in a democracy and tell their stories as a form of healing.  

Listening to these two passionate speakers caused me to reflect on my summer introduction to North Korean person who had only been out of the country for less than two years. During this summer tour we visited the DMZ to see the double-fenced, wildlife barrier that exists at the point where South and North Korea meet. 

*This person explained the difficult adjustment that occurs when one has NOT had access to 24-hour electricity, processed food in numerous commercial stores, ridiculous amounts of outlets for entertainment - including the Internet and smart phones. Listening to this person was a humbling experience to reflect on all the things I take for granted when I am in a cafe on my laptop using free Wi-Fi or when I go to the workplace that I love, that was available to me due to the educational opportunities I was afforded, in a "democratic" nation. This person talked about losing one parent before puberty causing them to drop out of elementary school to start working to contribute to the household. When the other parent died in their mid-teens, their circumstances became more uncertain by the day. A few years later, a family member who had escaped several years before was able to contact them through a visitor; this commenced a two year plan on how to escape the country. It was a wet, cold and terrifying endeavor to travel through several countries before they would eventually end up speaking to a group of us in SK sharing their story and answering questions, just a year and half later. Hearing the startling details left me feeling disturbed, blessed and helpless. I wondered how I could help someone in a similar position. Now, I know I can assist NK refugees in a variety of ways. Many refugees can be isolated and not trusted when they arrive in a new country, as the natives in the receiving country are suspicious about the real reason of their presence. One of the major ways is by teaching English, to help refugees assimilate a little easier and in some cases faster. 

The reason I am interested in volunteering with and donating to TNKR is because it provides educational opportunities, as well as an opportunity to heal by sharing one's story of turmoil and triumph as they escaped to a democratic nation. Not everyone survives such a traumatic period in their lives, and fewer tell their stories. As I writer, I recognize the true healing that can take place when one speaks and/or writes their truth to share with others; it can be painful, yet liberating. I do believe that telling one's story can do several things: 1. discuss the heaviness of the emotional burden carried when one leaves their family and friends behind in an effort to seek a more meaningful life 2. creates awareness for clueless individuals 3. ignites dialogue on how to help those effected and 4. provides an opportunity for emotional release, reflection and expression while empowering someone with a voice that may spark the saving of many helpless individuals, in the future. 

Please visit the website, learn more, volunteer, watch the organization's YouTube videos and read the books written by North Korean refugees to raise awareness and develop plans on how you can be of service. 

Please visit this site to donate: https://give.lovetnkr.com/en

*For the sake of privacy and protection of the refugee I spoke with, I have chosen to not release the gender or specific details that were shared.