Meet Tin, one of our residents from Burma (also called Myanmar). He was resettled to the USA in 2000 after spending a year in a political refugee camp on the Thai-Burmese border.

In 1988, when Tin was in high school, the people of Burma revolted against the autocratic military government (BSPP) in a series of pro-democracy protests, called the 8888 Uprising. Many students participated in the protests and a number of them were killed or arrested and tortured. A new military government (SLORC, later SPDC) took over and declared martial law. Two of his teachers were killed during the military take-over, and many in his city were wounded. Tin and his schoolmates participated in the demonstrations and although Tin did not get arrested, many of his friends were. Those that were released had been badly beaten and tortured; one of his friends lost his mind in prison and another almost died from the physical abuse. Tin went to visit him at the hospital where he was under arrest.

Eventually, as more and more of his friends were being taken, Tin realized that he had no choice but to go into the jungle to join the leader of his student movement. Tin left on foot since public transportation was too risky. It took him 5 days of walking through the jungle and crossing the mountains—since the roads were too risky—to reach a safe area. He survived on whatever he could find in the jungle, hiding from the military forces. Once he reached the safe zone he began to encounter the rebel groups who were resisting the government. In Burma each ethnic group had formed its own rebel militia encamped in the jungle. As he encountered each one he would ask for directions to the multi-ethnic student group from his city. He would stay with one ethnic rebel group for a month while they tried to track down his friends, and then move on to another. Three months after entering the jungle he was able to track down his compatriots. They had formed a student army group and he joined them as a medic.

Tin and his fellow ex-students fought the military government for 8 years, supported by a number of international NGOs. They lost many people and Tin says that after they fought they always felt sad. Finally, after 8 years Tin came to hate war and decided to move across the boarder to a student refugee camp in Thailand that housed many youth who had been in a similar position to himself. Tin stayed at the refugee camp for over one year as his paperwork was processed for resettlement. He was sent to Denver, and loved it so much that even after his paperwork was finalized and he was allowed to move he chose not to. He says that every time he visits another state he remembers how much he loves Denver; this is his place, even though where he came from is very hot and Denver is often very cold.

Tin moved to Hidden Brook, a Hope Communities property, three years ago and has become a community leader. In the Thai refugee camp Tin studied English and computer skills, both of which he now uses to help new arrivals in his community. He often interprets letters or helps his neighbors fill out paperwork. In addition, Tin has begun teaching children in the community how to read and write Burmese, since many who came to the USA young or who were born here have lost their native language. His own son, Chris, is 8 years old. He was born in the US and is fluent in both English and Burmese. Chris attends Placebridge Academy, likes school and wants to be a computer programmer when he grows up. Chris participates in the daily Hope-sponsored STRIVE program where he gets homework assistance and additional teaching time. He loves the program; Tin says that any time Chris is being disobedient all he has to say is that he won’t be able to attend STRIVE that day and Chris immediately changes his behavior. Tin appreciates the STRIVE program because as Chris gets older, sometimes Tin has difficulty understanding his assignments and is not able to help his son although he wants him to do well in school. Last summer Chris participated in the Spring Institute’s soccer program targeted at youth from the Hidden Brook community. Chris was also a recent recipient of a bicycle in the 6th annual Arches of Hope Bicycle Giveaway, nominated by Hope Communities.

When Tin first arrived in Denver he dreamed of attending CU Denver and getting a degree as a physicians assistant since he had been a medic in Burma. However, money was tight, and he needed a job. He tried initially to attend classes, but he would return from work at 3am and have to be at school by 8am, which was simply not feasible. After Chris was born Tin decided to put this dream aside until his son grew up. He took an inventory job at a warehouse and negotiated his hours so that he would always be able to be home in time to pick up his son. The culture of Burma is very family-oriented and it is difficult for many, like Tin, whose families are still in Burma. As with most political refugees, Tin is not able to travel back to Burma to visit his family, so his interactions are limited to Skype. For this reason Tin feels that Hidden Brook is a good place to live: he has many friends in the building, and, as a single father, is always able to find someone to baby-sit for Chris if he has appointments. Chris also has many friends in the building and always has someone to play with. Tin is additionally very happy that the school bus drops the children directly in front of the building. He is outside each day to meet the bus. It is clear from anyone’s first interaction how much Tin loves his son; he is always his first priority. Tin makes sure that he has time with his son every day, to play outside or to play video games. They both love the Broncos and they watch all the games together. Chris wants to play when he gets older and be just like Tim Tebow, the Denver Bronco’s quarterback. Tin loves music and plays both guitar and drums. He has jam sessions with his friends and has been teaching Chris to play. After years of saving, this summer Tin hopes to be able to buy a house for himself and his son, close to his community at Hidden Brook.