Farewell to Friends, Old and New

by sjsonnenbergmd

Sadly, it’s that time again. Though we hope to return in the Fall of 2025, one never knows with certainty what the future holds. Margaret and I love Bhutan. It’s become a second home to us and it is so hard to leave. We never cease to be amazed at the diversity and beauty of the landscapes and the welcoming generosity of the people here. It’s like we’ve both lived here before, in previous lifetimes.

We don’t have photos of everyone we would like, but here are a few.

The inaugural class of the MBBS program, the first medical school in Bhutan. Dr. Chencho, the former Psychiatry Department HOD and first Professor of Psychiatry is third from right. I introduced the class to mindfulness meditation, and we hope to incorporate it into the curriculum. We had a lovely, traditional dinner with Dr. Chencho and his wife before departing. “Now that you’re Bhutanese,” we learned a bit more about the politics and limitations of Bhutanese bureaucracy, all with a bit of humor.
Our hosts at Jakar Village Lodge. Lucky and Nema with their children. They are each identical twins and remarkably, their twins married one another as well in a double wedding. Dasho Gasey Lhendup, born in Haa to a family of yak herders of Mongolian descent, was one of the first people to be educated in Bhutan. He went on to be the governor of four different districts and an administrator in the new government before retiring and building the family run lodge in Bumthang.
Radika, our hostess and the manager of Bhutan Suites, our residence for the past three months.
The Knapps, John, Matthew, Alexia and Alex. Fellow HVO volunteers.
Gathered ’round the “fire.” Members of the Clinical Ethics class I co-taught with Carly Clutterbuck, a perennial favorite from Australia, for the second-year counseling students.
Fourth year counseling students, participating in my nine-week mindfulness meditation class. They’ll soon be on their own for the first time ever, kicked out of the student hostel to find their own way while studying for the civil service exams and anticipated internship in the psychiatry department before postings to the districts.
Dr. Ugyen Dem, HOD of Psychiatry, and an aunt. We were invited to her home for an annual puja ritual for the protection and health of her multigenerational household. While there, we also met her husband, a urologic surgeon and, until recently, the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
Our good friends of five years now, Tshering, baby Ugyen, Kinley and Pabi.
At Tashigang Goembe. Kinley, Tshering and baby Ugyen, back left. Dr. Ngawang, third year Psychiatry resident front and center. Dr. Dochung, first year Psychiatry resident front right, their spouses and a sister. A beautiful hike through rhododendron forests.
Margaret and the Azhapasa “uncle Thursday” clean-up crew. Every Thursday, this business sponsors their employees to choose a street or trail, spend four hours collecting trash along the way, and then lunch together. More on this in a later blog.
Shopping for fabric with Mutsuko, Margaret’s friend and “stitching” supervisor at Draktsho. Mutsuko has been in Bhutan with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for over three years and will soon be returning to resume life in Japan. It was a difficult parting for both.
Jigme Wangmo, the founder of Draktsho and Deki, her daughter and executive director. Jigme is about to depart for a four month retreat in Paro.
Margaret’s Zumba class, ready for a fight.
A farewell dinner. From left to right, Dr. Ngawang, Dr. Dochung, Dr. Nirola and Dr. Kuensang. When we return, Dr. Ngwang will have completed residency.
A final good night to Thimphu. The always astounding view from our balcony.
Bye-bye Bhutan Suites.
View from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Regional Memorial Hospital as I completed my last day of work.

6 Comments

  1. It's so easy for us in the United States to lose sight of the diverse world out beyond our borders and the western world. Thanks for reminding us and introducing us to Bhutan and its people.  

    ". . . new life starts in the dark." ― Barbara Brown Taylor

       

    Sent: Sunday, June 02, 2024 at 1:56 AM

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  2. Lovely! Have very safe travels. Looking forward to seeing you very soon?? ________________________________

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  5. Thanks for including us, Steve. The people look so nice and the countryside is spectacular. Pat Wiley

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