Tenzin Choedron
Dear Tenzin,

It was the look in your eyes that first caught my attention when I saw your picture. I see a brave and kind looking women when I see your eyes. I only admire you more for how young you where when you carried out the act that you did. A monk from Kirti monastery said that you "spoke little, followed the rules, studied hard, got excellent grades." and "was smart as well as brave." You were the oldest of four siblings in a family of twelve.
Most 18 year-old-girls were I am from are mainly pre-occupied about how popular they look, what college they will get into, and what boy will ask them to prom. Their concerns seem so pointless to me now.

There is a nun in my family. Coming from an Irish family, my great aunt has served as nun for over 65 years in a Catholic nunnery. About three to four generations ago, when many Irish families immigrated to American towns such as Chicago and Boston, it wasn't uncommon for girls to become nuns in the Catholic Church.  She lives in a nunnery called Dominican Sinsinawa, a few hours away from my home town. When she was about your age, her 'diocese' (in Buddhism this word in English would be 'order') sent her to teach at a Catholic school where she lived with her sisters for many years. There are some similarities to Tibetan Buddhist nuns; Catholic nuns live a life of celibacy, say prayers assisted with a string of beads called rosaries, pray everyday both with their fellow sisters and alone, and wear a special black and white uniform called a habit. My family and I visit her at the nunnery, where I enjoy telling her about about Buddhist nuns and also about you.

I cannot imagine what it must be like carrying out religious rituals and prayers under the constant eye of the military police on post at the Mame Monastery. The bravery you and your sisters have to study and practice your religion when every aspect of monastic life is watched and controlled puts in me in awe.
I can only attempt to imagine the bravery it took for you shout for freedom and for the return of His Holiness as you did in the face of your oppressors.

I will remember you forever. May your sisters one day have the religious freedom they deserve.

Love,
Kate Archer

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