In the past, the Lao New Year, or Phi Mai Lao, marked the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season. This upcoming weekend, many of the 20,000+ Lao Minnesotans will be celebrating at the Crystal Community Center just outside of Minneapolis. By the traditional Lao calendar, it will be the year 2555, a Year of the Dragon, or Nak, the traditional guardians of knowledge and wisdom in Lao society.

So, nearing closer to 40 years since the end of the war for Laos, and the beginning of a winding journey for nearly 400,000 Laotians, what have we learned, and where are we going? Can we look back at 2554 with a sense of accomplishment and progress? I think so.

Read the full article on TC Daily Planet: http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/blog/thaoworra/reflecting-and-preparing-lao-new-year-2555#.T4SEAkEBE5A.facebook

-Bryan Thao Worra