Dear Readers,  Not only at the office, but also at home things are turned upside down: In order to write this „Our Heart‘s Concern“ I need the Word program on my computer; however, this particular program „got lost“ somewhere between Zurich and Oberweningen!  So I wrote Stefan a note to remind him to re-install that particular program.  The phrase „Change is good“ is written at the top of the notepaper. Is God trying to tell me something? When change abounds and brings lots of extra work, then I need little reminders like this. Maybe this will be an encouragement for you too: Change is good! Anita Burckhardt Fundraising North Korea

„Jack-of-all-trades“ Trucks remain an important „jack-of-all-trades“ in the North Korean economy.  Whether they transport milk to be processed, ripened cheese to be sold or even sweet-smelling hay to the stalls, this vehicle provides a valuable service.  Due to a lack of finances, we were unable to purchase the used truck as promised for the Namsan facility. Now we want to make good on our promise – as a continuation of our support.  The proposed vehicle is a small truck (2.5 tons) with an open bed, and costs CHF 11,000.00  Can we count on your financial donation for this continuing project work? This sign of support will mean a lot to the farmers of Namsan and will save them many hours of labor, for example with the transport of necessary winter fodder. Thank you!

The murmuring is getting louder and louder – recently the media has reported that North Korea has allegedly developed a new, bigger missile, which is ready to be tested. Opinions on the purpose, use and threat of such a missile vary greatly. You can find every possible perspective in the internet. However, it is practically impossible for anyone outside of North Korea to know the truth. Whether it is for satellite transport into space or even for a nuclear warhead is unclear. But everyone is uncomfortable.
 

„Taepodong 2“ – Both North and South Korea identify this missle with the „Paektusan“; however in Japan it is named Taepodong, after the town where the launchpad is located.

It is precisely this uncertainly over the true intentions of this country that are the true problem: Fear and the predominant negative opinion are confirmed in neighboring countries – with good reason. But we forget that the citizens of North Korea are just people like you and me. They want to be happy, to laugh, but they also have their own worries, many of which come from the profound isolation of their nation. They are held captive in their own local reality.
Who will ever be able to break through this layer of mistrust? When will it happen?
I long for this day!

Anita Burckhardt 

Junge Frau in Norrdkorea

Have you ever thought of traveling to North Korea yourself? You have the rare opportunity to do so next year:

From mid April the mass gymnastic show „Arirang“ will be performed in Pyongyang. This show, with a cast of 10,000 performers is absolutely fascinating. Each acrobatic move and choreographed step is made with perfection. Truly a unique experience.
The 5-day trip package includes other touristic elements as well as all accommodation and meals and costs around CHF 2,200.00 (departure from Bejing, China).
At this point we cannot say for sure whether we will be able to visit our project locations as negotiations with the embassy are ongoing.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, please contact us. Travelling dates: 21.-28. april 2007 

A spezial recipe for summer days.
Kimchi is THE typical side dish at any North Korean meal. In winter, kimchi (a pickeled vegetable dish similar to sauerkraut) is set aside to ferment until it is spicy and flavorful. In warmer seasons, it only needs a few hours to achieve its full flavour – a special treat! It can be made quite spicy or more mild depending on the amount of chilli powder added. Every region and every family has its own recipe – some of which are kept secret! So feel free to be creative with this recipe too.

Ingredients and Preparation
1kg Cucumber, Horse Radish, Radishes, Chinese cabbage, Spinach, Parsley stems (blanched) or Leek – mixed according to personal preference – peeled and finely chopped

1 EL/Tbsp Salt
1 EL/Tbsp Sugar
1 EL/Tbsp Monosodium Glutamate (available at most Asian food stores)
3 EL/Tbsp Vinegar
1 EL/Tbsp Sesame seeds
2 (Spring- or regular )onions (approx. one tenth of the weight of the rest of the vegetables)finely chopped and added to mixture.

Garlic, chopped – to taste
1 EL/Tbsp (Korean) hot Chili powder or 1 fresh Chili, finely chopped and added to the mixture. Here is your chance to make it mild or HOT! Allow to sit in the refrigerator, covered for one day.

Before serving, add one teaspoon sesame oil. Serve in small bowls as a sidedish.

Sommer Kimtschi - einfach selber machen!

Kimchi is usually eaten with rice and Pulgogi – small pieces of meat – like salad. If you are interested in additional recipes, please visit the following German website: www.willi-stengel.de/page8.htm

Recipe: Barbara Unterbeck, Pyongyang 
 

Please support us - you are making a difference: Small truck, 2.5 t,  price for a used japanes modell: 11‘000 SFr. More informations. small trctor 2000 Fr. Online donatoin

Support the project financially: New Online donations