The Louisiana Himalaya Association (LHA) is a volunteer-staffed, donation-funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit group dedicated to helping Tibetan Refugees who've made the treacherous trek by foot over the Himalayas seeking asylum from Chinese-occupied Tibet, and the exile community created by this displaced population- Tibetans struggling to rebuild their lives and preserve their ancient culture. Since its inception in 1995, LHA has been bringing resources and volunteers to this worthy cause. In 2001, LHA successfully partnered with the Tulane School of Social Work. Tulane students now join LHA board members and volunteers traveling to India each year to offer diverse skills and services to the Tibetan community. In exchange, they have the oppertunity to travel to remote, fascinating regions of the Himalayas and experience firsthand the ancient cultures of the people who inhabit them. LHA's headquarters is located in McLeod Ganj, a small mountain community above Dharamsala in the Himalayas of northern India. It houses a language school, donation drop-off center, volunteer coordination office, and medical supply room. An LHA computer school is housed separately. LHA also fascilitates cultural awareness via a handcrafts shop and informal gatherings featuring Tibetan music and history.

Last Weekend of March 2008 CYPRESS BAYOU WEEKEND Cypress Bayou Weekend is a benefit for the Louisiana Himalaya Association (LHA). Join us for a time of reflection and relaxation on the first weekend of Spring 2008. Our goal is to offer an environment that fosters inner peace and tranquility. Accomodations are provided in comfortable waterfront cabins. Each cabin has central air and heat, screened porch, and living area with fireplace. Sleeping arrangements may vary from shared rooms with bunk beds to private rooms. Set in the natural splendor of the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, participants will have the opportunity to join together for canoeing, meditation, massage, art workshops, yoga, and organic vegetarian meals. Group activities will be open yet optional, giving each individual the opportunity to create his or her own personal experience. Three organic meals will be provided on both Friday and Saturday. The cabins will be available from Thursday at 5:00p.m. through Sunday at 11:00a.m. Participants may arrive or depart anytime during the weekend. For more information, e-mail:lha.neworleans@gmail.com.

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