The longest rickshaw ride EVER

March 26th was Independence day for Bangladesh. In 1971, Bangladesh claimed their independence from (West) Pakistan. That means Bangladesh is only 36 years old. The stuggle and fighting that led to the birth of a new nation is more than just a history lesson in the minds of most Bengali's.

As foreigners, my friend, Tik, and I did not know the appropriate way to celebrate such an important holiday. Tik is from Thailand and they celebrate their independence by throwing water at eachother. I, of course, am used to parades, grilling, and fireworks. Our day included none of these traditions, and probably none of the Bangladeshi traditions either.

After some authentic Bangladeshi snacks, Tik and I planned to spend the afternoon on a rickshaw. The goal was to find a rickshaw wallah to take us to Gazipur (a journey that would take 40 minutes by bus). We picked a healthy looking young man and tried to warn him the work that would be required of him. We thought he was willing when he nodded for us to get on and later realized he misunderstood when he tried to drop us off at the bus stand. Once we got past that confusion, he accepted the full journey. The round trip took 4 hours.

Prayer and blessing this rickshaw puller became our mission for the afternoon. We gave him water and fruit, and bought him lunch along the way. I used the opportunity to practice my Bangla (having four hours gave me plenty of time to first form correct sentances in my mind). We learned that he was only 18 years old and had been working as a rickshaw wallah for 9 years. We also learned that he works 12 hour days, every day of the week, making about 300 taka ($4) a day. [Please be aware that this information may be wrong as my Bangla, or lack of Bangla, is not anywhere near efficient.] It's embarrassing to add that at the end of the journey, Tik and I were a bit exhausted. I can't imagine how the boy pulling us felt.

Although Tik and I were far away from all the festivities and outside the traditional celebrations of Bangladesh's independence, it was a great day of celebrating God's love through prayer and fellowship. God LOVES Bangladesh and is clearly doing something exciting here. This year has brought a new kind of independence from the corruption that spoiled politics for so long. As we declare and praise God for the freedom from the things that oppressed this land, we also continue to declare our need (dependence) for God and His truth.

Happy DEPENDENCE, today and always!!

CONGRATS CHELSEA!!!!

That is my cousin, and she is a state champion!! Congrats Becker!!!

Lois

Last night I met with my friend, Lois. Lois is a photographer who has traveled all around the world; Her list includes something like 63 nations. She came to Bangladesh 3 weeks ago and will be leaving for India in a few days. Although we've only known eachother for such a brief time, our friendship has been on that developed so naturally. I feel like I have known her most my life.

I have really enjoyed hearing about her experiences. It has been so encouraging for me to be able to see God's plan for her unfold in Bangladesh. She came here with what she describes as a gut 'feeling' and the pieces came together once she arrived. Her compassion, generosity, and skill to capture so much in a photo will continue to bless this nation even after she leaves. She has plans to hold an exhibition and sell her photographs when she returns to America to help raise money for the physically disabled population.

Tomorrow we are meeting for the last time and I will be sad to say good-bye. Thank goodness for email. Like my friend, Erin in Sri Lanka, I will do my best to keep in touch and hope for the opportunity to cross paths again. It is amazing how God takes care of me no matter where I go. He continues to bless me with such wonderful people whose impact lasts much longer than their presence. So for those of you who worry about me as a single gal in a foreign country, be assured that I am not alone!

NEW PICS

Again, I have let myslef fall behind in the update category. There are so many things to write about but not enough time. I just posted some new pictures from this past month's experience. Pictures are worth a thousand words, right? Click on the link on the right titled "My Snapshots" to see!

A brief update: I finished my first month of Bangla class and am able to impress the locals a bit! I have been spending non-class time mostly in kid's ministry at a Dhaka slum. I work in the library where the kids make me put my limited Bangla knowledge to use. They have turned out to be good teachers, especially as they guide me to sound out words in the Bangla kids' books. Tomorrow, I get to officially be their teacher as I am starting an English class for them. Please pray for my learning, my teaching, and my safety as I am doing a lot of traveling on local busses. Also, please contiue to pray for Bangladesh's political situation!