The Wheels on the Bus

Yesterday we traveled out of Dhaka to Baromari, where there is a Catholic Mission that the MCC works with. It was an adventure to say the least. Ethel, Darren, Robin and two local guys who work for MCC went along to drive and help us "badeshis" (foreigners) out. When we got there we were greeted by sisters from the mission, who seem timeless. They were so excited we had come for a visit. The mission is so beautiful, green with lots of palm trees, cows hanging around, and big white ceramic buildings, all very breezy. We were ushered into a room where there were 30 or so children waiting for and giggling at us. They were so cute and curious. I think to them I might have been cute and I know I was curious. The kids danced, sang, played drums and a harmonium with amazing grace. It made me so happy to see children dancing and singing and making music. The gave us a buquet of flowers and kissed our hands. All the songs were in Bangla, until they started singing "THE WHEELS ON DA BUUUS" it was so funny--here I am in the middle of Bangladesh village country and they are singing a universal children's song. I loved it and it made me so excited to learn their songs and to teach them some Camp songs as well. With my new guitar skills, hopefully that will be possible. (so far I know A and E)

We had some coffee (instant) and a cocunut pie that one of the sisters had made from the coconuts right out side. It was delicious and all a bit surreal. Whenever something strikes us as unusual or funny or whatever Darren and I just say "Welcome to Bangladesh..." That was one of those Welcome to Bangladesh moments. There are many moments like that, since I haven't even been here a week yet. Here is a riddle: Think of America. Then think of opposite day. Then picture lots of rickshaws, lots of sweating, and colors, and understanding nothing except for two words. Think of lots of staring. Think of showers right by toilets (squatty ones) and guards guarding everything. Think of amazing interesting markets and tailors and shoe makers. think of more people than you can imagine. Then say, "Welcome to Bangladesh".

After Baromari, we traveled to Mymensingh and I got to see the Mymensingh mission where I will be staying. Sister Miriam greeted me with two kisses and kind eyes. I was just so geeked to be there. We had more tea and cookies, and I tried a bit of my Bangla and they tried a bit of English. We nodded and smiled alot. It is clear that learning Bangla will be a necessity to survive at the Mission. I saw my room. It is pretty big by Bangladesh standards. It also has a Western toilet and shower-only for me. I think that it will be good to have my own space to retreat to.

I saw some of the girls and wanted to just stay and relax and play games with them. It felt so good to be there and without a doubt this will be a good place for me. But I won't be moving into my room for two months. Language school is my primary responsibilty for the first two months. I will meet my host family tonight for dinner at 10pm.

Today we saw a few of the partnerships MCC has with handicrafts and learned about their fair trade values and how partnerships work here in Bangladesh. It was cool to see women working on looms, making rugs, painting paper mache' and carving things. It made me want to sit down and do it too. What an opportunity to see things that end up at 10,000 villages being made and meeting the people who make them and who are in charge. These visits required lots of tea drinking and cookie eating as well. Today I have had 5 tea times.

After we saw the various partnerships we met Mrs. Nat. She's got to be about 87 years old. She has been teaching MCCers English for years and Darren and I will be her 51st and 52nd pupils. She has a masters degree from Australia and has been a teacher in a few different places. I am excited to hear her stories and learn how to communicate.

It's good to see how my days will be spent in the next two months. I will have language study in the afternoons 4-6 and a conversation partner for one hour each day as well. This means that I will have the rest of the day to wander around Mymensingh and visit the Taize community.

Well. internet time is up. more later. yahoo wasn't working...so no emails today. I am thinking of you all lots and thanks for thinking about me too.