Orientation trip

Tuesday morning (just yesterday, but does seem like ages ago now!) we left at 6:30 for our trip north to visit our sites and some of the programs of MCC. Leaving Dhaka, it seemed the city was never ending and I began to fear Bangladesh was a giant suburb. At last we were surrounded by lush green rice fields rather than sky scrapers and congested markets. We bypassed Mynmeshingh, where we would spend the first 2 nights, and drove further north until the India border was in site. Our destination was a Catholic mission which is a recipient of funds from MCC to support the children who live and study there. The air at the mission was hot and thick, but the lush greenery, clear skies, and bright buildings made it a refreshing site. We were warmly welcomed by 2 sisters and ushered in for nescafe instant coffee (a special treat in Bangladesh), coconut crepes, and coconut pie made especially for us. After tea were were welcomed with songs and dances and presented with freshly cut flowers from the children. It was really beautiful, and still feeling a bit sad from all the goodbyes at home, it helped me remember of what a special privelige it is to view and participate in another culture. We had a tour and viewed the place where Christians gather each October for a pilgrimage and services. The sister escorting us expressed how vulnerable they feel as Christians who are such a minority (3%)in a Muslim country. The tour continued and we met the priest and others before being ushered in for a huge lunch. There were two types of chicken, rice, and vegetables followed by bananas and home canned pineapple. They presented Ethel (our Country Rep) with a giant bag of fresh coffee beans, so if any one has any roasting tips, do let us know. It's something to look forward to for sure.

The journey back to Myenmesingh was kind of surreal, so maybe I'll describe it at a later date. I'd just never even seen rice patties(?) before, and suddenly I've seen rice planting and cultivation at all stages. There's like rotatiller thing that goes throught the swamp preparing the soil (muck?), people ankle deep in mud planting the rice plants, and I don't know what else. There were people bathing in large murky ponds. There were congested market areas filled with rickshaws, food, craftspeople, fabrics, everything you can imagine (ok, well, I didn't see any ice cream shops or espresso stands, but the essentials were covered).

We eventually arrived at the MCC office/guest house which is really nice. They are really simple, but have ceiling fans and showers which, like I've said before, just make life good.

A day in the office

Today is Sunday....weekend for you, but in Bangladesh, the beginning of the work week. We started it off with a staff meeting at the MCC office. Everyone here seems really friendly and helpful....a bit of a change from some other places I've worked but I won't expound on that to protect identities. We had orientation to go over finances and policies, lunch at the Shanks, then free time which has allowed me to connect my computer to Broadband, get my cell phone going, and catching up on some other things. One priority I have is to track down Diet Cola! I was craving it so much at 2 am when I had insomnia....I think because I also had a bit of a headache and was slightly nauceous. Nothing has been particularly eventful. I cut Cicely's hair last night and am thinking that could be a back up career for me when I finish this job. I also am thinking all the support and help (people to cook for me, clean for me, wash my clothes....) is going to make me absolutely USELESS!

Tomorrow I will meet the family I will live with for the next 3 months, which I look forward to. Tuesday morning we will leave at 6:30 a.m. for a trip to see some of MCC's projects. We heard about the Arsenic program today. It's pretty amazing....all these tubewell's were put in to give people water and then found out people were getting arsenic poisening. MCC is helping to install rainwater catchalls and also researching alternative models which will be most effective and efficient. I'll tell you more about the programs and post some photos after my little tour. I'll be back by the 2nd, after which I start language study...groan! hope to hear from you!

First impressions

Well, here I am in Dhaka....jet lagged but hanging in there! I have to say, my first impressions are positive. I had heard so much about crowds and getting so much attention, but I am now thinking perhaps those people had not been in Africa! Granted, there are 140,000,000 people in a country the size of Wisconson, and they are prone to staring at the strange white people, but just the fact that they only stare rather than hoot, whistle, grab, or holler "white person" at you, or try to entice you to buy their wares or ride their vehicle just makes it amazingly unbothersome. Now their driving here....absolutely INSANE. Red lights/green lights...MEANINGLESS. I'll expand on that more at a future time.

Today our orientation agenda was for the gals to go shopping and buy fabric and clothes. Cicely and I both tended towards the bright orange, so we'll be two beaming pumpkin looking people perhaps....subtle! The fabrics are FANTASTIC though, and cost so little. We then had lunch at the home of a woman who is in charge of the income generating programs. We ate until we would burst, and then her husband asked if we didn't like it since we weren't eating more....groan! I'm still full several hours later. The food was really good...rice with dhal, beef, chicken, pumpkin and another vegetable fried in batter, and then dessert of a sweet rice dish, sweet (very sweet) yogurt, and two fried patty things, one made of palm and the other of soy. Quite tasty. It is warm but we have showers and ceiling fans which just make life good.

love to hear from you!!!

farewells and hellos

I was able to spend six days travelling around the UK seeing friends, which meant more meals, good laughs, a few more tears....but I was really lucky to be able to spend some really quality time with special people before embarking on my new life. Since a plot was supposedly thwarted to take explosives through Heathrow airport, my travel style (not particularly light) was a bit cramped. Hence, I am currently travelling "Heidi style"....for those not familiar with the Shirley Temple movie, she wears all her clothes on her journey. It was fine through colder climates, but a bit sweaty in Dubai! All in all, I made it through heightened Heathrow security pretty much unscathed....apart from having my lipstick confiscated. No make up, no lipstick, no soap or shampoo, no toothpaste....and no, it's not pretty! I still have about 4 hours before my flight to Bangladesh, so keep posted for my first impressions.

Bangladesh or bust

I am currently preparing to head to Bangladesh. Times are busy with a lot of farewells and preparations. It's difficult to leave, but I am looking forward to immersing in a new culture and starting my work developing HIV programs. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I enjoy my last few days in Oregon and head out across the world to all new languages, food, experiences, and adventures.