A moment of my life today:
Though I frequently wake to the sound of a cow (that I could swear is using a megaphone) mooing outside of my window, this morning I received a new wake up call. I was jolted from my sleep by the noise of loud banging on my window. My initial thought was that someone had scaled the wall, and was now clinging to my second story window bars wanting in. This may seem like a rather fantastic first thought, but you must understand that more than once I have opened the curtains in the morning to find myself face to face with someone perched in a papaya or coconut tree working to get the respective fruits. After a few moments of panic (Should I stay in bed? Should I bang back and yell “jao!!” – go away? Why do they want in!??) I heard a loud “khaw khaw!” A bird. I fell back asleep, to be woken up minutes later… same bird. It was early on an off day, I contemplated homicide… but instead got up, flung the curtains open to face my enemy, and thanked him for welcoming me into a new day.
Today is an off day (my sister and brother-in-law’s office is closed) because for the first time in 7 years Bangladeshis are voting for a new government. Two years ago, when the last election should have been, the process was cut short by a military take over in light of charges of corruption and election rigging. Since then they have been in a state of “emergency government” and though I am told Bangladesh has been a little more stable in this state, many rights of the Bangladeshi people were lost to ensure this stability. It is an exciting time to be here. The current atmosphere reminds me a lot of what I imagine the 60s to be like in America. I can’t wait to show you all news paper pictures of huge groups of people protesting and forming human chains around buildings or in roads. The young adults of today are simmering over with desire to see the sacrifices of their parents and grandparents, who won them their sovereignty as a nation separate from Pakistan only 37 years ago, come to fruition. Rina came in this morning late from giving her first vote. She proudly showed me her thumb where a thick black line was drawn to insure that she did not try to vote twice. The papers are oozing with hope for a new tomorrow, often referencing America’s choice of Obama and “change” with faith that Bangladesh can have change too.
Today I say a prayer for Bangladesh, for justice and peace. Things may be a little crazy this next week as the new government comes to power, and I ask you all for prayers as well.
Though I frequently wake to the sound of a cow (that I could swear is using a megaphone) mooing outside of my window, this morning I received a new wake up call. I was jolted from my sleep by the noise of loud banging on my window. My initial thought was that someone had scaled the wall, and was now clinging to my second story window bars wanting in. This may seem like a rather fantastic first thought, but you must understand that more than once I have opened the curtains in the morning to find myself face to face with someone perched in a papaya or coconut tree working to get the respective fruits. After a few moments of panic (Should I stay in bed? Should I bang back and yell “jao!!” – go away? Why do they want in!??) I heard a loud “khaw khaw!” A bird. I fell back asleep, to be woken up minutes later… same bird. It was early on an off day, I contemplated homicide… but instead got up, flung the curtains open to face my enemy, and thanked him for welcoming me into a new day.
Today is an off day (my sister and brother-in-law’s office is closed) because for the first time in 7 years Bangladeshis are voting for a new government. Two years ago, when the last election should have been, the process was cut short by a military take over in light of charges of corruption and election rigging. Since then they have been in a state of “emergency government” and though I am told Bangladesh has been a little more stable in this state, many rights of the Bangladeshi people were lost to ensure this stability. It is an exciting time to be here. The current atmosphere reminds me a lot of what I imagine the 60s to be like in America. I can’t wait to show you all news paper pictures of huge groups of people protesting and forming human chains around buildings or in roads. The young adults of today are simmering over with desire to see the sacrifices of their parents and grandparents, who won them their sovereignty as a nation separate from Pakistan only 37 years ago, come to fruition. Rina came in this morning late from giving her first vote. She proudly showed me her thumb where a thick black line was drawn to insure that she did not try to vote twice. The papers are oozing with hope for a new tomorrow, often referencing America’s choice of Obama and “change” with faith that Bangladesh can have change too.
Today I say a prayer for Bangladesh, for justice and peace. Things may be a little crazy this next week as the new government comes to power, and I ask you all for prayers as well.
For more info on the election click here.
But what I really need to get off my chest this morning is the question of MOSQUITOES. Listen to this my friends, last night as I was putting down my mosquito net I counted ten of the blood sucking vermin (you don’t have many opportunities to say that and it be literally true) ON my net. ON THE NET! Their cockiness overwhelms me. We assumed that the mosquito population would decrease with the onset of winter here, but evidentially we are now in prime mosquito season. We are told that the mosquitoes are cold outside so they come in… hmmm. Here is the age old question I contemplated last night as I fiercely hunted the intruders – WHY? Why do they exist? What is the point of their presence on this earth? With most animals and insects that interfere in human business there is some underlying environmental reason, we know that somehow the fragile chain of life would be thrown off with out them. But mosquitoes? If any one knows of any reason, ANY, for their presence here, it would give me great peace of mind to be informed.
And now, for your veiwing pleasure, a few pictures:
Us trying out sandals on Ezra for the first time. Didn't take. Who came up with "baby shoes" anyway. Crazy idea if you ask me.
I finally roped Rina in to smiling in a picture with me, she may have given in because she just go this new pink shalwar kameez for Eid.
Thanksgiving cooking. Jeremy is pretty excited.
Picture taken out of the car window one morning (as is the one at the beginning of this entry, it is of baby banana trees). ISN'T BANGLADESH BEAUTIFUL?? Now in the mornings there is a lot of fog, and over the rice feilds... yeah, it is something to see.
Me after my first time out wearing the orna over my head. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for my steps in the acculturation process. Do I look natural or what?!
And that's all!!
