Back to Reality

The trip to Bangladesh was great over break! It seems as if it was a long time ago. College classes and work has started up, so everything seems normal again. Being back at home allows for the whole experience to sink in. When I look at a world map, it is hard to believe that we were actually there. It is surreal.

The pace of life is a bit of adjustment. The value of time makes it seem like Bangladesh and the United States are on different planets. I am back to a structured schedule here in the states, whereas in Bangladesh things were much slower paced and laid back. It is also weird going from a city of 12-15 million people in Dhaka to Fargo-Moorhead with a population of around 200,000. The weather is also a big adjustment. I almost forgot what snow looked like. The wind chill today is suppose to be -20F at it's lowest, back in Bangladesh the temperature is forecasted for a high of 75F.

It is nice to be back at home with friends and family despite the adjustments.

Final Pictures of Raja's Family

Here are some pictures of Raja's family and extended family with us the day we left. They were all very hospitable and made the trip feel as if we were at home, only half way across the world.

The Long Journey Home

After approximately a month traveling abroad, we made the journey back to Moorhead, Minnesota. The total trip home lasted 40 hours and covered over 9,000 miles! Our flight pattern consisted of the following: Dhaka, Bangladesh to Manama, Bahrain. Manama, Bahrain to Paris, France. Paris, France to Chicago. Chicago to Minneapolis. And finally the 4 hour drive back to Moorhead. It was a great trip! I hope that all of you have enjoyed the blog! Thanks for following me.

A better idea of the distance traveled home. It was literally half way around the world in Dhaka, Bangladesh!

Final Days In Bangladesh

The final days in Dhaka, Bangladesh went quickly. We spent time meeting up with Raja's friends and family. We were able to go to the World Trade Expo, go out to eat a few times, as well as being a part of an Wedding Anniversary party. The stay in Bangladesh was an amazing experience.

Out to eat one last time. The food was great!

The Wedding Anniversary Party. At the party people sang, we ate lots of food, and met more of Raja's extended family.

The World Trade Fair.

Sylhet

The last few days we spent in the city of Sylhet. It is a 5 hour bus ride away from Dhaka (pending traffic, the way back took 8 plus hours!). Sylhet is known for it's many tea gardens. Tea sells for about 12 cents per cup in Dhaka. We also went to the Jaflong River, rode an elephant, and saw a waterfall! It was quite the adventure. I can see why Bangladesh is known for it's greenery... Check it out

New Year's Eve and Prayer (Friday)

Here are some pictures from the day. We were able to observe the Muslim prayer time again, as well as roaming around Dhaka. Later on in the night we raced rickshaws and crashed one on accident. Tomorrow morning (the 1st), we are going to Sylhet. It is a region outside of Dhaka that has tea gardens, should be an interesting trip!

JAAGO

Today I had the great opportunity of visiting a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Dhaka. JAAGO Foundation aims to help alleviate poverty and help the poverty stricken people of Bangladesh, while ensuring sustainability of this betterment through ensuring the education of the slum and street children. Jaago has a school educating children from 4 years old up to 1st grade. They add one grade each year to keep the oldest children in the Jaago program. I was able to help teach a kindergarten class, where the children were very excited to learn! When I would walk into the classroom they would all stand  up and say, "Hello sir how are you doing?" The children are able to go to school through sponsorship. It costs 1,000 taka (approximately $15) per month to send one child to school. If you would like more information on JAAGO or sponsorship check out: http://www.jaago.com.bd/

Each child at the school plants a tree. They take care of it throughout their education at Jaago.

This was the first grade class. When they saw they were getting their picture taken, they were climbing all over me...

Jaago is currently located in one of the poorer areas in Dhaka, next to a slum. Jaago plans to open up two other locations in Dhaka where there is the greatest need for children.