I landed in Dhaka, Bangladesh at 8:30 AM Saturday. I cleared customs and immigration but not without a near fight. Two businessmen had just approached the customs desk and I was next in line. The wait had been a long one and I needed to use the restroom. I was not very happy when a couple broke the line (which is very typical, by the way) and approached the customs desk ahead of me. I was fighting mad! The two men behind me encouraged my fighting spirit by saying, "Ma'am, go ahead. You're next." I boldly approached the customs desk and situated myself between the businessmen and the couple, determined I was going to be the next person served. Then I got to thinking, THIS side of the customs desk is NOT the place to stage a fight. I needed to enter the country as peacefully as possible. So, I eased my way back to the waiting line and waited my turn. I cleared customs without any problem.
After a quick visit to the restroom, I stood at the baggage belt waiting for my luggage. It never arrived. The baggage staff people had me running in circles looking for it. Most of them could not understand English and I could not understand Bangla. (My Bangla phrasebook was inside one of the lost pieces of luggage). Finally, someone told me to file a complaint at the baggage claims desk. When I arrived at the desk and saw the number of people in line, I almost cried. There was NO WAY I was standing in yet another line! Matthew (my airport pickup person) was outside waiting and must surely be getting worried about me. I sweet-talked the security guard into allowing me to exit the area, find Matthew to inform him of my situation, and then re-enter the baggage area to file my complaint.
 |
| My room at hostel |
The ride to the hostel was a relatively short one. The traffic was not too bad, but still chaotic. I loved the sound of the honking horns. Oh how I had missed those sounds! Matthew was a great escort, taking care of the small details. Matthew is the oldest son of the Miller family, missionaries to Bangladesh; he has a twin brother, John. We arrived at the hostel, where I met the Chinese owner, Sabrina. She showed me my room and then we transacted business. Matthew mentioned the church service to her and invited her to come that night. She was unsure because it would be her first time to visit. I told her she was my first friend in Bangladesh and asked her if she would come as my guest. She agreed.
 |
| The view from my room |
In the meantime, Matthew's mom, Sandy Miller, called and invited me to their house for lunch of Indian food. I accepted her invitation. They lived one block away, so Matthew offered to take his motorbike home and then come back to walk me there. I said, "Why?" He looked surprised and asked, "You like to ride motorbikes?!?" I told him I grew up on motorbikes. So, I hopped on Indian-style (side saddle) and we took off.
At 5:30 PM, Sabrina and I went with the Miller family to the church service, which was being held at the Corbins' home. Turns out, Sabrina had visited the church a long time ago. For me, it was so good to finally meet the Corbins in person after months of communication by phone and email. The living room was packed with people from all nationalities. I loved the intimate setting and the wonderful spirit of worship during the service.
 |
| The bride and the groom |
Afterwards, there was a wedding. The groom was from South Africa and the bride was from South Korea getting married in Bangladesh. It was a sweet precious wedding. I just know this young couple is destined to do great things for the kingdom of God. On the humorous side, it was the first wedding I'd attended where the bride was barefoot and the groom wore socks. All the ministers and guests were also barefoot or wore socks. (Upon arrival, I had to quickly learn the Eastern custom of shedding my shoes at the front door).
 |
| My mosquito bed |
Afterwards, I went back to the hostel and climbed into my mosquito bed for some much needed sleep. It's been a very busy, fun-filled, first day in Bangladesh!
No comments:
Post a Comment