Sunset in Dhaka

The sun has set on my time in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  A sad day indeed.

My visa was expiring soon.  Two of the other AIMers here did not get their Tourist visas renewed.  They were told to apply again.  Another person (not of our organization) was denied a visa renewal and could not regain entry into Bangladesh.  I could take the risk of going to India to get the Tourist visa renewed but it would be a costly trip.  If the Bangladesh commission in India refused the renewal, I could get a 30 day Visa on Arrival at the Dhaka airport.  I had considered applying for a student visa which is good for one year.  However, it was very costly (over $1,000).  If I got the student visa, I would still need to raise the funds needed to stay longer in Bangladesh as my current budget was only good through August.

I wrestled with the decision for days.  It was a hard decision, but I decided not to renew my Tourist visa.  I decided to return to the United States instead.  There were hurried, tearful goodbyes as I prepared to take a quick flight out. 19-year old Liza hugged me and wept big drops of tears.  I held her and wept in return. She spoke the words so adequately, "Sister, you are taking a part of me with you.  A part of me will always be missing."  So true.  This country and her people captivated me with their genuine friendliness and servant-hood spirit.  A part of me will always remain in Bangladesh.

Sunset in Dhaka, Bangladesh

"Sister Moses"

Lately, I've been spending more time with Sis. Miller, one of the missionaries here in Bangladesh.  She has a very calm, generous and compassionate disposition.  She takes the time to speak to each person she interacts with whether it is the tailor, rickshaw driver, restaurant manager, or the beggar on the street.  I nicknamed her "Sister Moses" because it's like watching the red sea part when she walks into the room.  When the people see her, they smile, bow in respect, then clear off the furniture, making space for her to sit.

With my recent epiphany regarding beggars as real human beings, Sis. Miller's interactions with them amazes me.  She truly sees the beggars as real people as she tells me about them, "This elderly lady has the most beautiful face.  She must have been a wonderful child.  I wonder what caused her to become a beggar.  She deserves a much better life."  I watched her as she interacted with a young beggar mother holding a baby boy.  When Sis. Miller learned that the lady actually had twin boys, she excitedly shared with her that she too had twin boys, instantly bonding herself with the young beggar mother.

Sis. Miller gives generously to the beggars, whether it be food, water or money.  She knows many of them by name.  So, when I saw this picture on the internet, I immediately thought, "I could see Sis. Miller doing this."  Then I asked myself, "How many times have I walked by people, especially beggars, not caring about them at all?"  I justify my actions by telling myself, "You can't be nice to all the beggars.  You have to draw the line somewhere."  Where does one draw the line in demonstrating the love of God to souls?  There is no such line in the Kingdom of God.  Please pray for me that I will feel more compassion for souls as I walk the streets of Bangladesh.

Walking on Water

I learned to walk on water last week.  There were bricks to guide my way into the Nuton Bajar church which easily floods whenever there is a hard rain.  The water is mixed with sewer drainage, attracting mosquitoes.  It is a very unhealthy scenario, to say the least.  Seriously, this church needs to find a new location SOON as the monsoon rain season is almost here.  The flooding situation makes it very difficult for these precious, but poor, people to attend church.  However, nothing stops their worship once they arrive!  Please help us pray about this matter!

A rainy drive to church.

Some of the church kids walking on water.

Come on Sis. Cynthia! You can do it!

View of the church's flooded courtyard.

Church time!!