Bangladesh, the PeopleJudy Dryden – Victoria BC
As our team was boarding the Dhaka plane at Heathrow Airport, a young Bangladeshi man gave me a surprised look. He said “Are you going to Bangladesh?” When I said “Yes,” he gave me a big smile and said “Welcome!” I’ve often wondered what inspired and drove Dad to travel for months at a time when he and Mom founded Sleeping Children. He kept returning to Bangladesh, and it was one of the stops on his final SCAW trip. After just a few days in Bangladesh, I concluded I may have at least part of the answer. The need for bedkits is seen in the obvious poverty, but Dad would have been impressed by the people themselves. They are very much like him – friendly, positive, and resilient. From the volunteers, teachers, and parents, to the children themselves, they were gracious, helpful, and hospitable. One group of children greeted me with “Good morning, Madame,” as I lined them up for their pictures.
Throughout the country, workers are on the streets before sunrise and long after dark. Many work long hours for little pay, but they persevere. Bangladesh was hit with major flooding this year, and many fields and rice paddies are still under water. This will lead to food shortages. Making the best of a bad situation, the Bangladeshis are now fishing some of these areas. They show incredible spirit even under their difficult living conditions. Going to Bangladesh has been an amazing journey, and not only am I glad to have been here with my brother, Dave, and the rest of the team, but I’m grateful to have experienced the people of Bangladesh the way I believe Dad did. |
