2/10- 213 - Final Days... :(
Who knew this trip would come to an end so quickly? We still had a lot to do and see, but we managed to get everything done...somehow. lol
2/10- On Sunday morning we met with the Chancellor of Dhaka University. There was a very large demonstration that day at the school so traffic was horrific and put us behind schedule an hour. However, it was incredible that so many students came together to protest about the War of 1971 and the punishment of several brutal rulers. The hearings are finally here and I love that the next generation took it upon themselves to get justice.
The Chancellor was telling us about some of the challenges the university faces. It amazed me that more than 247,000 students apply each year, however, they can only accept 6,000 students. Education is extremely important in Bangladesh and many elite and innovative leaders have risen from this growing culture. One example is YouTube, who was founded by a Bangladeshi.
Next we went to visit The Daily Star, which is the largest English newspaper firm in the country. I love reading this paper because it's very interesting topics and they even focus on the details of the right colors to keep it vibrant. The next day we saw our photo on the second page in the paper. :)
2/11- On Monday morning, we had the rare opportunity to meet with the founder of BRAC, Sir Abed, one of the most amazing and successful NGO's in the world. He was so kind to give us so much of his time. So many interesting stories which has inspired millions of people.
Next, Stephanie and I were very excited to visit the U.S. Embassy. We would both love to work for the State Department and travel the world. She wants to be a Consulate and I want to work in the Public Democracy (Relations) track. We made some good contacts so we'll see what happens. :)
This night we presented at Fawzia's (our GSE Coordinator) club. We are going to miss her so much! She has been so good at taking care of us, that we won't know what to do without her. The good news is that she'll be bringing the Bangladeshi team to Arizona in May as the team leader. We can't wait to see her!!
2/12- Tuesday morning we had some free time in the morning so my host mom (Asma), had arranged for me to go see an Old Age Home which was started by one lady when she was 32 years old. We left around 6am to avoid traffic since it was about an hour and a half drive, but it was well worth it. Asma had told me about this place because she read about it in the paper and volunteers with them. I will never forget this experience and the incredible story of how one woman has changed the lives of many. This experience will always have a place in my heart and I'm working with different organizations to get funding and medical supplies so it can be sustained.
The amazing woman, Salina, who started the Old Age Home. Everyone loves her...
Next, Asma, was so sweet to let Steph and I borrow the car so we could do some last minute shopping (however, we could never get enough time to shop)!
We finished right in time so we could make it to our Women's Empowerment Luncheon. The second we walked in, we fell in love with the ladies and their witty comments and jokes.
This lady, Niloufar, had us rolling on the floor telling us a story about her grandson and a goat. Let me know if you'd like the full version and I'll privately tell you since it's slightly inappropriate, yet hysterical. :D
After our luncheon we were told our next two meetings were cancelled due to another hartal in that area. Therefore, I went for a walk in the park with 10 yr old Shahreen then had tea on the street after. I'm really going to miss my family!!
Shahreen protecting me from the traffic...:)
When I got home, I was told the meetings were back on so I grabbed my Sari and took it with me so Fawzia could dress me at the hotel where our meeting would be. Those Sari's are impossible for us to put on by ourselves! :-/ It was a great club and they were so generous in giving us beautiful gifts. We also took pictures by the Valentine's Day display. <3
Lastly, we had our farewell dinner with the District Governor, Ishtiaque, his wife, Tahia, our GSE Chair, Jamal, and GSE Coordinator, Fawzia. Steph and I were excited because we went to Pizza Hut, but we were laughing because we were dressed up in Sari's. Reminds me when we went to the Tea Garden and I drank coffee! Haha Never a dull moment...
Had a wonderful time catching up and reminiscing about our trip...can't believe it's coming to an end! :( However, the friendships and memories will last forever...
When I got home around 11ish that night, my host family was waiting to take me to get gelato- my favorite! It was only appropriate to eat at Pizza Hut and order 'American Mud' ice cream while dressed up in a Sari on my last night. :) Good times...
Then I gave them a few gifts and Shahreen LOVED the whoopie cushion from my club! She tried it our on all their staff and used it so much that it actually popped!! :( She tried so hard to fix it, but had a huge smile on her face as soon as I gave her another one. :)
My host family is so generous and wouldn't stop giving me gifts! Asma gave me some of the most beautiful jelwrey and also some bangles that were hers which mean so much! I was teasing that I was going to take them home with me...wish I could!
I then stayed up until 3am packing (mostly because I didn't want to leave and packing became reality). I left a lot of my stuff there and brought back mostly gifts and souvenirs. I was joking with my family that I was leaving my stuff there because I'll be back soon. Then I realized I wasn't joking...I will be back someday! :)
2/13 - My host father took Steph and I to the airport early on 13 Feb. It was so hard saying bye to everyone...but I knew in my heart it wasn't goodbye- it was until next time...
We love you Bangladesh and all the amazing people that became a part of our lives. I whole heartily mean this when I say I had one brother and one sister when I left the US on 12 Jan, now when I leave Bangladesh on 13 Feb, I will have over 86 brothers and sisters, 22 sets of parents, hundreds of aunts and uncles, and more than 2,200 rotary friends from Bangladesh.
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