Bangldesh Journal: Tuesday July 11, 2006

Today there was absolutely the worst rain storm/down pour ever. Traffic was at a standstill and the exhaust fumes were getting into the van, thus making the sick people sicker. For instance, Caleb threw up outside of the World Concern site (we carpooled). So he did not stay at the clinic; he went back to Grace House. I was supposed to lead the devotional this morning but we were so late due to weather and traffic. When we got there, they were finishing their devotional on Ester. I was stationed at reception again and I was totally excited about it.
Due to rain the early morning was not busy at all, so I showed all the people I work with pictures of my family and friends. I drew such a huge crowd; this was in part due to the fact that there were 0 patients. At one point Agnes left and that’s when I had to fill out the book, cards, and forms for 2 patients. One of the ‘security’ guys helped me, Ramon. I was sort of excited about this, but still very slow and nervous. The rest of the morning, when Agnes got back, was at a normal pace. She and I were working well as a team; we were getting a good ‘flow’.
Also there was a patient’s daughter who had to sit out by us. She was so curious and stared at me a lot. At one point she found a friend and they totally were sitting there looking at me and talking. They were super cute. I had bought gum and I gave them each half a piece. It took some pushing for them to take it because in Bangladesh it is not polite or good to seem needy, wanting, or eager. I also got to chat with the Assistant Manager. He used to be part of BSFB when he was in University. It was so fun talking to him because he was eager to talk and practice his English.
We went back to the Grace House for lunch. We had free time (aka sleep and other activities). When the World Concern people got back Bath went straight to sleep in Sarah’s bed (Sarah was away for the week at her site). We were concerned about her physically and emotionally because she had not wanted to talk to anyone. Later that night we had prayer and worship to intercede for the city. It was a very good time spiritually. My stomach was doing summersaults. We prayed over Caleb because of how sick he has been. After we did that we prayed over Milan, the cook’s son. Milan had sung worship songs with us earlier. I really pray that he grows up to be the man of Christ that he could be.
When I got back to the room Beth was up talking to people. She was feeling frustrated. Lauren had gotten an email via Ray telling her that her sister had left the Canadian Armed Forces, wheat she had wanted to do for over 6 years. We all talked more and then went to bed.