After school, Meagan and I went shopping to find some clothing. We were a bit shocked at the high prices, and it took quite a while to find an outfit in our desired price range. We enthusiastically entered one shop and focused on the mission of finding an orna (like a scarf). It was a very small shop where the people are not usually friendly, so I decided to wait outside for Meagan. As I waited, I found a maxi I liked. Meagan bought a maxi a few days ago and she has been raving about it. Every day she tells me I need to buy one. Maxis are like long flowing dresses that we can wear in our house. They are a lot cooler than other clothing options. As sweat trickled down my face, I recalled Meagan comfortably dancing around our house in her maxi. Yes, I decided to buy the maxi.
I joined Meagan in the cramped shop to make my purchase. As I entered, Meagan asked if I had 50 taka. The shop owner did not have change for her 100 taka. I thumbed through my wallet and apologetically explained that I did not have small change. I made my purchase and waited for the shop keeper to find change for Meagan. At this moment, Meagan informed me that the shop owner was taking a little rest on the floor behind the counter. Odd. That wasn’t all though, he had his shirt pulled up to maximize the cooling effect of airflow in the room. His workers carefully used the shelves and counter to climbed over him. There he was, sprawled out in his cramped little shop, giving orders to those above him, nearly shirtless. Interesting indeed.
The experience became more humorous when another customer squeezed into the small shop. Meagan and I were still waiting for the worker to send his buddy to make change at the next shop. Instead, the worker asked the newly arrived woman, who was shopping, if she had any change! Meagan and I could not contain our giggles. She pulled out her wallet and carefully searched for the little bills. Unfortunately, she did not have change either. Finally, he asked his co-worker if he had change. The young man whipped out a fifty, exactly what we needed. It was quite the community event. The bustle didn’t seem to bother the resting shop owner though as he didn’t budge from his stately throne the whole time we were there.
One part of our mission was complete, and another part was yet to be conquered. With orna in tow, we headed to another section of town to search for a cheap outfit. We walked through every store in the building and finally found the perfect outfit for Meagan. Mission accomplished, it was time to go home. However, there was a divine appointment from God waiting for us on the street corner.
Last year I told you about, “meandering with the munchkins.” Well, our little munchkins were thrilled to see us today. The whole group sprinted toward us and slammed against us with huge hugs. One little girl said it had been many days since she had seen us. They all called out in little phrases inquiring about our well being and such. A few little ones even chimed in with little bits of English. We hugged our beloved kiddos and walked hand in hand with them. It is somewhat hard to walk hand in hand with twelve kids when there are only four hands between Meagan and I, but the kids make it happen. Their smiles make my heart soar.
The kids asked us to buy them mangos, and we agreed. This was a rather large group, and they can get rather unruly when they are in a large posse. We quickly devised a plan. I gathered the children around me and told them to stay right there while Meagan approached the dokon (fruit shop) to buy the mangos. We needed thirteen by this time. We drew quite the crowd of onlookers, and the kids jumped up and down in excitement and hung on my arms. The shop keeper is used to us buying fruit for our kiddos. During past experiences, we have learned the best system for distributing fruit. The owner comes out and has all the kids sit on the ground. Then he carefully gives each child a mango, making him or her leave as he or she receive it. That way, no one hides the fruit and asks for another (which we experienced once when one boy stuffed his chip bag down his britches and reached a hand out looking at us with glittering big brown eyes.) We told the children we would see them later, and they joyfully skipped along. A few adults asked us questions, and we headed home.
It is great to be back. I missed the people. While visiting our tailor, I took a picture of a pair of sandals outside his shop door. The word, “lovely” was printed across the plastic strap. Immediately my mind thought of the prophet Isaiah’s beautiful words, “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7). Please pray that our feet will be lovely to the people of Bangladesh as we seek to honor our wonderful God.
Please keep us in your prayers as school begins tomorrow. The teachers are extra busy this year with even more responsibilities than in previous years. Recent events have added even more to busy schedules than was anticipated. It is a difficult, yet exciting time at William Carey Academy. We are stepping out in faith, knowing that God will provide the strength and energy we need for this year. He will receive all the glory as we follow Him down a path we can not conquer on our own. Such paths can be intimidating and difficult to travel, but they are the most rewarding because they greatly magnify the excellence of our precious King. Thank you for supporting us on the journey.
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