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Culture Difference

I get asked a lot if I like Bangladesh. It’s a hard thing to answer. Some days I like it, other days I want to rip my scarf off and kick it. I’m always looking for beautiful scenery. Behind my hotel and out in the villages is about the only place. I was trying to describe Bangladesh to a friend the other day and I told her if they were filming a zombie movie and the world was ending, they could film it here and not have to do anything with the set. And everyone throws trash on the ground so trash is everywhere. One of my favorite things is riding on a motorcycle and taking the long drive out to the villages and looking at all the open green rice fields.

Something I do love about Bangladesh is the people. I love their hearts. Christian, Hindu or Muslim. My few Muslim friends are so great. But yes many Muslims are doing horrible things because of their beliefs. Something that does get old is getting starred at. Sometimes people get so close and stare so long I can’t help but start  laughing. Or the strange times like when a woman who was staying at my hotel really wanted me to come to her room to see her baby. Ok? So strange. It always makes me laugh.

Here’s some of the biggest culture differences I’ve noticed so far:

Men pee in public everywhere, they eat with their right hand, they don’t put everything on their plate at once, they eat 1 thing at a time and mix each dish with rice, if they cook for you they don’t eat with you, they stand by you and serve it, everything is spicy, seriously everything, telling people they’re fat is totally ok, tea a few times a day is a must (I love this one), at church men sit on one side and women on the other, if a man wants to date you, he tells you he loves you and asks to be your friend, sometimes even a complete stranger. I know so crazy.

The last week I’ve been able to take a few of the Alingon girls at a time to my hotel and can do it every week now. I finally feel like I have more freedom to spend time with them and not have it always be at the home. They’re so excited to come to my room and run around in the back and swing on the swings. They’re so happy with very little. It’s been so great to be able to do this. Something I’ve been wanting to do since I got here. It’s hard having quality time with 18 girls around and I’m big on quality time.

Awesome news…Shilpi and Sonia have sponsors! All 18 are sponsored now! So thankful to my friends Joanna and Wendy! This will enable them to bring more girls from the brothels in the future. The home has taken a big financial hit this year with a donor not being able to help. Even though the girls are all sponsored, they still have many other things to pay for. Anything given to the home will be so helpful. If you would like to give contact me and I’ll tell you how: [email protected]

Pray for the girls to overcome their past. They have been through more than any child should have to go through. They’re the most beautiful girls and hopefully a bright future is ahead of them. These pictures don’t do justice to their sweet spirits.

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3 Responses to “Culture Difference”

  1. Jordi says:

    Your posts get better and better! How fun being able to bring the girls back to your hotel for quality time. I love you so much and still can’t believe all the amazing things you are doing!!!

  2. Lori says:

    Hi Maggie,
    I love reading your posts, especially this one. Amazing what you are doing for these girls. Loved hearing about your funny experiences. These girls are absolutely beautiful souls. I’m glad you’re laughing at some of these crazy things you wrote about. Amazing the cultural differences.
    Love and prayers,
    Lori

  3. Simon & Chrystine says:

    What a great, detailed post! I’m so happy you are able to bring the girls to where you stay. What an experience for them. One they will never forget. I love the list of things that are different. Fun to read those. Great talking with you yesterday. I can’t wait to give you a hug and hear more and more about your adventures. We love you!

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