Post #2

It's almost a week since we left home and reality has finally set in, we will be here for a month! 

I must say, I really did not have much of an expectation before we arrived in Bangladesh, i like the thrill of a surprise, but Dhaka really had more than I could have imaged. From the moment we got off the plane until we set off for rangpur, their scene was always so alive. Everything was loud; the cars and the people. Everything was colourful; the clothes, the food, the cars, the buildings. 

The road to rangpur has to be the busy highway I've ever been on. Now I'm not just talking about the traffic, the scenery was just amazing. The land was so green, skinny goats and cows at every body of water we drove past, and if there was any land, someone found potential to make it a home. What's crazy is that I love it because it is so new to me and so different.

We went to the women's rehabilitation centre earlier today, where the girls there shared their stories with us. Victims of all kinds of abuse, from poor families and who came to RDRS with little or no education, work experience or self esteem. As they shared their stories I couldn't help but feel sorry for them because I thought that a person who has gone through such a life couldn't possibly have hopes or dreams, she couldn't possibly ever think life had something to offer. But I was wrong. These girls taught me something today; there is always hope. We watched them make clothes, bags, and bedcovers; they sang for us and shared stories about their lives, their experiences, hopes, dreams and aspirations. Despite everything they've been through they still find a reason to smile, they still hold onto a dream that acquiring a skill would empower them, despite all the wrong in their lives they still have room in their hearts to love and they dare to dream of a better life for their children. 

Tomorrow morning we're off to thakurgaon. i hope to gain better understanding of the services offered in the rural areas and the impact they have on their people.

Chiedza