The Journey Begins (Again!) – From Africa to Asia

It would be an understatement to say it was a real surprise for us to be told we were moving to Bangladesh towards the end of 2018. The children coped remarkably well with the transition, better than us really. We were sad to leave Kenya but after 7 years the time was probably approaching for us to move on. We probably would have preferred a bit more time to transition but that is The Salvation Army for you!

So here we are in Bangladesh learning things over again. From being able to confidently navigate my way round most things and most situations in Kenya, I am at the starting line again and learning a new culture, enjoying the adventure and cringing at some of the mistakes.

I will share two things I have learnt here in Bangladesh so far:

1. Everything has a story. This blog will be partly my story but hopefully it will be much more than this. When I was in Chikankata, Zambia I was privileged to host a author by the name of Rhidian Brook. (He seems to becoming quite famous these days). He wrote a book
   charts his families nine month journey visiting and living with communities around the world who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. It also highlights The Salvation Army’s response to the pandemic in these communities. When starting out on this adventure Rhidian Brooks explains he was given this advice;  “Go expecting to learn and you will find the story”. So hopefully this blog will be full of stories of hope, stories that are not stereotypical but diverse and different, stories that are real, stories that show the reality that things are getting better in Bangladesh because of its own citizens, stories of truth and stories portraying the strength of its people. Consequently, hopefully this blog will be full of learning, perspective taking and insight.
2. Immanuel! In the short time we have been in Bangladesh, I have taken great hope and encouragement from the simple word ‘Immanuel’. At the end of each prayer time here, people don’t finish with a resounding Amen, they conclude by sensitively repeating the word Immanuel. It feels like they are reminding and reassuring each other. It has been this that has kept us going so far. In the midst of the struggles, frustrations and sometimes fears we all experience; God is with us. Hopefully our reflections will bring some of strength and hopefulness to you that this reminder constantly brings us – that we are not alone.

So, welcome to the journey! I’d love to hear your views and feedback as we go along.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together

African Proverb