I made it to Dhaka very early yesterday morning. After collapsing into bed at our guesthouse I woke up to a nice breakfast and a newspaper.
Page two headline: The Worst City in the World
Thankfully, that worst city isn’t Dhaka. It’s actually Harare the capital of Zimbabwe. Dhaka is number two. [The Economist Intelligence Unit]
Of course, you can quibble with their criteria, but however you slice it things aren’t so good here. Getting named second-worst city in the world didn’t even make front-page headlines. Those were taken up by political violence, rolling brownouts with a projected deficit of electricity heading into the summer months, and traffic fatalities. And also the celebrations of Independence Day here, so it’s not all bad (I say as the lights flicker out, again).
Dhaka also claimed the honor of third worst air pollution in the world (depending on who you ask). The traffic is pretty intense, most of the sidewalks are either nonexistent or are open to the sewer drains underneath, and everywhere is crowded.
I've got to admit, after a couple of days, the intensity of it has knocked me a little off center. It's humbling to realize how much stronger my reaction to things can be when I am tired/hot/sweaty/annoyed. I find I don't have a lot of patience when the rickshaw drivers rip us off, and that my frustration from those interactions lasts far longer than it should. I find myself relieved to get back to the guesthouse and some quietness and a fan.
I haven't even been in a slum yet.
It's not really following Jesus if we only stay where we are comfortable and in control. So I'm thanking God for putting me in places where I can recognize my lack of control. Places that make me uncomfortable and make me sweat.
All that to say, I'm excited to be here for the next few months, excited to practice Bangla, and excited to trust God with the intensity of it all. And I am, strangely enough, looking forward to eventually moving into a slum where I will truly be even more in over my head.
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4 comments:
Ditto to what Matt said.......keep swimming....you are only in over your head when you quit or can't tread water any longer. I am standing with you in prayer this morning that they JOY of the Lord will continue to be your strength as you navigate these strange and new waters. Before long, you will be leading the pack as they attempt to navigate the waters of India! <3 God never leaves or forsakes us and as you sow to the Spirit, you will reap from the Spirit. The fleshy things (like fatigue, anger, frustration, heat) will dissipate and come under your control thru the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen, brother! YSIC (your sister in Christ), Kristin
Being recently saved and a freshman in bible school it is such an inspiration to read about your adventure from the comfort of my dorm room. I want so desperately to follow Jesus wherever he will send me and so many things are pointing to the same radical leaps of faith you seem to be marching on towards. You are an amazing child of God kenny and I only wish we could all have this radical faith. I am often still worried and afraid of where God will send me, specially because its looking more and more like Uganda. I Don't think I have the same faith yet that you appear to have. God bless you God Bless you and may he keep you until we meet again.
The fight to resist comfortability and complacency seems like it will be a life long battle. Thanks for the reminder to get out there at shake things up.
Maybe I'll take my crutches to the streets and stir up some love.
Oh good, you ARE human! I was beginning to worry...
I think culture stress is really variable and unpredictable. I have to give myself permission to sometimes react strongly to things that I thought I was used to. God's testing and growing me so much with the little things, especially the ones I want to think I can just cope with on my own. His power is revealed so beautifully in our weakness...and our sweatiness...and even our irritation...when we submit to Him. It's not a detour away from His purpose - it IS His purpose for us to struggle with this stuff.
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