More about the Budda School...

After the welcome ceremony we went into the classrooms and visited with the students. Picture a classroom with no windows, two sections, one for boys and one for girls; each section with five students crammed together in eight rows which makes about eighty students in one small classroom with one teacher. The children were dressed in uniforms. They welcomed us with smiles and "welcome".
They listened intently as we told them how the students in Vermont wanted to know about them and ethusiastically answered the Vermont students' questions. We explained how each Caring Coins is a reminder of their connection to a student in Vermont. Each student smiled, shook our hands, said "thank you" and looked us straight in the eye as we gave them a Caring Coin.
Betsy, Chris and I were all very impressed with the students' eagerness to hear our message. They listened as we told that they are the future of Bangladesh and the future of world. Even though there is great poverty and tremendous need, their love of country is very obvious when they speak about their country. We left there wanting to further connect with these students..



From the Badda School we went to a big park to meet and bring food to a group of very young homeless children. We are told that these children are mostly orphans who have but the clothes on their backs and perhaps an additional tee shirt to use as a pillow when they sleep on a cement block. No bed, no covers no roof over their heads. People bring them food and water. From the reception we received from the children, it was obvious that that they knew our host and his staff very well. Once again, the Caring Coins were received with a smile and looked like they'd be around their necks for a long time. For some, the Caring Coin is their only posession other than the clothes they are wearing. These children are precious. It's a wonder Betsy and I are not taking them all home! Their eyes, their smiles, their faces will remain with us.

We finally made it back to the hotel at about eight PM. In case we haven't mentioned this before, we have an entourage of eight, attractive young men who accompany us everywhere. So rest assured that we are in good hands.

As we were waiting to be seated for dinner at the hotel, I was talking with one of the the Design Bangladesh staff about Bangladesh. He said "You know, we are Muslims, but we are not terrorists. We are proud to be Muslim and love our Bangladesh. That is why we are working for a better Bangladesh."

After a delicious Bengla dinner, we were off to bed, exhausted and having mixed feelings. We were exhilirated but also saddened by the plight of so many of the children.

Salley, Betsy and Chris