Christmas in Bangladesh

Walking through through the small but crowded market on the other side of the street from the hospital, our presence invited stares from young and old alike. Cell phones came out to take pictures and videos of the strange white visitors on this morning of December 25th. For the majority it was just another Thursday, but for a minutely small percentage of this country it is the day to celebrate Christmas. Finding ourselves among that group, we made our way through the market and then the rice fields, some green with life and others brown with the leftovers from the most recent harvest. We then walked through the brick road that goes through the town, a crowded area with brick, mud, and bamboo houses all mixed together. Arriving at the church, we found a crowd of people mostly in brightly colored saris, newly bought for the occasion. With the women seated on the left and the men seated on the right, the left quickly filled up and overflowed into the half-empty right side. The significantly larger number of women was an indication of who has responded to the invitation to Truth. We enjoyed the service, although agreed that it will be infinitely more enjoyable when we can understand some of what is being said.

After a two hour worship service, we left in order to particapate in a common Bengali custom, visiting friends. A community affair, Bengalis celebrate Chhristmas by visiting one anothers' homes. Ducking down to avoid hitting our heads on the low doorway, we entered the home of a hospital employee. We were shown around the modest two-room mud brick home and it's accompanying outdoor cooking area. When it was time to eat, we were served a spicy chickpea dish with Bengali sweets. As the next group of visitors were waiting, we were served Bengali spiced tea to finish the meal. With snacks eaten, the next group waiting, and a child who had swallowed a pin waiting at the hospital for the doctors to see, it was time to go. Offering the Bengali Christmas greeting, Shuvo Boro Din (literally "happy good day"), we thanked our hosts and left.

Bekah