Mashi

For the sake of honesty and I feel compelled to share a bit of the negative. Desiring to actually contribute to something here and find a bit of relief from running after an incredibly curious and active two-year-old, a long-term worker tried to help me find an ayah (nanny). The first day was to be a trial run and what a trial it was. The day began with Grace becoming agitated as soon as she saw Mashi (kids here call their caretakers "auntie"), running from her and back to me. With advice from another long-term worker I decided that I would need to stick around for the first part of the morning, so I, along with the lady I was paying, watched as Grace played in the sandbox. Mashi even tried to push Grace on the swing, but she would not allow this and became angry. Mashi and I soon amused ourselves by hiding behind the swing and seeing how long she could push Grace before Grace realized it was her and not me!

I attempted to redeem the time by asking Mashi to teach me the colors in Bangla, but the rest of the day ended up consisting of more of the same, with Grace becoming increasingly more agitated as time went by. I did get a small break when, after I put her down for a nap, the poor lady sat and walked around, listening for Grace to wake up. Fortunately for Grace, I returned before she woke up from her nap.

Feeling horrible about it because Mashi had done nothing wrong, the first day was to be the last. I couldn't justify making Grace this uncomfortable in order to fulfill my desire for myself. I will add this to the list of "cultural experiences," realizing that not all will be positive.

On a more positive note, after two meetings with a Bengali tutor, I am well on my way to speaking Bangla. I can now pick out the subject pronouns and words such as child, son, daughter, good, and . Grace is constantly asking, "What his name be, mommy?" Therefore, the first phrase I asked to be taught was, "What is your name?" "Apnar nam ki?" in transliterated Bangla. I have been encouraged by realizing that the setup of this particular hospital and it's related activities should allow for me to learn to communicate even while taking care of Grace, a particular challenge that I have feared.

My next challenge is to practice ordering at the cantina (hospital cafeteria). I've tried twice so far with varying lack of success although the food has been good both times.

By the way, for our non-medical readers, Jon's lists translate to many basic general surgery cases, a few heart wrenching stories, a bunch of new things not seen in the U.S., and a few really crazy things, all of which he finds fascinating and every one a dark situation in which he feels drawn to bring the light of Truth.

Bekah