Bangladesh Here We Come

As I mentioned many months ago in this post, my friend Kim and I are making plans to go to Bangladesh next summer to teach in the new Speech-Language department in Dhaka. 

One year from today is our planned arrival date in Bangladesh.  I'm very excited that progress is being made.  Recently, Kim and I met with a group of fellow rehab specialists (physios, occupational therapists, and other speech-language pathologists) all of whom have already been to CRP (Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed) and they gave us great information about what to expect and let us ask millions of questions.   A young Bengali couple, who are both occupational therapists, brought presents for everyone at the meeting which was so sweet of them.  I included some photos of my presents on this post as these are tangible reminders of where we hope to be one year from today.
 

Kim and I submitted our applications to CRP a month ago and within days got emails back letting us know that we would be met at the airport and they have a rooms for us to stay in.  It's kind of funny to know those details before we know important things like what we will be teaching.  Oh well, baby steps.

The other thing we have done is start collecting discarded therapy materials and tests from work and buying good quality toys from thrift stores to take over with us.  Kim and I sat for a few hours recently and sorted out all the things we have collected so far - pretty impressive lot isn't it?  We may try and ship some of it over in a crate ahead of time.

We also need to start fundraising.  We have a year to raise the money we need for the airfare and costs when we are in Bangladesh.

 Exciting developments in our big project, although there is still a lot to do.