"A ship in the harbour is safe, but that's not what ships are built for"

While catching up with a dear friend today, I was reminded of what it is I have done, packed up my life and gone, hoping that I've heard God's voice clearly... The thing is, that's not what it feels like. For me, relocating to Bangladesh now feels like it was the most natural thing in the world. If you take out the scary part, of this being my first time away from home, it hasn't been a particularly traumatic ordeal (well, not counting the understandable culture shock). In all honesty, I never expected to fall in love with another country. Sure, I'm not going to be getting rid of my Australian flag, or the aussie flag shirt, earrings, board shorts and the remainder of the reminders of my heritage, but Bangladesh has captured my heart.

I love that I can walk out my door, jump on a rickshaw or CNG and head practically anywhere in Dhaka. Sure, decent shampoo and conditioner sets me back anywhere up to 1800 Taka (around $30 AUS), but I can get a mango for the equivalent of a dollar! The customer service I recieve in Bangadesh is incredible compared to what I've experienced in Australia in the past week, another pro for the good old 'Desh...

Did I imagine missing Bangladesh while I was 'home'... um, nope! But here I am, missing it so much it hurts! Yet more proof that God has a plan (and clearly, also a sense of humor!) :)

I could have stayed in Australia and lived a wonderful life... But I'm glad God kicked me out of my comfort zone!!!

Bangladesh is beautiful (to be honest, once you're out of the city, it's glorious!), and the people I have met there are so amazing, and have already changed me!

Til next time, dear ones!
Kim xox

"Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end."

G'day from Australia!

Before I start, let me just say that it feels very weird sitting here in Australia, knowing that I'm on the internet and it's most likely NOT going to die while I'm mid-sentance! Ah, the joys of the West! Being 'home' is feeling quite surreal at the moment, and the reverse culture shock isn't what I expected. Aside from being exhausted non-stop since my arrival, I'm having a great time, though to be honest, it is quite overwhelming seeing everyone.

I was asked a few times in the last few days about how 'Banladesh' happened as an event in my life, and I realised that there are some people who aren't privvy to the details leading up to the upheaval a few months ago.

When I was in my final year of University/College (call it what you will), I started exploring the idea of heading overseas to teach. In my mind, I was looking in places like England, America and Canada, places where language would not be an issue, and I could live a fairly comfortable life. After many doors opening and then closing (in some cases, repeatedly), I decided to give up the idea, as God obviously didn't want me to leave Australia (Oh, how little I was aware of at that time!). I applied for jobs around Sydney, and even interviewed for a few, but no job came up. Casual teaching seemed to be the natural path to take... Except that I HATED casual teaching. I hated not knowing what was happening the next day, and as a generally organised person, it stressed the bajeebus outta me, not knowing what was coming next. Therefore, I did what I swore I would never do, and took on more hours at the local Coles supermarket to give me enough money to cover basic expenses such as my car and insurance.

Knowing that Coles wasn't a long-term option for me, I started looking for teaching jobs abroad, and I ended up honing in on Canada for some reason. I was looking on a Christian schools website for Canada, and there was a link to a website called 'mission teach'. Feeling a definite poke (which I fully intended to ignore, by the way) from above, I clicked on the site and discovered that there is a need for Christian teachers all over the world (though apparently not in Australia!). My thought at the time, being poked so hard from God that there were almost visible bruises, was 'I can always post a profile and then ignore it'... I'm certain God was laughing at me!

Within 8 hours of posting my details, I had reponses from 5 schools. Woah! This gentle nudge was God telling me that I was "leaving on a jet plane"... The only thing to decide was which destination was going to be the right one. God made things very easy from that point onwards, showing Grace International School as the only school worth pursuing. Everything fell into place, and even before my skype interview, God made it clear to me that I was headed to Bangladesh. Of course, I tried to be stubborn. If memore serves correctly, I tried to defy God by NOT preparing for my interview. I remember saying to Laura (half an hour before my interview) "I havn't prepared for this interview, I don't WANT this job... If God is sending me to Bangladesh, he's going to have to work a miracle". Well, after a (to me) brilliant interview, I knew God's answer - "haha, you tried to buck the system... You're going to bangladesh anyway!".
This, and other proof of my stubborness thwarted by God, is a true testament to God's amazing plan, his unceasing promisses of faithfulness and the blessings he gives us even when we don't deserve it.


So now, here I am, back in the house where it all started. I'm surrounded by family and friends here, and all the little comforts I grew up knowing... And you know what? I'm missing Bangladesh!!!

Tangible answer...

Ok, so this story is too powerful NOT to share.
We all know that flying comes with it's own instant set of complications and stresses. In true Bangladesh style, the things we expect to be easy are anything but, and the simplest of tasks can become odious and stressful.

Take tonight, for example.
Upon leaving the airport after dropping Esther and cori off, I recieved a phonecall from my very amazing canadian roomate. Because Cori's Dad had paid for her flight with his credit card, the airline she was travelling with were refusing to let her fly because she didn't have the credit card with her. Now, logically, one would notice that Cori was headed HOME, TOWARDS the card, and that obviously, she wouldn't steal someone's card and then fly directly towards the person they'd stolen it from. I would think that the fact that her last name was the same as that of the card-holder, it would be of little consequence who was flying, as long as they had their Visa and Passport. Apparently, this is a very silly assumption to make, considering that I am not in the west, and therefore, my western mindset is out of context.
The only way Cori was able to get on her flight and start the very long journey home, was through the prayers of close to a dozen people here in Dhaka who were following Cori's progress from the first phonecall alerting us to the bad news.

Friends, God is abundantly good and faithful. When will I stop doubting the wonder of his never ending promises and plans? On the one hand, I could put my often lack of faith down to the fact that I'm human. I'm sorry if you disagree, but that is the biggest cop-out EVER! Our calling is to be imitators of Christ. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Jesus never doubted the plan. Sure, he didn't want to go through with it, he even begged for an alternative, but he had faith that his actions would provide the ultimate gift: A new beginning for those who love and believe in him.

Being in Bangladesh has taught me alot about faith, trust, integrity, encouragement, love and true openess. Each day has the potential to fall apart. With language barriers (honestly, I listen to what Esther says in Bangla, and I try to duplicate the noises she makes in the hope that I'm speaking Bangla that can be understood, though it means I speak Bangla with an Irish accent!), a new culture and the general differences that still astound me, God is teaching me daily about relying on HIM and HIS strength. I have seen too much evidence of God's faithfulness here. Whether it's someone coming out of a coma after being declared brain dead (they woke up with no problems, by the way!), people surviving horiffic accidents, surgeries back home, Visa's coming through when they shouldn't technically be granted, packages that defy the odds and make it into Bangladesh... God is working, and he loves Bangladesh. No matter where you're from, God is faithful.

I have a wonderful teaching assistant in my class this year. She is awesome and lovely and takes immense care of me. She's helpful, loving, kind, gentle and a constant encourager. She's the sort of person who sees you in the morning and praises God for the good health that has allowed you to get up each morning and go to work. I've got to say, God surrounds us with the people we need the most. I'm accumulating sisters here, and this is the time in my life that I need a sister (or 4).

Merry christmas, everyone! next time I blog, it will be from the comfort of Sydney, with clean feet, ankles showing (ooh la la!), a pleasant lack of mosquitoes in my bedroom and my family within hugging distance at all times. I am so blessed and can't wait to see those of you who will have time to see me over this holiday season!

Love and hugs,
Kim xx

"There's been a change in me... a time of moving on... "

At this moment, by bed is covered in things that need to make it back to Australia. Christmas presents, clothes, books, cards, photo's... It's funny that I can sum up alot of what has happened in the past five months just by looking around my room.

Of course, my room reminds me only of the good times here. In the corner, above my desk, is the beautiful parisol I fell in love with at Cox's Bazaar, the one that Jessie then bought for me and gave to me for my 23rd birthday. There is every card I've recieved since being here. The ones that keep me going the most are the ones from home, letters that were written from a place of love and care. There's the cute cushions on my reading chair, a reminder that there is beauty in all things... And at the moment, there is also my suitcase, a gentle, calming reminder that I am about to be blessed incredibly. Blessed with the opportunity to visit 'home' for a few weeks and reconnect with the people I left behind.

Obviously, there are many things that happen here that I would prefer to forget. They are the sort of things I try not to bring home with me each day... Living in a third world country really opens your eyes to the fundamental things of life. Here, life is about getting through each day, finding enough food and nourishment, hoping that their life will continue through the next morning. I really don't enjoy making bangladesh sound dramatic. I don't want people to feel bad for me. I actually love it here, and feel so blessed... But seeing people dying on the street is a daily struggle.

Last week I performed in the Upper School christmas production. I sang a song written by Jesse, one of the other teachers here. The whole production was about beggers, our perception of poverty, seeing things from the other side... My character was a hauty rich woman who has just passed through a large group of beggers. The lyrics of the chorus of the song I sang were:
"Why should I help them
What difference would it make
They are so many
And I am just one
Why should I help them
When nothing will be changed
Their needs are many
So what can me done?"
I've got to say, this has challenged me. From a basic level, it often feels like I can't really help people here. I know that I am here as a TEACHER, that is my 'mission', but how can I sit back and do nothing about the pain and poverty thrust suddenly into my world view? I could give and give and give here (though it still overwhelms and confronts me incredibly), and I could use every resource available. And it would be not even a drop in the bucket compared to the poverty and low quality of live here. Oh, what to do...

I hope this doesn't sound like I am complaining... This is just a struggle in my life at the moment. I was hanging out with friends tonight, and we were talking about adjusting to this life. I said something completely offhand which I'm sure will turn up on someone's quote page...
Yes, there are challenges here, there are things that are hard, there are trials... but if I wasn't going through this now, I'd be dealing with something else back 'home'... There will always be ups and downs. I'm going through stuff here, but if I wasn't, I'd be going through something else at home... The only difference is that back home, I would be dealing with it with carpet under my feet and un-peeling paint on the wall... Perspective, hey?!

Peace and blessings, dear ones!
To those of you in Sydney, I'll see you very soon!!

Kim xox

Late night muse session

So, this little gem came together over a few very late evenings when I should have been sleeping... But who am I to complain when a muse smacks you in the head?!
Enjoy, peeps! Kim xox


I'll follow you wherever you go
I'll go as far as you need me to show
That you are my all in all
I'll follow you as far as you need
By your strength, nothing in me to lead
In my power I'll fall

I know it's not going to be a walk in the park
I know I'm going to cry out and feel torn apart
Your words will keep me strong when I cry out

You are everything I need
And Everything my heart aches for...
You are my Lord

Heavens Child

So, I know, I know, I've been slack and i haven't updated in months... What can i say, life is busy here! It is two short weeks until I visit home, and I am completely psyched to see everyone! This week, we have our school Christmas production. It is looking very cute, and many people have poured their hearts into the preparation. We started with a large number of songs in the productions, but one by one, they got culled and replaced with more appropriate songs. Well, a few weeks ago, it was decided that we needed a song for when the Wise Men make an appearance (and no, We Three Kings was not an option!). Thus it was, someone raised my hand to write something that would suit. I'm not saying it's fabulous (in fact, anything but!), however, here it is, one of the songs in our Christmas production. Written by me :)


Heavens Child

Wise men from afar
Followed a shining star
It led them to Heavens child
Whispers from the East
Bringing gifts that were far from least
To worship the baby mild

Unto bethlehem
Is born a boy child
Worthy of a throne
In a bed of hay
Where the cattle lay
King of all nations

Wise men from afar
Followed a shining star
It led them to Heavens Child


Well, there it is! It is being performed by two students, one of whom is in my class. They sound like angels! It is so surreal to hear something I've written, being sung by other people! It is such an honour, and it has given me inspiration to start composing again :) I'll keep you updated on the creative front!

All my love,
Kim xox

Only in Bangladesh...

Only in Bangladesh...
Does the word 'karap', yes, sound it out!, mean 'bad'.
Do you have to check your toilet seat for cockroaches.
Do you have exposed wires all over the place.
Does your housekeeper step on cockroaches with bare feet, thinking nothing of it.
Does a small grocery shop cost you more than a string of pearls.
Does 'yes' often mean 'ok', 'maybe' or flat out 'no'.
Are potholes filled with whatever happens to by lying around... Rubbish, bricks, Glass...
Do candles become more valuable than coffee.

You get the gist! I'll add more soon, my housemate and I are forever saying 'Only in Bangladesh' when things go wrong or unexpected, it's like this place is turned upside-down!!!

Love and hugs from Kim in Dhaka

Nomoshka!

Greetings, dear ones!

I can hardly believe I've been here for over two weeks! Time flies when you're... so overwhelmed and having fun! Everything here is a new experience. Shopping, going for a walk, clothing, accents, language barriers, teaching...
I'm slowly settling into my new routine, though I think the whole idea of the work week being sunday-Thursday is going to take a few more weeks to sink in! We have been blessed by the fact that the first two weeks of school are only 4 day work weeks for us teachers, which is lovely! It's nice knowing I'm being eased into my new life here, one segment at a time!!!
Our home internet is pretty sketchy, but once I've got myself sorted, I'll try to post some photo's so you can see my class, the school and my new place!!

That's all for now,
Love to you all.
Kim xox

Episode five - Dhaka

Greetings from Dhaka!

You'll all be happy to know that Dad and I arrived safely in Dhaka. Also, during our tour on our first day, we fund the 'Australia Shop' and I'm pleased to note that the tim-tam consumption in our apartment is only sitting at 4!

It is so humid here. In Australia, when it's hot, usually you can go fid a tree to sit under, and you can escape for a while. That's definitely not the case over here! even inside, unless you've got AC running, it's hot and humid and (especially those from colder countries like Canada and the UK) unbearable. It's too dissimilar to that really muggy part of summer in sydney...

Well, this is short and sweet!

Talk soon!

kim xox

Episode Four - Sydney

Well, my bags are almost packed, I've picked my 'books for the plane' and unfortunately, I've had to start saying my goodbyes. Saying farewell really kicks you up the backside, honestly! I feel like all I've done for the last two weeks is work, catch up with people, say goodbye and sleep! I think that's just about all I'm capable of at the moment!

I can't believe I fly out on Wednesday! That's just way too soon for my liking! I've still got so much to do, like organise travel insurance, finish packing, pick out what western clothes I need to take, cleanse my house (that's right, our house needs more of a cleanse than a clean... scary thought!) and get ready to shatter my heart into a million pieces between Sunday and Wednesday. I think I've bitten off far more than I can evidently chew!

One of the biggest things freaking me out at the moment is the fact that I'm actually going to be a teacher. Yes, that's what I studied to be, yes, I'm trained. But oh my goodness, I feel so unprepared! I guess I'll just try my hardest and let God do the rest!

I'm hopign to provide you with one more update before I leave Sydney, but in the event that that doesn't happen, so long for now dear friends! See you in Bangladesh!

Episode Three - Sydney (for 22 more days!)

The count-down is well and truly on, and the tears are remaining at bay!! This time, in 22 days, I'll be in the air, reading and crossing my fingers for a few good in-flight movies!!

I have been really blessed lately, everyone is being so supportive and generous. I visited my favourite Prac school last week and shared my journey with the children, and their true hearts, questions and love were so wonderful, and it was simply Divine to see most of the kids I'd taught on my various visits. My (now) year 5 and 6 girls were such sweethearts, and for a short time, I wished I could just stay with them! I grew so much as a teacher when I was teaching that group, and I think in some ways, I will always consider them to be my first class.

I only have two weeks left of work, which is both exciting and sad at the same time. Yes, I understand that it's just a supermarket job, not exactly a career for a primary teacher, but I've worked there for over 6 years, and (most of) the people I work with are more than just colleagues, they are my friends, and people who have put up with grumpy customers and bad management alongside me!

I'm treasuring every bit of time I have with my family at the moment, I even went for a sleep-over at my grandparents place with my Auntie, and it was so much fun! I'm hoping to fit in at least one more before I leave!

On the visa front, everything is up and running! Unfortunately, the consulate here in Australia doesn't accept any type of visa payment except bank cheques (as opposed to personal cheques), but onca Dad obtains those either today or tomorrow, we'll be able to procede with the applications (after a long wait, kindly produced by the Bangladesh Government!!). Another blessing is that i've been assured that it will only take 7 working days to process everything, so I'm hopefull that everything will be planned a week before we leave.

Thank you all for your support!
Love and hugs,
Kim xox

Episode Two - Sydney

A new day, a new challenge...
Praise the Lord, my Passport is printed and on its way, which is a huge relief because now I can organise my Visa!
I have had lots of contact with the school, and the new teachers this week, which has been amazing! I've had e-mails with most of the new teachers, especially my room mate (Corinne) and Jessie, who will be teaching Year One! Talking with them has really eased my mind, because they are feeling much the same as I am, overwhelmed, underprepared, freaked out!
Corinne and I have been provided with a really big apartment, which is going to be fun, and I'm hoping that we will have lots of visitors. Our place is a four bedroom appartment (three of which have ensuites!) that is (for the next week) housing a family of seven (Yes, TWO people will be living in a place that comfortably houses seven currently!).
My biggest worry and stress at the moment is attempting to start programming for my class. First year teacher, curriculum I've never even seen before, new culture, living out of home for the first time... You do the math! I'm well and truly FREAKING OUT!!!!

Love to one and all, I'll write again soon.

Kim xox

Episode One (b) - Visuals of Bangladesh!

Episode One - Sydney

Hello one and all ;)

As some of you know, I'm about to start the biggest adventure my life (and God) has ever thrown at me... In two short months, I will be kicking myself out of my comfort zone and country, headed for Bangladesh, a Victoria-sized country known for its fabrics, tigers and adoration of dead poets I know... go figure...). It's the seventh most populus country in the world, with a population of 161,300,000 people (from the 2007 figures).
I will be living and working in the Diplomatic region of Dhaka, the Capital city, which is also the largest Banladeshi city. The school I am being employed by is the Grace International School (www.graceinternationalschool.org) and I'm going to be the full time Year 3 teacher (my own class, FINALLY!). The school has about 20 teachers plus support staff, and they come from all over the world, from the USA to Northern Ireland, from the UK to New Zealand, so I'm bound to have some fun along the way :)

Needless to say, my life is already changing... My list of things to think about and sort out before I leave grows on an hourly basis, however, the main focus at the moment is organising my passport, visa and flights, but believe me, there are a zillion things on my mind.

Praise Points:
-Wow, I have a job!
-Everything so far has come together quite easily.
-Support (mainly emotional at this point in time) has been great, lots of enthusiasm and hugs from friends and family.

Prayer Points:
-I am feeling quite overwhelmed at the moment, with so much going through my mind, prayers for peace and proper rest would be fabulous.
-For my mum, who is very excited about my adventure, but at this point in time, is having problems seeing beyond "my little baby is leaving me"... Many tears and hugs are being administered :)

That's all for now, my darlings
Hope you are well :)

Kim xox