Home of Love

Friday, December 31, 2004

Bangladesh not affected by Tsunami

The Kuehn family spent the holidays in Thailand this year as Colleen's mother and brother met us there. It was truly joyous to reunite with them after not seeing them for 2.5 years. The Lord does know the desires of His children's hearts! We had spent the last seven Christmases in Bangladesh with the orphanage.
Naturally we were as shocked as everyone as we heard the terrible news of the atrocious Tsunami that hit a few days ago. We were on the other coast of Thailand and weren't affected in the least. We do although mourn with all those who lost loved ones. It is a terrible, terrible tragedy. The scenes in the local newspaper are heart wrenching.
A major earthquake (7.36 on Richter scale) hit Chittagong on Sunday. The quake was connected to the Tsunami and lasted for 1 minute and 42 seconds, but only 2 were killed and no real damage done. Everyone at the orphanage is fine. Praise the Lord.

posted by Colleen at 7:49 AM

Monday, December 27, 2004

To you!

Thank you for all those who have assisted us in 2004 through prayer and finances. From accountants, to website experts to visitors who cleaned the halls and fed our babies we say: THANK YOU! It is a joy to work as an international team for the children of Bangladesh. As we enter into this new year of 2005 we will continue to depend on outside help and look forward to all that God has for us here at "Home of Love".

posted by Colleen at 11:19 PM

Friday, December 24, 2004

Bristi

This is our daughter, Larisa, with Bristi. As you know, Bristi came to us a few months ago and has been very accepted into the family of Home of Love. Bristi has had pneumonia and is quite petite. Pray for Bristi with us that she gains weight, starts to eat better, and sleep through the night.

posted by Colleen at 9:45 PM

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Here comes the bride...

This is Joly as she walks down the aisle in her wedding. Joly is the orphanage supervisor and a close friend. "Home of Love's" head teacher, Golap and Joly were married last Friday. We rented a bus to take all the kids to the church and everyone was thrilled to be a part of this special occasion! Afterwards there was a big rice meal with chicken, mutton, and beef curries.
In Bangladesh the custom dictates that a bribe must be very solemn, sad and tearful at her wedding. Otherwise her family will be offended thinking that she is glad to leave them. After the ceremony she is allowed to smile and enjoy her guests.

posted by Thomas at 11:43 PM

Thursday, December 16, 2004

Christmas is coming!

This season is "Home of Love's" favorite time of year. Not only is the weather like paradise but the Bengali school year also finishes in Dec. and we normally have many guests around this time. This year is especially special as we had a wedding going on! Our long time housemother (supervisor) married "Home of Love's" head teacher! They belong to one of the few couples in Bangladesh that will have what is known here as a "love marriage". That means that they knew and fell in love with each other BEFORE the wedding. Almost all marriages in Bangladesh are arranged and most often the bride has never spoken to her future mate before. It's been great fun for the kids to witness such an event, a couple days ago we had a party for the bribe at the orphanage. It's traditional that everyone wears yellow and we must each feed her a sugary sweet. This couple will live directly below us (as soon as we move out) as a room has been constructed for them recently.

posted by Colleen at 1:14 AM

Sunday, December 12, 2004

New outfits for everyone!

Again this year, we are in the process of having clothes made for all the kids except the babies. Today we were at the tailors for an hour explaining the cuts, who gets what cloth and choosing the lace, buttons, etc. for the dresses. If you haven't been here before it's hard to imagine having clothes specially sewn for each child is cheaper than buying them but it is. Only the rich buy what we call "ready made" clothes. The staff will receive new sarees and for the men, new shirts. How do you like the shopping atmosphere?

posted by Colleen at 10:05 AM

Thursday, December 09, 2004

Lack of heroes!

This week I took over a class for a teacher that was absent and did some real unorthodox things like having them write their own poems and listening comprehension. The kids are so trained in their rote memory style of learning that abstract thinking is unheard of. It's sad and I aim to somehow be a part of changing this sometime, hopefully our older kids can one day start a new education system in Bangladesh. I am often encouraging them to set high goals like that but they always just smile and shake their heads. I wish they had more heroes to look up to, if only more books were translated in Bangla! Someday, someday!

posted by Colleen at 10:46 PM

Sunday, December 05, 2004

Future skills

Mr. Soek, a Korean, came to Bangladesh last month, to work with our kids and to set up a computer room. It is a great pleasure to have him here and quite a benefit! Now the computer room has 11 functioning computers, these machines were donated from Korea. The kids are learning Word, Excel and much more. He is living at the orphanage for the month that he'll be here. Below is a picture of Mr. Soek and also of Annalena the short term volunteer from Germany. She is helping in the nursery, thank you to both of them!

posted by Colleen at 10:22 PM