Bangladesh, The Final Thoughts

Today things got real. It’s going to take me awhile to fully process the thoughts and emotions but let’s talk this out. 

PC: Jaron Horrocks 

This morning we got together and assembled hot food kits. Styrofoam container, (yes, my inner environmentalist freaked out but I held it together) white rice, a piece of chicken and slice of potato. Assembling was actually quite fun as I was in the rice room which consisted of a bedroom with a massive tarp filled with rice. If your a tactile person like me you would have enjoyed this too. I was really tempted to climb in and have me an adult rice sand box but I maintained control. ;)
Once we finished one thousand boxes we loaded the truck and headed to the camp. Little did I know the chaos that would ensue.

PC: Jaron

Upon arrival we discussed our “plan”. We moved a van into place to create a tunnel and help with crowd control. After making sure everyone was lined up and each volunteer had a job we began to let the little children come through to pick up a meal. As they grabbed their food we marked their hand with a marker to attempt to keep order and a system where we knew who was already given food. Within minutes the crowd began to intensify. Emotions grew. Bodies pushed forward. Hands began to grab. Kids began to cry. Adults pushed kids out of the way. Volunteers immediately tried to get order but were being swarmed by people m. With the help of the locals they were able to literally push back the people and attempt to regain control. Men with sticks whacked the ground in an effort to scare people back and at times hit people. Kids still cried. Adults still pushed. Volunteers still used their bodies as barricades. Once again they let a few through at a time and we continued to hand out food and the crowd continued to grow in desperation.
I cannot fully explain to you the situation as people swarmed, begging, pushing, grabbing, doing everything they could to get food. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was quite and emotional experience.

PC: Jaron 

How do you tell the child wearing only a ripped and tattered shirt that he can’t have a second meal?
How do you turn away the girl barely old enough to walk wearing pants held up with rope and no shoes that she can’t have another meal for her mom at home?
How do you tell the crippled old man he has to wait until the children have come through?
Do you not give out hot food? Is there a better way to maintain order and organization? Is there something else that would be more helpful to spend money on?
There has to be a better system. I’m not sure what it is but I know there is a better way.

When this emotional whirlpool ended we headed to a living structure to hear the stories of four women. The women each told us their account of fleeing as we sat on a mat in a dark room, lit with only a small window light. The women told of the military coming in the early morning and shooting into the village. They talked of watching babies be shot while people ran for their lives. They talked of hiding in the rice fields while the military took away the men and put them in prison and beat them. They talked of their homes being burned to the ground as they fled for their lives. They shared of their river crossing and selling their rings and gold to pay the men to take them across the river. They shared of their hunger pains as they made the journey. They shared their tears with us as they shared their stories.

These deeply dark and emotional moments were overcome by the times spewing forth with joy. Each time we entered the camp and the children ran to us will huge smiles greeting us with the little English they knew. Each time a bubble was popped or a balloon tossed and their laughter filled the room. Each time the locals peered out of their huts and a shy smile spread across their face. Each interaction a little more hope and a little more love that spread.

One of my favorite moments was a very intimate prayer session with Becky, one of the volunteers. Becky herself is a light and Inspiration  to the world and I hope to be a little more like her each day. She is capturing stories of the Rohingya in the camps, learning of their faith and devotion, their stories, and turning them into a book. The session I sat in with her  had us with one woman in her humble structure. Bare bamboo walls and a single mat on the floor welcomed us as we sat together. She taught us the movements of prayer and together we prayed. She then told us of her love for God and how God watches over and helps us. She shared her story of loss and death as she fled her country and how her faith has helped her. Sitting in that room we were all overcome by the spirit as tears escaped our eyes. It was the most spiritual experience and such a tender time.

It was in that moment that I realized that religion ties us together. It unites even the most different of faiths and people. Bringing us together not in our differences of beliefs but in our united belief that there is a higher being watching over all of us in all parts of the world.

In my final reflections on this trip I think what also stands out to me the most is the special journey this was as I did it not for myself but for my kids, for the entire fifth grade class. One hundred kids were able to experience the refugee camps from afar and to lean the stories of the survivors. They were able to learn about another culture and open their eyes to a different part of the world. Talking with them each day and showing them an entirely different way of life was a special experience.
Why do we serve? Sometimes it may not have the greatest impact but the impact it has on ourselves is truly great. We can take that impact and spread it to our families, communities, work places, and more.
There will always be sorrow, hate, and sadness in this world but we can combat it with charity and love. No matter the darkness there is always a light and I’m glad I was able to spread just a small bit of it this week.

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The Shower

Yo. So. Let’s talk. Right now I’m laying in a bed which is covered in stains, the pillow feels as though- I can’t even begin to describe it because to even call it a pillow is offensive, the blanket... well do you think it was ever washed? The headboard is scattered in what could be mold or other fluids, mosquitos swarm above my head, Cock roaches crawl in my bathroom and my shower spewed forth a thick black sludge... WHILE I was in it.

Want to know what I’m doing... laughing. Because you can’t make stuff like this up. I’m grateful there is spotty WiFi and I’m grateful there is AC. Sometimes things suck but it’s way worse for a lot of people. I’m positive that what I’m going to walk Into tomorrow at the camps will make this feel like luxury. Keeping perspective is so important and while I can’t wait to go home to my down feathered, memory foam, temperature controlled, Egyptian cotton lined bed, for now, I’m grateful for what I do have.

But please pray I don’t get malaria and bed bugs. ;)

The shower though.... guys. It’s hot and humid. Y’all we are basically sweaty messes and we’re so happy to come back and shower. I got up here and hopped in right away. This is one of those high class showers where the shower head is just coming out of the wall in the one room bathroom so you shower yourself and wash the bathroom at the same time... yeah.

There are five handles and I can’t figure out which are which and my roommate hasn’t come up yet. So I keep yelling for Chante wondering where she is as I’m dashing in and out of the cold water. I finally soap up my hair and prepare to face the cold when.... it just stops. All the water disappears. Odd I think to myself so I back up and what a blessing because black thick chunky slime begins to spew forth. I jump out of the way as quickly as possible and finally hear chante. I’m shrieking for her to come out and apparently she’s in the hall yelling bc she’s locked out but also has two men trying to deliver some fruit. Black sludge spewing forth, a towel that should be a hand towel trying to cover me, I run to the door and let her in while hiding from the men. We get them into our bathroom and I run to Wendy’s room down the way trying to explain the situation.

Well long story short I’m not using that shower and am stuck in Wendy’s room in a little towel with shampoo hair. 😂

I die.

update: bucket showered the shampoo out of my hair.
Cockroaches came out at night.
Stories for days. Still loving it all.

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Letters to My Students

Today has been a grand adventure. We awoke this morning to a lovely buffet. I love seeing what other countries eat for breakfast as it is far different from the American diet. Our spread included lentil curry, potatoes, hotdogs and veggies, a soup, pasta, and an assortment of other meat items. The Indian food was quite delicious. Following breakfast we headed down to see the train since people ride on the top and sides. It was incredible to walk through the streets and see the different ways people travel and the completely different way people live.

It’s not better or worse per say, just different than what we are used to. It makes me feel so much gratitude for the systems we have in place like how to deal with trash. Walking down the streets and having trash piled everywhere, goats and cows walking through the trash, the river and sewer completely polluted, made me extra grateful for our trash cans. You know what was awesome, I saw a man collecting plastic to recycle. Made me think of you Greet Team.
From there we went to the airport to get on another flight to Cox’s Bazar. The experience was way different than in America. You will see in the video that you just walk out to the plane and get on. There are not a lot of regulations.
Upon arrival we were able to begin our service by packing food which we will take to the refugee camps tomorrow. They are given a monthly allotment but it’s not enough food so Hope and Amal supplement the allotments.
It’s pretty hot and humid here so when we got back everyone was excited to shower and sleep but as you saw in the video.... the shower was full of black sludge. Do you know what we did in a situation like this? We laughed. A lot.
I think that’s the most important thing I want you to learn about today. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, sometimes things are bad, sometimes they are really bad but we can control how we react. It’s not easy for me and it’s something I’m working on all the time but we have control. We can choose how we respond and how we react to things that happen to us. So when the shower turned black... we laughed and moved forward. I hope this week you can remember to choose your reactions and make them good choices.
Make good choices. Do good. Be kind.

Miss you guys!

—————————————-
Dear students,

Today was our first day in the camps. We headed to Leda camp. We started the journey and due to a closed road and lots of traffic it took a little longer than three hours. The driving here is something else. There are not cars but there are buses, vans, and so many tuk tuks. The roads are one lane each and full of pot holes. People don’t have or follow traffic rules so you drive on whatever side you want and pass whenever you want. The way you signal is by honking, a lot. So much honking.
Driving through the country was beautiful. It is covered in rice fields as well as salt fields where they evaporate water and collect salt. You will see people out in the fields planting rice and lots of cows grazing. It is quite serene and a vast contrast from the busy dirty city.
After about three hours we started to drive through the camps. The camps are built on the hillsides and are very close together. The living structures are composed of bamboo and tarps.
Upon arrival at Leda camp we distributed the dry food kits we made the night before. The people were so thankful. We then led a women’s class and heard stories from some of the refugees. Guys, it’s really sad and I’ll go more into that as I learn more this week and provide you with more information from the camps.
As we walked through we were surrounded by children of all ages. They wanted to say hello and wave. When we pulled out balloons and bubbles you would have thought we had gold bars. Their eyes lit up and the field filled with laughter. The joy that balloon brought lit up the room.
What things in your life bring that much joy? What makes you truly happy? Yesterday we talked about controlling your reactions and today I want you to think about joy and happiness. It’s a choice. It doesn’t matter what iPhone you have or which video game system you play. It doesn’t matter how many friends you have or how many hardships come along you can choose to be happy and find something to make you smile. Smile. Do it a lot. The smiles that came to those kids faces because of a balloon would make you smile. It made me smile, a lot.
Smile to each other. Smile at recess. Smile while you’re taking that test Friday. Smile.
A lot.

All the time.
———————————-

Dear Students,

Today was a really hard day. It started off quite pleasant though. We headed to one of the head people of the Amal Foundation’s house where we had a traditional breakfast and then began to get food ready for hot distribution. First, we had to pack the rice. The rice was on a huge tarp on a bedroom and reminded me of a sand box full of rice. We scooped it up into take out containers and then sent it to the next room where chicken and potatoes were bagged up and added. Finally it went to the third room where it was taped shut and added to the pile. We made one thousand of these! Imagine how much rice that was.
From here we loaded the food onto. Truck and headed to the camp for delivery.
Upon arrival we unloaded the food and had the people create lines. Lines full of little children from ages two up. Some had only one article of clothing on, others had nothing. Most went without shoes but they waited eagerly for what food we could give them. All started off well as they came through and we handed them food but then things got tense. More and more people came and the lines started to blur. Our people with help from the camp aides had to create barriers and the refugees began to push forward in desperation for food. Little kids began to cry and get stomped on, as older children and adults pushed past them trying to grab at the food. Hands came from everywhere trying to grab and take as people shouted to keep back and tried to keep order. Helped got stickers and attempted to keep control by whacking the sticks near people. The scene was tense and very emotional.
Once complete we were able to sit in one of the living structures and listen to four women tell their stories of escape from Myanmar. They told of the military coming to their villages and shooting while they ran to hide. They told of their homes being burned to the ground as they fled leaving behind family members. They told of their stories trying to get to Bangladesh. They told of their new life here in the camps. I’m going to go more into their stories later as I learn and hear more.
As I think back on the experience and the emotions I felt from food distribution what I want you to take away today is to be aware of your own excess. Sometimes we take for granted things that come easily. We eat multiple times a day and never really think twice about it. Sometimes we are upset that we have to eat our vegetables and don’t get our favorite foods but the fact that we have so much food is a huge blessing. We can just walk to the fridge or pantry and grab some food. We need to remember to be thankful for that. When we pile our plates high and then throw away what we don’t want or when leftovers get trashed just because we don’t want to eat the same thing... I ask you to think twice. Box up your leftovers and give them to the man on the corner who is hungry rather than throw them away. Cook your vegetables that need to be used quickly rather than tossing them. Use the banana that is too ripe to make bread or throw in a smoothie. Think twice about what you toss and take each meal with gratitude. We may not be able to stop the hunger crisis around the world but we can reduce our waste.

You can make a change.

—————-
Today we went to a different refugee camp. Because the roads are so bad and the camp is built on the hill we had to hike in. The first thing I want to tell you to be thankful for today is air-conditioning. It is so hot and humid here! As we started to walk in all the kids ran to the edge of the camp to say hello. These children were a lot more timid than at the other camps. The other thing that stuck out to me immediately was the beauty of the landscape and camp. While it was such dire conditions it surely was stunning. Makeshift houses dotted the hillsides while rice fields surrounded the valleys. The homes were once again co stricter out of bamboo and tarps. Literally just a small rectangle and the entire family lived inside. Most of them have little to no possessions.
We began our assent through the living structures to the top of the hill where the children’s center was. A rectangular room full of mats where the kids can come to play and learn.
Upon arrival we started the day by hearing more of the stories of the refugees. These too told of family members being killed while villages were burned to the ground and they had to flee for their lives. Each story a little different but each story wound with the same thread of sadness and heartbreak.
After hearing stories we were able to pass out the dolls you guys made as well as other dolls made by people all over the US. To many of the kids this would be their only toy and to some their only possession. As we climbed the hills the children began to come out from their bamboo huts and approach us wearily at first but with time more forcefully. We handed them the dolls and they scooped them up with their faces full of joy and smiles.
The other thing that was fascinating was showing them their reflection in our phones. I don’t know if they had ever seen their own faces before and they would giggle and run away but then come back to see again. It was so cute.
We ended the day by weaving a bamboo roof atop a hill. It was neat to see the many ways they have invented to use the bamboo and to have a little look into what it is like to build a structure.
When I think about the message I want to leave you with today I’m thinking about what Mother Theresa taught. She said that not everyone can do great things but everyone can do small things with great love. Think about that. We can’t all literally change the world but we can all do things that change our world. We can all do things that are small but make a difference to someone. Who can you help today? What small act of kindness can you do that will make a difference to someone? I want you to specifically think of one thing you can do today to serve and help someone else. Then do it. And smile. And choose to be happy.
Miss yah all!

Just a few more days to outdoor ed!
————-

Dear Students,

Today we ventured back to Hakim Para. I really love the beauty of this place set in the hill, surrounded by rice fields. The kids greeted us with, “hello, how are you.” We climbed to the top of the camp and began by building. We sawed, weaved, whacked, separated, and manipulated the bamboo into a wall.
As the rest worked I went off with Becky to learn from a local about her religion and method of prayer. It was an incredible experience to sit in her hut and watch her teach us how she prays. She spoke of her religion and devotion to her God. She talked about how this has helped her through the troubles she has faced. The Rohingya are Muslims which is why they were persecuted in Myanmar so learning about her culture and life was inspiring.
As we sat with her on this bare mat in her empty hut I thought about her story. Her husband had been killed and she was in the camps with her seven children. In her religion and culture she will not marry again so she will be a single mom for the rest of her life. We are so very blessed to live in a country where we can choose to practice any religion or no religion.
We then said goodbye and headed to another hut to teach the women about hand washing while then men interviewed more people about their stories.
We ended the day by planting trees and handing out yoga balls to the children. One member of our group connected with a school who had also studied refugees and wanted to help. They raised money for our project and then bought beach balls for the kids. They also drew pictures and we handed those out too. The kids were so excited. As we left the camp the children all waved goodbye and shouted Bye bye bye! It was so cute.
“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” Howard Zinn
This is the quote I shared with my group this morning as our morning inspiration. I think it’s important to remember it’s not about how big the service project is or the long term effect of the project. It’s about changing ourselves, helping someone else and with our own change making the world a better place. Just a reminder than the small things count, they make a difference, and they are important. You are important. Each of you are loved. Each of you are cared about. Each of you can help someone else.
Who will you serve today?
Good luck on your math test. You are going to do great. Remember positive self talk and to try your personal best.
With love,
Ms. Cioffi
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This morning I was talking to one of you about your fears about camp. I think the important thing to note is that it is ok to feel fear and be afraid of new experiences but don’t let that fear keep you from accomplishing the things you want to. I get scared and anxious every time I travel to a new country but if I let that fear take hold I would never have a chance to see the world and make a change. You have to face those fears and believe in yourself. I know you all can.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Mandela
So today I faced my anxiety and got on a 16 hour plane to Qatar. Think about that... I would have been on the plane for two full school days! But they have food and movies and even an empty middle seat!

I have a 15 hour layover here in Qatar so I’m taking a tour and I’ll take notes as I go so you guys can learn about this country with me.
We went to the old town markets and it was like being in Aladin. Easily my favorite part.
Some things to learn about Qatar on our tour:
2.8 million people

85% expats (people from another country)

180 nationalities

Rarely rains

Water comes from sea they desalt it

Arabic is official language

Major religion is Muslim

1 USD = 3.6

Typically warm

Rocky terrain

First Income from fishing and pearl diving; now- oil

Qatar has one of the lowest tax rates in the world

Worlds richest country

Lowest crime rate in the Middle East

One of safest countries in world

Medical care is free for locals

Goat, sheep, and camels found here

If you live here for 20 years and speak Arabic you can apply for citizenship

Oryx is national animal

Arabian camels can store 35kg of fat which turns into water and energy when they can’t find water or food

5,000 a month to rent an apartment on the Pearl, a man made island

Traditional clothing is worn, it helps with heat and sandstorms

Women wear the hijab- just like in Amal Unbound

Handshakes are not common here

Traditional foods are seafood based

Pork is not served

There is a royal family who lives in a palace and his majesty’s face is all over the buildings and cars

Camel racing and falconry are popular

World Cup will be held here is 2022

Weekend is Friday and Saturday

Work week starts on Sunday

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