My Life in Short Stories: 8. Connecting with Joy

Poinsettia Flower

It is December, the end of the year and the time for traditional celebrations. The above painting was done by my dear sister in law Marie and I am sharing it here in the spirit of the season to wish everyone Merry Christmas and happy 2013.

My brother and Marie, with their beloved dog Tatiana

This picture was taken when I visited them in Calgary in 1990.

1992 - 1995
Dhaka, Bangladesh

It was 1992 and I had just started a new assignment with the World Health Organization in Bangladesh. The country is in South Asia bordered by India and Burma/Myanmar. Bangladesh was formerly known as East Pakistan and after independence endured famine, natural disasters, widespread poverty, and political turmoil. Our project was about health manpower development aiming at lowering the high maternal and infant mortality rates. I was stationed in Dhaka, the capital city.

River and transportation boats in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka 17th century

From the very beginning of my assignment I felt depressed and totally unprepared to witness or deal with the poverty and the suffering that was going on around me. I was so distraught that in the second week of my stay in Dhaka I called my life coach in California and asked him to talk to me and help me regain my emotional balance. He listened to me patiently while I was crying and trying hard to express my feelings. Finally, when I calmed down, he said “ask yourself why you are in Bangladesh, and when you come up with a true answer try to embrace and accept that answer.” He emphasized the importance of acceptance and he reminded me that every life situation has a lot to teach us. He left me with a lot of thoughts and ideas to ponder.

A fruit market in Dhaka

On those very same days I came across the books and teachings of Pema Chodron who talks about a whole new way of looking at suffering and the ways to connect with the joy in our heart. She says “acknowledging the preciousness of each day is a good way to live, a good way to reconnect with our basic joy. You are here to realize your kinship with all humanity and to learn that you have a share in whatever everyone else has and is.”

Lichees in Dhaka, only in the month of June

Pondering on what I was reminded of by my teachers, encouraged me to pay more attention to the things I could cherish, appreciate, and see as good instead of hanging on to sorrow and sadness. I joined a meditation group of expatriates in Dhaka and I let my mind rest in its natural state by practicing regularly. Working with a devoted group of Bangladeshi nurses, midwives, and doctors became my central focus and my professional joy. I was witnessing the group members’ progress and productivity as we embarked on the journey of strategic planning. I could see and feel their concern and love for their country as they learned with interest and curiosity and worked hard every day and for long hours. As a result a long-term plan of action was produced and resources were secured for its implementation and evaluation. I also visited other parts of the country and I came to enjoy and appreciate the simplicity of life, the culture and the natural beauties of Bangladesh.

The working group

My Bangladeshi colleagues

Throughout my stay in Bangladesh I used my vacation time to visit my sisters whom I had not seen for a long time. At one time my son and I traveled to Marbella, Spain to visit my younger sister Farimah and her husband who lived there. We were seeing each other after a long period of separation following the Islamic revolution in Iran.

With my younger sister in Marbella, Spain

With my son and my sister in Marbella, Spain

My sister with her beloved Cat 

In my second trip to Spain in 1994 my other younger sister Azar also joined us from Luxembourg and the three of us had a wonderful time together. I still remember her as the little girl who was holding my mother’s hand when they came to my school to see me for the first time. Both sisters have a special place in my heart and are a source of joy in my life.

My younger sister who joined us from Luxembourg 

I also visited Kathmandu  Nepal and I never forget the view of Himalayas from the plane and the country’s beautiful sceneries and Hindu temples. Since our regional office was in New Delhi I got the chance to visit India a few times. The country is fascinating and there is a lot to explore and to enjoy.

The watching eyes in Kathmandu

Colorful Spices in Kathmandu

A beautiful scenery in Kathmandu

My WHO family in New Delhi , India

In 1995 my assignment in Bangladesh came to an end and I joined my children in the United States of America. In the same year my daughter graduated from the university with a Business degree and I had the chance to attend her graduation.

My daughter's graduation

I went back to Indonesia during 1997 and 1998 for short-term assignments but the last time I was there I witnessed the start of an Islamic revolution much like the one we went through in Iran and they had to evacuate us for safety reasons. That was the end of my international service.



To be continued……