Studying

Since last July, I haven't seen any of my extended family in person except for Most Exalted Grandfather, and even that visit was months ago.  I must say I'm really thankful for Skype, but it's still just not enough.  That's why I've spent quite a bit of time lately studying the pictures Mom printed, laminated and hung on my wall to remind me of all the people who love me.  

Dad Wants to Look Like Me, or Getting a Haircut in Dhaka

Dad's hair grew longer than he'd ever had it before.  It was pretty stylish, and a good statement for a gym teacher, I thought, but he said it was too hot for the 100 plus heat index days.  So, off we went to the AC Saloon.  (I thought they might give me a "milk on ice," but no drinks were offered.  That confused me a little.)

After a about twenty minutes, Dad met Mom and me at his school where I was crawling around waiting for him.  All I could do was point and giggle.  All Mom could do was ask, "Is that how you wanted your hair cut?"  He had a very Bangladeshi haircut with bangs that reminded me of pictures I've seen of bands from the 1990's.  Of course, he doesn't look Bangladeshi, so the haircut just looked silly.  We went back to the AC Saloon.

Now Dad's head is much cooler and I don't feel so silly with my tiny amount of hair.  If he can pull it off and look so good, then I can, too!

Celebration

Since Mom and Dad celebrated my birthday a week late, I thought it would be OK to post this really belatedly as well.  I was quite sick on my birthday, and my best friend's mom had a big dance show that day, so Mom and Dad did sing to me, but we saved the banana breakfast in bed and unwrapping shiny presents for the Saturday after my birthday.  I didn't mind; it was just as exciting then!

That Saturday, we also had a fun party with the teachers from Dad's school, my friend Malachi, some of the families from Mom's Bible study, and, of course, Zach.  Here I am showing off the new birthday duds.

Over the last few weeks, I've really been appreciating all of the new toys and gifts.  Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great day, and for those of you who even brought gifts.  That was a fun bonus.  So far, the biggest hits have been the golf set and, while I was sick for the second time last month, the Veggie Tales videos.

And, don't forget, I had my first chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting on my birthday celebration day.  It was more fun to mush than munch!

Watch this.

So, I haven't met this boy yet, but I do know quite a few other amazing kids who sleep on the streets of Dhaka every night.  While it's really neat what he can do, his life is probably one of much sorrow.  He probably doesn't have a mom to hold him when he feels like whining because he's sick, or a dad to scramble him eggs when his tummy is growling.  Pray for him and the others like him.  They need some hope and joy, and a bed and nutritious, daily meals.