Go Beyond

Dhaka, Bangladesh 

Gil and I arrived in Dhaka a few minutes before nine o’clock this morning. Overcast skies concealed the fertile landscape as we began our descent into Bangladesh. But, once we broke through the cloud cover Dhaka’s sprawling and palm-tree accented vista came into view. We bounced once onto the tarmac and then rolled smoothly to the terminal building. My old friend Mortuza was there to meet us. Over the years, Mortuza and I have traveled together throughout the country. In 2003 we spent a week on a boat and visited remote villages along the Brahmaputra River. It was an unforgettable adventure and one that strengthened our friendship as we dealt with many difficult challenges along the river. Mortuza will once again serve as our guide as we visit with many of our friends here who are committed to advancing the interests of God’s kingdom. 

A couple of months before coming to Bangladesh I became interested in a new survival program on the Discovery Channel. The program is entitled “Dual Survival” and is co-hosted by Cody Lundin and Dave Canterbury – both of whom are survival experts. As with other programs in this genre, Cody and Dave show viewers how to survive in a variety of difficult and hostile environments. One thing that is especially interesting about this program is that Cody, a minimalist and primitive skills expert, does not wear shoes. In fact, he has not worn shoes in more than twenty years – a testimony to his indigenous self-reliant and minimalist philosophy. As a result, Cody has developed a set of very tough feet. In one episode he explained the benefit of not wearing shoes. Cody said that going barefoot has forced him to slow down and to look at and appreciate his surroundings a little more intentionally. 

Gil and Mortuza

 I am not suggesting that Gil or I intend on traveling in our bare feet over the coming days. But, we will be forced to slow down. Nothing moves fast in Bangladesh. Streets are so congested with traffic that whether you are in a vehicle or on foot, you are forced to look at the things around you a little more intentionally. This afternoon we set off for our first meeting on foot and then returned to our hotel by rickshaw. When you travel at a pace this slow you can’t help but notice what’s going on around you. The streets of Dhaka are as congested by humanity as by vehicles. As you walk or meander through the traffic on a rickshaw, every sense becomes engaged in the experience. Regardless of which way you look, the sights are stimulating. The smells are interesting and sometimes overpowering. The cacophony produced by horns and rickshaw bells and squealing brakes and people talking or bargaining on the sidewalks can leave your ears feeling a bit raw. And, when you travel slowly, you will feel the touch of beggars reaching out to you in the hope of receiving something to help them survive another day. 

Returning to places like Dhaka reminds me that we tend travel too fast. We are generally so focused on getting from point A to point B that we seldom notice the things that are happening around us. When we travel fast we usually just use the senses of sight and sound. We don’t have time to smell the roses much less anything else. And, our haste keeps us a safe distance from feeling the touch of people in need and from being able to touch people in need. It’s hard to embrace someone or to touch their heart with an encouraging word when we move through daily life so quickly. So, take off your shoes this week and wiggle your toes. Slow down a bit and ask God to help you engage and connect with those around you. Look at people more clearly, listen to them more intently, and respond to them more compassionately.