My Experience As A Missionary In Bangladesh & How It Changed Me
To Start Off:
I'm sure many of you reading this saw "missionary" and immediately thought of preachy people wearing clothes from their neck to their ankles and handing out Bibles to "savages" in the far reaches of the world. Honestly, your perceptions are not too far off. I'm pretty sure the word "savage" isn't politically correct, however.
Here's A Little Background:
I lived in the US until I was a toddler, after which we moved to the nation of Bangladesh. You've probably heard of this tiny country, a place about the size of Illinois containing 170 million people. That's roughly half the population of the US crammed into one state. And you thought you lived close to your neighbors. Bangladesh is a textile powerhouse, making many of the clothes that you find in US malls. Along with this, there have also been a number of cyclones and disasters that have taken countless lives.
Why Would We Move There?
Anyways, my parents always had a vision for reaching poverty-stricken people in this third-world country. Bangladesh is comprised of 90% Muslim people, one of the five largest Muslim nations in the world. As a young democracy, they have experienced extremely turbulent times, starting with their secession from India in 1947 to their bloody, brutal split from West Pakistan in 1971 that left what researchers have deemed to be one of history's most underrated genocides. Over 3 million Bengali people were massacred by West Pakistan in this dispute until India stepped in and ended the civil war. The US was largely apathetic about this genocide because they were allies with West Pakistan, a domineering and tyrannical nation. Along with this, Richard Nixon was president, and we all know how he felt about the Vietnam War.
My Childhood In A Third-World Country:
I lived in Bangladesh for 16 years. During my time there, I learned to assimilate into the culture, made numerous Bengali friends, and ultimately loved my experience there. I could not have asked for a better upbringing, because it made me realize how blessed we as Americans are. Materialism is so prevalent here that you come to appreciate the little things as a Bengali-American. I've seen wonderful and awful things in my (short) lifetime that continue to shape my worldview and give me a desire to help those that are less fortunate.
Here is an insight into the population density featuring a photo taken during the Muslim celebration of Eid.
With that being said, I was raised by two VERY conservative, strict parents. And when I say strict, you would not believe the stories I would tell you. Now that I'm on my own, I realize that I am very different from other people because of my upbringing and the values that were instilled in me from a young age. And most of those things were very beneficial and spurred me on in life! However, I have come to the conclusion that I am still dealing with repercussions from that upbringing to this day.
Where I Am At Today:
Recently, I had a falling out with my family over different views on how I should conduct adulthood and how much input and control they should have over my life as a 22 year old. I got weary of tip-toeing around them and making other people happy whilst inwardly being miserable and exhausted from obeying rules, regulations, & curfews. You think I'm joking, but a few months ago, my mom and dad enforced a strict weekend curfew of 9 PM! They also wanted me to quit my job so as to be able to attend a once a week Bible study. Following this demand, I realized we needed some time apart for me to grow and spread my baby bird wings away from the nest.
I will admit, I haven't been the best son over the years, but I was 21 years old! Seems like my behavior was related to the excessive rules, right?
Final Thoughts And Musings:
Anyways, here I am, on my own and very much enjoying my adult freedom here in Florida. It hasn't been super easy, but I'm still going to school and have a job that pays the bills and a girlfriend that I love very much. I joined Steemit off a tip from @mcwilz, and have been loving every minute of it so far! Blogging has really caught my attention and showed me just how much I enjoy writing about my thoughts and perceptions of this crazy world we all live in.
Well that's me in a few short paragraphs. Just wanted to officially introduce myself to this platform and to you all! Hope you enjoyed this post.
Wow Luke! I can relate to your background as a missionary having been over to Asia, and living in a 3rd world country, though I have not been to Bangladesh "yet." :) My son is the same age as you, and he is leading a mission team to Bangladesh this Summer. :) He is very excited, and I am very happy for him. :)
We are from the USA, and knowing God personally gives us a different worldview from His perspective, but life is not easy no matter what country in the world we live in.
On the behalf of your parents, I can tell you as a father, that parents usually mean well, and try their best to love and raise their children, but we are still human beings. We have the same tests, trials, and temptations as our children, and most of the time we are under fire even greater, because if you "smite the shepherd the sheep will be scattered." God's grace is sufficient for us all, we just need to tap into it. I know it is not easy!
Wish you all the best, and keep the Faith!
That's so cool and such a small world! Tell him if he gets a chance to visit Memorial Christian Hospital in southern Bangladesh, just north of Coxs Bazar. That's where I used to live and an amazing community! Thanks for the wise words. As I mentioned in the post, I've definitely had my pitfalls as a son and brother in Christ to my parents and am striving for a healthier, more open relationship with them in the near future. Wishing you all the best, @gatmi!
Will do. I will share that information with him. I am sure he will be looking for outreaches to lead the team around the community there. Your pictures are amazing too! I never realized the density of the population. Its incredible! I am glad you have a good perspective on the family. All the best!
Welcome to steemit and good luck on your exciting journey. Also nice article
Thank you, and to you as well!
Welcome to Steemit. Now following you!
Thank you very much @team101!
All it matters that you are enjoying your current life what whatever going on. Good luck with you and keep your post coming for us to read. @lukekelley
Thanks! Will do
You're instincts were right to get away. That's a toxic controlling relationship. If they raised you right,like they believe, then they should trust in thier teachings will develop fruit. Telling grass to grow doesn't make it happen on your terms, no matter how bad you want it. As a father of three young men it's important to provide guidance and wisdom without shoving it down their throats. I've got the best kids a man could deserve whom have a solid foundation and are allowed to think for themselves. This has resulted in an open and honest environment for communication. Do we all agree on everything?? No way, but then we wouldn't be individuals if we did. It was a tough move but a good one. Hang in there.
Good to hear that. Thanks for your kind words of support!
Great intro! As someone a decade older than you I will tell you that your parents are only doing what they feel is best because they love you. But good for you for stepping away from what sounds like parents not ready to let go. The saying "This too shall pass" I feel fits perfect for this type of situation.
Steem On!!
Yea I would have to agree with you, they do love me but as a man you get to a point where you need freedom to pursue your success in life. And sadly, I couldn't do that under their roof. Thanks for the advice and words of encouragement!
Hi Luke, I am a youth-pastor, evangelist and apologist and yes, I enjoyed your post! :) You have a very interesting background. You are a so-called third couture kid - as I am. I was born in Czech Republic 1978 but we immigrated to Austria in 1983 and than 1986 to Germany. I would highly recommend to you to read the book Third Couture Kids. It was an eye-opener to me and helped to understand myself.
Blessings
That's awesome! Glad you liked it
Thanks for the suggestion of the book! Will have to look for it
Greetings! Follow me at https://steemit.com/@bitgeek
I just want to help people with my crypto fortune
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