Sandrey and Sammie, June 2003

My cousins have been a huge part of my life for the last seven years  (see Learning Humility).  Yesterday I drove them to the airport.  In seven short years since they arrived, they gained citizenship, established themselves and saved for a 2 month trip back to their birth-country.  Their bags bursting at the seams (no really, Setuli – candy, toys a few backpacks and lots of photo for family overseas (I’m sure there were more gifts I missed as they packed but they can all be written in as love, kindness and generosity).  They had to trade clothes, gear and gifts to get all the bags under the airline limits.  I am immensely proud of those Palmas- returning to Bangladesh will present many challenges for them but given their character it will also produce many blessings.

Standing in the airport also reminded me that my last night in the states is Monday (Happy Birthday Hannah!).  Haha- then our community will have the fewest Palmas since 1980….so be nice to my parents!  At some point I’d like to go to Bangladesh too.  Having a loving family that you know about but have never met is kind of like having presents that you haven’t yet unwrapped.

Update: The kids just called from Bangladesh! They arrived safely about an hour ago. Apparently there’s a Starbucks in Kuala Lumpur, Setuli says the Tapei airport is the coolest thing ever.