I'm writing this update at Dhaka Airport while waiting for my flight that will at long last bring me to the Netherlands. So I'll be ‘home’ for the next three months. A time to relax, catch up with friendships and spend longer with family. I'll also take the opportunity to talk about my work and life in Bangladesh in my church community and in other places.

In November I'll have the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at the burns unit in Beverwijk. Hopefully I'll be able to discuss the treatment of burn injuries and related problems I've been experiencing. The main question I have is why a particular kind of skin transplant never or rarely seems to take well in my patients. What can I do to improve things here?

Two weeks ago was Durga Puja, which is one of the bigger yearly Hindu festivals. One of the operating theatre staff had invited me and my housemate Rebecca to go with him. The photo shows different tasty specialities that were prepared in honour of the occasion. Unfortunately no photo of Debashish and his family.

The last few weeks have been busy. A longer operations list than normal and lots of outpatients to see. As the word went round that I was going to be away for a while, many patients wanted to see me before my leaving. Because I knew I was going to be away for a few months, I didn't want to leave behind any problems that patients might have, but I couldn't manage that completely. In particular, there's a 9-month-old girl I'd earlier operated on to correct a congenital anal deformity. The day before I left I had to surgically create a stoma because the suture line I'd made had begun leaking. I'd much rather be present to complete the whole treatment myself. The paediatricians now have to handle it themselves with me emailing from a distance. So I'm leaving with rather mixed feelings.

Last week's evening walk before leaving here. As you can see, the rice is growing really well and harvest will be in about 3 weeks time. The bridge in the picture is made from bamboo with a woven network of bamboo for the surface. It's springy when you walk over it...

I just had to show you this picture as well. A fun football game was on progress and these men were spectating. The calf really was having a good hug.

The road from Parbatipur to our hospital.....

Thank you so much for supporting and helping me over the last 2 years. As soon as I know when and where I'll be in the coming months, I'll put the information here on the website. Hopefully see you soon.