The countdown has started. My work at the hospital in Maastricht finished about a week ago so I can put all my energy towards my departure. Most of my time I will spend with my parents in Oosterbeek and we’ll enjoy the time we have together in this way. In addition to that the eldest daughter of my brother, who lives in Spain, is staying in the Netherlands now, so I’ll also get to spend some time with her.

In the meantime preparations continue. We have been altering some clothes that I will be wearing in Bangladesh, so that they’ll fit better. The picture gives an impression of the type of clothes I will be wearing in Bangladesh. Then there are some meetings with my sending organization, there is insurance to take care of and I need to have some vaccination boosters.

Last week I unexpectedly received an offer from friends, who also work in Bangladesh and were returning after spending a summer in the Netherlands, to take a suitcase of 30 kg with them. That was an offer too good to refuse. I had that suitcase packed in a few hours and could give it to them two days before they left.

I’m also trying to spend some days with friends and my brothers and sister. I’m enjoying spending a little bit more time with their children before leaving them and not seeing them for a longer period of time.

On Sunday September 9^th my commissioning service will be held in church and after that there will be a small party. Of course all of you are invited to come. I can imagine that the distance could be a problem to some of you but please know that you’ll be welcome if you have the opportunity. That goodbye party is really goodbye. On September 11^th I will leave for Dhaka, the capital ofBangladesh, where I will do language study in the coming one and a half months. I’ll tell you more about that when I get there.