I have tried to explain “Why Bangladesh? Why me? And what will I do?” George Bagby chose to serve Bangladesh because it has the greatest need and his gifts as an orthopedic surgeon and benefactor fit the needs perfectly.
My gifts, on the other hand, while certainly plentiful, have been difficult for me to fit into meaningful service. I am not a medical professional, nor do I have any money. I am a career ballet dancer/teacher/choreographer/actress/artist and have worked a wide variety of other jobs, including a stint as a dental assistant, and currently as program coordinator for the University of Washington’s Department of Economics. Most importantly I am a mother, passionately devoted to not just serving the needs of my daughters, but to also provide them with an example of meaningful life. Three years ago I went on a solitary retreat up to Bearhead Mountain, just north of Mount Rainier. All alone for days up in that high altitude, looking at the mountain, looking at myself, what had seemed to be chaotic and meaningless looked … perfect. All those little pieces of me that had seemed so scattered and unimportant actually became important parts of a bigger picture. The distillation of what I learned up there was simply this: “be yourself, give yourself.” I don’t need to be rich to give; I don’t need to be a doctor or a dentist to serve. I can be what I am; an artist, a dancer, a puppeteer, and I can make a difference.
I traveled to Bangladesh in February 2009 and did multiple performances of the puppet show, "Mrs. Periwinkle and Possum" for over 2500 children in remote villages as part of dental outreach program through the Nalta Hospital. I hope to go again soon. There's so much to be done.
http://uwnews.org/uweek/article.aspx?id=46790
