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‘Hey, take a look at this!’ I read on the Facebook group for adopted
Bengalis. Below the post is a link to a video. Without thinking about it, I
click on the link.
In the video, I see what looks like a small school. It’s made up of large,
open tents where all the children sit in rows, reciting the words from the
blackboard in unison. Next, I see an orphanage. It reminds me of the
Salvation Army of Mother Teresa, where two Dutch women, Eva den
Hartog and Grace Samson, used to work.
Outside, on the green lawn, a few little kids are playing with toys while
being looked after by the caretakers. A disabled child is sitting on a
blanket with their caretaker. Another child is playing with colorful
blocks. At a small table, a few children are busy drawing and coloring.
The camera focuses on one of the girls. She has short black hair and is
wearing a bright white dress. She leans forward a bit, coloring eagerly.
I look at that girl, and I see something familiar in her. I get
goosebumps. The girl looks up, and I stare right into her big, brown
eyes. I’m startled-this can’t be, I think. She has a serious expression,
glancing around a bit. She senses someone is watching her but then
returns to her coloring. Out of curiosity, she looks up again and playfully
sticks her tongue out just a little. I laugh, but at the same time, I feel cold
and confused watching her like this.
In the next scene, the group of little children is singing, and then they
pretend to fall asleep. The girl in the white dress plays along
enthusiastically and seems to be having a lot of fun. She bursts out
laughing when one of the caretakers, whom I recognize as Eva den
Hartog, tickles her. The girl looks at me again, laughing, and sticks her
tongue out playfully. I can’t help but smile at this joyful little girl. I laugh
back at her with tears in my eyes, looking at her with fascination. A little
later, she’s sitting inside at the table, ready for dinner, which consists of
rice and dahl. It looks warm and cozy. Before they eat, they all bow their
heads to pray.
At the end of the video, a plane is waiting on the tarmac of Dhaka
Airport. The caregivers from the Salvation Army board the plane with
three young children, including the cheerful, smiling girl. One of the
caretakers carries her up the stairs. At the bottom of the steps, the
remaining children and staff from the orphanage wave them off. I see
the girl waving back enthusiastically, unaware of where she’s headed or
what awaits her.
I embraced that little girl, hugged her, and held her tight. Together, we
were about to embark on a great, exciting journey. A journey that begins
at this airport and takes us to the unknown Netherlands.
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Thuiswinkel Waarborg