August 23, 2009

I spoke with Rakib today He informed me that he has not been feeling well and his grade fell a bit this week. He said he has been studying quietly. He informed me that today is the first day of Ramadan and he will be fasting for the next month.
Rakib informed me that he would need 20,000 taka for his September coaching class expense. This is 10,000 for coaching class, 5,000 for hostel and food, and 5,000 for transportation and internet access. He also informed me that he will have to travel to his district (state) Khulna to collect and file the forms required so he can take the medical school admit exam in October. He told me that it costs 520 taka to submit the application and about 1500 taka for transportation, food and hotel. Rakib told me that he has never traveled by train and would like to take the train to Khulna. He felt a little guilty about asking. The train cost about 200 taka (about $3) more than the bus. I told him to take the train and enjoy seeing more of his country. The train takes longer than the bus. The bus to Khulna is put on a ferry and travels a long way down a major river to the road to Khulna. The train must travel a very long way in the opposite direction to a bridge to cross the river before it can head to Khulna.
Rakib said he talked with his family last week and they are doing well. His father has been able to sell some rice to earn a little money. He does not have money to buy much inventory or to add another product to sell. He told be that his Father asked him to tell us how much he appreciated us helping Rakib, his only son, to help make his dream come true.
Rakib said to give his cordial love to the scouts and their families and God bless and long life also.