The mission has officially begun!
From all corners of the world, our mission members are traveling toward our final destination: Chattogram (Chittagong), Bangladesh. Coming from the United States, Luxor in Egypt, Düsseldorf in Germany, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands, we make our way—via Dubai and Dhaka—to this remarkable place. An international start to something truly special.
Meeting in Dubai 🤝
Dubai is where the team comes together for the first time. It immediately feels familiar and warm: joyful reunions, big smiles, and heartfelt greetings all around. Everyone is excited to embark on another Rotaplast mission together. The atmosphere is relaxed, upbeat, and full of energy. From here, we continue our journey as one group to Dhaka, where we transfer from an international flight to a domestic one—very much a classic “mother goose with her flock” moment, moving together step by step.
Logistics running like clockwork 📦
After passport control in Dhaka, we are welcomed by members of the Rotary Club of Agrabad. Together, we gather all 18 boxes filled with medical and logistical supplies. Our quartermaster, Gerard, takes charge, expertly coordinating the loading of the truck that will transport everything by road to Chattogram. At the check-in counter for our final flight, everything is checked in smoothly and all at once. With our personal luggage in hand, we board the plane toward our final destination.
A warm welcome in Chattogram 🌸
Upon arrival in Chattogram, we collect our luggage and are greeted with an exceptionally warm welcome. Members of the Rotary Club of Agrabad and the enthusiastic, dedicated members of the Rotaract Club of Agrabad receive us with beautiful flower garlands. This is where we take our first team photo. One team member is still missing: Dr. Bijoy from Dhaka will join us the following day, during the pre-clinic day.
First official gathering 🌍
After checking into the hotel, the evening brings our first official meeting with the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs. A special guest joins us: the Chief of Police of Chattogram. He shares insights into his responsibilities and emphasizes that the safety of our mission members is a top priority. In a city as large as Chattogram, this is a reassuring message, and he wishes us a successful and smooth mission.
Words that truly matter 💙
Throughout the evening, several key figures address the team. Mohammed Ali, President of the Rotary Club of Agrabad, extends a heartfelt welcome. Our Mission Director Randy, Medical Director Hootan, the ever-dedicated Pradip, and the Rotaplast mission coordinator from the Rotary Club of Agrabad also share their thoughts. The common thread in all their messages is clear: a beautiful mission lies ahead—one that will have a profound impact on children and families who urgently need our help.
Ready for the next step 🚀
After these intense yet warm days filled with travel, connections, and heartfelt welcomes, we prepare ourselves for the pre-clinic day. A day we are all eagerly anticipating—because this is where the true purpose of our journey begins: changing lives, one smile at a time.