53 hours from Swaziland to Panang, Malaysia. After a very tearful goodby to the other half of our squad in the Singapore airport, team Doves and team Rivers took about 14 hours of busses to our new home. God blessed us with a super smooth, no questions asked, boarder crossing from Singapore to Malaysia.
I’ll tell you, it’s tricky to figure out how to pee in a squatty potty at rest stop when you have only slept 3 hours in the last 2 days.
We drove through monsoon rains, towering cities, palm farms and rolling hills. A memorable first impression of the country.
At 10pm we pulled into the parking lot of a small church and were met by cheerful pastor Thomas and co. Here in Malaysia it doesn’t matter the hour, it’s time to eat.
Our hosts took us across the street to an Restaurant where we were overloaded on fried rice, noodles, egg and chicken.
At 11:30 we were released to go take showers and set up our beds.
Good morning! There was the sound of kids on the other side of the wall. When I got dressed and stepped out of my room there were 4 or 5 young boys sitting at our table. One introduced himself and asked us questions while happily shoving cookies into his mouth. Then I remembered that they had said the church is also used as a homeschool learning center during the week. We hung out with them for a little while before they had to go back to their classroom.
That day we explored the town. We found a coffee shop, a mall, and a grocery store with all the snacks you could ask for.
In the evening pastor Thomas took us first to one church where we shared dinner with the church family. When that service was over at 10pm it was still early enough to go visit pastor Thomas’ church down the road. Everybody was so kind and welcoming.
Next week we will start our ministry which is helping to teach refugee children from Myanmar at Thomas’ church, and also helping at the homeschool center where we live, among other things.
Once again I find myself saying that this has to be my favorite country so far. Every country has been my favorite in one way or another, and we are blessed beyond what I could have asked for to be able to serve with these people here.
Please be praying for:
– our teams to continue to build each other up.
– health
– that we can love people as Jesus loves them, get to know them and build relationship
– for abundant blessing, grace and provision for the Myanmar refugees
Love, Rosella
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