I think I’ve fallen in love with the Asli people. Living with them in the jungle for three weeks has been one of my favorite experiences on the race so far. I am fascinated by their culture and way of life. Talk about living simply! The Asli grow or make almost everything that they need or use. They make their homes out of bamboo and palm leaves gathered from the jungle. They grow their own vegetables and raise their own livestock. For them, life is uncluttered and uncomplicated.
Some of my
favorite memories are such simple things like eating dinner together on the floor of a bamboo hut, watching the women weave baskets, swimming in the stream with the children, and making thatch out of palm leaves for roofing material. I came to relish the times when we would simply sit together. Even though we spoke different languages, I felt such a strong sense of community just by being together and enjoying each other’s company. The Asli are a very hospitable and warm people. They would look out their doors and wave at you as you pass by on the dirt road, and all the children would call out after you, “Hi!” or “Bye bye!”
As I look back on our time with the Asli, I see God’s handiwork all over the place. The people were so hungry for God’s Word. There is only one Bible in the whole village. What is worse is that even if the villagers had access to Bibles, the majority of them cannot even read. The need is great in this village. The opportunity is also great. The work my team was able to do here is only scratching the surface of what could be done here. There is so much room for growth.
Our time with the Asli may have ended, but I know that God has not left them alone. I have to entrust them to His care, believing that the Holy Spirit will continue to draw them closer to the Father and guide them in truth. I know that God’s love for these precious people is infinitely greater than my own. God’s love for us never ceases to amaze me!
