Much like arriving in Africa from Europe, as soon as we stood in the scorchingly humid Malaysian heat, weary from jet lag, I received a wave of emotions. Emotions that made my time in Africa feel like a pleasant, but distant memory. I understood that a time of newness had arrived-whether or not I felt equipped for it.
Here, there are people everywhere-and most of them are riding on motorbikes. The heat is very familiar-it feels like Houston, Texas in August around lunchtime. (But with no AC and we are wearing pants to be culturally sensitive) I assumed that although we would look physically different than most people living here, we would be able to live life without stares/ pointed fingers/ pictures being taken of us/ whistles, but people here are just as bold. All the drinks here come in a bag, the food is spicy and is purchased at markets. The skies at night no longer reveal the twinkling stars, but thankfully, the moon has been bright and beautiful.
Asia.
It is so very different than where we came from, it’s fast-paced, there is an energy here that I haven’t felt in several months. The people are beautiful, the sights, sounds, and smells all around me are captivating.
But, we moved from a continent where we got a “Hallelujah” and “Amen” for just about everything we said and did, to entering into a country where evangelism is illegal. We have rehearsed the line “we are here to teach English” and cannot disclose our true mission.
But, we moved from a continent where we got a “Hallelujah” and “Amen” for just about everything we said and did, to entering into a country where evangelism is illegal. We have rehearsed the line “we are here to teach English” and cannot disclose our true mission.
It has been a transition that hasn’t come naturally.
But, it has brought me joy to serve alongside our hosts in the Kindergarten. We have lived and worked inside this kindergarten all month, and have made many wonderful memories within its walls. The kids are beautiful and many have traveled very far with their families to replant themselves in Malaysia. Coming from countries such as Iraq, Yemen, and Nigeria they have a wide range of stories and backgrounds. We’ve read books, played with play dough, sang songs, taught about emotions, made crafts, danced, and exchanged many curious looks with each other as we navigated through the language barriers, laughing our way through the sometimes immense awkwardness of having no idea what the other person in your conversation is saying.
Team Hallelujah has laughed and cried and prayed and hugged and got sassy every once in a while (community is hard, ya’ll) through Malaysian Kindergarten as well as YWAM in Zambia, the bush in Botswana, and a megachurch in Namibia. But, now we’ve relocated to Penang, Malaysia (the street food capital of the world!) to debrief the last few months, and it’s time to announce we’re shaking things up again with a new and final team of my Race.
Here they are World, Team LOL (Ladies of the Lord)
Claire: A former Beloved who is a gentle authority, full of grace and wisdom, and a person who makes you feel known, seen, and loved. She’s from Colorado, is an accountant, and loves to hike mountains (except not right now because she has a broken foot) this girls a gem!
Alexis: Another Texan and someone I had the pleasure of meeting before Training Camp, I’ve been trying to get on a team with this gal my entire Race! She’s bold, passionate, and a fierce friend.
Ali: Ya’ll, Ali is one of my very best friends on my Race; a Beloved, a Texan, a future Lawyer. She’s also a stunning blonde. She is the definition of beauty and brains-and she loves the Lord fiercely. She rocks.
Amy: A sweet, caring, compassionate and funny gal from Colorado. I’m excited to get to know her better this next season of my Race; she’s loves to teach Zumba, encourage others, and laugh a lot. We’re going to be good pals.
Morgan: She’s goofy, she makes me laugh, she always has toilet paper with her (I know this from personal experience ) Remember the blog I mentioned the unfortunate experience I had involving the potential lion attack and my poop? This girl was my savior that night, so I already love her for that.
One more announcement: We have some really exciting ministry this month; Adventures has entrusted us with something unique called “Unsung Heroes” so be on the lookout for my next blog with the run down on this in a few days!
Supporters, my prayer request is for me to remain present-I come home in just a few months and have caught myself thinking more about Texas and Target and how good that first bite of a spicy Chick-fil-A sandwich is going to be after 11 months, and less about my ministry and my teammates that are here right beside me.
Thank you for your support; financially, prayerfully, emotionally, I appreciate you so much.
Much love as I’m drinking coffee out of a bag,
Elizabeth
