Matthew Ruple. We started our first month together here in the jungle of Malaysia. The people group, Asli, is considered to be an indigenous village. Ministry, team, and self-growth have all been amazing and challenging. Most of our days have been spent at the “construction site”. We have started to help them build what will eventually be an Eco lodge. The first chalet was started last week and should be finished before leaving. They are using bamboo, trees, vines, and other natural materials to build the chalet. It will be used to host people who come to buy fresh from the garden that brings income to the village, as well as a place for people who come to visit the village to be apart of what is going on. Construction time is a family event. The women spend most of the time cooking and working on side projects such as baskets and roof thatch. The children run around playing and jumping into the stream to go swimming. It’s like a big family picnic everyday.
I have been able to experience s
o much of the culture while living here. I made sure to make daddy proud and put a few nails into the first stages of the chalet being built. The woman have taught me how to make rice packets in banana leaves and stuff them into bamboo shoots to be cooked over an open fire. They have also let me help make the roof thatch and even do a little basket weaving. Although communication is hard, we all get a joy out of sitting around making roof thatch and every once in awhile randomly laughing at the situation.
We have also been able to participate in many other activities with the community. Every afternoon I have had the wonderful opportunity to teach about 20 children English. These children will never go to school. The closest school is about an hour away and there is no transportation to get the children into town. There are very few adults who have even been able to receive any form of education. The children are so eager to learn and will sit for hours just to learn. We are learning our colors, numbers, alphabet sounds, and simple everyday words. I am excited to see the progress made at the end of the month.
The Asli community has embraced us and taken us in as if we are part of their family. They cook large meals for us, invite us to visit, and simply help us learn about their culture. We have participated in everything from bible studies to wedding receptions. This month has truly been an amazing blessing.
P.S. to all those who know my eating habits, I have now tried: calamari, frog legs, shrimp, and wild boar. I thought you would all like to know that small fact ☺
