As I wrap up my time in Malaysia, I want to share what I learned this month! Malaysia is such a beautiful country with so many wonderful people. It was definitely hard to leave!
1. I learned how to count money. This month, as my squad went through team changes, I was raised up to be the treasurer of my team. This position was a little daunting at first, but I was honestly elated to have this position. I love math and numbers, and although it’s stressful at times, I really love serving my team by handling all of the financial things. Who knew I would find writing receipts exciting?
2. I learned not to believe stereotypes that are promoted by the media. I feel like recently, the media has portrayed Muslims in a light that is not honoring. As I walked around Kuala Lumpur the first week, I found myself often intimidated by all the women around wearing hijabs. I didn’t know what to think about living in a predominately Muslim country, but I quickly realized that Muslims are people just like you and me. They go to school, they go bowling, they work at Starbucks, they love and adore their children, but they just believe in some different things than I do. This month, I had the wonderful opportunity to grow in relationship and intentionally love some of the Muslim people that live in Malaysia, and my heart grows more for them every single day.
3. I learned that boys aren’t necessary to have a good Valentines day. Although my heart was sad that I was unable to spend Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend this year (shoutout to Alex because he’s so supportive and wonderful!), I got to spend it with 6 beautiful ladies. We rented an AirBnB for the night (for only $16!) and lived it up with movies, pizza, makeup, Hello Kitty pajamas, and lots of girl time! Valentine’s Day is about love, and these girls loved me well this year!
4. I learned how to do life with new people. Living with new people is a struggle sometimes, but I’m proud to call these 6 ladies my sisters and my family. I enjoyed ministry in KL with them so much this month, and I’m excited to keep going!
5. I learned how to call a street full of bars my home. This month, I lived in a hostel on a touristy “party street.” Although I spent many sleepless nights battling Chinese New Year celebrations downstairs, I grew to love where we lived because of the people. As we walked down the street every night on our way home, we were constantly bombarded with menus and special offers from strangers trying to get us to eat at their restaurant. True joy came as the offers stopped and the strangers turned to friends. We were able to form relationships with people on the street and see them, as they are often disregarded and ignored by party goers. We even walked down to visit often after we moved locations halfway through the month!
6. I learned how to change my guitar strings. Shoutout to Daniel Ingalls for teaching me a new skill!
7. I learned about a whole bunch of different cultures. Malaysia is a huge melting pot. I had the joy and honor of befriending Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Arabic, and even Iraqi people and learning all about their lives and cultures. I might have enjoyed many new foods in this process as well!
8. I learned about perseverance. This month was a little difficult for me. New country, new continent, new cultures, new team, and the aftermath of a layover in LA where I got a nice taste of America. For the first week of being in Malaysia, I just felt weighed down, and it was hard for me to even get out of bed some days. Traveling is fun and serving fills me up so much, but sometimes the homesickness and lack of familiarity can get in the way. This month, I chose to fight for joy, even when it wasn’t easy. I’m happy to say that I’ve leaving Malaysia with a joyful heart and a renewed excitement for the Race! Thank you Lord for always providing exactly what I need.
9. I learned that durian tastes as bad as it smells. I forced my team to try this disgusting fruit with me for team time one night. Ate it once, and never again.
10. I learned that I have a huge heart for refugees. This month, I had the joy of going to 2 refugee schools to teach refugee students from Myanmar. Refugees don’t have many rights in Malaysia, but they are everywhere. It was so cool to meet the people who see a need and do something about it. Working with refugees filled my heart so much, and it might even be a field that I look into in the future!
11. I learned about love. This month, my team met three dear friends named Nick, Ali, and Rawan. These three took us around to see the city, came to church with us, drove us to the bus station, and even took us out for a 4 course Iraqi dinner! They loved us so intentionally and fiercely, and I hope that I can love others with even a fraction of the great love they showed us. These three were some of my hardest goodbyes on the Race, and they have left a lasting impact on my life.
And now, on to Thailand!!
Much love!!
Jordie
