I have spent my month working at Just Caffe washing dishes and doing prep work in the kitchen. I found myself frustrated with all the free time during the day and began to ask why wasn't there a "better" place for me to serve. I got it all wrong! Every dish I washed was one less CK (the barista at Just Caffe) would have to wash giving him a break from the monotonous work. My ministry was to give back to those who are working so hard to give to others, bring knew energy and encouragement. The free time allowed me to read and really study the word, listen to breakaway podcast( giving me a piece of aggieland) and journal. I had to be intentional and pray each day for God to bring people into the coffee shop and conversations to begin which would allow me to connect and build relationships. Ministry doesn't have to be hot and sweaty, you do not always get to see the fruits of your labor and actually feed the homeless but instead maybe just love on those who do.
This month was different from what I had expected, nothing too physically challenging and no big culture shock but I did get to see God working in Malaysia and even be a small part. Id say month 1 was a success.. I think my team was able to lay a strong foundation to build on over the next 10 months; I am blessed by their love and honesty.
My Malaysian experience..
The food is not awful.. Lots of Chinese and Indian ( we lived next to "little India".) Chicken fried rice and naan = favorites
– I tried a few new things but passed on the mutton head and stomach.
– dinner cost me about $2 USD a night.. And its not because I didn't get enough to eat
Chicken fried rice is served at 6 am but you can't get coffee til around 12noon
Street Vendors rock! Mini pancakes with banana slices and baggies filled with fresh juice will be missed.
Visited a Buddhist snake temple with the team.. Loved watching Zachary over come his fear of snakes and not only go in but then touch one.
The view from the top of Penang Hill is beautiful! We road the train to the top.. So smart and then attempted to walk down.. So dumb, ended up hitch hiking our way to the bottom 🙂
Botanical Gardens was a wonderful get away from the city and while monkeys are oh so cute they are not very nice.
Turtle Beach was my favorite!
– a papaya can substitute as a soccer ball just fine and be a great snack after.
– when your head tells you to move your camera to higher ground.. Do it
(still unsure if it is going to work or not)
– swimming in the ocean while it pours down rain left me feeling like I was part of the film castaway lots of good laughs but unfortunately half the beach ended up in my shorts..
Kit kat ice cream cones, chocolate milk, Nescafé and milo are delicious! (I'm pretty sure all of the food in america has extra sugar in it because I found myself craving chocolate more than ever.)
And worship is wonderful no matter what the language. It was so much fun to attend Tamil Methodist church of Penang.. Made me a bit homesick though, especially when I went to Sunday school with the youth.
I seriously can't wrap my mind around the fact that not only has the race started but I'm already headed to begin month 2. Thank you for your prayers and support.. Looking forward to serving in Darwin, Australia.
