Georgetown Penang, Malaysia. Asia.
I loved it. Why? Is it the colors? The sights? The sounds? The food? The culture? The people?
Yes. All of the above.
Last month was been incredible in every aspect. I met so many people who have inspired me. And everyday was an exciting one. Whether it was the first day here where we were still jet lagged and asked to help supply food and clothes to flood victims. Or if it was to go and greet the homeless and serve a hot meal. Or if it was to walk the streets seeking who God wanted us to share with. Or if it was a rest day. Or an Adventure day. I can honestly say that each opportunity led me closer to God and helped me discover what I am passionate about.
You see, coming here was perfect for a few reasons.
1. We came at the perfect time.
We arrived on November 4th. Perfect. You see, originally we we’re supposed to arrive on the 3rd, but our flight from Bulgaria to Turkey had to be cancelled at first because they closed down their boarders to Americans. American citizens were supposedly being arrested and put in jail randomly. Or something like that. I’m not into politics so I usually zoned out.. oops..
Well anyway, someone worked it all out to where we could still fly into there and we booked new tickets, but it moved everything over one day. One day. And on November 4th there was a massive flood that hit Penang. One of the biggest they’ve had in a long time. A lot of people were affected and a ton of them were lost with no help from the government because of who they were and where they came from. See where I am going with this?
The next day we arrived, got some food, and went to sleep. We were supposed to have orientation on the 5th and then rest a bit so we could get over our jet lag. But the Lord had bigger plans. We were asked to come to the Kawan Center, our main ministry for the month, to help with something. We ended up spending the day unloading donations from cars all over Penang. Our ministry host discovered that several villages they minister to were affected by the flood so he sent out a few texts. In no time at all the community began pulling together in order to help. It was so beautiful and we got to be a part of that. We were given clothes, shoes, diapers, toiletries, and food. Our job was to bring in donations and sort them. Then we got to go to the villages and hand everything out. It was both heart breaking and breathe taking. Donations continued to come in everyday we were there and so we continued to do this for the month, but because there were so many of us this month (12 girls), some of us got to do different things after the first week. Which leads me to my next point.
2. I discovered a new passion.
One reason I chose to do the World Race after I graduated was because of what it entailed. So many different things would happen. I could see 11 different cultures and work with different types of ministries all over. I was wondering how God could use me the best and where He wanted me to be. He introduced me to a passion I didn’t know I had. One day our host was asking us to split up and go in different places. I thought everyone would want to work downstairs serving and talking with the homeless people because obviously that would be so much fun! So I decided to let other people do it and try something else. So I ended up working at the Kawan thrift store that supports the Kawan homeless shelter. I didn’t feel called to do that again though. I felt useless spending my hours Ironing clothes. (Even though that is also important)
The next time we were asked who wanted to work downstairs serving the homeless I hesitated to put my hand up again thinking that everyone else would want to, but nobody raised their hand. So I got to do it! From that point on I kept volunteering for that spot because it was the best thing ever. I met so many people and heard their stories and learned a couple names. I even learned how to say good morning and welcome in some of their languages. I enjoyed every minute of it and later found out that only 3 of the 12 of us actually wanted to be downstairs so us 3 got to be the ones serving and talking every time. Three days a week (and I wish it were every day). It was so fun! I brought in UNO and nail polish and hand held Tetris and spent time with people when they normally just sat around waiting for lunch. And I grew a lot there as well, which leads me to point 3.
3. I grew a lot in obedience.
One time at the Kawan Center during prayer (we pray every morning before we open the doors) I prayed that God would send in those that need to hear the Gospel. Then God started telling me, you need to share your testimony today so they can hear the Gospel. My heart went nuts. Cause public speaking is uncomfortable and even though I’ve had to share my story in front of people in every country so far, it never gets easier. And I knew that I had to be obedient and at least ask if I could share. Annoying. But if I was lucky maybe our host would tell me not to. Unfortunately for my nerves, our host was like, “YES SHARE”. Tell me why that was the most packed day the entire month. Why did I have to pray for those who had to hear the Gospel? And right before It was time for me to go up, one of the staff from another organization we work with came in randomly and was able to translate for the none English speakers. Total God thing.
And beyond sharing how God worked in my life, I was also prompted to pray for people more often and when I found out that I could talk about Jesus and pray in his name, whew, people didn’t know what hit them. I even began saying bye to them with a “God bless you”. And they loved it. Mostly. Haha. Praying for people has always been weird for me because I always think, what if nothing happens? But shouldn’t we still ask God? Even if he has a better plan to heal that person later, it still shows our faith that we would pray. And maybe God doesn’t always heal right at the moment I pray, but when he did, wow. You have a 100% chance of not being healed if you refuse to pray.
Anyway, here are some of the Amazing people I got to meet (:
First is Adam. Adam pretty much kept everything together. He was always there doing his Job with a cheerful heart and sarcastic personality that I really resonated.
Next we have a family that I got out UNO cards for. I was even able to teach the son how to shuffle. I feel bad that I could never remember how to say their names, but they seemed to not mind. It was always good to see them.
Then we have Jeremy who nobody understood. He would always speak to you even if you had no idea what he was saying. Eventually I was able to find out where he was from and greeted him in his own language. Too bad it was one of the last days. Because that opened up a door.
And finally I have a photo of John who was our head chef. He looked like the toughest guy around. A guy you would not mess with, but as the days went on we learned how sweet he really was.
