Hi I’m in Malaysia and I’m bald
It’s been about 1 week since we’ve arrived here in Penang island, Malaysia and it’s been totally endearing to say the least. The first few days consisted of culture shock, good food, and cool people. The culture here is one of the most diverse atmospheres I’ve ever been in. There’s people here that practice islam, Hindu, Taoism, Buddhism, and some Christianity. There’s Malays, Indians, Chinese, and immigrants from countries like Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar, and so many more. All of these religions and cultures are right next door to each other-blending in all together on this one island. It’s one of the most beautifully laid out places I’ve come across. Although it’s hard knowing most of these people do not know Jesus the way we do, his presence is here. I’m always being reminded that diversity was well within gods plan for earth. I can honestly say I’m so thankful for it. There’s so much vision and beauty to be found within all of these people groups-it’s pretty amazing. Speaking of beauty and vision, I shaved my head for those that don’t know. 🙂 Recently the true definition of beauty has really been coming to the surface for me. I’ve never been comfortable or confident in who I am. The way I walk, the way I talk, how I look. I used to always tell myself that I was disgusting, too this too that, but they’re all such lies. One of my teammates, Sophi lutz, brought up shaving her head and immediately I felt peace about it. I felt that removing a part of myself for the Lord and for myself, would take me on a different route into finding the undeniable beauty inside and out of myself. Trying to prove yourself to everyone around you, it’s exhausting. I am already enough because God made me. God does not make trash, he does not make mistakes, nor does he make a “waste of space.”
Side note: I just want to take a moment to brag on Sophi Lutz. She’s one of the most captivating human beings I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Her mind and her heart are something that reflects the Lord daily. I’m too blessed to have her on my team-someone I never ever want to take for granted.
So fast forward to being here for a week, last night I got to teach one of my ministry hosts kids to draw. Holy crap. A moment I never want to forget. It only lasted about a couple hours but I’ve never connected so well with an 11 year old boy and with the Lord simultaneously. His name is Jo-ash (I think that’s how you spell it?!) and I love him so much already. He’s so easy to teach and watching him draw-something I could do all day. I only got to teach him how to draw and eyebrow and an eye but it was well worth it! Afterwards he drew a line from his drawing and wrote “wow! I’ve never drawn this good before!” I know that’s such a small simple sentence but it means the world to me. I’m able to give someone, a young kid, the space to be who the Lord made him to be. And all I did was show him how to draw an eyebrow and an eye. I never want to take for granted the opportunities I have to minister to people, even if it’s through drawing. It kind of sounds silly writing about just this one instance but there’s vision and beauty to be found in it. Jo-ash wants to be an artist when he grows up but he already is one in my eyes and in the Lords eyes. He crafted Jo-ash to be an artist, to live creatively in confidence. I’m only here for a month but I want to be an advocate for his creativity because he is a true artist wherever he sees it yet or not. Anyway, if I could sum up Malaysia in two words, it would be vision and beauty. I’m on a constant hunt for vision and beauty and I know there’s so much more around me to be found. Here’s to vision, beauty, and being bald!
