As I run on the elliptical that sounds like it will break to pieces under my weight, I watch a gecko on the wall next to me. It stalks its prey, a gray moth that never saw it coming. I turn to watch the gym’s attendant tonight. He is young, and handsome (but you will find that I think many Asian men are), and he is currently making protein shakes. It seems that he keeps on his fingerless weight lifting gloves and sunglasses for effect. It’s 10pm and indoors…haha men! I turn back to the gecko who has long since finished his meal, and I think about the day.
This month we are English Teachers. We can’t speak about the Gospel because Malaysia is an Islamic Nation, and we could not only get kicked out, but also, our hosts in trouble. So at the moment, we can pray for this land and people, and let our actions be our witness. But other than that, we are just teachers.
We have classes for adults and children, and one class that is a one-on-one with a five year old Chinese cutie. I volunteered for that position and I am so glad I did. I get to spend the month with the most precious kid I have met in a while.
To gauge her level I tried to chat with her over some picture books. I also was able to work her through a word puzzle that I made using numbers and letters, so that she may practice the two. We took a break for about 5 minutes and I lost her attention after that. I heard her humming Frozen’s “Let it Go” so I got out the computer and played the scene with the song. SHE LOVED IT! She belted out some of the words, and some sounds that were close enough. I wrote some of the lyrics on the board and played it again. OH MY GOODNESS! She was so precious. I will have to do that again before we leave so that I may film it. This is a must see.
At this point in the gym, I have started weights and floor work. I also have sweated completely through my clothes (which I could have done by simply standing) and I drink the last of my water mentally cursing the humidity. I think back to the pleasant evening though. After teaching, I joined my teammates to visit a night food market. OH YES! I got to nibble on some lovely noodles and a hot-pocket like Ayam chicken snack. After that I drank a chocolate shake with the first whipped cream I have had since Ecuador (3 months ago) and even chocolate sprinkles. Thus the need to visit the gym.
Everything is cheaper here, which is bad, because it means I will spend more since everything is a good deal. I am sure to visit that night market every Friday, and the gym as often as possible. I love the way going to the gym feels, and I miss working out at night. My body just doesn’t like to exercise in the morning. I also will often find myself getting coffee so that I can use the internet for school, and lastly…the textiles. I am only two days in here at Kuala Lipis and I ended up befriending an Indian shop keeper and buying another Punjabi top. Oh my.
We leave the gym and walk in the slightly cooler night air home to our classrooms (where we sleep on the floor mats…and pack them up for classes). I thank my teammate for the gym experience, and I thank God for the joy he has given me. I cannot say it enough; I am just so happy to be back in Asia. Though sadly, I haven’t taken photos… not a single one. I just haven’t thought to, since I feel like I am home again…so just haven’t thought to. But I will try to snap some soon. 🙂
