When we arrived on Tioman Island, we discovered that island life is not cheap. Travel alone was more than we were budgeted for. We didn’t know how to get to the campsite, and the host at workaway wouldn’t respond (two separate places).
My nerves were on fire. I was the one who found this island and encouraged the team to make the 5-day trip here, and all our plans were falling through.
But God brought us Deo, who graciously made some calls and found us a place to tent—which was only 1/5 of our housing budget!!
We became friends with the host of the site, and we’ve been able to use her restaurant to store our groceries, charge our phones and use her WiFi.
We met Joe, an instructor at a local dive shop. We’ve helped him with medical-related tasks, but really just became a friend to him, with daily “hello Joe” as we walked by. He took us snorkeling and provided a free ride to the other side of the island for an afternoon , with lunch (which is normally 20 U.S. dollars one-way).
We ate dinner often at Sunset Corner, became friends with the owner and workers; they invited us to their pre-Ramadan meal. A few of us help prepare the meals, and we all were loaned Malaysian outfits to wear for the night. Again, transportation for all of us was covered.
The guys who gave me part of his pizza and chicken wings (refer to past blogs) have been so kind and generous. Taylor and I visited them last week, and we received a nice snack after a 4 mike walk, along with a good shoulder/arm massage.
We’ve received more smiles, waves and “hello” on this island than every other country.
God has really provided for us this month—financially and ministry-wise. It’s incredible to see what He does when we give Him the reigns, voluntarily or involuntarily (in my case).
Oh, I can’t forget the morning swims in the ocean with the hundreds of various fish swimming around us, and the little school of fish that swim with me back to the beach!!
I’m beyond blessed for Tioman Island and all our new friends!!
