Malaysia.
I did not fall head over heels in love with Malaysia.
It’s a beautiful country, with beautiful people but I did not fall in love with it.
In fact, for the first month I really did not like Malaysia.
I didn’t like the heat. I didn’t like the food. I didn’t like the culture.
I was done.
I expected to love every country I went to so much that I would just wish I could live there.
But I didn’t.
HOWEVER, as my time in Malaysia continued the Lord gave me a heart for it.
He gave me a heart for the teachers in the Kindergarten, the locals working at the 2 food places we frequented, and the town of Changlun.
He showed me how His heart breaks for the spiritual oppression these people face day in and day out.
This being said, I still didn’t fall in love with Malaysia.
It’s not my favorite country, it doesn’t have my favorite foods, and it’s still really hot.
But, I began choosing Malaysia.
I chose to see it the way God sees it.
I chose what God had for me here.
I chose the heat, the food, my ministry, and my team.
And it was good.
I got a family who I will carry with me for the rest of my life. (Shoutout to P Tom, Sharmila, Zach, Misha and Felicia- I love you guys so much!)
I realized that it’s okay to not love everywhere you go.
I learned what it means to continue pouring out everything you have even when it’s not your first choice.
I gained a better understanding of the Lord and his faithfulness in giving you what he knows you need, even if it’s not what you want.
And so, I’m leaving Malaysia with a happy heart.
Please continue praying for Changlun, the ministry, and my family there.
Please be praying for my squad and I as we leave for Africa today- what I know as of now is that my new team, The Swans, will be is Tsabong, Botswana! I will do my best to update you all as I find out more (although wifi access is going to be limited in Africa).
Lots of Love from Malaysia,
Kelly Akka
