“So you came to Malaysia for all the name brand purses, right?” Micah joked as we walked through the mall. This wasn’t just any mall. Its not the fact that its five stories tall or has more name brands stores than I’ve ever seen, or has popular American food chains we’ve been deprived of like Burger King, Cinnabon, Chili’s, California Pizza Kitchen, etc. But that’s typical of the malls in Kuala Lumpur (KL). This mall was special because it’s Kuala Lumpur City Centre- and directly above the mall are the KL twin towers. Built in the 1990s these towers are the central focus of KL’s skyline and a monument of Malaysian achievement. KL really is a
beautiful and thriving place. You should google it.
It felt strange being in a big city our last week in Malaysia. We arrived and found ourselves staying in a very nice apartment in a neighborhood of high rises and suddenly I was self conscious. I felt underdressed- we were wearing team athletic shorts- which just weren’t stylish enough for this place. I counted the hours it had been since my last shower, wondering how greasy is my hair, and what about my face, and wishing I had taken a shower that morning. These were cares I hadn’t thought of in months. Being in Africa since November and then in the Malaysian Jungle with indigenous people, the importance of outward appearance had diminished. But now everything around us screamed that its all about appearance- nice clothes, name-brand shoes, expensive watches, fancy cars, etc.
Team Tribal in our stylish team shorts. L to R- Leigh, AJ, Kristin, Matt, Ashley, Jessica, and Heather.
We experienced culture shock entering KL. It was really nice to have some conveniences like Starbucks or McDonald’s that is open 24/7 with free wifi. Or go to a water park on our day off. But it was also overwhelming to enter fast- paced city life in an environment that is similar to the US. Despite amazing food options (Malaysia is a great place to eat) I found myself missing simpler ways of life. I was saddened to see so many people caught up in busy lifestyles, wondering if they even have the time to stop and smell the roses, or thank God for another breath. But more than anything they seemed so caught up in appearances. Looking good. Impressing other people by their outward appearance. They all look so ‘put together.’
I think often people living in the US and other developed countries likewise find their identity and security in appearances-What they wear, the type of job they have, kind of car they drive, etc.
But Christ challenges us to run to him with our fears and insecurities, where we find strength, security, freedom, and our identities in Him.
*** Just a reminder***We are raising money for bibles in Malawi- see my last blog Bibles for Malawi- but there are only 15 days of March left to raise money for this cause. That’s right- this is a fund-raiser for March only- please give Malawians the chance to read the bible for themselves and give ASAP
