We are in Malaysia. For lack of a better description, it’s as if every country in Asia collided and resulted in a blended Asian mishmash of food, language, religion and culture. Just when India was growing smaller in the rear view mirror of life, we get placed smack-dab on the outskirts of little India. Walking down the streets, there was instant relapse as the smell of curry hit our nostrils and we felt the familiar feeling of being watched. I do believe someone even took the liberty of taking our picture on their phone as we ordered our meal. I’d like to think it was because of my dashing good looks, but due to the fact that I had not showered in several days and may have been wearing the clothes I slept in, that may be a bit presumptuous.
Penang is an island off the coast of Malaysia so ocean front views!
SO, I realize I talk about food a lot… BUT I do believe that it is arguably the most important characteristic of every country. Local cuisine is such a beautiful method of getting to know a different culture and people group. Meal-time is my favorite time to get together, fellowship, swap stories, try something new, etc. To know the food, is to know the culture.
local food vendors about a 3 minute walk from the YWAM base
The city of Penang is infamous for its inexpensive street vendors and food carts. For a mere 4 Ringet (about $1.25) you can find anything from fried rice or noodles, to a burger and fries (unsure as to what type of meat they use…) to an assortment of fried wantons, crab-legs, sushi, bananas, dumplings, soups etc. Fresh fruit juice to-go is served in a plastic bag and chai tea with naan is a benefit of little India across the street. We have been hesitant eating too much India food, as my stomach STILL turns at the thought of how much rice and curry I consumed month one.
Mango smoothie in a bag! The best!
English is spoken fluently in the majority of shops that we go into. Most signs are in both English and Malay so we have found that getting around has been a pretty easy venture. It was quite a shock to get used to the cashier addressing you in perfect English.
The YWAM base we are staying in is probably the nicest living conditions I have had thus far on the race. It is complete with AC, western toilettes, beds, and… wait for it… a HOT shower. Two teams are staying here, plus the 3 new squad leaders and the 2 old so there is quite a crowd of people coming in and out on a regular basis. The teams are working raising money at the hospital and working at a local homeless shelter cooking and serving food. About a 15 minute walk away is the Penang House of Prayer, or PenHOP, where on any given day, there is worship and prayer for Malaysia and the world. It is an incredible room of worship and praise for the nations!
I AM FULLY FUNDED! It has been almost a year since this whole process started and the Lord has fully provided the $15,500! Thank you so much to all who have supported me and continue to support me with encouragement and prayers!
Sending my LOVE 🙂
Lizi
