As a Southerner (well, geographically speaking, since Florida isn't really considered "southern", despite having our fair share of confederate flag bumper stickers, sweet tea and some solid bar-b-que) I know hospitality. Southern hospitality is famous. We do it right. We know how to treat people.
Or so I thought.
Southern Hospitality, meet Christian Malaysian Hospitality. And Southern Hospitality…you could learn a thing or two. Or nine.
I cannot adequately explain how much love people poured over us in this country (especially last week.) For starters, our pastor arranged almost all our meals in the homes of church members. And they went out of their way, and spared no expense in trying to serve us to the best of their ability. I mean, I know a lot of the food they cooked or bought was expensive…and I know it took a long time to prepare. And they did it, for us. Those meals were hard to accept, because we didn't feel like we deserved any of it…like the money put towards it could have had a better use. It's funny…it's so much either to spoil others, than it is to receive. I think it's a pride thing.
One thing our contact Ben taught us our very first month was how important it is to "accept the blessing"…that if we don't accept the blessing someone is trying to bestow upon us (out of pride or false humility or whatever you want to call it) then they themselves cannot be blessed. It's selfish to not receive what someone is offering…despite how expensive it may be.
But last week didn't stop with food. THEY gave US an "love offering" of money. THEY gave US presents. THEY gave US reminders of our time together. They wanted us to know how much we were loved. They spent their own money, their own time, their own effort, energy and thoughtfulness on us. It was crazy. Last week was a HUGE, HUGE blessing for us. We got poured into far more than we ever poured into anyone else.
(You know, that may not be true, as I don't know the long-term or personal effects our efforts have had on those we serve.)
Anyway…bottom line is this…I saw a NEW LEVEL of what it means to treat others as you want to be treated, I come from an awesome family, an awesome church community…full of people who pour out huge amounts of love on one another….heck, some of them even gave me a place to live and poured in time and energy to help me regain a solid footing in Christ. So, coming from that background, to see people act that way towards people THEY DON'T REALLY KNOW, because of the love in their hearts….well, it just speaks. The people of T.M.C. Kuantan, Malaysia are examples of what it means to put others before yourself. I hope you get to meet them one day.
Quick sidenote: We also met a Chinese family before leaving Kuala Krai who had the same attitude towards us, and I am really, really sad we only got to spend around 2 hours with them.
Another quick sidenote: EVERYONE we have met along the way thus far has sacrificed for us, I know that. They have poured into us…given us special treatment at a cost to themselves. I know this, I really do. And I am really, really, really thankful. Last week, God was just really make it a point to bless us, and for us to take note, and learn how to do that for others.
Final sidenote: Thank you again to everyone who has supported me on this year, financially, emotionally, in prayer, in thought and in encouragement. Your efforts, which I again know come at a cost to yourselves is incredible, and I am truly thankful. I wish you could all be here experiencing it with me.
