I loved our time in Penang, Malaysia. What a beautiful country! There is such a sense of celebration here of cultures and backgrounds – lots of people from surrounding countries come here to live and work. It’s a great opportunity to share God’s love with people from this region of the world, build friendships, and learn more about cultures and beliefs.
During our month in Penang, we had debrief as a squad and then served alongside a couple different ministries. One ministry partner involved serving the community through bible studies, preparing meals for families who need food, and assisting them with their thrift shop. We also connected with a local house of prayer for worship and prayer services for the country of Malaysia and surrounding local areas. I loved our time in Penang as we met different locals and talked to our grab drivers about faith.
Penang was probably my favorite place and community I’ve lived in so far on the race because of the celebration of diversity. During the month, I met travelers and locals from Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, India, and Nepal. I loved making these new friends!
Some of the reasons I chose to say yes to coming on the world race and am here today is to be apart of God’s work around the world and to learn from believers and non-believers not from PA or my similar background. To be open to new experiences, ask questions, seek the Lord, and see with His eyes.
Something I’m looking to explore more is what it means to be bicultural. This means combining the cultural attitudes and customs of two nations, peoples, or ethnic groups. For me, my family is American and Canadian. As I seek to explore more of who I am and my family genealogy, I’m excited to continue to ask questions to learn more- what values and beliefs have been instilled from my Canadian roots? Which ones have influenced who I am today? How can I drawn lines between my American heritage and Canadian heritage? Where have those lines blended together or work together?
I want to celebrate these questions and the similarities and differences I find in the various cultures around me. I want to step away from things that hinder celebrating diversity – to step away from entitlement, pride, American individualism, and assumptions. I want to step into friendship, celebration, seeking to understand, asking questions, and living life with those around me. I want to learn more and encourage those around me to also step out of and into these things as we seek to share God’s love and the good news of the Father’s redemptive gift to all.
The Lord has been so good in continuing to shower His love on me this month. He is so good and faithful. It is who He is. Beautiful. I can’t wait to share more- He cares for us personally and desire relationship with each of us.
