Our second week in Malaysia we moved to an area surrounded by university students in Shah Alam. We moved out of the city and in with some students of Management and Science University. The girls moved into the girl’s apartment and the guys went to live with the guys.
These students were all from Saba which is a state on the other island of Malaysia. They are the original people of the land and have moved away from their families and what they knew to continue their studies in the city.
This is the way many students live. They move away from home and live in apartments, dormitory’s or rent somewhere in order to receive more education. Good education is very important to this country and is vital in obtaining good jobs and having the ability to pay back the large student loans they need in order to complete their studies.
Us girls lived with 8 other girls which grew to 10 for a couple of days. We lived in their 3 bedroom apartment in which the bedrooms were hardly used for sleeping as it was too hot and the only fan was in the living room. So with up to 15 girls living in one house there was bound to be mess, confusion, conflicts and drama… There wasn’t!
Living with these girls taught me so much about relationship, worship and loving each other for who they are. Our role was to disciple these students and teach them about being ready for their future plans. We only had one week to relate and be an example of Christ. This is becoming one of our skills we are learning on this race – being intentional with our time, to make sure we are not wasting any moment and to be seeking God’s voice and vision for our time.
While we were with the girls we were able to celebrate Verolin’s birthday. She turned 20! It was very exciting! Together with the other students we created a birthday party at the guys’ apartment and just had fun getting to know each other more. Relationships are such an essential part in discipleship and we just wanted each person to feel loved and accepted for who they are.
My favourite moments with the students were just worshipping in the evenings. We would come together after they all had classes and just eat, rest and praise God. The girls all had amazing musical abilities and it was like putting your head inside a choir practice room as they would sing out their praises. We talked to them about their futures and what they wanted to do and I can guarantee God is going to use these woman for powerful things.
The main thing I wanted to share here was that these students have given up so much, but they live lives they can be proud of. God does not wait for us to be successful or rich or living the dream, he uses us where we are – right here, right now!
