Noises in the Night
March 20, 2008
In 15 minutes Mr. Peach will come wake us up for breakfast. Then we will leave to begin work on the churches. We are split into two teams: one team will walk to the closer church to work each day, the other team will drive into Julau to work on that church. I am with the team assigned to the closer church, so we will walk to work.
Last night there were many strange noises, chirpings and howlings. Some noises were totally foreign; I have no idea what made them. In the deepest part of the night, the dogs suddenly started howling, barking, and growling viciously. I wonder what was wrong. I’ve heard the villagers believe the dogs do that to scare off evil spirits.
This morning I asked God to help me do a good job. I want to really contribute to the effort and do well.
First Night
March 19, 2008
Our first night in Borneo! We are leaving Sibu after spending the night in a hotel. We had the opportunity to do a little shopping near the hotel. Sibu is very crowded, hot, smelly and sticky. Our hotel rooms did have air conditioning and showers, so we weren’t bad off at all. Breakfast was a big bowl of noodles and rice, bread and a delicious hot drink known as Milo. It was all ready for us when we came down to eat.
After breakfast I walked to the market with Mr. Wade. Everything imaginable was for sale. There were live chickens and ducks wrapped up in newspaper all ready to purchase. I guess you can’t get meat fresher than that! There were dead squid, fruits and vegetables (many of which I did not recognize), furniture, motorcycles, clothing and trinkets. Mr. Wade and I enjoyed Nestle ice cream bars. The people are fascinating. Some just glanced at us and some smiled big toothy grins. And some just stared with stony faces as if they could bore holes in us with their eyes. That sent a shiver down my spine!
I am so thankful just to be here, halfway around the world. Mr. Peach reminded us at worship this morning that not many young people get to travel so far. As we loaded the buses to leave the hotel, murky clouds dumped rain on us. I am glad that the buses have air conditioning and shelter us from the pounding rain. It is amazing to look out at the jungle and realize we are on the same soil where many missionaries long ago dedicated, and sometimes sacrificed, their lives to further the gospel.
Welcome
March 18, 2008
The buses took us as far into the mountainous jungle as the roads would permit, then we piled into pickup trucks for the rest of the journey to the longhouses. I climbed into the back of a truck with a bunch of my friends. A deluge drenched us as the Toyota struggled through the thick orange mud. We prayed that God would send angels to keep us from sliding back down the hills, and I believe He did. I remember looking out over the jungle that stretched as far as the eye could see. Exhilaration swept over me and I thought: can life get any better than this?
Before we left the buses we stopped in a little village called Julau. That is where the medical team will set up their temporary clinic. Our purpose for stopping was to create a stir, kind of get the word out that we’re here. Some of us, including myself, bought large woven-grass hats for a few ringet. (Ringet is the currency of Malaysia)
Now we are resting in the longhouses. The people are kind and welcoming, they seem genuinely happy to have us here. The food was good and playing with the children was great. There is also a cool, clear river not far away.
Kuala Lumpur
March 18, 2008
Kuala Lumpur is beautiful, a very advanced airport. There were internet kiosks and I got to quickly email my family. Next we fly to Kuching, then Sibu.
Where Did Monday Go?
March 18, 2008
So it’s actually Tuesday. We skipped Monday the 17th. We are sitting in the Taipei, Taiwan airport. We’ve all had a chance to change clothes and brush our teeth. Our next flight takes us to Kuala Lumpur, which is about a four hour trip. (I used to think four hours was a long flight!)
The humidity engulfed us as we stepped off the plane in Taiwan. Can’t see much of the city as it is shrouded in mist or smog. Going through security here is a little different; for example, we do not have to remove our shoes.
SeaTac
March 16, 2008
Here we are in the Sea-Tac Airport. The worst part was checking in our luggage, standing in line so long made my feet hurt. The first thing we did when we arrived was form a huge line to move all the luggage in quickly. We have about two hours until our plane takes off.
We Are on Our Way!
March 16, 2008
We are on our way! After waiting for this day for so long, it feels unreal that it is finally here. I arrived at the Powerhouse at 11:30, after packing all morning, and then the mayhem began. There was a lot of repacking and sorting and organizing and rushing around. The bus rolled up outside, and before we boarded everyone gathered in the Powerhouse for prayer. Then the goodbyes began as we loaded the bus and our friends and family bid us farewell.
I asked God to help me leave all my stress and worry here, so that I’ll be an empty vessel He can use.