“What time is it?” We kept asking each other on our day of travel (August 24-26). Is it yesterday, or tomorrow? So late that it’s early or so early that it’s late? We only had two flights. Chicago to Seoul and Seoul to Kota Kinabalu. We spent 13 hours on that plane and arrived in Seoul only 3 hours after we left (?). We arrived later in Kota Kinabalu than we had anticipated due to a small delay, but local time, it was the next day. 27 hours of traveling. Not too bad! Quite enjoyable!
We were greeted in Kota Kinabalu by the country coordinator, Peter H., and the bishop of the Christian church here in Sabah, Malaysia, bishop Thomas. Very sweaty. Very tired. SUPER EXCITED YAGM.
We spent our first few days in the ‘mountains’ of Kundasang. We stayed at a hotel where you can see the tallest peak in southeast Asia (located here in Sabah!). We hiked, got lost, continued to hike and walk, and got found! First adventure for the win! The next day we worshipped in a nearby town, Ranau, where the service was entirely in Chinese (Cantonese?). After lunch we partook in more hiking but to a canopy walk which is this network of bridges way up high in the trees. The bridges are basically planks held on by huge rope nets. We could see the whole jungle! I did a lot of the canopy walk without holding on to the ropes (look ma! No hands!). Then we got fish massages! These are much raved about. You stand in the shallow side of a river and let these creepy fish suck and nibble on your dead skin!!! Freaked out? I was not and then they swarmed and were large and bit and had teeth. It HURT!!! Also, tickled like a mo. Some of us got fish hickeys (fishickeys). New and different experience indeed. I would do it again though; my feet are way prettier now. Later that night we got to meet with the bishop again, this time, with his posse. All these hilarious leaders of the church in Sabah were delighted to see us and tell us about… everything. We had dinner and conversation. It was truly inspiring to hear how happy they are to have us. Last year Malaysia did not have any YAGM and the year before that was the first year Malaysia had YAGM. The one-year hiatus has left these people looking forward to us for a long time! I am honored.
All the people are so nice. Very sweet and friendly.
We just started language training yesterday. It’s close to four hours a day with our guru, Rose. Super sweetheart! After class yesterday we went to town and “observed some culture.” We went to markets and malls and saw the water for the first time! I bought some crackers called “FLYING FISH BISCUITS,” which I think is hilarious. We didn’t really use our new language skills though. I don’t have enough skills yet. The language is easy and the teacher is fantastic. Being here for a year with countless others I can practice Malay with will prove helpful as well, I’m sure.
The really awesome opossum thing so far has been today after class! Here in Sabah Muslims and Christians have been living together and accepting one another. The whole place is celebrating an Islamic holiday! The moon gave birth and so we say to one another “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!!!” It’s the end of Ramadan and so no more fasting. We are forgiven! Way fun. Our teacher invited us (all of us) to her friend’s house to celebrate. We ate dates and garlic peanuts and cookies. Then we ate delicious food. We were spoiled. It was amazing because none of us knew this lady and she was so welcoming and glad to see us. All the other guests spoke to us in English even though we wanted to practice the little Malay we know so far. It was lovely. Then we decided to go to this open house party they have every year for this celebration at the governor’s palace (?). It was beautiful. There were a lot of people, food, music, but it was terrifically hot. I caught a few people taking photographs of us, the 9 white Americans standing around awkwardly, and sweating. I don’t care how stupid we looked or how sweaty we felt, all I know is that was fun. I was glad to celebrate in Kota Kinabalu, my new home. I was truly honored to be such a welcomed guest. It’s neat to think that this was the first of many celebrations I will enjoy here.
This is only the beginning. My job hasn’t even started yet, and won’t until mid-September. I’m still living out of a suitcase. I’m still finding things that I forgot I needed to pack/bring. I miss people. I haven’t even felt a sense of culture shock yet. My problem is, I don’t really see myself having that problem. I’ve been preparing for this. I’ve been looking forward to it. I know this culture is new and different. I knew that before coming here. We’ll see how that story plays out though. For now, I’m enjoying my moments as best I can.
Standing in the rain
Listening to a 50-minute sermon I can’t understand
Smelling flowers
Green like you’ve never seen
Worshipping an oscillating fan
Distant squeals from a child
The sun saluting me and preparing to greet you
Hugs and prayers
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