A New Temporary Home

Doug, myself, Ashley & Alex at the
Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

My roommate for the next 21 months. I've been
blessed with many shared heart-to-hearts, hugs,
tears, raucous laughs, hopes, ... love this girl!

Though only 2 of these girls are my roommates, our apartment
is a SOCIAL HUB & we've always got a group of friends over!

Wei Shan graduated from UM in June. I'm glad
she decided to stick around because she is a
quality girl!

"I know the plans I have for you..."

During my last trip to Tucson, I got to meet & hang out with a great group! 

Since I started this whole business of 'movingtoMalaysiafor2years', a small voice representing my fears has been trying to convince me that the culture and language barriers will prevent me from making friends. I've panicked at times because, well, I can't live without my heart-to-hearts! I practically live for listening and sharing. 

There were a lot of places I could have gone and they were appealing for different reasons. I'm going to be honest and let you all know that I didn't land my first choice. When I tried to picture myself in the Middle East I thought, "At least I would blend in." The thought of going to Europe wasn't scary; tons of my friends studied abroad. When I thought of Asia, all I could think was how unfamiliar everything would be. 

So somehow I ended up at this meeting for international students - I wandered around for a little bit unsure of who I should strike up a conversation with. I was feeling a little out of place when something wonderful happened... one of the leaders called the ladies forward to line up for the dinner buffet! I started talking to the girl in front of me (I'll call her "Gina"), we sat together, talked the whole dinner hour, and again later that night when we were split up into small groups. In the midst of our conversation, I learned that Gina is from China, has been going to the UofA for 3 years, and became a Christian in college. I asked about how she came to faith - she explained that she started out on mission to prove to her friends God didn't exist. I was intrigued. When Gina was finished, I told her my story. Now I'll admit I was sleepy, but I started crying while we were sharing. What?! That doesn't usually happen.  

I realized I was so touched because I remembered how my worries about not being able to communicate on a heart level had made me hesitant about my decision to just dive into an Asian culture. The cultural differences seemed too great. I thought about how it wasn't something I really wanted at first, but I knew God was leading me in that direction. And what if I had given in to my fear? I felt as comfortable talking and praying with Gina as with any other of my friends - even more comfortable than with some of my friends. 

So the moral of the story is: 2 years ago, no way I would have picked this adventure for myself but as God promises in Jeremiah 29:11, He has a plan for me, to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future... and I know it's going to be a lot of fun.

The countdown has begun... this group of friends is leaving for Malaysia in 29 days. 

Ashley, Alex, Doug, Alejandra
The most laid back group you've ever met. We think this will serve us well in a new culture. 

"Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time..."

As, I suppose, many of you know - I've finished my time at the University of Arizona.

Four years ago, the plan was to teach right after college (in an inner city school, inspiring disgruntled youth). But, things have turned out differently and I will be leaving for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 1st with three friends.  

Our original departure date was October 1st and it has been pushed back a month. It was hard for us hear that we were going to have to wait another month for something we were so eager for. It was hard for me not to see the news as a punishment.  After emotions passed and rational thought set in, I realized our departure date may have more to do with God's plans than my actions...

During my tawG (time alone with God) today, I read through Numbers 9:15-23. I'm so thankful for this particular explanation of God's leading, what it's like to follow Him, unsure of where He'll take us or ask us to remain on any given day. A cloud rested over the tabernacle to let His people know to stay and lifted up to let them know to set out. Verse 22 says "Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out." I'd like to follow the model of the Israelites who set out when they were supposed to, and camped out when they were supposed to. I pray that I will be given a joyful patience as long as God has me remain in Arizona. Lord, You are wonderful and You guide me continually. You satisfy my soul in drought.