Selamat Datang ke Malaysia!!

I just wanted to let you know that I arrived
safely in Penang and did not lose any baggage.
I have unpacked in a lovely room that I share
with 3 other girls in my DTS. Only one is here
right now. No boys here for DTS yet so it's a
girls' night tonight wooooohooo:) My leaders
are awesome and 2 of them, Niki and Jacqui,
live across the hall from me. We live in a 2-story
house called Thailand. It has a living room/dining
area, hardwood floor, 2 flights of stairs, a
kitchen, porch with laundry facilities and palm
trees!!, 2 bathrooms and yes we can drink tap
water!!!!:) I got a bottom bunk ...score!
Tomorrow the DTS girls are going shopping at
the mall and I am buying some necessities and
a few bargains most likely. We live in a small
neighborhood. The houses look a lot alike and
all look very similar to our house in Pontianak,
gated with small yards.

All for now,
Jo

Well I have officially been in Malaysia for one week and
counting now. It is Monday, September 27, and classes have
officially started today. I have been introduced to many new
experiences and cultural traditions so far. Saturday night was
"Welcome to Malaysia" night and there was lots of food made
by locals, Indian, Malay and Chinese food, lots of exotic fruit, a
plethera of small American mk's (missionary kids), not too
different from the lifestyle I once led as a small child. It was A
LARGE gathering almost party. Everyone dressed in traditional
Malaysian clothes from head to toe. There were speakers that
introduced the main religions and background of Malaysia to the
sbs and dts students. This was a highlight.

On my free days, we have been going around to many malls,
restaurants (Indian banana leaf is my new favorite! I have
pictures I will send soon), local food stalls, and other important
destinations to learn the ins and outs of the town we live in. We
learned the bus routes and how to bargain down a taxi, or teksi,
here. I have enjoyed western food, as we ate at an A&W, and
have seen many pizza huts, McDonalds, 7/11s and other
American chains.

In the mornings everyday we meet as a base for intecessory
prayer/worship/word. We are growing together as a ywam team
on the base and I have enjoyed late night skates (on my
roomate's skateboard) around my neighborhood to collect my
thoughts and feel the community become home. I regret to
inform you that I have some work duties, sweep&mop today to
attend to now, I can't be late.

I'll write again soon, thanks for all your prayers and support,

Love, Jo