Baby Norita

We visited this little baby today.  She is only 1 week old.  I made a little blanket for her.  The pillow she is on is very soiled...  Oh, these sweet babies!  In one corner, there was a litter of new kittens.

Her mother, Jessica, and two sisters.  Jessica is a convert of a few months.  Her husband is not a member and is not so good.  There are the situations that are so difficult to see.  The house was up on stilts with a steep stairway, no, just rather rude planks down to a cement floor.  I could hardly bear to think of the danger to these little ones.  No railing.  The door just opened and the stair began, and then the cement below...  As we left, I looked back and the little two year old was making her way alone down the steps!

This evening, we had dinner with the Gaadong family.  Always, we sit and eat on the floor.  I think it would not be so bad an idea, if I just had started earlier to teach my legs to bend under me and sit that way!  I always have these legs sticking out in front of me, wondering what to do with them!

They always serve the brightest, fluorescent, and highly sweet drink!  Note the color!  The chop chicken was in a curry sauce.  I really like the curry, but the chop chicken and I are at war with one another!

They serve many steamed "greens."  As much as I love veggies, I have not figured out how to chew the greens.  It's a bit like chewing steamed alfalfa!

The soup I didn't try a I had just recovered from a vicious bout with tummy disorder.  It was fish soup.

Another day in Malaysia!

Visiting Daisy and Ferasyella

One cannot put into words or pictures the situations we visit in the Kampongs.  But, there is always something indescribably pure and beautiful there, and that is the children.  I have never seen any more beautiful or sweet.  This is Daisy's little girl, Ferasyella.

In the midst of indescribable trash and litter, there she was, a bright light of joy!

Can you tell I miss my own beautiful little ones???

I had to share with her Grandmother, Empiah.

Then we were on to visit "Mike Tyson" and his mother, Entayang.  She is wearing a sarong, but they all have towels that are very much a part of their clothing because it is terrifyingly hot in their kampong.  I watched sweat literally pour down Dad's face and neck.  It runs into my eyes and down my back... sometimes even down my legs!  We have decided to carry towels, too!

This is the whole family and dad.  The littlest boy was stark naked when we came.  He is lucky!

Outside, we stop to decide where to go next.  Our two elders:  Elder Limpahan from Sabah and Elder Stone from Salem, Utah.  The two young men are Lucas and Anthony, our "guides" through the "maze."  Without them, we would never know where to go.  Lucas is a phenomenal young man who even teaches seminary and loves to go with the Elders.  Anthony is a new convert equally as dedicated.  They are wonderful help.

Across from where we were conferring:  more of the environment of the Kampong...  Often it is running with sewer water where we walk.  Chickens, ducks, and cats everywhere.  Today, we walked narrow boards to keep out of the water and climbed up and down big boulders to find some of the houses.

Just when one thinks it is impossible to go on, the children save us, and give us hope.

A new investigator, Samun, and grandchild.  She was very receptive and promised to come to Church on Sunday.  This is where we hope to recognize her and welcome her and help her not feel alone.  And so the gospel is spread... one by one... over the whole earth.  Some days it is fiercesomely difficult, but we are trying to pay OUR debt of gratitude for the "Indescribable Gift."

  

Singapore

China Town

Stunning embroidered silk

Flawless orchids.  Yes, they are REAL.

I may as well put beautiful in front of everything.  Landscaping everywhere.  No ugliness anywhere.

Arab street:  50 plus small shops of silk and textiles and persian rugs and batiks

China town.  "Shop houses"

Shop houses:  Shops below, houses above.  I chose this one.  My color!  and style!

Lantern where we ate:  "UM CHA"  You can say that again!  Yum Cha!

I could wear this and be happy!  Want one made?  What color?

Very, very famous Raffles Hotel.  Very, very expensive.  But, very classy.

Built in the 1800's under British rule.

The welcome committee at the Raffles Hotel!

Classical fountains.

Am I a guest?  Oh, I must be at least for high tea!

Floral arrangements at the Raffles...  Did someone say fresh?  Everyday!

The colors of Singapore.

The Long House, Borneo

On June 1, we went with the Budges and elders to an authentic Long House.  Although, probably still too close to towns to be a really authentic jungle Long House.  This is on the Kemana River -- a huge river flowing into the China Sea.

They wear these hats a lot for the sun.  Very, very practical.

Kemana River winds and snakes its way through vast areas before reaching the sea.

He pulled up this shrimp basket to show us his catch.

Beautiful prawns!

This is the interior of the long house.  This is a communal area for 50 families!  Then, there are individual doors leading to each separate living area.  It literally is one long building or house!

This little girl performed the traditional Iban dance.  She was very good.  She had observed it many times by others!  It was captivating.

The oldest woman in this family that we visited.  She is almost 100.  Several generations lived in this home (not the whole long house, just one apartment of it).

Dad and Elder Budge.  This is the first time we have ever seen anyone use furniture.  I think they save it for special times like Gawai.  The room was very large, and probably used for sleeping on the floor.  The kitchen was behind this room.

The Elders.  The one in the vest is dancing the traditional dance for men.

Such a cutie!  Who wouldn't want to pick her up?  Are we lonely for our grandchildren????  Yes!

The oldest man in the family:  He was over 100!  He strutted around with Sister Budge and I showing us to all his friends!

How is this for a BUNCH of Pisang (bananas)?

Some of their batik sarongs hanging out.

This woman was bathing, but very discreet...  She has on her sarong as she pours water over herself.

Saying goodbye...  We are having an intense cultural immersion!