Friday, March 8, 2013

This might change my plans..


For the last month or so I have been planning a trip for the end of March to Tawau, located in the Eastern Coast of Sabah, to visit a fellow YAGM friend and see some of the most beautiful diving areas and islands in the world.  

Until this happened.


U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
Violence in Coastal Eastern Sabah (Borneo)
March 8, 2013
March 8, 2013
The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur advises U.S. Citizens against travel to the coastal area of eastern Sabah (Borneo). This region extends from the town of Kudat, on the north coast, south to the border with Indonesia. Included are the towns of Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau.   On March 7, the Government of Malaysia designated this area as a “Special Security Area.” Several of these towns are the embarkation points for nearby islands frequented by tourists, including the dive sites of Sipadan and Mabul. 
During the period March 1-8, there have been continuing clashes between Malaysian security personnel and an armed group that entered Sabah by sea from the southern Philippines. Military and police operations are ongoing against armed groups. There is the potential for more violent incidents.  
U.S. Citizens currently in the area covered by the “Special Security Area” are encouraged to depart when local authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. You should obey any evacuation or curfew orders announced by Malaysian officials. U.S. Citizens traveling to or residing in other areas of Sabah should exercise caution and remain alert to your surroundings. 
U.S. Citizens are reminded that they should carry their U.S. passport with them at all times when in Malaysia.  
The U.S. Embassy is not aware of specific threats to U.S. citizens in Malaysia at this time. 
_______________
It's always strange to know that conflict like this is happening around you.  The first few days of March  I obsevered people moving about more cautiously.

My language skills are doing quite well, but there are definatly conversations that are not completely comprehended.  With that being said, I just do what I am told and know that people here are looking out for each other.  There are adaptations for every change and currently the state of Sabah is excersing extra caution for it's people.

We have our twice a week fellowship and we continue to pray for our community like normal, but we also add prayers for  Sabah as a whole to the list.  The local night market is a lot less crowded these days but other than that things are seemingly normal.


Now to begin a new journey of planning for other excursions inland!  White water rafting, a train ride  and kayaking may be on the new agenda for the end of March!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Birthday!

5 March 2013

Today is my  birthday!

I went to school and Rev. Peter came to do a sight visit.  I was a little disappointed because Tuesdays are my least favorite days at school, only because I have two classes two times each in the morning.  

But

The classes went really well!  I think all the constant review is really helping!

After the first 4 periods Peter and I sat and talked about life, school and such.  Eventually a rumbling tummy told me it was time to relocate and find food! I asked Kurius if we could eat and he told me to enter class 6.  This should have been my first hint, but I was totally clueless!

I walked into class 6 where all students from class 5 and 6 were waiting to sing "Happy Birthday".  Snacks and  pop was everywhere and Leny even dished up my food for me and lead me to a designated seat.  Hillisia came and gave me a gift from school, which led all the other teachers to come forward and give me a gift, naturally followed by the awkward "shake the hand, receive your 'diploma' and wait for the camera" pose.  One student brought me a present and shook my hand, which some how lead to almost 10 more students coming forward with beautifully wrapped gifts.  

Now, it's not the gifts that were exciting, but the pure joy I saw in the faces of my students as they shared my special day with me.  They truly wanted to make me feel special and to know that they care about me. 

I don't know how many times I am asked if I miss my family.  Here family is the most important thing, so the fact that I am so far away from mine, means that they like to substitute for my family.  Every day my students tell me I am beautiful and funny.  We laugh and joke together and I break up fights when I need to.  We sing and we dance.  We wash dishes and we eat together.   We take care of each other because that is what a family does.  So- the fact that they got to be my family on my birthday made them over the top excited.  

I was blow away by the thought and planning the students and teachers put into making my birthday one I will never forget! I felt truly special and loved.