Well it is officially our last day here. We leave tomorrow morning at 4:30am to the airport, then its off for our grand adventure home. Donovan and I have been sick this past week, which has not been fun. But with a lot of rest and water, we are feeling much better then we were.
I cannot believe that we have been here for 2 months. It has both flown by/ and felt like a long time. We have had so much fun and we can't believe the blessing of being able to do this adventure. We thank Josh and Trudy Perkins for all they did to have us come here and take part of this journey with them. They are the sweetest family ever, and we will miss them all greatly. I hope the remainder of their time here goes smoothly and enjoyable for all of them.
I'm sure it will take time to adjust to getting back home. Not only will the time change be weird, but the weather, the driving, the people, stores, food etc, will all take some time to get used to again. I am excited to come home for the Holidays, as I miss my family so much!! But I know Donovan and I will always have piece of Malaysia here with us! It has been so fun experiencing so many new things with my hubby! God is so good, and He has taught Donovan and I so much being here. I know He had a plan in us coming here, and Im sure it will continue to have an affect on us, even after we nestle back into our routine.
Our next steps as a married couple will be getting an apartment, as the Perkins will be returning home in February. We have already been looking at some possible places! We start classes at PSU January 9th! Woot! Donovan is going for his Science degree, and I am still doing International Studies. We can't wait to see where God takes us next...we know He has some more crazy adventures planned for us!!
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Friday, 9 December 2011
Christmas Shopping!
So most of you have probably been heading to Washington Square, Target, Wal-Mart...etc for all of you Christmas finds! You probably stopped at Starbucks for a peppermint mocha and turned up Bing Cosby's famous Christmas album to get you in the mood to face the crazy Holiday shoppers. You most likely slipped on your fuzzy boots, jackets maybe a hat or scarf or some mittens (for all my East Coasters friends who need snow stuff!) and got ready to do some serious Christmas gift hunting!
Well...Christmas shopping in Penang, Malaysia is a bit different. Donovan and I headed out this past week to get our gifts for my family and it was indeed different Christmas shopping then I've ever done. First of all, our attire was typical for the local resident of Penang, some shorts, tank-top and of course flip-flops. Next we got in the car and searched for any local radio station in English, Christmas music is out of the question here but we found one station in perfect English! So Lady Gaga filled our speakers as we drove along the curvy roads to Batu Ferringhi! Starbucks here is of course not only rare, but expensive and at 88 degrees, hot coffee doesn't sound to appealing. So we stopped for some local Indian cuisine, and some fresh squeezed carrot juice! yummmy!!!
Then came the actual shopping. Rows and rows of tents fill the streets as vendors try to sell you anything from knockoff Prada bags, to local Malaysian hand-crafts. You got to barter for the best price of course! And I must say, Donovan was extremely good at it, for being a first time world traveler! We got deals beyond deals, and had an awesome time! It was fun just laughing with my husband as we perused the goods. The locals were all excited to sell their stuff to some eager Americans! Yet, apparently everyone thought we were from Australia instead of the US. Hmmm....thats was odd!
Donovan and I then stopped for a little break and decided to try out the famous Fish Spa of Malaysia. Oh my goodness gracious!!! We will never forget that! The "Fish Spa" was definitely not a spa in my opinion. What it is is the customer sticks their feet in a inside fish pond and then allow hundreds of fish to EAT at your feet. These little sucker fish nibble at the callouses and dead skin on your feet. I lasted 20 seconds before I gagged and squealed. It was way to weird having these fish swarm at my feet, fighting each other to eat me. Yuck!!! But of course, my husband loved it, and kept insisting I try it again. I let him enjoy that one! I'll take a regular foot scrub any day rather then letting some squirmy fish eat my feet! But Im glad he enjoyed it!
Well friends, Donovan and I are 11 days away from being home. We are getting really excited to see my family and our friends! Hope the Holiday Season is treating you all well!
Well...Christmas shopping in Penang, Malaysia is a bit different. Donovan and I headed out this past week to get our gifts for my family and it was indeed different Christmas shopping then I've ever done. First of all, our attire was typical for the local resident of Penang, some shorts, tank-top and of course flip-flops. Next we got in the car and searched for any local radio station in English, Christmas music is out of the question here but we found one station in perfect English! So Lady Gaga filled our speakers as we drove along the curvy roads to Batu Ferringhi! Starbucks here is of course not only rare, but expensive and at 88 degrees, hot coffee doesn't sound to appealing. So we stopped for some local Indian cuisine, and some fresh squeezed carrot juice! yummmy!!!
Donovan and I then stopped for a little break and decided to try out the famous Fish Spa of Malaysia. Oh my goodness gracious!!! We will never forget that! The "Fish Spa" was definitely not a spa in my opinion. What it is is the customer sticks their feet in a inside fish pond and then allow hundreds of fish to EAT at your feet. These little sucker fish nibble at the callouses and dead skin on your feet. I lasted 20 seconds before I gagged and squealed. It was way to weird having these fish swarm at my feet, fighting each other to eat me. Yuck!!! But of course, my husband loved it, and kept insisting I try it again. I let him enjoy that one! I'll take a regular foot scrub any day rather then letting some squirmy fish eat my feet! But Im glad he enjoyed it!
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
To My Mother
Today is my wonderful mothers birthday. I decided I wanted to write a blog post just about her, because honestly she is truly the most wonderful woman I know I will ever have the pleasure of knowing.
My mother possess qualities that many women admire but few actually have. She has a strength in her that goes beyond all reason. I have seen her pull through the toughest of problems, crises, pains and hardships without ever once doubting God's plan for her life. She is loving to anyone and everyone who steps into our door. She never complains about the extra meals to provide for unexpected guests, never turns anyone away that needs to just cry and talk. She never hesitates to help her daughters stay up all night studying for tests, or finishing papers and projects. A warm hug is always given when her daughters have broken hearts or broken dreams. Her wisdom is outstanding. I've seen strangers stop her and ask for something and the next thing I know they are telling her their life story because she cares and offers advice. She is constantly coaching and helping people all around her, whether it's at a retreat or at home, women flock to talk with my mom and pray with her. She always knows the right thing to say and pray for because she is always in The Word, and she is sensitive to the Holy Spirit. She is supportive, she always gives encouragement to anything I want to try or do, and is always there when I succeed or fail. She is one of the strongest Christians I know, her faith is her own and she truly lives out her belief in the one and only God every day.
I am who I am today because of my mother. She impacts people in a way that drives them to want to be a better them. She never accepts a lower standard and expects others to do the same. She doesn't believe in shortcuts or easy-outs, but rather taught me to always work my hardest and my best no matter what.
Many people aspire to be like someone else. I truly aspire to be like my mom. I know God created her not just for her family's benefit but for all who come into contact with her. I know many people say "I have the best mother" but I know I really do. If I can someday grow up to have the patience my mom has, or the wisdom. If I could have her generosity or compassion. If I could grasp her peace with the world and her genuine relationship with God. If I could have at least one of her qualities, I know I'd be a better person.
I thank God for giving me such a wonderful mother. And as I've grown older I have realized my mother has become my best friend. She knows my secrets and my fears, never judges me but pushes me to be better. I feel honored and privileged to call her my mom. I am grateful she was born, and I know she has a legacy of greatness, and that people will always remember her. She is beautiful inside and out!
So Happy Birthday to My Mother, A women who is truly a gift.
-Boo
My mother possess qualities that many women admire but few actually have. She has a strength in her that goes beyond all reason. I have seen her pull through the toughest of problems, crises, pains and hardships without ever once doubting God's plan for her life. She is loving to anyone and everyone who steps into our door. She never complains about the extra meals to provide for unexpected guests, never turns anyone away that needs to just cry and talk. She never hesitates to help her daughters stay up all night studying for tests, or finishing papers and projects. A warm hug is always given when her daughters have broken hearts or broken dreams. Her wisdom is outstanding. I've seen strangers stop her and ask for something and the next thing I know they are telling her their life story because she cares and offers advice. She is constantly coaching and helping people all around her, whether it's at a retreat or at home, women flock to talk with my mom and pray with her. She always knows the right thing to say and pray for because she is always in The Word, and she is sensitive to the Holy Spirit. She is supportive, she always gives encouragement to anything I want to try or do, and is always there when I succeed or fail. She is one of the strongest Christians I know, her faith is her own and she truly lives out her belief in the one and only God every day.
I am who I am today because of my mother. She impacts people in a way that drives them to want to be a better them. She never accepts a lower standard and expects others to do the same. She doesn't believe in shortcuts or easy-outs, but rather taught me to always work my hardest and my best no matter what.
Many people aspire to be like someone else. I truly aspire to be like my mom. I know God created her not just for her family's benefit but for all who come into contact with her. I know many people say "I have the best mother" but I know I really do. If I can someday grow up to have the patience my mom has, or the wisdom. If I could have her generosity or compassion. If I could grasp her peace with the world and her genuine relationship with God. If I could have at least one of her qualities, I know I'd be a better person.
I thank God for giving me such a wonderful mother. And as I've grown older I have realized my mother has become my best friend. She knows my secrets and my fears, never judges me but pushes me to be better. I feel honored and privileged to call her my mom. I am grateful she was born, and I know she has a legacy of greatness, and that people will always remember her. She is beautiful inside and out!
So Happy Birthday to My Mother, A women who is truly a gift.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
6 Months of Wedded Bliss...and Home for the Holidays...
It has officially been 6 months since Donovan and I got married in May! Since then we have seen/done/experienced many crazy adventures...
I cannot believe that 6 months have already flown by. I honestly feel like it was yesterday when we even met at Nyack College. And I am more then happy that we did because I am firmly convinced that no other man on this planet could stand to be married to me. Im way to moody/crazy/spontaneous/weird/outgoing to have a serious, pensive man. God knows what He is doing when He plans marriage. It's all in His timing.
Well we are T-minus 20 days till we head home. Now that its under the 3 week mark, it's weird to be planning on going home. I have mixed feelings about being back in America. With Christmas coming, I cannot help but feel the "normal" nostalgia of the holidays. I love the music, food, decorations, lights but what I don't love is the superficial mindset of all the materialism. I know there are many people out there who don't get sucked into the materialistic Christmas and for that, they deserve respect. Because I know its difficult. I just wish the 5+ billion dollars that America spends on Black Friday every year was put in a different area. Considering there are people all over the world, even America where people don't have food or warmth. Yet, most of us cuddle up next to our fires and our cups of hot cocoa and enjoy the "joys of the Holidays." But what sets us apart from the people without food to snack on? Or the people who don't even have a home to put lights up on, or a tree to set up? What about the people who don't have a closet full of winter jackets to choose from? Or what about the people in Africa, India, Cambodia, Thailand that live everyday just trying to survive, as they ask whatever god they believe in to just provide enough food to keep their families alive. Is it just that these people were born in a different place and time as us "fortunate ones" and all that separates us, is just where God placed us? So, we are blessed. And I know I take advantage of that blessing everyday, especially during the holidays, but I hope this year, where I have experienced a culture not built around "living richly" but "richly living" that I have seen true happiness isn't all that you can buy, eat, own, or wear, its about family, love and faith. I want to be a person who sees life as a chance everyday to live my life in love. To love all those around me, to letting my faith in the true God expound to everyone I meet.
I hope when my husband and I return home we take a bit of third world with us. So early on in our marriage, we have seen parts of the world where others choose to shut their eyes to. I hope Donovan and I continue to search out people and cultures that live lives of true thankfulness and beauty. These are the people that are indeed truly blessed with their hearts of content and spirits of gratitude.
I cannot believe that 6 months have already flown by. I honestly feel like it was yesterday when we even met at Nyack College. And I am more then happy that we did because I am firmly convinced that no other man on this planet could stand to be married to me. Im way to moody/crazy/spontaneous/weird/outgoing to have a serious, pensive man. God knows what He is doing when He plans marriage. It's all in His timing.
Well we are T-minus 20 days till we head home. Now that its under the 3 week mark, it's weird to be planning on going home. I have mixed feelings about being back in America. With Christmas coming, I cannot help but feel the "normal" nostalgia of the holidays. I love the music, food, decorations, lights but what I don't love is the superficial mindset of all the materialism. I know there are many people out there who don't get sucked into the materialistic Christmas and for that, they deserve respect. Because I know its difficult. I just wish the 5+ billion dollars that America spends on Black Friday every year was put in a different area. Considering there are people all over the world, even America where people don't have food or warmth. Yet, most of us cuddle up next to our fires and our cups of hot cocoa and enjoy the "joys of the Holidays." But what sets us apart from the people without food to snack on? Or the people who don't even have a home to put lights up on, or a tree to set up? What about the people who don't have a closet full of winter jackets to choose from? Or what about the people in Africa, India, Cambodia, Thailand that live everyday just trying to survive, as they ask whatever god they believe in to just provide enough food to keep their families alive. Is it just that these people were born in a different place and time as us "fortunate ones" and all that separates us, is just where God placed us? So, we are blessed. And I know I take advantage of that blessing everyday, especially during the holidays, but I hope this year, where I have experienced a culture not built around "living richly" but "richly living" that I have seen true happiness isn't all that you can buy, eat, own, or wear, its about family, love and faith. I want to be a person who sees life as a chance everyday to live my life in love. To love all those around me, to letting my faith in the true God expound to everyone I meet.
I hope when my husband and I return home we take a bit of third world with us. So early on in our marriage, we have seen parts of the world where others choose to shut their eyes to. I hope Donovan and I continue to search out people and cultures that live lives of true thankfulness and beauty. These are the people that are indeed truly blessed with their hearts of content and spirits of gratitude.
Friday, 18 November 2011
1 Month till Oregon
It's hard to believe but in 1 month Donovan and I will be heading home. We are excited to see family and get some cold weather...but yet we are sad to leave here too. So we are cramming as much stuff as we can into these next 30 days.
This week, Donovan and I went to the Tropical Spice Gardens and it was beyond beautiful! The smell is what first captivates you, mixtures of cinnamon, curry, jasmine, coffee all filter around the whole garden. Jungle wildlife sings above you as you hike the trails exploring all of Gods fragrant creation. There was even a hut where you can see how they crush the spices and flowers to make things such as perfume, flavors and coffee. It was awesome! We saw some waterfalls, huge palms and some little creatures. Even turtles! There was a giant swing that you could sit on and swing out over the jungle, it was fun!
Last night there was a International Food Fair at Calvins school. We went with the Perkins and ate our hearts content! There was such yummy food from all over the world! The delicacies came from Japan, Taiwan, India, Thailand, America, Italy and beyond. Donovan got some pizza (finally) and I got the best orginal spring rolls ever! They were made fresh for you from two small Taiwanese women. They took like a crepe wrapper and put, peanut sprinkles, raisins, cabbage, carrots, apples and lettuce and wrapped it up. It was sooo good! Wesley got a ice cream cone and was quite content! After the food fair, Donovan and I saw a play at the high school titled "Romans on the Couch." It was very interesting. Very much a high school play with the dropped/rushed lines, but it was cute and the kids look like they had a fun time! So that was fun to see :)
Today Donovan and I are going to relax, get some lunch and get ready for the week ahead. We are excited to explore more of the island before we have to leave back to America!
This week, Donovan and I went to the Tropical Spice Gardens and it was beyond beautiful! The smell is what first captivates you, mixtures of cinnamon, curry, jasmine, coffee all filter around the whole garden. Jungle wildlife sings above you as you hike the trails exploring all of Gods fragrant creation. There was even a hut where you can see how they crush the spices and flowers to make things such as perfume, flavors and coffee. It was awesome! We saw some waterfalls, huge palms and some little creatures. Even turtles! There was a giant swing that you could sit on and swing out over the jungle, it was fun!
Last night there was a International Food Fair at Calvins school. We went with the Perkins and ate our hearts content! There was such yummy food from all over the world! The delicacies came from Japan, Taiwan, India, Thailand, America, Italy and beyond. Donovan got some pizza (finally) and I got the best orginal spring rolls ever! They were made fresh for you from two small Taiwanese women. They took like a crepe wrapper and put, peanut sprinkles, raisins, cabbage, carrots, apples and lettuce and wrapped it up. It was sooo good! Wesley got a ice cream cone and was quite content! After the food fair, Donovan and I saw a play at the high school titled "Romans on the Couch." It was very interesting. Very much a high school play with the dropped/rushed lines, but it was cute and the kids look like they had a fun time! So that was fun to see :)
Today Donovan and I are going to relax, get some lunch and get ready for the week ahead. We are excited to explore more of the island before we have to leave back to America!
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Busy Busy Busy
So we have been busy!! It definitely feels like we have settled into a new home. The weird thing is, we are leaving in about 4 weeks...where has the time gone?
Good news, is my boss, Trudy is pregnant!! They are expecting their third child due around June. We are all excited for them! I cannot imagine being pregnant in a place like this with the heat, and constant fish smell. But she is a trooper and amazingly handling it well!
The Perkin's will be leaving in a week for Taiwan to spend the Thanksgiving holiday week with Trudy's family. Donovan and I will stay here and do some sight seeing around the island. I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for us two all by myself. It should be interesting! I have been gathering things I need to make it as "American" has possible. I found some cranberry sauce, and canned pumpkin! So Im excited to try out my domestic skills here in Malaysia! I gotta whip up some mashed potatoes, candied yams, stuffing and some green bean casserole! The turkeys here cost about $32 for a small turkey. So we are going to just get a roasted chicken :) Im bummed we can't actually watch the parade on Thanksgiving though, but we can on Friday and eat leftovers! My family tradition is to watch Home Alone on Thanksgiving, so Im super excited that Donovan got that for me!
We haven't done to much sight seeing since our epic hike last Sunday, but there will definitely be more to come. We will be checking out the beaches soon. Everytime we head out to them, it starts to rain, so we are waiting for a clear day. Apparently, the ocean here has stinging jellyfish! Eek! So we got to be careful bout that!
We have been trying to get some things done here for when we get home, like apartment hunting and getting in contact with PSU. Please pray that all our school stuff gets all figured out! Its weird to already plan being back home, but we dont want to put off stuff till the last minute!
Well, Im off to go to dishes, Malaysian style! Got to boil the water first before you start :) Takes longer, but I don't mind! Have a blessed pre-Thanksgiving week everyone!!
Good news, is my boss, Trudy is pregnant!! They are expecting their third child due around June. We are all excited for them! I cannot imagine being pregnant in a place like this with the heat, and constant fish smell. But she is a trooper and amazingly handling it well!
The Perkin's will be leaving in a week for Taiwan to spend the Thanksgiving holiday week with Trudy's family. Donovan and I will stay here and do some sight seeing around the island. I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for us two all by myself. It should be interesting! I have been gathering things I need to make it as "American" has possible. I found some cranberry sauce, and canned pumpkin! So Im excited to try out my domestic skills here in Malaysia! I gotta whip up some mashed potatoes, candied yams, stuffing and some green bean casserole! The turkeys here cost about $32 for a small turkey. So we are going to just get a roasted chicken :) Im bummed we can't actually watch the parade on Thanksgiving though, but we can on Friday and eat leftovers! My family tradition is to watch Home Alone on Thanksgiving, so Im super excited that Donovan got that for me!
We haven't done to much sight seeing since our epic hike last Sunday, but there will definitely be more to come. We will be checking out the beaches soon. Everytime we head out to them, it starts to rain, so we are waiting for a clear day. Apparently, the ocean here has stinging jellyfish! Eek! So we got to be careful bout that!
We have been trying to get some things done here for when we get home, like apartment hunting and getting in contact with PSU. Please pray that all our school stuff gets all figured out! Its weird to already plan being back home, but we dont want to put off stuff till the last minute!
Well, Im off to go to dishes, Malaysian style! Got to boil the water first before you start :) Takes longer, but I don't mind! Have a blessed pre-Thanksgiving week everyone!!
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Into November
Well here is November! While many of you are putting on cozy socks and sweaters, I put on shorts and a tank top every morning! Sure does not feel like fall here! The sun shines bright every day and with it comes 80+ degree weather. But it's not all that bad, the morning is also greeted with exotic birds singing and the smell of jungle rain in the air. Its quite a refreshing start to the day!
Today Donovan and I went on a hike at the Penang Botanical Gardens. What we thought would be an easy hike, turned out to be the hardest hike ever. It was a 5 kilometer hike, and we made it a quarter of the way. Took us about 30 seconds to realize we were way out of our element. The entire hike is uphill, and very very steep. You practically have to walk sideways to keep from slipping. The people passing us, had legit hiking gear and were ready to push to the top. We however, with our 1 water bottle (already half gone) and 2 small apples were not. We realized, that this "small 5k" takes most people around 4 hours to accomplish, because of the steepness of the climb. We laughed at our stupidity but decided to hike as far as we could. We made it about a fourth of the way there, drenched in sweat and turned around to face the slippery slopes back down the mountain. We plan to do the whole hike before we leave here though! Next time with all the proper gear, and clothes! It was fun to say the least, we got a butt kicking workout...and we got to see a family of monkeys in the trees!
After our hike, we walked around the Botanical Garden and saw beautiful trees, flowers and more monkeys! They were everywhere! Donovan tried to pet one, and in return it hissed and chased him! It was so funny! Then we headed back home, into the crazy rainy weather of Penang. But we got some local pineapple from a old lady first! Yum!
To keep up with traditional fall festivities, I actually baked in the apartments oven! I made some banana bread with the islands local sugar and apple bananas, its super yummy! Most people never bake here, because it makes their houses so hot, that is if they even have ovens, but I couldn't help it! I just love making goodies!
So enjoy fall my friends!
Today Donovan and I went on a hike at the Penang Botanical Gardens. What we thought would be an easy hike, turned out to be the hardest hike ever. It was a 5 kilometer hike, and we made it a quarter of the way. Took us about 30 seconds to realize we were way out of our element. The entire hike is uphill, and very very steep. You practically have to walk sideways to keep from slipping. The people passing us, had legit hiking gear and were ready to push to the top. We however, with our 1 water bottle (already half gone) and 2 small apples were not. We realized, that this "small 5k" takes most people around 4 hours to accomplish, because of the steepness of the climb. We laughed at our stupidity but decided to hike as far as we could. We made it about a fourth of the way there, drenched in sweat and turned around to face the slippery slopes back down the mountain. We plan to do the whole hike before we leave here though! Next time with all the proper gear, and clothes! It was fun to say the least, we got a butt kicking workout...and we got to see a family of monkeys in the trees!
After our hike, we walked around the Botanical Garden and saw beautiful trees, flowers and more monkeys! They were everywhere! Donovan tried to pet one, and in return it hissed and chased him! It was so funny! Then we headed back home, into the crazy rainy weather of Penang. But we got some local pineapple from a old lady first! Yum!
So enjoy fall my friends!
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