Hi All,
We've spent another busy week. We've had two different Senior couples staying with us (at different times). It was a lot of fun and very interesting. The first couple, the Erikson's are an incredible couple. They are assigned to East Malaysia. Their experiences there have been amazing. A lot of the people they work with are Iban's (natives of Borneo). Many don't read or write. They have very little, if any, furniture in their homes and they eat on the floor with their hands. Some day I'll have to tell you of some of their experiences eating with these people. But on a more serious note, the Ibans have nothing in their native language as far as church materials are concerned. In branches with Chinese, Malay, and Iban, they face some unique challenges. The Malays also have a lot of difficulty. They must get along with Indonesian materials (the language is similar). Most of these people don't even have a Bible that they can read. We didn't realize how wonderful it is in the US! We had lunch yesterday with the Mission President, the Stake President and a representative from Hong Kong. They are desperately trying to get materials translated into Malay and to figure out how to get them to the area in a much more timely manner. Also how to get them in without being confiscated. It;s only been in the last few months that the young Elders and Sisters have even been taught Malay in the MTC (Missionary Training Center). Prior to this time, they were taught Indonesian and then had to learn Malay in the field.
We're still having trouble with some of our Missionaries getting stopped at the border going back in to Malaysia. One of our Elder's returning to East Malaysia was detained at the border and kept for 24 hours. He was then returned to Singapore with his passport stamped "denied entry". He then had to get a new passport so he can return to his area - his companion was let through. So far, Dave and I haven't had any problem in crossing.
We again left early this morning to attend church in Jahor Bahru, Malaysia. First of all we tried taking the van across as a car instead of a bus, and had to be escorted out and back into Singapore. We then had to go in the bus lane. I had to be dropped off at the Singapore side and go through immigration and picked up on the other side and then do the same on the Malaysian side. We did manage to meet back up both times! After we got into Malaysia we thought we had our route to the church figured out. How wrong we were! The names on the map didn't match the actual names at all. None of the signs are in English and we were so lost. Four hours later, we found the church. Of course everyone was long gone! We did get to see a lot of West Malaysia though!! You haven't lived until you've driven a big van on the wrong side of the road with motorcycles going on both sides of you in Malaysia. We thought Singapore was bad!! There is a stark difference in the two countries even though they are separated only by a small strip of water. Singapore is a very beautiful, modern city, whereas Jahor Bahru is a very poor area. We are going to try it again next Sunday. We got to know and see a lot of Jahor Bahru today and are not going to give up!!
We're still struggling to learn our responsibilites in the office. We are really busy. One night we were there until 11:30 - along with the office elders. Every day has been long, but rewarding. The Young Elders we work with are so fun to be with and have incredible talents and testimonies of the gospel.
We miss everyone and think of you often. Enjoy all the comforts you have at home and all the many varieties of food. Everyone here is missing Mexican food! To buy a package of tortillas you have to pay over 8 dollars! We are gradually finding places to shop that has food we recognize!
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love serving the Lord here in Singapore!!
Take care,
Dave & Glonda, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa
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