changes, changes, changes

The last couple weeks have been full of little and big changes that will affect my time here in Malaysia.

Starting with the most noteworthy; I've moved! Don't worry, "change in address" cards are not necessary... but due to an overflow of new students coming into STS (the new school year begins in January), my apartment in Wisma STS is now being inhabited by the new female warden. I'm happy to report, however, that I've moved up in the world, and have moved from the dorms to the lecturers' apartments.

This move has its pros and cons, naturally. The biggest cons are losing the community of living with the students (and the meal plan!), and of course, the hassle of moving from one place to another.

It is, however, really strange to move in a different country. I've been here long enough that packing up my bag didn't automatically transfer my brain into heading home mode, which I found both interesting and good.

Onto the pros-- my new apartment is really great. The lecturers have a sweet deal. Here's why.
1) The awesome view of the mountains and the jungle from my fourth floor balcony.
2) I have an oven. I have an oven! This week included apple crisp, baked spaghetti, and lots of bread!
3) It's really spacious, airy, sunny, and cool. A wonderful combination for lifting spirits!
4) There's a TV, complete with three channels. This is mostly exciting because I really love the Olympics, I haven't watched a TV in probably seven months, and I can watch Jeopardy in Malay.
5) Colored walls, non-florescent lighting, a bathtub, kitchen counter space, a toilet that flushes, and a bathroom counter are things I find constantly surprising and exciting. I'm not sure what this means for when I return to the States...

Along with the move came a new roommate. My previous roommate, Erika, had the opportunity to move to her placement site where she teaches. This is an amazing experience for her to have, but I know I will miss her as a sounding board here. We will still share a room whenever she chooses to take a weekend away from her site though. Another one of the volunteers, Kelsey, moved in with me, as her previous roommate also moved to her placement site. Kelsey and I are determined to cook lots of delicious food, as well as practice Malay each evening. Ambitious as it may sound, I think we have some promising dinners in our future.

The next change is with my church placement. Today was my last day at Rainfield, as I will be switching to a closer, but larger BCCM church in Likas. This opportunity came up as three volunteers are moving to their weekly placement, leaving the church in Likas. This decision was a bit harder for me, and I'm still not sure if I chose the right thing... the pros and cons here were a bit greater than a nice balcony view. I am hoping that I will still be able to find a sense of community at this new church, without the commute. Something you can definitely keep in your thoughts and prayers!

Other than that, the next big change starts next week-- a whole new school year, and new students to meet! I feel like a counselor on the first day of staff training at camp; maybe this is the feeling I will now forever associate with the first day of school? Either way, I'm kind of nervous! Somehow, the first official day of school is more nerve-wrecking than my first day teaching in Malaysia...

In other news, Heidi, our ELCA coordinator from the States is coming to visit in a few short weeks. This is the first year Malaysia has been a global missions site, so I know we are all excited to meet and discuss how things are going and to have her see what we have been up to.

Also, my picture was featured in the local Chinese paper a few weeks back. The picture was from a city Christmas celebration. Don't worry, the caption was all about orangputih (white people) and tourists... just in time for Christmas, hahaha.

Check out my monthly newsletter for updates on Christmas, I'll try to get a bit about New Year's up soon.