Back to school

Summer's over! Okay, not really... but I do go back to school tomorrow (and it's the rainy season anyway. Again.). After enjoying a holiday break and becoming sufficiently ancy of being at home, I begin my second semester of teaching tomorrow (and embark on my last four weeks in Malaysia-- yikes!). My class will be an intensive English class, putting in three course credits in four short weeks; not dissimilar to May term at Wartburg. I'm sure by the time I get the hang of the routine, it'll be time for the final exam!

I spent my break well. Here's a few picture highlights-- I was lucky to be able to travel a bit around the beautiful state I live in, between some one-on-one tutorials, catching up on reading, and dinner dates with friends. The new map on the side of my blog should help you put a location to the places.

A visit to Tuaran, about 30 minutes bus ride from KK.

Tuaran is the placement site of one of the other volunteers, Jacob. Jacob works at a foster home for underprivileged children. Tuaran is super chill, a small town with a village feel. We had a great time visiting the pagoda in town, eating Tuaran mee, and taking the kids from his placement to the beach.

From Poring Hot Springs in Ranau.

We had a great hike through the jungle to this beautiful waterfall!

The Orangutan Sanctuary in Sandakan.

A three-day stay at a jungle camp on the Kinabatangan River outside of Sepilok.
We stayed in these open air huts in the jungle!
This was one of my favorite things I've done in Malaysia;
we went on many night treks and river safaris looking for wildlife.
Lots of crocs, monkeys, orangutans (in the wild!), and sweet birds.

The view from our front porch.

Also, I want to send out a giant thank you to everyone who has sent me mail this year! It has been fun and refreshing for my spirit. Here's your friendly reminder to not send anymore. :) Thanks!