...(and a few more) that you might learn after living in Malaysia for a month.
1.) Malaysians don’t like hot weather
2.) If not chopsticks, utensils include a fork and a spoon. Have fun cutting your meat.
3.) Table manners are flexible-- though you should always excuse yourself from the table.
4.) It is unclear if toilet paper can be flushed, but to be on the safe side, I’d say don’t do it.
5.) Dinner is at 6, Supper is at 9
6.) You are a proud member of the clean plate club at every meal.
7.) Nothing is too spicy.
8.) After lunch it’s time to rest and shower
9.) Carry your own toilet paper
10.) When entering a home, take your shoes off outside of the door
11.) Texting is very common among all ages- “I’ll SMS you”
12.) Common phrases include take some more, it’s okay for you?, you like? And if the answer is yes, take some more
13.) Roommates include ants, geckos, and cockroaches
14.) Never leave the house without closing your windows
15.) Twenty minutes is far away, especially if you were planning on walking
16.) If you receive a bowl of hot water at a restaurant, it’s for washing your utensils
17.) “lah” is added on to most words, as in okay-lah?
18.) Need a napkin? Ask for a tissue.
19.) Never leave the house without an umbrella
20.) Showering multiple times a day is the norm
21.) Do not be late for meals, even by a few minutes, you’ll miss the prayer and the food might be gone
22.) A bowl is better than a plate
23.) Need to dry your clothes? Hang it on the line.
12 October 2009
07 October 2009
a successful week
I've finally taken the time to update my blog and make some changes. I hope you enjoy the pictures, and now you should be able to leave comments without having a google account. Hopefully a few more changes on the way...
This morning I woke up to an utter downpour. Rain here is cooling and refreshing, but heavy. I wanted to lay in bed all day just listening to the sheets of rain, but I trekked through the rain over to the seminary.
Wednesdays are my down day, as I have no classes to teach. I have office hours in the morning, so I spend my time grading papers and preparing lessons. Today I am excited, because I have an outing! There is a break in the day from 12:30-2 (the hottest part of the day). During this time today, one of my students is taking me out to the tailor to have a skirt made out of some traditional fabric that was given to me, and we are also getting lunch. Even though she was asked by my country coordinator to drive me (as I have no car), I am looking forward to this time of just hanging out.
A few things I've accomplished or experienced in the last week that I consider a success, whether small or large--
- Joined the choir
Yes, after three years of not singing, I am back to it. It's true, music is one thing that doesn't really stop being a part of you, and I'm already enjoying it. The choir is a bit motley, as there are so many men (a choir director's dream!). To make up for the overabundance, all the women are first sopranos, and the alto section is men. However, I find that most people do not read music, and rhythm is quite difficult. The choir sings in English, Malay, and Chinese. On my first day, after being welcomed, I immediately was asked to read the English translations. Right now we are working on the Hallelujah chorus which we'll sing for the opening of the new building next year. A great piece, but difficult, and I do have to say I am nervous we won't be ready in time...
- Found the library, post office, and the store
And all within walking distance! Now the next step is investigating the library and seeing if a library card is worth the 50 RM (approx. $14). Also, this is good news for letters, because then they hopefully won't sit on my table for two weeks before they are mailed.
- Made an acquaintence with one of the professors
This isn't exactly an easy task as everyone has their own schedules and agendas, and to be honest, I'm only 23 and not actually a seminary professor (contrary to popular belief). However, Jacob and I went over to one of the international professors' house, and it was great to just talk freely about our observations and experiences in Malaysia. Unfortunately, he'll be leaving in November to take a new teaching position in Costa Rica, but we'll hopefully be attending an Anglican church service with him in a few weeks, so that will be a good experience. I think the Anglican church here follows more of the traditional service that us midwest lutherans are used to.
- Had weeknight plans
There is a young adults group at one of the volunteers' churches, so last week Monday I had plans! This is very exciting news, and we enjoyed a good dinner and time of fellowship. Hopefully this is a group of people I can get to know and hang out with a bit more often.
Hm, I think that's about it for now, but I'm sure there will be future additions of little victories to celebrate. Hope all is well.
This morning I woke up to an utter downpour. Rain here is cooling and refreshing, but heavy. I wanted to lay in bed all day just listening to the sheets of rain, but I trekked through the rain over to the seminary.
Wednesdays are my down day, as I have no classes to teach. I have office hours in the morning, so I spend my time grading papers and preparing lessons. Today I am excited, because I have an outing! There is a break in the day from 12:30-2 (the hottest part of the day). During this time today, one of my students is taking me out to the tailor to have a skirt made out of some traditional fabric that was given to me, and we are also getting lunch. Even though she was asked by my country coordinator to drive me (as I have no car), I am looking forward to this time of just hanging out.
A few things I've accomplished or experienced in the last week that I consider a success, whether small or large--
- Joined the choir
Yes, after three years of not singing, I am back to it. It's true, music is one thing that doesn't really stop being a part of you, and I'm already enjoying it. The choir is a bit motley, as there are so many men (a choir director's dream!). To make up for the overabundance, all the women are first sopranos, and the alto section is men. However, I find that most people do not read music, and rhythm is quite difficult. The choir sings in English, Malay, and Chinese. On my first day, after being welcomed, I immediately was asked to read the English translations. Right now we are working on the Hallelujah chorus which we'll sing for the opening of the new building next year. A great piece, but difficult, and I do have to say I am nervous we won't be ready in time...
- Found the library, post office, and the store
And all within walking distance! Now the next step is investigating the library and seeing if a library card is worth the 50 RM (approx. $14). Also, this is good news for letters, because then they hopefully won't sit on my table for two weeks before they are mailed.
- Made an acquaintence with one of the professors
This isn't exactly an easy task as everyone has their own schedules and agendas, and to be honest, I'm only 23 and not actually a seminary professor (contrary to popular belief). However, Jacob and I went over to one of the international professors' house, and it was great to just talk freely about our observations and experiences in Malaysia. Unfortunately, he'll be leaving in November to take a new teaching position in Costa Rica, but we'll hopefully be attending an Anglican church service with him in a few weeks, so that will be a good experience. I think the Anglican church here follows more of the traditional service that us midwest lutherans are used to.
- Had weeknight plans
There is a young adults group at one of the volunteers' churches, so last week Monday I had plans! This is very exciting news, and we enjoyed a good dinner and time of fellowship. Hopefully this is a group of people I can get to know and hang out with a bit more often.
Hm, I think that's about it for now, but I'm sure there will be future additions of little victories to celebrate. Hope all is well.
06 October 2009
a little lantern festival
I think the best way to describe this weekend's mooncake festival is through a few photos! This was my favorite part of the evening; walking with the lanterns. Even though it didn't include any candy or costumes, like halloween, it was so much fun! Enjoy!
30 September 2009
a news update
not sure how much the flooding in the philippines is in the news back home, so i thought i'd put it up here for you to be aware. we are definitely focusing on it a lot in prayers and support daily at the seminary. i checked the local paper and some international ones too, this article seemed the best. already it's interesting what news and areas i am focused on now, after only living here a month...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/world/asia/30phils.html?ref=world
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/world/asia/30phils.html?ref=world
28 September 2009
a conglomeration of thoughts
Teacher's day was a success! The weather was beautiful-- it was cool and the rain stayed away for the most part. Students, staff, and families (probably around 100 people) gathered for worship, fun, and food. We definitely were all laughing through the relay games on the beach. As a part time lecturer, I received a towel as a gift (which happened to be a much needed gift!).
This weekend is the Chinese Mooncake festival, so on Friday I'm helping my church host a Lantern Carnival for the neighborhood. I'm in charge of the handpainting booth, so hopefully my artistic abilities will meet their expectations. Saturday we are going over to Doria's (one of the volunteer's placement coordinators) to celebrate with her family. Mooncakes are VERY sweet, I'm not sure if the consistency is really comparable to anything in the States. I'm excited to see the lantern festivities with the children.
In other news, there is only five more weeks of the semester! By the time I have a routine, it will be vacation. Graduation is November 7th at the seminary. November and December will hold a variety of things for me-- teaching small group English at the seminary as well as study sessions (most students will head home over this break), teaching English workshops for local elementary teachers and their children, Malay and Chinese classes, a trip to Brunei for visa purposes, and a mission trip to the interior of Sabah for Christmas. Oh, and not to mention the volunteers' "Thanksgiving festival" (I'm sure this will be an entry in itself)!
Yesterday at my church I was able to attend the youth group for the first time. I am happy to report that I have a new, fun game to play-- malaysian chicken! It's similar to whoosh if you're up on your camp games. :) I am excited for the opportunity to spend more time with these young adults-- they are insightful, knowledgeable, fun, deep, and eager to learn. I have no doubt that my own beliefs and thoughts will be challenged weekly by this group. I feel as though I will learn more from them than they will from me...
It's getting close to rainy season, and the local fruits are booming. I don't think Erika and I will ever be short of vitamans, because we eat grapefruit 24/7. The grapefruits here are delicious, and probably about the size of my head. You can easily pull them apart, no need for a grapefruit spoon. We've also received a lot of rambutan, a fruit that doesn't seem edible from the looks of it. But once you get over the spikey shell, there is a delicious inside just waiting to be eaten.
As I was walking back from work today, a old familiar song popped into my head (a varsity women's favorite!). I thought I'd leave you with these lyrics today to meditate on. Much love!
This is my song, O God of all the nations,
a song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is;
here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine;
but other hearts in other lands are beating
with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country's skies are bluer than the ocean,
And sunlight beams on clover leaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too and clover,
And skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
This is my song, O God of all the nations,
A song of peace for their land and for mine.
This weekend is the Chinese Mooncake festival, so on Friday I'm helping my church host a Lantern Carnival for the neighborhood. I'm in charge of the handpainting booth, so hopefully my artistic abilities will meet their expectations. Saturday we are going over to Doria's (one of the volunteer's placement coordinators) to celebrate with her family. Mooncakes are VERY sweet, I'm not sure if the consistency is really comparable to anything in the States. I'm excited to see the lantern festivities with the children.
In other news, there is only five more weeks of the semester! By the time I have a routine, it will be vacation. Graduation is November 7th at the seminary. November and December will hold a variety of things for me-- teaching small group English at the seminary as well as study sessions (most students will head home over this break), teaching English workshops for local elementary teachers and their children, Malay and Chinese classes, a trip to Brunei for visa purposes, and a mission trip to the interior of Sabah for Christmas. Oh, and not to mention the volunteers' "Thanksgiving festival" (I'm sure this will be an entry in itself)!
Yesterday at my church I was able to attend the youth group for the first time. I am happy to report that I have a new, fun game to play-- malaysian chicken! It's similar to whoosh if you're up on your camp games. :) I am excited for the opportunity to spend more time with these young adults-- they are insightful, knowledgeable, fun, deep, and eager to learn. I have no doubt that my own beliefs and thoughts will be challenged weekly by this group. I feel as though I will learn more from them than they will from me...
It's getting close to rainy season, and the local fruits are booming. I don't think Erika and I will ever be short of vitamans, because we eat grapefruit 24/7. The grapefruits here are delicious, and probably about the size of my head. You can easily pull them apart, no need for a grapefruit spoon. We've also received a lot of rambutan, a fruit that doesn't seem edible from the looks of it. But once you get over the spikey shell, there is a delicious inside just waiting to be eaten.
As I was walking back from work today, a old familiar song popped into my head (a varsity women's favorite!). I thought I'd leave you with these lyrics today to meditate on. Much love!
This is my song, O God of all the nations,
a song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is;
here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine;
but other hearts in other lands are beating
with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country's skies are bluer than the ocean,
And sunlight beams on clover leaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too and clover,
And skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
This is my song, O God of all the nations,
A song of peace for their land and for mine.
22 September 2009
celebrate good times
I have to apologize for the lack of blog posts lately, but to be honest, blog posts seem like quite a daunting task. How do I pick one or two things to share about, or tell you everything I'm up to? As a result, I have avoided my blog for some time. Here's attempt one at playing catch up. :)
One thing I have learned about Malaysia is that they love their public holidays. Since I've been here, we're already enjoying our third public holiday. And, if you were wondering, public holidays = a day off of work. Earlier in the month we celebrated Malaysia's Independence day, last week was Malaysia Day celebrating Sabah's independence from Britian, and these past two days have been Hari Raya, marking the end of Ramadan.
Each of these holidays have varied in celebration styles. For Malaysia's Independence day, we gathered with the STS students to attend the city's celebration. Unfortunately, our hike down into town was in vain, as the city's celebration was moved to a smaller scale and location for H1N1 precautions. We were not ready to give up though, and stayed awake until midnight to watch the fireworks from the roof. Yet again, our plan failed, as we could not see the fireworks from our perch. All in all, though, it was a fun evening and a great way to begin meeting some of the students.
Malaysia Day was last Wednesday. I attended a celebration with Thomas, a seminarian whose practical is at the same church I am assigned to work at on Sundays. The youth of the church gathered with many other BCCM youth to put on this celebration. They had prepared different acts, reminiscent of an Olympic opening ceremony-- a flag processional, tambourine dances, flag twirling, and the like. The BCCM church here is very reform and charismatic, similar to a Pentecostal church in the US. Overall, it was a very new experience for me. The government is promoting a program called 1Malaysia to promote unity between the peoples and races in Malaysia, and this celebration prayed a lot for this unity.
And now onto today, Hari Raya, marking the end of Ramadan for Muslims. For our holiday, the volunteers attended a church retreat at the base of Mount Kinabalu (the highest mountain in SE Asia). I have to admit, I'm not sure I've ever stayed at such a beautiful place before. The retreat center was perched high on a peak of a mountain, and mountains were as far as the eye could see. We attended the retreat with a church called Canaanland, also apart of the BCCM. Today a few of the volunteers and I went to a church member's neighbor's Hari Raya celebration. It is very common for people and government leaders to have open houses as celebration-- the hosts' outfits, as well as the food spread, were extravagent. It reminded me of a formal graduation party, and afterward, I definitely felt I had eaten my fill in sweets.
I have to say the dynamic between peoples in Malaysia is quite interesting. For example, we are celebrating an Islamic holiday, but with primarily Chinese Christians. Sabah, the state I am in, is much more lucid than say, West Malaysia, in terms of peoples and differences meshing, but many things are still very separate.
This Saturday we have a STS Teacher's day at the local beach. I'm hoping it will be a good opportunity to mingle and meet some more of the staff and students (I have to say this is a slow process, I wish I was better at remembering names!). We've visited this beach before, and I'm looking forward to the traditional Malay satay beef kabobs. Hopefully soon I'll take the time and upload some photos. :)
Till next time-
One thing I have learned about Malaysia is that they love their public holidays. Since I've been here, we're already enjoying our third public holiday. And, if you were wondering, public holidays = a day off of work. Earlier in the month we celebrated Malaysia's Independence day, last week was Malaysia Day celebrating Sabah's independence from Britian, and these past two days have been Hari Raya, marking the end of Ramadan.
Each of these holidays have varied in celebration styles. For Malaysia's Independence day, we gathered with the STS students to attend the city's celebration. Unfortunately, our hike down into town was in vain, as the city's celebration was moved to a smaller scale and location for H1N1 precautions. We were not ready to give up though, and stayed awake until midnight to watch the fireworks from the roof. Yet again, our plan failed, as we could not see the fireworks from our perch. All in all, though, it was a fun evening and a great way to begin meeting some of the students.
Malaysia Day was last Wednesday. I attended a celebration with Thomas, a seminarian whose practical is at the same church I am assigned to work at on Sundays. The youth of the church gathered with many other BCCM youth to put on this celebration. They had prepared different acts, reminiscent of an Olympic opening ceremony-- a flag processional, tambourine dances, flag twirling, and the like. The BCCM church here is very reform and charismatic, similar to a Pentecostal church in the US. Overall, it was a very new experience for me. The government is promoting a program called 1Malaysia to promote unity between the peoples and races in Malaysia, and this celebration prayed a lot for this unity.
And now onto today, Hari Raya, marking the end of Ramadan for Muslims. For our holiday, the volunteers attended a church retreat at the base of Mount Kinabalu (the highest mountain in SE Asia). I have to admit, I'm not sure I've ever stayed at such a beautiful place before. The retreat center was perched high on a peak of a mountain, and mountains were as far as the eye could see. We attended the retreat with a church called Canaanland, also apart of the BCCM. Today a few of the volunteers and I went to a church member's neighbor's Hari Raya celebration. It is very common for people and government leaders to have open houses as celebration-- the hosts' outfits, as well as the food spread, were extravagent. It reminded me of a formal graduation party, and afterward, I definitely felt I had eaten my fill in sweets.
I have to say the dynamic between peoples in Malaysia is quite interesting. For example, we are celebrating an Islamic holiday, but with primarily Chinese Christians. Sabah, the state I am in, is much more lucid than say, West Malaysia, in terms of peoples and differences meshing, but many things are still very separate.
This Saturday we have a STS Teacher's day at the local beach. I'm hoping it will be a good opportunity to mingle and meet some more of the staff and students (I have to say this is a slow process, I wish I was better at remembering names!). We've visited this beach before, and I'm looking forward to the traditional Malay satay beef kabobs. Hopefully soon I'll take the time and upload some photos. :)
Till next time-
09 September 2009
my first "supper"
As I have spent the morning checking emails and such, I thought I might as well finish it off with an entry.
Things are busy! I have started teaching this week, and I think I am in for a fun, challenging, planning-filled year.
I teach three classes-- a one-on-one tutorial with two women who speak only Chinese, an English One class, and an English Two class. The English Two class is quite advanced, many of my students hope to preach in English. In between those classes (roughly 14 hours a week), I am also correcting grammar in thesis papers for students, and planning a study session for an English test that is required for the masters program here. In addition, I will be busy on Sundays as I start working with a youth program at a local English speaking church. It is easy to say that I have my work cut out for me!
Onto the story of this post...
Last night I had my first real supper! Here in Malaysia, in a typical traditional day, it would be common to eat five meals. So, as we are sitting at dinner, Thomas (one of the students here) asked if we were having supper tonight.
Well, of course, aren't we eating it now? (especially for you Iowans, haha)
After a good while of confusion, Erika (my roommate) and I came to the conclusion that we were not, in fact, eating supper, but eating dinner. So we prepared our stomachs for another filling meal at 10:00pm. We went with Catherine and Thomas to a nearby restaurant to meet some other STS students and had noodles with beef and pork-- our first official supper. Catherine asked if we wanted to document this momentous event. So, here it is.
The moral of the story-- if you are hungry at 10:30 at night and are unsure what to do, the answer is easy- just go out for supper!
Hope all is well,
Ellen
Things are busy! I have started teaching this week, and I think I am in for a fun, challenging, planning-filled year.
I teach three classes-- a one-on-one tutorial with two women who speak only Chinese, an English One class, and an English Two class. The English Two class is quite advanced, many of my students hope to preach in English. In between those classes (roughly 14 hours a week), I am also correcting grammar in thesis papers for students, and planning a study session for an English test that is required for the masters program here. In addition, I will be busy on Sundays as I start working with a youth program at a local English speaking church. It is easy to say that I have my work cut out for me!
Onto the story of this post...
Last night I had my first real supper! Here in Malaysia, in a typical traditional day, it would be common to eat five meals. So, as we are sitting at dinner, Thomas (one of the students here) asked if we were having supper tonight.
Well, of course, aren't we eating it now? (especially for you Iowans, haha)
After a good while of confusion, Erika (my roommate) and I came to the conclusion that we were not, in fact, eating supper, but eating dinner. So we prepared our stomachs for another filling meal at 10:00pm. We went with Catherine and Thomas to a nearby restaurant to meet some other STS students and had noodles with beef and pork-- our first official supper. Catherine asked if we wanted to document this momentous event. So, here it is.
The moral of the story-- if you are hungry at 10:30 at night and are unsure what to do, the answer is easy- just go out for supper!
Hope all is well,
Ellen
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