By the way.  Have you figured out when I am writing...and when Eric is writing? 

I've been spending some time thinking about the religious dynamic of this little island in Malaysia.  My thoughts, of course, have run back home to my own people.

I've come to the opinion that we have a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy in the U.S..  I mean--really--we have a church on every corner, but walking through Walmart, I can't really tell who belongs to what.  Yes, yes, we have the little fishies on the cars...the bumper stickers and the t-shirts.  Yes, the Lord has given me the gift of being able to often be able to 'feel' where someone is coming from.  In actuality, though, we are all pretty homogenized in our religious appearances at home--don't you think?

It is so different here.  A Muslim woman wears a headscarf here.  Many Muslim men where a hat--called a songkok.  A Shiek wears a turban--and he doesn't cut his hair.  A Hindu often has white or red smudgings on his forhead--often, often, often.  A Chinese Christian here always wears a cross.  A Buddist Chinese does not.  These are people we see every day, all day.  The ethnicity and religion of every taxi driver is evident immediately.  He either has a Hindu god, a budha, or a Muslim prayer card hanging from his mirror. (and I'll tell you--I have a preference in the religion of taxi drivers)  Religion defines who a person becomes here.  Religion defines where a person lives here.  Religion defines how one dresses, how one eats, dare I say, how one breathes here.

This religion is not a light thing.  Eric and I have experienced very interesting spiritual things here.  Our first weekend at a small Christian church here--made up of locals, not ex-pats produced a shock.  We watched as every child and every child worker was called up to the front.  They were CHARGED in great seriousness with being the next generation--they were expected to grow and strive after the things of God.  They were commanded to do it.  They were then prayed for...and most of them fell out under the power of the Holy Spirit.  My daughters stood in the midst of them--tall, fair headed towers, amongst this next generation of Malaysian Christians.  I prayed, then, that this experience would change my daughters forever...but also that these young sons and daughters of Malaysia would be able to make a difference in this land.   These humble Christians can not afford to lose even one generation here--or they've lost everything.  I suspect that we, at home, cannot afford it either. 

 I remember in the states when we were searching for a new church.  Church, after church, we watched children pushed into the back rooms and the filthy basements.  They were the after thought.  They were the residual left overs of the church body.  They were a problem that had to be dealt with.  They were NOT the next generation.  They were not the future pastors and teachers and deciples.  They were the left overs.  What a sad commentary.  (and yes, we finally did find a church home that considered children more than after-thoughts)  I am so passionate about this generation.  I am so energized to make a difference in it.  I find myself continually having to refocus, and remind myself that if I lose the two 'next generations' in my own home, I've lost everything.  I want to change the world, and I have to remind myself that MY world starts behind my front door.  In some ways, this truth is harder to accept than if the Lord told me to go save the world.

At the opposite end of the spectrum...we went to a market the other day to buy presents for family and friends.  At this market is a temple.  Again--we don't go in to these...but I am comfortable with looking from afar.  We decided to climb a huge amount of steps to see what the temple was at the top.  Right before we started, I felt that we should pray. (I'm slow--Eric told me later that he had already been praying.  *sigh*)  So we prayed quickly as a family, and began to climb the stairs.  All of a sudden, Eric and I saw a terrible dog.  It hadn't any face--or the face was torn off.  It was something else though.  Without a doubt, it was a spiritual being.  We (Eric and I) could feel it--strongly.  I can only assume the dog was enveloped in demons.  We quickly shot off to the side--the girls confused, because they did not see what we had seen.(thankfully--they would have been terrified!)

  When we realized we were at a dead end, Eric went back to see if it was gone.  The being had already disspeared.  We decided to not pursue walking up the hill any farther. 

All things spiritual are so heightened here.  I myself am fatigued by it.  Eric and I have been Christians long enough to not be concerned about 'losing the faith'.  But I personally have had to fight a great fatigue in my relationship with the Lord.  I have had to work hard at surrounding myself with things that help pull me towards the presence of the Lord. 

I feel so mixed up about leaving here.  I see so many needs and so many things to lay my hands to.  But I know that I am not called to this place.  I feel as sad to leave as I am happy to be going home.  I can't wait to see all of you. 

Love ya,

Kore

 "No matter what the product or service might be, you can find it somewhere else cheaper!" - E. Scrooge

    A weekend full of sight, sounds, and smells.  Saturday night we joined the Rajamany’s for dinner in “little India”.  As I have never been in India, I have nothing to compare it with.  It was full of Indians, crowded streets, and all the hawker’s wares spilling out into the boulevard.  There were colorful Christmas lights strung between the buildings like clothes lines.  There were no cows here, but some could be counted on to be roaming further up town.  Our olfactory senses were assailed by the aromas.  Shawn, our host, bought us a beautiful incense burner to ensure we would take some of the smells with us

We traversed many curio shops.  The girls really enjoyed shopping for jewelry.  We walked until most of the shops were closing down.  It remains one of the few places we plan to return to.

            Sunday, was our relaxing sleep in day.  It was pleasant to not have a “loaded” weekend.  After lunch we headed out to the Chinese hocker’s lane.  It is steeped in ancient backdrop of the temple and surrounding jungle hillside.  There is also a lot of poverty in the area.  There is an interesting dichotomy between the ugly of filth and the beauty of the architecture and hillside.  We did garner a few trinkets of interest.  There is an art to bartering with whose English is limited to wheeling the best deal.  The girls would likely have paid a fortune for items that could be found at our local dollar store if left on there own.

            As the heat of the day wore on we decided a cool off and dinner at the mall would be a great welcome.  Follow this with a kid’s movie and our weekend was complete.  We still have a few things we would like to see and do.  More than that we realized we are ready to head home.  Living for the weekends, long days, cramped quarters, and yes frayed nerves have us all planning a long awaited return.  Today marked the 1^st bag to be packed.

I'm sure there's a proper name for it--the work you begin to do when you're headed home.

There's the logistical work--making sure our bills have been paid at home...examining the shocking hotel bill.  Confirming our flight arrangements, and considering baggage.

But there's also the emotional exiting.  Ala Veggie Tales, we find ourselves taking the moment to look at what we've learned together.  In some ways, we feel as if we've learned nothing. 

We're not particularly emotionally tied to this place.  Surprisingly, we don't remotely feel a call to these people.  We love one of the ethnicities here...but I certainly wouldn't call it a 'call'.  We hadn't planned on having one...but we're still surprised at how unattatched we feel.

In some ways, this trip has tied us to home.  Kind of like Dorothy in the wizard of Oz, we finally realize that 'there's no place like home'.  We miss the Grandparents and Aunts/Uncs.  We miss our yard.  We miss the dog.  We miss our very country--we have a longing for it that we've never felt before. 

This has been so good for us to learn.  We haven't ever really 'settled down' upon buying our house 2 years ago, and switching churches.  We had continued in a partially temporary, partially damaged/hurt mode.

Stepping back from all of that has given us the chance to see what we were missing.  We've been able to see how we've created our own lonely reality at home.  And we're excited to go home to change that.

Eric and I have learned here that we need more time together.  We've become addicted to playing a game of Mancala at exactly 8...and having a glass of wine together.  We hope to remploy this at home. 

We've had a wonderful opportunity to see eachother work under pressure.  Believe me--when things go wrong, this far away from home...you either 'putup,or shutup'.  We've learned how each of us do that.  We make quite a team, now!

We've learned that two sisters, though best friends, CANNOT sleep in a twin size bed together.  They take out all of their natural rivalry towards eachother...while sleeping, once we convince them to sleep! I am so thankful that they didn't ever accidently hurt eachother...and that when we get home, they'll have separate beds again! 

I also can't wait to have our own bathrooms again...'nuff said.

I'll miss laundry service.  Big time.

I'll miss room service even more.

Anyhow.  We have 7 days left.  Just long enough to finish shopping, see the last few unseens...and fly home.  Viva la home!

paraphrase of Billy Crystal in 'Princess Bride'...

"It was a dweam within a dweam'....

Or as lil Sis says: 'This is like a vacation within a vacation!'

We just returned from our weekend in Pangkor, and I am full content to go home now! (though I know that the girls and I are not finished here...and Eric is *really* not finished at work.)

Pangkor is a small Island about a 2 hr drive, and 1/2 hr ferry from Penang.  We left on Friday, and returned Sunday evening.

I loved all of it---every minute! (except when we all became vapor locked--a word that holds new meaning when coupled with heat and humidity--when arriving in Lamut, the port before Pangkor...and trying to decide what direction to go next!)

I loved having Eric drive, while I had the chance to see a country that I will never see again.  I loved seeing the rice fields, and the palm oil plantations...the farms, the little homes on stilts...and the beautiful Asian cows.

Then I loved getting on a ferry, and letting the wind  blow my hair.  I loved how our family seemed to be the only ones crazy enough to prefer the ferry deck to the air conditioned cabin.  The ocean breeze, and the lack of staring gave me a sorely missed feeling of freedom!

I loved that my husband pushed himself out of his comfort zone...and let us be driven to an unknown place, on an unknown island, by an unknown driver...and paid his own money to have such an experience.  I also love that the aforementioned husband...left his watch in the room.

I loved watching my children play in the sand and ocean.  They searched for little crabs and chased them up and down the beach.  There is something about beach and ocean that causes children and adults alike to revert to simpler ages.

I loved snorkeling, after I got over my tremendous fear of sea cucumbers.  I felt like I watched the entire movie of 'finding Nemo' through my goggles.  Minus the whale, thank goodness!

I loved eating dinner at sunset, with my family, on the beach.  The storm that was slowly drifting over the hills into the bay only enhanced the sun dipping into the sea. (do you hear the little sizzle?)  I didn't recognize my food, once again...but it didn't matter!

I loved watching it rain from our porch...like I've never seen it rain before.  The sound of the waves crashing and the rain pouring made me feel so small! 

I loved watching my American-born children search for chocolate easter eggs on a Malaysian beach on the other side of the world...and I loved how we all sat on the beach and prayed together as a family.  We laughed at the hornbills that swooped down for bread bits, and it was only a slightly holy prayer, because of the humor of it all.

I loved how though we were feeling so alone...longing for just one familiar face...that God's spirit still showed up midst our little family...and reminded us all that He is a great, great God.  The palm trees swayed...and the sun beat down...and in some ways, it was a little easier to imagine Jesus living in such a place...and I really wish that He would some day.  I really do.

"One of the joys of travel is visiting new towns and meeting new people." - G. Khan

            This weekend we met up with a co-worker and his family for a get together at the local bazaar, Chinese temple, and a mountain top trip.  The bazaar was a series of local bartering booths that contained an assortment of tourist ‘stuff’.  The trick to isolate the Wal-mart stuff from the handcraft goods was to locate the “made in china” sticker on the item.  If it did not have this and wrapped in the local newspaper odds were that it was local craftsmanship. 

            The heat was amazing.  It was like sharing a crowded steam room with a couple hundred other people, most of whom did not speak English.   The point of interest for lil Sis. was the turtles.  Her affinity towards all creatures’ great and small has only increased since being here.  Big sis. is ever on the look out for something to buy for all her friends back home.  If her purse was as large as her heart we would likely have needed a U-haul.  Kore. enjoyed the idea of coming back on our own and exploring everything when there was more time.  My golden moment of culture faux pas came when I removed my t-shirt from under my button shirt, both of which were drenched.  Apparently, it was not enough to be the only white people around.  The sight of my big, hairy, white chest gave some of the locals something to giggle about.  It is always of interest to me that many of the locals take pictures of us as we take of ourselves.

            The trip of Penang Hill was a great idea.  Apparently half the island population thought so as well because I swear we shared the trolley cart with all of them.  So how many Malaysians can fit inside of a phone booth? – I can testify quite a number of them.  The trip was about half an hour at ~ a 45 degree angle the whole time.  It was like traveling in a gondola.  But instead of poles and skis there were just lots of people. Instead of snow, there was an abundance of heat and humidity.   The view was incredible.  It was at the top that we came to realize the extent of the island and the many places we have visited thus far.

            The adults had a leisure dinner while the kids played bad mitten with the locals in the street.  The dinner, company, and sunset were superb.  All in all another very good weekend excursion.

Oh, you would just be so proud of me!

Having finally had my fill of hotel room and pool...

and having decided that I was more than ready to go home...

I petitioned the internationals on my homeschool forum (the sonlight forums...)

and asked for prayer. 

They concluded that I had one of two choices--get out, and have that adventure I've been talking about for so long...or GO HOME.  Harsh, but correct.

So Thursday, I bit the bullet, and took the shuttle to city center Penang.  Now, I've been here before--this was the same location of the hotel we didn't like, the ringget/rat contest, and the scarey taxi ride.  But I knew that it was really my only choice to see any of Penang on my own. (and my husband is working continually, and not available to babysit the girls and I!)  I had planned on catching a taxi at city center to the Penang museum, and then catch another taxi to Gurney Mall, my comfort zone. *grin*. 

However, once arriving, the girls spotted some bike/rickshaw type carts. (I know they have names, but I'm not recalling it at the moment).  So I threw up a quick prayer, picked the cleanest...negotiated a price...and we jumped in! 

*a sidenote on rickshaw/bike drivers.  We initially had great sympathy for our driver...   We had a quick math lesson, however, and realized that if he has steady business, he easily makes as much as a first year teacher at the Dalat school. We enjoyed our ride more, after that! (and we had the added bonus of Asian reworked 50's music...haha)

I am so in love with this mode of transportation.  It's like walking, without the sweat.  (wonder why we don't walk??  Well let me tell ya.  Walking in 90/90 weather is unbearable for us!!)  We were able to see downtown Penang at street level.  I had pseudo comfort of being in the street, but not OF the street. 

We stopped at several temples, and peeked throught the windows.  

* a side note on temples.  We have greatly debated whether or not  we should visit temples.  They are such a vital part of this multi religious culture--Hindu, Buddist, Chinese/Ancestral, and Muslim temples dot every corner of every street.  

Eric and I discussed this at length after Suresh (a Hindu) removed his shoes in our home in the states...we decided that removing one's shoes shows honor in this culture at ALL temples...and that would be our deliniating line as Christians--we would not go farther into a temple than where it was still appropriate to wear our shoes.  This has been a great decision for us, and easy to teach our 8 and 10 year old daughters.  Incidently--God has whispered to my heart twice now the words: 'Thou Shalt not have any god before me'. (why in King James, I haven't any idea!!)  The first time was at Kapitan Mosque, the first mosque built in Penang, I believe.  The second time was at a gift shop with some quite ancient looking carvings.  I don't believe that God is warning me, as in, that he's afraid I'll 'change sides'...but rather that He is telling me/showing me that He is a GREAT, GREAT God. 

Sorry for the long side note!

We suddenly arrived at the museum, not having had any idea of our location, or our destination on the rickshaw.  By this time, we were quite hot, and welcomed the air-conditioned coolness of the museum.  The rickshaw driver seemed to want us to hurry, and I had a hard time communicating that we wanted to just pay him, and be left there.  I finally found someone able to translate, and implied that my husband was coming to pick us up there.  For some reason, this works EVERY time!

We toured the museum, but not thoroughly, because the girls were tired and hungry.  So we walked out at the same time that the school kids were being released (that was interesting for the girls!) and I hailed my taxi, having been thoroughly coached by a kind museum guide. (stand at the side of the road, and wave your hands wildly! hahaha)

We arrived at the Gurney, headed for Starbucks, and gave eachother high-fives.  I had conquered my fear, and ventured out with the girls on my own.  Granted, I was charged triple for the taxi...but WE DID IT!  *smile*

and went to Suresh's parents house.  It was fun and quite special to go to a local's house.  Suresh's Mom cooked us the BEST food that we've had.  Prawns...and curry with mutton(goat), cauliflower and carrots, all so good!  I wish we could eat there every day! 

They were so welcoming and would have given us anything we asked.  Though they are middle class (retired) their home was quite humble. (but spotlessly clean!) A main room, a small kitchen, and two small bedrooms.  An all-in-one type bathroom--squatty, sink, shower, all tiled, with a cleaning hose for it all.  A very small yard, filled to the brim with exotic plants and a koi pond.  No central air.  But it was HOME! 

 I realize now why Suresh was so overwhelmed when he ate dinner at our house. (also a middle class home!)

After lunch, we ventured to the Zoo, which was rather uneventful, until a man rode a bicycle by, with an infant orangutan on the handlebars!  Lil Sis went running after it, of course, and he stopped.  The baby took a strong liking to me, and immediately tried to jump in my arms.  Her eyes were huge...and her hands felt like...my Dad's! lol  Hairy on the top and smooth on the palms.  Unlike my Dad, her feet felt the same way.  We had a great time, and on the way out, a family asked to take their picture with us.  Our family felt that we were as interesting to people as the Zoo animals...and this proved it!  

 I'm beginning to conclude that we will be stared at wherever we go, no matter how we behave, all the time...so I might as well make it worth it!  Tonight, at the local Indian restoran (where we incidently were charged the 'white guy price'...makes Eric so mad!) I told the family that I felt like singing a little song, dancing a little dance, and ending it with a bow!  I controlled myself...but one of these days...

and realize that we have been living in a very citified area, and hadn't realized it.  Malaysia is trully beautiful away from town.  We drove by palm tree forests--much like you would see in the States--with trees row after row, in various heights and stages of growth.  I'm not sure what they use the palm for.  We also saw rice fields--bright green fields, swamped in water.  It reminded me of spring, at home--you know, how the wheat or corn looks, just as it begins to launch out of the ground?  It was such a relief to be in these wideopen spaces.

We stopped at a rest stop to meet Suresh, and had a chinese bun...called...just asked E, and he can't remember what they're called.  They're very white, steamed, and filled with yummy things.  Which reminds me to tell you how we eat, now. 

We began by only eating at the hotel, because it felt safe, and comfortable.  As we've ventured out, we've learned that there is really good food out there.  Hotel food is safe...but not very good, we've learned.    The food is mainly unrecognizable, and frankly, I am unable to even ask for the same dish twice--we are mainly reduced to pointing and hoping...but almost always find the food tasty after I get over the fact that we're the entertainment in every eating establishment we go to. 

The way to choose a restraunt is by volume--the more people there, the better the food.  We walk around, and try to pick out what most people have on their plates. 

We don't worry about silverware...because most don't use utensils here. We've taken to bringing our own hand wipes too, because most places don't have napkins, either.

We usually pick up breakfast at the local chinese bakery, the night before.  Kind of like donuts, without the frying and the sugar.   We usually eat pb and J for lunch, on white bread...and lots of yummy fruit...just to help with the whole 'eating something wierd for dinner' syndrome.  E eats something wierd for lunch AND dinner, his choice!  I'm hoping that he will be utterly sick of foreign food by the time we get home!  The girls almost always order a cheese pizza, no sauce from room service at exactly 8pm, if we're home.  They've obviously branched out from fruit and rice, eh?

We've also found a great grocery store, and keep our room stocked with water and soda and...chocolate, much to the dissapointment of the individual in charge of restocking the mini bar. 

because of the interesting bathrooms here.  They are ceramic flushable holes, with two ceramic foot grids on either side.  We call them squatty potties.  Not sure if we're supposed to call them that...but we do.  We've all improved in our use of them...now that we've also figured out that we have to bring t.p. with us...ALWAYS.  The nicer malls have fairly clean squatties.  Most other places, they're pretty bad.  Not particularly dangerous(I wrote that for my mom) as your body doesn't touch any surfaces...just gross. 

So thus the evolution of the 'full bladder, bridge dread'. 

So anyhow...we headed over the bridge for TaiPing...

I was quite discouraged this morning because I typed out all sort of interesting things, and accidently erased it!  It is 8 pm right now, and E and the girls are playing 'the Hobbit', a computer game.  We're slicing up a snicker's bar for dessert!  We plan to work really hard on getting extra sleep this week--our weekends are so full and wonderfully busy...and exhausting.  So we're hoping to get caught up a bit on rest. 

Saturday was an exciting day for us.  Eric's coworker, Suresh, volunteered to take us to his hometown, TeiPing, in mainland Malaysia.

We woke up early, and headed over Penang bridge.  Penang bridge is the 3rd longest bridge in the world.  We've headed over this bridge twice now.  The other times, accidently, with full bladders.  It is really easy to accidently take the bridge, and we all live in fear of it!  Once you're on this bridge, there is no way to turn back around.  We usually drive by it after dinner, at night...and we always have to go potty...

I'm not entirely sure what my problem is...other than the fact that Malaysian clocks *really do* go faster!!!  They must--because my days just zip by.

Things are going o.k.  I'm a little tired and grumpy in general, and not sure why.  Probably just need to get 'out of the house'.  (this wonderful, airconditioned, roomserviced, food brought on a decorated plate, place!) 

We haven't done much this week--I've tried to keep a low profile, as in, eating in the hotel room, and not trying to run around every evening for the sake of Eric--he was so worn out last week.

We plan to go to a zoo on Saturday, and then to on of Eric's Malaysian coworker's house...and then on Sunday, lil Sis turns 9...we'll go to church, and a butterfly farm, and then back here for a swim and a cake.  I need to remember to pick up some cookies for her Sunday school class.

I plan to venture out with Taxis once or twice next week, or the girls and I just won't get to see everything here. (Eric is working too much, and the hotel shuttles just go to the malls).  We'll see. 

The girls and I have finally figured out the hotel shuttles. (when I say figure out, I mean a)coming to the realization that they exhist b) interpreting the military time schedule and c) feeling comfortable and energetic enough to use this service.

So yesterday, we used the shuttle to go down to the local mall.  Here, malls are everything, and they are HUGE.  People eat at them, socialize at them, buy groceries at them, watch movies at them...work out at them.  I haven't seen a church in a mall yet...but everything else IS.  So, we took the shuttle to the mall on Monday, and here was our wierd experience:

It was so wierd, and familiar...that I started to choke up right there.  Usually, I tune the radio in the stores out, because at least half of it isn't in English.  Saying that I tune it out is relative...as they play it *very* loudly.  Almost as if going to the grocery is for entertainment, rather than to buy needful things...like peanutbutter and bread for my food revolting daughters.

As we were walking around, the radio went 'blah, blah, blah'(this is Malay to me...) and then blah, Dr Dobson.  Then he began to speak about parenting.  The girls and I must have looked so odd, standing underneath a speaker, simutaneously crying, clapping and laughing.  It was so sweet to hear a familiar voice!

Then we went on our way, trying to find some sort of tinned meat to go into our soup, and finding only spam, and about 20 different varieties of canned fish.  ( I had hoped that I could put together some simple meals in our hotel, because we are sick to death of eating out!)

Loveya!

*Kore*

3-25-06

  “travel is nothing if not exciting” – L. Gulliver

            10^th day on the Island,  1^st day of down time,  I am finally feel able to relax and reflect on our Asian experiences.   If you ever find life a little too monochromatic for your taste, may I recommend 1 of 3 changes: Marriage, Kids, or Travel?  In my case, I am experiencing all three simultaneously and it is anything but boring. 

            Traveling the world or traversing the day, every bit is filled with either such highs and lows that one may feel overwhelmed with the rollercoaster effect of it all.  One moment I am helplessly listing to my wife cry over the phone from the 2^nd lost luggage experience and the next am captivated by hearing them all laugh at the crazy monkeys.  One moment I am frustrated at the on going near death experience of driving down town and the next is filled with such tranquility of watching the sun rise over the sea.  One moment I am smelling the sanguine sent of refuse pouring down in the gutter on its way to the sea and the next I am assaulted by the aroma my captivating curry lunch awaiting me to devour it.

            So many things experienced so many more to go….  May we greet each day and each experience as the roller coaster of life and enjoy the ride!

It has been raining most of today.  A misty fog hangs low, and on the hill right outside of our hotel, a cloud itself hovers. 

There is the most heavenly smell outside--some sort of flower has just bloomed. I love to stand out on the deck and breath it in. 

I also love to walk through the hotel gardens early in the morning--a delicious, heavy scent hangs low if I make it out early enough

I also like the odd smell of incense burning.  Now, I know that it is incense being burnt for a false god...but it reminds me of my parochial upbringing...and I find it to be a lovely scent.

There are many smells I don't like--the smell of sewer in the street...almost every street.  There is built into every street, sidewalk, building  a drainage canal.  Many of them are used for dubious needs.  The smell of burning garbage--a common occurance here, and if you've grown up in the country, or traveled at all, you've experienced it.   The smell of fish at the market.  Need I say more on that one!

But the smell that I am enjoying right now must be captured in Heaven, itself!  I am moving towards loving this place. 

Last weekend, after my terrible Friday, was wonderful!

E finally had the delivery of a car, and we all piled in for a tour of the city and a day at the beach.  E is actually a very good driver, considering that everything is opposite compared to at home.  The proper lane is on the right, the driver's side is on the right--even the turn signal and windshield wipers are opposite.  I found that my muscles kept trying to utilize the foot peddles, as I was sitting on the usual driver's side.  Anyhow--I have been so proud of how E can drive in such strange conditions.

I also realized how I really love driving around when E is driving.  It's like being in a little private, air conditioned bubble. 

So, on Saturday, we drove around town, checking out various hotels.  Georgetown, the main city in Penang, is very beautiful.  This island was originally a British colony, and the evidence of that is everywhere.  Old plantation type houses...very beautiful.

After town, we drove out to the beach.  Unfortunately, the beach around Penang is unsuitable for swimming in.  There are quite a few jelly fish, and even more pollution.  The sand itself is kept quite clean by the locals, though.  We spent the day in the ShangriLa resort pool, and all became quite sunburnt.  The girls had their first Pina Colada drinks at happy hour.

Then, on the way home, we found a beautiful park.  Every tree imaginable.  Monkeys--wild ones---swinging branch to branch. Lil Sis, of course, wanted to take them home!   All sorts of lovely people walking--especially the Chinese, who seem to take excersize quite seriously.  This was the first time I really began to enjoy Penang, and the people.  When we left the park, we bought all sorts of prepared fruit, and drove around town, trying these--all fruits I've never seen before.

We decided to settle in to our original hotel--and are quite happy here now.  It is close to E's work, and is very large--so plenty of room for the girls to run around. 

We have yet to get very much formal school done!

E is afraid that I won't know how to cook when I get home.  I'm afraid that no one will know how to eat my cooking when we return home!

We have not formalized our plans for this weekend...but I will update you when I know!

Oh, I am so behind!  The week is almost over, and I have not finished last week's adventures!

One thing that I've realized is that Malaysian time is very different than home time!  First of all, most of the clocks here are digital--and military time.  I am slowly learning how to read them.  I also, in general, have a watch on.  The sun isn't like home sun either.  It comes up later, and goes down earlier.  The days don't get longer/shorter like at home.  I also don't really have a good idea of direction here!  All this to say--the days seem to have melted in to one another!

I am a proud new Auntie!  My brother and s.i.l. had the first baby boy in quite some time.  All are healthy, albeit tired. 

The weather here has been rainy--great big lightening boltz at night.  Hopefully it will be sunny today!  Rainy is nice, though--it makes the envioronment cooler here.

As I aluded to in my other posts, we decided to change hotels.  Now, I must say, that I have no idea why...but read on anyhow--it'll be interesting!

Last Friday (the 17th) I was to pack up the girls and take a taxi to the other hotel, and then unpack.

So--we left the pool and went back to our room.  It was locked.  I just figured that they had 'erased the keys' earlier, since E had already checked out.  So we left our things at the door, and went to the foyer to use the phone.  I called several times, every 10 minutes or so, requesting someone to let us in, and they kept saying, yes, yes.

After 1/2 hr, I became fed up, marched down to the front desk (this hotel is very large--so it is quite a long ways with 2 dripping wet girls) and had them make me a new key.  When I returned to my room, my things were not there!  Mind you--I have jet lag, and I am going through all of the normal things when one is in very unfamiliar surroundings(in other words--I was very tired of being stared at, I had no idea what time it was, or where I was located at on a regular basis, and I was feeling very overwhelmed by the heat and humidity!)

So.  I believe my things to be stolen.  After going to the front desk, quite upset, and crying in my room, I finally meet with the manager of the hotel, to watch the survellance camera tapes.  As I am headed to the elevator, I notice that there are chairs there...and slowly, it dawns on my foggy, befuddled, overheated brain...I must have left the things 'by my door' on a different floor.

I would have blushed--but as I have already mentioned, I was overheated as it was! 

As if this was not enough...

The girls and I pack, and proceed to get our luggage downstairs. (lest you feel sorry for me, I called a porter...)  We, of course, have brought quite a bit of too much luggage...and I didn't remotely attempt to pack it properly in this hotel transfer...so even our 'souvenier' bags are packed.

The hotel calls a taxi...and because I've already made a fool of myself once today, I don't make any waves when a) the taxi is much too small for the girls and I AND our luggage, b) it doesn't have 'air' and c) the I.D. of the driver, and the driver don't match.  (can you already see where this is headed?)

So--midroute, some of our luggage explodes out of the haphazardly tied trunk.  The taxi driver is very fat, and more than lazy, and makes no move to help with the luggage problem--so I pick it up myself, and place it on the girls' and mine laps.  Which was a benefit, considering the seat belts weren't working either.

Anyhow.  This taxi driver begins to talk about Americans, how he doesn't like them, how they owe him money, and how he cannot get a visa to America because he is muslim.  I begin to notice that our journey to the hotel is going a way that I've not seen before...and I calmly tell the girls to start to pray, because I think the taxi is lost.  I myself am praying like a mad woman under my breath, and pausing everyonce in awhile to grin, nod, and agree with this frightening taxi driver.  Geesh.

Anyhow--we did arrive safely, obviously, as I am here to tell the story.

I'm sure for those of you that have traveled a lot, this is a minor story...

This day is not over, however.  We check in, and find the room is not ready.

So they give is a temporary room.  We go down to the pool, and find it to be quite full.  Evidently, this hotel connects to the largest mall in Penang...and has become a playground for the local children.  Looking out over the pool, I've traded my scenic view of the ocean...for a very poor part of town.  I hate myself for being so materialistic...but I cry anyways.  The pool is overly warm, and filthy, and I cringe as the girls swim in it, quite oblivious to my upset.  I listen to my mp3 player, and the first song is a song that I learned as a teenager on a mission trip to Guatemala.  I am all at once angry, sad, self rightous,and ashamed that I care more about cleanliness and the style of the hotel,  than people.  I realize now, that part of my feelings at the time were fatigue, part truth, and part the 'enemy taking me out to lunch'.  Speaking of lunch...

We go downstairs for a dismal lunch...I am barely able to contain my emotions...the girls are bouncy and over tired/hyper.  I whisper a quiet prayer...

And then an English woman sits right beside our table, reading 'Lemony Snicket'--a favorite of the girls. (but are books that I find extremely dark, and rather boring...but we all have our own tastes...)  The girls engage her in conversation, and she turns out to be a wonderful Christian woman, and the instigator of several women's groups in town.  She's married to a Malaysian   and has lived her for 20+ years.  She was such an encouragment to me.  The girls call her 'that angel woman' now.  They don't really believe that she was 'real' now...probably because of the perfect timing v.s. the perfect need for her, at that time.  She pointed us to several churches. 

We finally are able to check in to our 'real' room, and find that it faces the neighborhood. (in fact, this hotel is surrounded by this dangerous part of town on every side.) The room is quite shabby and dirty.  We play a game called '1 ringet for every rat you see ' out the window, in the street.  Yes, I tend to get cynical when emotional!  E has since told me that rats are very common here, and that he, himself saw a large one at work on Friday--bigger than a guineapig. 

E finally gets back, and we work the whole thing through.  It is decided that we will stay at the terrible hotel, and search around the weekend for another.  I suppose this experience was very good for the girls, and admittedly good for me too...now that it is past!

I am writing in past tense, as the blog site was down, and I've become 'behind' in my journal.

I'm off to the pool now--I need to update my tan. (aren't I just terrible!!??) So...

to be continued!

The other morning, at breakfast, I made a decision to put toasted coconut on my cereal.  On closer inspection, actually, EXTEMELY close inspection, I realized that the toasted coconut had eyeballs.  Ewww.  E has learned, talking to the locals, that these are baby sardines...and they put them on everything.  I don't know why!  I'll remind you that I'm a landlocked state kind of girl!  Give me cow, please! (by the way, I'll have to make another entry about cows wandering in the street!)

Then, on the same day, at dinner at a hawker market, I ordered something, really not having ANY idea what I had ordered--I just pointed and hoped for the best.  I realized, once again, when she put something that looked like dried tomatoes...but also had 'eyeballs', that I was doomed.  The long, dried crunchy things on top turned out to be some sort of other dried fish, too.  No eyeballs on those, though! 

So now, the girls always call out 'eyeball check' before every meal.  Granted, they pretty much stick to rice and fruit...but it is still quite funny!

The girls sucumbed to jet lag this evening, and fell asleep before E returned home from work.  Granted, it was 7:30pm...but they were tired.  (they haven't napped since they were little!)

So E and I went downstairs and had a wonderful Japanese style dinner.  It was nice to have some time alone.  E had grilled salmon, and I had chicken.  Our food was served on big laquer trays, with all sorts of little bowels with wierd stuff in them.  One was 'egg custard',  like flan, without the sugar, but with shrimp and mushrooms instead.  I'm not a big fan of eggs. *grin*.  I am learning to appreciate little string pieces of seaweed, though!  On the same topic--earlier, the girls and I went down for 'tea time'.  J. ordered 'american brownie with icecream'.  She took one bite...and said 'This is *not* an American brownie.'.  I suggested that she avoid things that begin with 'American' in the title for the future.

E told me that his day was long and difficult, and that the plant doesn't have air conditioning.  I feel bad for him--so far, he has not even had time to go swimming with us!  Hopefully this weekend will be restful for him.

Please excuse all typing errors, for tonight--I'm really tired, still!

What a better time to enjoy this new 'blog land' than on a trip to Penang, Malaysia?!

As many of you know, we have been praying for, and looking forward to this trip for a long time.  More than a vacation, this is a fullfillment of a goal that we have set forth as a homeschool family--to travel.  We would feel that we had not fully educated our daughters without exposing them to 'the rest of this world'.  Believe me--this side of the world is an eye opening experience!  It has been such a very long time that I have smelled the smells, and seen the sights of a totally different land.  It is so reminiscient of my own experiences as a youth...but I think I am less tolerant to adventure now.  It makes me kind of sad that I've become so set in my ways as I've grown older.

 I hope you enjoy our travels.  I honestly intend to share *my* heart, and our experiences, and will, of course, speak honestly, as I always do! 

We left Monday, after carefully cleaning the entire house.  We had left Amy the Dog at Grandma and Grandpa's the night before, and the house felt so empty without her...and her accompanying shedding fur. We've since learned that Mom and Dad were the 'perfect' people for our beloved pet all along, and that dog is having the time of her life!  We really appreciated all the snow outside, too.  It made it easier to leave for someplace warm!

We arrived at the airport, and had ticket problems!  It was worked out, but nerve wracking for awhile. Then our flight was cancelled due to mechanical problems...and were put on standby.  We did make it on this first leg of our trip...but many people did not!  This was the first time I'd flown since 9/11.  (yes, I know, I don't get out much! lol)

We arrived in LAX just in time to catch our international flight to Singapore. Unlike the plane we had just disimbarked from, this one was NICE.  We sat in comfortable chairs, with enough room, and watched movies for...18 hours!  The girls were quickly un-enamoured with flying, but did well.  We highly recommend 'Singapore Air'.

We arrived in Singapore early Wednesday morning.  We had *several* cups of coffee, and took pictures of the large Koi pond, and a huge garden of Orchids.  I have a hankering to grow some now.  We were exhausted, and all kept bickering about everything.  Geesh.  At one point, I got lost looking for a bathroom--mostly because I was too tired to figure out that I had switched directions!  It was in the airport that I began to feel very 'American'.

Our flight to Penang was uneventful.  Except the food.  An Asian burrito.  I gave E. a very hard time about 'there's still Mexican food in Asia', a long standing joke about his dislike of Mexican food!

We arrived at the airport, went through customs.  Eldest daughter decided that she had to go to the restroom in the middle of it all--as in, just walked off.  We were NOT happy.(and also continued to be very tired!)  Squatty potties are very interesting!  Most bathrooms here have one of each.

We quickly learned that none of our luggage had made it...and I started to cry...mostly 'cause I'm a big baby when it comes to clean clothes and a shower.  God totally came through though...we walked out of the airport doors, and there stood E's Malay boss.  He went with E to talk to the proper authorities, stuck us in a taxi, and told us where to go to buy a few essentials.  We had a nice lunch, and bought some Asian swimsuits, undies, and E a shirt and pants.  The girls LOVE their new swimsuits...me? not so much. lol

We finally got our luggage late last night--it was held up in customs, in the STATES.  Wierd.  The girls had so much faith through all this.  It was great to see!  Me?  Not so much faith.  I just wanted my stuff!  *sigh*.   Last night, we ordered room service, and all fell asleep before it arrived.  The wait person banged on the door, and I, half asleep, opened it, and asked him to put the food straight into the fridge.  It all just looked too overwhelming to eat.  We were hungry, but the Jet Lag won!

Today, E went to work, and the girls and I have spent a lot of time in the pool.  Tommorow, we'll be changing hotels.  Our hotel is very nice, but just not quite right for our family.  We'll be switching to a hotel in town, but that will have access to the beach, too. 

Thanks for listening so far!

Hopefully, I'll be able to share more of my thoughts tommorow--I have so much to write about!  I have to at least give the girls a math lesson today.  Those math skills just seem to slip, so quickly!