Commiserating With Bilbo.

"I should think so- in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can't think what anybody sees in them," said our Mr. Baggins.

Last Saturday I ventured off- via night train- to Malaysia with my co-worker Shaun, to quickly grab my visa, and come right back to Thailand. This was the plan. The reality became, that because of the Chinese New Year the Thai Embassy was closed! Shaun had to return to Thailand to teach, leaving me ALL ALONE in Malaysia. It seemed a nasty, disturbing, and uncomfortable thing. I was not excited in the slightest, and I was certain I would book the next flight back to the United States. My dad encouraged me otherwise. He reminded me of my strength and my faith, and even urged me, "HAVE FUN!!!!". So I told him I would.

And I did! That afternoon I met 6 wonderful Wisconsin girls who I was able to spend the day with after Shaun headed back. We went to the beach, spent time at the night market, and had wonderful conversation about faith, life, our common experience with Ecuador. I often wonder if they weren't just angels tending me while I would have otherwise had a serious breakdown. I am so grateful for them! They left the next morning, and I was hopeful I would make more friends. 3 young gentlemen from my hostel invited me to lunch, and would you believe I had fun? They forced me to eat a ridiculous amount of Malay food (the best I've ever had in my entire life- seriously. Malay food. That's where it's at.) And again, good times were had by all.

I spent most of the last day exploring Georgetown. I discovered a few little English bookstores and picked up The Hobbit. In it, Bilbo sets off on an adventure he isn't quite sure of, and as the story unravels he begins to learn a lot about life, the world, and himself. Do you see where I'm going with this? I, too, am learning a lot about the world, and myself. I'm learning that I am not nearly as strong and independent as I once thought. I am quite weak, actually. But in this, I am learning how strong and faithful God is- in a real way. He provided for me when I was hopeless, and in the midst of it I was able to even see so much of his beauty. (Parts of Malaysia really are quite incredible- and the people are SO diverse.)

Speaking of providing- when I see the poverty (it was so much worse in Malaysia than it is in Thailand), I have to remember God's compassion and his promise of justice.

My whole being will exclaim,
"Who is like you, O Lord?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them."
(Psalm 35:10)

It is a beautiful thing- in God I find the ability to love the oppressed and poor better, and in him I trust that ALL of his people will be restored. Perhaps I will blog more about this at a later date- it is close to my heart! Which makes me think of all you Peacemakers back home- miss you!!

In short, my trip in Malaysia was uncomfortable and difficult, but it was worth every minute- because in it I think I built a little bit of character. In traveling alone you really find who you are (far from home, friends, and anything familiar), how much strength you have (or don't have), and you discover more of what adventure really is.