What an amazing week here in the amazing state of Sarawak and country of Malaysia. This last week was by far and away thee most fun and fulfilling week as a missionary yet. I'll go day by day as we had Zone Conference in Kuching which was so so awesome getting to see all my guys from my MTC district.
Tuesday, August 12th -day before flying to Kuching we had a full day in Miri, and it rained so hard on us😂. We did a lot of finding and biking in the rain and of course faced a lot of rejection as per usual. Also, unfortunately had to kick a dog in the face as I was biking in the kampung when this one dog was chasing after me😅 We went to this one member's house and their house is in a ditch, so when it rained, the entire walkway and area just floods. Was literally wading through knee high water just to make it up to this families' home. It was awesome too because unfortunately this woman in the family is going through a lot of challenges, so I think them seeing our effort just to share our message about how families can live together forever really made her and her family feel better. The members here in Miri are seriously the best. Just the people in general, even if they are Malayu (which means legally they're Muslim even if they don't practice Islam and so we can't teach them anything) or if they're Kayan (one of the many many races here in East Malaysia) and of course the beloved Iban people with their Iban language. I love all of them so much and so happy I've started my mission here in Sarawak (or East Malaysia in general) the state here in East Malaysia where Iban people reside, and getting to be around strong members 9,000 miles away from home is so faith inspiring.
One thing that is so awesome too when finding is, it is a completely normal and acceptable thing to ask someone what their race is here in Malaysia, which I think is so cool and funny at the same time. You can ask "Kamu bangsa apa?" And they won't look at you weird or anything😂
Wednesday- had a couple lessons at the start of the day and then flew to Kuching and got there around 8:30 at night. I stayed in Kota Samarahan which is a district in Kuching, with seven other Elders in one house for Zone Conference!
Thursday-Friday Zone Conference- Got to the church and soon met a ton of new missionaries I've never met before which are all serving in all different parts throughout East Malaysia. Love serving in such a big mission with so many differing and varying areas and each area is different, it's awesome. Met a lot of guys that were leaving and some that have been out a year, talked to one guy who just left Miri and was now in Sibu. He asked me how the members were doing which he used to teach, and it was cool to let him know that Miri is continuing to grow and prosper under the hand and watch of the Lord. I'm so blessed to see the Lord extend his arm to the people he has prepared here in Miri through me and Elder Randall, truly special wearing this badge.
All throughout Zone Conference, we received training and guidance from our mission presidents, Sister and President Ho. They're the best. And best of all, got to see Elder Stevens, man that is my guy. We hugged so hard, and we found out we are the only missionaries pretty much throughout the entire mission of 100-ish missionaries that wear this one certain clip badge that clips onto our collar. Everyone else wears a magnet or this one shelf badge for their badges and we both told each other every single morning when we both use our clip badges, we think of each other which was so crazy when we both said that. Even though he's all the way in Kuching and were super far, this is already such a strong connection I've made and I'm so grateful that the Lord has brought us together as well as Elder Annison and all my other boys from the MTC. Laughing and joking with them, already a highlight of the mission.
Saturday and Sunday- We flew back to Miri and just went to work. I had so much more motivation and a better mindset to not take for granted my time here in Miri. My confidence soared as the Lord continues to guide me and make me a better missionary as I continue to trust in his plan and timing. I'm starting to talk more in Malay during finding and in lessons as well.
As I am writing this, it is P-day and Monday morning, and I have 626 days left as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These last 2 and a half months and these next 20 months will continue to shape my life and I'm so grateful to be out here. My desire to be out here grows by the day and at the end of most days, I feel true fulfilling happiness, more happiness than I could ever feel from hitting arms at my gym back home in Kansas, or going to high school, or driving with music and a Baja blast to sip on or washing cars as fun and relaxing and fulfilling as I thought that was. I testify the only way to feel true, everlasting happiness is only through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. HE LIVES.
Rejoice, the Lord Is King!
Sampai minggu depan, Elder Barlow
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