Tambunan and Rafflesia

VISITING MEMBER'S HOME WITH DISTRICT PRES.

SISTER DAVIS CUTTING BROTHER BRANDON'S HAIR

We are seeing more and more of the members of the church here in Kota Kinabalu.  They welcome us in their homes and it is so interesting and fun for us to get acquainted with them.  We usually have someone with us who can translate our English and their Malay so we can communicate.  That works.  Many of them are new members, just baptized.  We are so happy with their dedication to the church and their willingness to do new things.  Going to church and activities is just a start for them.  They want to do the things that will help their testimonies grow like praying and reading the scriptures.
It is their harvest festival or Kaamatan here in Sabah right now.  Last year we were in Sarawak and their harvest festival is Hari Gawai.  Both seem to involve a lot of rice wine drinking. There are a lot of cultural events going on here right now and many of our church members have gone home to their kampung to visit family (the old people) and friends.  We hope they remember that the word of wisdom is for during kaamatan, too.

Yesterday we went for a drive.  Boy, we haven't done something like that for a long time because gas prices were so high at home and we haven't had a car here until recently.  We took a road up into the mountains in a direction that is new for us.  Here they like to build their mountain roads right on the ridges.  It gives us fantastic views but there isn't much room for a road.  All their rural roads are very narrow and without a shoulder.  And to make it even tricker to drive there is often a 3 to 5 foot deep cement drain along the side of the road within 2 to 3 feet of where we are driving.  It allows no room for error.  If the road is not on the ridge it is cut into the side of the hill with a bank on one side and steep drop-off on the other side.  They do have guard rails but for some reason they are down the bank.  Perhaps that is so any car that goes flying off the road will not damage the guard rail but rather go sailing right over it out into free space. :)
So we drove up in the mountains and came out in a broad valley and to the small town of Tambunan.  It is an agricultural area where they grow rice in the water-filled paddies that we have seen in other areas.  They also grow many vegetables that do well in the cooler climates of that elevation.  It must have been a good day for weddings because we met at least 4 different wedding processions in the short time we were there.  The bride and groom ride in a car that is decorated with lots of flowers and ribbons making it look like a very decorated package and that car follows a lorry which has in the back at least 8 men---4 on each side---playing drums or gongs.  These are followed by many other cars that have a little flower nosegay on the door handle or antennae.  They slowly drive through town.  We noticed that there were few Muslims in that community and many Catholic churches.

Up on top of the mountain we stopped at a Rafflesia Preserve.  The rafflesia (raff-lee-see-a with the accent on 'lee') is the world's largest flower and can grow to over 42 inches across  and weigh over 22 pounds.  It is a parasite without leaves or stem using only its roots to get nutrients from its host.  It is either male or female and depends on a particular fly for pollination.  It attracts that fly with its odor of rotten meat.  Not too pleasant.  And it is unusual to see it in bloom.  We didn't see (or smell) any.

Bill Here:


No travel for last two weeks so not a lot of pictures to post. However we have been totally engaged in our most favorite part of the mission and that is working with the members. We are teaching Temple Prep, Mission Prep, Family Relations and leadership training. We meet each week with the Branch and District Presidency, and PEC. We meet individually and regularly with the different ward leaders. We visit the members almost every evening. We are also coordinating and coaching 3 different elders getting ready to leave on their missions and two young men going to BYUH. So we are very busy and love it that way.

In meeting with the new EQ Pres we discovered he has been a member less than one year. He is so overwhelmed with his responsibilities. He thought he needed to be at the church every night. He was suppose to do PPI's but didn't know what the word meant. He was to interview elders most of whom are older than he and have been members of the church much longer. After reassuring him that it was he that the Lord wanted and that who the Lord calls , he qualifies he felt so much better and is so happy.

We are trying to get together with a single mother with about 6 kids who has made sure each of her kids are baptized but will not join the church herself even though she has a testimony. She would have to change her job which is working in a bar and drinking with the customers and well... you can guess the rest. She works at 9 pm until early morning and all the kids are by themselves every night. SHe doesn't think she can make it on the salary that a normal job would pay. We are so anxious to help her use her faith and realized she is not providing for her kids in the most important way.

SISTER JENNIFER ON THE LEFT WITH HER MOM 

AND TWO LITTLE SISTERS

SQUATTER'S HOMES NEAR US

This family live in a squatter's home made out of plywood like a club house we would build when kids. It provides some very basic shelter, less than most of our garages. The two girls take a bus to church every Sunday and again on Friday for seminary.

On one of our visits we discovered this nice fellow with one of LDSC wheel chairs...see the logo? It is so neat to see our donations in use.

Since the branch has started using home teaching and ppi's the attendance at church has been higher than it has been ever! For the first time in a very very long time they are holding regular PEC and Branch Council and Branch Presidency meetings and actually talking about the members, the new members first. The result is that the new members are getting the attention they need and they are continuing to come and hold callings and having friends. Their goal is to have 150 in attendance and they are averaging 129 up form 103. Last month they had 18 families home taught. Fist time anyone has been home taught. They say they didn't know what to do if they went. So we role played out a visit by home teachers and visiting teachers. Now some of them are home teaching weekly.

One family we visited was challenged to have their entire family come and come early so that the dad could officiate in the sacrament. They were there the very next Sunday and he passed the sacrament for the first time. They have been members for 3 months.

THIS IS THE CHUAH FAMILY WHO
 JUST WENT TO THE TEMPLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECEMBER

We head out to the jungle Thursday and Friday about 2 1/2 hours each way on a 4x4 road to see two schools for our next water project. We couldn't go last fall as there had just been a murder and the police didn't want us out there. They especially do not want white couples to have problems in their country and you can guess why. We go back over the end of the month to have a closing ceremony of all the water projects for Humana schools. It will be quite an event as it will be combined with the sports day.

WE ARE STILL IN THE JUNGLE

HUMANA TEACHERS DAY

KINABATANGAN DISTRICT TEACHERS

    We just returned from the Humana teachers day where we had an opportunity to teach the teachers how to use chlorine to purify the water supplies that we are providing for them.  We had a very enjoyable time being with over 300 teachers who work with over 9000 students in their system of over a hundred schools. We have had a chance to get to know them since we visit there so much. They participated in a field day like event with sports, dancing, singing, marching, games, singing and awards. It started early morning and went past midnight,

                                                                                      

SANDAKAN TEACHERS TAKE THE FIELD

I just wanted to tell you how impressed we are with these wonderful people. They are making great sacrifices to live so far away from any form of civilization, sometimes 3 hours or more one way. And the city that they are 3 hours away from is pretty basic. They are so very kind and happy. They had a wonderful time being together. There was not alot of money spent. There was alot of energy and human resources spent. They were just all smiles all the time. They of course are paid so very little and sacrifice so much. They love these kids they teach.

SINGING HUMANA THEME SONG WITH FEELING

They have a theme song they sing. I will try to include a portion of it. The kids learn it and sing it with all of their heart and we now know why, because their teachers sing it with all of their hearts.

STILL SINGING WITH GUSTO

I guess it is just so hard to describe the feelings we have for these great people. They continue to impress us with their true happiness with life and what they do and have so little. Could it be that they are so fully engaged in helping others that they have forgotten about themselves? I think only one is a member of our faith but nonetheless they are some of  the best examples of Christlike people we have known.

SO MANY OF THE TEACHERS

WANTED TO HAVE THEIR PHOTOS 

WITH US.

They have indeed blessed our lives more than we have blessed theirs.

WE WERE THE VIPS ALONG WITH THE DIPLOMAT FROM THE FINNISH EMBASSY 

THERE WAS ABOUT ONE HOUR OF PHOTO-TAKING

ALL SORTS OF TRADITIONAL DANCING BY THE TEACHERS

TEACHING THE STAFF ABOUT PURIFYING THEIR WATER

MR & MISS HUMANA

On the way back at the airport we went through the screening of our 'carry ons' likes normal. The checker this time removed Ellen's hairspray. Said it could cause a fire. She has always carried a can of spray and never a problem. Oh well no big loss, but it is hard to find here. As we sat waiting for the plane (which we found out latter was canceled and we waited for 4 hours) I decided it was way too cold in the waiting area and went up and asked this same security screener if he could turn the aircon down. He didn't understand me, although he talked like he did, and asked me what I wanted and he said he would do it. Then he asked me again what I wanted and said he would do it. But he never would go near the aircon control or leave my side.He then took me to the side and finally asked me if I wanted the can of spray back. Well, this wasn't going to fix the cold waiting room but I said 'sure'. He gave me the hairspray can back and we waited in the cold room thinking we better be happy with what we got.

We are working now on putting together all the research on the different water projects and determining the best fit for all of them, about 7 different locations at present. It will require alot of communications with alot of different people and NGO's. We are probably done with  the greater portion of traveling and are starting to get things narrowed down for the next couple which we should hear about soon.

We have one wheelchair project approved now for delivery about when we leave. We have another one to formalized. And the vision project is about to be completed this next month with a handover and some jungle visits to see the docs in action with the people and the new equipment.

We will be very busy with the branch in the evenings this next week. We will be getting one of the three new missionaries out the door Tuesday heading for the New Zealand MTC and then the Australia for 2 years. The other two we will continue to meet with each week to get them ready.

We will meet with the Branch presidency and help them understand return and report better. And we will make some branch visits to member's homes. There is a very generous benefactor in the states that served here with his wife a few years ago and he his helping a young couple in our branch get to BYU Hawaii. We are involved in managing their purchases and all the details of getting them over there.This will change their lives and will bless the branch when they return.

Grocery carts are not usually available in the markets. Most carry baskets. We need a cart. There is usually one or two and they are broken. I am so looking forward to going to Safeway with Ellen and just getting any cart I want and just pushing it around empty and to see how well it works let alone put anything in it.

Special thanks to Eric for getting me all those cashews. I use them sparingly. That was very thoughtful, but that is just like who you are. Thanks so much.

Thanks to all for your notes and support. Enjoy the all the simple things.

Anna's Visit and RAIN

TWO HAPPY LADIES

IT WAS THE SAME HUG COMING AND GOING

We have just put Anna on Dragonair to return to her family in Springville, Utah, after spending a week here in Sabah with us.  She arrived last Monday evening and before we even took her home---and she was quite worn out after traveling for 42, yes that is forty-two, hours.  (Long lay-overs in foreign airports are not fun.)---we took her to a branch member's home for Family Home Evening.  She met about a dozen branch members and our 4 missionaries who serve here in Kota Kinabalu.  

AT DON BOSCO ORPHANAGE AND THE MONKEY BARS LDSC PROVIDED

On Tuesday we took it easy so she could rest and recover and then on Wednesday we drove our new little rental car---a Myvi---up to Mt Kinabalu area to visit Bunda Tuhan or God's Valley to check on the Don Bosco Orphanage that LDS Charities has helped in the past and who need more help.  Both the orphanage and the school are needy.  
While we were up there in the cool climate we went into the Mt. Kinabalu National Park and walked through the botanical garden, admiring all the beautiful orchids and nepenthes or pitcher plants.  So many photo opportunities.  These beautiful mountains and valleys are where many of our fresh vegetables are grown.  It is still tropical but the temperatures are cooler.  


Thursday we were up early and flew to Lahad Datu arriving by 8 AM.  We didn't know we were on the same flight as a VIP for Malaysia---we were told he was second in command---so we were surprised to see all the police cars with lights flashing as we landed.  And then there were all the big cars to transport him and his entourage to wherever they were going.  After they left and all the people who came to greet and welcome him things cleared out pretty fast.  It is a small town, after all, and we quickly found our rental truck, our driver/translator, Nestor, and were on our way to Semporna which is a 2 hour drive to the south.  It just happened to be Bill's 62nd birthday which was a coincidence because I spent my birthday in Lahad Datu this year, too.  The school children sang 'Happy Birthday' to him at one of the schools we visited.  

SHE LOVED HAVING HER PHOTO TAKEN

HUMANA STUDENTS COMING TO SCHOOL ON BUM BUM ISLAND

We arrived in Semporna in good time and  found a boat to take us over to Bum Bum Island where we are starting a clean water project for a Humana school.  That was the purpose of our trip---to check on the progress.  Not much is happening yet but we did see some of the children, teachers, and Bill and Anna got some good photos.  They took off towards a part of the island where they KNOW it isn't safe for white people to go.  I was waiting with Nestor and he was getting very nervous and finally said,"I need to go get them" and took off for them.  Just about then Bill and Anna turned around and came back.

ANNA WALKING CAREFULLY ALONG THE DOCK

SEA KAMPUNG HOME ON BUM BUM

  
It was so hot over on the island!  The school has no electricity so no fans as some of the schools have.  They also have no water.  There is no fresh water on the island.  Everyone has to buy water on the mainland or collect rain water.  A rain water collection system is what LDS Charities is putting together for the school. Perhaps we can also do it on a larger scale for the many people who live on the island.  

COMING TO MARKET FROM HIS SEA KAMPUNG

NOMADIC FISHING PEOPLE'S HOME

(BAJAU LAUT)

SEA KAMPUNG GIRL HANGING OUT

LADY WITH FRESH FISH FROM MARKET FOR DINNER

DEER LEGS...USED TO MAKE SOUP

BANANA VENDOR

While we were in Semporna we took the opportunity to walk through their market.  We were especially 'impressed' with the fish pasar ikan or fish market.  There were so many different kinds of fish, and octopus.  Of course, there is no FDA here but we were surprised to see them cutting up large fish on the floor, rinsing the pieces off in a bucket of water and proudly displaying the pieces for sale.  No one seemed at all disturbed.  And we also walked through the vegetable/fruit/sago market.  Sago is used as a favorite staple in some areas.  They sell it in what appeared to be about 5 pound bricks.  It looked sort of like white cheese when they buy it and I don't know how they prepare it to eat.  It is a starch and fills the bellies.  

ELLEN AT THE PASAR IN SEMPORNA

We drove back to Lahad Datu before dark and checked into our usual hotel--DeLeon-- and took a walk along the waterfront.  We were approached by some of the bajau laut or sea people.  The same that I mentioned in the last blog.  These were children and they were begging and not at all shy about it.  That is one of only a very few times we have seen begging here.  


Friday we caught the early flight back to KK and arrived at home before 9:30 AM.  The whole day before us.  Since we had been keeping our noses to the grindstone and working up till then we decided to drive south to Kota Klias to take a boat ride up the river and watch the proboscius monkeys feeding that afternoon.  We got caught in a rain storm---did I mention that we are in a wet season with rain every afternoon?---and missed our turn-off but soon found our way with our friend, Kate, on the phone directing us.  The rain stopped and we saw a bunch of the primates that are found only here on this island of Borneo.  Pretty amazing. 

ANNA DOING GREAT AT THE STICK DANCE

Saturday morning we went  to a near-by cultural center.  This is one we visited a few weeks ago with our friends, the Ericksons, the CES couple when they were here from Kuching.  This time it was in the day light and we really enjoyed it.  Bill wasn't feeling too good with a cough and sinus congestion.  He was a good sport and kept up with us.  

VILLAGE CHIEF

Sunday was our usual meetings and both of us teaching; Bill teaches a Sunday School class and I got to teach the Young Women.  We had a good time talking about "Preparing to Be an Eternal Companion".  They are such good young women. They all speak English but they are so timid and they use tiny little voices to respond.  Sister Josie sent us home with a chocolate cake for Bill's birthday and Mother's Day.  We didn't go out visiting that evening because Bill was not feeling well at all and didn't want to share his virus.  


Our plan today was to hit the beach out on one of the little coral islands but Bill was really dragging and his throat was so sore he wouldn't even eat breakfast.  So the first thing on our list was to get him to the clinic and on an antibiotic.  We also got some nice lidocaine throat lozenges and a cough suppressant.  So we didn't do anything else but rest.  Anna got packed up to go home.  She is taking one of our large suitcases full of stuff we have collected and our hiking boots.  We thought we might need  those boots but haven't yet.  So they went back to America.  


It was really great to have her with us.  She got a little taste for what we do and a big taste of East Malaysia.  I do believe she was a little homesick for her boys and Eric who was so good to let her come for a visit.  It was so fun to see Malaysia again through here eyes.  


Thanks for all the skype and phone calls on Mother's Day.  I do feel loved.  And I just want to say that I wish all my daughters and daughters-in-law a very happy Mother's Day.  They are each very special women and such good moms.  We love each of you very much.  

Bill Here:
It continues to amaze me how these good people are able to be so happy with so little. And I think by now you have some idea of how little is little. But seldom do we see or hear any one complaining or upset. Many of them have not left the life their ancestors lived hundreds of years ago. That is the life they are happy with and they choose it. It is not that they do not know better as many have some sort of access to media. Is there a lesson here for us?