First Three Months Mark

SINGAPORE HOTEL

SAME HOTEL FROM THE INSIDE

This week we hit our three month mark. The time is going by so quickly. It seems that we just arrived and it also seems like we have been here for a long time. We spent two days in Singapore last week.
We would have never afforded this hotel any other time. The rates are low because of swine flu and the economy. So we took advantage. Probably never get to do this again. It was very nice.

DOING WHAT WE DO---TALKING IT UP WITH THE ROTARY LEADERS

We have a new mission president and we met him and his wife. We also spent a day in Kuching meeting with Rotary Club members there who we partnered with several years ago on projects. They are excited to resume the relationship with LDS Charities.
The small white building in the center is the old fort from the time when the Rajah ruled Sarawak. The old palace (astana) is still there as well and maybe we will get to see it sometime.Charles Brooke was the last Rajah to rule Sarawak. His family ruled for many years. A fascinating history to be sure.

We have started a temple preparation class for our branch. There is only one couple in the branch who have been to the temple and we would like to change that. How else will we ever get a temple built here in Bintulu?? Tonight we taught the lesson about the plan of salvation and it was interesting to watch the faces of the members which told us that much of what they were hearing was brand new. It was a reminder that they are new to the church, new to Christianity, new in every way. One young man who attended our class was baptized less than 48 hours ago. They are so hungry for the gospel and they want to do what's right. They humble me.
SYLVESTER'S BAPTISM

These are some of our branch members---Brother Joseph,Junis, Elder Hart, Sylvester, and President Mudus. Kneeling in front is a man who was baptized 2 weeks ago.l Just about every week we have a baptism. They are so hungry for the truth and when they hear it they are ready. They are so strong and dedicated.

This week we have a young elder in our district who has dengue fever. He has been in the hospital for about 6 days but came home today and is now confined to home for a week. That really is hard for his companion so we are trying to help. Any suggestions from you return missionaries? Take them pizza. Do their laundry.

We find that we are extremely busy as our humanitarian projects are taking off. We talked with President Clarke about it. It is GOOD but it is hard on us old folks.

Tawau, Semporna,and Lahad Datu

THE DOCK FROM BUMBUM

THEY LIVE ON THE WATER

We spent two days with him and his staff visiting a few of the 105 schools and learning of their needs. At each school the children greeted us, "Good morning, visitor" in unison and at the top of their lungs. Most of them sang to us as well. At one school they were practicing a ethnic dance to perform at an upcoming competition. Very fun to watch. I don't know if Bill can get video footage of that on the blog or not. One of the schools is on the island of Bum Bum, just off the coast near Semporna which is a big scuba diving place and we saw more caucasians there than anywhere else we have been for the last few months.

HUMANA SCHOOL STUDENTS

ELLEN TALKING TO THE STUDENTS
WITH TEACHER TRANSLATING

Our first night we spent at a 'resort' at which Torben had arranged for us to stay. It was a good hour drive to get there, in the dark, in the jungle. Each turnoff took us to a more and more primitive road. Thoughts of kidnapping went through my head and I also had a heart-to-heart with my Heavenly Father telling Him we are on his errand and asking for His protection. Not to worry; we arrived at a place like you have never been. I believe it is a plantation estate which is now a resort. It was OK.

HAVING FUN WITH THE CHILDREN

The highlight was being awakened by the chattering monkeys at daybreak. They fed us breakfast and we were on our way to visit schools and to meet up with Torben and his wife Rosalyn and go to Bum Bum. That was an adventure. It happened to be raining when we arrived so we waited for a bit in a market but the rain continued and soon the water was swirling around our feet along with anything else that would float. So Torben got a boat for us and we went on down to the harbor which was just a cement bulkhead that the boats would pull up to. It took a little doing to get down to the level of the water, climb onto the boat---long and narrow, with a power engine and leaks---and we were off to the island across a short stretch of shallow water. At the island we had to climb up onto a 'wharf' using the structure of the wharf to climb on. (I was being a good missionary and wearing a skirt so that was interesting.) Then down the wharf along which are built the homes of the people who live there. Some of the homes are built out in the water. We were told that the people are so connected to the sea that they like their homes built on the water.
We spent quite a bit of time talking with Torben and his wife about their needs and how LDS Charities can help them. Tuesday night we spent at the Dragon Inn which is built like the homes over the water. The shower drained right into the water below our room. The room was beautiful if a bit primitive; built of wood, shuttered windows, and beautiful sea shell lights. Wednesday we visited more schools and the HUMANA office in Lahad Datu.
Yesterday we came back to Tawau in time to have a great American dinner cooked by Sister Thomas. We have tried to make phone connection with a member of the Rotary here but they are not able to meet with us or don't want to meet with us. Whatever. So today we sort of have to relax. We spent the morning with the elders, (Elder and Sister Thomas left early this AM for Singapore on visa run.) and they took us to a market where I bought a 30 inch strand of pearls for RM 40. This is where they get the pearls---right here on the Celebes Sea.