I told you about the vocational school we went to day before yesterday. Well, yesterday we drove to downtown Kuching (saw the cat statues- will put pictures on later). We went to find the department of government over all vocational schools. We went straight to the building with our GPS. The man we wanted to talk to was at lunch, so went to a near by McDonald's and had lunch too. He was a wonderful man to talk too. His English was hard for him, but we understood him.
There are 58 vocational schools in Sarawak (that's this area). They cost to go to them, but this would fit PEF loans. They have schools for Hospitality, Car Mechanics, airplane mechanics, etc. But again there is limited space. That's the problem. They know they have to have skilled laborers in order for their country to progress, but they lack the school spaces to educate them.
We go back on Monday to talk to his boss, if they call us with an appointment.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Pictures
You are looking at huge huge strip mall. We go there all the time--so close we could walk.
This has a lot of dollar stores, food stands,
we bought our appliances there, bought some used furniture there, etc. McDonald's is on one end.
This is the picture out of our office window. I think they are apartments out there. Some mountains in the back.
This is taken from the living room area looking at the front door and into the kitchen. Notice the tile floor. It's so tiring to walk on all time.
In the strip mall they have night markets on the weekends. I bought a great purse there, but is mostly food that I don't recognize by sight or smell.
This is not in our apartment. Probably a department store. Elder Przybyla took it somewhere. I have run into a couple of them.
This is in a mall. We are taking a picture of the name of the store. If you can't read it. It says Amy's Collections.
Zone conference lunch I wrote about at Porkies.
The two Missionaries that took on the eating challenge.
Could it get any bigger????
Come on Elder, you can do it!!!
This Elder ate it all
Grocery Store
Sister's Apartment. With the huge swimming pool that they can't use.
Apartment Again:
You won't believe this, but it's all in black and gray. All the counter tops are just like what I have at home: black with flecks in it. Tile on the floor is grey. They have a little lime green and red around, so I accented with those colors. It's very fun to decorate on a dollar store budget and yes, it can be done.
Also: our bed is so hard we can hardly sleep on it. So we have been looking for a foam since
we've been here. Deciding that we would never find one, we found a thickish mattress cover. The girl in the store said that was the last one and they won't be carrying them anymore. She said it was a king size and I told Elder Przybyla this was as good as it was going to get. So we bought it and took it home. It's a queen size. So being creative, we turned it sideways on the bed and it works. Feet may stick over but who cares. Necessity is the mother of invention!!!!
This Thursday. Pres Mains is in town. We have to pickup the Sisters at the airport and then we have a meeting with a member about a job later.
You won't believe this, but it's all in black and gray. All the counter tops are just like what I have at home: black with flecks in it. Tile on the floor is grey. They have a little lime green and red around, so I accented with those colors. It's very fun to decorate on a dollar store budget and yes, it can be done.
Also: our bed is so hard we can hardly sleep on it. So we have been looking for a foam since
we've been here. Deciding that we would never find one, we found a thickish mattress cover. The girl in the store said that was the last one and they won't be carrying them anymore. She said it was a king size and I told Elder Przybyla this was as good as it was going to get. So we bought it and took it home. It's a queen size. So being creative, we turned it sideways on the bed and it works. Feet may stick over but who cares. Necessity is the mother of invention!!!!
This Thursday. Pres Mains is in town. We have to pickup the Sisters at the airport and then we have a meeting with a member about a job later.
Weather: well so far it's much nicer than I expected. When it's overcast, like it is most of the time so far, it's really not too hot. Not cool, but just not so hot. I hate it when the sun comes out.
Sister Boyter says the hot season is coming.
It has only down-poured once since we've been here; but when it does, it floods in a matter of minutes.
Our air conditioning in the house is fantastic. We have three of them and usually only have one of them on.
It gets light out at 7am every morning and dark at 7pm every evening. The sun never changes all year long. That is kind of hard to get used to. You expect it to change with the seasons, but it doesn't. I always know what time it is in the morning.
The views from every window in our apartment are beautiful.
The only thing I don't like about our apartment are the tile floors. That's how they build every house, but it's so hard to walk on and stand on when you are cooking etc. But they are beautiful.
Sister Boyter says the hot season is coming.
It has only down-poured once since we've been here; but when it does, it floods in a matter of minutes.
Our air conditioning in the house is fantastic. We have three of them and usually only have one of them on.
It gets light out at 7am every morning and dark at 7pm every evening. The sun never changes all year long. That is kind of hard to get used to. You expect it to change with the seasons, but it doesn't. I always know what time it is in the morning.
The views from every window in our apartment are beautiful.
The only thing I don't like about our apartment are the tile floors. That's how they build every house, but it's so hard to walk on and stand on when you are cooking etc. But they are beautiful.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday is Zone conference day. After the meeting we all went to lunch together at a place called Porkies. They have a hamburger probably about 10-11 inches long and 7 inches tall. If you can eat it all in 20 minutes it's free. Two Elders tried it. One didn't make it because he vomited. Then other one made it. It was the biggest thing ever. The hamburgers at this place are made out of pork. It was quite good.
We got up in zone conference and told them what our calling is and now we've had a call from one of the set of Elders that needs us to talk to someone in this Branch. We have an appointment with him tomorrow.
Today, we decided to go this Vocational school that we have seen before, but we couldn't remember where it was. Dad said don't worry, I know the Lord will lead us there. And he did. The gentleman we met was exactly the person we needed to talk to about getting people trained as skilled laborers. He was really pleased when he found out we didn't want to take these people back to America to be hired, but we are leaving them here to improve their country. We are best friends now. He said he would love to come to a meeting a speak to the youth. He also wants to be baptized he just doesn't know it yet!
Drove a set of Sisters to the airport today, and have to pick them up tomorrow.
Had the zone leaders over for diner tonight. They live very close to us. I found some hamburger at the store and Prego Spaghetti sauce. So I had spaghetti, french bread, and salad and dessert. The very excited to have American food. The one Elder said he hadn't had a salad in forever. It tasted good to me too.
I found some chocolate chips at the store. They were in a little bottle about 2 inches high and 1 inch around. I bought 2 bottles. Think I will make chocolte chip cookies when I get a minute.
Just heard from our head quarters in Hong Kong. Malaysia hasn't been cleared legally to do the PEF loans here yet and they aren't sure when that will be coming. We can still do other parts of the self-reliance program. So we will continue the research they need and still help members get better jobs.
Going to bed.
Selamat malam Good evening
Left our house in Orem on 10th of Feb. at 4:00 pm
Arrived in Singapore at noon on the 12th of Feb.
There was no one at customs so we walked right out. No one asked about luggage or what was it them, So the medicine all got there just fine.
We were met by the Mission President and Wife. Yes, He picked us up and spent 24 hrs with us.
He drove us through Singapore and went to the Stake Center/Mission headquarters.
Very large building which houses two chapels, High council room, and one part
serves as the Mission Headquarters. There were two Senior couples working there full time
They showed us all around the building and then took us to the High Council room and gave us some instructions
Then we drove to the Mission Home. Sister Mains made dinner. We had a little devotional and prayer and we finally got to go to bed. Their house is very nice. It's like an apartment in a complex but it's very large. 3 bedrooms, huge living room, kitchen with an oven, laundry room. Just because of property values its probably worth about 3 million dollars.
On the way to the mission home, we drove by to pick up some groceries. The store is called Cold Storage. Amy, you won't believe this, but it had any thing and everything you could want. From Campbell's soup, to Taco mixes, to real hamburger, etc. even cheese! Thought I had died and went to heaven.
Next morning, Pres Mains, cooked breakfast for us. Waffles with fruit and whipped cream, sausage, and eggs
Then we had orientation for about 3 hrs: Do and Don'ts. And expectations.
We were driven to the airport, told goodby and were on our way to Kuching. The food on this plane was delicious. Flight was about an hour. Elder and Sister Boyter met us. They drive a truck.
Airport weighed our luggage in Singapore for this flight and they charge by total weight. That was about 300 dollars. Hope the Church pays part or all of that???
The first thing we did was drive to our new apartment and drop stuff off.
Then we went and rented car from some member. It is the same car the Boyters drove when they got here. Our new car in on a ship somewhere. (Maybe that's like the check is in the mail). Driving is kind of crazy; they cut across three lines if they want to turn. So your dad fits right in!!! They do drive on the left side and the steering wheel is on the right side.
Went and bought some sheets for our bed. And then went out to dinner with the other two couples. We paid for dinner for all they did for us. One couple is here to teach family history and the other couple is here for Seminary and Institute.
Dad is now quite used to driving on left side, but I can't remember to get in the car on the other side.
The other Senior couple here brought us some food and put it in the refrigerator, etc. We have been living on that for three day. Unfortunately or fortunately the MacDonald is within walking distance.
But the last time we were there, a cute girl working there asked dad about his mission badge. Dad told her who we are and why we are here and she said "I need to know more about that!" She asked for our card. Which we don't have yet. So she wrote her name and phone number for us. So we are going to call her on Monday and maybe take her to lunch and ask if she wants to meet the Elders. We can teach if we want to, but Mission President says it is good that they hear the lessons in their own language.
We were suppose to be given a Mission Credit card when we got to Singapore but that isn't ready yet.
Everything seems to be slow in coming. Patience is the word. Our apartment is brand new; no has ever lived in it before. So there is partially nothing here. So there is a list of things the Mission will pay for, like a toaster, etc. Since we don't have the Church credit card yet we have to pay for all things and then get reimbursed. Will talk about the apartment later on.
Thursday: we picked up the Branch President's son, Jasper, about 23 yrs old. He took us all over town:
1. To get a cell phone. We only got one since we are always together to save money.
2. Went to get internet signed up. Can't tell you what kind it is but now we have it.
3. Went and bought a printer.
4. Had to go buy minutes for phone and something about internet- I guess they are connected some how.
5. We got home late and no phone or internet working!!!!!.
6. Bests of all we got a GPS--WE ARE NOW FREE TO GO WHERE WE WANT!!
We found our way back the next morning to where we bought minutes and they got it turned on.. This is what I mean by everything in Manana. That's why it took so long to hear from us.
Friday: we picked up Jasper's father, the Branch President. We went shopping for all the stuff the apartment needs. He asked if we wanted to go Spring Mall ( that's where we bought the sheets) and I
said no we want a cheaper place. There at least 2 big malls here. Even saw a Mac cosmetic store!
There is one very huge building that is only electronics. So far, I'm seeing you can buy anything you want.
We found a dollar store ( it's accurately less than a dollar but that's what I call it) That got us spoons and spatulas, graters, measuring cups, garbage cans, etc etc.
Then he took us to a nicer store and bought an oven, toaster, mixer, sort of crock pot, and food processor.
There was really nothing here in the apartment. But it is so nice. We love the location!!
Saturday: found our way to Giant ( like a Carrfor) Bought mostly stuff for the apartment again: extension cords. There are no outlets in either of the bathrooms!! Stepping stool so I can reach the cabinets in the kitchen. Also there are no drawers in the bedroom, so need baskets to put our underwear, socks and stuff in. I'm still trying to organized and find places for everything.
Had a blip in things that night!
Got home and no electricity!! Checked with the building office. They were closed. Call Elder Boyter who is over apartments. People came and people came but couldn't figure out the problem. Some would say it's something in the apartment and others would something else.
Its now been most of the day without air conditioning in the apartment on the 14th floor. Getting uncomfortable, opened all the windows and now it's getting dark and I hear a mosquito. The first and only one I've heard so far and no bites yet!!!
An electrician finally came and found a wire in the box outside the apartment that had caught fire, but for some reason the fire went out. He fixed the wire and we were back in lights. This whole event literally took hours.
We have been here a week. We have a washing machine, but no dryer. But the drain for the washing machine is not working. Supposedly, Elder Boyter knew this before we came and the building people was suppose to be fixing from the apartment underneath us, but still doesn't work..running out of G's.
Just another blip that needs patience.
Left our house in Orem on 10th of Feb. at 4:00 pm
Arrived in Singapore at noon on the 12th of Feb.
There was no one at customs so we walked right out. No one asked about luggage or what was it them, So the medicine all got there just fine.
We were met by the Mission President and Wife. Yes, He picked us up and spent 24 hrs with us.
He drove us through Singapore and went to the Stake Center/Mission headquarters.
Very large building which houses two chapels, High council room, and one part
serves as the Mission Headquarters. There were two Senior couples working there full time
They showed us all around the building and then took us to the High Council room and gave us some instructions
Then we drove to the Mission Home. Sister Mains made dinner. We had a little devotional and prayer and we finally got to go to bed. Their house is very nice. It's like an apartment in a complex but it's very large. 3 bedrooms, huge living room, kitchen with an oven, laundry room. Just because of property values its probably worth about 3 million dollars.
On the way to the mission home, we drove by to pick up some groceries. The store is called Cold Storage. Amy, you won't believe this, but it had any thing and everything you could want. From Campbell's soup, to Taco mixes, to real hamburger, etc. even cheese! Thought I had died and went to heaven.
Next morning, Pres Mains, cooked breakfast for us. Waffles with fruit and whipped cream, sausage, and eggs
Then we had orientation for about 3 hrs: Do and Don'ts. And expectations.
We were driven to the airport, told goodby and were on our way to Kuching. The food on this plane was delicious. Flight was about an hour. Elder and Sister Boyter met us. They drive a truck.
Airport weighed our luggage in Singapore for this flight and they charge by total weight. That was about 300 dollars. Hope the Church pays part or all of that???
The first thing we did was drive to our new apartment and drop stuff off.
Then we went and rented car from some member. It is the same car the Boyters drove when they got here. Our new car in on a ship somewhere. (Maybe that's like the check is in the mail). Driving is kind of crazy; they cut across three lines if they want to turn. So your dad fits right in!!! They do drive on the left side and the steering wheel is on the right side.
Went and bought some sheets for our bed. And then went out to dinner with the other two couples. We paid for dinner for all they did for us. One couple is here to teach family history and the other couple is here for Seminary and Institute.
Dad is now quite used to driving on left side, but I can't remember to get in the car on the other side.
The other Senior couple here brought us some food and put it in the refrigerator, etc. We have been living on that for three day. Unfortunately or fortunately the MacDonald is within walking distance.
But the last time we were there, a cute girl working there asked dad about his mission badge. Dad told her who we are and why we are here and she said "I need to know more about that!" She asked for our card. Which we don't have yet. So she wrote her name and phone number for us. So we are going to call her on Monday and maybe take her to lunch and ask if she wants to meet the Elders. We can teach if we want to, but Mission President says it is good that they hear the lessons in their own language.
We were suppose to be given a Mission Credit card when we got to Singapore but that isn't ready yet.
Everything seems to be slow in coming. Patience is the word. Our apartment is brand new; no has ever lived in it before. So there is partially nothing here. So there is a list of things the Mission will pay for, like a toaster, etc. Since we don't have the Church credit card yet we have to pay for all things and then get reimbursed. Will talk about the apartment later on.
Thursday: we picked up the Branch President's son, Jasper, about 23 yrs old. He took us all over town:
1. To get a cell phone. We only got one since we are always together to save money.
2. Went to get internet signed up. Can't tell you what kind it is but now we have it.
3. Went and bought a printer.
4. Had to go buy minutes for phone and something about internet- I guess they are connected some how.
5. We got home late and no phone or internet working!!!!!.
6. Bests of all we got a GPS--WE ARE NOW FREE TO GO WHERE WE WANT!!
We found our way back the next morning to where we bought minutes and they got it turned on.. This is what I mean by everything in Manana. That's why it took so long to hear from us.
Friday: we picked up Jasper's father, the Branch President. We went shopping for all the stuff the apartment needs. He asked if we wanted to go Spring Mall ( that's where we bought the sheets) and I
said no we want a cheaper place. There at least 2 big malls here. Even saw a Mac cosmetic store!
There is one very huge building that is only electronics. So far, I'm seeing you can buy anything you want.
We found a dollar store ( it's accurately less than a dollar but that's what I call it) That got us spoons and spatulas, graters, measuring cups, garbage cans, etc etc.
Then he took us to a nicer store and bought an oven, toaster, mixer, sort of crock pot, and food processor.
There was really nothing here in the apartment. But it is so nice. We love the location!!
Saturday: found our way to Giant ( like a Carrfor) Bought mostly stuff for the apartment again: extension cords. There are no outlets in either of the bathrooms!! Stepping stool so I can reach the cabinets in the kitchen. Also there are no drawers in the bedroom, so need baskets to put our underwear, socks and stuff in. I'm still trying to organized and find places for everything.
Had a blip in things that night!
Got home and no electricity!! Checked with the building office. They were closed. Call Elder Boyter who is over apartments. People came and people came but couldn't figure out the problem. Some would say it's something in the apartment and others would something else.
Its now been most of the day without air conditioning in the apartment on the 14th floor. Getting uncomfortable, opened all the windows and now it's getting dark and I hear a mosquito. The first and only one I've heard so far and no bites yet!!!
An electrician finally came and found a wire in the box outside the apartment that had caught fire, but for some reason the fire went out. He fixed the wire and we were back in lights. This whole event literally took hours.
We have been here a week. We have a washing machine, but no dryer. But the drain for the washing machine is not working. Supposedly, Elder Boyter knew this before we came and the building people was suppose to be fixing from the apartment underneath us, but still doesn't work..running out of G's.
Just another blip that needs patience.
Getting settled in Malaysia
I wrote many pages on here the other day and for some reason they didn't post. Typing takes me a long time, but here I go again and hope it works. Britt isn't here to help me!
We left our house on the 10th of Feb at 4pm and got to Singapore on the 12th at noon. Of course crossed the international date line, so you figure how long that took. But the long flight went very well for me this time. I was able to sleep some.
Mission President and his wife, Elder and Sister Mains, meet us at the airport. Dave, I told him I won a $20 bet with you. Ha Ha. They spent 24 hours with us showing us around the stake building, which also houses the Mission Offices. Had dinner at their house and then they put us to bed. President cooked us breakfast the next morning,3 hours of orientation, driven to the airport, told good by, and sent to Kuching.
As we were landing, I definitely felt this is where we are suppose to be. We already love the people, they are so helpful and friendly.
Our first day the Branch President's son spend the day helping us :
1. Get a cell phone. Decided to only get one since we are always together.
2. Get the internet
3. Get a GPS --- the greatest thing we have done so far!!!
4. Get a Scanner and printer.
Our second day the Branch President spend half a day with us:
1. Buying stuff for our apartment
2. Buying an oven, mixer, pots, pans, etc.
The other Senior Couples are showing us around town. We save every site on our GPS and we are now pretty free to go anywhere we want. If we get lost we can always get back home.
A little about our Apartment:
It's in a high-rise apt building. We are on the 14th floor. But because the Chinese don't like the number 4 they call our floor 13A and because there is no number 4 floor the one above is called 13B. Aren't we so lucky to live on the 13th floor. Guess when in Rome (oops!) Malaysia live like the Malaysians.
The apartment has total security around it. There is a 24 hour guard at the front gate. Then you have a key pass to open the bottom door We have two doors into our apartment and both doors have two locks on them. Wow!
The apartment is absolutely beautiful. Very modern. It only had a table, couch, bed, and desk in it.
So we have had to go shopping to find everything. We are finally getting there. Only a few thing left. Our bedroom has his and her closets, but no drawers anywhere. We have to get creative on where to put underwear, socks, etc. I think I will pause now so I can get some pictures to put on.
Love ya all
We left our house on the 10th of Feb at 4pm and got to Singapore on the 12th at noon. Of course crossed the international date line, so you figure how long that took. But the long flight went very well for me this time. I was able to sleep some.
Mission President and his wife, Elder and Sister Mains, meet us at the airport. Dave, I told him I won a $20 bet with you. Ha Ha. They spent 24 hours with us showing us around the stake building, which also houses the Mission Offices. Had dinner at their house and then they put us to bed. President cooked us breakfast the next morning,3 hours of orientation, driven to the airport, told good by, and sent to Kuching.
As we were landing, I definitely felt this is where we are suppose to be. We already love the people, they are so helpful and friendly.
Our first day the Branch President's son spend the day helping us :
1. Get a cell phone. Decided to only get one since we are always together.
2. Get the internet
3. Get a GPS --- the greatest thing we have done so far!!!
4. Get a Scanner and printer.
Our second day the Branch President spend half a day with us:
1. Buying stuff for our apartment
2. Buying an oven, mixer, pots, pans, etc.
The other Senior Couples are showing us around town. We save every site on our GPS and we are now pretty free to go anywhere we want. If we get lost we can always get back home.
A little about our Apartment:
It's in a high-rise apt building. We are on the 14th floor. But because the Chinese don't like the number 4 they call our floor 13A and because there is no number 4 floor the one above is called 13B. Aren't we so lucky to live on the 13th floor. Guess when in Rome (oops!) Malaysia live like the Malaysians.
The apartment has total security around it. There is a 24 hour guard at the front gate. Then you have a key pass to open the bottom door We have two doors into our apartment and both doors have two locks on them. Wow!
The apartment is absolutely beautiful. Very modern. It only had a table, couch, bed, and desk in it.
So we have had to go shopping to find everything. We are finally getting there. Only a few thing left. Our bedroom has his and her closets, but no drawers anywhere. We have to get creative on where to put underwear, socks, etc. I think I will pause now so I can get some pictures to put on.
Love ya all
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