4 Thornes in Malaysia

One thing we have discovered here in Asia is that very often English words are used in unusual ways. Example - what we call private or group tutoring in Canada is called tuition here in Penang. You can go to get your hair done at the Hair Saloon. We see t-shirts that will have statements that don't even make any sense! One of Rachel's friends here even has a collection of 'things that don't make sense' since there are just so many. Bob bought a tin of cookies yesterday... ...don't know if you can read the small print, but it says 'Hilarious Mix of Assorted Biscuits'. I'm trying to adjust to these new uses of the English language, and look at things as 'different' instead of 'wrong'....but....hilarious cookies? Wondering in Penang, Karin :-)

We are almost at the five month mark of our new life here in Penang, and can I be honest? These have been a tough few weeks . The realities of settling into a new home, seeking to make new friends and relationships and finding meaningful work to do all take a toll. Although today it is somewhat cooler, the heat and humidity have been nearly unbearable lately, and I find myself longing for crisp and cool air. I realize that I am definitely still in the midst of transition, trying to find my way and my place in this new world. This will take time and I need to be patient and give myself the emotional 'room' to adjust. I intended to share the 'funny and perhaps not so funny' moments of our life here through this blog, so here are a couple of entries into those categories - I'll let you choose which one! We were out for the first of the 'Farewell' dinners last week. (Penang is so transient, we know of at least 55 people we've met through church or school who...

A few weeks back Bob and I were able to attend a Missional International Church Network conference in Kuala Lumpur. It was a really good time for us to connect with people who are involved in International Churches in many different countries. Since we're so new to this it was great to talk with people who have been involved with IC's for many years. One of our sessions in the FREEZING COLD meeting room. Next time we go to a conference I will remember to bring warmer clothes!! Had to get a picture with all the Canadians! "NO DURIAN" on the elevator - while we haven't tried it yet, we've been told that durian has a nasty smell and a nasty taste (for some people, anyway). Many places won't allow it because of the lingering odor! The world famous Petronas Towers in KL - beautiful all lit up at night. One evening we were treated to a dinner and cultural dance presentation that involved Indian, Chinese and Malay dancing. After the official presentation they as...

I had a distressing day yesterday because I lost my wallet in the morning on my way home from the market. We returned to the market to search for it, searched the house and then proceeded to phone to cancel all the credit and debit cards. It was NOT the best day we've had in Penang. We returned to the market again today, hoping someone might recognize me from the picture on my driver's licence - although, honestly, please tell me that I do not look like that in real life!!! :0) When we returned home later today we met up with a man as we exited the elevator who said that someone had been looking for us to return a wallet. REALLY??? We followed up on it, left a note on that person's door and an hour later he called and gave me my wallet with EVERYTHING inside it - cash included. (One friend sent me a message today saying that we should just ride that elevator all day - it's good to us!) We feel such relief at this. Getting a drivers licence from such a distance is a rea...

I have a great story to tell you!! We are living in an apartment that is leased until July 31. We knew that it would be temporary and that we would need to find another place to live after the lease ran out. For a few weeks we 'half-heartedly' looked at some apartments - looking at what the agent/s would tell us about, but not anxious to find something immediately. About four weeks ago, Bob and I talked and decided that we had several months, that there was no need for us to be spending the time and energy looking right now, and that we would put our apartment hunting on hold and just wait and pray for God to lead us to the right home. Two weeks ago, Bob was headed down the elevator early in the morning to buy some meat at the market. (Can I just say that he's a wonderful husband for doing that???) In the elevator he met up with a woman whom he had briefly met earlier. She asked if we had found a place to live, and Bob said that no, we hadn't. As it happens, she is a re...