Sungai Petani, Malaysia📍

Wow. What a day this has been. What a week. What a life I get to live. Each day, multiple times a day, I find myself looking around and asking my teammates, “what is this life we’re living?”

How is it possible that we live in a community of 37 people, sharing one room with 25 girls, communing with the congregation at church every night, sharing Jesus with every Grab driver (Malaysian taxi), interceding for the person walking by, and staying up till an hour I’m not used to?

Malaysia is not quite like anywhere I’ve been before.

Here, church happens every night, sleep is not your own, the women beam when you look at them, and it’s normal to see families with tiny kids sitting in Texas Chicken at 2am.

The moment our colorful bus pulled up to the Church that’s our home, we were greeted by the congregation with smiles, hugs, and a ribbon to cut. A special meal was prepared and Carter was asked to give an impromptu message. We sat on the floor at 10pm, eating traditional Indian food, trying hard not to fall asleep. Staying up to worship until 12, it was the start of our new late night schedule.

Each day has looked a little different, and we’ve gone through this week just resting. Being here, we’ve already celebrated Thanksgiving, my birthday, and have attended the big, traditional, Indian Friday night service.

Most days we’ve gone out on coffee shop runs. Through these, my squad and I have met the sweetest people, sharing the Gospel and learning about the religions here (Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism).

We’ve had teachings and worship and we eat together as one big family.

On Thursday (Thanksgiving) our PPC (party planning committee) planned morning worship focused on gratitude, and in the evening a special meal was prepared for us. We sat in a circle in the little alley, all sharing what we were grateful for. Ice cream was a special treat brought out for dessert, and our family photo turned out adorable. After that, all the girls and Ezra were asked to watch Tambourine practice, as we’ll be learning in order to perform for the church.

Friday was my birthday, so as our watches beeped at 12am, still at tambourine practice, some of the sweet girls on my squad sang happy birthday, in true World Race fashion. Eventually we made our way to bed, all feeling exhausted, and prepared to wake up just a few hours later. I woke up early to call my family and was given a sweet little card. After calling my family to say happy Thanksgiving (Malaysia is 13 hrs ahead of the states) the Lord and I spent some wonderful time together. Next was worship and a teaching, then my squad left for the laundromat/the china buffet for lunch. We did our laundry and ordered our lunch. Ordering went about how you would expect as english speakers at a Chinese buffet in Malaysia. It was so fun, though, and such a blessing to sit around the table and chat. I was blessed with the gift of cheesecake and an oolong tea. I chatted with a sweet Islamic family as I waited for the laundry to dry. On our way home the van was packed with people and so much laughter.

After our short drive home, my team hopped in another grab and headed to a coffee shop. We tried a delicious shaved ice cream. It’s served with a sauce that is poured over the ice cream shavings to make it a smooth texture. After that, the girls took some time to get fancied up in our Indian dresses. We then sat under a beautiful tent with pink circle tables to eat our dinner. Eventually, our brothers and sisters in the church showed up for the big Friday service. We watched the tambourine dancing and spent time dedicated a baby girl to the Lord. We then joined everyone for a giant meal and chatted with the people who shuffled to and from the tables. The racers took a picture all together and had a little dance party (yes, we did the church clap). A handful of people stayed to play the instruments and do a little bit of rapping until the clock hit midnight and it was time to head to Texas Chicken. Sitting there, the pastor prophesied over many of us as we sat, chilling, chatting and laughing. The 2am drive home was probably my favorite part, as the van looked like a pack of sardines. There was laughter and I did almost get stuck as I created my own seat. The day was long and hard at parts but so very beautiful. Many encouraging words were spoken, notes were given, and quality time was had.

*Side note, little notes are now some of my favorite things-on Friday I received ones with visions, words from the Lord, poems, and so much encouragement. 😊

This week has been filled with many intentional Gospel conversations, sweet words, deeper friendships and new experiences.

I’m now learning the drums, base, guitar, piano, and tambourine dancing.

It’s been a hard week physically, but the support system I have has touched my heart and the intentionally I’ve seen come through the break in others has been beautiful.

Tomorrow starts our official ministry, and I can’t wait to experience all that the Lord holds for such a time as this:)

I love you all,

Rissa🫶

our colorful bus ride from the airport to our new home🚍

me and Carlee🤪

Me, Lia, Caroline and Tony at the mall

Bridger, Lia, Caroline, Tony and Carter waiting for our grab:)

me and Mercy with our 🤍 chicken nuggets

Ryley, Mia, Meridyth, Abby, Jazz, Jaydin and Macie at our Friday service

late night Texas Chicken run

Me and Lia on my bdayyyy

Me and Carter at the Friday service

my squad ( minus a few ) on Thanksgiving

making hand turkeys

the prettiest rainbow