Honestly, I’m not sure how to process saying goodbye to a place and a people that have my heart. I don’t know how to leave a space where I’ve been impacted so deeply. However, I know how important it is to mourn what needs to be mourned, so, ive decided to  write a letter-one addressed to Malaysia, my family here, and to each person reading this.

The time i spent in Malaysia will forever mark my life because of what the Lord has done and the people i have met. I don’t think ive seen more smiles from strangers on the street or waves from kids riding their bike than in this place I’ve lived. Malaysia is quite possibly the most beautiful place  I’ve ever been in - the people, the scenery, the hospitality, all of the above. It has also been the quickest season of my life. Were we really here for 2 months? I’m not convinced. Many days were long and filled with yawning, but each one of them carried special ways of living intentionally.  Each person that I met - weather at the coffee shops, in the 99 mart, friends at church, people from a rest stop, those riding bikes, kids and adults at the school, those we colored with at the bakery, the special people who made our food - each one of them carries a special piece of the Lord’s heart and He wants them to know about it.

I don’t think I can ever describe all that we did during our time here, every person we met, every lesson we learned, or every random moment I wanted to note.

However, I can say that I grew in boldness in evangelism and now truly never meet a stranger. I’ve been touched by the effects of discipleship and am learning to walk it out. I learned what it is to be interruptible and lived each day in that. I realized that ministry is life and life is ministry. I’ve learned to “just ask”- most people won’t turn down prayer - even if they’re Muslim. My heart for intercession has grown immensely and my eyes have been opened to see those around me even clearer.

It’s been HARD but SO worth it because they are worth it and so is He.

Every late night and early morning is used to advance the kingdom. Every uncomfortable situation or interruption has come to build His church. Every sidewalk prayer and food stand encouragement is for the future evangelist. The homeless man on the street - the one who is blind - the many who are crippled - the ones who are poor - the woman hurting - the mom carrying so much - the elderly who need help -  each and every one of these people the Lord is chasing down and I almost can’t fathom the thought of leaving them. However, I know that the Lord sends others to harvest what they did not plant, just as He is gifting me the same opportunity. This is evangelism to discipleship. No word He speaks is in vain, and, therefore, every time His name is spoken, a seed is planted and I trust Him to keep watering it - for His enjoyment as the gardener.

I will miss the 3am mornings. I will miss sharing one room with 24 girls. I will miss our laundromat runs and food court conversations. I will miss our random adventures and the new friends we met. I will miss the creation around me and the baristas who have been so kind. I will miss the 99 mart employees and every Gospel conversation with the grab drivers. I will miss my students and my auntie. I will miss our friends at the bakery and our little dance parties. I will miss my family in the church - those who walked with me in this season.

Sweet Malaysia,

At the thought of leaving, I can’t help but feel grateful, joyful, and even heavy. But, I hold a smile that beams as I remember the memories and look forward to what’s ahead.

Thank you Jesus for a time so pure

Till next time, dear Malaysia🇲🇾