Our Cultural Experience in Sarawak

Upon leaving Singapore, we traveled with another Senior Couple to Kuching, East Malaysia.  We spent two days with them enjoying the sights and culture of Sarawak.  We have heard so much about it from our members in the Masai Branch, most of who were born in Sarawak.  (formerly known as Borneo).  Yes, it is the land of the headhunters. 

It really hasn't been that many years since that was their way of life here.

Many thanks to the Maglebys, who were such wonderful hosts. 
They showed us such a great time!

The Sarawak River Cruise was certainly a study in contrasts. 

We  could see fishing villages, mosques, houses on stilts, fishing boats and mansions. 

It was such an interesting experience.  

They had dancers from the tribes here in Sarawak, who each did their traditional dances.

Next day  was the Sarawak Cultural Village.

The dancer was actually holding this large clay pot in his teeth

Many places we have traveled in the world, we see dances which are always so graceful and beautiful.  Each tribe has their own type of costumes and dances which are meaningful to their culture.  I love being able to experience these traditions.

After he climbed to the top of the pole he laid on his stomach

and they spun the pole around.

People from the audience were invited up to join in the dance.  

This is the house for the Bidayuh tribe.  

If you look closely you will see several skulls under the yellow cloth. 

This must have been a ritual they had after they obtained the heads

We have heard a lot about the Iban longhouses. 

These are very long, wood houses which have many doors. 

A family will  live together in the longhouse,

each having their separate room.  

Many of our members in the Masai Branch are from this Iban tribe in Sarawak,

so it is very interesting for us to see the traditions and customs of their tribe.

The step to get in and out is just a large log that has been carved into stairs. 

It is very narrow and a little scary going down.  

One of the things they are very good at is beadwork. 

Notice the collar that she has around her neck.  It is made from thousands of tiny beads.  

I am not sure if he is just a warrior, or if he is supposed to be a headhunter. 

Either way, I am happy that it was just an example and not for real.

Senior Conference in Singapore

We enjoyed another Senior Missionary Conference in Singapore. 

We rode a cable car up  to Mt. Faber, which is the location where Apostle Ezra Taft Benson dedicated the country of Singapore to missionary work on 14 April 1969.

The panoramic view from  Mt. Faber is spectacular.  

 

I always miss Elder Lamb when we go on these excursions, but he cannot do this much walking.  He is really suffering from a hip that needs to be replaced.  

While at this spot we read the dedicatory prayer together and then sang

"Called To Serve."  This was a very special and meaningful activity.

It is a blessing to part of this group of devoted, amazing missionaries.

Such a Shock - Our Beautiful New Chapel Burglarized

We came to church on Sunday October 22, and found the 2nd story of our chapel had been burglarized.  This was such a sick feeling to see so much damage.  There obviously was no electricity or plumbing,

so we were unable to meet in the classrooms upstairs.

Someone had gotten in  and stolen all of the wiring, copper pipes, plumbing fixtures, TV and piano keyboards. 

There was water pouring into the bathroom.  We have no idea how long it had been running, but luckily there was a drain in the floor.  There is some damage in the walls of the bathroom downstairs just below.

We were happy that the contractors were able to repair the damage

and had the church ready to meet in on the next Sunday.  

Masai Branch is Growing

The Elders have been working very hard for many months in the Masai Branch, but have not met with much success with new converts.  They have reactivated several people, and continue to do that.  A few months ago, as the Elders were trying to find a less-active member, they were spotted by a sweet woman, who is a member of the church,

from Sarawak, in East Malaysia. 

She is here in Masai taking care of grandchildren while the parents work. 

She was so excited to see them and expressed her desire to come to church,

but she had no way to get there. 

The Elders arranged for one of our members to come by each

Sunday and pick her up for church. 

This went on for a few weeks and then with subsequent visits from the missionaries, the three children in the family expressed a desire to come to church. 

They enjoyed Primary very much. 

Soon the whole family were taking the missionary lessons.

On Saturday, October 14, five members of the family were baptized.  This was the first baptism in our new Masai Chapel.

As you can see, the baptismal font is in the small kitchen. 

It was rather crowded, but it worked and was a wonderful occasion for this branch.  

Alicsia, Tiam (the mom), Febian, Jenis & Cheryl

Elder Gara and Elder Bowler are very happy

Grandma, Sis Enum is so proud of her family.

One of the rewards of serving a mission. 

Such a great day!!

This is a beautiful family! 

They will be a wonderful addition to the branch.

Many members of the branch came to support this family as they were baptized

members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Masai Branch - I Would Call it a Miracle

The Masai Branch Chapel was finally completed

and our very first meeting was held on September 3, 2017. 

We had been averaging 25-30 members attending church the past few months.  In our eyes, this was very good for this struggling branch

because it was twice as many as a year ago.  

This particular Sunday was special because not only was it our first meeting in the new church, but it was a Missionary Farewell for their beloved Sister Taha.  The miracle occurred when the attendance was actually 65. 

These are all members who attend sometimes, but not regularly, 

what a blessing to have all of them together.   

We actually had 18 children in Primary, and we usually have about 6-8.

Sister Norma was so happy to have a new Relief Society room full

of wonderful sisters.

When church was over we had a "Linger Longer" where everyone brought food to share.  Not only was there much delicious food, but the members enjoyed visiting with each other and enjoying being together again. 

It was a wonderful way to end the day.

 We are going to really miss this beautiful young woman. 

She has been our "angel" here in Malaysia  and now we will be sharing her with the Singapore Mission, as she leaves for the Manila MTC next week.

This family is very special to us. 

Not only were we able to accompany them to the Manila Temple

to be sealed together as a family,

but we have grown to love them very much. 

This is what makes it worth it to serve a mission

and spend two years away from your loved ones.