Sunday

I have already fallen in love with my Branch in Malaysia. I love my ward at home, but I really wasn't needed there. Here I have been welcomed in and was given a calling in the primary the second week. And I was asked to teach Relief Society and play the piano in Relief Society. We are small with only about 30-40 attending, but the spirit is strong. We have 2 sets of young Elders, and a missionary couple just came two weeks ago. He told how he and his wife have wanted to serve a mission, but things kept happening. They finally put in their papers at age 70 and figured they would be called to a easy place. But they got the 2 year call to Malaysia. She said she didn't even know where it was. LOL Join the club. They are excited to be here, and I already love them.

Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Sixth Quorum of the Seventy came to our meeting. I didn't even know we had these callings. http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/62265/New-Area-Seventies.html
He spoke of our branch being pioneers here in JB. And he believes that someday there will be wards and stakes here. Lot's of work to get there, but I hope that it happens.

There is also another American attending the branch. He is working nearby, and isn't with his family. He teaches the English Gospel Doctrine class. The rest are Malaysian and Chinese. Wonderful people.

Church is in several languages. They have headphones and when it's a language someone doesn't understand they can put on the headphones and the elders translate.

Father forgive me when I whine. I have so much to be thankful for. Today I took a sister to church who needed a ride. She lives close to me. Her name is Venus. She is 39. And I will take her twice a month. She is a maid, nanny, housekeeper, cook. She is from the Philippines. She has 4 children ranging in ages 13-4 and a husband. Things are so desperate there she has taken a job here for a Chinese family. She works everyday and they are being generous to give her 2 Sunday's off a month to attend church. She shares a room with the 86 year old grandma which she also cares for along with a 7 and one year old. She saw her family in February and her contract ends in July. She is trying to save money so she can go home and start a business. 450$ a month for working full time everyday. No day off. My heart aches for her and for all those in this same situation. When we complain about our lives, remember Venus.

I enjoyed the church meeting today. It was fast and testimony meeting. I bore my testimony and started by saying that I get up everyday and want to go home. (And I do feel that way morning, noon, and night) But I made the commitment to be here in Malaysia and I need to be happy and strong. I said I also want to go home someday to Heavenly Father, and to do that I need to be like the scripture in Mosiah 5:15 “Therefore I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, The Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all.” I am trying to be happy and serve others. I am trying to be strong here, and find a way to help others. Sometimes it's just one hour at a time....and I will remember Venus.