Malaysia was a whirlwind. I’m so sad to leave because there is so much this country needs, but I’m also so excited to go to Guatemala. I’m ready to leave the dark spiritual cloud that lives over Malaysia.

Ministry

While in Malaysia, we had so many ministry opportunities, which was amazing.

School

We all served as teachers at a small Rohingya refugee school, where each racer had one student to teach one-on-one. I shared a student with Ryley; his name is Iqram. I loved getting close with him and seeing him go from not knowing any English—speaking or writing—to loving to learn, understanding more, and doing so well by the end of our time. In the new school year, Ryley and I also got to teach his brother, Imran.

Ryley and I did our best to share the gospel by teaching scripture, but we had to remove the Trinity since the police monitor the school to make sure we aren’t converting them to Christianity. At the school, it was all about planting seeds—and we did. We taught them about the fruits of the Spirit and “My Shepherd Guides Me.” Toward the end of our time there, both boys listened to worship music on our headphones while they worked. It was crazy to see how much peace it brought them and how much it helped them focus. Both boys even sang along at times, which was wild because they were speaking truth and saying, “Jesus is Lord.”

Bakery

For two days of the week, my team and another team would go to a bakery. This was a special needs bakery where adults with disabilities make all the baked goods. It’s a program designed to give them hands-on jobs and meaningful work.

The bakery was difficult for me at first because I missed being at the school, but it was sweet getting to help with things the owner simply needed help with. At the beginning of our time there, we were able to fundraise enough money to buy art supplies for their breaks and supplies to paint a mural. By the end of our time, I helped paint the mural and design a new menu for the bakery.

Everyday Relationships

A huge part of Malaysia for me was creating relationships with the people we saw every day and those we met while out and about. We had deep, intentional conversations, and I think this was my favorite part of living there. I got to see what living life on mission really looks like—asking the Lord daily and seeing people the way He sees them, not being so rushed that you miss opportunities to minister.

Visiting Homes

There were so many opportunities to dive into Malaysian culture. We visited many homes and had dinner with families from church, and it always felt like a big family gathering. Other times, visiting homes was an opportunity to minister and share the gospel. For example, we were invited to a family lunch where the family was Hindu. They had a large altar and were doing sacrifices while we were there. Even then, it was an opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

Christmas Eve Service

Christmas caroling was so funny. We learned Tamil and English carols and went caroling the week before Christmas. That week, we caroled all through the night. Starting at 6:30 pm and ending around 2 or 3 am. We would drive to someone’s house, stand in their driveway, sing a few carols, read scripture, go inside, pray for them, sing a few more songs, greet each family member, and then eat whatever food they had prepared for us.

Christmas Eve was such a fun time. Weeks beforehand, all the girls went through the process of getting traditional sarees made. This included choosing fabric, getting measured, visiting the tailor, finding underskirts and jewelry, and finally, the big night when we got them put on. We took so many photos and then went to church.

We praised God and danced together, had a dinner break, and fellowshiped with church members. Then we performed an Indian dance we had learned—which was way out of my comfort zone but so much fun. There were many other performances, and Pastor Tomas preached. We then counted down to Christmas like it was New Year’s. Fireworks were going off, and everyone was so excited to celebrate.

House church happened every day of the week, but each team only attended one. The few times I went, I loved it. It felt like a connect group, and everyone had the opportunity to testify or share a short word.

Adventures

Malaysia allowed for so many fun weekend adventures. Penang is a small island in Malaysia where we went to the beach and ate amazing food. We took a train and a ferry to get there, which was my favorite way to travel.

There is a makers market in Penang that I loved. All the art and jewelry were so fun, and it was the perfect place to talk to people which we did. We prayed for a sweet lady at the market who was so encouraged. She is Catholic but used to be Buddhist. She testified to how good the Lord is, sharing how when she started believing in Jesus, her prayers were answered. Unlike when she was Buddhist and nothing would happen.

Bali

I had the amazing and rare opportunity to go to Bali. Meridyth’s family friends live there as missionaries, and their mission is to host other missionaries for times of rest so they can stay in the field longer. It was such a blessing to stay with them and be served so well.

It was a refreshing weekend with fresh food that was dairy- and gluten-free, sleeping in a bed, and sitting on a couch. All things I hadn’t done in months. The three of us spent a day at the beach, eating lunch, talking, swimming, and finding so many cool shells.

Spiritually

Spiritually, Malaysia was heavy but stretching in the best way. It made me more aware of the spiritual darkness that exists and how real spiritual warfare is, especially in a place where the gospel is so restricted. It forced me to rely on the Lord daily, not just for strength but for discernment, patience, and obedience.

I learned what it looks like to plant seeds without always seeing fruit right away. That was hard at times, but it taught me to trust God with the outcome and remember that my job is simply to be faithful. Whether it was at the school, the bakery, or in everyday conversations, the Lord reminded me that He is always working even when it feels quiet or unseen.

Malaysia also showed me the importance of slowing down and living intentionally. I learned how to notice people, listen well, and be present. The Lord softened my heart and gave me a deeper compassion for people who have never truly encountered Him.

Leaving Malaysia feels bittersweet. I’m grateful for all the ways God stretched me, refined me, and taught me to walk closely with Him. I’m leaving encouraged, more aware, and more dependent on Him than when I arrived.

We made it out of the wilderness leaning on our beloved!!!