Remembering Why I'm Here

I just got home to my apartment after eating dinner at my school's hostel. I've been trying to eat there with the girls every week, and it's a great way to spend time with them outside of school hours. I always have fun when I go to eat at the hostel, and tonight's visit was especially good. I really enjoyed talking and laughing with the girls, asking them about their families, answering questions about America, and having positive dialogue about Islam and Christianity.

Spending this time with the girls at my school really reminds me why I came to Malaysia. I came to learn about a new culture, to be a representative for my country, to have travel opportunities, yes, but above all I came to be a teacher. I came here to interact and build relationships with students, and during times like these at the hostel, I'm really able to do that. True, so many aspects of my time here have been difficult, frustrating, confusing, and sad, but many good things have happened, too. I'm convinced that some of the kindest people on the planet live right here in Terengganu. Even though we believe different things, have different customs, and sometimes have different ideas about interaction, I am able to recognize that the opportunity I've had here is an extremely unique one, and something that will impact the rest of my life.