February 2003
Dear Friends,
We are in the midst of Chinese New Year here in Penang and continue
to celebrate with the sounds of exploding firecrackers from the
nearby beach throughout the night (!). Chinese New Year is the
fourth national holiday Malaysia has observed over the past three
months. The stores went from decorating for Hari Raya Puasa December
6 (the Muslim festival ending the fast month), to Christmas (observed
by Malaysia’s Christians—roughly 8.6 percent of its
20 million people), to Thaipusam (a Hindu holiday) and finally
Chinese New Year. We feel privileged to be able to live in such
a multiethnic setting¾except at 2:00 a.m. when those firecrackers
wake us up.
Six months ago we returned to Penang after our furlough year
in the States. Although Penang is familiar to us (we’ve
lived here since 1995), we faced significant adjustments. Paul’s
new position as facilitator for evangelism in Southeast Asia for
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has involved a steep learning
curve in becoming familiar with the needs of Cambodia, Laos, and
Vietnam, learning more about Presbyterian ministries in those
countries and becoming better acquainted with the Presbyterian
Church in Malaysia and Singapore.
Carol had previously worked full-time at Dalat School, first
as a teacher and then as secondary principal, so coming back in
the capacity of day parent has been a different kind of challenge.
Being a member of the steering committee, launching an international
church here in Penang, and facilitating a small group have occupied
her time along with caring for the family and continuing her studies.
Another adjustment: for the first time, one of our children saw
us off at the airport. Hannah (who came to Asia with us as an
18-month-old back in 1984) is presently a sophomore at Calvin
College in Michigan. She was able to spend Christmas and her January
term with us working on an independent study and volunteering
in the Occupational Therapy Department at a local hospital. She
was delighted to be “home” in Asia, and we were so
thankful to be able to enjoy a good chunk of time with her.
Jessica, a Junior at Dalat School, needed little time to readjust;
she jumped right back after her year in Minnesota—playing
on Penang state’s soccer team (as backup goalie) and being
elected class president! Jessica’s friend, Rachael Caldwell,
joined our family last August. Her parents work in Cambodia and
in response to our invitation, Rachael decided to live with us
this year rather than in the dorm.
Finally, Joshua began his career as a middle school student last
August. An unexpected gift of the use of a trampoline now set
up in our backyard has been a wonderful source of fun and a testimony
of God’s goodness to our 12-year-old son. So, lots of changes,
but as we’ve made these adjustments, we’ve all experienced
His sufficiency and His goodness.
As we launch into 2003, please pray for wisdom to discern how
best to facilitate existing ministries and respond to new opportunities
in the region and for safety in travel. We are excited about what
the One who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or
imagine wants to do in us and through us in the new year.
With thanksgiving for your partnership,
Paul and Carol Friesen |
