It is long but there is so much information I would love to share!

Music is a powerful tool in todays world to project messages, give hope, connect to others, and so much more. Within the church we use music in a variety of ways which all tend to boil down to the connection of the people to one another and to the Lord. I have always enjoyed listening and participating in music from classical, rock, pop, r & b, gospel, jazz, and much more. The word ‘Music’ is used to describe many different types styles and traditions. ‘Music’ is a word with power and a uniqueness we can make our own to connect to one another and to describe ourselves and our faith.

Malaysia is very much like the word music. It is a place rich with culture, tradition, and language. In Malaysia there are three major ethnic groups: Malay, chinese, and Indian. However, within these three groups there are many subgroups with their own types of music. I am currently located in Sabah, Malaysia where there are more than 30 different ethnic indigenous groups. With all these different groups there are close to 100 different dialects. It has been fascinating getting to hear all of these different languages and seeing how these cultures intermix and communicate with one another.

These languages are a type of music all in their own. They each have an individuality to them through their tones. My ear is yet to be trained in deciphering the difference between Mandarin, Hakka Chinese, and Malay. Right now it all sounds fairly similar but it is interesting to listen to and try and figure out what the conversation might be about. By the end of the year I hope to be able to hold a conversation in Mandarin Chinese and also Malay (most common language used in Malaysia). Throughout orientation the other five volunteers and myself have been trying to pick-up on some of the key phrases used in Malay.

Since we boarded our plane in Chicago we have attended an orientation week here in Kota Kinabalu (KK). This was a busy time learning more about the culture, history, and where things are in KK. It was exciting to see the sights, visit with new people, and get to know the area we will be living in for the year. I will be located in an apartment with two of the other volunteers. It is right down the street from a Chinese market and close to Sabah Theological Seminary. We have all been very blessed in the hospitality shown to us here in KK. All the people we have met have been welcoming, interested in what we are doing, where we are from, and invite us to be with them. I have felt very welcomed here and am looking forward to what this year may bring.

Currently my job here consists of working with the Girls Brigade on Sunday afternoons. I have attended one so far and am looking forward to the next. This is a program for the girls in the area to come together for activities, Bible study, and marching. It is very similar to the USA Girl Scouts program. From Monday to Friday I am working at Penampang Kindergarten by helping the children and teachers with their English. There are three of us working in different kindergarten schools and we each have just finished our first weeks of this. The program here is very different from the states and I am excited to learn more about their teaching methods here and how they would like me to play a role in educating the children.

It has been interesting hearing the many different types of music so far and I look forward to hearing more and understanding them more as the year continues. Thank you all for your support and I will write again soon!

Peace, Kelsey