Rain Rain Go Away... bring in the coffee

Just kidding about the title. The rain is very refreshing here in the heat. Things are going well in KK. There are many friendships growing and challenges being faced. The kindergarten I am working at is getting ready for their end of the year program and final exams. It is fun watching the kids dance, sing, and study hard. They have a great deal of energy which really shows once they are on stage. Today the other volunteers and I were invited to a teachers appreciation day with the Sabah Theological Seminary. This took place at a beach on a day just perfect for such an event. It was overcast and the rain held off until the very end. It was fun to see and catch up with many of the students we meet during orientation. The morning was full of games as we all competed in our 'family' groups for the best time or most points. The games consisted of bowling with coconuts, gathering ocean water with our hands, passing rubber-bands with straws, and the final event of Sabah Frisbee! The event ended with a light rain drizzle and lunch. The rest of this day has been a peaceful off and on rain accompanied by a good book and a cup of coffee! (Gene it is the only good coffee I have discovered thus far.)

A little about the coffee here in Malaysia from my experience in honor of Gene:

The coffee here is nothing like it is in the states. Many peop

le have given me a look of horror when I say that I like my coffee black or, as they call it 'empty'. The coffee served here usually comes with sugar and/or creamer already in it and it is typically instant. Oh, how I miss the 'hidden stash' of the Sugar Creek kitchen. But, have no fear, there has been spotted a Americanized coffee shop were a coffee addict can get a decent brew once in a while. Don't fear this is not a daily event but just a special treat once in a while to ease into the decreased amount! So a little more on this instant coffee: It comes in single serving packs and you can get it as three-in-one or two-in-one. (this is the sugar and creamer) This is not horrible coffee but it is not the greatest. A teacher recently gave me some instant coffee packs that are 'empty' and they aren't to bad. However, nothing beats the aroma of freshly ground beans and the taste of it right after it cools to drinking temp. This is just my experience with the Malaysia coffee so far. Please understand that I am not trying to degrade their coffee in anyway it is just, as Shelia would say, my 'coffee snob' coming out! I do have some leads on fresh beans in the surrounding area and hope to witness them soon. I will let you know when this location becomes a success!

(The pics in this post were taken at the Cannanland Church retreat)