Thomas in Sibu - August

Thomas had some great experiences in August.  Here are some pictures he sent home.  August 30, 2011 was Hari Raya, a big festival in Malaysia that celebrates the end of the month of fasting (Ramadan).  In East Malaysia, the custom is for the Muslim families to open up their houses for anyone to visit.  The elders decided to visit Senator Datuk Wan Hamid, who represents Sibu, and other families.

Photo of the elders with the Senator and his family in his beautiful home.

Hari Raya at other homes.

Thomas was also able to meet up with Elder Bench, his first companion, in Bintulu just before Elder Bench completed his mission.  Here are some picture of them visiting families they taught together.

At one of the outings, Thomas was trying to learn how to cast a net to fish in the river.

Some cement ape statue found in Sibu.

River in Sibu.

Photos of church picnic in Bukit Aup.

At one of the long houses in Bukit Aup, Thomas saw some of the relics kept from generations ago.  These are human skulls kept as trophies most likely from ancient tribal battles.

Thomas in Sibu - July

Here are some pictures Thomas sent home in July.  The month started with Thomas going to Singapore over July 4th to renew his visa.  While there, he visited the Asian Civilization Museum and did some shopping (mostly for neckties).

One of the exhibits that impressed Thomas had to do with
the Chinese idea of filial piety.  I guess he took this picture
to remind himself to always let his parents know where he is.

Well stocked supermarket in Singapore, especially with cheese.

The month ended with Thomas becoming a zone leader.  The mission is divided into zones.  Each zone is led by two zone leaders, who are companions.  Elder Simon is Thomas' new companion and fellow zone leader.  There are total of 13 missionaries in the zone and it covers Sibu and Mukah.  There is a senior missionary couple in Mukah but no young elders.  Thomas and his companion go to Mukah every other weekend and spend the weekend there.  It's a new area so many families let the missionaries into their homes but only a dozen people attend church on Sundays.

When Thomas got word that he would become a zone leader and had to move to another part of Sibu, the members in the first Sibu area all wanted to have pictures taken with him.  Here are some of the pictures.

Thomas in Sibu - June 2011

Sorry for the long hiatus.  I am now catching up with the posting.  Here are the photos Thomas sent home in June.

Thomas was invited to a Gawai Party in one of the villages.

Playing music with the villagers.

Learning a traditional dance.

With Elder Ajek at a baptism

The kitchen of the apartment in Mukah, a town about 3 hours away by bus from
Sibu where Thomas visits and helps with church services every other weekend.

Elder Simon, Thomas' companion.

Thomas' bed in the Mukah apartment.