Second Week in Melaka

Hi Mom,

Bijiwak Hunting

    It took me awhile to recover from the squid spaghetti.  Monday night I woke up drenched in cold sweat.  I threw up twice and told my companion that I thought I was dying. But, the next day I still went out and did missionary work because I am so dedicated—but,  it was pretty miserable.   It took me a couple days to get over it, but I am pretty much over it now!  That same sweet sister brought me so more new food.  This time, I ate pig organ and pig legs soaked in vinegar and ginger--it was on the same scale as the the squid! But, I didn’t get sick from it, so I am still alive!  I still haven’t tried durian! I think Sister Molly (this really old lady who we see everyday) is having us over for durian on Wednesday. I’ll video tape me eating it for you.  Today (Monday) I went Bijiwak hunting. We hunted these huge Monterrey lizards that are the size of crocodiles with bamboo spears and these heavy sword things.  The idea is to knock the lizards out. We didn’t have any luck, but next week we will catch one!   The meat is supposedly really good!

     The weather is really humid and I sweat a lot. Haha, but we don’t have to wear a suit!!  I did give three of the ties dad bought me to Ganneson and his family so they could wear them to church.  I’ll have to buy more, but don’t worry ties are really cheap here. My companion, Elder Sroufe, is really cool.  He’s been on a mission for 15 or 16 months and has been Melaka for half of his mission.  Our living conditions are normal living conditions in Melaka. We don’t have beds, clean water to drink, or hot water. But, at least we have air conditioning, so it’s not like terrible.

     One thing that is really sad is that in Melaka there are millions of cats and dogs that are homeless.  They sit at restaurants and beg for food.  The crazy little kids always mess with the cats. In one of the pictures I sent you the kids just picked up the cat and carried it over their head.  I chased down the kids and told them to stop being mean and I took the cat from them. For the rest of the day I walked around with the cat on my shoulders. Now every time I go to that kampung that boy sees me and comes by and says Hi.

      Anyone here can find a job, but there still are so many homeless people  There is this one homeless guy we have been trying to teach.  He used to be a big time singer in Malaysia, but then he cheated on his wife and had drug problems, so he lost his music career and money and everything.  One time he saw us tracting and wanted to come talk to us, but he was too drunk and scared.  He let us go by, but then he prayed to God to see us again. That night a German lady in the church had a birthday party by his "shack".  She invited him to come so he saw us again.  He now always calls me at night and just cries and cries.  He says he is so lost and he needs our help, but he can not stop drinking.   It is so frustrating; he drinks three bottles of Tequila a day.  And like no joke, 98% of Malaysia smokes--6 year olds even smoke!!

     Tell the neighbors I miss them and thanks for all the support.  Love you so much Mom!!

Jumpa Lagi
Elder Madsen