back at it!

This has certainly been a year to learn not only about other people and other places, but also about myself. Well, if there’s one big thing I’ve learned about myself it’s that I am horrendous at blogging!! I don’t know if it’s the time commitment, the vulnerability in sharing something so publicly or if this is just not right for me right now. One thing I have remained committed to – partly because I really do enjoy it – is sharing pictures on Facebook. You may have run across people doing a project called “100 Happy Days.” It’s a discipline that challenges you to find one happy thing every day for 100 days and share it using pictures. As I move into the final months of my service here in Malaysia, I really do want to share some of the memorable moments, heartwarming relationships and breathtaking things I’ve witnessed on this side of the world. I just watched the movie Julie and Julia for the first time, last night. Part of the story is about a woman who sets a challenge for herself to share experiences daily through blogging. I would like to somehow combine these two efforts and share 100 things with you that have made these past several months beautiful in so many ways. I might include more than one thing in one day and my Internet could still be iffy, at times. Please bear with me, but also help keep me accountable! Thanks for reading!

Love and a hug, wherever you are.

~JB <3

1.    #1: KK – It seems like a simple yet also a HUGE thing to start by giving thanks for the entire city I call home, but it needs to happen. Last night, I had the first of what I’m sure will be many moments to come where I just stopped to soak in everything around me in the great city of Kota Kinabalu. For you Minnesota folks, it feels about the size of Duluth - perfect. I am grateful for its people, its amenities, challenges, blend of cultures, hospitality, food, nightlife, ocean view and “it’s all good” pace of life. Many people enjoy traveling, making visits out of the country or over to the capital, “the city” of Kuala Lumpur for holiday, but ask nearly anyone which they prefer and they’ll tell you: KK. It’s the place to visit. It’s the place to stay. It’s the place to be.

You could see lion dances spring up everywhere in KK during Chinese New Year.

#2: Music – Most of the music people listen to here comes from the States, but there’s just something different about it. For one thing, their deejays know how to mix it up. Tune into the radio and you'll hear top 40’s, oldies, rock, Jewel, Psy, U2, K-pop and everything in between - with a little Sabah flavor mixed in, too. I really can’t tell you how much I enjoy listening to music, here. In some cases, it’s like hearing it for the first time. Yet, at other times, it’s the song that’s been permanently embedded in my heart – and everyone’s here, too. We’ll crank the radio and gut out some Celine Dion – because when Malaynglish doesn’t quite cut it, My Heart Will Go On can apparently break all language barriers.

Dannela and I rockin' out in the back seat headed to the train station.