Letter #16 - Week of 28 May 2008 - Misdi's Confirmation

Hello family,

I had such a fantastic week this past week, especially over the weekend. Let me tell you why.

On Friday, our zone leaders came to Sandakan and we went on exchanges. Friday night, Misdi was interviewed for his baptism. When we came back home at night, I found out he passed and everything went well. I also found out that Misdi requested that I do his confirmation. That news came with a lot of emotion. Sure, it's exciting to do a confirmation, but Misdi doesn't speak any english, so I would have to do it in malay. That was kind of a scary prospect. I knew, that on the Lord's errand, I would be entitled to the Lord's help, but I also knew that I would have to be ready to recieve that help. I prayed a lot on Friday night and Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon, we had come home because Elder Dhillon was feeling sick. I was reading in Psalm 69:10, which says "When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach." I had thought about fasting before that, but after reading it, it really became clear that I should. I know that seems kind of odd, given the context of the scripture. Really, I think any reference to fasting in the scriptures would have had the same effect on me.

So, I decided to fast for 3 things. First, I fasted that my tongue might be loosed as I confirmed Misdi a member of the Church, gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost, and blessed him. Second, I fasted so that I could be more focused on my mission: I'd been thinking about home too much and I felt like I needed a lot of help to focus. Third, I fasted for physical strength, and specifically that the 8 hours of sleep I get every night would give me the energy and strength I needed.

I spent most of Saturday trying to memorize the words to the confirmation in malay, as well as phrases I might need to say in the blessing, like faithful, and righteous. It was very difficult. I'm still a beginner at this language, and I didn't memorize a whole lot more than the very basics.

Saturday night was Misdi's baptism. It was wonderful. Under the influence of fasting, I really felt the Spirit. I could tell Heavenly Father was pleased with Misdi on that special occasion.

---Editor's Note: part of email removed---

Sunday morning found myself in the chapel. I expected a miracle during the confirmation, and I experienced one. But the miracle I experienced was far different than what I had expected. As I laid my hands on Misdi's head, I didn't stumble with any of the words of the confirmation I had worked so hard the day before to learn. After I had told him to recieve the Holy Ghost, the first words that came out of my mouth were "Misdi, your Heavenly Father loves you." I could feel so strongly that that was what Heavenly Father really wanted me to say. I said a few more broken sentences about going to church and enduring to the end, then closed. I guess I expected that I would speak words that I didn't know, and give some eloquent, eloborate blessing. That's not how it happened. God happened to give a simple message, but I know that that is what I was supposed to give.

And as for the third part of my fasting, I slept better on Sunday night than I can remember for a long time. I know that God answers prayers. I know that fasting is very important in helping us accept changes in our lives, and in preparing us to recieve and appreciate blessings and answers to our prayers.

I'm seeing so many blessings from missionary service in my own life, as well as those I serve. I just feel this lasting, steady happiness. Sometimes I kind of get distracted from feeling that way by the day to day hardships, but it rarely takes more than bearing a testimony or saying a prayer to bring it back.

Sincerely,
Elder Muffler

Letter #15 - Week of 21 May 2008 - Visa Run and Out of Water

Happy Birthday Mom!


Tiga Dawi, Jeffrey bin Tiga, Elder Muffler, Jonathon bin Tiga, Joseph bin Tiga, Rosemarie in their home.


Misdi and Elder Muffler in Misdi's home.


Zone Conference in Kota Kinabalu


Hello family,
This week went very well. It felt like I was away forever with zone conference and my Visa run to Singapore. I was gone from Monday to Friday.

My visa run to Singapore was enjoyable. Singapore and Malaysia are so different from each other. Rather than ride old dirty buses, we travelled on luxurious double decker buses with satellite tv and air conditioning. I also got to ride the underground trains. They've got the coolest way of paying for things. You put money on a card. You stick the card in your wallet. Then, when you walk into the train station, you just tap your wallet to a machine as you walk by. It's so easy.

I was actually pretty happy to come back from Singapore. I guess I'm really starting to enjoy everyday things like the food and the attitude of the people here.

Monday night, I was rinsing my toothbrush when the water stopped flowing. I turned on the shower head, and a little water came out, then it stopped. I didn't dare to try the toilet. Tuesday morning, after a lot of phone calls, Elder Dhillon and I found out that we hadn't had water since Thursday. It's a fairly frequent problem to have water shut off for a couple of hours here. Normally, though, we don't see any effects from it, because we have 2 big water tanks out back. Well, as I said, it was in the morning time. Elder Dhillon was able to squeeze enough water out for his shower. I had none. Well, that's a white lie. Like I said, we have two tanks. Apparently, one of them supplies water for our upstairs bathroom. The other supplies water for our downstairs where thankfully we have a small bathroom with a toilet, as well as a kitchen. So, I filled up the pail we use for mopping, and I grabbed the pot I use to cook pasta in, and I went upstairs and took a shower as best as I could. That's how a lot of our investigators have to bathe, and it makes me appreciate things a little better.

We actually still don't have water, and it may still be a few days. We're not too worried though. Once our other tank runs out, we found a company that will come and fill both tanks up for 30 dollars or so. I think Elder Dhillon will call them today so they can come tomorrow.

While I was in Singapore, I went on exchanges with two of the elders. I met one of the recent converts there, Benjamin. He's a 20 year old Chinese young man. He makes me laugh. We went up to the Distribution Center in Singapore, and talked to a woman named Jean Yee, who runs the Center. The first thing I remember Benjamin saying was "Elder Ho told me that you can tell how beautiful a girl will be when she grows up by looking at her mother, and Jean Yee- she's a good mother."

Benjamin took us out for dinner at a Hong Kong Cafe (the elders say that his family is extremely wealthy, and he could easily pay for that). I just ordered some noodles and pork, but we also had what's called Dim Sam. I had an egg roll, and a few different kinds of pork, and some chicken feet. Yum. Chicken's feet. Really, they're just fat on bone. I don't care for them, but it was okay to eat.

Andrew, I ran into an elder who says that he met you before. His name is Elder Nixon, and his brother served in your same mission, and he went with his brother to meet you one time, or something like that. Do you remember an Elder Nixon?

My language is still progressing. I'm starting to be able to be understood, but I've still got a long way to go.

Sincerely,
Elder Muffler

Note from the Baczuk's - 16 May 2008

Editor's Note: The Baczuk's are the Senior Couple which was serving in Sandakan, East Malaysia with Adam. They are now serving in Singapore until June.
Dear Bro. & Sis. Muffler,
Just a quick message just to let you know that Elder Muffler came to Singapore on his Visa Run...it hardly seems possible that he has been here for 3 months. When the missionaries come for their "visa run" they stay at Pasir Panjang where we live so we get to see them for a couple days. It was good to see him. He looks healthy and happy. He has a strong handshake. They seem to be getting along ok in Sandakan without us...things seem to be happening, Elder Baczuk talked to the Branch Pres. the other day and he said things were going good there. You can be proud of your son, Elder Dhillon is a good trainer.
Love from Elder and Sister Baczuk

Letter #14 Week of 14 May 2008 - Zone Conference and Dog Bite

Hello family,Surprise!
During zone conference, we write our emails home on the first day of zone conference, which was today. So, I'm in Kota Kinabalu. Coming here is as good as any vacation I could take. The elders here live in beach front condos in the nice part of town. Ada sangat cantik.
(Editor's Note: "Ada sangat cantik" translates to "It's extremely beautiful")

We had some new investigators come to church yesterday. That was exciting, because that hasn't happened in a long time. There are 3 boys that came: a 14 year old, a 12 year old, and a 9 year old. Their mother grew up with Sister Hiew, and Sister Hiew and her haven't seen each other since Sister Hiew got married, so that family already has a friend in the church. It's a very good situation.

Zone conference has been very uplifting and fun today. I really enjoy my interviews with President Skelton. I like being able to smile and look him in the eye and tell him with confidence that I've worked hard and have been obedient. He is hilarious and has a lot of uplifting comments.

We played futsol (it's like soccer with a smaller field, smaller goals, and a little bit smaller ball) again. That was great. I found out that Elder Haycock not only attends the Air Force Academy, he is also on the soccer team. He was on my team today. When I called you, I think I told you about the soccer jersey that I got a deal on for about $3. Well, I wore that today to play, and while we were walking back, these guys started shouting at me and giving thumbs up. I didn't understand what they were saying, but they kept pointing at my chest, and I finally realized they were all wearing Chelsea Football Club gear.

Thanks for the picture of Brady's car, and also for the list of missionaries serving from the stake. It's very fun to know where they are all going.

That's nice that a pre-missionary and two current missionaries got to speak in church on mother's day. I wonder what that's like. Actually, I lied, I don't need to wonder, I already know. 10 minutes before sacrament meeting, I was asked to give a 10 minute talk, on a subject of my choosing. Naturally, I spoke on mothers. You know, I haven't yet been able to give a talk or testimony in the Sandakan branch without crying a little. But yesterday, I just lost it when I talked about mothers, because I knew what my mother has done for me. I was reading about the stripling warriors, and how strong they were because they had been raised and taught by their mothers. I kind of had to finish my talk early.

We've gotten a couple of new elders in our zone since the last zone conference. One is a Malaysian born Indian who was very good friends with Elder Dhillon before their mission. He is hilarious. He speaks english with a very thick Indian accent. He complained about the missionaries serving in Ipoh, because they always come back after their mission is through and take away all the young women as their wives. He told me about how he plans to go to BYU after his mission, and grow out his mustache as a sign of manliness, which will attract a girl to him. He will bring her to his appartment, and cook chicken curry for her, and will keep very cold water nearby so her mouth won't get too hot.

That's a shame that Andrew and Christina won't name their child Sandakan, but I guess that's not such a great name anyway. I've got a much better suggestion, though. Kinabalu. It' just rolls off the tongue. Kinabalu. That's a nice name. Kinabalu Adam Muffler.

What else, what else? Oh, one of the mice finally took the peanut butter from our mouse trap, but it didn't trip. Those mice are really upsetting me, because they're running on the countertops and all over the place. I saw one in our bedroom yesterday, and the trap we set a long time ago under my bed didn't have any food on it any more.

Okay, I can't hold it in anymore. I've got to tell you. I don't think you worry too much after hearing about the spiders, so, I got bit by a dog a couple of weeks ago. We visited a less active member, and we were talking out in front of the house. Their dog, which was on a chain, was completely calm and right in front of me, so I started petting it. Without growling or barking or anything, it sunk it's teeth into the underside of my right arm. As I instinctively stepped back, it also ripped my pants. I was mad, because those were my favorite pants. But as for the bite, I was just very thankful for where it bit me. It could have gotten my fingers, it could have punctured an artery or vain in my wrist, but it just caused very minimal damage. I washed it out with water, and went to a clinic, where they gave me a tetanus shot and cleaned it out. I was on antibiotics for a few days, and it's mostly all cleared up now, except for a couple of scars. He only really got one tooth in me deep. I went back about a week later to take pictures of the dog. I'll send those some time. It was a relatively painless experience. The worst part was the bruise it caused. The dog had a powerful jaw.Elder Dhillon and I have avoided dogs since then, and the less active member has, unfortunately, not yet come to church.

Sincerely,Elder Muffler

Mother's Day Call - 10 May 2008

We were excited to speak with Elder Muffler this evening (Sunday morning his time). We were able to speak for one hour. He is doing great.

This coming week, he has a zone conference that he has to fly to in Kota Kinabulu (KK). From there, he has to fly back to Singapore for his Visa run (yes, it has almost been 90 days that he has been in Malaysia).

He told us that the church is not recognized as a church in Malaysia. Instead, it is the Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So, he is on a business Visa, and it has to be renewed every 90 days.

He seems to be adjusting well to the culture, and is slowly but surely picking up the language. Right now, he says that he understands the language pretty fully, but is still not sure of himself when speaking. His native West Malaysian companion, Elder Dhillon is very helpful to him with the language. As for the culture, he sees the stark differences from home and serving in a third world country, and the great poverty that is all around him.

He has air conditioning in his apartment bedroom, and is actually kind of cold at night (even though it is often 80 degrees plus outside during the night time). But, he uses 2 blankets, and that keeps him warm enough.

He mentioned that he falls asleep on buses and in taxis that he rides in fairly often. But, his companion wakes him as they arrive at their stop. That is the Adam that we know and love.

The branch he is serving in has about 60 people coming each week, about 20-30 of those are youth, most of whose parents do not attend at this point. There are enough young men to bless and pass the sacrament in their meetings. Most of the people have to take a bus to get to church. That makes it difficult for church activities during the week, because bus service stops at 7PM, so they would have no way to get home.

The drinking water is quite safe in his area. They have a water filter in their apartment to filter out the metals, and he drinks that water. For a shower, they have a hose with a pump and water heater on it stuck to the wall in the bathroom, with a drain in the floor of the bathroom. Not really a separate shower facility.

He said he has gained weight on the mission, as he is fed by everyone they visit, and it is considered rude to refuse something. Then, when they are served a meal, the host/hostess will come around and fill up the plates again while they are still eating before they have a chance to refuse. He does eat most meals in restaurants, however. His favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant that has duck and pork. On Sundays, since the Beczuks left the area, he cooks his own meal, some pasta with Ragu. His companion usually buys a meal on Saturday night and has it for leftovers on Sunday.

He said he owns the sarong that he was wearing in the pictures that he sent. It is common for men in Malaysia to wear them. His companion owns one and wears it instead of shorts.

He said that transfers are rare in his mission, and he will serve in this area for a long time. It seems that because of the visa restrictions, etc, and the cultural sensitivities, they like to keep them in one area for a long time. And, that is good, because he seems to work well with his companion.

It was great to be able to speak with him, he is in good spirits and seems to be growing from the experience.

Letter #13 Week of 7 May 2008 - The Spider is Dead and Language is coming along

Hello family,

Sorry I wasn't very clear this week. I thought about it right as I left the internet cafe last week. You can call me on Sunday, May 11, at 7:00 am malaysia time, which I think is saturday, 4:00 pm Colorado time. We will have one hour to talk. Again, our number is XXX XXX XXX. If you can't get through or whatever, I'll try calling at 7:15.

That sounds like the greatest senior prank. I wish I could have seen it.

As for the Romanovs, I heard that they had found the bodies in September, and preliminary Dna testing confirmed it, but they still weren't completely sure when I left. Oh well. I was hoping for some money on a book deal when I got back, but I guess that won't work anymore.

The spider ... well, I was thinking as we were riding a bus home last week, I really didn't want any surprises at 2:00 in the morning in my mouth, so I decided to find it and kill it. The nice thing about big spiders like that is that they're lazy- he was behind the same bookshelf he ran after I tried to take a picture of it. I caught it in a clear plastic jar, took a few pictures, then we poured some clorox in the jar, and now, no more spider. Well, I shouldn't say that. We found another of the same kind of spider two days later, but it was a little smaller. He's in our vacuum now.

Misdi didn't get baptized this week. He's not very educated, so he didn't understand that a certain brand of cofee was against the word of wisdom, but he agreed to stop, and he should be baptized on the 17th.

My language is still coming along. I still do all the door contacting, and after I give the parts I know, Elder Dhillon takes over. When we are knocking, we can usually tell a lot from the door. Most Malay people (I'm talking about the race, not the country. The malay race is the predominant race here. All of them are Muslim) put "Selamat hari raya" (some Muslim festival) or a verse from the Koran on their door. Chinese people always have red on the door, and often have an alter for their ancestors. The others (Filipino, Kadazan, Indonesian), usually don't put much on their doors. THe first thing we are interested in knowing at the door is whether the people are Muslim, because we could get arrested if we started teaching a Muslim. So the first thing I say is "We are from the church. We find Christian people to teach. Are there any Christians here?" If the person is Malay, they usually say something like "Oh. No, we're Islam. But there's a Christian right there across the hall and another on top of us." They are the best, because they tell you exactly where you want to go. Chinese people, on the other hand, have one of three reactions: 1. They completely ignore you, even when their door is open and you're talking to them. They're too busy living their prosperous life to want to talk to people. 2. They immediately wave you off and close the door; sometimes kindly, other times not so kindly. 3. They say, with a strong accent, in english, "I no understand English.", which really puzzles me, because I just spoke in clear malay. I then say "Fahamkah bahasa melayu?" ( do you understand malay?), then they say yes, and I repeat what I just said about us being from the church. I think it's funny that Malay people understand my malay perfectly, but Chinese people don't understand at all.

The first woman who was baptized while I was here, Rosalina, left this week. She went to the Phillipines. I was really sad to see her go, because she was really starting to take off in her progress and understanding of the gospel.

I can't wait to come home and sleep on top of cans. so much fun.

I really don't have a whole lot to say about our investigators, because no one is making much progress right now. I hope they will soon, though.

Congratulate Dan on his promotion for me.

Thanks for the pictures, and I'll talk to you this week,
Elder Muffler