The Last Month in Malaysia!

Happy Thanksgiving, Christmas, and almost New Year! The last month has been full in every way, and while I’ve definitely fallen behind on blogging, I’m so grateful for everyone who continues to reach out, read, and keep up with this journey. It means more than you know. This season in Malaysia has been one of learning true dependence. As we’ve hit big milestones 100 days, three months on the race, and now almost halfway it’s wild to look back at everything the Lord has already done and even more exciting to think about what He’s still doing. Time has moved so quickly, and yet each day feels so intentional.

The holidays came faster than I expected. I was honestly nervous about missing home, especially Christmas in Georgia and all the traditions that come with it. But the Lord met me right where I was and gave me something different and just as sweet here in Malaysia.

Thanksgiving was only three days after we arrived, and we gathered together for a shared meal to celebrate. It wasn’t what I was used to, but it was full of laughter, gratitude, and community. As December rolled around, emotions definitely hit, but the Lord continued to hold us and make this place feel like home through the people around me.

On December 20th, I turned 19, and I can confidently say it was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. I have never felt so loved both by the people here and by those back home. That morning, we attended a Chinese church and participated in their Christmas service. Little did I know, they were also planning a birthday celebration for me. They surprised me with an incredible chocolate cake, sang to me, and took so many pictures. I thought that was the end of it until we went to a Western restaurant for lunch with the congregation and I walked in to see a huge “Happy Birthday” banner and balloons on the wall. They kept saying, “Send this to your family so they know how loved you are!” And they were right. The day didn’t stop there. We went bowling with the whole squad, then ended the night back at home with movies and worship. It was easily one of the best days of the race so far.

Leading up to Christmas, our squad went caroling four nights in a row, and it quickly became one of the highlights of the season. We would leave around 7:00 p.m. and not get home until about 3:00 a.m. each night. It was definitely exhausting, but somehow also so life-giving. We sang in neighborhoods, homes, and wherever doors were open, spreading Christmas cheer in the simplest way. Even through the tiredness, there was so much joy laughing together, worshiping late into the night, and getting to celebrate Jesus with people we had just met. Those nights reminded me that joy multiplies when it’s shared, and I’ll forever look back on that week with so much gratitude.

Christmas came just five days later and looked completely different than any Christmas I’ve known but it was beautiful. On Christmas Eve, the church hosted a big service. All the girls wore sarees, and the boys wore traditional outfits. We celebrated the birth of Jesus together and even counted down to midnight, yelling “Merry Christmas!” as the clock struck twelve. Christmas morning started with team stockings, Secret Santa, and a video Abby put together of our families and friends wishing us a Merry Christmas. That video was the best gift we could have received. Later that evening, we had a white elephant exchange and then dinner at Jess’s house. We ate traditional Indian food on banana leaves with all 37 members of our squad and over 30 of Jess’s family members, who are all Hindu. Getting to share a meal, laughter, and the love of Jesus on Christmas night is something I will never forget. This Christmas will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Now, as we are just days away from 2026, I am so expectant for the second half of this journey. We leave for Guatemala on January 18th, which means we only have three weeks left here in Malaysia. Time has truly flown. The Lord has been so good to us, and I’m excited to continue sharing about our ministries and the ways He is using my squad.

I love you all so much. Thank you for walking with me, praying for me, and supporting me through it all 🤍