Sarawak

So today I thought that I would talk a little about the history of Sarawak, the state that I am currently serving in.  Sarawak is rich in history and is predominantly Iban in nationality.  The Iban race has been on the island of Borneo for longer than anyone can remember.  They are most closely tied to head-hunting that any other native nationality on the island.  Because of this we hear a lot of legend and stories.  One legend is that, when building bridges, the Ibans would use skulls to reinforce the bridges.  They were like good luck charms that protected the bridges.  And, they didn't use just any kind of head, it had to be the head of a beautiful virgin.  So why do I share this with you all?  Well, there is just such a bridge that I walk across quite frequently, and it is sturdy!  It’s a beauty, entirely made of wood and very old, still usable.  So, either the Ibans are just really good at making bridges or America needs to start investing in some virgin heads.  I think this could really lengthen the life expectancy of all our infrastructure.  It’s something to consider.

Photos!

Poison

So I thought today I would share an experience I had this week in the deep depths of the Malaysian jungle.  So, it was just a regular Thursday, we rode our bikes out to this new area and started meeting people.  The place was off the main road and into a really full and dark jungle.  It was a really magical place actually, something you might see in a movie.  Anyway, we get into this lady's house and we are talking with her when all of a sudden she just stops and lets out a little scream.  Then she tells me not to move.  I am super confused and have no idea what’s going on.  Then my companion looks at me and freaks out, telling me not to move.  I see them both looking at my collar so I look down and this Caterpillar drops onto my lap.  They both freak out a little and I'm just confused again.  I'm thinking, Caterpillars are not that big of a deal, let’s not freak out.  Then she goes and tells me that it is highly poisonous and that would paralyze me and then give me a fever that would "boil my pee."  Anyway at that point I don't waste time flicking it off myself and then ushering it out the door.  So that was my encounter with the scary caterpillar.  So, life is never boring and something new is always happening!  Love you guys!

Visit with the Mission President

This week we had a special visit from our mission president, President Clark.  He is quite possibly one of the best speakers I have ever met, and I never fail to gain something from what he says.  This last week his topic for us missionaries was the Atonement of Christ.  I feel strongly that I should share some of my thought concerning this selfless sacrifice. It is the single most important event in history, it affects all mankind and it is our only hope for an eternal life.  I have a new found love for my savior and a new found desire to spread the good news, Christ lives and he loves us all.  It is only by the love of our father in heaven and his son Jesus Christ that our lives have light and joy.  I hope to convey to you all, my friends and family, to renew your relationship with your redeemer, even Jesus Christ!  There is infinite happiness that can come only through Him.  Have a wonderful week!

Love Elder Putnam

Photos



Elvis getting baptized Jan. 28



Car seat... Malaysian style... I dont know if they would sell well in America :)

Tarap, a fruit that is so average in taste people continue to buy it but never say they really like it...

Our favorite Chinese place in Sandakan

LDS Charities, the organization that gave away the wheel chairs

Me by the beach on one of the coldest days in Sandakan!

Roslyn getting baptized, she is so small and sweet Jan. 28





Cheese Cake

So guess what I found last week shopping, instant cheese cake mix.  You, when you live in Malaysia and cream cheese alone cost a fortune, this is exciting news!  Of course I had to buy it and make it as soon as possible.  While it did not come close to mom's cheese cake, it did fill the void of 6 months of no cheese cake.  Oh the little things that make my week.  Things could not be going better as a missionary.  I'm living in the same house as my first companion Elder Brooks and we just have a stellar time. The people are as ever, the greatest, especially during Chinese New Year, gong xi fa chai!  Everybody feeds you and everyone lets you into their home, so good!  And best of all, the language is going so well, I might try my hand at Chinese now, especially because my companion is native born Malaysian Chinese!

New Area

So hello everyone!  I just got transferred this week.  I am now in Bintulu, Sarawak, still in East Malaysia.  It was a difficult move, having been there for almost 6 months, I knew the people, the places and my house was clean to my standards :)  Anyway, the move has proved to be quite good, I really like the area that I am in the people I have met so far are fabulous.  One interesting fact about the two area, Sandakan and Bintulu is that they are both tied for most ghetto area in the mission.  And, because I am the only missionary to serve in both areas it is my responsibly to cast the final vote!  So far it’s a pretty close tie, but I might have to give "Most Ghetto" to Bintulu, only because I am more in the country side, not the city.  I am also training a new missionary!  He is a native born Malaysian and is an excellent missionary.  More to come next week, but just know I love all you guys!