New Companion

So I’m at the Singapore airport right now and I will be heading to Kuching and then on to Bintulu.  It has been a really fun last couple of days here.  I ate Carls Junior, had amazing ice cream and Subway, what more could I ask for right now.  I just got a new companion his name is Elder Tyler, he is very tall and seems to be a cool guy.  I love you!

Niah Caves

So yesterday all the missionaries in Bintulu went to Niah Caves, a cave system near our house.  It was a way cool experience, it was about a 1 hour hike in the jungle to get to the entrance of the caves and then a 40 minute hike in the cave to get to the other entrance of it.  It smelled like bat guano, so not a nice smell.  And, there were these giant crickets the size of mice, that was freaky, not to mention bats, everywhere!  It  was one of the sweatiest hike of my life and absolutely enjoyable.  I managed not to get any mosquito bites, and then we got back to base camp and I got bit twice!  Anyway, here are some pictures of the day.

The cave entrance 

BBQ party the night before the hike 

BBQ party the night before the hike 

The crocodile infested river we had to cross 

The boat ride... 1 minute long 

Hiking through the jungle 

Us on the big rock 

Beginning the DECENT 

The Exit 

Baptism Oops!

(A story as told by another missionary serving with Micah)

This was a funny experience last Saturday evening.  Elder Putnam and his companion, in preparing for 2 baptisms, actually forgot to turn the faucet on in the baptismal font and it takes several hours to fill!

So when they got there, they went into panic mode to get the font filled with enough water to baptize.  Luckily those being baptized were a 13 yr old boy (who looks 10 or 11) and an 11 year old girl, so they didn't need to fill the font to capacity.

Still, they enlisted the kids that were there to help and they all thought it was a fun activity.  

We had just driven 2 1/2 hrs from Miri so we didn't arrive for the 7pm baptism until about 7:20 and this is what we found, so after taking a video, we entered into the rush to get it ready.  If you look closely, you can see one of the kids even dropped his large bowl in the water and had to climb down to retrieve it.

Elder Putnam was practically soaking wet with sweat but at least he had a smile on his face.  He had me use his camera to take a longer video, but I don't know if he'll be able to send that home any time soon.  I thought his family would get a kick out of this.  It was pretty hilarious, but not unusual in East Malaysia!

Mom

PS  I also attached a photo of the 2 who got baptized with the Elders..... after everything calmed down.

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