Wow, I can't believe it. One year ago today Scott and I flew into Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to start a new adventure. We were met at the airport by TDY Agent Richard Brake and an Embassy Employee who helped us get through customs, got our luggage and drove us to our temporary new home at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. On the way to KL about an hour drive we excitedly looked out the windows to see what our new home looked like. It was green. Green everywhere with lots of palm trees. The cityscape came into view and it was breathtaking. So hard to believe that we would actually be living here for at least the next three years.
The Ritz-Carlton was really living in luxury. It has beautiful pools with waterfalls and lush green landscaping. On my Saturdays, I spent many an hour down by the pool with the waterfall reading and relaxing with an occasional dip in the cool refreshing pool. I even stayed under the protection of an umbrella during the rain storms. We had a suite, which made it so nice since I had to start work in just a few short days. This way, Scott could stay up late and I could get up early in the morning and not bother each other very much. Every night we had a treat put on our pillow and houskeeping every day. The hotel staff would call us by name, Mrs. Tobi and Mr. Tobi. I still chuckle over that. Except for work we felt like we were on an extended vacation. Actually, Scott was. Every day I would get a taxi to and from the Hotel to get to work. Sometimes I had to wait a bit to get a Taxi from the Embassy, but the most I ever waited was 15 minutes and that was only one time. It was actually a very convenient way to commute.
We stayed in the hotel for a month before our apartment was ready for our occupation. We had their wonderful buffet breakfasts almost every morning and then many times we would just have an appetizer and soda at night. We also loved walking over to the Pavilion Mall and get dinner there. It would have been such a carefree time if it hadn't been for the stress of learning a new job.
We moved into our new apartment in May. It was so beautiful. Scott and I had to keep telling ourselves that this was our home and not just some wonderful vacation villa. Our furniture had not yet arrived but the Embassy furniture was actually very beautiful and we were very comfortable. It was good about a month later when our kingsize bed with the rest of our boat shipment finally arrived and I finally got my apartment all fixed up. It is truely an oasis. It is hard to leave it to go anywhere we love it that much. Scott has loved the BIG pool. He got on quite a workout regimen. Unfortunately with work that has suffered.
The Church has been such a highpoint of living here. We are so involved, which is good and bad. Sometimes it can be a stress but we feel that so much of the reason why we are here in Kuala Lumpur is to help with the Building up of the Kingdom of God in this part of the world. It is very exciting.
Work, what can I say about it. I can hardly stand to look back on how stressed out I was the first few months. I was incredibly blessed to have two wonderful bosses who have been so kind to work for. My ALAT Chuck O'Neal took so much time to explain so many things to me. He never ever got the least upset with me (and boy he sure could have). I will ALWAYS be grateful to both of them. It was hard at first but I feel that I can hold my own now and have become a big asset to our office. I would do anything for them and I know they would do the same for me. My Legat actually came about 2 months after me. We have kind of learned the Legat work together.
Scott and I are empty nesters for the first time. We had to leave home to accomplish this. I wasn't sure how this would be. I have actually very much enjoyed our children and various nieces and nephews that have come to make their homes with us. But having Scott all to myself has been wonderful. We have had so much fun together. Life is easy here and we are having the time of our lives. It is fun!!!
We haven't traveled that much but hope to do a lot more in the coming years. We have visited Phuket, Thailand; and Penang, Bukit Fraser, Ipoh, Seremban; all in Malaysia. There are so many other places we want to see.
I wonder what the next year will bring?
Tobi
