The Beginning

July 2007

Here are some pics of our preparations and first few weeks in Malaysia. I chose this picture as the album cover to announce (for those that don't know) that Michael & I are expecting another bundle of joy! (Or, if they came out John's age, a bundle of screaming temper tantrums.) We found this out AFTER we decided to come to Malaysia, and Michael thought I would change my mind about coming, but obviously he had forgotten who he married. Having a baby in Malaysia will only add to the adventure!


I also had to paste this picture here because it deserved further explanation. Thankfully we met a nice couple at a wedding in Utah that had traveled in Asia and warned us about these toilets. Most public places have a combination of western toilets with maybe 2 or 3 stalls with the "squatters" as well. So most of the time, there's no problem (although sometimes you have to watch because the toilet paper will be in a big dispenser in the front of the bathroom instead of the individual stalls, so you have to take it in with you, otherwise you're kind of stuck.) However on our first visit to Carrefour (the grocery store closest to our apartment) I was stuck using a squatter. Normally I carry a little travel roll of TP with me, but of course I found myself without it on this occasion. The interesting thing about the squatters in Islamic countries is that they use a hose to clean themselves off after doing their business, instead of paper. Needless to say it ended up being an uncomfortable, wet, and really hilarious experience. I'm kind of proud of myself that I managed to pull it off, but have thankfully only had to do that again one other time. I'm not sure how well it will work in a few months when my belly gets big... (BTW, click on the "mom-to-be" picture at the top to take you to our google web album.)