Since the boys are moving to a new school next year, we've been searching for a home closer to the school. We've found this more difficult than we expected.

We thought we could just check on google map, then find somewhere within, say, a 10km radius. But one needs to  see: if the suitable type of house and security is available; proximity to shopping, train stations and the highway(s) to Seremban and KL. And all within a tight budget. Anyway, even when we use google map, often the developments are so new they're off the map.

Of course we enlisted the help of locals: real estate agents, friends, relatives  and contacts through STM and church. But, ultimately, we have to live in the area and the house, so we need to check out the area--if we'd be comfortable living there, if it feels safe. And anyway, we need to give our helpers a general idea of what we're looking for and in which suburbs.

Two people have kindly offered their lovely places for rent, at reduced rental. Although there are obvious financial benefits, in the long-term, we'd envisage that the stress of fighting through heavy KL traffic would reduce our longevity here, as well as increase the risk of car accidents.

So this afternoon we spent another long three-and-a-half hours scouring suburbs east of The Australian International School. Some of the developments we're looking at are new, often at the edge of established suburbs. Often they are near industrial areas. But when we saw these locals (pictured) near one potential place to rent, we thought the area was a little too undeveloped.

For the past 16 months we've been in Seremban, people have asked how we're finding it. Over time, the challenges to adapt to life here have changed.

The first challenge was the climate. As soon as we exited KL LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal), the stifling heat and humidity hit us. We had to get used to feeling sticky all the time, and wanting to take a shower a few times a day. The heat has worsened rashes for some of us too. But over time, thank God, we've adapted to the climate. (But it would still be nice if it rained more in the dry season, to cool the temperature.)

The second challenge was/is driving on the roads. The cars and motorcycles follow the road rules here in a different way to what we're used to in Sydney. Also, there are a lot more scooters and low-powered motorbikes here, so one needs to more vigilant when driving--all mirrors and blind spots need to be checked and doubled checked before changing lanes or turning a corner.

The third challenge was/is Malaysian culture. Of course, in different sections of Malaysian society, there are different subcultures. So we can only describe what we've experienced. Many people speak English, but even for English-speakers, it's not really a Western individualistic culture. It seems more Asian-influenced, with hierarchies in relationships, showing respect to elders. So for example, at seminary, the students never call Peter by his first name, even when he plays basketball with them. At church, Kat is always called Pastor Kat, even though she doesn't have an official position. Since communication isn't as direct as in Australia, we've had to learn to use some circumlocutions, or to just hold our tongues at times. On the positive side, we enjoy the general friendliness and down-to-earthness of Malaysians. And of course, we enjoy the huge range of food, reflecting the mix of cultures here.

The fourth challenge was locating necessities. Things such as where to go grocery shopping, the best place to buy pork, the shop with the freshest fruit, who to use as an electrician, etc.--things taken for granted when we left Sydney, because we'd lived there so long. It's taken a full year to feel more comfortable; now it's almost time to move to KL to face this challenge again.

So now the major ongoing challenge is theological differences. While some may consider this minor, theology drives all of our lives: how we act, how we 'do' church, what is deemed important in a seminary education, etc. So we've had to reconsider our cherished beliefs in light of Scripture, and learn to accommodate for the sake of unity and for the good of the gospel.

By God's grace and in His strength we continue to work through these challenges. Through them we've learned more about our own biases and presuppositions, as well as sharpened our theological eyes. 

Nine months after we first applied, the Malaysian Department of Immigration has granted us a professional pass. We can now stay for six months before applying for an extension. Thank God. And thank you to all those who have been praying with us.

Perhaps next time we can apply for a "resident pass," a new visa recently announced by the Malaysian Government. No specific details have been released yet, but one group targeted is "highly-skilled expatriates." Maybe one of us would qualify as "highly-skilled"?