Borneo-Heart & Soul
( a long one!)
These moments are my greatest memories and highlights of Sarawak.
1. While enjoying breakfast in a small fishing village, a stranger unexpectedly took time out from his cafe to show us his village- all from the goodness of his own heart and would not receive a thing from us as a thank you for his time. Even more heartfelt, he sacrificed his sleep, which he usually gets during the day, since he works the graveyard shift as a head guard at a nearby Holiday Inn Resort. As we said goodbye, His words, translated through Adlyn, “His heart is full and happy because he felt like he had helped a new friend accomplish a great mission-photographing his beloved village. Be happy, prayer, and take care of yourself. ” I turned and wiped tears off of my eyes.
2. An old man, curious, but mostly excited to practice his English. With his eyes sparkling, beaming two front teeth, his face lit up when I told him I lived in Japan. He excitedly said, I speak Japanese and I can sing Japanese songs! I asked if he could sing for me, and not even within a second, he was projecting from the top of his lungs a couple of Japanese songs! Then the non-stop stories of how he used to perform Dutch dancing. Without taking a break and with my camera ready, I asked if he could show me how he used to dance. Sure enough, the next thing we knew, he was busting some old dance moves for us! I offered to buy him coffee for breakfast, he declined, but asked for tea instead. He then proceeded to tell us, his heart wasn’t always so good, so every day for 30 mins he peddles around town, on his granddaughter’s humble pink bicycle, to exercise. He never skipped a day because it’s good for his 76 year old heart. It was the best hour of coffee talk I have had in a while.
3. The unexpected friendly smiles, laughter, and natural and unprompted reactions from the people of a small coastal village when my camera was pointed at them. Then our unexpected little tour guides on rusty bicycles showing us the way to where the fishermen come in on their boats with fish. The best part was seeing their surprised faces light up when we paid them with Mintos and one ringgit each.
4. Singing ABC’s with two little Iban boys on the long boat in the middle of the rain forest as we were going downstream on the muddy Lemanak River.
5. The freedom after letting go of the fear on the thin-long boat as we journeyed upstream into the Iban village. I’ll never forget the wind and the cool splashes from the river water on my face.
6. The “conversation” with the elder Iban warrior about his shiny watch from Brunei. Neither one of us spoke the same language.
7. Sitting on the dark veranda of the Iban Long House, watching and listening to stories, through body gestures, of the many, many Iban families in the jungles of Sarawak.
8. The faces and some heart drenching stories of the immigrant merchants at the “Cowboy-town”. A small shopping village of Sarawak bordering Indonesia. Their happy, quick smiles and the willingness to have their photos taken. Taking turns, they asked if they could take pictures of me and with me, and I happily obliged. I was more than happy to return their favors.
9. Grandfather’s stories and words.
10. Stories and laughter shared during the entire trip with Addie and her mom, Auntie-Hurairah Suhaili. And the late night splurge of 4 kilos of rambutan on our beds, by JUST the 3 of us…
11. The hospitality, kindness, friendliness, gentleness, and thoughtful words from all the people of Sarawak.
12. Putting
my camera and bag down on the ground, closing my eyes in trying to remember the
very moment that the wind brushed my face, the sound of the muddy waves
crashing onto shore, and a good friend by my side. My heart was overflowing
with contentment, peace, and tears graced my face. Not tears of sadness, but
tears of thankfulness, the happiest kind. 
Too fun!! 
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