Christmas Greetings!

I'm happy to report our safe arrival to New York yesterday afternoon. We are sad to miss out on the Christmas celebrations with our Malaysian friends, but looking forward to spending the next couple of weeks with family. We will be in the Princeton area from Jan. 3 to Jan. 8. Since we won't be able to spend time individually with everyone we would like to see, we have a couple of "group gatherings" planned that weekend if you would like to stop by and catch up with the Nygrens. Saturday, Jan. 4 we will plan to hang out upstairs in Wegmans from noon to 4 pm. If you'd like to grab a bite to eat and visit with us, we hope we can spend some quality time with you (shared with others as well). On Sunday, Jan. 5 Tom will be preaching at Princeton Meadow Church, then we will stay after for brunch and share some updates (including pictures) of what's been going on in our lives in Malaysia. If neither of those times works for you, send me an email (janetnygren@gmail.com) and we can see if something else would work out. Our time is limited since Tom's new semester of teaching starts Jan. 13.

I've been reminded again this Christmas season that our world and often our lives can so easily be touched by sorrow, frustrations, and suffering--if not in our own, then in our friends or family. So it is with great joy that I remember that God chose to enter into our world at Christmas,
and offer us new life through his Son, Jesus Christ, who experienced what we have experienced but leads us forward in fullness of life, restored in relationship to the God who loves and provides for us in more ways than we could ask or imagine.

Christmas Blessings!
Tom and Janet

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This fellow greeted us at our resort in Sabah.

Wow! It's been awhile since we last wrote. Who sped up the calendar? It seems like time is going by at breakneck speed, so you might be a little surprised by the metaphor I (Janet) came up with for myself recently: a turtle! It was one of the discussion questions in one of the courses I supervise--what metaphor would you use to describe your life? At the time I felt like I was steadily plodding through things, gradually making progress--in counseling, in relationships, grading papers, and in feeling at home in Malaysia. At times I feel like I have this tender interior protected by the protective shell of God's love and guidance. As I think of a turtle's favorite hangout, I also feel God's rock solid presence below me and the warmth of basking in his love in all that he's doing here in Malaysia.

Weekend away in Sabah

In many ways, little has changed. Tom and I are both getting near the end of our semesters, beginning to feel the pressure of papers to grade. Tom has 3 sections of English classes, and I am helping supervise 2 of the foundational counseling courses with CCEF. In between keeping up with classes, we are spending time with all kinds of people. Tom with students, whether in his office, at various clubs he's gotten involved with, or around our apartment. I am regularly meeting with counselees, women in my Covenant Group, or with people staying at or near our home. Somehow God seems to balance the schedule so there's always just enough time in the day for what needs doing or who I need to meet with. One new thing coming up next week is an academic conference Tom will be presenting at, using some of the research from his graduate studies.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia

We've had some lovely breaks in between our usual routine. A week in August in Cambodia to visit Tom's cousin and understand the highs and lows of the country's history. A long weekend in September in Sabah (East Malaysia) with my Covenant Group to continue growing in our friendships together and see a different part of the country. A couple of day trips in October to hike and explore nearby sights, which generally involves climbing up and down steep jungle pathways.

The longer we are here, the more there is a sense of deepening and building--through the experiences that we are growing in, and especially through the relationships we are developing. Tom's recent metaphor for life incorporates that picture of building. Sunway University where he works is in the midst of a huge building project which he

Building Project at Sunway Univ.

enjoys watching on his way to and from work (and sometimes on breaks during the day). There is a sense of mystery to what they are doing--it's not always obvious what the purpose for a particular phase of construction is. And he doesn't know how it will turn out. Sometimes the work they do serves only as a temporary structural support--bolstering up some wall or bit of ground for the time being only be torn down again later when that phase of building is completed. It's only as things get finished that he can look back and make sense of some of the things they did. Our lives seem very much like that. A building in progress that is beyond the scope of our imagination. Sometimes built up, sometimes painfully torn apart, but ultimately built according to the master plan that can only be discerned by us as we look back and make sense of things. Thankfully the master builder knows what's going on all along.

What metaphor would YOU use to describe your life? We look forward to hearing more from you. For those of you in the US, it won't be long until we have a chance to see and catch up with many of you.
We will be travelling home for Christmas, spending the first couple of weeks with family, then visiting in NJ, Delaware, and Philadelphia from January 3-9. We'll keep you posted as to where you can find us if you want to catch up then.

Blessings,
Janet & Tom

Reflections

Amazingly, it's almost our one-year anniversary in Malaysia already (we arrived on July 31st)! We will be celebrating by taking a one-week holiday to Cambodia to visit Tom's cousin and take in some of the sights (I've already been advised to avoid the deep-fried insects and other such crunchy morsels they might offer us).

So what have we learned? What do we enjoy? What do we miss? What next?

First, following up on my last blog, we learned a lot about the people of Malaysia during the recent elections. Many experienced identity as a "Malaysian" more strongly than ever before (rather than Malay/Chinese/Indian) and the turnout was incredible, more than 80%, with people returning from all over the world just to cast their vote! The results were disappointing. Many allegations have been made about foul play, returning the ruling party back in power. And yet I believe God did much in the hearts of Malaysians to help them know themselves better, recognizing both their own failings as well as a greater love for their country, their people and those who are marginalized. There is much to do before the next elections roll around in another 5 years. I found my love and respect for Malaysians growing through this whole process.

Group shot at the end of year Christian Fellowship meeting

But more personally, Tom has learned that he loves interacting with students. His classes and extracurricular activities give him great opportunities to get to know students, their dreams, their struggles, their take on life. Deadlines like grading at the end of semesters are a drag, but every job has its highs and lows. Besides his normal load of classes, he is actively involved in 3 student clubs, where he gets to know and encourage students weekly. He's pretty distinctive on campus as the only American--the old guy with the beard--and so more and more people, students and staff alike, give him a friendly wave as he walks around campus. He's pursuing more ideas that will give further interaction and help with students as well--creating opportunities to help with English writing, pronunciation, etc. It's much more than a job. It's a lifestyle of engaging with people with the love and respect that comes from the fact that they are made in God's image and have much potential as they take important life steps during this formative time of life.

Bonding at the church's Family Day

At church, Tom has gotten involved in a new covenant group that is studying "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality." The group shows a lot of promise already with 14 committed members who are sharing personally and looking at what it means to be changed by the gospel in their day to day lives. He's also getting involved with the church regarding plans for developing a more focused college ministry, which could include an English learning center if certain things come together over time. Right now, we're appreciative of an extra vehicle on loan for the summer which we fill with students joining us for church many Sundays. A number of them are studying Christianity Explored with us after church as well.

Looking over the past year, God has been faithful to Janet in her work in Biblical Counseling through both churches and individuals. There is growing excitement for what the CCEF curriculum offers. To date 35 people in Malaysia have taken CCEF online classes, some of them on their 2nd course now, all under Janet's supervision. How their new-learned skills can apply in their local churches will be the next question to pursue. In the meantime, other churches and denominations have begun asking more about Biblical Counseling, so the networks for CCEF are expanding. At the same time, Janet has been doing much more counseling. The variety of counseling challenges has taught her a lot, not least of which is what it means to rely on God's wisdom and Holy Spirit on a regular basis. It is a humbling yet exhilarating experience to see people's lives changing before you as you interact with them week by week.

Janet's Covenant Group

Janet's leadership of her church covenant group is another place where she gets involved in people's lives. This group of young woman has been studying the gospel of John and asking the question, what does it really mean to believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Who is he really, and what difference does it make in our daily lives? It's a group that cares deeply for one another, and it's both fun and a privilege to be part of.

So where does this lead us? Tom's been offered a 2-year renewal to his contract. This causes us to think about the opportunities God has given us here, but it also reminds us of those we miss from home. We love our skype calls and emails with people as a way to maintain the relationships we so value. Fourth of July certainly wasn't the same, and we lose track of time without seasons. Rain and cloudy skies bring welcome relief to the heat and humidity, a different perspective on weather from before. We find ourselves cooking more Western food at home, and leave the experimentation of other wonderful food to the restaurants and street vendors that do a much better job of it anyway! We greatly look forward to a visit home Dec. 21-Jan. 9 to see family and friends. But we also see God's hand and calling to accept this next 2-year opportunity, to continue what he has begun. So please be in prayer for us, and be patient with our continued absence from those of you who are far away.

With much love,
Tom & Janet

Pray for Malaysia!

There's not much new to report on what's going on with us...very much a continuation of what I reported a month ago.

But it would be great if you could be praying with us for Malaysia this coming week. Elections have been set for this coming Sunday, May 5th, and it's been described as the "mother of all elections." Many people have become dissatisfied with the ruling party that has been in power since Malaysia received its independence in 1957. They feel it's time for a change. In the last election, 5 years ago, the opposition party gained seats and established a majority in some of the Malaysian states, so there is hope among many that this year will be significantly different from the past.

Recent political rally in Kuala Lumpur

Churches have gotten involved like never before, many volunteering to help oversee a fair and peaceful election process on Sunday, and there is quite a sense of excitement of what might happen in the coming week. Please pray with us for an outcome that would be pleasing to God, electing leaders who would have the best interests of the people of Malaysia in mind. It could have a big impact on the future of Malaysia!


Blessings,
Tom & Janet

Springing Ahead

Langkawi boat tour with Jen & Joel

We've been incredibly busy the last few months--a sign, I guess of our increased involvement on all fronts! Since we last shared with all of you, we had a wonderful visit from our kids, Jen and Joel, in January--visiting the places we hang out the most around Kuala Lumpur, having a wonderful island getaway at Langkawi, and making some day trips to explore new things around us--all while enjoying the wonderful variety of food that Malaysia is famous for.

A recent Book Club poster

Tom completed an entire intensive semester in 7 weeks, teaching the same Leadership class he taught in the fall, only this time to over 80 students! This week he begins another new semester, in which he will be back to teaching English--2 sections each of 2 different classes, for a total of about 80 new students. The book club he helped to start, called BLU (Book Lovers United), now has a student leadership team and has met several times. They will have a big event to start off the new semester on Apr. 10, featuring a local author reading excerpts from some of her stories. Tom has enjoyed working with and getting to know other faculty members in his department, as well as students in his class and in the Christian Fellowship group on campus. The University has verbally extended the offer to him to continue on for another year, so we plan to pursue that in the coming months.

Janet with her women's small group

Much of Janet's time has been focused on her CCEF online course--guiding, grading, and meeting her 23 students, all based in Malaysia. It has been wonderful seeing the enthusiasm of the students for the course, how it's changing their lives and helping them to think about ministry to others. A good number of them are planning to continue with further courses this summer or fall, and other new people are showing interest in beginning CCEF courses as well. Janet is also teaching How People Change, the church-level format of the same course, to small group leaders in a local church. They plan to have all their small groups work through the curriculum later this year. In addition, Janet has had increased opportunities for counseling and discipling individuals and couples, as well as teaching/assisting seminars on Conflict Resolution/Mediation in conjunction with Peacemaker Ministries. On top of that, she's helping lead a wonderful bunch of young women from church in a small group that began last year (before we came on the scene).

Hiking the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge

On the home front, we continue to enjoy getting to know our very international mix of neighbors. Some of the students living near us have become like our extended family, sharing meals, going hiking, playing cards together, going with us to church, or just hanging out. We've even had to borrow a bigger car for some of our trips to church in order to accommodate everyone!

With all that's going on, it was nice to get away last week for a couple of nights to explore Georgetown, Penang, a well-known island town further north in Malaysia, known for its history and wonderful food. But we look forward to the opportunities another year will give us here, where God seems to have much in store for us!

Wishing you all a Happy Easter as we celebrate the risen Christ!
Janet & Tom