Volunteering in Malaysia!

I met Marcel while sipping a health shake from “The Green Forest”. (For more details of that magnificent morning, please see “A ray a green light in Malaysia” from the Edibles page).
He’s the smiling customer sitting at the bar in the blue shirt.

During our breakfast conversation my volunteering came up and he said with a spark behind his eyes, “Next time you’re in Malaysia, let me know because I’m very active in the community and I could put you to work”. I responded with “Well then, what are the plans for today?”

After a quick discussion he gave me a meeting point and time. I instantly felt my mind and body fill of joyful excitement!

I met him at our spot and he tossed me a helmet, my first ride on the back of a motor scooter! A little unsure but thrilled for the experience I hopped on, let’s see where this goes. Ps, so much fun!

He took me to a local shelter which was a safe place for street walkers, drug addicts, HIV patient’s, and others in challenging situations.

Turns out they needed some hair services too! Although the following pictures are just me giving haircuts, I wanted to post each face as they all warmed my heart with their sincere gratitude.

After I had wrapped up the salon work, they invited me back to the area where the nurses and care takers gather. Without questioning, dinner was served with a portion of milk tea and more smiles. I really couldn’t tell you who was more thankful for this days events, them or me.

I’m not sure if it was the cloud I was floating on from the volunteering or the kind energy from Marcel, but I felt like my entire being was at peace for this moment. A safe ride back to my hotel and a hug of hope that we could work together again someday.

As Marcel pulled away, I realized my “Thank you” seemed like an understatement for the amount of uplifting bliss that he brought to my time here in Malaysia.

So I send my gratitude once more… Till next time!