Being Obedient

Today has been an interesting day. It started out like any other Sunday, got up, got ready for church, went to breakfast. Our oldest son is in town for the holidays so he went with us. Nice breakfast and company for breakfast. We came home and we gave our rent money for the 6 months we had to turn over to our agent. I hadn't accounted for it in our checkbook, which is really my laptop, because I didn't think about it until this morning. I go to our account and see a charge that shouldn't be there. I tell my husband and he, being the man he is, wants it resolved right there and then. I forget sometimes that when dealing with anyone in Malaysia you have to, remember that they don't always understand english and sometimes your call gets dropped even if you haven't moved from the location you started your call. Both happen and I'm in the middle of finding out what exactly the charges are for. I get the second person from the bank and she is intent on getting ALL her security questions answered in order to give us information on charges on our account.

Of course when I started the call it would have been prudent to have my own atm card handy because the charges are on the atm useage. I don't my husband hands me his and I tell the woman that it is not my card, she insists I give her the number, asks my name and then proceeds with asking all the other information that is the same for both of us. She soon realizes that my name is not the name on the atm card I gave her, I then have to hand the phone over for my husband to give her all HIS information. He wasn't happy about it and then he got the answer he was looking for, it seems that when you purchase fuel with your atm card there is a charge to your account until they get the exact amount, the charge is then refunded about 2 to 3 days later. In the US it's hours. But, we're not in the US.

We then take off for church and it's a great service. Today we had a visitor from the Gideon Society, he wanted to share what they have had the opportunity to influence throughout the world with just placing Bibles in every city they can. The testimonies were so powerful. I was ready to give my offering but the Lord told me to wait for the Gideon offering.l So I did and then was so inspired to give them more than what I usually give. As I was getting my ringit from my wallet the Lord told me to give it all. I looked in my wallet and I had a little over 200 ringit. I thought I'll just give 200 because that was a big donation. The Lord said to give it all, so I gave every last one that I had.

The message today had 3 parts, it was about Joseph-Mary's husband-how he was obedient and how his obedience cost him and he was an example for us to be obedient. As we drove home, my husband asked about lunch. I told him I couldn't buy lunch because the Lord had told me to give all my ringit to the Gideon Society. He said "You gave it all? I'm gonna have to stop giving you ringits, you give them to the orphans and the Gideons." I told him that pastor said that my obedience would cost me. Hee, hee He was joking but I have found, when the Lord asks my all I need to give my all. I know there will be something special this week from my obedience. I'll let you know.

It's been a long week!!!

I posted last time that we wouldn't be moving in until Monday, the 8th of December. I found out later that we would stay another night at the hotel. That was great one more day of internet, having used it to keep in touch with family and friends in TX. We made our move a week ago today. It was nice and leasurely, the kids and I enjoyed the house right away. The telephone guy came the next day-great now we can get internet. He came and "checked" if the line was working-about 2 minutes. He then tells me I owe him 30 ringit. I give him the 30 ringint and then he tells me I have to have another guy come out to turn on the phone lines. I then call the office manager and she tells me that he won't be out until maybe tomorrow, Friday. I'm ok with that but then again that delays the internet. He came out in 30 minutes. Steve got back the night we moved in and went right back to work the next day.

In the mean time, the kids and I explore the shopping center near our house, walking distance, and find a great place to have lunch. The fact that is also has wifi free isn't too bad either. We wander around glancing at the different shops and we find a place for them to take art classes. We get them signed up for Saturday, but then we have to find canvas, paint and brushes. The canvas and brushes were in the stationary shop. You don't go to an art supply shop, you go to the stationary shop.

Sunday was less stressful and we had the pleasure of attending The Bridge International Christmas program. It truly was an international event. I enjoyed all the different cultures represented and most of them have only lived in KL for a couple of months or maybe a couple of years. My favorites were the Nigerians. They had some moves that reminded me of some friends in the States.

We are now in countdown to Christmas mode. It's our first Christmas in KL. We plan on visiting Singapore on a short trip and don't know what else we will see while Steven is on vacation. I'm thankful that we will have some time to just enjoy where God has placed us. Merry Christmas!

We're moved in...almost

Today was the day that our new landlord handed over the keys. It's a wonderful house and we are going to enjoy it. We aren't moved in all the way because the kids and I won't move into the house completely until Monday. Steven leaves for the Philipines tomorrow and will be back on Wednesday.

Our home in Friendswood was inspected and there are some issues. Please pray that the issues will be resolved and that the sale will continue as planned. I'm believing the Lord has it all worked out. He worked out the situation here in Malaysia!

Week 3 1/2

We've been here now 3 weeks and 2 days. Not really half of a week but close enou2gh. I've attended 2 ladies parties in the last 2 weeks. The first was a luncheon at my husband's bosses home. His wife wanted to meet the ladies. Today it was a Festive Coffee. I had never been to a Festive Coffee so I decided to go. I met many lovely women. One husband, I'm sure he's used to being the only male in the group. I was surprised at how many times most of these women had moved around the world. I'm just starting out in this world of different postings. Term for new job locations. Everyone reassured me that I would figure out the road system, and I would begin to get the hang of it. I guess if I don't they'll tell me I did anyway. I've been able to hail a taxi, get the taxis to take me where I need to go and not pay too much for the ride. I know sounds like a pretty staight forward occurance, but you have to remember, just because they seem to understand english doesn't mean they do.

We move into our new home on Saturday, we signed papers today that should get us closer to selling our house in the US. Our sea shipment won't arrive until the 19th and has to process through at least 10 days, that means we shouldn't see our stuff until the 29th of December. I talked to someone today that said it shouldn't take more than 6 weeks to get our belongings. We'll see. Now to pick a tree and decorate for Christmas since we have a home to decorate.

2 weeks in Malaysia

We've been here 2 whole weeks. My how time flies. We've seen 16 houses and narrowed it down to 5. We've made an offer on one and are waiting to hear back from the owner. We've gone car shopping, It was only one dealer..Steven had to lie down from the difference in price from the internet and the dealer. We will head out again. We've got the children enrolled in the school, although they will not start until January. Side note, I think the Malaysians have the right idea about the school years. They have back to school sales twice a year. They prepare for the fall term with back to school sales and offer the uniforms on sale again in late November early December for the January semester. How many moms have noticed that their child has grown since the beginning of the school year and doesn't have the benefit of a sale price come December? If most kids grow like mine did and still do, it's an advantage to the parent to have another sale come December.
Zachary has taken his first piano lesson and will have another come next Wednesday. He hasn't had the chance to practice but the teacher is aware that we have other obligations and is willing to work with us. The girls took a jazz class and Kristen took a tap class. I think that we will wait until we are in our house before we go on with dance classes.

Our stay at the Lanson Place is comfortable, our air shipment came in finally. We now have a bunch of boxes in the main entertainment room but we're not here for very much longer.

The best thing about today is that we finally got to attend a worship service. The people were very nice and the service was very interesting. The pastor taught from 2 Chronicles the story of Jehoshephat and his army against the countries that were coming against Isreal. It's a wonderful testament to the power of God. The assistant to the youth pastor came to meet us got mine and the kid's cell numbers and wants them to come to a semi-retreat that the church is hosting for the youth. It's a 3 day trip to the beach, it runs 150.00RM which is about 50.00USD. I'll see if it turns out that the kids will be able to go.

The wrong side of the road.

I've been in Malaysia about a week and a half. I decided to wait until I felt comfortable driving before I attempted it. Steven went out of town on Sunday and said I should try to drive. I let a couple of days go by and I even had our relocation agent drive me to the place that offers music lessons as well as dance and voice lessons. It was pretty close to our location right now but will be quite a distance to drive if we move to the part of town we want to live in. The owner of the place wanted the girls to come try out a couple of dance classes tonight. Jazz and tap. Zachary will return in the morning for a lesson in piano. So I decided to try and drive to the place. Ok, so here's the hard part--after driving for 29 years in the USA means that I'm pretty accustomed to driving on one side of the road. I trekked out and asked the kids to say over and over again "the left mom, the left" Believe it or not, it really helped. I have now driven to the dance/music studio, parked in the crazy way Malaysians park and driven to the KLCC mall. We like walking to the mall because it gives us some exercise and we don't have to pay for parking. More later...

1 week in Malaysia...

I suppose I'm supposed to have this great insight and blog about all the things I have learned since coming to Malaysia. I don't have my list yet but I have had an interesting time since we got here a week ago.

I've learned that you have to be adament about what paperwork you have handled and not let them tell you that you didn't send it. I've learned that email even with all technology and Americans get impatient if you don't reply right away that the Malaysian way is when ever they get to it.

I saw all kind of cultural costumes at a grand party hosted by Shell at the Shangrila Hotel here in Malaysia. It was on a grand scale. We had a wonderful time. I got to meet some of the people Steven works with.

I've also learned that not everybody speaks English although they attempt. I've also learned when to stop trying to get my point accross. After repeating yourself a couple of times, like Nicole says, just smile and nod.

When you have an issue that should seem like an easy fix, it's not. We are a family of 5. We are staying in 2 rooms not one. So, as an American I would think that the hotel would consider since we have 2 rooms that we would require at least 4 breakfast meals to go with our stay. No, we are only provided with 3 breakfast per family. Our relocation agent thought that was rediculous. She attempted to "sort it out" But even after talking to the manager we still have to sign for 2 of the breakfasts meals because the contract is for 3 breakfast meals that come with the room/per family.

Our bank is not "trustworthy" as the name implies. That was another post from a week ago.

We saw many houses and for around the same rent you can get a 2,900 sq ft. condo or a 5,000 sq ft bungalow. Yes, I did say 5,000 sq ft. Guess which one we fell in love with?

The Malaysian people are very friendly and want to help you as much as possible, at least that's what I have found here at the Lanson Place.

Oh, it takes 2.5 hours to get a manicure pedicure here at the hotel. That is with 2 people working on you.

Finally here!

We started our journey Friday 7/11 at 7:30 pm. We then flew for 9 hours to Amsterdam for an 8 hour layover. You say, 8 hour layover that should be fun-so much to see in Amsterdam right? Steven tried to buy train tickets for the family and agent declined his card. He knew there must be a mistake so he walks over to the atm and tries to get the euros to purchase the tickets. The atm says it is taking his card for security purposes. So I'm not too willing to give up my card--haven't had to offer it to the atm gods yet. We spend the 8 hours (the first 2 listening to Steven rant about someone at our bank wishing they were never born or that they hadn't answered the phone) It was a long wait but we could look around and the lounge was stocked with something to drink and eat. We got on the plane and had an 11 hour flight to Malaysia. That flight was uneventful but I couldn't find my glasses when we were supposed to get off the plane. Elise found them so that was another incident avoided. We got to our driver and because we Americans love our personal space & I hadn't bathed in 2 days I wasn't about to get up close and personal with anyone else. So we all pulled out of the already crowded lift (elevator for the people in the US) We got on the next lift and were on our way through the KL scenery. More later...I'm exhausted-my eyes are literally closing as I type.

Today I'm the mother of 4 teenagers

It's happened before, having 4 teenagers. It was when my 4th child turned 13. I was thinking back to 13 years & a few months, the beginning of 1995. I just found out I was pregnant and very excited even though many people asked me if I figured out where they were coming from or they told me I could stop now. I knew this baby was someone very much wanted and prayed for. I had always thought that I would have at least 3 kids. Then I thought well maybe 4 kids because the world we live in is very even. You know, 12 eggs in a dozen, 10 hot dogs to go with 8 hot dog buns. It made perfect sense to have an even number. In 1987 my dh and I decided it was time to start our family and it seemed that all the women in my family, it's still true, have very little problems getting pregnant. It was taking longer than we expected and I asked the Lord when will I get pregnant. That night I had a dream, I was holding a very small infant in my arms and I said "Kids, lets go!" And out they came... I started counting one, two, 3 & 4 looked like twins. Then I realized that the one I was carrying was number 5. I woke the next morning so excited to tell my hubby that we were going to have 5. He was happy just to have one on the way, which happened shortly after, but he was sure I was just wishing. Zachary came into our lives and really stirred things up. He started talking right away, my oldest started telling me shortly after that it was a mistake to teach him. He was always the center of attention because he was small and cute. Happy Birthday Z

It happens in 3s right????

I've been managing our house while my dh is offshore in Russia. We are in the process of moving to Malaysia. I was very excited yesterday when I got the email that we are now official. I felt nothing could dampen my joy. I really started laughing when everything started coming down. First, my insurance adjuster told me it was probably my fault that I hit the guy that couldn't wait to pull in as he saw I was backing out of the parking space. Yes, I said my fault. The guy at the body shop begged to differ with her--seeing as he saw where the damage was. Second, no word from the Hyundai shop about the car-mainly because they were so busy (that's me giving them the benefit of the doubt) Third, I get a letter in the mail. It looks official and from the traffic light ticket people, yes we now have traffic light cameras intended to catch you running a red light. So I quickly think about my past few days and how I could possibly have run a red light--not that I haven't but I figured it hadn't occurred in the last few days. I open the letter and the Ranger my husband sold in the last part of September was caught on October 8th running a red light! I have to prove now that the car isn't ours anymore. I'm thinking that should be easy but the guy from the service said I didn't have enough information on the guy. I don't know but by the time I read the letter I was laughing. I'm so thankful for a God with a sense of humor. Hopefully today will be less eventful.

Houston, we have lift off!

It has finally happened! The visas are approved! We will depart from Houston Intercontinental Airport on November 7th destination Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! We leave in 23 days, a home that we've had for 19 years.

Too Funny:

I've gotten this email twice, thought I'd share.

Things IKE taught me…

Coffee, frozen pizza and even rice can be grilled on a BBQ grill.

Hot pockets taste pretty good deep fried on the outdoor cooker!

My car gets 23.21675 miles per gallon, EXACTLY (you can ask the people in line who helped me push it).

He who has the biggest generator wins.

A new method of non-lethal torture- showers without hot water.

There are a lot more stars in the sky than most people thought.

TV is an addiction and the withdrawal symptoms are painful.

A 7lb bag of ice will chill 6-12 oz Budweiser's to a drinkable temperature in 11 minutes, and still keep a 14 lb. turkey frozen for 8 more hours.

There are a lot of dang trees around here.

Flood plain drawings on some mortgage documents were seriously wrong..

People will get into a line that has already formed without having any idea what the line is for.

Cell phones work when land lines are down, but only as long as the battery remains charged.

Hampers were not made to contain such a volume.

If my store sold only ice, chainsaws, gas and generators - I'd be rich.

Waterfront property can quickly become someone else's fishing hole.

Tree service companies are underappreciated.

I learned what happens when you make fun of another states' blackout.

MATH 101: 30 days in month, minus 6 days without power equals 30% higher electric bill ?????

Drywall is a compound word, take away the 'dry' part and it's worthless.

I can walk a lot farther than I thought.

It is a great time to teach the children the fine art of gambling (penny ante poker) card playing.

You can never have too many gas cans!

If you fill the bathtubs with water, the water will not go off.

Seven (7) dogs that do not normally live together still do not get along during a hurricane…they have no comprehension of sharing.

Neighbors are much more sociable when they are sharing a generator.

Two-year-old canned beets taste better than you ’d think.

Just because it is dark and you are in the privacy of your bedroom doesn’t mean we can’t hear what you are doing in there because our windows are open too.

What looks acceptable by candlelight in your bathroom will scare you when you look at yourself in the mirror at the office.

Peanut butter and jelly is a perfectly acceptable meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the same day.

Don’t shun those who use Tylenol PM or Advil PM to get through 11-hour nights.

That neighbor who knows how to use a chainsaw is your new best friend.

Ice is a form of currency.

Coming home from work with a pizza and a charged-up laptop so the kids can watch a DVD makes you a hero.

Hair can dry without a blow dryer, but it may not look the way you planned.

The storm treasures your kids are finding really belong to your neighbors.

Baseball caps go with any post-hurricane ensemble.

You can’t train yourself not to flip on light switches when entering a room.

It’s easier to ignore a dirty floor when you can’t see it.

A new opening phrase when seeing someone: “Got lights yet?”

November 7th--mark your calendars

Yes, that is the date we are going to move. It doesn't seem a reality yet because of waiting for many months. My hubby takes off on October 5th and flies to Malaysia for a business trip, he will go to Russia also. He is very excited and also very overwhelmed with all the "things" that have to be done in what is now 6 weeks and 4 days away. I know that in that short amount of time Everything will be accomplished and to the glory of God.

He protected us through Hurricane Ike, no damage, as He said He would. He has given my husband the job in Malaysia, as He said He would. He has given our son a place to live and people around him to help him when we aren't around, as He said He would. So what is left for me to worry about? NOTHING! Actually, I wasn't worried. There is so much God, Papa, has actually done before and during this move I can't list it all in a blog post.

Love to all my friends that may not get to visit with me before I leave. I know that everything will go well.

Paperwork finally in....I think

Our preview trip was wonderful. Yes, it was just a preview but as Sharon our relocation agent told me the purpose was mainly to find out if the schools would take our children. We were told at the first school they only had room for one of them, so that wasn't good. The second one we visited had room for all three. I know, you're asking yourself what school don't you homeschool? Yes, but my husband's job is paying for private school, they won't pay me to school them so why not take the opportunity to have them educated in an international setting. I will still be quite involved just not have as much responsibility. I'll also be adapting to a new culture and trying to make the transition for my kids easier.

We found out on our trip that there were a few more documents that needed to be sent. I spent Monday making copies and sending for copies of documents. My husband took them to his work and now the papers are on their way to the Malaysian government. Pray that all will be efficient and the papers will be processed ASAP. Thanks

Flight 95 is scheduled for departure 8/16/08

On 8/15/08 my dear husband and I will be headed to Malaysia. His birthday, the 16th, we will be in the air for 18 hours 15 minutes. This is the beginning of a new adventure for the Schultheis family. I'm so excited to go and find a new home. We are in process of selling our home and when we get the call for a showing we jump and leave in order for prospective buyers to view the house without us there. This has been very effective in readying me for the fact that this house that has been our home for the past 19 years is no longer ours. Yes, our names are on the mortgage but our hearts are now adjusting to the fact that we won't call Tanglewood our home address. We will miss all our friends and loved ones we leave behind but the opportunity to travel to a new country and continent is so exciting. More details after we get back.

4th of July Friendswood style

Friendswood is a nice little city in the suburbs of Houston. Over the last 19 years of living here I've enjoyed many of the qualities of living in a smaller community that is close to a thriving metropolis. The 4th of July celebration is one that the community strives to make enjoyable. The fireworks display is always wonderful and the music is really quite good. Last night the city brought in "Asleep at the Wheel" a band that I hadn't heard of until last night. My husband was a little bored up until they announced who would be playing. He was so excited because he enjoyed this band 25 years ago in Anthony, TX at a little known place that sat on the border of New Mexico and Texas. He really enjoyed the band and was so excited to be able to hear them again. They sounded wonderful. Their harmony was right on and they played quite well. I didn't know there were so many songs about Texas. It was so entertaining and a great send off for our family that won't be participating in 4th of July celebrations in Malaysia, I understand Chinese New Year is what they celebrate for a whole week.

Thanks Friendswood, you have given us many fond memories to take with us. Our family has truly enjoyed our stay.

Home again home again....

I've been away from home since Wednesday, 6/4, and came back Sunday 6/8. I realized something while I was away. First of all I was really thankful that I was able to be with my oldest as she had to have surgery. As my children grew, some are still growing, my heart was to still be available to them when and if I was needed. Second, leaving home in the age of internet and wireless technology is so much easier. I was able to make sure everyone was at their respective places without skipping a beat. Nothing was missed, if it was it didn't really matter.
What I really appreciated was the fact that when I got home everyone was so happy to have me back. Sure they could survive without me and their time will come when they will want to live independent lives but right now they were very willing to have "Mom" back home.
Thank you Lord for my family.

Got this one today-just couldn't pass up posting it!

One day God was looking down at Earth and saw all of the rascally behavior that was going on.

So he called one of His angels and sent the angel to Earth for a time.

When he returned, he told God, "Yes, it is bad on Earth; 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not."

God thought for a moment and said, "Maybe I had better send down a second angel to get another opinion."

So God called another angel and sent him to Earth for a time.

When the angel returned he went to God and said, "Yes, it's true. The Earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are being good."



God was not pleased. So He decided to e-mail the 5% that were good, because he wanted to encourage them, and give them a little something to help them keep going.



Do you know what the e-mail said?



Okay, I was just wondering, I didn't get one either

April Fool's 1985

I finally signed up for a gym membership last night. I hadn't been part of a gym in over 22 years. I spent my young adult years staying in shape and even teaching an aerobics class for 8 years. In fact in one of those aerobics classes is where I met my sweetheart.

Today is the anniversary of our engagement. You may be thinking to yourself... you got engaged on April Fools Day? Yes, and it was very sweet and private. It wasn't expected, yes we had looked at rings a couple of weekends before but when I asked to look at the one carat diamond my dh, then bf, eye's bugged out of their sockets. After the sticker shock I figured it would take about 5 months for him to be convinced to even purchase "the ring." I got a call at work asking me to come watch him play softball with his group at work. I agreed, anytime spent with him was great. I didn't have to teach a class on that day. The problem was that I worked on the other side of town and would spend an hour and a half to two hours in traffic. I did and by the time I got to the field no one, except my bf, was there. He had news to tell me, he was going out of town the very next day and wanted to see me before he had to pack. I was used to his out-of-town trips on the spur of the moment so I just thought it was just a chance to see him before he left.

...then he pulled it out, a small ring box and a yellow rose. I couldn't believe it and then I put it on and was so overwhelmed. I didn't think about the date until he told me that the ladies at the jewelry store told him it better not be an April Fool's joke or they would kill him.

Happy Anniversary my love

2008

We are now a whole week into 2008. I've decided to make some changes in my habits. Especially eating and exercise. I shared this decision with my dh. He told me to wait until we moved because some of the compounds had their own exercise area. I thought maybe I would check out programs in the area anyway. He comes home and tells me very excited that he found a perfect program for me to join. Me being excited that he has taken an interest in my attempt at better health ask him "which one?" He tells me "The Houstonian" well of course I google it right away. I come upon a beautiful website and see that they even include a spa. I eagerly look for membership costs and he then decides it best to give me the details. It's a mere $14,000 initiation fee plus a $350 monthly dues. I bet my clothes would be poo pooed at the door. I don't think I even carry the right type of purse to be able to attend. Mine are usually from Target or Walmart. Oh well the quest continues.