Our new missionary couple is from Provo, Utah. Elder Smith was a dentist in Southern California. He was a missionary companion of my brother, Gordon, in the Eastern States Mission and later a roommate at BYU. Gordon introduced Norma Doane, whom he knew in Boise, to Richard and the match clicked. Gordon has kept in contact with them through the years. This is their 2nd mission to Asia. They were humanitarian missionaries in Indonesia in 2002 when the terrorists struck New York. For safety reasons, they were reassigned to Cambodia where they completed their mission. They are happy to be back in Asia again. So, four Smiths toured part of the state of Selangor, West Malaysia on Friday.April 24, 2009. We travelled by taxi driven by a member of the Church, Anthony. Elder Richard Smith in front, and Elder Jay Smith in the rear between the two Sister Smiths. A tight squeeze, especially on a hot humid day without air conditioning. But it was worthwhile to see some of the impact of our humanitarian projects and the people involved.
Our first stop was to a family clinic that serves some of the poorer residents in the area. Some of them are refugees from countries such as Myanmar. The LDSC helped with a Family Enrichment Program that taught their patients the importance of families and how to strengthen them through family home evenings. They may work with LDSC on other projects in the coming months. Dora and Vivien hosted us and explained their program to us.
There are several ethnic groups of people living in Malaysia. Over the centuries many groups settled in the geograpical area. The people known as the Malays (Muslim) were among early settlers and they are currently the leaders of the government. The Chinese came with business skills and are the economic leaders. Indians are another group, with the majority being known as Tamils. They are generally have greater need of humanitarian help. The Tamil schools are provided buildings and teachers, but little help with furniture and supplies. The LDSC has helped several schools throughout Malaysia with strong sturdy furniture. This elementary school we visited was provided furniture for their library.
Sister Smith met some of the children in one of their classrooms. The furniture in this room was not provided by LDSC. Each room tends to have a varied type of desk and chairs according to what could be obtained through donations. The children were happy to welcome us.
The assistant principal told us how proud they were of the nicely furnished library. She was willing to have her picture taken in her beautiful purple outfit.
The library furniture was sometimes assembled by members of local branches. This furniture was very sturdy as can be seen with this chair. The tables were covered to protect them as the students studied. We told the teachers that the money to purchase this furniture came from church members throughout the world who gave liberally for humanitarian work in distant lands.
A group of children were studying in the library as we visited. See person on right of picture.
Henry Sandeman is the director of the Gomback District in Northern Selangor State that surrounds the city-state of Kuala Lumpur. He was trained in the ministry, but left that to help the youth and needy in this District. He provides a place for youth to learn computer skills, and a library to help youth practice their reading skills. The LDSC have helped provide sewing machines for needy women or single mothers to learn sewing skills and then use those skills to make clothing which helps make them more self-reliant. Henry is passionate about his work, and goes regularly into the schools to teach the students moral values. He has great faith and welcomes groups such as LDSC who help provide the materials to carry out his work. We enjoyed meeting such a dedicated man.
The table to the left is stacked with shirts that have been produced in this sewing center by needy women with help from LDSC sewing machines. 
We paused in our journey to have lunch at an Indian (India) restaurant recommended by Anthony. The plates are banana leaves. The utensil used by the Indians is the right hand. The food is placed directly on the banana leaves. The rice has been placed on the banana leaves. The missionaries used a provided fork, but Anthony enjoyed his in the traditional Indian way. The food was very good. Meat, sauces, vegetables all mixed with the rice.
The last stop of the day was to the Cheshire Home of Selangor. Cheshire Homes is an international organization that provides living facilities for seriously disabled and handicapped persons. LDSC has partnered with this organization in both West and East Malaysia to provide wheelchairs for the disabled, including those in their group homes. The President of the Malaysia homes is Khatijah Sulieman, a widow who has dedicated her fortune and life to lifting up her fellowmen and women who are disabled, some from birth. She is well known throughout Malaysia and a great friend of LDSC. This complex of buildings was acquired from a wealthy citizen and turned into a very comfortable facility for the disabled. They hosted us and greeted us as we arrived with a welcome sign.
We felt special being greeted with our name on the big board out in front of the Cheshire Group Home!
This wheelchair was provided by the LDSC. They are currently delivering another order of 250 wheelchairs through different NGO groups in Malaysia.
The facility included a full bakery where residents who can learn cooking skills and provide some of the food for the home. We enjoyed some delicious pastries from the bakery during our visit, even though it was too late in the day to observe the "bakers" in action.
A resident sitting in her wheelchair and making a beautiful quilt. They seem very happy to be busy doing something worthwhile.
This man is hemming hot pads with a sewing machine. Sister Norma Smith is admiring his work.
In the evening, the four Smiths were hosted by Khatijah and a member of the governing board, Ghazali Yusoff. We presented Khatijah with a lovely acrylic desk memento with LDSC imprinted on the recognition. She was touched and seemed grateful to receive it. 
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