When I say I miss Malaysia, it is an understatement. I miss my old life working in Malaysia from 1993 until 2010, my longest work life in a foreign country.
It was my first time to work abroad because I had to since my family was poor, I had to work abroad to earn more so I can support my family. I went to Malaysia without even knowing a single thing about Malaysia, that it was a Muslim country. That time, my knowledge on Muslims is based on my perception of the terrorist Muslims in Mindanao.
When I started working there, almost all my neighbors were Muslims, there were a few Buddhist Chinese and Indian Hindis. From then on I studied the Malaysian life, culture and all including religions as Islam, Buddhists and Hindustan. I learned that Muslim religion is not the Muslim I used to know in the Philippines. I became friends with many Muslims and had a deeper understanding of the religion.
It was in Malaysia I learned how to drive a car, and I bought my first car, JFC2341, Jerry's First Car, I would joke with my friends. It was also in Malaysia I found life long pals, especially those I've worked with in Jotun Paints for almost ten years, my longest career job. They are my friends until the end of my life, genuine friends who I can rely on when I'm in dire situation. I won't forget them for the rest of my life.