It was early morning in Kuala Lumpur when my sister and I headed out to the Global Friends Hub, a Goducate community center for migrant workers and others to gather and engage in wholesome activities. On our way we stopped to get some Roti Canai, a local food that is a must-try if you’re ever in that area. We were warmly greeted by some of the volunteers as we walked through the doors of a comfortable gathering place where in just a short time people from different parts of the globe would gather to chat and do what we do in South East Asia: eat food.
When we arrived, our new friends were preparing breakfast—it was a pity that we had just eaten! We were eager to meet the faces that came through the door and for the next few hours we seemingly had non-stop conversations with people from many different places. Some joined us because their current employment is there in KL and they wanted to find some friends to spend time with, others were there because hard times had hit and getting to have a well-rounded meal was not a normal occurrence. Either way, the friends who gathered together spent time encouraging each other. As friends shared with each other what challenges they’ve recently faced there was a great sense of camaraderie there.
One of the volunteers of Global Friends Hub shared with me that one of the men that frequently visits, originally came as a beggar. On this particular day she was surprised because he was cleaned up, wearing clean clothes and seeming to make a turn for the better.
Another delightful aspect of this center is that it’s not just for adults—children joined in the time of fellowship and had fun together. My sister played Jenga (a tower-building game that requires physical and mental skill) with one of the children while other youth were strumming their guitars. I enjoyed talking to the youth, getting a glimpse of what their life is like. There was an elderly man who joyfully chose to serve others there by washing the many dishes. Different ladies, who have busy work schedules, took time to prepare delicious dishes to share with all that came. There’s no question why people return to this center, the atmosphere is filled with love and is very family-like. You never know what kind of impact a community of friends can have on a life. Yet this I know, spending the day with new friends was a refreshing reminder that race, nationality, and status level shouldn’t create barriers when it comes to developing healthy friendships