Memories to Cherish... Lessons to Remember...

  To be a missionary. It's not always easy. I would actually say, most of the time it isn't easy. But in the end, you realize that it's always worth it.

  For instance, those times when you see a smile and hear, "Good evening, Tharamu!"

 Those times when a student comes in to class late with a big grin and a "Sorry, Tharamu," then proceeds to his desk where he bows his head before he begins typing. Once finished talking to His Friend, he returns his hat to his head, adjusting it to stick up a few inches off his head, and leaving a smile on the face of his teacher.


  Those times when you hear, "Teacher Eh G' Lu Paw!" and turn to see a cute little face looking up at you. You smile and say, "What?" only to receive a huge grin and a giggle in response.
 
  Those times when you are leaving the chapel or walking somewhere and feel a hand grasp yours. Looking down, you see the beaming face of a dark-haired girl.

  Those times when a student offers to pray before class without being asked.

  Those times when a girl asks, "Teacher, what color you like?" Me: "Yellow and blue." Girl: "Your skin white, you like yellow, very good. My skin dark, I like yellow, no good." You just have to laugh... 

  It's true; all these make missionary work worth while. But it's not just these- not just the happy memories that brighten the days. There are times to grow... Times to be stretched. Times to step out of your comfort zone and serve the Lord in a new way. These make it worth while too.

  Like those times when you are asked to give a Truth for Youth talk for chapel, that will continue through 2 or 3 days. You don't want to do it, but you hear a still small voice speaking, and you say yes, despite your discomfort and fears. After the first day, you realize it wasn't that bad after all. The night before you are to give the last part of the talk, you find out Mr. Steck won't be there in the morning to set up the projector and computer. Panic threatens to set in as you think of not remembering instructions and messing something up. After Mr. Steck has shown you how it works though, you realize once again, it won't be that hard.

  Those times when you're on your way to worship, and an older girl asks you, "Teacher, are you happy?"I reply, "Yes, I am happy." She says, "I look at you and you not smile. I think you not happy." I smile and say, "I am happy." Then she replies, "Always smile, Teacher."  Ok, Lord, I hear You... Please help me to 'always smile.'

  Those times when you are writing a song very familiar to you on the blackboard and suddenly feel a silent call to your heart to not just sing those words, but to make them the prayer of your heart- to decide for now and always to follow Jesus, with no turning back. A smile remains on your face, a song in your heart, for the rest of class.

  Those times when you are sitting in class and your eyes are directed to the back of a boy's shirt. There, you read the words, "Life is too short not to love." Ok, Lord, I hear you again... Please help me love unconditionally... All your children... 

  Oh, the growing you do when you are right where God wants you to be! It may not always feel good... It may hurt. You may want to protest. But when you feel that way, just remember... God knows the end from the beginning. He sees what is best for you. He is much wiser than you could ever hope to be. Trust Him. Try Him. You'll see that in the end, His way is perfect.