~Na May Say: Friendship~

I have bonded with several of our girl students. I love them dearly. Each one has come from a background that's way different that what I have come from, but each are special and can be won to Christ no matter how difficult of a situation they come from. I believe that we're friends for life.

One morning, last week, while I, some of the students, and teachers were out jogging and fast walking, I met Na May Say, one of our oldest girl students. I was feeling a little worn out from being sick and she had a side ache, so we both took it easy for a while. I shared, or rather reminded her of some things that she could do for her side ache.

Na May Say knows some English and we could communicate a little. It was like a breath of fresh air to have another student that I could at least hold a more understandable conversation mixed with some sign language, and a little Karen. (Our family has come to the realization that several, or many, of the students know a fare amount of English, but are quite shy to admit to us how much they know and to speak much or any.)

We talked during the remainder of our exercise time. She taught me some Karen and I taught her a little bit of English.

Ever after that, we would give each other a smile when we would see each other. Sometimes one of us would go to the other and we would stand next to each other (e.g. while waiting for our food at a meal).

Yesterday, right after worship, Na May Say (I think she's 18 yrs. old) gave me a big smile and put her arm tightly around me. As we walked with our arms around each other, I was expecting, like most of the girls that I would walk with, that she would stop walking with me when we would come to the dorm. Yet, in a way I hoped that she would come with me so we could spend a little more time together. As we were passing the girls' dorm, I got ready to say "nalagay" (good evening) and/or "memamoo" (sleep well) to her before parting, but instead she held onto me and walked all the way home with me.

My heart was touched.

Just after we stepped onto our porch, she gave me a big, long hug and said in English, "I love you." And so did I.

She, then, went inside with me for a couple of minutes and then hesitantly left as though she wanted to stay and talk to me, but didn't know how to say it.

I closed the front doors after she disappeared into the darkness and we had told each other "good night", and then I sat down in our hammock and upon our friendship. Even though it is a little challenging, at times to communicate with each other, I believe that we are building a strong, close friendship. I can't wait 'til I can speak Karen much better and she English so that I can get to know her a lot more.

She is a priceless jewel.

Truly, what a JOY it is to be a part of connecting her and others to Christ.