DEUTERONOMY 31:8
Reading the story of Robinson Crusoe, I could not believe it was based on a true story. He arrived on an island by accident. He was miserable in the beginning, but later embraced religion as a balm for his unhappiness, and he adapted to life on the island. I understood Crusoe’s feelings. Arriving at the Memphis airport from Korea, I couldn’t find anyone who had my yellow skin color. Fear attacked me. My mom was not there to wake me up in the morning, and I had no friends. The first day of school in America was the worst day of my life. In English class my teacher asked me, “Where are you from?” My answer was short and clear: “Bathroom.” Everyone started to laugh at me. I didn’t understand because I had actually just come from the rest-room. Then, I couldn’t find friends to sit with at lunch, so I left the cafeteria with a piece of bread. The school was huge, but it seamed like an uninhabited desert. Attending church with my host mom made all the difference because I was treated like a member of their community. I joined the choir and learned to speak English and to praise God. God was my friend, and He was there to help me through the hardships, and He helps me to not be afraid. Crusoe overcame loneliness, and I will endure all my afflictions with my best friend, God.
Grace Park, 17, Houghton Christian Academy, Houghton, NY
Help me to remember that I’m not alone.
Too often life can make me feel like I’m
on a deserted island by myself.