From Tropical Palms to Frozen Toes

By Melanie Long

Whoever would have thought God would take a girl who doesn't know where she's from and move her around the world? Having spent almost my whole life in Asia, I have gained a great appreciation for the culture, food, people, and palm trees. To me, there is no place quite so beautiful as the continent of Asia.

After growing up in Bangladesh, teaching a missionary child in Korea, and attending a boarding school in the Philippines, I now have the privilege of discovering a part of Asia whose existence, up to this point, I tried to ignore! The land of Mongolia is as cold, unpopulated, and independent as the Asia familiar to me is warm, crowded, and people-oriented. Yet God brought me here to teach others and allow Him to teach me.

I arrived in Mongolia on the last day of August 2000 to stay until June 2001. My main responsibility is teaching a brother and sister in first and fourth grades as their parents study the difficult language. When I was younger I promised myself I would never be a teacher. However, not only do I find myself doing that this year, I am enjoying it immensely.

When my assignment is over, I hope to go to Bible college and possibly graduate school, majoring in international development aid. At this point I can't say exactly what God will have me do for the rest of my life. But I feel Him leading me to a life full of travel and continued adventures!

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