There are always challenging and unusual events in our personal lives that actually help us grow. Being a missionary kid is not a typical way to live. There were countless of unexplainable tough times, like being mocked and ignored by Russian people. Those poisonous behaviors that I encountered affected not only my identity but also aroused some depressing thoughts in me. However, God used those behaviors to lead me to Him. When I was two months old, my family immediately came to Russia. I grew up with Russian friends. My Russian nanny always took care of me with love and attention. Whenever summer vacation came, my heart would beat fast when thinking of spending time with my nanny. Spending vacation with her was the most remarkable time ever. She always provided delicious and luxurious food. Whenever I felt lonely, she became my best friend. Whenever we went to pick up berries, I was very excited; I fell in love with picking berries and making jam out of them. My life was full of enthusiasm. Through my nanny, I saw all Russian people as respectful and kindhearted.
When I turned into a teenager, the reality of the world woke me up from my naive perceptions. I was mistaken; my assumptions were totally wrong. Whenever I wanted to play soccer with Russian kids, they always used different methods prevent me from joining them. Mocking and teasing were not the only methods that they used. They hollered at me and were angry without any reasons. Any time I wanted to give my opinions, they wanted to hear neither my opinion nor voice. I still remember distinctly one teenage boy who was younger than me saying directly to me in my face, "Can you even see?" Are you a person with a disability?" I understood what he meant. He was mocking about my physical appearances." However that was not the end of the pain. Later, one immature guy shouted at me, "Hey Chinese! Go to your own useless country.
