by Holly (Hudson) TAMANG CB ’99
SOUTHEAST ASIA

They say ‘love is blind’ but I am realizing that sacrifice is blind. Being a missionary to a third world country may seem to require a lot of sacrifice. Sacrifice is in the beholder’s eyes. The average American, even conservative Christian, thinks you are super human. I don’t think any missionaries think of themselves as that. God has helped us to become blinded to most of the sacrifices we make and has opened our eyes to a heavenly view. What’s in a sacrifice? A king used to being served has a hard time becoming a commoner. A servant who loves his master loves serving him and is blinded to sacrifice.

When returning to America for furlough, I realized how great the sacrifice to be in Southeast Asia was. Daily I seemed to add more to my list. However, when it was time to return to our field, the less the sacrifice seemed. The so-called sacrifices were actually beneficial for me. For instance, the only vehicle we have there is a scooter which I don’t drive on busy streets. I walk more and lose weight gained on furlough.

I realized that not only was the blinded sacrifice God-given, but so was the love for our people. How else could a person have love for heathen people who do not think, talk, or act like us…or hug a girl with lice…or smile kindly to a lady that tore up the gospel tract we gave her? God-given love conquers mountains and blinds us to the sacrifices.

Some ask, “What about your children?” Our children feel at home here. This was evident after our first furlough. Our four year old daughter was excited to return to the orphanage where we lived. She told me how she was going to play with the children and what she was going to show them. My two year old picked up an empty two litre bottle and a baseball with the cover almost off and began batting it around just like before. Smiling at the familiar faces of the children, he went to one of the older boys. Yes, they miss their grandparents, but they enjoy their home here.

I see that the sacrifices and comforts I gave up actually helped open my eyes. More people could benefit by sacrifice. Sacrifice of time and comfort by witnessing to a neighbor is good sacrifice and something all Christians should do. Leaving family was the biggest sacrifice but having a godly family is a blessing. Today’s technology helps me stay connected with my family. The best benefit from sacrifice that I receive is serving the best Master, Jesus. That’s a privilege, not a sacrifice!