I didn’t get many breaks growing up. I didn’t get the chance to attend college or study the things I wanted to study. When my parents decided to send me to an intensive programming course so I could learn something that would lead to a good job I jumped at the opportunity.
It was scary at first, I was in a classroom with guys that had degrees in computer science and I had not completed high school! I decided I needed to focus, work hard and see where things would lead. With hard work and perseverance (and not a little lost sleep!) I finished the course at the top of my class. Soon, I had found a job in software development, working to develop electronic medical records systems. I was able to get my own apartment and started thinking of myself as an independent adult. I even got a dog. This drove my mother crazy! A Muslim with a pet dog?!? The dog won her over with how smart he is, now she is OK with him.
When my father had a stroke, of course I made time to help my mother care for him. Between work and helping at home there is just no time for my friends or having fun. I am so tired but as pressures pile up I will work harder, I must not bring shame to my family.
Now, several job changes and advancements later I am still trying to save up enough money to get an apartment, a car and then get married. I know that there are things I should do to show I am a good Muslim but there just isn’t time, work takes all my attention and energy. I’m tired all the time, but I must be a good son, get married and make my mother proud. So many demands in this life – it wears a person out.
Pray
- Pray for XiaoMa, ask that he would come to know the peace of the Father and that he would know the rest of being accepted by a God who loves him unconditionally.
- Pray for students like him to hear about God’s saving grace through Jesus.
**All names have been changed and the picture is not of the storyteller in order to protect the identities of those who have shared their stories and lives with us over the years.