A New Friend

Juan noticed a boy sitting by himself in the school cafeteria. He's new here, and he must be lonely, Juan thought, remembering how he had felt when he was the new kid at school the year before. When Juan finished eating his lunch and was ready to go outside for recess with his friends, he stopped at the door. I'm going back to talk to that kid, he decided.Juan slid onto the bench across from the boy. "Hi," he said. "I'm Juan. What's your name?""My name is Haneul," replied the boy."Where are you from?" asked Juan."South Korea," Haneul answered."Want to play ball with us?" Juan asked. Haneul nodded enthusiastically.Juan wasn't sure what made him do it, but as they left to go home after school, he invited Haneul to come over to his house. Haneul looked pleased, and they both checked to make sure it was okay with their parents.Hanging out with Haneul turned out to be more fun than Juan expected. The boys played basketball and ping-pong and built a fort in the basement. Soon Juan and Haneul became good friends. Their families also met each other, and the boys often visited each other's houses. At Haneul's house, Juan was served Korean food and learned to eat with chopsticks. He also learned some fascinating things about Korean culture."I'm so glad I decided to talk to Haneul when he first came to our school," Juan told his dad one day. "Every time I go to his house, I feel like I'm taking a trip to South Korea.""Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed," Dad said with a smile."What does that mean?" asked Juan."It's from the Bible, and it means that generosity works like a boomerang--when we give to others out of what God has given to us, God blesses us for it," Dad explained. "You were willing to give your time and attention to Haneul when he was new and didn't know anyone, and you're receiving a special blessing in return--knowledge about another culture and a true friend." Dad smiled at Juan. "Through Jesus, we have God's love in our hearts, and when we share that love with others by showing them kindness, God often blesses those relationships and helps them grow stronger." -Matilda H. Nordtvedt