Before you depart...

I was reading a history and biography magazine recently and ran across this top ten list by a man named A. Judson more than 150 years ago. I have taken some liberties with the wording for obvious reasons.

1. Be a worker for life, not for a limited term. (Check, at least that's the plan.)

2. Select a healthy and good-natured spouse. (Check.)

3. Don't be overzealous to do good on board ship and thereby get in the way. (Boy, I almost messed this one up. You have no idea how upset those flight attendants get when you try to help them pass out the meals.)

4. Take care that you are not weakened by the hardships you will face during the preparation and travel to your destination. (Lift with your legs when getting rid of your heavy furniture. All I can say is that I'm not the only one to arrive overseas with back spasms. I know, I know, it's nothing like what people used to deal with 150 years ago, nevertheless....)

5. Don't judge the local Xians in your field of labor before you know their language and understand their culture. You will undoubtedly be disappointed when you first arrive and may regret that you came, but don't let first impressions dishearten or embitter you. (The best advice so far. Check minus.)

6. Don't let fatigue and frustration tempt you into seeking retreat or focusing on tasks that distract from the real work that needs to be done. (Check minus.)

7. Beware of pride arising from your good reputation and guard against it by openly confessing your shortcomings. (Check.)

8. Trust Him in all things; don't lay up money for yourselves. (Check plus ;-).

9. Exercise to maintain your health. (Check. Walking nearly everywhere helps with this.)

10. Avoid excessive socializing with other Westerners and don't try to keep up a fashionable lifestyle that will separate you from the people you are there to serve. (Check.)

Well, you can see from the grades I've given myself above where I could use some work.