The Fruitful Victory from Perseverance

Hi, my name is Laurent Ōmorita. I'm one of students of John Mintoff International junior high school--not the real name--at Valletta, Malta, who is following the exchange student program. Actually, I come from poor families, and lived in a remote village in Majuro, Marshall Islands. Luckily, academic achievements that I reached during elementary school made me got a scholarship, and recommendation from the central government at the same time, to continue my education to this school.

During school there, I'm trying to learn as much as possible, including learning to adapt to new friends at a new school. Although it is difficult, in fact I can still make new friends-and it seems like almost all of them, except for Gloria Bianchi. She is my classmate who is very famous at school, and she's quite smart, easygoing with anyone, and also ... very pretty. At first I did not understand why I find it hard to be friend with her, before finally revealed the fact that we are including students who are in the competition for School Champion, which is always held for grade 9 before the graduation.

Three months before the national exam , we got to know closer one another , and it all started when I was going through the stairs to my classroom when I saw Lori was moody on the stairs . Because of curiousity , I approached her.
                 " Hi , Lori . Are you okay ? " I said.
                  She shook her head, a sign of unfavorable.
                 "You got a problem?" I Proceeded no further my question.
                 "No, I just wanted to ask you something." Lori replied
                 "With pleasure."
                 "Not that I offended you, but why did you have many friends in a short time? And you do not have anything for you to show it to someone else. "Lori began issuing words of spiciness.
                I knew she was wanted to drop my mental by bringing material wealth . But I answered honestly.
                " Although I do not have anything , I still have hope , passion , and perseverance to get through the day . That's all I can show to others . "
                " You mean ... perseverance in what ? " Lori started to wonder .
               "Perseverance in learning, socializing, and also build a relationship with God."
               Without I thought, she saw I was wearing a cross necklace. It seemed she was thinking about something. Then, when I realized it, I realized that she wanted to know God. Rather than made her suspicious, It was better if I did not say anything. And I intended to change the subject when she said,

"Laurent ... when I heard what you said earlier, it made me realize that I had been away from Him." Lori said sadly.
Slowly, her tears began to drip, and she began to cry. My goodness ...
My heart felt guilty saw her cry, and she really needs God now. Inevitably, finally I tried to cheer her.
"Lori, I'm sorry if what I said made ​​you cry ..." I said with feeling guilty.
"No problem ... Laurent, if you want to come to my house tomorrow?" She said as she wiped her tears.
"Of course."
"Yes, I want to learn together with you for the preparation of the exam later ... And, do you want to help me to know God?" Lori begged.
What? Is she serious? She wanted to know God? In my heart, I felt there was something different. God heard her petition! And this is a great opportunity to introduce herself to God. All right, I'll do it! And I strengthen my heart with agreeing her request.
  "Yes, Lori. I'll help you."

Since that day, we were getting closer one another. We strive to learn as much as possible to compete fairly, while I tried to introduce her to God by reading the word of God to her. Whether at her home, my home, and when at school. Our closeness make our friends thought we were having a love relationship, while in fact we were not doing that yet. And of course, we did it with our perseverance.

Finally, the competition of School Champion was ended with getting a new champion, and the champion was me, while Lori was ranked second. We were both very pleased with the results we have got. A few days later, Lori finally christened and acknowledged the Lord as her Savior. At that time, she cried with full of happiness. And finally I have really started my romantic relationship with her. Even if I may be honest, I would scream as hard as in my heart.

"Thank you, God!"