I was very tall, very white and very blonde. I looked nothing like the other kids in the fourth grade. It was my first day at World Impact’s Los Angeles Christian School (LACS). I felt like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz: “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto” (which is ironic because I actually am from Kansas). In fact, The Wizard of Oz seemed the only connection my classmates had to the state of Kansas. I remember one of them asking me: “Have you ever been in a tornado, like up in it?” Bewildered, I said no. You would most likely die if you were actually sucked up in the funnel!
There was so much cultural learning that took place during the four years I attended LACS. I hung out with friends who saw the world form a different perspective and who spoke another language. One minute they would be chatting in English and then, like flipping a switch, they would be talking rapidly in Spanish. One of the girls who liked to tease me said, “You know your name (Tina) means “tub” in Spanish. I thought she was just putting me on so I said, “I don’t believe you.” Fast forward to my college Spanish class when I realized “tina” was, indeed another word for a tub!
During my time there, I was blessed to meet the best group of friends a girl could ask for. Even though I was different (read: nerdy and awkward), they welcomed me into their group. They made my transition to a new state and a new school much easier. I learned from them what true friendship was and from their families I learned true hospitality.
I was unofficially adopted into the Luna family (the family of two of my close friends). Mrs. Luna was like a second mom to me. She always welcomed us rowdy girls into her home for sleepovers (and we could get pretty rowdy). She would make us wonderful meals, supply us with plenty of snacks and take care of us should the need arise. I once got a bad bloody nose at her house and she cared for me like one of her own. I even went on a trip with their family! It was in their home that I was introduced to carne asada and homemade salsa. Every time I came to their home both Mr. and Mrs. Luna would give me a big hug. I truly felt loved.
I have no doubt that the Lord used my four years at LACS to shape me for the future ministry I would come to be involved with as an adult. I learned to cherish and value the traditions of different cultures. God also knew that during such a huge transition in my young life, I needed caring friends and their families to love on me.
I am so thankful for my time at LACS—for Christian teachers and wonderful friends and the chance to grow in ways I never thought possible.