Page 95 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (2)

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Reminiscences
1900-1923
Miss Fanny I-utton

A STRANGER in a strange land. My first impressions were
very pessimistic. First the language, an impossible mountain
to climb. The people: should 1 ever become acquainted with
them and understand all their strange customs? The climate:
should 1 be able to endure it, let alone enjoy it?
I think proficiency in the language means hard work and stick-tu-
it-iveness more than ability or genius. As for the people, when one
lives in their midst, and goes in and out among them in their daily
life, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and praying for love,
common sense and tact will not only enable one to get acquainted
but will also win friends.
V
1 have learned in regard to the climate that one needs just as much
guidance in this matter also. One must not act foolishly or do as . I
we would do in a good climate. Carelessness or disregard of the sun
mid mosquitoes, unsuitable diet and many other things which are
needful to know and avoid, bring their own penalty, but often can
only be learned by hard and painful experience. «
How the stakes have been widened and strengthened since I first
stepped on Arabian soil. Only two lady missionaries in Bahrein, Mrs. V
Zw enter and Mrs. Marion Thoms, and Mrs. Barny in Basrah. Converts
few, not may inquirers, but many friendly and attracted by medical and
evangelistic workers. I had many fears of being assassinated when
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1 first stepped out alone with only a few short sentences of Arabic
as my slock itt trade. A public well was near the old Mission House. l.
At first 1 was afraid to venture beyond it and used to sit and listen :
lo the women as they talked to each other, in this way trying to learn
»uine of the spoken dialect. 1 used a Scripture picture roll and tried
lu talk and explain. I had a lively imagination and 1 am afraid I am
guilty of relating some marvellous tales to my fellow missionaries on
my return to the house. Sometimes l was cornered when they said,
•*llu\v did you say that in Arabic?” It was then I found it wise to
resort to my Irish ancestors and deemed silence the better part of
discretion.
In those days we lived in a native house somewhat remodelled, hut
lacking many necessary comforts. A visitor now would see considerable
change and growth in comparison to those early days. There are now
many missionaries, mission houses, hospitals and churches, and yes -
uniisc Cod from whom all blessings llow—seekers and converts, many
interested and many friends, l-ast night when l heard two converts
praying, a husband and wife who have come out from Islam into Christ,
my heart was filled with praise and thanksgiving. Cud sets a priceless
>aluc on one soul and deems it worth more than the whole world.
So it has been worth while to live and labor here in this strange land
ami among its strange people.