Most of our time in China was spent as students in a Cultural Exchange Program at a local university. Our daily schedule was fairly routine. Each morning we had class – we learned about the Chinese culture, Chinese calligraphy and other traditional Chinese traditions. Each afternoon was spent at English Corner. English Corner was a place for students to practice their oral English – and boy were they eager to practice their English. Often times there were 10-12 students surrounding me. Our midday was to be used as a time to make appointments and meet with students.
On Thursday of our first week I was sitting on the campus green spending time journaling and praying over the campus. I was by myself for about 30 minutes when a girl named Victoria interrupted me. She was a shy and timid freshman. I was amazingly surprised that she had enough courage to come and talk to me considering her natural introvertedness. We chatted for some time and then I took her as my guest to English corner.
We were supposed to meet for lunch the following day, but she did not show up. I was completely disappointed, but had no means of communicating with her. To my surprise, I ran into Victoria in the cafeteria later the following week. We again made an appointment to meet for lunch the following day. She showed up!
Over the next two days I was able to spend significant time with Victoria. We had lunch together, we went on walks in the park and we talked about our families – she really enjoyed the pictures of my family and friends. We were able to talk to the Lord for a short time, but she wasn’t too interested. Her heart was not ready yet, what she was craving right then was true friendship. After two days I had to walk away tearfully knowing that she is not yet a sister in the family.
I’m thankful for the unexpected interruption of a shy and timid young girl. Although she did not become a believer I knew that my time there was not in vain. I continue to pray for Victoria, as she has become a burden on my heart and I know someday she will be a sister in the kingdom!
