One of the more difficult aspects of the Race is that relationships are often difficult to develop and sustain after we leave a country. Because of a general lack of technology and our frequent bouncing around the globe, emails do not usually even allow us to stay in contact with friends that we make along the way.
But Katrina is my exception. I met her during our cultural exchange program at a university in China. We email back and forth fairly frequently and have managed to stay in contact. Several weeks ago, I received an email from her telling me how unhappy she is because she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. She has pressure all around her telling her what to do–the government, her family, her friends, customs and traditions. It’s getting too much for her to handle. She is lost and confused. She asked what made me happy and what fulfilled me; she’s looking for answers from anyone she can.
[Katrina and friends getting cotton candy in a park]
Here is a little bit of her email to me:
It
is so glad to hear from you again,miss you so much.Sometimes when i
miss you,I will see the picture on my mobile phone.You just like my
sister,everytime when I read what you said to my I feel a strong warm
in my heart.
In
fact,I don’t know my dream,I have no idear about my favourite.I just
think to be a university student is not useful.Because in China,we only
learn about the method not to practise.I feel upset about my future.And
I can’t imagine that i will be a teacher in the future.I think it is
not suitable for me.
These days i just think about my way,my future,my dream.Hope i will
get it!Can you tell me your dream,please?I asked all of my friends
about it.Hope it can help me to find something.
Love you and miss you so much.Dear.
yours,
Katrina
I desperately wanted to share the Gospel with her. I have the answer that she is searching for! I know what will fulfill her heart! But I can’t. I know that the second I send her the Gospel, or even anything hinting toward it, she will be put in danger. All emails are scanned for “Christian-ese.” So I wrote to her. I told her to help people in life and to listen to the voice in her heart. That’s the best I could come do for her.
It breaks my heart to know that days are turning into weeks, weeks into
years without her knowing the love of my Savior. She’s searching for
him. I can’t do anything for her. I can only pray for her and love her.
I trust that the Holy Spirit will do his work in her heart. Please
partner with me in praying for my friend.
