East Meets West
Written: 11/10/07
I’m on the train from Bejing to Hong Kong, watching China fly by, feeling hundreds of emotions, wanting to put some into words, but not knowing how. Everyone once in awhile I see fall colors, bright gold trees, a contrast to the grey on grey color scheme that is so much of China at this time of year. Grey smog stained buildings, and heavy low pollution induced clouds. I can’t believe this month is almost over and with it my year on the World Race.
I feel a little sad at the moment, not overwhelming grief, but the slight melancholy of knowing something good is coming to an end. At the same time butterflies keep invading my stomach because in just 9 days I will run (as fast as my huge backpack permits) down the tarmac and hug my family and friends.
This last month has been a great way to end a wonderful year. I often think that I won’t be able to really comprehend the impact that this year has had on my life until it’s over. One of the many gifts God has given me in China has been a wonderful friendship with a student named Lacy (name changed.) Part of our group’s Cultural Exchange program was to participate in what’s known as English Corner. It’s an opportunity for Chinese University students to improve their English by conversing with foreigners.
My first day in the classroom, Lacy was a part of the group of girls who surrounded me. I was grateful for her because her English was extremely good and she helped to translate for the students who couldn’t understand, so we were able to have a conversation beyond, “China is a good country, America is a good country, do you like China?” (If I had money for every time I was asked that exact question I would be rich!!!)
From our first meeting I sensed something different about Lacy. She was fascinated by the fact that I had been to Africa to help orphans and told me that if she could do anything with her life she would help children in Africa as well.
Then next day at English corner Lacy found me again, excited to talk. We talked through the session then decided to grab dinner in the cafeteria together. As we were walking there, she told me about her family how her parents were extremely sick and very poor. She is actually the only person in her immediate family who reads or writes. A friend who owns a store pays her University fees. As she was talking about hard times in her life I asked how she copes when things are tough.
She responded, “I have some strong beliefs.” At this point I had a feeling that she knew Jesus, but didn’t know if I was a safe person to talk with. Christians in China have to be very careful because the Communist government can imprison Christians for meeting together, sharing the gospel, or distributing the Bible.
I asked, “What are your strong beliefs?”
She responded, “Maybe we can talk about that tomorrow.”
“No problem, I also have strong beliefs, I wonder if yours are similar?”
At my response she smiled, looked around to make sure that no one was in hearing distance and said, “I believe in Jesus, I am a Christian.”
“I also believe in Jesus.” We were both giddy like little girls sharing a thrilling secret.
She stopped walking, looked into my eyes and said, “I am so glad we are sisters.”
That was the beginning of one of my most significant relationships this year.
To be continued…
