Hangzhou 2016

The Other Side of China 3/8 – 5/4

Prior to leaving for a two month trip to China I sent out a prayer letter stating what I hoped to accomplish. During my last trip to Shanghai and Jiaxing in December 2015 I felt moved to read a book by Bob Fu called God’s Double Agent. I had actually seen the book many times over the recent months but really had no desire to read it. After starting the book though, I could not put it down. It described a shocking story of the persecution that is still going on in China to this day. Desiring more information on the current situation I signed up for a daily update from Bob Fu’s organization called China Aid.

A month later, I read a book called Alibaba’s World which told of the rise of this global e-commerce giant’s story from its founder Jack Ma’s humble beginnings in the city of Hangzhou. I had been to Hangzhou in 1982, and more recently last year when Rose took me to the beautiful Xihu (West Lake) which is the historic natural pride of the city. On a later trip last year some friends from my church emailed me asking if I knew anything about the Grand Canal because it came up as they were praying. I didn’t know anything about it then but discovered it is a man made water way that a selfish emperor built for the sole purpose of providing a direct route from the capital of Beijing to his favorite vacation spot in Hangzhou.

In December I visited my pastor who I affectionately call “younger brother” friend Joe in the neighboring small town of Jiaxin, a stone’s throw away from Hangzhou.

By this time Hangzhou had gradually worked its way on to my radar when one morning in late January my mom called my attention to the international news that Pastor Gu Yuese, head of the largest Chinese speaking church in the world had been arrested for suspected embezzlement. In reality he is one of many pastors from government sanctioned churches who had been recently targeted because of their public stance against the Chinese government’s mandate to remove crosses off of Christian churches. Pastor Gu’s ten thousand member church is located in Hangzhou.

I called Joe who serves at a government church in the same provincial council and asked what he thought. He seemed only aware of the party line, that Pastor Gu was accused of embezzling funds so he assured me the problem is with him and not the Chinese government.

Later that week while reading another book called “Dealing with China” I came upon a small section that talked about a few entrepreneurs who epitomized China’s current opportunistic age, one being Zong the creator of China’s biggest soft drink company Wahaha, which started off “in a small city called Hangzhou.”

The next day as if there were not enough coincidences already, I asked the new teller at my bank where she was from. Of all places in the world, she too of course, was from Hangzhou.

Agreeing that God was highlighting Hangzhou, I called Bob Fu’s organization China Aid and left a message asking for more information. To my surprise Bob Fu himself called me and invited me to a training for persecuted leaders in Hong Kong this April. I told him of my interest in Hangzhou and he asked if I would be interested in providing comfort to a persecuted family there. I was so surprised at how quickly I was embraced, but Bob told me I would have to find my way to this remote campsite on my own.

Thanks to a few of my Hong Kong and Chinese friends, I felt a general invitation into this city (the only pre-requisite for each of my journeys) and was feeling comfortable enough to navigate the city in order to find this retreat site located near the border of China.

As with many westerners, my heart continues to be moved by those who face imprisonment and torture for taking a stand in the name of God against their human leaders and governments.

My calendar so far is as follows:

3/8 leave LAX

3/9 arrive in Shanghai

3/10 arrive in Guilin, visit orphanage we are financially supporting with John the shoe store owner I met last time

3/10-15 in Yangshuo study Chinese intensely with Becky

3/16 move to Shanghai and meet with new Christians and seekers from last trip

3/20 take HSK 4 Chinese proficiency test in Shanghai

TBA – meet with the brothers and sisters in Suzhou

TBA – possibly go to Nanjing to meet with the brothers and sisters there

4/4-8 Hong Kong to meet Bob Fu and underground leaders

4/22 Move to Hangzhou to discover what God has there

Visit pastor/brother Joe in Jiaxing

5/4 return to LAX

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Blessings!

Email Date Stamp: Sat 3/12/2016 1:47 PM

Subject: Hello from Yangshuo

I got up at 3am to a squeaky irritating sound like that of someone’s breathing machine. I tossed a bit wondering how my heater had turned off in the middle of the night. It was below 40 degrees outside and in these rather thin walls I was feeling the effects. I reached for the lamp and turned on the switch. Nothing happened. I got up to turn on the room light switch. Nothing happened.

I had decided to spend a little more money on a room in Yangshuo after the colorful experience I had in last summer’s $10 per night room. My current living space which was double that price during low season was significantly cleaner though much smaller. I arranged my belongings by stacking them in a corner. I needed to squeeze between the sink and the wall in order to get to the bathroom, and had to remind myself that counter was there in case I needed to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Now in the dark with no power, I was glad I took the time to notice.

It was perhaps the cold weather that caused a strange muscle contraction on the side of my left knee when I got off the plane from Shanghai to Guilin and it progressively turned into an inflammation like a sprain, making it hard to walk. I hoped I could still run in the morning.

Yesterday John, the enthusiastic, hard working shoe store owner took a 2 hour drive in order to pick me up from the airport and take take me to see some orphans that we had been supporting, greeted me with an energetic smile and embrace. Spending more time with him than I ever had as we drove to a farming village and back to his home in Yangshuo where I will be staying, I was now much better able to understand the situation. He explained that things had gotten harder recently because the Chinese government with their good intentions of preventing the selling and buying of children, a practice which he said happens too often, does not allow orphanages in this part of the country any more because there are too many foreigners that pass through, giving them less of a handle on what goes on here.

Because of the previous one child policy which was just amended in January 2016 to become a 2 child policy, the past generation of parents would often choose to sell one of the children (the girl) in order to help their financial situation. Though the thinking is changing rapidly in China’s big cities, it unfortunately has not changed in the isolated villages that still populate most of China. One of the country’s solutions is to allow orphans to live with grandma or grandpa, who often times have very little means for keeping themselves alive, and subsidizing them with a place to live in and the equivalent $100 USD per month.

The back country of Guilin has one of the most scenic and beautiful landscapes in China and it is difficult to imagine that there is so much hardship in the villages that span across this land. I was careful to avoid making a sharp fall to the bottom of a ditch containing a stream of water supply to the rice fields. John knocked on a large door that gave way and provided light to the otherwise hollow, dark, dank cement room. A hunched over women who looked like she was in her 90s but in actuality was probably more in her 70s came to the door. Her eyes were glassy and irregular in shape. It was hard to tell how much she could see. She kindly offered us a footstool and a child size wooden seat and gave John an update. There was not enough money for the 10 year old child to go back and forth from school every day so the school boarded her and provided for her basic needs.

I felt something scratching and banging me from a beat up closed cardboard box behind my stool and I moved aside to notice a chicken housed inside, of course future dinner for a special occasion. Feeling compassion for this poor animal’s short unhappy life, and not bothering to ask permission from this woman who did not seem capable of noticing, I opened the lid. The chicken popped its head in and out playfully. I said a blessing upon it and later upon the woman who was a Believer. I would not get to see orphans today.

I was grateful the electricity in my $20 per night room was back on and I was glad to be back to this beautiful but somewhat unreceptive land, and looked forward to an intensive but fun week of Chinese studies with my teacher Becky.

Email Date Stamp: Tue 3/15/2016 5:47 AM

Subject: leaving Yangshuo

Dear Friends,

This is my last day of intensive study before leaving. When I arrived 5 days ago Becky was extremely surprised that my Chinese had improved so much since I was here last summer. I was also very surprised because although I knew I had improved, I did not think she would think so. She said her assessment of me is completely different than before. I know I am still very lacking in basic language skills but am also very encouraged. I will take an upper intermediate level of the Chinese proficiency test on Sunday.

Last night Becky took me out for a farewell dinner and began to open up to me and finally asked about my belief system. She was well aware of what I did but never took interest. I was happy to study Chinese with her because she is a very good teacher. When I explained my understanding of who God is, and where evil comes from in detail, I again hit an invisible wall. Today she told me she was a member of the Communist Party. Someone had told me that in order be a Communist Party member one must take a binding oath that there is no higher Authority. Most candidates start from very young, studying on a different track from the rest. This oath is taken during a ceremony similar to a baptism and is so binding that it seems like it is written all over their spirit, yet I was blindsided because her profile was so atypical. When she told me, so many things fell into place. Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:3 says, “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

I became glad I had not up until now introduced her to my shoe store owner friend John and his church. It is funny that in such a small town as this and being that they are both local, that they have never met each other. I thought of all the missteps that could have happened and was grateful.

I have not been able to run every day because of some muscle cramps in my knee and lower back, the first time this has every happened. Despite feeling the invisible fight here, I take comfort in knowing I am living under a broad protection and so often remember Anna playing “Hide Me” over me on the violin before I left.

Email Date Stamp: Thu 3/17/2016 7:12 AM

Subject: 1st day in Shanghai

As soon as I arrived in Shanghai my body quickly adjusted and I was able to run normally.

Prior to me leaving Guilin, John drove me to the airport and we had one last face to face talk regarding their situation. When he is not watching his 2 year old child, taking care of his mother who just had a debilitating stroke, or running his store, he is visiting the elderly, the sick and the orphans. Because their small church consists of an untrained group of 5 men and women in their early 30’s, each has had to take on quite a big load. They have been blessed with international travelers coming through town and supporting the orphans under their care, but when the world economy goes down, people also stop supporting them and John and his church scramble to find the support needed to keep the children housed and going to school. Seeing the material poverty within the house of the old woman the other day I could understand the desperation.

I changed the topic and asked how much it took to run a shop on the main street like he does, and how profitable it is. He said it is very profitable and he loves it because he can close it at any time in order to do other things required to keep their church going. Because of their good work with orphans and elderly they are also looked upon favorably by local officials. He told me the figures for running his shoe store. “Hmph,” I said, “good idea. . . so if I as a foreigner wanted to open a shop, what would I have to do?” John, seeing where I was going with this said, “oh VERY EASY!” He went on to describe a simple process. “You can open a kids clothing store!” Since China’s new 2 child policy was just implemented in January there has been a baby boom. “One year from now, you can open this store!,” he said. “My wife can run it!” he added knowing my next question, “then we can support the orphans!” I started becoming very excited in my heart. “Pray about it,” he said, “then we can do this a year from now.”

In this land where spiritual things don’t seem to take hold very easily, John and his core group of five visit the disadvantaged people and get invited into their homes, giving opportunity for them to share the gospel, and grow their group of believers so that now 15 years later they have become a group of 40.

On the plane ride to Shanghai, I thought of ways to resource them with American friends who could walk alongside and help them strategize and steward resources preparing for the big day when they have a financial harvest. John told me they have been grateful for the foreigners’ help and supervision, acknowledging their significance in the past and present. Realizing their shortage they recently sought out help from a bigger government approved church in the main city of Guilin, who provide pulpit supply on Sunday mornings.

Upon moving into a very comfortable three bedroom apartment in Shanghai, I noticed that despite being in an old building, and having stains on the bathtub it still felt unusually clean.

After noticing how comfortable I was, I then noticed some placemats from Jerusalem with reference to Jesus, and although I had not met the landlords, I felt a great sense of comfort that we are part of the same body.

I contacted old friends and began to set up my calendar for the month that I would be here.

Email Date Stamp: Sat 3/19/2016 8:25 PM

Subject: Finished my test

I just finished testing my Chinese proficiency test this morning and actually found it not too hard. There are 2 more advanced levels that I hope to pass in years to come.

I got word that Pastor Gu in Hangzhou was released today but still under house arrest, which is pretty close to prison. His confession was seemingly forced.

Email Date Stamp: Sat 3/26/2016 1:08 AM

Subject: Shanghai

After a week of continuing my Chinese studies, I have felt very little response regarding spiritual things from those whom I have spent time with. I am disappointed that Rebecca who responded with so much interest and who went with me to church last Sunday seems to have a lack of desire to go this week, though she still continues to want to do things with me and for me, as I do with her.

Rose who has been blessed with many opportunities to work as a psychology lecturer, does so in a feverish manner that gives her little time for anything else. This is her normal life and I decided since I come to China so often, I that I would try not to disrupt it each time I am here. Despite her busyness she arranged a meeting with several friends, most of whom had a chance to hear the gospel when I was here last time, 3 of whom are psychologists, 2 of whom are lawyers.

As you know Rose has been studying English. When she came to visit the US, she visited a few graduate schools, one of which she was interested in, and that was mutually interested in her. This particular Christian graduate school is developing a psychology program in China and since she is a well connected psychologist, the president of this school was interested in meeting with her when he, his wife and one of the professors came through Shanghai last month. Everything seemed like a great fit except for one big question mark: Was her English good enough to start studying with them?

Arlene Inouye once told me, “God will give you all you need to accomplish what He wants you to do.” Passing the TOEFL exam is the international requirement for non-English speaking students to study abroad. Fortunately the school Rose is hoping to apply for has a very low TOEFL requirement since most of the content in the courses will be given in Chinese. Surely she could get the minimal score they were asking for,…. But as I lent some help to her studies I realized this was not easy, in fact most of the listening material was like sitting in a college lecture.

Rose admitted she had no time to finish each part of the test and thought she had probably failed. However after checking online yesterday her results showed that although not high, it was one point more than the minimum this US graduate school required. Was this not the hand of God? Rose, giving testimony at the meeting of God’s goodness, will be able to start online courses as soon as this Fall, and her program will help her to integrate her relatively new Christian life with psychology, which will be especially helpful as she continues to lectures and counsel her Chinese students and clients.

Also present at the meeting was lawyer Cao who I met with last December through Rose, and who I had encouraged throughout these past months with short texts. Cao expressed his gratitude for my encouragement saying how much a portion of the bible regarding Abraham we studied was the turning point to launch him to make a great leap from being a government worker into a being a prosecutor. His face came alive when he spoke of his new job which he just started last week.

The other lawyer Daphne broke down and said she has a hard time believing God existed because she had lost a child and cannot come to terms with this one thing. We prayed for her and others comforted her gently. After we all went home, she wrote and sent me a long question, saying she was very hopeful I could help her process this area of life which she has much interest but also conflict in her thinking. I will write it to you what she said, and you can perhaps figure out the animal puzzle and give some insight.

“Thank you. And I need to learn more. To me the most difficult thing is to believe there exists a God. Is there truly anybody have seen him or any evidence that proves his exists? Can anyone touch or feel or see or hear him exactly?

In my opinion the traditional god was created by the ancient people when they looked into the dark nights and miserable disasters, feeling weakness and helpless, then they had fantasy that there was a god or gods who can protect them, or comfort them, or punish them. But I wonder if there is truly a god who have conscious. I thought that “god” may be abstract concept of the order/rule of the world, the karma, and the small probability events. But it’s hard to believe he’s in conscious. And if god hasn’t conscious, how can I believe that he loves anyone (including me)? I truly confused with this method.”

Thus began an overnight conversation. I am hopeful we can unpack these hurts and questions. She and another woman whom I met last December named Du Feng had similar questions and similar levels of openness.

I am set to go to Hong Kong for a more intense time on April 5 as planned but I had to alter my schedule quite a lot in future weeks because of my new sense of where doors are open and where doors are closed. Helen wrote me about this being a stage of driving the golf ball over a long distance rather than a putting stage. This hit home and made sense to me. Thank you Helen!

I appreciate your help in discerning where I need to be on April 15-22.

Email Date Stamp: Sat 4/2/2016 7:55 PM

Subject: Waipo

I have been in denial over my age for years. While some of my peers have considered themselves well into middle age a decade ago, I have always considered myself a “young adult” along with Jayne and Craig Terasawa. When in China I have also successfully been able to fool people into thinking I have been 30 years old. There are a few words used to describe a young adult in China which I have become accustomed to being called: 年轻 “nian qing” and 女生 “nu sheng.” There are other words which I have used to call others who are older than I or who hold the responsibility of taking care of me: 阿姨 “ayi” or aunt, and 叔叔 “shushu” or uncle. There is yet another word which I have never used to call anyone on China: 外婆 “waipo” or grandmother.

When I was in line at the airport, a young man turned around around toward me. “Ayi,” he said, “can you help me hold my place in line? I forgot something.” “Ayi?,” I thought gravely, am I suddenly an “ayi?” On another day another 年轻 “nian qing” service person referred to me saying, “Ayi requests her food without so much salt.” That was enough to send me into not a small crisis. I emailed my 30 year old friend Rebecca about these disturbing comments.

“No, no,” she said, “being called Ayi does not mean you are old.” It is very common for a young person to call an older person Ayi, just like my son calls you Ayi, it is respectful!” I said, “it’s ok if a 5 year old kid calls me Ayi, or even a 15 year old kid, but when a 30 yr old person calls me Ayi, that makes me feel old.”

Rebecca who started studying English with me half a year ago has been a delight to spend time with. She is extremely polite, respectful and cheerful. She started to call me during my last trip to China to make sure all my needs in China were met. She asked if she could take me out to lunch, to which I replied sure, hoping we could go to a very simple hole in the wall where one can get a very nice descent meal for under $5

Shanghai’s 2 tallest buildings rank among the world’s 3 tallest buildings. Within Lujiazui, the bustling most prosperous section of town occupied by banks and foreigners, there are 3 tall skyscrapers all clustered next to each other in a triangle. I was soon to find out that Rebecca works in the 3rd highest of these majestic buildings. The first thing I noticed about Rebecca when I met her in person was that her tall slender figure towered over me by a head. She gracefully took my arm in her hand and invited me to top floor of an upscale mall to a very expensive restaurant that overlooked the Pudong River, where she ordered dish after dish for me to taste, causing me distress over the waste of not being able to finish even one of these dishes before they bought more. She continued to treat me to these types of meals over my past 2 trips. With the most prosperous part of Shanghai as her back yard I assumed she was well off.

When she found out my spiritual background she told me she had actually seriously studied the bible for 15 months because a friend of hers, a strong Christian, helped her through some rough times. In the end she had too many unanswerable questions and dropped it. On my last trip we spent some 3 hours talking about what her hang ups were and by the end of the talk she felt she had gotten past that hump. We prayed together.

On this trip we went to one English speaking church service together but she did not continue to accompany me the following week. Instead she invited me to her home for lunch. I was surprised to find it was only a very modest 2BR/1BA apartment where she, her husband, and her 5 year old son live in one room, and where her husband’s parents live in the other. Both her parents and her husband’s parents, like the vast majority of Chinese over 60 years old are farmers in the countryside, owning only their poorly build houses, having no retirement income or benefits, and are relying on their children to provide for their future. Rebecca who has one sister, was despised by her grandfather for being a girl, and was considered a pitiful case providing no future for her mother, in comparison to her other male cousins who could potentially provide for their parents. I said, “wow you surely showed them! I bet you are the highest paid of all of your family.” Rebecca did not disagree with me, but sighed. “It’s a big burden.” My husband and I must take care of our child, our parents, and our grandparents, all who are sick and have no income. When we each go to our home town during Spring Festival we give a red envelope to all the children of my cousins. How much do you give? I asked curiously. “About $100 USD to each child. We have to do this because I am the only one who is working.”

I wondered how much she made, assuming it was more than me. She told me, “I live in the poor part of town. I think you can probably afford to stay across the tracks in the rich part of town, because I heard someone at McDonalds in America complained they do not earn minimum wage of $10. If I calculate that to 40 hours, that is a huge amount of Chinese money.” I never thought about it, but it is true. Someone working minimum wage in the US makes more than most working class professionals make in China per month. I began to understand the workaholic frenzy and heart attacks among young people in Shanghai and Beijing where properties and education are not affordable to the average double income household. Grateful for her generosity toward me, I offered to help her in any way I could.

Rebecca’s son Haohao was very interested in music and actually has a good ear. She asked me if I could help her find a good piano teacher for him. I agreed to attend their first trial lesson that night. It was not a good teacher. “Really??” Rebecca sighed, willing to settle for the first choice because she already paid a lot of non-refundable money up front. We talked it through and she agreed that this was not the right teacher for Haohao. A few days later we tried again. The second teacher we met was significantly better than the first, and a clearly much more of a childhood specialist but her musical level was not high. “Is this your waipo (grandmother?)” the teacher asked about me. “No she’s my older sister,” Rebecca replied. In spite of her offensive comment, I gave her a thumbs up, saying Haohao could take lessons from her for 2 years and then transfer to a better musician. The important thing is, she can work well with kids.

But Rebecca had arranged yet one more lesson that afternoon. This one was a graduate from a music conservatory. This teacher was clearly a great teacher and a great musician, and in addition a very relaxed personality which we were both drawn to. We smiled at each other, knowing this was a great fit. “This is Waipo, right?” the teacher asked. Rebecca who had been trying to translate for me in order to make sure I understood everything ignored that comment made by both teachers and hoped I didn’t hear or understand it. “No, she’s my older sister.” “Oh, no wonder she is so young looking,” said the teacher trying to make up for her misstep.

We came out of the lesson in victorious glee with finding the right teacher for Haohao. We talked continuously over dinner about what the differences were among the teachers and Rebecca spoke about how glad she was that we did not take the first choice, but instead found an excellent teacher. We were on a high all evening.

Then when it was time to drive me home, I changed to a more disturbing topic, “I can’t believe I was a Waipo 2 times today!”

“No, no, you don’t understand,” She said worriedly, “the vast majority of Chinese only bring 2 kinds of people into this kind of a lesson: the parent and the grandparent. They already knew I was the parent. Nobody would expect someone to bring an expert like you into a lesson.”

Rebecca walks with a lot of grace and tact and I appreciated her efforts to make me feel better. I asked if I could pray for her. She agreed and we said good bye.

That night I had a dream that I was riding my bike and happened to be going to the same place on the beach as a girl who was riding in front of me. I got to my spot and got off my bike but the girl in front of me also happened to be going to the same place and got off her bike a second before me and walked in front of me to the exact place I was going. Thinking it was strange, I decided to turn around so I would not seem like I was following her so much, but she also decided to turn around just a split second before I did and was still walking in front of me. Embarrassed that I seemed like I was following her everywhere, I said, “you go that way (to the right) and I’ll go this way (to the left),” then as if to apologize for being bossy I added, “unless you want to go to the left as well.” She did go to the left ahead of me.

When I woke up and recorded my dream I realized an angel was going before me whether I liked it or not, whether I asked for it or not.

During the night Rebecca wrote me a note saying that, through further correspondence with the third teacher she found out she was a devout Christian! “Did you or did you not pray about this? I imagine God heard your voice and helped me to arrange it all. Thank you!”

Email Date Stamp: Tue 4/5/2016 6:52 PM

Subject: Request

Hi all,

I have a quick request. While I was working out doing squats with weights that were slightly too heavy and threw out my back. This is the first time having a problem in that area. The hotel arranged for me to see a doctor. Thankfully my mom and dad provided a very good hotel for me to stay in while here and they were extremely prompt in getting me help.

Hopefully it is just a muscle strain.

Email Date Stamp: April 6, 2016 at 08:46:46 PDT

Subject: Recovery

I am thankful that my visit to the doctor which cost me a mere $35 USD, and resulted in a diagnosis of a muscle strain, nothing more. Thanks to physical therapist friend Katie Kumagai in the US, I was able to follow her instructions in order to feel much better by tonight.

Today was my second day at the persecuted church training conference, which I will sum up at a later time. I also got to see friend Amos, who chose one of four English names I suggested to him last year. Amos who I met while coaching him on his graduate school applications and interviews was able to complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Nanjing and get into the University of Hong Kong. He invited me to see his fabulous campus and take me out to a very nice dinner now that he has a salary as a graduate teaching assistant. I was so blessed to pray together, after praying with him to receive Jesus last year. I was especially blessed when he asked if he could try praying for me. I thanked him for being part of my feeling invited into this city of Hong Kong.

Email Date Stamp: April 6, 2016 at 10:51:39 PM GMT+8

Subject: China Aid

Dear Friends,

The easiest way to update you on what is going on is to send this newsletter from bf. Gu is who I have had on my heart prior to this trip. Thankfully he has been released from prison this week but is under house arrest.

Email Date Stamp: Thu 4/7/2016 7:54 AM

Subject: Assignment

Dear Friends,

Meeting with Fu over the past few days has not been easy. We kept missing each other over several days and each time we got close, one of us was pulled away. The persecuted church conferees have also not been as easy to get to know as when I am out on the streets of China meeting people on my own. Many who have been in threatening situations, I am sure, have not seemed willing to disclose their personal experiences so easily and I was told that even this is not a safe place, in fact the government does know about this meeting and prevented many from coming. Dinner conversations with groups have been friendly but conversations with individuals have dropped when I ask deeper questions. When I share about myself, the conversation has also dropped many times. I even imagined a sign over me saying, “spy.”

Upon Fu’s third attempt to invite me into a private conversation room, I was interrupted by several men asking me if they could first meet with him because they had been waiting for 10 days. Fu apologized and asked for 10 minutes. During the time I sat outside waiting, I closed my eyes and saw a vicious warfare going on with enemy spears attempting to burst the protective bubble around the site. I prayed in tongues and contended. Before long I was again summoned. Bob apologized and welcomed me into a room where he formally introduced me to the guy who had summoned me twice. This guy about my age dressed in an untucked t-shirt and jeans, who, up until then appeared to be a runner for Fu, was actually CZH, a guy Fu wrote about in his book, who had also been imprisoned for several years for his printing of millions of bibles.

As I explained who I was CZH got visibly excited. Bob, not wanting to put me into any awkward position just gave me an overview of the kinds of things they are doing worldwide and asked how they could support me in my work. I said I likewise wanted to support them. Then I looked at CZH and asked if he wanted to say something. It was then that he asserted a wild plan. He spoke very quickly with a spark in his eyes and I think I understood 80% but since I couldn’t be completely sure, I asked for translation and repeated it back. They would connect me with someone here at the retreat who I will call Levi, who spent a few years with Pastor Gu, who was recently released from prison. Because of the Chinese government’s tactics, he and his wife may not know the current danger they are in. Our mission, should we choose to accept, would be to go together to Pastor Gu’s wife to warn them of further danger. They asked if I was willing. “Are you kidding? That is what I am here for!” I said with absolute certainty in my voice. CZH and Fu looked at each other and said, “Americans like this kind of stuff.” Levi who was likewise summoned also had no hesitancy in his voice when he grinned at me like a little boy and exclaimed, we are like the FBI!

Levi who in his young age has overseen a medium size church in Wenzhou, the city that is being targeted by the government to have all crosses removed, is attending seminary in Hong Kong and studying English. His wife is expecting their second child in ten days. Upon my request Cai spelt out wild plan again so I could make sure I understood everything clearly. Levi, deep in thought, said we could text each other about our next steps. I would have to practice my Chinese to be absolutely clear during a brief hoped for moment of interaction with Gu’s wife. I could tell we all had similar “fly by the seat of our pants” personalities and while an absolute thrill to be working with likeminded activists, I was aware of the potential danger of the combination of such people put on the same project.

And so just like that, the door was flung open. Hangzhou would be the last city on my itinerary.

China Aid

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wpj4m_BdjE/VktQv4QIhZI/AAAAAAAAAhs/5Vpgp8aMctENGpvYR1C-aRxjB0DC2CJQA/s200/the%2Bdiplomat.png

Email Date Stamp: Wednesday, April 20, 2016 6:09 AM

Subject: The 6^th Floor

In order to be both safe and flexible with my planning on this trip, I booked my stays ahead of time with the idea that I could cancel later if something came up. And this trip has indeed involved a number of canceled and rebooked reservations. Recently one of my rebooking needs involved looking for a new place in Shanghai for one week. The first apartment I saw was on the 6th floor, the top floor of a building quite close to the area I was aiming for. There were two reasons for not staying there, one of the main reasons was that it was on the 6th floor in a building with no elevator, and I dreaded walking up and down that every time I needed to go out. So I booked another place. My trip to Nanjing and Suzhou over the last 4 days was full of joy sprinkled with lows. When I got to the place I rented in Nanjing I was quite frustrated with the owner who communicated so sparsely with me even though I told her I was nervous about going there on my own. She just gave me her phone number with the idea that once I got there she would tell me more, which to me, is too late. After catching a cab and telling the driver roughly where the address was, he complained that it was not clear and he could not understand my Chinese. I called the owner 3 times from the cab letting it ring at least 10 times each time. Then I claimed the promises in the manual and she immediately picked up and told the cab driver where to go. It ends up the apartment was on the 6th floor, the top floor of a building with no elevator.

Since Simon who invited me to come to Nanjing early that day to join him and others for lunch had a family emergency and needed to cancel, I found myself on my own, in a strange neighborhood. I contacted Mary another friend who warmly invited me to dinner and sharing at her house. She lived in a very comfortable spacious home on the 6th floor, the top floor of a building with no elevator. I was so delighted to spend the evening with her hearing and sharing stories about our dad’s recent works. We sang together and she asked me to share from the manual. As we looked at the 18th act we noted the boldness of the company members. I could not help noticing over our last few trips here with Ron, Gayle, Anna and Robyn, how boldly and freely she spoke of dad. As I shared my recent findings and concerns, she said if there is no persecution, then we become weak. I felt a surge of energy. Another surge of energy came when I was met by the group of 5 in Suzhou who despite their need to work and raise their families took a break for those 2 days to receive me and the words I had to share with them. It was a delightful time of bonding that I have not had with them on previous trips. On the second night Rachel, wife of Joshua said she would cook for me. She made over 6 dishes, all extremely fitting to my taste. Joshua and Rachel just moved into a new apartment which happens to be on the 6th floor, the top floor of a building with no elevator. Exhausted but very full of faith and joy, I arrived last night to Shanghai, to my new apartment which I had anticipated greatly from seeing the description online. I was familiar with this area so did not bother to ask about too many specifics. I only had a small suitcase which I lugged to Nanjing and Suzhou, and I was glad because I found out my new apartment for this next week was … on the 6th floor, the top floor of a building with no elevator. That night I noticed that I didn’t have my iPod and didn’t remember where I last saw it. I searched every bag and still couldn’t find it. I went to bed tired but disturbed. I was dreading contacting the Nanjing apartment owner, even deciding I’d rather buy a new one than try to communicate with her. I also dreaded the task of picking up my big suitcase from Rose’s house the next morning and lugging it up the 6 flights of stairs. I talked to dad and felt peaceful. My last thought before falling asleep was that my iPod could be in a pocket of my suitcase that I had not carefully checked. It wasn’t in any of the suitcase pockets. I prayed more and checked my purse again where I had checked multiple times but this time, I found it, right there. In my minds’ eye I saw J the son hand it to me. Thankful, I fell on my knees for a few moments. Next, the suitcase. In my mind’s eye I saw help. It was no task too big for my helper. As I started off on my morning run with a heavy bottle of honey in my hand to give to Rose, I had the thought, which I am sure was not initiated by me, “I would catch a cab from here, instead of trying to find one at Rose’s which would be significantly more difficult.” After a couple of them went by I saw that the 3rd one was highlighted. I stopped him and asked if he was willing to help me. Cab drivers in China are more often than not, traffic violators, but I had the confidence in the world that this was the right cab driver and that the timing would be right even as he waited patiently at the red traffic lights on the empty early morning streets, for an unreasonably long time, with no urge to run through them.

I snatched my luggage while the driver patiently waited and at the end he was even willing to take me through the narrow maze of my apartment complex in order to get very close to my apartment door. I knew even when we started the ride that I was supposed to give him 30 RMB even though as the crow flies, it should normally be about 15 RMB from point A to point B with no traffic lights. Because of the waiting for me to get my luggage and because I had to redirect him twice, it was 29 RMB. I gave him the 30 RMB and got off with my big suitcase. Just as I opened the gate a gentleman maybe 15 years older than I was on his way out. He watched as I struggled up the first flight of stairs. Unwilling to let me continue he said he ould carry it up to the 6th floor. At first I said I could do it myself but I knew this was clearly my “helper,” dad’s provision so I let him serve me. He asked if I was a foreigner and where I was from. These days I would rather be called a “foreigner” than an “ayi” so I happily said, “America.” I asked his name and what apartment number he was in but he refused to tell me. So here I write to you from the 6th floor, the top floor in a building with no elevator, grateful for our dad’s provision.

Grateful for your support,

Email Date Stamp: Sat 4/23/2016 3:44 PM

Subject: Discernment

I will keep you in mind this week. My dates are the same. Leaving in about 48 hours, then will be there for exactly 1 wk. I had some real need to reorient myself on my focus over the past few days. Discouraged by some recent interactions with new believers and their lack of persistence in the faith. I need to let go and let God do His work in their lives.

I also recently contacted Bob to ask if our plan was still a go. He replied that it is, however my partner cannot make it to Hangzhou since in addition to being a new father he also has a big term paper to write. I do have my pastor friend Joe from my previous trip to ask for help but he is very reckless so I am very hesitant, though I will make it a point to visit with him and his family.

Email Date Stamp: Mon 4/25/2016 9:42 PM

Subject: Cross the Road!: The Third Cab

April 23 DISCERNMENT

April 25 CROSS THE ROAD: THE THIRD CAB

When I was in Nanjing alone, on my own in an unfamiliar neighborhood and finding a way to get to my friend Mary’s house for her dinner invitation, I figured a taxi cab would be the best bet. But Nanjing for me is a notoriously difficult place to catch a cab. After trying for 5 or 10 minutes I asked the HS, who immediately told me to cross the road. I argued, “no, that would mean the cab would be going in the wrong direction.”

I stood my ground and stopped the next cab I could find from where I was. “Cross the road!,” the cab driver said, “I am not willing to go in that direction.” I quickly stopped the cab behind him. “Cross the road!,” he said, “I can’t turn around.” I laughed at my stubborn heart, crossed the road and immediately caught a cab that was going in the right direction. I spoke in my last letter of the logistical difficulties of moving around so much with multiple suitcases, and how the HS again highlighted the third cab I saw that happened to have a great driver who was willing to help me accomplish my task. I did not see the man who helped me carry my big suitcase up the stairs again until last night as I moved my big suitcase down the six flights of stairs. He just so happened to open his apartment door when I passed him in the narrow hall. He asked why I was just staying for a few days. I thought of how strange and sweet this meeting was to see him as I left.

I woke up to a rainy morning, a particular inconvenience when one has to use public transportation to travel in even a nicer neighborhood within a developing country. I rolled my suitcase along the pot hole-filled road trying to avoid the puddles of water, piles of foul-smelling trash with scraps of food, and every now and then, bits of animal waste in order to grab my favorite Chinese fast food breakfast and catch a cab to the train station in order to move on to my next city. I was happy that I decided to pack light for this trip. Wondering how I would accomplish my next big task of maneuvering my things in the rain with an umbrella and my breakfast in one hand, a backpack on my shoulders and a suitcase in tow, I waited a few moments to assess the situation. I was standing at the most logical corner to catch a cab, and sank into my assignment and praised the Boss, then asked his Helper, “so, what now?”

“Cross the road,” he said.

Seeing the puddles I needed to wade through and the long line of cars that was not moving any time soon, and seeing that none of them were taxi cabs, I wondered why I needed to do so, but nevertheless was not willing to argue with his Helper this time.

“Wait for 3 minutes,” he said. I waited, then turned to see 3 cabs on the adjacent road, 2 of whose availability lights were on. The Holy Spirit highlighted the 3rd one again, a red colored one. Not wanting to offend the first cab driver I asked him with the pouring rain beating down if he could take me to the train station, “no, that’s the wrong direction for me!,” he yelled. I skipped the second one whose light was not on and went on to the 3rd one. I started to ask if he was willing to me to the train station when I noticed it was a woman driver. “Get in! Talk later!” She yelled since it was raining so hard. I settled in and saw that she was about my age. I relaxed and exchanged pleasantries with her, saying she is my very first woman cab driver. “Yeah there are just a few of us in Shanghai,” she said. We were quiet and I noticed she had been trying to do something out of my sight. I pretended to ignore her and looked away. She noticed my breakfast in my hand. “Eat your breakfast, or it won’t taste good after it gets cold,” she said. She then brought her food into plain sight to reveal she was also hoping to eat her breakfast. It broke the ice and we ate and talked together. She told me she and her husband took turns driving this cab in order to put their daughter through her last year of high school, and hopefully test into a good enough college. “She isn’t that good at grades but she likes drawing, and hopefully will get into another college just outside of Shanghai.” The woman driver was born in Shanghai, which to me meant she could probably inherit land from her parents who probably had their homes from when it did not cost much. Answering my curious questions she revealed that although she was born in Shanghai, her mother was persecuted during Mao’s time and forced to move out of the city. The cab driver moved back to Shanghai at 16 years of age in order to make it on her own. I told her about myself and why I was studying Chinese. I told her I was so sorry about what happened. “It’s ok,” she said, “that’s a long time ago.” I asked about her familiarity with the church and told her I would pray for her. She seemed very moved but no verdict yet. By the end of our 40 minute ride we were friends and exchanged phone #s. I have just now arrived at my next destination. I had it on my mind that the most convenient place to exchange my return train ticket was at the train station. The Holy Spirit said, “not now.” I argued, “then when?” Alright, I conceded and looked for a cab to leave. Then I saw the train station information desk with no one standing in line, a rare site. I couldn’t help myself and went up to ask them where the ticket exchange counter was. She told me. “I know you said no,” I told the Holy Spirit, “but it’s right here!” I stood in the shortest line and then was blocked. Right when she got to the persons in front of me got the ticket worker stepped away from her desk for a long time and didn’t come back. “Alright, alright!” I said in realization, turned around and left. I guess I still need to learn my lesson.

I have arrived at a rather comfortable living space. My host was very helpful in describing how to get to the places I need to go.

Email Date Stamp: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 3:33 PM

Subject: Day One

Two days ago I was a confused mess. I was not settled in my heart about what I needed to do during my last week in China. I knew I was going to Hangzhou but my length of stay had been unclear. I knew no one in this city, which created some hesitation, as I always look for a local to welcome me into a new place. Initially I had planned to stay here 10 days, but I changed my plans because of a friend’s birthday only to find out in the end she could not meet. Then the Hangzhou place I reserved did not receive my change in plans, allowing someone else to book it during the time I wanted, causing my trip to be cut in half. I then booked another place in Hangzhou that I wasn’t excited about which thankfully canceled my reservation because of something on their part. I rebooked another place, and the story went on, consuming my time and causing an unsettledness in my heart.

I got word from my home church that they had met to pray for me at just about the time my thoughts clear up. After talking with Ginger I canceled all of my hotel and housing reservations, thus clearing out all of the confusion I had in my heart about being where I did not want to be. When the dust settled I realized the place I really felt called to was Yangshuo, the first city I visited on this trip, the place where I would like to help John with the elderly and orphans. I had been dismissing this possibility of going back, thinking I would not have time on this trip, yet my plans for my final week in China continued to be problematic until now. When I realized this desire, my heart rejoiced. But before moving forward, I still had agreed with Ginger that I would wait for confirmation before making any new plans. If I went to Yangshuo, it would mean my time in Hangzhou would be cut down to 4 days.

Knowing this, I was quite antsy to hit the ground running when I arrived in Hangzhou yesterday, and wanted to get moving on what I considered to be my main assignment: finding Pastor Gu’s wife Zhou Lian Mei and giving her my message. I looked up the information on Chongyi Church in order to get there as soon as possible. Up until now I had not known what her name was or what she looked like, but knew if God had assigned this mission to me, he would make it clear who she was and give me the opportunity to speak to her. I had practiced my Chinese and written down a note to her in case the opportunity presented itself. If it did, I would have to be quick and articulate.

Before I left for my exciting mission to find the church I stopped to ask God, what to do. He told me to go to the church tomorrow at 10am.

“Tomorrow?! That’s such a long time away!” I was stumped. “So you mean with all of the things I need to do to lay the ground work, I cannot go until tomorrow? I have all day today, what am I supposed to do?”

“Go to Alibaba,” the Holy Spirit said.

That was a strange thought, after all, the whole fascination I had with the Alibaba company seemed like an item of personal interest that had little to do with this main assignment.

I decided I had no choice but to go with the His leading since he had been so deliberate in teaching me these lessons recently, so I looked on the subway map and located the stop that was nearest the Alibaba headquarters.

When I got off at the Jiangling station I felt a rush of the God’s presence, and similar to my welcome back into Louisville, where I visited a few years ago, I heard the heavenly host greet me saying, “thank you for coming.”

God’s presence that fell on me so strongly in the train station that I had to pause and get my bearings.

“I need you to do this in order,” He said.

I remembered that reading the Alibaba book was really the first mention of Hangzhou when He first called my attention to receiving my assignment here. The second mention of Hangzhou was that of Pastor Gu whose church I will visit tomorrow at 10am.

There was an order of keys that would open a door. I felt God’s presence continue to fall upon me in an intense way, as if I was being wrapped tightly in a blanket. I rode the escalator up to ground level, with tears that filled my eyes for reasons I could not comprehend.

“Take that cab,” the Holy Spirit said as 2 passengers got out of a car in front of me. I got in.

“To Alibaba” I said the driver.

The cab driver tilted his head downward and looked at me squarely above his eye glasses.

“A-li-ba-ba” he said smiling. “Which specific place at Alibaba?”

“Wherever is interesting,” I told him.

“A-li-ba-ba” he chuckled. What country are you from?” We began a long discussion about the Internet and our countries’ unparalleled development. He was very philosophical and enjoyed conversing. I did too.

He looked carefully at the address that Joe had just texted me. I had not checked it to match the one I already had, and apparently they did not match, and I did not realize it until the cab driver gone on the highway and started crossing a large waterway. Realizing he was about to make a 50 kilometer journey away from my target, I made a course correction, and clarified I needed to stay in this area.

Just then Davee texted a message: “Helper is with you showing how much with you. Yield and enjoy the journey. Get used to being carried in the middle of the river.”

Laughing, I took a quick picture of river I happened to be driving over and of the cab driver I was enjoying talking to, and forwarded it to Davee.

Bullseye.

Right then, I knew this journey was more about the person I was with, and the place I was at, than where I ended up.

When we arrived at the Alibaba I was able to see its fabulous campus from the roadway outside, but was not permitted to enter.

“It’s ok,” I told the cab driver.

I knew my mission for the day was accomplished. I got out of the car, received what the land had to give, gave what I had to give it, and gave praise to the Father for his all knowing ways. I took the key of David and unlocked something.

Although I still knew no one in this city of Hangzhou, it was clear, I was welcome here.

Email Date Stamp: Tue 4/26/2016 5:24 PM

Subject: Sixty-Six

Denise: (to be forwarded to the saints)

(This was a cryptic message I sent to Denise when I had clarification of why the Lord was bringing me to the 6^th and top floor so much. I was led to Isaiah 66:1-6, and gave an encoded plea for a concerted effort to pray against the enemy’s persecution of believers in China during the 10am-11am hour that I was at Chongyi Church. My message did not reach Denise in time. I believe it was blocked by the enemy.)

It is clear to me. At 7pm, in about an hour and a half, can I call for a concerted effort from everyone to assault the enemy? Especially against those who persecute the body?

The multiple sixth floors called my attention to the “is” book in the manual.

Don’t include me in the forward.

Carolyn

Email Date Stamp: Tue 4/26/2016 6:23 PM

Subject: Healing

(I also sent this to Denise, having a strong sense of this) there is a grace for healing during the next 2 hours

Email Date Stamp: Wed 4/27/2016 6:40 AM

Subject: You Will Not Leave in Haste

I was clear of one thing today. I needed to leave my apartment at exactly 9am. He would take care of getting me to my location for our 10am appointment on time.

I went for my early morning run and discovered a beautifully landscaped mountain with many trails leading to many ancient Chinese sites. It was quite thrilling to overlook the famous Xihu Lake from a high place.

I became aware of a few things on my run: the consecutive sixth & top floor were about Isaiah 66:1-6, and my small part in this enormous fight was still bigger than I was able to handle by myself. A bigger unworldly assault was needed and so I called for help. It was apparently blocked and didn’t get through. I was repeatedly given word that God would go before me and behind me. As I meditated on Isaiah 52:12, I became aware that it was preceded by, “you would not leave in haste” and Isaiah 58:8.

I felt much like a suicide bomber as I left my apartment at exactly 9am, backpack on my shoulders, and very keen to my mission. A shower of the presence fell upon my head giving me a knowing that we were on track.

I took special caution to adjust my pace to “never be in haste.” When I got to my destination subway station it was 9:35 giving me a rather long 25 minute window to find the nearby meeting place and be all set. HS said to wait right there until exactly 9:40, and at the corner ahead, he would bring me a cab. I stopped awkwardly where I was and waited for 5 minutes with no cab in sight. Then at 9:39 I saw one across the street with no availability light on. “Cross the street,” I thought. Was that just an old mantra in my head now or was that HS? I wasn’t clear. I crossed. As I did I turned around to see that very same cab turn right toward the corner I would have been standing on, and I now saw his availability light on. Did I miss my chance? That was clearly the right one. Just then, right on cue, Davee texted, “G is good all the time.” I praised him and knew there was grace.

Just then I saw another cab pull up in front of me with no availability light on. I stopped and asked him if he wouldn’t mind giving me a ride. He told me to hop in. He was the second philosopher/conversationalist cab driver I met in Hangzhou and he provided much entertainment during our short drive. Not realizing we had arrived to our destination so soon, I scrambled to find change to pay him. “Don’t be in haste,” he said in Chinese, reminding me about my need for pacing.

I looked up to see the magnificent building in front of me. I immediately noticed the cameras pointed at me and turned my head down to avoid eye contact. It was 9:55. All of the doors were open and no one was present in this 7500 capacity room. I nervously walked in as if I were going to see the Wizard of Oz. He told me to have a seat in the very back and observe.

At exactly 10am as if on cue a woman came out and moved around some items in the front. I was afraid to budge and sat there in silence for 10 minutes. She disappeared. What was I supposed to do? I asked myself, now feeling a little bored. “Go to the front” a small voice said, “you need to be seen.” I got up and realized the presence wasn’t with me. I stopped half way to the front. “No I said, if I go to the front, I need your presence.” I sat stubbornly. Then the nudge came. “Go to the front.” I felt sick to my stomach as I went to the most prominent seat in the room. The woman came out. Looked at me, then when I said nothing, went on with her business cleaning the church. “Speak” said HS. “Excuse me, I am so and so, would this person happen to be here?” She dropped her guard. “Maybe she’s here, you have to check for yourself.” She gave me directions to her office. I went cautiously into another building and discerned her office. There were loud voices coming from inside and I didn’t dare knock. I went into the admin office. “Is so and so here?,” I asked. “No, there’s no telling when she’s here. She comes and goes.” I asked a few more questions and although I had the temptation to push forward and leave some kind of name, number, message, I decided better to be safe than sorry. “Thank you,” I said, and walked out.

And that was that. I knew a war was going on and I needed to stay on campus until 11am. It was awkward at first, but then I adjusted to the surroundings and sat down in front of some kind of security room with a tv screen showing at least 30 views from hidden cameras throughout the campus. No one was monitoring it at the time.

A woman came up to me and started talking to me after discussing something with the bookstore manager. I assumed she mistook me for someone else but when I started to interrupt her to tell her, she said, “you don’t understand what I am saying?” I said, “no I understand, please continue.” She went on to tell me her sad story and then left with the goods she could not return to the book store. “Goodbye sister,” she said.

By 11am I was exhausted. But was that it? “That’s it,” HS said. Hmm, it was so anti-climactic and I didn’t feel very satisfied. I went to eat lunch and texted my partner in Hong Kong who was not able to meet me here at this time but who will be here in a few weeks. “You did the right thing,” he said, “don’t leave a message, it’s too dangerous.” He said he would follow up.

As I walked aimlessly down the street I felt it was not time to go back home yet. There had to be more. It was then that I looked up at a store front that said “Wahaha” on the box encasing some bottled drinks. Wahaha, although the largest beverage company in China, is not a name I have noticed at all, printed anywhere. In fact this was my first time noticing it. I felt a surge go down my back like the flood this morning over my head, giving me a sense I was back on track. This was the third mention of Hangzhou in my string of events throughout that week in February when all things were pointing to this city. I had not thought much of this company beyond the fact that it was another “biggest company” that came out of Hangzhou.

I remembered how yesterday, the strong rush of his presence that came upon me with the grave instruction that it was important for me to do things in order. So THIS was the third place I needed to go. This was the easiest of the places to forget about and disregard, since multiple people I asked said it was hard to find and not easy to get in. But if this is what was next, then I had to do it. I did an Internet search on my phone and learned that it had many sites, and the sixth site on the list was just a block away from where I stood. Realizing it was not only convenient, but that it was number “6” I walked in that direction.

At that point I realized I needed to use the restroom and asked the HS for one. A few moments later I noticed a public sign saying it was not far. I thanked him and walked up and down the small stretch of shops, multiple times, unable to find Wahaha or the public restroom. I asked one shop owner and he acted like he didn’t know what I was talking about. Then I rounded the corner and asked someone who pointed to the restroom across the street. “Ohhh!” I went across and after coming out, noticed on my phone map that where I stood was exactly where Wahaha was supposed to be located. I stopped for what seemed to be a long time, wondering if this was where I was supposed to be. In faith I opened some kind of door there with the key, asked if I was done. “You’re done,” he said.

“So now, that’s it?” I asked. It still felt anticlimactic but I was tired. I was finally released to go back to Yangshuo for the last leg of my trip. I went to the train station to get a refund for my ticket from Hangzhou to Shanghai.

“Eight,” HS said as I walked up the long stairway to the ticket office. “Now it’s 8?,” I asked, “what happened to 6?” “Eight,” he said. I went into the giant train ticket box office building looking much like a cross between a race track betting arena and the Wall Street stock exchange. I expected I needed to go to window 8. It was closed. So was window 6. “I thought you said 8,” I mumbled and stood in line 22 which I now noticed was the correct window for returning tickets and getting refunds. It was a different window from the one I stood in line at yesterday when I was blocked.

My ticket from Hangzhou back to Shanghai had been 92.5 RMB. There was a 4.5 RMB service charge since I was returning it. The official gave me 88 RMB in change. “I told you 8,” said HS.

Carolyn

Email Date Stamp: Thu 4/28/2016 5:43 PM

Subject: Wrapping up Hangzhou

Dear Friends,

On this, my third and longest trip to Hangzhou, I have not been disappointed by the spectacular scenery, the well cultured openness of the people, and the politeness of the drivers, where cars actually sometimes voluntarily stop for pedestrians to cross on the brightly painted crosswalks. The immigrants from other cities and provinces who self-absorbedly push their way to the front of the line or who spit on the sidewalks right in front of you can very easily be spotted, and I am relieved to be a part of a majority who are able to shake our heads in disbelief.

It was Jack Ma the founder of Alibaba’s hope that Hangzhou would become the Silicon Valley of China. Maybe it is due to his both global and local influence that has shaped this city. Or maybe it is due to the disproportionately high ratio of police I see patrolling every day keeping strict order around here. Or maybe there is something on this land that calls forth excellence, growth, honor, dignity, in this place that Marco Polo called the most beautiful place on earth. Whatever the case, it has produced many “largests” and “bests” that I am happy to receive what this land has to give.

I located the not-so-easy-to-find famous Gongchen Bridge constructed during the Qing Dynasty, and decompressed as I wandered mindlessly through the very modern air conditioned museums. I walked and walked, until I was too tired to walk any further.

After checking in with HS multiple times, going back to previous locations on this trip was a clear “no” and “done.”

I have one more day in this city and although I love being here, am aware that it is time to move on. The back countryside of Yangshuo was initially an “I should try it at least once” kind of experience. It has since gotten under my skin and become a “must return to” place.

I am already aware of the difficult re-entry into the US ahead of me, and appreciate any thoughts you might offer up to dad.

Thank you for your support,

Carolyn

Email Date Stamp: Friday, April 29, 2016 4:00 AM

Subject: It’s On Me

Dear Friends,

This morning when I woke up, HS said, “10am.” I had slept for 12 hours out of exhaustion. I wanted to go running but it was already 7am and probably too hot. I didn’t think much about 10am, but did my morning routine and then decided I’d go out. Then I remembered I needed to call Davee who I have never been able to connect with on this trip, other then receiving his texts at random opportune times. I noticed it just happened to be 10am when I made the call.

Davee, not knowing the condition of disappointment I had been in after the anti-climactic assignment, since I had just sent my most recent email describing my abandoned condition just minutes before calling him, finally picked up my call. Speaking the words I needed to hear from dad, he said to me from dad’s point of view, “you are enough for me.” I broke down in tears.

Filled with the HS he spoke of the people he’s met in recent days who are moving nations. I unexpectedly broke down even further, surprised at how much my spirit needed to be encouraged in this way, knowing that even a small group could change a nation. I had not realized how much I cared for this land and how discouraged I was on this this trip after seeing so much unbelief.

It had become clear to me yesterday as I walked around, that Hangzhou was prophet land and what happens here can potentially shape the nation of China. I received the deposit for this land, placed a “tent peg” here and reversed a curse.

Again without consciously doing so Davee had last night sent the famous 13th chapter, which I told him were the words the govt twisted to glorify itself during Mao’s era. Rose was well acquainted with it but didn’t know it was from the manual when I first shared it with her. Many in China resent because of this usage.

“By being who you are and running and walking over territory, you are bringing his presence,” Davee encouraged me.

Yesterday Ron had given me a word about having something really delightful within the next day. I suddenly realized my yesterday appointment had been changed from 8am to 10am, and that I called Davee unintentionally at 10am.

The day before had also been a 10am appointment.

We finished talking and I marveled at the way HS had just spoken. I had already come to terms with knowing that my specific assignment was done, but I also knew I was generally still on assignment. The sense I had was that I was to relax and enjoy the next stretch. Having accomplished everything on my first priority list, I looked at my second tier “hope to do in Hangzhou” list.

Rebecca had recommended Songcheng 宋城 which though I had very little knowledge of what it was, decided it was worth a try. It was not close to a subway stop so I took a 20 minute taxi drive only to find it was an Amusement Park and Show that cost $50. Knowing I did not want this kind of entertainment I walked out of the parking lot and along a barren road.

“Was I supposed to be here?,” I asked.

“Yes, it’s fine!” HS said without condemnation.

I found a bus stop and waited, not sure if a cab would come by.

“Wait here for 3 minutes,” HS said. I doubted it.

“Are you doubting me?”

“No, I’m just doubting if I’m hearing your voice or mine,” I replied.

“After all that we’ve been through you are suddenly doubting hearing my voice? Look at your watch.”

It was 1:50pm. At 1:52 a yellow car appeared.

“That’s not it,” he said.

The car passed by. At 1:52 a green car appeared.

“That’s it,” HS said.

I waved my hand and it stopped. It was a woman.

“Weird. You’re my second woman driver on this trip,” I said.

She was nice but let the conversation drop several times so I respected her and enjoyed the ride and enjoyed the fact I was carrying his presence over the land and in her car. The weather had gotten hot and I was hoping I did not have to get my newly washed jeans sweaty, since I would have to use it for several more days.

“No problem,” HS said, “you won’t.”

“Wow you are better than a husband,” I said thinking of how a husband could comfort and say it would be ok, but HS could promise that I wouldn’t sweat and mean it. I thought about how Israel so badly wanted a king, and how disappointed dad was with their attitude. I could see why in his economy, he really is the best first choice.

I had one more place at West Lake that I had hoped to visit today but it was quite a walk away from my apartment. My woman cab driver just happened to be going on a route that passed this area by.

“Can you stop here?” I asked.

“Of course!,” she said letting me off in perfect timing for a family of 3 who were trying to flag her down for a ride.

I walked along the manmade path through Xihu Lake and sat to enjoy the shade, recalling the events of the day. After a while I stood up and made my way onward but seeing the crowds ahead decided I had experienced what I needed to at this place. I turned around realizing that although running this route yesterday morning was enjoyable, walking home for still quite a long stretch in my jeans that I hoped not to get sweaty, would not be as enjoyable.

“Should I walk?” I asked HS.

“It’s up to you,” he said.

“Would you catch a cab for me again?”

“Of course,” he said. “Cross the street and wait here.”

I crossed the street and asked the first cab that came by. “No, can’t go there,” he said. Cab after cab came by, all unwilling to go where I wanted them to take me.

“Are you sure you’ll catch me a cab?” I said.

“Of course!” HS said.

Then after about 5 cabs, he said, “that one!” I called to the driver and he said to hop in.

“Where are you going?,” the cab driver said cheerfully.

“Ding An Lu,” I said.

“Perfect! That’s exactly where I am picking up my next customer, just at that big silk factory where everyone goes to buy merchandise, it’s really good,” he said, “but I find Americans are not that interested in silk, are they?”

“Sure they are,” I said, on behalf of all Americans besides myself.

He engaged me conversation all the way there, and emphasized, “so perfect, you were going exactly where I was going. Ordinarily I would not be able to pick someone up on the way to an appointment but you were going exactly there.”

“Yeah” I marveled, “you were perfect for me too.”

He dropped me off just in front of the silk factory and as I got out, Just then I was showered with his presence, too strong to bear. I enjoyed it and asked HS what was up. He nudged me to go in.

“I’m TOTALLY not interested in this,” I said. “It’s too expensive and I wouldn’t use it.”

“What if I told you I’d buy you anything you want? I’ll totally cover the cost.”

“Well then I’d probably buy an expensive quilt set,” I said thinking of what the driver just said about silk quilts being the best thing ever.

A row of about 15 women salespersons with their hair pulled back and dressed in suits stood waiting in prey for the next big tour bus to arrive, ignoring me as I walked past dressed in my jeans and hobo-looking hat. I breathed a sigh of relief. I did not want someone trying to make a sale to me.

I meandered through the men’s shirts until a saleswoman started to engage me telling me, “this is good, this is better, etc.”

“I can’t afford it,” I said and walked out. I felt the presence all over me.

“I’ll buy you anything you want,” HS reiterated.

The quilts ranged from $500-$5000 USD. “I don’t have the faith for that right now.”

He showered me with an even heavier pouring out of his presence.

“Thank you for coming to Hangzhou,” he said, “I want to say thank you.”

In my head, I went down the list of everyone I could give one to if I bought it, starting with my mom, in order to justify this purchase.

“It’s for you,” he said.

“I can’t just buy something like that for myself!” I started crying.

“YOU’RE not buying it for yourself, I’M buying it,” he said. “I SAID, thank you for coming to Hangzhou.”

I stood there and wept. “I felt so empty yesterday after doing all that.

It was so stressful.”

“I know,” he said. “Thank you.”

There was too much grace on this moment to skip out on the gift I was about to receive. I crossed the street and re-entered the silk factory store. I asked HS to give me a final sign if I was supposed to make this purchase by letting me find the same sales person, and by making my shipping back to the US free. Although this was a very big factory with maybe 50 or more sales people on the floor, and although I could not really remember well what she looked like, I bumped into her.

“You’re back,” she smiled.

“Is the shipping oversees free?,” I asked.

“Wow, to the US it’s very expensive, but people carry it on the plane like this all the time, see, it’s very light and portable.”

She showed me. It was doable.

“I still have to travel within China and that would be hard to do, but can you ship it to Shanghai?”

“That we can do for free,” she said with a smile.

And with that I made the purchase of the quilt I wanted. Turns out with the going exchange rate it was exactly $600.

His presence showered me as I walked through the shopping center, stopping to pull me into a bookstore to give me a download which I still am not sure what it contained, and then to the health food supermarket to splurge on some sashimi and cheesecake for dinner.

I got home, jeans still completely dry and relatively clean in spite of the

80 degree weather.

Tomorrow, I fly to Yangshuo.

Email Date Stamp: Tue 5/3/2016 8:07 AM

Subject: Just Enough, and more

Dear Friends,

I paid a sweet goodbye to Hangzhou, by going for a 3 mile run along Xihu Lake in the early morning. Felt his presence shower over me there and again tenderly as I walked through the subway station. “When you come back you will have hundreds of friends,” he said comfortingly knowing that the one unfulfilled hope I had was finding a lasting friendship here. I took the subway to Alibaba stop and went toward exit A by auto-pilot since I knew that was the exit I was familiar with.

“I’m sorry, do I need to change my thinking?” I asked.

“Exit C,” he said. That was the farthest exit in the other direction but I had no reason to argue.

I took the flight to Guilin and was greeted by a warm presence upon setting foot in the familiar airport. I was given the 77th poem which I studied on the 90 minute bus ride to Yangshuo. I knew it was for China.

I heard the son say, “You went to Hangzhou for me. You are going to Yangshuo because this is where your heart is.” I knew this was my first choice of place to be in China at this time but that was a bigger word about this place than I was willing to concede. If this was true, I would still need to be convinced.

John picked me up from the bus station on this very busy Chinese holiday weekend, and took me to the Cosy Hostel, which I consider a miracle getting for $25/night on this late date when all the other hotels are double or triple the price. Except for the banging of doors from the late night travelers moving in and the early 7am morning construction noise from the new structure being built across the rice field, I was otherwise happy with the living conditions. Thankfully by the time the construction started I was already up because of my 3 mile run to the city center and bike ride around countryside which was new territory to get to know.

I biked to John’s, to go with him to his Sunday morning meeting. Still felt the hs at there in spite of having my energy drained from listening to the Guilin elder speak for an hour about how a leader should act. I was glad John wanted to leave early to meet the old people (老人 “laoren”) who had no family.

We arrived at the 3 story building (with no elevator) which housed 26 units filled with laoren. As we got out of the car the cook greeted John and pointed to me.

“This is the American? Does she speak Chinese?” He asked.

“Yes!” John said.

“Ay, nihao, nihao!,” he warmed up with a smile, “welcome!”

“Can you speak English?,” John asked the cook.

“Hal-low,” he said awkwardly.

I laughed and complemented his good language skills.

John took me to each of the rooms. The workers and some of the laoren who were able to, greeted me very warmly. I took videos and pictures.

“Can I take a picture with you?,” A worker said, asking someone to bring his nice shirt. He buttoned it all the way up, stood proudly next to me and gave a jovial smile as John snapped a shot.

“This room has 3 women. These 2 cannot move. They just lie there all day,” John said.

He showed me a stool propped over a bucket.

“This is how they go to the bathroom,” he said.

“These two are dangerous to other people and their minds are not working correctly so they each get a private room. We have to take out all the furniture and bolt the door (a wooden plank was boarded across the entrance way to a stark, empty room). They can only go out when we are watching.”

“Everyone in these 4 rooms died last winter because it was too cold, and we cannot afford heating.”

“What?” I said incredulously, “how much does it cost for heating?”

“Oh very expensive,” John said, “for this 3 story building of 26 units it would cost 4000 RMB/month (about $800 USD).” The building next door houses government workers though, so heating is no problem for them.

There were 7 full time people that the Guilin elder’s group pays for. Each professional worker gets 2000 RMB per month (about $330), but have to live at the site and work 10 hours a day, for 30 days a month.

The laoren get to stay on the bed for free but are only given 600 RMB per month to live, which breaks down to roughly 20 RMB ($3 USD) per day for food and anything else they need. John said this can usually cover the cost for their breakfast, lunch and dinner but in March and April because of the rainy season, the prices for food goes up so they were eating such tiny portions and with no meat that the laoren were complaining so John had to write me for help. I quickly transferred $500 into his account.

I saw how John’s servant redemptive gift, and his exhorting personality caused him to come alive when visiting with each of the laoren, encouraging them and talking to dad with them which he is grateful for the freedom to do since he is a volunteer and since this is their private venture.

While there, he was pulled into some kind of urgent administrative task. I wandered about, blessings some of the laoren. Sitting on a wheelchair was an autistic man slightly younger than I, gazing blankly at the wall. Upon blessing him he gave a big smile and looked into my eyes. That made my day.

John was jarred into reality when the phone rang. On the line was a clearly irate woman speaking loudly, quickly and articulately, wondering where in the world he was. He apologized to his wife who was managing the shoe store by herself on one of the busiest Chinese holidays of the year mumbling, “I can’t help it! I have my foreign guest with me, and then the laoren workers had some work here that only I can do…. (sigh) 是这样子 (it’s like this)…,” he trailed off after every arguing point he was trying to make, starting with energy but dying off at the end of each statement “(sigh) it’s like this…,” as if conceding to the woman 7 years his junior who was clearly the boss in this situation.

I was finally able to meet John’s wife who, I learned, was the real powerhouse behind their shoe store. Candy, a dental implant sales rep in the mega city of Guangzhou was very good at what she did and made a pretty good income for a young woman of 23. She met John while they were both traveling from their respective cities to the northern city of Xi’an. Candy, a tourist at the time, saw how John was taking care of some orphans on the trip and was touched by John’s work and by the orphans themselves. They kept in touch and John shared about dad’s love with her, which John said it was a very easy thing. Once she accepted, getting married was a very natural thing. In a society where it is important for young women to “marry up” in order to gain economic status, Candy married a man “with no income” as she put it. “He only took care of orphans and old people and talked about dad,” she said. He always had just enough for what he needed, but not much of a mind to do anything else.

This shoe business was started from Candy’s savings, in order to provide an income for John and his parents. Candy, a very capable business owner and sales person, handles all of the finances and takes care of their baby while John manages the store on a daily basis, and meets people like me, some of whom become good friends. They showed me the hundreds, even thousands customer loyalty cards they collected throughout their 3 years of business.

Thinking that I had summed up my task within the first out of two days, I withdrew another 500 RMB the next day and splurged on a Chinese lesson and massage at my favorite place and took my Chinese teacher to dinner. I saw that my needs on this trip to Yangshuo amounted to 500 RMB but my splurge required an extra amount.

Having walked in the 77th and ensuing poems on this trip, I had noticed that although the weather prediction constantly showed “cold and rainy” in Hangzhou and “warm with thunderstorms” in Yangshuo, I had not seen a drop of rain or had even the remotest sign of bad weather, in fact every day had been comfortable and beautiful. Knowing this grace was here, I left all of my rain gear home on my last day of predicted thunderstorm weather and as promised, it was indeed comfortable and beautiful.

I am wrapping up my thoughts from a comfortable Shanghai hotel now and am so thankful for this assignment that has moved me up in my understanding of his ways.

Thank you for your support,

Carolyn

April 28 WRAPPING UP HANGZHOU

Having so much intensity built up in my system with little fanfare in the end left me tired and depressed. I did not feel like eating dinner after the long day but instead walked about 4 miles in the evening, and ran another 10 miles in the early morning around the famous and West Lake. It was far more beautiful than I had experienced in the past, since it was so early in the morning with very few people. The weather was perfect. On this, my third and longest trip to Hangzhou, I have not been disappointed by the spectacular scenery, the well cultured openness of the people, and the politeness of the drivers, where cars actually sometimes voluntarily stop for pedestrians to cross on the brightly painted crosswalks. The immigrants from other cities and provinces who self-absorbedly push theirway to the front of the line or who spit on the sidewalks right in front of you can very easily be spotted, and I am relieved to be a part of a majority who are able to shake our heads in disbelief.

I went to the last place on my Hangzhou to do list: The Grand Canal or the 大运河 “Dayun He”. Sharon and Stephen had texted me on one of my trips to China asking about it, and I have been curious about it ever since. I found that in 476BC it was dug by a selfish emperor of the very short lived Sui Dynasty for the sole reason of wanting to travel freely from China’s then capital city of Luoyang to his favorite vacationing place of Hangzhou. The Grand Canal has since proved to be a vital part of economic trade and prosperity throughout the centuries and millennia of China’s history because of its role in bridging the main waterways of China: the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, with a north-south connection. I located the not-so-easy-to-find famous Gongchen Bridge constructed during the Qing Dynasty, and decompressed as I wandered mindlessly through the very modern air conditioned museums. I walked and walked, until I was too tired to walk any further. After checking in with HS multiple times, going back to previous locations on this trip was a clear “no” and “done.” I have one more day in this city and although I love being here, am aware that it is time to move on. The back countryside of Yangshuo was initially an “I should try it at least once” kind of experience. It has since gottenunder my skin and become a “must return to” place. I am already aware of the difficult re-entry into the US ahead of me, and appreciate any thoughts you might offer up to dad.

Friday, April 29 ITS ON ME

“By being who you are and running and walking over territory, you are bringing his presence,” Davee encouraged me.

“Was I supposed to be here?,” I asked.

“Yes, it’s fine!” HS said without condemnation.

I found a bus stop and waited, not sure if a cab would come by.

“Wait here for 3 minutes,” HS said. I doubted it.

“Are you doubting me?”

“No, I’m just doubting if I’m hearing your voice or mine,” I replied.

“After all that we’ve been through you are suddenly doubting hearing my voice? Look at your watch.”

It was 1:50pm. At 1:52 a yellow car appeared.

“That’s not it,” he said.

The car passed by. At 1:52 a green car appeared.

“That’s it,” HS said.

I waved my hand and it stopped. It was a woman.

“Weird. You’re my second woman driver on this trip,” I said.

“No problem,” HS said, “you won’t.”

I had one more place at West Lake that I had hoped to visit today but it was quite a walk away from my apartment. My woman cab driver just happened to be going on a route that passed this area by.

“Can you stop here?” I asked.

“Of course!,” she said letting me off in perfect timing for a family of 3 who were trying to flag her down for a ride.

“Should I walk?” I asked HS.

“It’s up to you,” he said.

“Would you catch a cab for me again?”

“Of course,” he said. “Cross the street and wait here.”

I crossed the street and asked the first cab that came by. “No, can’t go there,” he said. Cab after cab came by, all unwilling to go where I wanted them to take me.

“Are you sure you’ll catch me a cab?” I said.

“Of course!” HS said.

Then after about 5 cabs, he said, “that one!” I called to the driver and he said to hop in.

“Where are you going?,” the cab driver said cheerfully.

“Ding An Lu,” I said.

“Sure they are,” I said, on behalf of all Americans besides myself.

“Yeah” I marveled, “you were perfect for me too.”

He dropped me off just in front of the silk factory and as I got out, Just then I was showered with his presence, too strong to bear. I enjoyed it and asked HS what was up. He nudged me to go in.

“I’m TOTALLY not interested in this,” I said. “It’s too expensive and I wouldn’t use it.”

“What if I told you I’d buy you anything you want? I’ll totally cover the cost.”

“Well then I’d probably buy an expensive quilt set,” I said thinking of what the driver just said about silk quilts being the best thing ever.

I meandered through the men’s shirts until a saleswoman started to engage me telling me, “this is good, this is better, etc.”

“I can’t afford it,” I said and walked out. I felt the presence all over me.

“I’ll buy you anything you want,” HS reiterated.

The quilts ranged from $500-$5000 USD. “I don’t have the faith for that right now.”

He showered me with an even heavier pouring out of his presence.

“Thank you for coming to Hangzhou,” he said, “I want to say thank you.”

In my head, I went down the list of everyone I could give one to if I bought it, starting with my mom, in order to justify this purchase.

“It’s for you,” he said.

“I can’t just buy something like that for myself!” I started crying.

“YOU’RE not buying it for yourself, I’M buying it,” he said. “I SAID, thank you for coming to Hangzhou.”

I stood there and wept. “I felt so empty yesterday after doing all that. It was so stressful.”

“I know,” he said. “Thank you.”

“You’re back,” she smiled.

“Is the shipping oversees free?,” I asked.

“Wow, to the US it’s very expensive, but people carry it on the plane like this all the time, see, it’s very light and portable.”

She showed me. It was doable.

“I still have to travel within China and that would be hard to do, but can you ship it to Shanghai?”

“That we can do for free,” she said with a smile.

And with that I made the purchase of the quilt I wanted. Turns out with the going exchange rate it was exactly $600.

I got home, jeans still completely dry and relatively clean in spite of the 80 degree weather.

Tomorrow, I fly to Yangshuo.

Tuesday May 3 JUST ENOUGH AND MORE

“Ohhh I see.” Right there was the ATM for my bank. I had forgot to get money and I was running on close to nothing at the moment. He said, “just 500 RMB.” “That’s not enough,” I thought, but did it anyway. I took the flight to Guilin and was greeted by a warm presence upon setting foot in the familiar airport. I was given the 77th poem which I studied on the 90 minute bus ride to Yangshuo. I knew it was for China. I heard the son say, “You went to Hangzhou for me. You are going to Yangshuo because this is where your heart is.” I knew this was my first choice of place to be in China at this time but that was a bigger word about this place than I was willing to concede. If this was true, I would still need to be convinced. John picked me up from the bus station on this very busy Chinese holiday weekend, and took me to the Cosy Hostel, which I consider a miracle getting for $25/night on this late date when all the other hotels are double or triple the price. Except for the banging of doors from the late night travelers moving in and the early 7am morning construction noise from the new structure being built across the rice field, I was otherwise happy with the living conditions. Thankfully by the time the construction started I was already up because of my 3 mile run to the city center and bike ride around countryside which was new territory to get to know. I biked to John’s, to go with him to his Sunday morning meeting. Still felt the hs at there in spite of having my energy drained from listening to the Guilin elder speak for an hour about how a leader should act. I was glad John wanted to leave early to meet the old people (老人 “laoren”) who had no family. We arrived at the 3 story building (with no elevator) which housed 26 units filled with laoren. As we got out of the car the cook greeted John and pointed to me.

“This is the American? Does she speak Chinese?” He asked. “Yes!” John said.

“Ay, nihao, nihao!,” he warmed up with a smile, “welcome!”

“Can you speak English?,” John asked the cook.

“Hal-low,” he said awkwardly.

I laughed and complemented his good language skills.

John took me to each of the rooms. The workers and some of the laoren who were able to, greeted me very warmly. I took videos and pictures. “Can I take a picture with you?,” A worker said, asking someone to bring his nice shirt. He buttoned it all the way up, stood proudly next to me and gave a jovial smile as John snapped a shot. “This room has 3 women. These 2 cannot move. They just lie there all day,” John said. He showed me a stool propped over a bucket.

“This is how they go to the bathroom,” he said. “These two are dangerous to other people and their minds are not working correctly so they each get a private room. We have to take out all the furniture and bolt the door (a wooden plank was boarded across the entrance way to a stark, empty room). They can only go out when we are watching.” “Everyone in these 4 rooms died last winter because it was too cold, and we cannot afford heating.” “What?” I said incredulously, “how much does it cost for heating?” “Oh very expensive,” John said, “for this 3 story building of 26 units it would cost 4000 RMB/month (about $800 USD).” The building next door houses

government workers though, so heating is no problem for them. There were 7 full time people that the Guilin elder’s group pays for. Each professional worker gets 2000 RMB per month (about $330), but have to live at the site and work 10 hours a day, for 30 days a month. The laoren get to stay on the bed for free but are only given 600 RMB per month to live, which breaks down to roughly 20 RMB ($3 USD) per day for food and anything else they need. John said this can usually cover the cost for

their breakfast, lunch and dinner but in March and April because of the rainy season, the prices for food goes up so they were eating such tiny portions and with no meat that the laoren were complaining so John had to write me for help. I quickly transferred $500 into his account. I saw how John’s servant redemptive gift, and his exhorting personality caused him to come alive when visiting with each of the laoren, encouraging them and talking to dad with them which he is grateful for the freedom to do since he is a volunteer and since this is their private venture. While there, he was pulled into some kind of urgent administrative task. I wandered about, blessings some of the laoren. Sitting on a wheelchair was an autistic man slightly younger than I, gazing blankly at the wall. Upon blessing him he gave a big smile and looked into my eyes. That made my day. John was jarred into reality when the phone rang. On the line was a clearly irate woman speaking loudly, quickly and articulately, wondering where in the world he was. He apologized to his wife who was managing the shoe store by herself on one of the busiest Chinese holidays of the year mumbling, “I

can’t help it! I have my foreign guest with me, and then the laoren workers had some work here that only I can do…. (sigh) 是这样子 (it’s like this)…,” he trailed off after every arguing point he was trying to make, starting with energy but dying off at the end of each statement “(sigh) it’s like this…,” as if conceding to the woman 7 years his junior who was clearly the boss in this situation. I was finally able to meet John’s wife who, I learned, was the real powerhouse behind their shoe store. Candy, a dental implant sales rep in the mega city of Guangzhou was very good at what she did and made a pretty good income for a young woman of 23. She met John while they were both traveling from their respective cities to the northern city of Xi’an. Candy, a tourist at the time, saw how John was taking care of some orphans on the trip and was touched by John’s work and by the orphans themselves. They kept in touch and John shared about dad’s love with her, which John said it was a very easy thing. Once she accepted, getting married was a very natural thing. In a society where it is important for young women to “marry up” in order to gain economic status, Candy married a man “with no income” as she put it. “He only took care of orphans and old people and talked about dad,” she said. He always had just enough for what he needed, but not much of a mind to do anything else. This shoe business was started from Candy’s savings, in order to provide an income for John and his parents. Candy, a very capable business owner and sales person, handles all of the finances and takes care of their baby while John manages the store on a daily basis, and meets people like me, some of whom become good friends. They showed me the hundreds, even thousands customer loyalty cards they collected throughout their 3 years of business. Thinking that I had summed up my task within the first out of two days, I withdrew another 500 RMB the next day and splurged on a Chinese lesson and massage at my favorite place and took my Chinese teacher to dinner. I saw that my needs on this trip to Yangshuo amounted to 500 RMB but my splurge required an extra amount. Having walked in the 77th and ensuing poems on this trip, I had noticed that although the weather prediction constantly showed “cold and rainy” in Hangzhou and “warm with thunderstorms” in Yangshuo, I had not seen a drop of rain or had even the remotest sign of bad weather, in fact every day had been comfortable and beautiful. Knowing this grace was here, I left all of my rain gear home on my last day of predicted thunderstorm weather and as promised, it was indeed comfortable and beautiful. I am wrapping up my thoughts from a comfortable Shanghai hotel now and am so thankful for this assignment that has moved me up in my understanding of his ways.

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