I Thought I was Volunteering

A few weeks ago, I had to fill out some paperwork and state the number of times I taught English Club. I just thought they were formalities in China. But the other day I received this We-Chat from Lily, the teacher who oversaw me.

It's an envelope with my name on it. Then this conversation:

That amount is equivalent to me making $36 an hour. That's not an awful wage in the US, but it is unheard of here. WAY too much. They *really* don't understand volunteering.

It was the next day that I finally heard back from Lily. (I think they really don't know what to do with me!)

After this conversation, I sent the top image to Tom and said, "I hope I didn't preach the gospel too loudly here." And then I got on my knees to pray for Lily to have a revelatory experience knowing who to help with the money and to experience great joy in doing it. I hope she'll repeat it again and again! What I wanted to say to Lily was that I'm not necessarily a great and kind person, but I'm trying to live my religion and that is what it teaches. I really feel that serving others is a key to eliminating the disparity and oppression in this country. I hope Lily's actions trickle far and wide--for her and others.

I'm thankful for these types of missionary opportunities. So thankful.

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