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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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