The tomb is empty!

Happy Easter/Tomb Sweeping Day! Easter this year falls on the same weekend as China's traditional holiday, "Qing Ming Jie," or "Tomb Sweeping Day." I sort of liken it to America's Memorial Day, expect it is a bit more somber. People pay their respects to ancestors, clean tombs, and burn paper money for their deceased relatives.

In stark contrast to Tomb Sweeping Day is Easter! We talked about the meaning of this holiday all class. Tomb Sweeping Day is all about death and grief, while Easter is also about tombs--but how the Son's tomb was empty! He is alive and gives us life! Death could not hold Him down...

One of the many activities we did was a drawing one, where I gave them the Easter story in parts. In groups they had to draw this amazing story. I gave them nice paper, crayons, and markers. They never got to use crayons and markers as they grew up, so I guess it's never too late for them to learn. I just like how I can give crayons to 20 year-olds and they get very excited.

There was one girl in particular who was really moved by the Easter lesson. I think His spirit must have been moving in her heart. Before the lesson, she and I talked about heaven and what we believe in. She matter-of-factly told me that He doesn't exist, and that there is no life after death.

However, in the middle of class during the Easter lesson, she piped up in her shy little voice. She rarely talks, and is a very rational person. She said, "Miss Laura, I changed my mind." I asked, "About what?" She said, "About [him]. I believe. I believe this!" So hopefully I'll be having lunch with her soon to talk more about it. Please keep her in your thoughts!

And out of 190 students, I have one who is a believer. She is also very shy, with poor English, but she was thrilled that we were talking about Easter. We talked about our Easter plans. She will go home to a house fellowship. She said that the government is against them, so they have to be very careful. But she is full of such joy.

This weekend Jodi and I are having an Easter party. We are having some interested students over to dye Easter egg, and talk more about Him. It should be great. Again, please think of these students!

Have a blessed Easter! He is risen!


(Students drawing the Easter story).


(Diligent students).


(Eating a Good Friday lunch today with my two fellow Xinjiang buddies).


(Buses are so crowded because of the holiday. It took Kelsey and me half an hour to get on a bus today).


(And lastly, here is a video of our bus ride today during holiday traffic. Make sure the volume is on).