God chooses an ordinary family to serve Him in extra-ordinary ways to bring His Kingdom on earth.
Author: resourcesallfree
"Some through the waters, some through the flood; . . . some through great sorrows, but God gives a song - in the night season and all the day long." -- God Leads His Children (Title of a gospel hymn).
Dear Family & Friends, I celebrated my birthday with my relatives at a Shanghai restaurant, and then prepared to return to my home in the US a few days later. My cousin, Jing Bo, arrived at the Asset Hotel to take me to the airport, and we said good- bye at the gate. I had passed through customs and had two hours before boarding my flight. I decided to take a walk to look around and read the schedule for departures. I asked a foreign gentleman to keep an eye on my bag and got up to walk around. When I went back, I did not see the man or my travel bag. I asked a few people around the area and then started to panic. I prayed Psalm 23 for the Lord to help me. Then I heard a cleaning lady calling me–to let me know she saw it sitting on the seat near the ticket agent, and I found it. A great relief came over me, and I decided to enter a restaurant and have a bowl of soup (US $6.00). I had a pleasant flight and arrived at my apartment at 8 pm the next evening. I thanked God for making it possible to spend time with my relatives and catch up on our lives. I also tried to give away calendars and gospel tracts to strangers I met. I know I still have so much to do to finish organizing my resources, and my prayer is always to love God more and serve Him better. When I asked my neighbor, Mrs. Chau, for my keys, she told me that my houseguest, Miss Bi, had tried to get in my apartment with two suitcases. I was not expecting her until February and was wondering what to do. When I first met her at the Chinese Missionary Baptist Church, I thought the Lord had sent me a co-worker to organize my mother’s sermon notes. She still left a suitcase in my basement storage unit. I wrote my testimony as follows: “I believe I have seen Jesus at work today. I texted Miss Bi that I hoped to see her today or next Sunday at Church of NY Chinatown. I did not look at my phone until after the worship service. I was growing in faith, joining in the singing, and hearing a good message on evangelism and prayer. When I checked my phone, I found a message from Miss Bi stating that she had returned to China—just like someone released from a prison sentence. Jane (my friend from IRS) and I had lunch (in Chinatown) and visited Julie. . .” (01-16-2020). I am keeping some of her belongings in my storage. I have started to go down in the mornings to clean up all my books, magazines, etc.– making room for my resources. With time on my hands, I hope to utilize some of my mother’s sermons for others in the mission field. But I have learned, from past failures, that my times are in God’s hands. In 2020, I failed to keep up with my schedule of activities, including volunteering at the 9/11 Memorial/Museum, swimming once or twice a week, worship services every Sunday, and visiting a massage therapist. Starting in Spring and continuing until the Autumn, I got up early to walk daily in my neighborhood. I enjoyed the fresh air, meeting others walking, and the opportunity to help some homeless people sitting on benches. I was able to give away some bags of food, and as the Spirit guided me, to share the gospel by reading messages from tracts. As the weather turned colder, I could no longer take my walks; but the Lord opened a door for me to go back to the gym when it reopened in October. I was able to visit a doctor and myu massage therapist in Chinatown for my health needs. With the help of Pastor Andrew Yu and his granddaughter, Rebecca, my book was finally published by Zulon Press. I was paying visits to Pastor’s wife, Julie, at the nursing home for the past two years; and I had been speaking with her family about my book. Pastor wrote a “foreword,” and Rebecca was my editor. I have received many accolades from people including Beth Novel, Morris Tyson, Annie Tsang, Marjorie Tchang, Fong Wai Lee, Joy Walker, etc. As Beth noted, it is an accomplishment. I hope you all are proud of my book. To order a book or an e-book, please go to: http://www.zulonpress.com/bookstore Obtaining permission from my social worker, Joanne, I registered to attend two online courses at the Redeemer Counseling Service. One evening I fell asleep as I listened to a sermon on my listening device, and I had a pleasant dream. I decided to write another Christmas letter. The Pastor that I was listening to on the radio was speaking about a book written by Bertrand Russell against the Christian faith. I remember I wrote a term paper to refute his message. His book was entitled, “Why I Am Not a Christian.” My article was entitled, “Why I Am a Christian.”
I wrote the following in my epilogue for my book: “One late evening shortly afterward, I was packing to go to my parents’ home for the summer. I had just finished writing my paper and still had an exam to take. Slowly, an intense awareness developed. I was aware of the peaceful presence of the Lord in the room.
From the book written by Helen Roseveare entitled “Give Me This Mountain, and He Gave Us a Valley,” I read about a similar experience. She described it as follows: “Suddenly I now knew… He who was calling me on to service overseas was standing there, gently smiling, telling me to look forward and upward, not backward and inward.”
I look forward to another year as I am learning to follow His plan for my life. “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)—wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2021!
Before I start posting the memoir, I would like to write about my trip so far. I was awakened by the alarm clock at 4:30 a.m. and just felt I was perhaps going to end up missing my flight. I had stayed up late to pack and was ready to go. Before I started to despair, I felt the peace of God and trusted in His guidance for my trip. . Time to go
Somehow I decided to embark on another visit to China for a vacation. I have arrived and am staying at the Asset Hotel. I have a project–to write my story as a foreign student based on my letters home. I recently found a box of my letters home, totaling over 150 and written circa 1959 – 1963. My mother kept them in a box with a piece of paper stating: “Over these four years, God’s grace has been recorded in these letters; for this reason these letters remain and are kept–to remember God’s grace”. I pray that the Lord will provide the strength and wisdom to complete a memoir for His glory.
I arrived at NJ Transit located in Penn Station, and Myron came up to greet me. He is a brother in Christ, and he used to help me take care of my mother. We got on the 7:10 am train to get to Liberty Airport. I had made this trip a few times in the past few years, but this year my stenosis was making me walk slow; and I was helped by Myron to bring my luggage to be checked in. I almost considered of cancelling my trip.
After a smooth ride on the plane, I arrived at Pudong Airport in the afternoon of the next day. My cousin Lu relocated to Hong Kong, and another cousin Jin Bo came to meet me. When I saw no one, I asked a young man sitting on a bench for help. He was able to call my cousin’s cell phone number for me.
But it was twenty minutes later before we got together, and another Chinese man spoke to Jin to describe my location. I realized how I had needed kind strangers, many times in my life, to come to my rescue.
Due to time change, I did not fall asleep until 6 a.m. and woke up at 7:30 a.m. After breakfast, I decided to get a taxi to take me to the Shanghai Community Church. It was $16.00 RMB after I was dropped off at the gate.
The sanctuary was already packed, but an elderly usher allowed me in and found me a seat downstairs. Others were directed to be seated at a courtyard chapel or just on benches at the courtyard. I waited a while until 10 a.m. before I heard the choir’s invocation–The Lord is in His Holy Temple . . .keep silence before Him”. For a brief moment I was a young teenager singing the same words in the choir during the worship service at Amoy Street Baptist Church in Taipei, Taiwan.
A young woman pastor was assigned to give the sermon and did a good job. A lady sitting next to me spoke to me and asked me to join her going up for prayer. I waited until she was finished praying. Then we were ready to go. We walked down Hangshan Road as I was trying to learn the way to get back by subway.
I returned to the courtyard to wait until 2 p.m. Shanghai Community Fellowship English has two worship services, at 2 and 4 in the afternoon; and only those with passports can go in. Two young African students came to sit near me, and I was able to speak to them in English. They were training as interns at the Shanghai Hospital for the summer.
After I slept through the sermon, I walked up front to request for prayer for my project of writing my testimony and for the Lord to heal my body. I gave my contact information and left to find my way to the subway station. I learned I could take the No. 1 train to connect to the No.7 train to get back home. When I needed to ask for directions, I was met with nice people ready to help. I look forward to a luncheon for new arrivals next Sunday.
The temperature in Shanghaie has reached its level when I felt hot and unbearable. But I had spent a day at the Shanghai Community Church and just know that I have been in the presence of the Lord. After morning worship service, I waited in the courtyard to go to the luncheon. I arrived at the restaurant late due to waiting for someone to take me there. A member of the worship team left his practice to help me.
Everyone was already seated at his table, but I got there on time for the program. Each one introduced himself and Pastor said the prayer before we were served. The food was good, and I enjoyed talking with everyone I met. When I asked a waiter to take a photo, the Pastor came to be in the picture. I also had a chance to give to him an envelope with sample gospel tracts and the address of my blog.
I was just getting ready to go to an internet bar for a look at my emails when Judson, my niece’s husband, brought me his spare laptop and connected it to my room. I can do my work right in my room–a door seemed to be opened for me to be able to complete my project. Lord willing, I can travel and complete this memoir. Judson agreed to keep my box of letters home until I have another chance to travel to Shanghai.
The Asset Hotel is located at a quiet and secluded corner away efrom the street called Wanping Road. There is a bank across the street, and the Lun Wah Hospital is next to the bank. I can walk down on either side of the road to visit dress shops, a grocery store, restaurants, noodles shops, etc.
This place is condusive for me to start my writing project. I have someone to clean my room everyday, a free breakfast, cousins to visit and talk with me, and many quiet hours to organize my notes; and if I get tired, I can watch TV. I watched one local news program about a young officer saving a girl’s life. Later her parents came to the Department of Public Safety to give him a placque stating their appreciation.
Last Tuesday I received a phone call from my c ousin Lu, and she was comi ng to visit. She had just returned from helping her daughter in Hong Kong to move to a new apartment. She came and I started to discuss my plans with her.
There was someone at my door, and our friend Peng came to visit. We walked to a restaurant, catching up with our news. Since I had some problem with my laptop, Lu helped to carry it to the store for repairs. I give glory to God I can still use it.
On the eve of my stay in China, Peng and I walked down Lin Lin Road to mail some books at China Postal Service. Before reaching the PO, I had found a shady garden with different kinds of trees. I usually like to sit a while in the shade, one time had my photo taken by a stranger.
I seem to feel the presence of the Lord and thanked Brother Peng for t he visit. I shared with him I would like to come back again, and finish my project. Have to stop now as I have to return the laptop to Judson when he comes to get it.
I made another trip later from 11/21 – 12/23/2018 and celebrated my birthday with my relatives. I also tried to complete more letters to add to my memoir, and finally Letters Home is now completed.
Somehow I decided to embark on another visit to China for a vacation. I have a vision, and, if it’s from the Lord, He will provide the strength, wisdom, connections, relationships, and resources, all my needs, to make it happen. I want to complete my project—before I moved to a retirement home. I want to be serving by writing my story—as my mother wrote on a piece of paper I found stating: “Over these four years, God’s grace has been recorded in these letters; for this reason these letters (200 approximately) remain and are kept—to remember God’s grace”. Myay His name be honored in every nation, and may He be exalted in all the earth.
Letter No. 1 Dated August 26, 1959
Dear Daddy and Mama,
Right now I am staying at Katy’s house. Praise the Lord I have received all your letters. Daddy’s first letter, sent to General Steam Ship was received first. After arriving at the Wu residence, I received two letters including one from Julie and another one from Mrs. Hensel. I also received one from Debbie. With all these letters, my anxiety was replaced by relief, and it made me very happy. Now let me tell you what happened today: I got up at 7 a.m. and after breakfast, a boat sent from US border patrols came on board, and a few medical officers came to examine our X-Rays, for thirty-three of us. A few X-Rays were kept by them, without explanations. Praise God I was only asked to give a short answer and passed without any problems. The second group abroad was officials from Immigrations, and again I easily passed.
After these visits, everyone’s luggage was carried by ropes to be dropped on shore for the purpose of inspection. Thank God everything in my luggage passed. As soon as our ship docked, I was getting anxious when I did not see anyone waiting for me. Then I heard someone calling name – someone from Foreign Overseas College and University Students Inc. came to meet me. Katy’s family was expecting me to arrive tomorrow (28th) and did not come. Instead, Mr. Finley and a secretary (Japanese lady) came together. Thank God He understood my fears and prepared everything for me. I also later found out that my father had written a letter to them stating the date of my arrival.
I thought they should take me to Katy’s house, and I called their number. When Katy’s younger brother answered, he told me I had many letters to be picked up. Mr. Finley then drove me to the address where the Wu residence is located, and they made sure I was safely at the right address.
After about an hour later their elder sister came home. Cecilia and I had a nice conversation catching up. She called her mother, and they were coming home later. She started to cook at six, and I had dinner with her and their two younger brothers. Mrs. Wu was glad to see me later, and she appreciated the gift I brought: a can of fried meat.
My big trunk, due to the expense to move it to the house, was left at the Greyhound Bus Station, where it can be kept for one week; and I could easily take the fur coat out anytime. Katy’s house was very big and located on a mountain. The two sisters’ room is behind the garage, very roomy and big. Upstairs were rooms for Mr. & Mrs. Wu and the two brothers. Since we were downstairs, we can feel free. There was a sofa which opened to be a bed. This bed had been made for me. I think I am going to bed and will finish this letter tomorrow. 10:30 pm
This morning I started to write as soon as I got up. When Mr. and Mrs. Wu came home, I was already
asleep and did not wake up until 8
a.m. Their family
ate only Chinese food, just as I am used to.
A while ago Mrs. Wu apologized for not meeting me, and they already left
for the day. In a little while Katy will
take me to Greyhound to purchase a ticket and then to the Post Office to mail a
package to Mr. Chen and my letter to Dr. Tyson.
I have already typed it. I gave
Cecilia and Katy each a pair of slippers and they both liked it. I did not mention about the fur coat, as Mrs.
Wu was quite busy—maybe later. I trust
the Lord to lead me and to give me wisdom.
Please tell Mr. Chen and remind him that I mailed his letter. . . Please
pray for me always. As soon as I arrive
at College, I will mail our photos taken on board the ship to you. May the Lord be with you, Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 08/26/1959
Letter No. 2 Dated 08/29/1959
Daddy & Mama:
My bus ticket has been bought to leave at
8 a.m. on September 1, passing Los Angeles to Waco. I will get off at Temple, the place where
Daddy told me. I already wrote to Dr.
Tyson about the date of my arrival on September 3, and asking someone can be
there to meet me. I wrote a letter to
Mr. and Mrs. Hensel to thank them for inviting me, but that I have no time to
visit. I received another letter from
them, but I still don’t think I should visit but to arrive at school quickly. .
. The weather here is still cold– in the 50’s.
My grey sweater is just right for room temperature, but I have to wear
Katy’s long coat when I go out. I heard
that the weather in Texas is hot right now.
Praise the Lord I am very healthy; knowing that you have prayed for me,
my nose is not bothering me now. I have milk
and bread every day, which taste better than rice. I slept on a sofa bed and woke up at 10
a.m. I can watch TV to pass the
time. Please don’t worry, because the
Lord hath prepared everything. I read
the Bible every morning and evening, pray, and I have faith that my heavenly
Father will be with me every moment.
I have been at Katy’s house already a few days. Right now everyone is out except me and their brother Sunny. I remember I already told you about the day I arrived. My trunk is now at Greyhound Station. The day after tomorrow (8/30) I will get it out and together with my suitcase to be sent to Texas. I can pick it up upon arrival. . . .I can fix something to eat for myself, and I help with small task of wiping dishes after dinner.
On the boat, after leaving the
Philippines, I have seen what the Lord prepared for me. Let me now tell you my testimony: After the
ship sailed away from the Philippines, an officer asked Miss Wu and I to move
from the Captain’s cabin to a room on the same floor. We could hardly believe it when we took a
look. There were two comfortable beds, a
basin, a chest of drawers for our clothes.
This was better than a regular room.
We stayed in this room for the next two weeks. My only regret was that there were no true
believers on board: the Captain, two Officers, and others are not
Christians. Among the thirty-three
passengers, most of them are Catholics and two of them told me they didn’t
believe every word in the Bible is true.
I have talked with them that our God is almighty. Only another sister who is a Pentecostal and
I understood salvation—thank God He saved me.
Not surprisingly, God’s wrath came upon us on August
13. A typhoon was chasing our ship with
winds at category eight, and the epic-center was 120 sea miles away. When I got up I felt unsteady and could not
walk or stand. I ate some pieces of
bread and went back to my cabin. As I
lay in the bed, I could feel it rocking from right to left and from top to
bottom. At about 4 pm, I was beginning
to feel sick in my stomach and could no longer stay healthy; but there was
peace in my heart that stayed knowing that God will protect me. Just at that moment, another passenger came to
our cabin, followed by the Captain. We heard the good news that the storm had
passed. The Captain told us that had we
had left the Philippines on schedule– four hours later–, we would have been
in the heart of the storm. I did not eat
supper. On the next day, the waves were
still hitting the deck but not as hard.
In the afternoon, the waves were calm and the storm was over. I ate congee for three or four days. Just like I was home, my appetite was good
after recovery. I ate two bowls of rice
and a piece of bread. Since then the sea
was calm, and we could feel just like on the land. I even saw a whale! I will send some photos–three photos. 8/29
afternoon.
Letter No. 3 – September 4, 1959
Daddy I love & tMama:
Praise the Lord I arrived on campus at 9
p.m. After three days, the journey has
been completed. The school sent two
campus boys driving the school van to meet me and take me to be settled in a
room. There are three dorms, and I still
don’t know which one I was at. I will
tell you all the details later. Dr.
Tyson will not be on the campus until Monday, September 8. His secretary told me to stay for now and
everything will wait until Dr. Tyson returns.
Since I was very tired from not sleeping on the bus, I fell asleep as
soon as I lay down. This was my first
night after arriving here. This morning
I woke up at 9 a.m. There was someone
next door—a girl from Hong Kong. We were
immediately like old friends and stayed together. She arrived at 3 a.m. She is a Christian and a very nice
person. This morning two more American
students arrived. They live in
Texas. Tomorrow all new students are
scheduled to arrive. Let me tell you
everything after I see Dr. Tyson. This
letter is just to let you not to be worried since I have arrived safely on
Campus. My three suitcases have been
brought to the campus—everything seems to be okay so far.
The trip from San Francisco to Texas took
two days, and it was not easy. But
please don’t be alarmed—because the Lord heard our prayers and I am here. I left Katy’s house at 6 a.m. Mrs. Wu (Stella) did not take me due to the
early hour. Katy and I got a taxi and
paid $5.00 to take us to Greyhound Bus Station.
I immediately looked for my trunk.
An elderly worker told me it might not have been brought here, due to
workmen on strike. I was supposed to
take the 8:15 a.m. bus but decided to take the next bus leaving at 12.00
noon.
As I sat at the station, I realized that all I could
do was to pray to God. Thanks to God because He answered. At about 9 a.m. the same old man asked me to
go to the storage to look and I found it.
Since it was at the Station for over one week, it was taken to the
storage. I gave the trunk to them and
bought insurance since the fur coat was inside. Mrs. Wu told me she had three coats not yet
sold.
I got on the 12 noon bus and arrived 11 p.m. in Los
Angeles. It was midnight, and I had to wait
three hours for another bus to go to El Paso.
I did get on the right bus and called Dr. Tyson’s secretary when I
arrived at Fort Worth. She told me
someone will be there on time to meet me and to go to Waco. At Waco I bought a ticket to Temple
($1.30). At Temple, I picked up my
luggage. From Temple to Belton, it took
only 30 minutes and I was met by the two campus boys.
At the campus, since meals will be served starting
tomorrow afternoon, Annie Chang and I
went shopping. We got milk, bread, two
burgers, a can of tomato soup–each paid 50 cents for lunch and dinner.
There is a kitchen where we can cook. Everything is cheaper in Texas, I mean as
compared to San Francisco. It’s a good
thing I did not buy anything there. Just
received Daddy’s letter and I read every reminder he mentioned and will try to
do my best. It’s hot in Texas about 95
degrees. I am in good health but miss
you. But since I am able to receive your
letter dated 8-31 today 9-4, I am happy.
I pray every night for you; my discomfort with my nose has been over;
and everything is here and not lost. I
still have $110.00. I heard Annie Chang
saying she is paying $200.00 each year.
I trust the Lord will prepare for me, and you need not worry.
I will buy
vitamins when I have a chance. The
college is very big and beautiful. I
have not yet walked around. I am taking
a nap now, and probably will write you again Monday. Please pray for me—our heavenly Father will
honor us when we pray together.
May God be with
you, Daughter, Min-yen 09/04/59
PS: About Mrs. Inn’s book of hymnals, I have it
with me. Please, Mama, buy one to give
back to her.
Response to my
Letters 1 – 3 missing original
Our daughter Min,
Since we received your letters sent from Katy’s house, we waited
anxiously your letter telling us you with the good news you have arrived at
your college. Day after day we waited
but still no letter. I was truly very
anxious. On Sunday, I spent the whole
afternoon waiting for the mailman with a letter in his hand—because I was
thinking you are so young and had no experience traveling—you mentioned about
discomfort in your nose in your last letter.
This was enough to go to the
Lord I serve seeking help. My Lord heard
my prayer. You had a safe trip—the Lord
sent His angels to protect you. Just as Psalm
121 stated, the Lord hath proven in your life.
“The Lord sent His angels. . . “ I thank God for your life, and I
willingly surrender my life to do service. God hath truly blessed our family,
my child, you will honor the Lord, and depend on Him! If ever you feel no peace in your heart, don’t
do it. The two missionaries who met you
in San Francisco, you need to write to thank them, giving a testimony about God’s
glory. In your prayers, you should pray
blessings on them. As for the Wu family,
I was not very close to them, and they were nice to extend their hospitality to
you—even though you might not feel it, you should be grateful and write to
thank them. You must remember to give thanks to God—important!
You have started life in new surroundings,
every move and every act you are to be careful: what you eat, where you stay; you
must look up to the Lord in faith—pray every moment as He is your only source
of help. When in difficulty, bow your
knees—just like when you lost your trunk, you found it after you prayed; you
saw the glory of God. This is the only lesson you need to learn from God, as He
leads you.
Your father already
mentioned what you are to do in detail, but the most important thing is to
follow God’s guidance and do everything through His hands. . . After you left,
we have our bed-room to your room. The
bed-room is now my study room. Two desks
are placed on each side of the wall.
This makes your father and me very happy. Regarding financial status—we saved $20.00
last month and paid Aunt Anna back. We
will pay again this month. You need not
be worried. We will pay back fully.
Glory be to God!
My work keeps me
very busy, and I really praise God for using me. . .do not be worried about me,
just pray and give thanks for us. May
God be with you and give you His blessings.
Mama 9/11/59
PS: Write whenever you can!
Letter No. 4
Dated 09/09/1959 missing original
Daddy & Mama,
I went to see the President this morning. I just told him because my parents spent a lot on my travel expense that I have got only a small amount left. He asked me how much I still had. I told him $100.00. He then wrote my name down and said: “It takes me three or four days to straighten things out, but we’ll take care of that.” I really thank the Lord, as He help me solve many difficulties. I was planning to go and see Dr. Tyson earlier, but Mr. Mason, the current administrator, was in charge of scholarships. He spoke to us during Chapel that if anyone needed financial assistance, we may see him. Somehow I felt he was the wrong person to see, but I needed to wait for Dr. Tyson.
On the next morning, I prayed for courage and went to the same office; but this time Mr. Mason at the door and going out. As soon as he left, Dr. Tyson walked in so that I could have a meeting with him. It was just the Lord was watching over me. I believe my financial problems would be taken care of by Dr. Tyson.
None of the Chinese students here have a full scholarship: they pay amounts $600.00, $500.00, or $200.00. Most of the American students, also poor,need to work part-time, leaving no jobs left for us. This week we have orientation, and all the speeches we heard have to do with Christianity. This is really a Christian college, and some of the students have already been called to serve the Lord full-time; and most teachers are Christians.
I have joined the First Baptist Church in
Belton along with other new students. A letter will be sent to Amoy Street
Baptist Church requesting a response.
After this letter is received, I will be officially accepted as a
member.
We have very strict rules: no activities other than going to churches on
Sundays; lights off every night at 11 p.m.; breakfast at 7 a.m. After this week
of orientation, classes will start on September 14.
Thank God I am in good health, even
though I prefer Chinese food; I sleep well every night; I have rented a mailbox
paying 25 cents. Please address your
letters from now on to Box 687.
Enclosing two forms for you to complete and return to the Dean of
Women. Daughter Min
Reply to Letter No. 4 missing originals
Daughter Min,
Received your postcard this morning and
your letter dated the 9th this evening. Much to our relief and thank God for
answering our prayers, He hath granted our request, as you are now at the best
school. The elderly President, full of love, helped to resolve your problems
and extended his kind hospitality. God gave
you wisdom and good health to handle problems in a challenging situation. As Dr. Tyson has stated, “We’ll take care of
that”, you should not be having financial problem and may concentrate on your
studies. If you need money for other
expenses, you can write home and we try to send it. Take care of your health,
and buy two bottles of vitamins B-12 and C; get snacks if you are tired of the
food; but must be nutritious.
You need not try to find out what others are paying
and how much scholarships they have, and don’t tell them your situation, as
some may be envious.
You have joined the First Baptist Church—you will be
set aside and love the Lord. We will
pray for you. From the postcard, your
dorm looks very big and clean. Your room
must be nice; we are not worried. You need to get beddings before it get cold.
We have received the two form, and we will send them back to the Dean of Women—for
your convenience we gave you permission for every item, but please use your own
judgment. . . Daddy
Our daughter Min,
Your father’s
instructions are on the above page, and I have looked at the postcard with the
photo of your dorm. I praise the Lord
for His wonderful grace. Another letter
told us your teachers are spiritually minded—enough to prove that the Lord was
leading your way. You need not fear but
wholly lean on Him. God will not let you
be without any problems and proceed easily; but the ones He loves He will train
for a closer walk. Remembering how you started to apply until you became a
student, did not the Lord proof His faithfulness? Therefore, at this time, you need not be
fearful or anxious, but learn to “cast out fears” and “look up to Jesus”. . .
(Matthew 6) . . . Wishing you joy of the Lord, Mama
09/14/59
Letter No. 5 – Dated 09/12/1959
Daddy & Mama,
I have been at school for over a week
now, and although missing home, praise the Lord I can get along well in my new
environment. I had a note from Dr.
Tyson, when I registered yesterday, telling me to pay the amount of $100.00
including fees for books at this time. I was able to pay $60.00, and I had
$40.00 to buy books. This is not a lot
of money, but I do trust that the Lord will prepare everything for me. I already met a lady in the sophomore class
who is from Taiwan. I can borrow three
books from her, and she told me I could wear her uniform for my PE class. The
total, including miscellaneous expenses, should not be over twenty dollars.
Before I spoke to Dr. Tyson, I was
worried every day; but now everything is fine—you need not worry. We register again next January, and I trust
the Lord will make a way for me. Another
important issue I need to let you know is that Daddy needs to tell me about
it. According to US Immigration, the
expiration date for the visa cannot be later than my passport date of
expiration. Since my passport expires
next May, I need to renew my visa in March.
After registration yesterday, Miss Yang
went with me to the home of Dr. Tyson to give him my gift. It happened that they were home and happy to
see us. Miss Yang told me that Mrs.
Tyson loves gifts. I praise the Lord for
preparing the gift for me to bring.
Orientation
is over, and classes start next Monday.
Let me first tell you about how we eat—since Mama might be
concerned. We are served three meals a
day. For breakfast at 7 a.m., we line up
with plates in our hands and are given bread, butter, jam, milk, a small bowl
of cereal (cornflakes), and bacon (sometimes).
I love everything, tasting better the bread I eat at home. At 1 pm, we have lunch: starting next Monday each student is assigned
a table number (8 in each table). After
a prayer, by the Dean of Women or a guest, then each hostess will start passing
dishes around of the main course. A
co-host will serve drinks. Hosts and co-hosts
are students so we can feel free. We eat
different dishes each meal consisting of meat, vegetables, salad, and a
dessert. We have milk, water, and ice
tea. We have soup in the winter.
I seem to
like everything, for salads I can add some dressings. I am getting hungry just writing about it.
Dinner is served at six, similar to food served at lunch. Now let me tell you my schedule for
classes: and my room. My room is on the second floor of one of the
three dorms. It’s about the size of your
bedroom. There are two large windows,
and I can see a big tree outside.
There is a Chester of drawers with four big
and two small drawers, not new but useful. On the right there is a small table
with a big mirror for putting on make-up. There is also a bed, a bookcase, and
a desk. Two chairs are placed in front of the desk and the table
respectively. There are venetian blinds
for the windows, but some students added curtain for a prettier look. On the right of my room a small room with a
sink and space for hanging clothes; my three trunks are placed there.
An identical room is on the other side, and
we share the room in the middle with the sink. I am telling you all this so
that you know that the Lord hath provided what I eat, where I live, what I
study more than I ever thought possible. Our heavenly Father heard our prayers;
and because my mother is doing faithful service, He blessed me. I pray that the
Lord will be with you moment by moment and bless you with good health and
fruitful service.
Is Mama still busy every day? God’s work has to be led by Him. I wish we
would be reunited soon. It is turning
cooler, below 80 degrees. I have added a
sweater in the morning and evening. I am
taking Vitamin C, paid $1.25 for a bottle, but it is good for helping end my
discomfort with my nose. Since the college has strict rules, please return the
two forms quickly to the Dean of Women. I did not write many of our relatives
in Taipei for saving money from buying stamps; please give my regards to each
of them. Hope to hear from you soon; I
have not received any letters for many days. Wishing you Emmanuel!Dtr.Min
Response Dated 09/20/1959 to Letter No. 5
Daughter Min,
We
received yesterday morning two letters, one dated September 12 and the other
one August 29, while you were at the Wu residence. I don’t understand how it took so long, as we
were very concerned waiting to hear from you.
The reason is because you did not write the address clearly, even made a
correction. Please do write clearly in
the future.
Thanks be to God for His mercies so that
you are now settled to start studying at College; God gave you wisdom and good
health so that you handled your circumstances appropriately: registration, bringing gifts, uand going to
see the President. You need to, in the
future, be more careful—taking time to think things through before you act. The
food seems to be nutritious and sanitary, and we are very glad, hoping you will
grow stronger.
From your schedule I noticed that you have
a class three hours after lunch, and I suggest that you take a nap for health
reasons. As for the extension of your
passport, there is absolutely no problem.
I will ask about the procedure and let you know—then you just have to
follow the instructions. But keep the
letter of employment for your visa and don’t lose it.
Your suite-mate next door you must get
along—knowing her temperaments. Since
you share a closet a sink and meet every day, you need to get along
nicely. You have very small amount of
cash left. Did you buy a pillow and
blanket for your bed? Please let us know the cost, and we will try to handle
it. Since you forgot to endorse the
check from Mr. Chen, I had to go to the bank to resolve the problem. In the
future please do not forget to endorse checks and money orders. Since you need to write your signature often
in America, may I suggest that you practice?
Here in Taipei, we are happy and peaceful
and in good health . . . and whenever we talk about your life now, your mother
always praises the Lord for His mercy and pray for you. Your grandmother is
very proud that you are a student in an America. Looking at your photo, she commented you are
a very lovely lady. We all wish and pray
for a reunion soon.
Do you think I should write another letter
to Dr. Tyson to thank him? When you
write to Mrs. Hensel, you might want to mention what happened and how he helped
you. Your friend whose father works at the
consulate office, you need to keep writing, as you might need help with the
extension of your visa. Please write to
your friend Julia Ho, and I wrote a letter to her father, my class-mate. I ask that he look after you. Don’t forget to keep warm as the weather
changes to cooler temperature. When you
feel hungry, buy a package of cookies. Daddy
Daughter Min,
You have
been at College for two weeks. We really
give thanks to God for His marvelous grace mercy. When we started to pray, we never thought God
would grant our request so quickly. It
is all because He loves you. Now that
you are a student at a Christian college, it could only be God’s provision. You need to be searching
to know what the perfect will of God is.
Align yourself with the Word of God: be at
peace with your neighbors and try to get along; but always striving to be holy;
for only those who are holy can see God. (Hebrews 12: 14-16) This is your rule
of conduct, and it will go you good to follow.
Whenever you are in need, you will
pray. Mr. George Mueller, who lived in
1800’s, operated an orphanage. When there was no food left for three days, he
prayed. The next day, as everyone was
sitting with a table set up for breakfast, there was a knock at the door. Someone
came with a truck full of food items and asking to donate to the orphanage.
It’s up to you, my child, to do what is
required for His blessings. My child, we
have no extra money at this time to send to you. As you know, we still need to pay back money
to our friends and relatives. Since they
are not yet believers, we cannot afford to be stumbling blocks. So you need to
pray to God to supply your needs.
Mrs. Hensel, a friend introduced by Rev.
Loo, might be able to be of assistance, and the fur coat might be sold for
cash. Your father and I love you more than ourselves, since you are our only
child; but we must love the Lord more.
He us our only source of supply, and we trust He cares for us. I still serve the Lord as I have been doing—and
His grace is sufficient for me. You need
not worry but pray for me. I am in good
health and happy in our home. Only thing
is we miss you here with us friends and don’t stop; God loves us to have loving
friends. Mama
Letter No. 8 Dated 09/29/1959
Daddy & Mama, Just finished my first class French and have an hour to be writing you a letter. I was so happy to receive your letter yesterday, to know you are in good health and feeling joyful at home. I thank Lord for answering my prayer. As for my life now—because of God’s mercies, I can get along well in this new place. I have gained some weight, at 101 lbs. . . My suite-mate, Judy LaCompte, and I are getting along very nicely. She has a habit of sharing me her letters with me. She is from a State far away, and missing her home. Since the weather is still hot at 80 degrees, I still wearing my summer clothes. Everyone Monday I can put my dirty clothes in a pillow and give it to the laundry to be washed for free, get it back on Thursday. . .
On Sundays, I
dress up and wear my pink or yellow dress and my pair of high heels. . . .There
is a revival service on the next two days.
We had a special prayer meeting at dorm for this meeting. Nearly everyone prayed. I just wondered how some of them could pray—because
I have seen them go out on dates in the evenings. I wondered if they are saved
and have Christ in their hearts.
The speaker at the revival spoke about how his family
saw a movie, and then he talked about the movie. I was interested, but we don’t
have anyone who preaches like Mama. While some preachers in Texas are preaching
the correct gospel message, there are even less in San Francisco. I pray every day for Daddy and Mama to come
to the States. I have received a letter
from Mrs. Hensel, Sara Loo’s friend, inviting me to spend a week-end at her
house in Dallas. I ask Daddy’s ad vice
for when to make my visit. I hope I can
get a ride from someone going to Dallas, and it would be better than going alone.
I think I should write to thank her; she wanted to give her regards to Mama.
I have met Rachel, the daughter of Pastor Chang, but
we are not yet close friends. Another
lady, from Jen Ai Baptist Church, recognized Mama in a photo I showed her. This lady and I attend the First Baptist
Church in Belton together. . .
I have been eating more at breakfast in order not to
get hungry before lunch at 1 p.m. I like drinking two big glasses of milk with
bread and butter. I would like to get a
bag of cookies costing 29 cents. I miss
eating Chinese food, but I have no pot, no salt, and no oil to cook
anything. Maybe you can send me a can of
fried meat for Christmas. I would really like it, and please send me my books
for practicing piano. I can try to practice
on a piano, but not if it costs a lot to send.
So happy to know that Mama is now the Director of
spiritual formation ministry. This is what you can be serving well; I pray that
God give you strength from above and good health. Does Daddy still play tennis
every Saturday? Please buy a chicken next Saturday for your nutrition. I have fried chicken every Sunday. I wrote Debbie a letter last night, and also
one to Miss Ho. I have to go to my next class and will write again. Wishing you Emmanuel! Daughter Min
Letter Number 10 Dated October 9, 1959
Just as I was on my way to class and
passing by the Post Office, I received your letter. It was a joy for me, and knowing that you
wait anxiously for my letter, I have started to write it as soon as I got back
to the dorm. This morning, I was in the
toilet when the phone rang and missed the call.
There was a note for me requesting that I see the teacher. I was fearful, not knowing what it’s all
about. I found out that I was chosen to
be the speaker at a program sponsored by the Department of Education. I was to be representing Chinese students and
speak on the topic: Educational System in
China. This program, to be held next
Thursday, at 7:30 pm, will be attended by all teachers in Belton. I feel surprised and excited, but also
scared. Thank God for giving me an
opportunity, and please pray for this specific request. I only wish there was time for you to give me
some information, but please pray for me.
The Lord will give me my message and show me how I should act.
Tomorrow is the day for our Freshmen
Reception. Each of us would have an escort in an arrangement made by the
College. There are twenty of us, and probably
all female foreign students in Texas happen to be here. An equal number of young
men, in other colleges in Texas, have been invited.
I get along well with everyone, and Liz
Yang, my big sister, is going to let me wear her earrings. I did not want to wear one of her dresses,
but decided to wear my white lace dress with a sweater (Debbie’s gift) over it.
. . .
I was planning to visit Mrs. Hensel’s
house next week, as one of my friends, offered to give me a ride. However, I was still undecided what to
do. A little bit later my friend told me
she needs $3.00 from me, and I told her that I was not going. The next time she would be going home would be
Thanksgiving, and I can go then. Please give me advice.
There is no hurry for you to send my books
for practicing piano, this can wait until you send my package on
Christmas. I get credit for joining the
choir, and I enjoy singing and practicing every Wednesday. We plan to be traveling during Christmas to
perform in a concert. I have no problem
in any of my other classes, and I get along well with everyone. My dorm is not far from the building with
classroom, and the distance is about the
same from our home to the bus stop.
So glad to know that Mama has started to
take English classes, but please don’t study too hard. You need not worry and will learn fast when
you come here. Some students on my boat
did not speak English, but they learned to speak after they arrived. If Mr. Chan can visit me, he is welcome. But the Lord prepared everything for me, so
that I shall not want. Daddy may be working
on plans for our reunion, but the Lord’s time is the best—we need not hurry.
I know you have spent a lot of money for
getting me to college, but please buy some nutritious food and don’t try to
save money. On Saturdays you can prepare
some dishes and enjoy. So happy to know
that Mama has been serving faithfully what the Lord called her to do. The ministry of planting a gospel center was
the work of the Lord, and I pray often for you. Please give my regards to our relatives and
friends; let me know if I should write to them.
Daughter Min-yen
Reply to Letter Number 10 Dated 10/05/1959
Our daughter Min,
On Wednesday the Kung Fu Road Gospel
Center held its regular worship service, and Mrs. Culpepper was scheduled to be
our speaker. I got up early to pray for the Holy Spirit to
bring people to come. In the afternoon,
our Lord answered my prayer—all the chairs were taken by people who came. When I came home after the service, I received
your letter dated October 9th, to know you were also praying for the
Gospel Center. The Lord heard your
prayer, and continues to hear your prayers for every family residing our
street– Kung Fu Road. May everyone come
to hear the Gospel message and be saved as he accepts Jesus as his Savior and
Lord.
This week I had to be presiding a meeting
every day. By God’s grace, I felt the
presence of the Holy Spirit each time . . . it really was His grace and
mercy. This afternoon would be the time
you make your presentation. I trust the
Lord will strengthen you as you seek to please God and not men’s praises, for
fear of becoming proud. This way, whatever happens, success or failure, you
need not to be joyful in the Lord. Be
careful in all your attempts.
We are very pleased that you have gained
some weight . . . If swimming is not good for your health, and then discuss
this with someone at College. May our
almighty God straighten you in every way!
About you’re worrying that clothes not fitting, you need not stop
eating. . .
You need to pray to
the Lord, and by believing you will receive it. The Lord will heal you when you
keep on trusting until the end. . . We are very pleased with what you are
telling us about your daily schedule. Please keep it in the days ahead. May Almighty God uphold you and bless all your
efforts. Mama
Letter Number 11 Dated 10/16/1959
Daddy & Mama,
As I write this letter, my heart is
joyfully praising the Lord. I just
returned from the auditorium where I presented my report. The Lord heard my prayer, and yours, allowing
me to speak coherently what everyone wanted to hear. This evening’s program was
organized by the Association of Elementary and High school Teachers in
districts near Belton, and the topic of discussion was: “Educational Systems around
the World”.
Several different countries were
represented including: Japan, Korea,
Taiwan, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Panama, Canada, and Hawaii. I was the speaker from Taiwan. After I spoke, the Dean of Women came over
and said: “You are a Fresh man who can
really speak.” Only a few members of the
faculty were able to be present, but I thank God for helping me to do well. . .
.
The weather here could change drastically
to be cold. After it was pouring in the
evening, the temperature seemed to have dropped twenty degrees; and everyone
was wearing his winter clothes. I don’t
know why I have not been sleeping well at night, but I had some assignments in
English and Religion classes. Fortunately, most of the students are attending a
Baptist Convention in Fort Worth this weekend; and I can catch up on my
rest. I am still gaining and now 104
lbs.
When it’s cold, I don’t want to get up for
breakfast; my watch is broken. I hope
Daddy can tell me how to fix it. Right
now I can borrow Judy’s alarm clock, as she does not get up for breakfast. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have classes at
eight, and I like to have my breakfast before I go to my class. But on other days, I would have to wait one
hour after breakfast for classes starting at 9 o’clock.
I overslept and did not wake up until 7:30 a.m. this morning, and I missed breakfast. On my way to class, I received your letter to know you are both in good health. I thank God for taking good care of you. During a break between classes, Annie and I went out of the campus to the stores. I bought a bag of cookies, for 35 cents, and I am eating as I missed breakfast. I pray every morning and evening, and read from Psalms and Proverbs in the morning and from the devotional book, “Fire on the Altar” in t the evening. Every Wednesday and Sunday, Annie and I pray together. Annie is the one I met when I first arrived, and she is from a Protestant high school in Hong Kong. There are two others from Hong Kong, one is a Christian. Annie and I are trying to share the Gospel for the unbeliever to be saved . . . I have decided to visit Mrs. Hensel during Thanksgiving, which is better for me.
Last Saturday we had a good time. Five male students from the University of
Texas were invited to be our escorts to the event. The program was organized by the Junior Class
and very entertaining. I have sent my
letters to my friends at Amoy Street Baptist Church, and not sure if they
received it. … I also keep up my correspondence with Kathy Hsu, whose father
works at the Consulate. May the Lord be with you. Daughter Min Yen
Reply to Letter No. 11
Our daughter Min,
Received your letter No. 11 dated
10/16. We are happy you had a successful
presentation. Without much information,
you did a good job. Thank God for
helping you succeed. In the future, you
need to always do your best and never be self-complacent, and God will give you
wisdom and more good things. Rising up
early and not late getting to bed early should be your regular practice. I mailed you a schedule for your daily
living, please try to follow it. . . .
Your watch is broken. . Try to find out how much it costs to have it
fixed. If it is too much, perhaps you
can send it back, as it takes only ten days in the mail. … In the meantime,
please ask to borrow Judy’s alarm clock so you won’t be late for classes. Rev. Hunker told your o request for transfer
of membership has also been received.
After the next congregational business meeting, an official letter will
be sent to the First Baptist Church of Belton with approval for of your
request.
I received a letter from my classmate,
Mr. Ho. His daughter Julia is your friend.
Mr. Ho told us about how everyone in his family has to work hard. They are not able to be like you—studying in
College. Thank God for His great mercies.
…Good for you to visit Mrs. Hensel on Thanksgiving. Daddy 10/23/59
Letter No. 17 Dated 11/14/1959
Daddy & Mama,
Although I have my English exam the day
after tomorrow, but as I was getting ready to have my nap, I thought I ought to
write you. I got up immediately—because
I have many things to tell you. Last
Saturday, November 7, was my birthday (same as it appears on my records for
admission), and I thought I should not tell anyone so no one would need to give
me a gift. When Judy asked me about it,
I did tell her. I slept all morning
Saturday, got up to eat lunch.
I had just finished washing and was
drying my hair when Judy came to speak to me.
She asked me to help her to move a table in the basement downstairs. I did not hesitate and quickly wrapped a towel
around my wet hair and still dressed in a robe, I followed her.
When I reached the basement, I saw many people sitting there; and was a little embarrassed for my appearance. Suddenly everyone started to sing Happy Birthday! Someone took my picture, and Judy led me to a table on which I saw two cakes. Judy had made the cakes and she put many small candles on it. I bowed down and tried to blow but needed others to help before all candles were blown out.
Then it was time to open my gifts: a new black sweater, a white camisole, and a
dark grey skirt. These were packed in
two big boxes, and there was a card signed by twenty people. I still could not
believe this was really happening and could only thank God for helping me to be
loved by everyone.
Now I need your prayers and Mama’s
advice, as we are going to work with FOCUS to be starting a Chinese Bible
Class. Ted Choy, the Director for
ministry to Chinese students, had been writing to recruit me to be the leader
of a Chinese Bible Class on campus. At
first I thought no one would be interested, but when I spoke to others about
the idea, they were interested and even had the same idea for a while. I found out that two others at another dorm
were already FOCUS members: Rachel
(Pastor Chang’s daughter) and Elizabeth Yang.
Mr. Choy sent me a form to be completed with names and addresses, and on
Sunday afternoon, I went around two dorms to get names
This was really the work of the Holy
Spirit, and I was just following His guidance.
After attending church, I decided to go to see Elizabeth and take the
form with me. It happened that Annie was
also going, and the three of us prayed and discussed how to do the work. We wrote our names, and Elizabeth’s roommate
also wrote hers. Annie and I went around
and got sixteen name to fill up the form.
On the same evening, eight of us gathered
in Rachel’s room to discuss the time, place, and format for classes. We decided to meet every Sunday at 1:45 p.m.
at one of the rooms in the dorm. We
would be speaking in Mandarin, and we will study the book of John. Two students
would prepare the lesson each time. Next
Sunday, we will meet at Rachel’s room, and she will lead the discussion.
Everything is happening so fast that I believe it is
God’s will for some of us who are nominal Christian to learn to be followers of
Christ. Annie and I pray every Wednesday for our friends. As we prayed after we scompleted the form, we
felt the Lord was pleased with our work. As we still need an approval from the
College, the Lord made it possible again.
The Director of Spiritual Life happens to be Rachel’s friend, and she can
make the request
Please don’t worry about me, and please pray for this new class. If it is God’s will, He will lead us. I have sent my Christmas cards to our friends including Pastor & Mrs. Culpepper, my friends at Amoy Street, and your friends. I write you about your letter to Dr. Tyson. May God be with you! Daughter Min-yen
Reply to Letter No.14
Daughter Min-yen,
Received your letter dated 11/14 and
11/16. In your letter you described your
birthday; this made us grateful for the Lord’s great mercies. As a sojourner in a strange place, you were
blessed by daring people. But please, at
this time, try not to be engaged in too many other activities. You need to work on establishing yourself as
a good student. As Jesus is the way, the
truth, and the life, you need to grow in wisdom and knowledge while in
college. Just look at the lives of
people like Moses and Paul—they were well educated. When God called them to be His servants, they
were able to apply their knowledge to explain the Word of God for the purpose
of winning souls.
When I was a student at the seminary; I remember
Pastor Lien-hua Chow spoke to us about the importance of a good education. He told
us a story: once there was a doctor who did not clean his hands with sanitizer
before he went out to treat sick people.
There were many sick people on the streets, but he would only be
spreading his germs trying to help them.
This illustration tells us about the importance of
concentrating on understanding the message before doing the ministry. For this reason, I would not recommend you to
join activities what would be taking away from your studies. 。。。 I
trust the Lord has a plan for every child of His, and the fact that He gave you
this opportunity to go to college, His will would be for you to be educated.
Your enthusiasm in serving the Lord’s work is good, but I must warn you not to
be too popular, but pray to the Lord and hide under His mighty arms . . . As I have become a follower of Christ, and
from my experience having been in ministry, I can tell you to wait upon the
Lord for renewal of strength.
When I was
becoming very popular as a young columnist for a newspaper, my father tried to
change my name to two Chinese characters meaning “hidden”. . . .You might want to read Galatians 6 to
know that one of the gifts of Spirit is “self-control” and pay attention, also
share this with your young friends.
Remember that His Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your
path. Mama
Our Daughter
Min-yen,
So glad to hear that you had your first
birthday in America, and how exciting it was.
. . . Your life now is both challenging and exciting, and I hope you can
quiet down somehow and concentrate on your studies. I hope you can take care of yourself and
not be overly busy about other activities.
You should be seeking to grow spiritually and be making promises you
cannot keep. That way you might
sacrifice respect from people who are your friends and neighbors.
. . . When you are
ready for your visit to the Hensels, please start getting ready ahead of time
so you don’t forget anything. . . .
Remember to listen more and speak less.
People always like to talk about themselves, and you will be welcomed if
you talk less. Remember to send Dr. Tyson’s letter and also send your recent
photos to us. Daddy 11/18/59
Letter No. 22 Dated 11/27/1959
Daddy & Mama,
Right now, I am at Mrs. Hensel’s home, after
I left with my friend Nelma Jo in her car.
Other passengers included my big sister Joyce and two students. We left at 2 pm and had pleasant conversation
while enjoying the view from the car windows.
We arrived in Dallas at about 5 p.m., and then I gave directions given
me by Mrs. Hensel. We soon found the
house where I was to be staying. It was
a beautiful house, and Mrs. Hensel welcomed me at the door. I was not prepared for such a wealthy family
to be my hose, and I felt shy and timid.
They were very nice, and in the evening,
there were two guests who came to dinner.
Since I was the honored guest, I had to answer many questions about
Taiwan. I did my best to answer as I
enjoyed a spaghetti dinner using real silverwares. After sitting at the table for three hours,
they remained another three or four hours before leaving, about eleven o’clock.
The Hensels are owners of an optical
company, and they have twenty-one employees and a black house maid. It reminds me of the residence of Julie Huang
in Taipei.
Judy, my roommate, did not go home to
Ohio but stayed in Dallas. She called,
and we went out to eat dinner. Judy was
impressed with my host family, and I thanked my Lord for giving me the
best. They told me to consider this as
my own home and come back when I have a chance.
This after noon, Mrs. Hensel wants to
take me shopping at some big stores in the city and to see the tallest
building. They are also going to take me
to see Dr. Criswell, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas. This is known as the largest Baptist Church
in the world. They are being interviewed
for membership and are being accepted into the fellowship of believers next
Sunday.
I did not mention about the fur coat, because I perceive that they are quite shrew business owners. Besides, Mrs. Hensel spoke during the dinner about the weather not so cold hat anyone would need a fur coat. I trust the Lord was telling me to be cautious and to wait for a chance. You will pray that the Lord lead me if I should speak. Do you remember I told you they have two adopted children? The Hensels are from Germany, but their children look like Americans. There is a beautiful piano, and I played one piece. Their daughter is thirteen, very pretty and kind. I plan to give them gifts I brought with me: a pair of pillow cases with embroidery of Chinese children. I sleep on their daughter’s bed, very comfortable. Right now, they are both not at home, and Donna and I are watching TV. I have Mrs. Hensel’s robe on, and I am going to change to my outfit for the day after breakfast. Pray for me and I will tell you everything after I get back to College. May God be with you, Min-yen
Letter No. 23 Dated 11/30/1959
I left the home of the Hensels at 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon and arrived back at school at about 9 p.m. My “big sister” Joyce picked me up in her car. Since I was feeling tired after spending five days as a house-guest, I went to bed and did not wake up until 8:45 a.m. this morning. I rushed to my Religion class at 9 a.m. and have returned to my room. I feel happy to be back at the College, and this is my home now. When I see my friends, they are like family to me. Now let me tell you what my visit was like. When I arrived at their house a Wednesday afternoon, there were already two of their friends, Mr. & Mrs. Soiyer.
A table with silverwares was set up for our dinner which lasted three hours. In the course of our meal, Mr. Soiyer asked me many questions about Taiwan. When he started to discuss politics, I told him that I did not read newspapers. I was remembering what Daddy had told me—not to discuss politics. Our dinner lasted three hours, and the guests left at 11 p.m.
I slept on a sofa-bed with their daughter Donna, and their son Don came home late from his boarding school. My roommate Judy called on Thursday and picked me up in her car with another friend. The three of us had dinner, and then Judy drove her car on a tour to enjoy looking at holiday lights at homes—before bringing me back.
On Friday, Mrs. Hensel, Donna, and I had lunch together at a restaurant, and in the afternoon, we paid a visit to the Hensel’s Optical Store. It was very huge, and there were many workers including secretaries, optometrists, and technicians. Mr. & Mrs. Hensel each had his own office.
After the visit, Mrs. Hensel took Donna and I to Neiman Marcus, a large store with escalators. Donna bought an outfit costing $30.00, as everything was expensive. After dinner, the Soiyers joined us to go bowling. When we got there, Mrs. Hensel did not feel well; and we went back home early.
I almost forgot to tell you this: in the afternoon we went to see Dr. Criswell, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas. Mr. & Mrs. Hensel were being interviewed for membership. . . . Dr. Criswell spoke with everyone including me. When I mentioned the name Dr. Tyson, he told me they had a meal together recently. I felt very honored to have met servant of God.
Mrs. Hensel did not feel well, and Donna and I stayed home to watch TV Saturday. In the evening, we attended a wedding taking place at a chapel of the First Baptist Church. . 。 。 On Sunday, my last day of visit, we went to Church in the morning, and I left at 4 p.m. She kissed me “good-bye” and thanked me for the pillow cases I gave her. . . . Now about my plans for Christmas: I have a plan and hope you like it: I can stay one week at Nelma Jo’s house (the lady who gave me a ride to the Hensels’ home) and another week at the Hensels. I wait for your approval before making a decision. I ask Mama to please write Mrs. Hensel a letter as she would like to correspond with you. Her address is: Mrs. G.O. Hensel, 1014 Evergreen Hill,
Dallas, Texas,USA
From Letters 24 – 53 A Brief Summary
Then it was Christmas and I was invited by a sophomore class student, Cathy Garrett, to go to Houston. I ended up, to my relief, at her friend’s house. I was told that she had four younger brothers who made life miserable for a previous guest.
At the Jolly house, I was given a very small room at the end of the kitchen with a bed and a chair; but I was safe from noise of children. I was eating regular meals except when Mrs. Jolly skipped lunch, and I did not dare to ask for food.
On Christmas day a feast with a turkey and all the trimmings was shared with several visiting relatives sitting together at a long table. I remember attending a New Year’s Eve worship service with the Jolly’s. There was a program and then each of us were asked to pray making our petitions known to God. As I watching others kneeling, I also knelt to pray. At this sacred moment I met the God who answers prayers. I needed a scholarship to continue to study, and there was no word from the office of the President yet. The Lord answered my prayer and granted my petition. When I returned to school after the holiday break, I received a letter from Dr. Tyson about a scholarship to pay my expenses. I continued to enjoy my life as a student, and then it was my first spring break.
Letter No. 54 Dated 04/16/1960
This morning Janelle Smith and I and I rode a taxi to the bus stop, purchased one-way tickets—as her parents might give us a ride back to school. It cost each of us $6.00 for a departure at 5:17 a.m. We rode until we reached Waco, where we transferred to another bus to Tyler and Lindale. Her mother, two sisters, and two brothers picked us up at Tyler. … Like at the Jolly’s I just helped with dishes, I sleep on my own bed in the room where the three sisters live. … Tomorrow we will attend First Baptist Church in Lindale. We got invited to have dinner at her friend’s house. When her parents are not home, we can rest and do homework. I have an exam on Religion class and a short story to complete for a writing class. Her mother said, “I’ll feed you.” I have many delicious meals to enjoy. I again thank the Lord as He has led me to this home, and I pray I may remain His child everywhere I go. . .. When we return Sunday, her mother will drive us half way to a bus stop. … She liked the cans of tea I gave her. Daughter Min-yen
Reply to Letter No. 54
Our daughter Min,
Received your letter sent from the Smith’s home, dated 04/16, to know you have arrived safely at Janelle’s home. We are glad. This is a Christian family, and these people must have God’s love in their hearts; and we feel safe and would not have to worry. . . Yesterday Edward and Fred, sons of our neighbor Uncle Chen, both received their passports to come to America. They will now go to the American Consulate to receive their visa’s. If they get it, then the boys will sail in July.
Mr. Chen told me that he has written to Mr. Kessler about your summer job. Once there is news, he will inform you. You may just concentrate on your studies, God will prepare the best for you. . .. We are doing well.
Daughter Min,
I just returned home after a prayer meeting and have taken a bath before I write this. . .. We are praying about your summer job, asking that the Lord will guide and decide for you. God is sovereign over all. Mrs. Helen Liu is leaving the country—she will go to Brazil first and then to America. She will stay at the home of Miss Bertha Smith. . . but she will not visit you. I believe your father and I will visit you. . .. I have been blessed with the gift of evangelism. Many new ladies are now coming to the Gospel Center. I will run the race on the path the Lord has led me for His glory. It’s now getting late and I will write next time. Mama 04/27/60
Letter No. 61 Dated May 19, 1960
Daddy & Mama,
I don’t know how to thank you for sending me more than enough for my expenses to travel. I was only hoping to have you send $20.00, but now this amount. Thanks be to God my place to go for the summer has been decided. Two days ago I went to see the student from Dallas and told her that the lady who told me she had an apartment wrote to let me know she plans to sell her house and no longer has a room for me.
She was very touched and told me not to be worried. I would be able to stay at her house for a few weeks and then worry about the summer. She told me she had previously invited me to go for Christmas and Easter; if I can go now, she welcomes me. She said, “I will take care of you” and for me not to worry about anything, as she will just think of me like her little sister. I have now made plans—the best thing is that this student has a car. I can ride with her, but my luggage might need to be sent at the Post Office. I can save money to pay for a ticket. I feel God’s provision for me is better than others, who are going to New York City and live in an apartment. Nelma Jo Little’s address is: 1431 Presidio, Dallas 16, Texas. Please use this address to send letters after the 20th.
After I get there, I
will look for a job. Please pray and
give me your best advice as to what I should do. 1. Go
to the employment office—this is what most people think is the reliable
way. I have written to an agency. They told me after I get to Dallas, they
would help me. My classmates told me we
can go to Texas Employment Agency. It is
run by the State and is free. 2. Visit the Hensels’ home and ask if they may
know of any jobs. 3. Read newspapers and inquire by phone. After I find a job, the first thing I will do
is to send money to pay Mr. Chen back his loan.
I now have a testimony to share.
But please don’t worry about anything – after hearing my testimony, you
will understand how the Lord cared for me. . .Please continue to pray for us to
be reunited. Daddy’s birthday is on May
25, and I will be in Dallas—at my friend’s home to be celebrating. The Lord has been merciful to our family and
Blessed us with good health and always be filled with joy. Wishing you Emmanuel – Daughter Min
Letter
No. 62 Dated 05/25/1960
Daddy & Mama,
Nelma Jo and I left yesterday afternoon. We rode in her car and arrived at her home in Dallas. Right now, we are both sitting at home writing letters. Her mother left for work, and just the two of us home. Thank God for my safe trip to this home. I had a busy day yesterday: in the morning I went to see Dr. Tyson, but he went to Church. I ended up speaking to his secretary, Mrs. White. I made a reservation and paid $15.00 fee for a room in the dorm for next year.
A few days ago, I was
very fearful and hesitant about speaking to Dr. Tyson about my bill. Then when
I finally summoned my courage and did visit his office in the morning, he was in
a conference with someone. I was at a
loss not knowing what to do—and went to my classes.
When I went again in
the afternoon, Mrs. White told me that she related my message, and Dr. Tyson
would be taking care of my request. I
was told by Mrs. Burnham, at the Business office, about an unpaid amount on my bill. I needed a missing amount I spent on books to
be made up before I would be allowed to take final exams.
But
Mrs. White was very kind and loving to me.
She probably read all my letters sent to the President, and she made it
a point to be kind every time I go to see Dr. Tyson– introducing me in a
special way. My problem resolved, I went
back to thank Dr. Tyson for helping me this past year. I thanked Mrs. White and told her that I have
decided to go to Dallas for the summer.
I also picked up my paper for a work permit at the Business Office—for
my summer employment.
Mrs. Burnham asked me
to leave my address for the summer, and she promised to mail my passport (sent
to Immigration for an extension) as soon as she received it. After I returned to my room, I started to
pack my belongings.
I left my big trunk
and my beddings in a paper box in the storage unit on the second floor. A housekeeper told me I could do this—as the
storage down in the basement would be damp. I put my name on the box and left it.
In the afternoon I had
my last exam in English, and it was not difficult for me. I returned to my room and packed two
suitcases and a paper box. Nelma Jo
insisted that I can take my luggage with me and for me not have to mail
it. I ended up putting both of my
suitcases under my feet and the paper box between the two of us. This solved the problem of having not enough
room.
At 6:30 p.m. I said
“good-bye” to Annie Chang and others before leaving the campus. We talked and laughed all the way, and we
stopped to get some food—each a hamburger and a coke. We listened to music from a Christian radio
station and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
We soon arrived at her home, and I remembered I was here before during
Thanksgiving holiday.
Mrs. Little was
standing at the door to welcome us. We
left everything in the car and took only items we needed for the evening. Mrs. Little prepared dinner for us—and I ate
my second meal for the evening. It was
one of my favorite foods – pork chops.
We went to bed early, two of us in a big bed. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep quickly
and did not wake up until the next morning.
I just had breakfast,
and Nelma Jo is outside moving our things from her car to the house. I thank God for preparing this home of a
Christian sister for my stay. She kept
telling me not to look for other lodgings.
She has a job starting June 1, but she can help me to find my job this
week. Tomorrow we are going to the Oak
Cliff Employment Service. On the
following day, I hope to go and visit Mrs. Hensel. Please don’t worry; the Lord is with me. He leadeth me with His own hand. I feel peaceful and filled with joy. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord”
(Psalm 1)—and I trust He will prepare a place for me to work. Pray for me!
Hope this letter will reach you soon—to let you know I have arrived here
safely.
I have cashed Mr. Chen’s check. Except for a down payment to reserve my room, I have not spent any money. Nelma Jo did not allow me to pay for gas or anything—saying that I need to save it until I find a job. So thankful and I know that Lord sent help from above. No one can be against us i onf God be for us. May God’s blessings be yours too!
Daughter
Min-yen
Letters 63 – 81 – a summary: My
first summer vacation was spent in Dallas.
I worked as a baby-sitter for a Chinese family, arranged with the help
of a retired missionary. Mrs. Holloway
know one of my mother’s teachers at the Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary,
and she helped me to find this job. I
believe the Lord heard my prayer as well as my parents’ prayer and moved the
heart of one of His servants to go out of her way to help me. She introduced me to Dr. & Mrs. Tang
during the time I attended a Sunday school class at the First Baptist
Church. While they were still deciding,
she encouraged them to proceed to hire me.
I later found out that she called my college for references.
Dr. and Mrs. Tang went out every morning, and I stayed to prepare lunch and sometimes dinner for the family. I wrote lesson plans and tutored the twins, both ten, and the nine-year-old on their summer home-works. I slept in the same room with the baby, and my biggest concern was the baby get his daily naps, making sure the three older boys did not wake him. I also did housework like washing and ironing clothes, cleaning the house and the garden.
On Sundays, I attended the First Baptist Church with them and listen to
Dr. Criswell preaching. I was able to
see Mrs. Holloway when I attended her Sunday School class. I tried to put on a dress and to look more like
a college student than a baby-sitter.
People at the Church were very nice, and they welcomed me. Thank God soon it was time to go back to
school, and I made enough to pay for another semester. I was paying $200.00 and relied on
scholarships when received.
Letter
No. 75 Dated 07/29/1960
Daddy & Mama,
When I returned from First Baptist Church on Monday, I
saw your letter in the mailbox, but did not have time to it despite how much I
wanted to read it. I rushed to prepare
lunch for the boys, and then I went in to my room to read it. Praise the Lord for giving you strength to
thrive in the hot weather to do work and serve the Lord. …Mama has been leading as many as fourteen
services a day; you must be exhausted, but I also believe that the Lord will
give us strength as our day and need not be concerned. I suggest that you eat some nutritious
food—perhaps buy one watermelon every week.
In August, Mama is schedule to be serving at the Retreat as one of the
counselors. I hope Daddy can also
attend, if you have the time. … Even
though it was two years ago, I can still remember the messages I heard—helping
me so much in my trials. …
This week I have been taking the four boys to attend Vacation Bible School these two weeks, but also very joyful. The boys were tired after attending classes each day, and they stayed quiet in the afternoon. While Leland takes a nap, I get to wash my clothes and do ironing for me and the boys too. I clean up the rooms a while until their mother would be returning around six. Mrs. Teng would prepare a complete meal each time including meat and vegetables. ..Although I would love to eat a lot, I try to be modest and refrain from over-eating. We have ice cream, watermelon, and other fruits every day, and we have bacon, eggs, and milk for breakfast. I usually get up later and after everyone finished eating. I hope I could try to get up earlier in the future. I go to bed every night about ten after taking my shower. The night before last night, it was very hot and no cool air was coming in; I was turning from right to left and did not fall asleep until midnight. I was afraid but thank God for helping me to get through the day. I slept good last night, and I was awakened by the sound of thunder and had to close a door. It was raining and still raining, helping us to feel cooler—from the previous day when the temperature outside reached 104 degrees. I finally managed to get up early. Since Leland had a runny nose, I stayed home with him and did not go to the Church. Anyway, this is the last day of the vacation bible school, and I had time to rest and call Nelma Jo to ask if she mailed me my passport.
Since she was afraid
it might be lost, she did not mail it; and I was relieved. Since I plan to attend go to an evening
service at her church Sunday, I would be able to pick it up. From this experience, I learned to
trust the Lord; and once again I would bring my concern about financial
support and trust that He can provide my needs—in the best way. Let’s pray together about this matter. …
I am in good health, and much stronger than
before when I was home. This summer of working hard helped me to have some
practice how to be an adult. There are
just four or five weeks remaining, and the Lord is always with me. I wish you take care and pray for me. I will write again when I have received my
passport. Emmanuel, Ming-yen
Reply to
Letter No. 75
Daughter Min:
Received your letter, and we feel now you are our good
daughter we love—diligently serving others as you serve the Lord. This is all
we ask and hope you can be. You are also
in good health, and the Lord doth bless those who love and serve Him, more and
more in the future. Like Abraham, who
was a blessing to others, you were carefully doing your job caring for four
boys. You were able to be the light shining in darkness. I rejoice greatly for your progress in
learning humility and obedience—in order to follow Him. May the Lord bless and keep you always.
Time
has passed so fast, and in a few weeks you will be going back to school. In these last few weeks, you need to be very
careful in order to leave a good impression on others. Especially for Mrs. Holloway, use this
opportunity to shine Christ’s light by leaving a good impression. We still need to be joining you in the
States. Please pray and then let us know what steps of preparation is
necessary. Your father already started
to apply, and it seems not to be hopeless. …
As you quote from Psalm 37:5, let us give all the glory to God. Mama 08/04/1960
PS: As Typhoon passed over Taipei a few days ago,
our mission center was safe and protected by God.
Daughter
Min:
Praise the Lord, we received your letter dated July
29, and we thank the Lord giving you good instructions how to trust the
Lord. …In four weeks you go back to
school. You made to make a schedule when
to return to the campus, to register, and to see Dr. Tyson. …I believe he would
be willing to help you again, as he stated in his letter about his
willingness. He wrote as follows: “It is a joy to have her on our campus and to
be of assistance to her as she gets her Christian college training here.
We will be praying asking the Lord Who will answer and
grant us our request. A typhoon passed
though the island last week, but no severe damage: Taipei was spared, but it will take one month
for Tainan and Taichung to be restored after damages. …. When you receive your
passport, keep it in a safe place and no need to show it to anyone. …Continue
in prayer for our future reunion.
Blessings,
Daddy 08/05/1960
Letter
No. 78 Dated 08/12/1960
Daddy & Mama:
I received your letter this morning. …I trust that Mama
has already returned home from the Grass Mountain. …I have recovered from my
insomnia and slept well every night after dinner. I tried to rest also during Leland’s naps—this
way I am not feeling too tired. …Tomorrow is Saturday, and I decided to stay at
home to help out with a dinner party instead of going shopping with Nelma
Jo. Mrs. Teng told me there will be more
than ten of Dr. Teng’s associates coming.
Since I decided not to go shopping, I hope I have a chance to go with
Mrs. Teng. If Daddy need any kind of medicine,
I will try to get it when I get the ointment for Mama’s corns. I will try to get the portable closet if the
price is not expensive. ..Only three and half weeks before I go back to
school. Daddy is right saying that I
need to have a plan, and not be rushed.
School starts on September 15, and registration has to be done a few
days before classes start. For BSU
council members, there is a “Pre-school Retreat” one week before school
starts. Therefore I plan to go back on
September 7, and this is also the day the boys return to their school—so I
would feel my job is done. It also
depends on when Nelma Jo would be returning, and I hope to travel together with
her—so I can feel safe and happy. Nelma
Jo really showed me Christian love, sincere and humble. She reminds me of my
good friends Julie and Debbie—two Hwang sisters. I praise the Lord for this
friend, but her divorced mother is not yet a believer—perhaps that explains why
she does welcome me. I wanted to give
her a fan, but Nelma Jo asked me not to; and I gave it to Mrs. Hensel. As I still need to give her a present, please
select a suitable gift
for her—maybe a bowl since she mentioned her love for “China”. If I visit during Christmas, I can give it to
her. I can’t think of any other presents
for you to send me for Christmas, except for a pair of shoes. I have been wearing shoes you sent: my red
one I wear everyday, the black one when I go out, and high heels for going to
Church. I just hope to have a pair of
white shoes to match my summer outfits.
But I am content that even though I did not go shopping for any clothes,
the Lord touched Mrs. Teng’s heart, and she gave me two summer dresses, and
another pretty one I can wear for cooler weather. Because the Lord hath provided all my needs,
let us praise Him! Wishing you
Emmanuel, Daughter
Ming-yen 08/12/1960
Reply
to Letter No. 78
Daughter Min:
I have just returned from the Camp and let you know how the Lord’s blessings
came down during the past week. Over two
hundred students attended, including your friends from Amoy Street Baptist
Church. I was able to give your regards
to each of them, and I plan to give $1.00 as your offering on Christmas. The Wong sisters were there. ..But I still
need to disciple them to become more like Jesus. We need to be changed from our
old nature to be living the risen life of Christ—with our obedience to follow His
command to preach the gospel.
This month we have repaid all our debts, thank the Lord. Our next step is to start saving for us to
come to America. We have very little,
but we trust that the Lord will bless us—if it be His good will. Wishing you more blessings each day, Mama 08/22/1960 & 08/23/60
Letter
No. 79 Dated 08/23/1960
Daddy & Mama:
It is already Thursday night; I did not receive any of
your letters this week. … I am concerned and don’t know, but I trust our
Heavenly Father is watching over you, as He watches me. …Two days ago, in the
evening, it was very dark when we went out together. I was missing a step and fell down sprained
my ankle. I was in great pain and had to
be helped to get up. Since Dr. Teng was
home, he put me on a chair and gave me instructions to keep my foot
lifted. He spoke to me gently—showing me
Christian brotherly love. I did not
break any bones, but my ankle was swollen from the sprain. …I got up after a
day of resting, and I need to be careful walking. …The Lord has given me a rest
for two days, and I had opportunity to read some books and write letters.
One good news is that I was able to go to Nelma Jo’s
house last Sunday, and I picked up the mail.
I have my passport back extended until May, 1961, and a letter stating
my application for an extension has been granted. I have my passport in my suitcase, and don’t
worry about me losing it. I also received several letters: two wedding invitations, one from the Dean of
Women asking me to write to a new student from Hong Kong. She wrote: “I heard
about the good speech you made at Ramona Baptist Church”. She was looking forward to see me at the
campus soon, but she does not know how anxious I am to be back. The lovely
campus and the warm rooms—making me feel at home. Most of all, the happiest
thing would be to see my friends again. But school does not start until
September 15. .. And please pray for my remaining three weeks here.
Mama has probably returned from camp by now, and I trust
the Lord gave you a good time. .. Daddy needs to be careful because of the
difference in temperature when he leaves the office. Do you have lunch at the snack bar? You
should be eating more fruits in the summer. Please give my regards to Florence
and her parents and let them know I miss them. Please write me soon. Wishing you Emmanuel, Daughter Min-yen 08/24/60
Reply
to Letter No. 79
Daughter Min:
Our letter was delayed due to my week at the Camp. We are doing fine here at home. I already wrote about my experiences during
the week—how the Lord kept us by His grace and His love never fails (Psalm 146:5 & 147:148:15). When I read your letter to learn that you
sprained your ankle, I was very sad; and only after a time in prayer and
believing that the Lord will heal you, I could feel the peace that passeth
understanding. May God give you His
peace and when you lie down to sleep, you will not be anxious but give all your
care to Him. The Lord leads us day by
day, helping us be an example in word, deed, love, faith, and purity. By His strength, we can live each day, and
this has been my experience. As I was blessed in my ministry, I would be
confronting insurmountable hardship—that is when I need to rely completely on
the Lord’s guidance, trusting Him with all my heart. Mrs. Liu would not be
returning to Taipei but will be remaining in America to study. In her absence,
the position of the Director of Women’s Ministry has been assigned to me. Next Friday, September 9, we have a big
meeting for over three hundred people. This would be the first time in my life,
so please remember to pray for me. May all glory be to the true God. Wishing
you Emmanuel and joy in trusting the Lord,
Mama 08/24/60
Letter
No. 80 Dated 08/24/1960
Dear Daddy & Mama:
Right now it’s ten o’clock in the evening, and I want to
write you this letter—since I got up late this morning and slept a while after
lunch. I still have not received your
letter, maybe tomorrow. Every time it
seemed a coincidence that I would get yours at the same time I mail yours. God’s spirit is among us: we are together in the Spirit, though
apart. Jesus said that we did not choose
Him, but He chose us first. I recall how
we were like lost sheep, worshiping idols; yet while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us. God’s love led us to
Hong Kong, and Mama was the first one saved, followed by Daddy and I—as we
became a Christian family. Now, the Lord brought me to America alone, giving me
a chance to be educated, not just in achievements but in qualities as well. Not
living at home, I learned to be courteous and unselfish at different
homes. I believe that’s what I tried to
do during my past year. I was fearful that I might get sick if I worked too
hard, but this past summer I learned about God’s faithfulness. . . I miss being together with you, but I
really thankful for this opportunity to grow in faith. At His time, we will be reunited. I have recovered from suffering a fall and
spraining my ankle. I can walk without
pain, even though there is still a swollen part on my ankle. I was planning to go shopping, but I believe
the Lord’s will is for me not to spend any more money. I trust that God will provide my tuition and
keeps for next year. …In two weeks, on September 7, the boys will return to
school. Nelma Jo and I will probably go
back at the end of the week. Since
school does not start until the 17th, I might have to pay if I
returned on September 10. Nelma Jo has
completed her summer job and is resting at home. But she lives quite away from my place, and I
have already asked Mrs. Teng to take me to a beauty parlor for a haircut and
permanent. She might take me this
week. I also hoping to get some presents
for the boys: they told me they like to
read about animals in China. Since there
is not enough time for you to send it, I might get it here. About the box you are sending me, I need a
pair of shoes and some curtains. …I have been sleeping good knowing that my
heavenly Father is watching over me. …I hope to buy the medicine for Mama’s
painful corns. Please try to take public
transportation instead of walking in this hot summer. I stay indoors every day and not go out.
Wishing you Emmanuel, Daughter Min-yen 08/24/1960
Letter
No. 81 Dated 08/29/1960
Daddy & Mama:
Received your letter dated 08/23, and I was glad as I did
not hear from you for a week. Nice to
know Mama has returned from the camp and is in good health. Time really passes quickly, and I just have
two more weeks at my summer job. When I
recall how the Lord led me safely through the summer, I give thanks for this
experience. As I begin my next semester, I need to follow Daddy’s advice and
make a planner. . . Last Saturday, I got a chance to go to a beauty parlor for
a permanent. Since Mrs. Teng had time to stay home, Dr. Teng drove me to a big
department store: Sangers. I did not want to spend my money, but Mrs. Teng told
me the cost $8.00 is the same at other stores. I paid $7.25 for a cool perm—my
hair is short and curly so it will not need to be cut probably the whole year.
. .I then had time to do some shopping: bought two pairs of socks for Daddy—on
sale at the basement discount department.
I did not get Mama’s stockings but will wait until the price is less
expensive at another store. I head a hot dog and a piece of cake for lunch, and
Dr. Teng picked me up in the afternoon. I have not been paid yet. Mrs. Teng asked me if I had enough money for
my hair permanent, and I will wait until they pay me on the last day. They are honest people and I don’t think I
should speak up. . .Mrs. Teng gave me a white new blouse she bought at Sangers.
She asked me about when I go back to school.
When I told her anytime from the 10th to 14th she
said okay. . . .Last Sunday, it was Mrs. Teng’s turn to share her testimony at
our Sunday school. She spoke about God’s
love. . .When Dr. Teng was starting his practice, he had to rent a unit at the
Doctors’ Building in Dallas. It was very
expensive, and everyone seemed to think they might fail; but they believed it
was God’s will for them. They chose to
trust God and no other people. They soon had many patients every day, and the
Lord has been a present help when needed.
After hearing this testimony, my faith was renewed—I
trust that God will take care of my financial problems in the coming school
year. . .Psalm 121:2 states: ”My help
comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” . . .I wrote a letter to Mrs. Liu last week
to the address of Missionary Smith. I
also received her letter, sent from Washington, D.C., but the calendar she sent
was lost in the mail. So happy to know
that Mama is now the Director of Women’s Ministry and I will pray for your
service at the meeting on September 2.
Wishing you Emmanuel,
Daughter Min-yen 08/29
Letter
No. 82 Dated 09/09/1960 missing original
Daddy & Mama,
Received your letter dated 09/01 and know how worried you are about me, but I don’t understand how is it that the Post Office did not deliver my letter sooner. Just hope this one will be delivered soon enough to ease your concerns. First, my ankle has completely recovered, and I already
walked around with my heels twice or three times without pain. . .. The
lord once again provided for me: I can leave
(this summer job) the home of Dr. & Mrs. Tang tomorrow night. . ..
Last Tuesday I was
using the iron when I accidently touched the arm of little Leland and caused a
bubble from the heat on his arm. Not
knowing what to do, I just prayed asking the Lord to bless and keep me. In the afternoon I received a phone call from
someone, and it was Bobo. She had returned
to her home in Dallas and wanted to find out when I was planning to return to
college. When I told her as soon as
possible, she asked if I would like to ride with her Saturday leaving at 5 a.m. I would need to get to her house Friday
(tomorrow) and spend the night.
According to what is
stated on the catalogue: new students
can arrive on the September 10, but returning students need to wait until five
days later. You might recall that I told
you about Bobo—that she was chosen as the President of the student body for
this year. Thus, she can select people
to work during the week of orientation of new students. When I asked if I could stay for free those
days before school starts, she told me I could be hired to be helping new
students to stay free. I was so grateful
for the Lord’s help in my time of need and when least expected. That morning I
read from the Bible: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is
in the Lord” (Jer. 17: 1).
I truly believe that
Mary Hardin Baylor College is God’s will for me, since it is possible for me to
return earlier and to help new students during the week of orientation. I also believe the Lord will provide all my
needs, having already experienced the evidence of His faithfulness. I have prayed if I need to speak to Dr. Tyson
and let him help again—if it is His will, I go again to see him. But if the Lord has a better way to provide
for me, then I will be waiting for His guidance. Let us once again bring this to the Lord in
prayer, trusting that God will bring it to pass.
One summer has
ended. As I look back, my heart is
filled with gratitude. Unless the Lord
helped me, I could not have done this job.
May I share this experience with you: as a baby-sitter, my job was to
make sure little Leland takes a nap.
When I first came, he usually slept at about 3 in the afternoon. If I just left him in his crib, he will not
go to sleep. I needed to pray before he
fell asleep. The Lord answered my prayer
every day, and a month passed with no problems.
I prayed every time fearing the consequences: I would not be able to rest, and his mother
would be asking me about it.
Then one afternoon, I
tried every way—holding him, changing a bed, etc.—until I walked out of the
room. I suddenly realized what little
faith I must have: Our Lord is the Creator of the universe, and is anything too
hard for Him? My faith conquered my
fear, and I no longer doubted but was placing my problem in His hands. Ten minutes
later, it was quiet inside that room. I
entered again to find Leland fast asleep.
Since that day I no longer carry this burden—knowing He is with me; I am
weak, but He is strong.
I am happy to say that from that day on, Leland did
not cause any problems. I enjoyed my
restful afternoons, and I have learned a lesson in trusting God. I remain healthy and was able to visit the
beauty parlor for a permanent. I have experienced staying at some place other
than my own home, and I am never so anxious to return to College as now. Have a lot to do today, and I have written
done what Daddy told me to do. I will
write you again as soon as I get back to College. Wishing you peace and
joy. Daughter Min-yen
Letter
No. 84 Dated 09/10/1960
Daddy & Mama,
This morning we left Bobo’s house at 5 a.m. and had a
nice ride until we reached the grounds of where I longed for all summer. I praise and thank my Lord as I entered these
gates—my heart filled with gratitude for successfully completed my summer job. Right now, I have retrieved my trunk and
moved everything back to my room. Just
went to the Post Office to pick up my mail and a package you sent. When I opened it, I saw each item you have
purchased specifically for me, and I realized how my parents love and care for
me: my white shoes fits, and I am
already wearing it, a beautiful work of art which I need to give to Dr. Tyson,
two silk scarves which I will give to Nelma Jo and a teacher. Let me know what you want me to do with
these.
Mrs. Tang drove me to
Bobo’s house last night, and she gave me a check for $200.00 before we
separated. She told me that I could cash
the check to pay for my school tuition and fees. I believe this way I will not be spending any
money until I register. I just bought
some items like tooth-paste and just have $5.00 left, hopefully enough to last
me until the day of registration. I now weighed 102 lbs., but I should be able
to gain it back when I start eating my meals at the dining hall.
This afternoon there
is a meeting for all campus workers to be trained to help during new students’
registration—to assign jobs for the thirty-five of us helping during the week
of orientation: checking students names off
on a list, correcting articles, working in the dining hall, etc. I was so happy to see my ‘big sister’ and
many friends. I hope to rest in this
afternoon. Tomorrow I go to Church and
rest in the afternoon. I will write you
more about my plans but need to stop so I can mail this letter and go to lunch.
Wishing you Emmanuel, Daughter Min-yen
09/10
Reply
to Letter No.82 & 84
Daughter Min –
So happy to receive
your last letter from the Tangs’ home dated 09/09 and another letter from school
dated 09/10. Praise the Lord for leading
you safely back to school. Reflecting on
this past summer: how hard you worked,
and we were worried and prayed for you. Your testimony was telling us how God
answered our prayers. Now that our
package had arrived, you will find a Chinese painting—not an expensive
gift. Please try to find a frame for it
before giving it to Dr. Tyson. Also you
need to give Mrs. Tyson a big scarve. We will send more later for others you
may wish to give.
The amount you pay for
your room and board should be kept at the same amount as last year: $100.00 to be paid first and then ask Dr.
Tyson to help with the rest–as he stated in his letter, he is willing to help
again. We will pray very hard asking the
Lord to move his heart to have compassion and be willing to help you.
As you begin a new
semester, you need to set up a schedule for your daily living: when to get up, go to the bathroom and
shower, before you begin each day. Try
not to engage in extra-curricular activities, but you need to do exercise or go
swimming, but not to be playing vigorous ballgames. Remember to be more of a
listener than to be talkative, so people would like to have you as a friend. Never criticize as this is the teaching from
the Bible. . ..What you need to do with the fur coat is to take it out of the
trunk and let it be in the sunshine for a few hours, before packing it. Buy some moth balls to keep it clean and
without damages. Keep important items in
a safe place including your passport, keys, watch, pen. Hide your money from the eyes of others and
do not let anyone borrow from you. Now
that you have lost weight, take care and hope you can gain back to be 110 lbs.
Please send us your schedule for classes and your daily schedule. By God’s grace, we are in good health and
full of joy. Everything is fine at work
as well. Not to be worried. Wishing you
joy and peace. Daddy 09/16/1960
Ps: When you receive the
package, let us know if anything is damaged.
Dear Daughter Min,
Received both of your letters after I came back from the market, and I
was very pleased—for the Lord already led you safely back to school. It was not
the same having to stay at the Tangs’ home during summer, but now you can be
back at College—your home away from home. You are now enjoying the golden stage
of your life as a college student; I advise you to use your time in pursuing an
education. This has been a very hot
summer, and I thank God we have passed through safely, at different
locations. Although you lost weight, but
you will gain it back after a while. But
do be careful to wearing warmer clothes when it starts to get cold. I suggest you carry a light jacket with you,
but don’t forget to bring it home. We read from Proverbs 18:16 stating: “A
man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” You need to bring the gift for Dr. Tyson to
him, so that he can help you again. . .. As for the Tang family, you need to give thanks for everything. This was an experience for you to learn about
getting along with people. Don’t
criticize them before your friends, as you might lose some friends. But pray for them and keep quiet about your
life during summer. Start planning for
your next summer early and be praying about it.
Please tell us how your friends made out in New York City during
summer. It’s beginning to feel like
autumn here, how is the weather at where you are? Wishing you joy and peace in the Lord! Mama 09/17/60
Letter
No. 85 Dated 09/14/1960
Daddy & Mama,
I have been back at school for several days already and
praise the Lord everything is fine, and you need not worry. Since I got back, I have been thinking about
my scholarship—whether I should go to see Dr. Tyson. Despite what I was praying for the Lord to
send some other means of help, I made up my mind to go see him this morning. On
my way to the President’s office, I met Miss Capt, and she asked me to see her
Friday.
I was fearful when I went into the President’s office,
but he just went out. So I asked Mrs.
White, his secretary, about my application for a scholarship. She was unable to find it and asked me to
fill out a new one. Just as I completed
it, Dr. Tyson walked into the office.
Since he seemed to be busy, I just told him to look at my application. He agreed, and I gave it to Mrs. White.
In my heart, I realized this was God’s timing . . .. and
I have faith in God—that my help will come from Him, at his time and in his
way. . ..In Romans 8:28 I read: “For we
know that all things work together for the good of those who trust in Him, and
are called according to His purpose.” I
hope you will trust God about this matter.
Please give thanks to God for what He hath done for me. He hath chosen me among thousands to be
worthy to take up my cross and follow Him.
I will keep the presents—the one for Nelma Jo I can give to her when she
returns to school. The other gift I can
wait until Christmas. Although I don’t
know how the Lord will provide for me, I have an idea that my advisor, Miss
Capt, can help me. She is an elderly
lady with God’s love in her heart. She
has been my favorite teacher and my advisor, and even though now semi-retired,
she is willing to be my advisor this year.
When I came back after the summer, she was the first person I met—and
right away she hugged me and said, “There’s my girl!” I will see her Friday, and the Lord willing,
He will move her heart to help me; I will write you immediately after our
meeting.
Right now, I have another problem I need to pray—I cannot
decide which major to choose. I am
considering the fields of education and sociology. I am just waiting for the Lord to show His
will for my life—as I willingly follow His plan. (Romans 12: 1-2) This semester
I have two goals: to draw closer to God
and to study hard, also will not be joining many extra-curriculum
activities. I will give you my schedule
after I set it up.
There are many new students, and I help in the kitchen. Most of these students have Christ’s love in
their hearts, and everyone is full of enthusiasm, giving me an
encouragement. I pray that our teachers
will not become proud—when they see many students, but that they will serve the
Lord by lovingly teaching each student to grow in wisdom and be closer to the
Lord.
I have not yet cashed my check . . .. I wish you were
here to tell me I will not be able to do some of your suggestions, but please
just pray for me. May the Lord lead me
in the right path for His mercy’s sake.
May God’s grace be overflowing with you! Daughter Min-yen
Reply
to Letters dated 09/26/60 & 09/28/60
Daughter Min-yen,
We are so glad to
receive your two letters dated 09/26 & 09/28, bringing some good news. Praise God as He gave you the courage to go
see Dr. Tyson, and you were able to do the right thing. Thank God that He gave you a loving
benefactor, and he is willing to help you again. You need to have faith in God and the courage
to complete the task. Faith without
courage or courage without faith is to bring no success. …
You have learned a valuable lesson now that you did what you were
hesitant and unwilling to do. This semester
your selection of classes appears to be very practical and beneficial to your
health—swimming is good for you but try not to overwork and be losing your
strength. Once you are in the water start
swimming immediately, and you will not catch a cold. Once you are out of the pool, towel dry and
put on your clothes, or else you be catching a cold. . ..
Your school is like a
big family: you need to get along with
your teachers and other student. Again,
try to speak less and listen more, and please let me know you are doing it in
your letter. Today is the mid-autumn
festival, and we have moon cakes at home; it is our hope that our family can be
reunited in America. We pray every day
asking the Lord to lead us to America and be together soon. If we have faith, we can have success if we
act with courage. In your leisure try to find out about the procedure for
neutralization and citizenship in the U.S. and write to inform us. Did you take the fur coat out to be in the
daylight before storing it again? As we
are thinking about sending another package in November, let us know what we
should get—some food items from Taiwan, etc.
Tell us early so we can have it sent to be received by Christmas. We need to send the Hensels a gift and tell us
what is appropriate and if we should send it directly. This winter, the most important thing is that
you need to buy yourself a coat: one
that is already made and wait a while before you buy it. Try not to get it at
once, but after you have looked at it a few times and still like it. It should not be more than $20.00, and it
should keep you warm. You just try to
decide by yourself, without asking for anyone’s advice. If you cannot find a suitable one, you could
also buy it in Taipei; just write to us and let us know early. Wishing you joy and peace, Daddy 10/05/60
Daughter Min-yen:
Thanks be to our Heavenly Father for His grace and mercy, and He hath led you to do His will for your life. As you followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit to see Dr. Tyson, you have learned a valuable lesson. Just as Esther in the Old Testament needed courage to follow Mordecai’s request. She fasted three day and had then went to see the King. She became the one to save lives of the Jewish people and the nation from extinction. That is a testimony of God’s faithfulness. In the future, you need to search and find God’s perfect and acceptable will for you. As a leader, Dr. Tyson will not forget that he had already made a promise—and all you need to do is follow believing in God’s faithfulness. Today is the mid-autumn festival, I was the speaker for two meetings. It is almost 11 p.m., and I have not yet taken my bath. So, I will stop writing, but just hope that you have faith in God. I am in good health, except for not able to sleep at night. Just pray for me. On October 10, your father will take me to see the parade from his office. I heard that he won the tickets by lottery. This is God’s gift for me, and I rejoice greatly and praise Him. Wishing you good health and keeping the faith, Mama
Letter
No. 98 Dated 11/21/60
Daddy & Mama:
Friday
I received your letter: so glad to learn
that God protected you and gave you peace.
I am doing fine—and able to keep up with my lessons. However, I did receive another letter from
college asking for my payment of $175.00.
I did not know what else to do except to see Dr. Tyson. As he was not at the office but went home
already last Friday, I went again this morning.
He will help, but he also must report to the school officials. He asked that I pay $200.00–$100.00 already
paid and another $100.00 to be paid
next semester. I believe this was his
arrangement, and I should not ask anymore.
So, I write to you about this situation, to consider how to resolve this
problem.
God’s
help is always there for me, helping me out at least for now until later. I trust God’s plan and timing is the
best. I regret and blame myself for not
delivering the gift for Dr. & Mrs. Tyson right after I got it in your
package. I was thinking that this should
be a Christmas gift—as I see many presents displayed on his desk given by
foreign students, not sure if ours can be equally valuable. I have not received any reply from Mrs.
Hensel to my letter. I might have a
chance this Christmas to bring them the gift, when I attend a winter retreat
for Chinese students in Dallas. Our
friend, Mrs. Helen Liu, wrote that she would also be attending and serve as a
speaker. Several of my friends here are
planning to go. Before anything, I
wanted to consult with you—if you think I should go to stay with a friend, then
I will not go. However, I hope to have a
chance to be with other Chinese students, so I won’t be homesick. For
thanksgiving holiday, I have been invited visit the home of a classmate in San
Antonio. We will get there by car Wednesday
and stay for five days, returning next Sunday.
Please don’t worry about this trip, as I remember your advice and how to
be careful. I also need to visit the
library to do research for a term paper for an English Literature course, and
there are three final exams when I return.
Please
pray for me—to depend on the Lord’s helping me to overcome all my
difficulties. I need His guidance for me
to turn down some invitations as I have not enough time to study. Pray and give me advice so that I may travel
life’s path and be advancing to success.
Last
Saturday I sent a package consisting of Christmas gifts and sixteen Christmas
cards, with hopes that it will arrive on time.
Some gifts include: two pairs of
socks for Daddy, two pairs of stockings for Mama, four bars of chocolate candy. Though that’s not much, but hopefully you
will like it. . .. Some classmates who transferred to other places are telling
us, in their letters, this is a better place compared to where they are: the cost is more expensive, their classes are
too hard to study. One student is in New York City working and studying at the
same time. I thank the Lord for placing
me at this small college where I can meet scholastic requirements, and teachers
are nice and have God’s love for students. Let us pray for our reunion
soon. Abundant Blessings, Daughter
Min-yen
This
morning Annie Chang brought me your letter to my room, much joy for me. I was very touched by the fact that you
decided to give me support by saving on your spending. I did not appreciate how
my parents loved and cared until I have been away from home. I realize now how much it cost you to raise
me, and this makes me want to study hard to give glory to God and make you proud
of me. I trust I can do all things
through Christ Who strengthens me—even though some of my courses are not
easy. For example, my typing class
requires me to complete ten exercises every week, and I need to make up for the
week I was in the infirmary, making a total of thirty lessons. I spend one or two hours daily to practice
typing. For my literature class, grading
system is different: 500 points for exam
and 1,000 points for each term paper. I
handed in one before Thanksgiving and that other one after Christmas. My grades for a Fine Arts Class are earned
from going to shows and visiting museums (50 point) and staying in the dorm to
watch shows on TV (10 points), listening to music on records (10 points). I
have about 200 points, and I earned another 50 points by going out with other
students to see a play at the campus of Southwestern University. Such activities take up my time and money but
help to heighten my interests for fine arts.
My best subject is English, making 99 on my last test, an A for my
report, and 81 on my second test. I made
C on my Education Class. For my
Sociology class, I need to be especially careful to study hard for each
class. The teacher is known to be the toughest
one, and no one can make good grades. I
was unable to do better than a C—as her test questions are not based on books
but from her lectures. I was unable to
take good notes and often missed the main points, but I seem to be getting
better than when I started. I do not
complain but my heart is filled with gratitude–since the Lord hath giving me
such an opportunity to study and be trained.
I realize that I cannot do this by myself, but I can give myself to the
Lord to help me to be trained, no matter how hard it is, to be of service to
others and a shining light for His glory.
Our president spoke the other day saying that college
education is necessary for anyone desiring to realize his potential to be of
service. Due to my load of classes, I
need to excuse myself from extra-curriculum activities, I decided my last
engagement, requested by Mrs. White, is going to be the last time I will agree
to speak. Regarding the tour for a choir
from Texas to visit Taiwan, I was not accepted due to my lack of musical talent.
I thank God for not leading me into temptation and delivering me from
evil. But as Mama warned me, I must be
careful not to put myself in such situations.
Don’t worry and just pray for me—that I may be able to know the way to
follow the Lord. I have not yet decided
to attend a retreat in Dallas this Christmas, as Daddy said it might not be so
easy. I could just visit and stay with a
friend, like last year. The same
classmate, with a loving heart, has invited me to go to Houston again. Muriel also invited me, but I don’t want to
go twice to the same home. Most likely I
will go to Houston again. Let me know
what you think, and I need to decide before December 10. Christmas cards for Dr. Culpepper, Rev.
Hunter, Missionary Chow and Tam were sent last Saturday with my package, and I
hope you receive it before Christmas.
Wishing you grace and joy of the Lord. Daughter Min-yen
Response to Letter No. 100
Daughter Min:
Just received your letter dated 12/3 and thanks be to
God you were not recruited as a member of the choir to come to Taiwan. Please remember what your mother told
you: never to place yourself in
situations that are unsafe for you. May
the Lord guide you to places you could go.
Glad you on able to meet requirements for your classes. From now on, try to keep up with required
assignments, and try not to be too concerned about the grades. Also, your health is important: set up a time to rest and don’t be
anxious. Try not to waste any time in
gossiping, talking, attending meetings or entertainment. Utilize every minute on your studies, health,
and the Lord’s work. This way you will
not be wasting any time. The present for
Dr. Tyson needs to be delivered, don’t forget to do it. When you go away for Christmas holidays, you
will take what you are going to wear, and remember to carefully store and lock
your belongings, as it is a long holiday. You will be better off taking warm
clothing as it will get cold. Be careful
getting on and off cars, as many accidents happen this time of the year. It
would be even better if you stayed at home to celebrate.
If
you are going to Houston again, please try to visit the Chinese Embassy to ask
about passport extensions—so you need not be making another trip later. You might
also want to ask how you can become a citizen.
We
will be sending Christmas cards to Dr. Tyson and Mrs. Hensel tomorrow. The postal service is rather slow as you have
not yet received our letter mailed on October 29, and I hope you will get it
before you go away for the holidays.
Since your birthday this year is on December 24, may I wish you a happy
birthday. Another word of advice: please be sure none of our letters is lost or
stolen, and you can refer to them for in instructions. Your letters are numbered, and we can read
them again, and you might want to do the same with our letters. Wishing you joy
and peace.
Daddy 12/09/1960
Our daughter Min-yen,
Why your letters need to be delivered by someone else—you need to open you own mail-box every time. You need to put these letters in a safe place, and you need not tell others about everything—this is wisdom. In your last letter, you mentioned about how Dr. Tyson is willing to help you again. We are ve onry glad, but we also need to prepare some funds for your needs, so you can feel safe. How as parents we are very concerned about you being so far away and on your own. Praise the Lord for He doth care for each of us, and we can feel a relief knowing you are led by His hands. From your letters, you let us know you are realizing how we have loved you. As you are going to Houston again, be sure to inquire about how we can apply to become citizens. We need to cooperate and pray together. If you do find a summer job and can pay your expenses, we can start saving for our trip. Right now, even if we can be permitted to come to America, we have no money. That is why I perceive this is not God’s timing for our reunion. We can pray for the Lord to give us good physical health though still apart.
I need to take care of myself and thank you and I
accept your advice to eat nutritious food.
As the weather becomes cooler, I was able to get some wrappings for making
spring rolls. I was thinking of you when
we were eating. Last Saturday, we bought
and cooked a duck for nutrition. Although we don’t have new clothes, but old
ones still fit to wear. I praise the
Lord for providing our needs. He is our
Shepherd and we shall not want. We can
lie down in green pastures. Daughter
Min, you can go and ask for assistance from Dr. Tyson. As almost 100% of Chinese students receive
financial aid from schools. As I prayed about this matter, I felt the Lord
reassuring me that you will receive help.
So, take courage and go to see Dr. Tyson for whatever you need. Merry Christmas, Mama
Letter
No. 101 Dated 12/7/1960
Daddy, Mama:
Today
is a happy day for me. In the morning, I
had to take a very difficult exam consisting of seventy-five questions for the
Education Course. I stopped by the Post Office to look at my mailbox, and I was
surprised to find a notice about a package.
I knew right away it was sent by you, and it was the biggest box in the
Post Office. Despite the weight and
raining outside, I was excited and carried it to my room. First, I thank the Lord was making a way for
me just on time about my scholarship. I
received another bill from Miss Burnham asking me to pay $148.00 in ten
days. I was wondering why she did this
when she knew that Dr. Tyson already said he will take care of it. She had been here longer than Dr. Tyson and
had authority over financial matters. It
seemed my classmates were also afraid of her, as she tried to make us pay more
than necessary. I blame myself for not
letting her know about receiving help from Dr. Tyson. After I received this bill, I did not know
what to do. Even though he promised, but
how could I be rushing him every time I get a bill. The Lord made a way when there was no way: I could bring the present to his home, and
then go see Miss Burnham. If she would
give me more problems, then I could see Dr. Tyson to discuss it. I was praying every night for your package to
arrive, and today I received it. Thank God for His faithfulness to help me with
my problems. I think the best time to go
is Friday afternoon, hoping that he might be home. I trust if it is God’s will, He will make a
way for me. I was not worried and
believe God’s way is the best way. After
I have done my best, the Lord will go with me. Pray for me please!
When
I opened this package, I could see many items I had asked for and more than I
expected. I really like the two pairs of shoes:
they fit me perfectly—one for casual wear and one with high heels for me
to wear to formal occasions. I did not find shoes like these here, and many
friends would be kind enough to be giving me compliments. When I saw cans of food
(meat, pickles, and cakes), I could hardly wait until the week-end to eat
them. These are all my favorite food
items, and I would have appetite to eat the food I get at the dining hall
during the school year.
I
was thinking about where to go for Christmas for a long time, and I made my
decision to join Annie Chang and others to go to the Chinese Christian Students
Winter Retreat in Dallas. …If I go, I
would be able to meet other Chinese students, and our friend, Mrs. Helen Liu,
would be there as one of our speakers. Annie told me I could use her typewriter
to practice my typing. I could also visit my friends including Mrs. Hensel,
Missionary Holloway, and Dr. & Mrs. Teng during my stay in Dallas. Most of
all, I really needed to be closer to God—just like the time I attended a
retreat at Grass Mountains with other young people at Amoy Street Baptist
Church. This retreat would be held at
Baptist Church Lodge located in the beautiful hills of Mt. Lebanon. There would
not be any cost, just give whatever we could as donations. Not sure about two other places I could also
go, but I did not want to visit the same place I went already in San
Antonio. I will write after I have definite
plans made, but please give me your suggestions.
Blessings always, Daughter Min-yen
Letter
No. 104 Dated 12/22/1960
Daddy, Mama:
Yesterday
afternoon we left Waco by car for the Mt. Lebanon Retreat Center Camping
Center. We arrived at about 5 p.m. and were
taken to a big room where we would lodge.
After unpacking our belongings, we
joined others for dinner in the dining room. We met others from Hong Kong, and they
welcomed us. There were only about ten
of us, and but we expect others to be here later—since the program does not
start until December 23. Our friend Mrs.
Helen Liu told us she would be arriving on the 23rd. For these two days, we were free to do
anything we like, but we would need to cook for our meals. There is a heater in
our dorm room, but I still feel cold and a little strange. Hopefully I will get used to the cold and
feel at home. Our program, when it
starts, consists of daily devotions, Bible study (led by Mrs. Liu), and
messages from speakers. I would have a
chance to do some homework while waiting for the program to start. I hope to practice typing (Annie’s
typewriter), read books on a list for Education class, and memorize new words
for English class. I also hope to have
catch up with my sleep and enjoy some good Chinese food. Please don’t worry about me but pray for
me. I follow what your advice to
me: speak less and listen more and be
careful. I still feel a little guilty
because I did not wait for your approval to be at this retreat, but I would
have a chance to visit my friends in Dallas.
I have brought the painting to give to Mrs. Hensel, and probably stay
with Nelma Jo a few days—waiting for the time I can go back to the campus. We leave the camp after the conference ends
on the 31st, but the College opens on January 3rd. We might stay with Pastor and Mrs. Chang’s
daughter again in Waco. When we stayed
there before the conference, I gave her two cans of fried meat and a can of
preserved cabbage (given by Mrs. Liu).
She liked these gifts and told us to go again after the conference. I will write you once we decided what to
do. Please don’t forget to write me
here, and our address is: Baptist
Encampment, Cedar Hill, Mount Lebanon, Dallas, Texas. I have not received your letters for a while,
so please write me. After we go back to
College, we will have our exams in two weeks; and I will need to prepare. Let me now tell you about the retreat: This place reminds me of our summer retreats
at Grass Mountain. The dorm for women is
a large room with about twenty beds, and the bathroom is located inside—with
hot water and very clean. Some of the
students at the camp are from Missouri, and they are very friendly to us. However, there was some misunderstanding
between Annie and I due to our idea of making good impressions before
others. I try to be an example in word,
deed—for the glory of God. This is my
only prayer, and I trust the Lord will be with me. May God’s grace be with you, Daughter Min-yen
Right now, I
am still at the Winter Retreat for International students, and I have been
getting used to this place. There is a
sweet spirit in this place—I got along nicely with others. Every speaker’s message touched my heart,
especially when I heard testimonies share by other students—how each one so
willingly to speak up and not be shy. I
see sweet expressions on each face, and I know it is the presence of the
Lord. I praise the Lord for deciding to
come here and not visit some homes this Christmas. It reminds me of our summer retreats at Grass
Mountains in Taipei. People are very
friendly and helpful to each other. Most
of them come from Hong Kong, except Mrs. Helen Liu, two sisters, and me. Best of all I can see Mrs. Liu,
and she is sitting right now with me.
Seeing her, I remember my mother; and we prayed for our reunion. I was eating a lot of greasy food, and I lost
my appetite. Others treated me like a
younger sister, as I rested in bed for a day. I recovered quickly and got up this morning
feeling good. I must be careful when I
eat, not to be sick again. I also had a
long nap of two hours today, and then I got up and washed my hair. I had a very
good dinner: curry chicken, winter melon
soup, pork, and rice. There us an
evening worship service, and some testimonies from students. After we return to our dorm, we have a prayer
meeting led by Mrs. Liu. Praise the Lord
when I did not receive any letters from you, Mrs. Liu received your card; so, I
know you are fine.
Today
is our last day here, and tomorrow morning we leave. I thank the Lord I have a place to go. Our chemistry teacher is picking us up, Annie
and I, to spend another three days at her house, until classes begin. You need not worry about me, and I will write
again as soon as I got back to school. I
am feeling fine and fully recovered.
Mrs. Liu wants to thank you for the card and let you know she has been
helping me all the time. Since my
birthday was December 24, everyone sang Happy Birthday to me, and Mrs. Liu
prayed for me. We went to the prayer
room together and had fellowship. Praise
God for His grace, allowing me to learn God’s word from her, and I know I have
been in the presence of the Lord.
The theme of the conference is: To know Him and to make Him known. Each message seems to be speaking to my heart. Mrs. Liu spoke on the passage from Ephesians, and I learned that the Christian life is not easy, but we need to rely completely on the Lord’s strength. “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17)… She recalls one time as you both were praying, and the Holy Spirit descended upon you. In her sermon, she gave an example of how we need to be crucified with Christ: she told us how she was convicted by the Holy Spirit about her sin of cheating on an exam. She finally had to make a confession to both of her teachers, Rev. Chow and Rev. Hunker. She was putting all her pride and self-respect to death, and she admonished each of us to do the same. I hope to receive your letter very soon. God’s grace be with you always. Daughter Min-yen Please note that Letters 105 to 139 are appearing on the next part–Continued Letters Home
Letters Home Continued from Previous 12/03/1962
Letter Dated 12/21/1962
Daddy & Mama:
I have
already left school and arrived at my classmate’s house for the Christmas
holiday. I was planning to attend the
winter retreat in Dallas but decided that I needed time to study and to give up
the idea; and, instead, come to this Christian home where I was
previously. Also, there is a library
where I can find reference books to read.
Instead of going to Dallas, I came to a small town—in order to have a
rest and start preparing for my finals early:
several courses I am taking are requiring me to spend a lot of time, and
the only time I can catch up is during the holiday. I am afraid that I don’t do well and forfeit
my chances to be continuing in a graduate school; and this might give me the
chance to catch up. I am staying with a
loving Christian family, and I can be more casual and spend my time studying. I hope you are going to have a nice holiday,
and I miss being home; but please write and let me know about your
holiday. I will be here until January 3,
and I hope to be able to visit some friends (members of churches) in Houston,
but not to take away the time I need to study.
On my way out of school, I stopped by Dr. & Mrs. Tyson’s home to
deliver the package of a Christmas gift.
He was happy to receive it and gave me a Christmas card. I also gave the two royal lamps to the Dean
of the College. I am keeping other gifts, but I will give a
few cans of tea to the Bourge family.
Praise the Lord, and these gifts are more precious because you have
selected them. I already finished
several cans (almost half) of food items, helps to keep me in good health and not
have any problems. I sometimes seem to
feel depressed and need to trust the Lord and rely on His guidance. I pray for the Lord to open a door for me so
I can concentrate on my studies and not be concerned. Please be not concerned—as whatever
circumstances, the Lord’s strength is sufficient for me. I will pray about Daddy’s plan and what his
is doing for the possibility of coming
to America. I will pray about it asking the Lord to make a
way—if it is His will. …Did you receive
my package yet? May you give more love
to the Lord!
Daughter Min 12/21/1962
Letter
Dated 01/23/1962
Daddy & Mama:
I am so glad to have received your letter during my exams
bringing good news. I am glad to learn
that Mr. Chen has arrived in America, and I hope he can assist me as I plan my
future after graduation. I just finished
my exams, and I registered this morning for my classes in the new year. Tomorrow I have a holiday, and then classes
will begin. I was very fearful during my
exams, and I did not do too well. I am
not sure if I passed Accounting, and three out of ten students dropped the
course. The problem, I believe, is in my
wrong selection of some courses: I did
not need to take Accounting and Physics, and I end up with a lower grade average.
After
considering and learning from what I did wrong last year, I have selected 19
credits consisting of six courses including three for English (Shakespeare,
Modern Poetry, and Modern Drama) two for Sociology (Research Methods and Family
and Child Welfare), and Chemistry. My
plan is to obtain a C+ grade, in order to apply for a graduate school. … The
two courses I chose for English are very popular for English majors. I will be graduating in May with a major in
Sociology and a minor in English. But if
Dr. Tyson is going to help me, I hope to stay for summer school to be taking
two more courses—for a double major in Sociology and English. After summer school, I can go to Dallas and
look for a job to work for a Children’s Home.
This can be some experience for me in the field of Social Work. Also, the Director of BSU used to work there,
and she might be able to recommend me. I
hope to work for half a year in order to repay what I owed for summer school. After this I hope to go to a college in Texas
to study for a M.A.—preferably at the University of Texas. Dr. Tyson is familiar with this school, and
he would at least be able to give me a letter of recommendation. He would like me to be furthering my study,
and I could get my master’s degree in one and half or two years. After that, I can do research work or
teaching in Sociology. These are just my
plans I can only imagine. I trust the
Lord and He will lead me and make a way.
I let you know my plans (and not anyone else) and hope you can give me
some advice or your opinion—before I make any plans. Anyhow, I need to concentrate and strive to study
hard. I have already ordered invitations
to be sent to people for my graduation.
I will send them to you as soon as I get them. I also hope to notify the American Embassy
that I wish to have Daddy attend my graduation, if it helps with getting a
visa. Due to the expenses incurred in
ordering my invitations and other fees, I don’t have money to get books for the
new semester. I am waiting for my tax
refund check which should have been received the end of last year. I don’t know why you did not receive my package
yet, as it was sent on 11/15. For the
New Year, we are having a Chinese meal.
Blessings! Happy New Year! Daughter
Min-yen 01/23/1963
Letter
Dated 01/30/1963
Daughter
Min-yen:
Received
your letter dated 01/24/63 and praise the Lord giving you peace as you remain
at school. Another semester has ended,
and your schedule of courses for the new semester appear to be more suitable,
but your chemistry course may take up a lot of time—though this is easier than
Physics. If you need money to pay your expenses
for graduation, write us early and let us know to take care of it so you don’t
need to worry. About your plans for what
happens after graduation, we have discussed it and made these suggestions: 1. We hope you could go to graduate school to
get a master’s degree. 2. You should try to get a scholarship including
tuition, room and board, etc. 3. If no scholarship, then you need to support
yourself by working part-time. This
means you will take less credits and finish in a period of a few years. I know some students from Taiwan doing the
same thing, and they needed to remain at schools in order to extend their visas
for staying. They needed to work and
earn enough money to support their families, but they take at least one or two
hours to study at schools. If they got
some friends willing to help them apply for permanent residence, then they can
remain in the country. That’s what two
members of your mother’s church did, and we shop you can find out how you can
do the same thing. 4. If you are unable to do the above 2 & 3,
then you will get a temporary job to work at the office for a while before you
go to a graduate school. Please find out
more about how you can extend your visa, so you don’t make any mistakes. You mentioned about summer school—there is no
need to remain at school after graduation unless you find it necessary for the
extension of your visa. … Dr. Tyson wrote us after you delivered our gift to
him, and I have not yet responded. Is
there anything he can do, and you would like us to ask him? Mr. Chen is in America, and you need to
write him a letter to express your gratitude for his help in the past and for
the future. We hope you will dress
warmly for the cold weather and take it easy in order to recover from an
exhausting week of exams. We are praying
earnestly every night for you—and trust that the Lord will give His best to
you. Emmanuel! Blessings of joy and
peace! Daddy 01/30/1963
PS:
Please keep this letter for
future reference
Daughter Min:
Praise to the Lord for His faithfulness
and grace throughout the last four years for you and our family. Therefore, we are reminded we need to depend
more on Him as in His presence, we can make it through every day. “Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard the
things that God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Cor. 2:9). Right now, we don’t know what happens after
you graduate, but I believe God will prepare for you what you need. His will for you now is to focus on your
studies and trust in the Lord. Even
though you failed to gain good grades last semester, don’t worry about it. We know that all things happened to us
according to His will and work together for our good. You try to live in the present—day by day.
I have a friend at my church, Miss Yin,
who is now studying at the University of Texas.
I understand that she must work hard with her studies in order to be
getting a scholarship. She was
considering how she can support herself by working part-time. Even with the minimum wage of 60 cents per
hour, she cannot find any jobs. She is
considering going to New York City, as there are no jobs in Texas. She already has M.A. degree. For you, I think you might want to write a
letter to Mr. Chen who lives near New York City. At the same time, you can discuss with your
classmates about graduate school—and even travel together. As you look to the Lord for His help, you
need to spend time in prayer. We will be
praying for you. You need not be anxious
about the future only trust the Lord.
Since I am preparing to start my work for the New Year, I will continue
in my next letter. Wishing you success!
Blessings! Mama 01/31/1963
Letter
Dated 03/05/1963
Daddy & Mama:
Just as I was about to write a letter, I received
your certified letter and a check. This
really helped to calm my fears quite a bit.
These past few days, I was very tight on my cash—as I had to pay for a
ticket to see a play (requirement for English) and order invitations for my
graduation. Miss Burnham will not take
any orders without $2.00. I got up early
in the morning to pray and gave my problem to the Lord. What happened, almost a miracle, was that I
received a letter that morning from a church with a check for $10.00. It stated
that the gift was from them after hearing my testimony during my visit. This can only be the faithfulness of God…I
remember visiting the church during the Christmas holidays, while I was a guest
at Aline’s house in Baytown. Mrs.
Bourge, Aline’s mother, told me previously about a package given by people at
the Church with gifts for me including a red sweater, a stylish plaid skirt,
and a black dress. When I needed some
close friends to give me advice and did not seem to have anyone, the Lord hears
and answers my prayers. … This was an
experience for me to always trust the Lord for my needs. Now that you have sent me $60.00, I can pay
my expenses during the spring break and some fees incurred for graduation. I even have money left to travel after I
graduate. I just hope this is not a
burden to you and that you are not working too hard. Mama should be giving up some work at the
churches, I suggest. You are also
preparing to some me some clothes, and I am very excited. But I don’t need to have some very fashionable
dresses, just get me another blouse like the grey cotton one I carried from
Taipei—as this one is too worn out. Some
of the blouses I find here don’t fit me, and I just hope you can send me both
short and long sleeve, one of each, in yellow and pink. I can match my blouses with a
permanent-press skirt –to make up my wardrobe for both spring and summer at
school. I only need, for food, two cans
of dried meat; sometimes I have not time to cook my dinner, but I can take some
bread from the dining hall back to eat at my room. Another item I desperately need is a box
(about 20) of name cards I had ordered for my high school graduation—to be used
with my invitations. Please rush this to
me. This is one semester with my
heaviest load, as I am taking 19 credits and hoping for a B average. It is not easy: I must skip meals, sometimes sleep six hours,
and did not go to Church last Sunday. I
two tests tomorrow, and each of my three English courses requires a term
paper. I am beginning to understand the perils
of a student, but I keep on going for the goal that is set before me—to study
in a graduate school. When it snowed a
few days ago, I had some photos taken outside for you to see the snow. If I need you to write to Dr. Tyson about my
plans, I write let you know later. I
will write to Mr. Chen soon. I still
have many letters to write and must stop for now. I will try to answer your letter sooner next
time. Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 03/05/1963.
Letter
Dated 04/04/1963
Daddy & Mama:
From your last few letters, I learned that
Mama was not well; I was very worried and prayed for you asking the Lord to
take care of you. You work so hard
serving the Lord, and your devotion has been seen by others and deserves their
respect. From Mr. Chen’s letter, he
mentioned about your service—he willingly gave his blessings and helped a family
of believers. He told me that if you
come to the States, you can share the Gospel with many Chinese people still
without Christ. I, however, suggest that
you start by taking courses at the seminary—perhaps the same one Pastor Chang
attended. I was a retreat and visited
this school with a beautiful campus and many students coming from foreign
countries paying affordable fees and requiring knowing a little English. If you are interested to apply for this
school, I would be able to write a letter to the President of the
Seminary. He was here at our college to
be the speaker, and you can also write a letter to Dr. Culpepper asking him to
recommend you to be a student at this school.
I remember someone I met, and she came from Hong Kong to study at this
seminary. Her English is not good, but
her classmates welcome her, and they even jokingly ask to visit her room in
order to practice Cantonese. Among students in colleges and graduate
schools, married women always seem to get best grades. When single students like me see one of the
married women in same classes, we know we need to study harder to get a good
grade and be still above average with A or B.
…I needed to work very hard for a whole weekend and did end up with a B
for Modern Poetry. But another student,
probably in her forties, received a grade of 94. When I read her paper and compared it with
mine, I see that hers is longer and includes more information, but she did not
have some descriptive views I included.
It seems that teachers in this school based their grading system on
quantity and not quality. But I always
like to write well and not just be including many reference books. …I admire
how Mama can memorize a lot of information and your talent as a writer. You are such a good student, and please
consider this and let me know so I can write to a seminary for an application
to be air mailed to you. This way, when
Daddy gets his passport, you can be getting yours too—and we will be reunited
as a family.
Letter
Dated 04/17/1963
Daddy & Mama:
Did you receive my previous letter,
written in English and Chinese, yet? I
have not heard from you, and today is the third day after my spring break ended. I stayed at the campus for nine days, but I
paid only for seven days not included two Sundays in the amount of $14.00. I had planned to complete a few papers and
study for an English vocabulary test—one of the two tests required for
graduating students and including 2,000 words mostly already learned. My schedule was such that I had not free
time. After classes resumed, I need to
start preparing for exams in order not to be staying up cramming on the night
before each exam. I end up with no good
grades this way. Right now, I have
barely a B average including all courses.
Praise the Lord, I have selected courses that I am interested in and can
be getting better grades. I look for the
Lord for His help. Uncle Chen wrote me,
and I wrote back to thank him asking that he continue to help Daddy with your
plans. I also wrote to Mr. Larsen to
thank him and to let him know that I will plan to arrive in New York City early
June. I plan to visit Debbie in
Washington D.C. and attend a summer retreat at Ambassadors for Christ
Headquarters. If you think I should go
to New York earlier, then I can cancel my plans and arrive earlier.
In my last letter, I suggested that Mama
apply to study at a seminary, and I mention this again. Mrs. Tyson and her father are joining a team
to travel to Japan for a short-term mission tour. They will be passing Taipei where they will
stay at the Grand Hotel. If you are
interested, you can visit them and speak to them about your plans for Mama to
study at the Southwestern Baptist Theological seminary and Daddy to find a job
in the United States. There is a
possibility that Mr. Ray will give you a letter of recommendation. I visited their farm one time and know that
they are one of the wealthy farmers, and I also know that they love the Lord
and have connections helpful for your application. It’s up to you, as I am still inexperience
and just wanted to let you know about some opportunities. For an extension of my passport, I already
wrote a letter to (Chinese Embassy) Houston, and I probably will have no
problem. …I started to pack my clothes and found many dresses I no longer can
wear. There is a large pile of clothes
including ones given by my big sister. I
don’t know what to do and just wondering if there are places to donate in
Taipei. I can send some back home or
just give them to people in villages here. Emmanuel!
Daughter Min-yen 04/17/1963
Letter
Dated 05/05/1963
Daddy & Mama:
On this Sunday morning, I have the time to write this letter. Truly these past few weeks I was rushing to finish my reports—one has been handed in with two more to complete. I also have a weekly report to hand in for a Social Work course. When I count the days, I realize that it is only three weeks before finals; and I feel very fearful and nervous in anticipation. Adding to these concerns, I need to have a new passport. My passport has no more room after three extensions were stamped on it. For this, I’ll need to send a recent photo and pay $5.50. This means I must wait for the Chinese Embassy to send it to me before I can send it to the American immigration office for my extension. I already spoke to Miss Burnham about this, and I think she is willing to assist me. So happy to receive your package – I was busy with writing a term paper when it arrived with your gifts including a beautiful Chinese dress, a pair of red slippers, and three cans of my favorite food. I have not been to the dining hall for three days, and I am cooking some rice to eat it with some fried meat. I completed one of the three papers consisting of 4,500 words, and I still need to complete two more. I have done most of the research during my spring break, and I just need to organize my notes and complete each paper. Moreover, I still need to pass a vocabulary test and memorize 4,000 English words with roots in Greek and Latin. That means I have no time for anything else until after my exams. I am anxious about getting a B and not a C grade for a few courses. All I can do is to trust the Lord to give me strength as my day. About where I will go for the summer, I have no time to think about it. I know I will be going to New York, and it will probably cost $50.00 or $60.00 to travel including baggage. When Annie left, she paid $30.00 to ship her baggage, but she took the train. I think I can travel by bus with my baggage at no extra cost. I will probably donate some of my clothes to a church… Let me know if Daddy needs me to do anything to help him with his application for a passport. But we need to pray for the Lord to help us—knowing our efforts are in vain. I realized that as I tried with my effort and still did not get grades I hoped to get. The American people live in the present, and they pay little attention to the past and the future; just live one day at a time. This is how Christians can live with hope and be strengthened to live victorious lives. I will try to follow Daddy’s instructions and each of the four suggestions to my best ability. Blessings! Daughter Min-yen 05/05/1963
Letter
Dated 05/19/1963
Daddy & Mama:
So glad to receive your letter giving me the good news that Daddy can come to America soon. Praise the Lord for answering our prayers, but I hope you plan everything carefully. For my part, I will be looking for ways to help and facilitate your plans to travel and to find a job in order to remain in the States.
Once you find your job, you will not need to worry about financial problems. Final exams start next week, and I went to see Miss Burnham today. She asked me to pay the balance of my bill totaling $100.00. I had to give her the two checks I received from Mr. Chen, and I only got $10.00 left. I will need $50.00 for my ticket to travel to New York, and I wonder if you can ask Mr. Chen can send it. All I can do is to stay at school and wait for the check, and then I can leave to go to New York. This is unexpected that students graduating are not eligible for a scholarship. I did receive a refund check of $80.00 from the government, but I needed to pay for my diploma and renting a gown for graduation ceremony. I also paid $35.00 for staying at the campus during my spring break. I hope I can leave right after my exams, instead remaining longer, as I want to be a good example. I can only ask that you send me the money now, and I can pay you back instead of sending it to the school. I ask Daddy to please do this immediately.
About my extension—I receive my visa from
the Chinese Embassy in Houston extending my stay until May,1966. My advisor has help me to write a letter to
the Office of Immigration in San Antonio, Texas, and I should be receiving my
passport back in two weeks. Our summer
vacation begins on May,29. I can stay a few more days before summer school
starts. Even though I must wait (for my
passport) before leaving for New York, I have a chance to prepare for my
summer. I have checked my schedule at
the Bus company, and it will take forty-eight hours traveling to New York, and
my bus fare is $46.00 including my luggage.
Blessings! Daughter Min-yen
05/18/1963
Letter
Dated 05/29/1963
Daddy & Mama:
Praise the Lord, I have finally completed four years of college! Our Baccalaureate Service was last Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Belton. Our speaker has a PhD in Religious Education, and he admonished all graduates to devote our lives serving in areas constructive to society and our neighbor. I am not sure can do this and not be concerned about pursuing my future and my American dream.
We need to use our gifts in the service most beneficial to others. I started to go over my plans accordingly, but I had to stop in order to keep up with what is on my plate now. I trust the Lord to guide me in the path of righteousness. Monday was the graduation ceremony for our class of ninety students. After each of us went up to the platform to receive her diploma from Dr. Tyson with a handshake, sang the class theme song, we all turned the directions of our caps (from left to right) signifying the change from students to graduates. Some were crying but not me—perhaps due to having had many other previous departures so that in comparison I did not feel too sad. I was more concerned about that fact that I still have not receive the money I needed to travel to New York. I received your letter this morning and the check in the afternoon. I went immediately to get a ticket for the bus—to be leaving tonight at 7 p.m. from Belton, passing Memphis and Washington D.C. before arriving in New York City. Since I might stay in D.C. and visit Julie to attend her graduation, I will take the bus for the next day to go to New York City. I will write to Mr. Larsen about the time of my arrival, and I also have someone going the same way to keep me company. I left a paper box of my books in the basement and will ask someone to send it to me later. Mr. Chen told me that he cannot come to meet me due to his busy schedule, but he wrote and told me that he has asked Mr. Larsen to meet me and take me to stay at their house. I feel safe knowing I can stay at a home and pray that the Lord will open some doors for me to find a job. I don’t think it’s too difficult. I still have $20.00 left, after purchasing my ticket, to be used for traveling to Long Island and getting some food during the trip. …I will write again when I arrive in Washington D.C. and New York City. Please remember to pray for me. I am in good health but lost some weight from skipping meals and lack of sleep during exam week. I should recover quickly. Must stop now and be getting ready to leave. Blessings! Daughter Ming-yen 05/29/1963
Received two of your letters, one just now. So happy to know that you spent a meaningful
Christmas holiday, busy but led by the Lord. . .Having returned to College,
praise the Lord I have regained my appetite—hungry all the time for something
to eat. This is a change from my holiday
at the camp, where it was very cold and very little sleep; and I threw up after
breakfast. Since I got back I have
recovered—staying in a warm and cozy room and eating food I have always liked,
even snacks from my home that you sent, and making me gain weight again. Please pray for the Lord to give me strength
for the coming days of exams, from that I may be able to pass. I still have a paper due this week for
English Literature and another essay due next week for Education. I needed time
to work on my papers and have not yet started to prepare for all my exams
scheduled to start next Thursday, from 19th to 23rd,
followed by registration the next day.
Classes for the new semester will start immediately and no more
holidays; I regret that I did not study during my vacation and would not have
ended up so busy—only the Lord could help me now, to do one thing at a
time. Does Mama still need medicine for
her corns on her foot?
Mrs. Helen Liu will be
back in Taipei in January; she was very nice to me and cared for me during the
Retreat. I was going to ask her to bring
some gifts for you, and I realized this would not be appropriate to ask someone
who serves the Lord as a missionary—and I could send a package instead. I wonder if you have received my package sent
previously—it was sent at the same time I mailed my cards. I have received your package, without damage,
consisting of a rayon jacket and other items.
Mrs. Hensel’s present remains here as I cannot take it to her at this
time, without someone giving me a ride.
So happy to hear that Florence is not here in America; I can’t wait to
see her and
pray for the salvation of her family—as she used to attend church
services and was seeking to know the Lord.
I heard what my classmates, who came back from New York City, were
saying about their experiences—it was not difficult to find jobs but not easy
to do jobs requiring physical strength: a salesgirl needs to be standing for
eight hours or a waitress delivering orders.
Each got paid $1.25 each hour, but after deducting traveling expenses,
they only take home two or three hundred dollars. I will write more later. Abundant Blessings & May God keep you in
good health. Daughter Min-yen 01/09/61
Letter
No. 108 Dated 01/14/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Today is Saturday but we have
class—to make up for the classes we missed when Christmas vacation started
earlier. So happy to receive your letter
dated 01/10—God really loves in that even though apart, we can still write each
other, to know that all is well. So glad
that my package was received, and I hope everything fits; but the medicine for
Mama’s feet (corns) was not yet included; please write the name again for me to
buy it for my next package, also anything I can get for Daddy. I know Mama’s
birthday is coming up soon, but please tell me the exact date. Praise the Lord for getting through another
week: every morning I have my devotion, and the Lord heard my requests and
blessed me giving me peace and joy all through the day—so that in every
challenging situation, to be an overcomer through Him Who strengthened me. I praise Him for life and having led me to
the home away from home. It might seem
strange, but I believe the Lord must have heard my prayers: as I seek first the Kingdom of God, He
provided all my needs. I love the food they serve at the Dining Hall, including
fried chicken, my favorite.
The Lord provided another new
outfit for me—sent by the mother of a friend, who took me to stay at her home
during Thanksgiving holidays. I received a new outfit: a blouse with white collars and a black
skirt, adding a written standing invitation to visit her home.
I give God all the glory and pray His blessings for our
family forever. On the last week of the
semester, I was very busy, but my health is good, and I was able to cope with
each problem. Our exams start next
Thursday, from 19th to 22nd. I must take an exam for every course except
English Literature. Please do remember
to pray every day for me—since I still need to register for the next
semester. I know nothing else to do
except to pray that the Lord will provide what I need. I understand it is very hard for you and not
expect anyone to help except the Lord.
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, and he shall not be
moved. Daddy gave me good instructions: to strive to grow in wisdom and in statute,
in favor with God and men. I plan to move to a single room next semester, as my
neighbors are too noisy—usually talking until past midnight. Most of older students prefer single rooms,
and what is your opinion please? The BSU
has elected a new officer, Annie Chang, to replace me as the Foreign Student Representative. This means I would have more time to study; I
wish I had spent more time on my studies to be getting better grades, and not
just passing. I will try to find the information about immigration, and I pray
that the Lord will answer our prayer to be reunited soon. I ask that Mama please slow down and not be
too exhausted in your daily work.
Emmanuel! Daughter
Min-yen 01/14/61
Letter
No. 109 Dated 01/24/1961
Daddy & Mama:
This morning I had my last
final exam, in Typing class, and I feel a great relief. I had a few challenging days and was unable
to write you. Praise the Lord I received
your check, but I did not have a chance to deposit it and just wait to see what
I must pay when I register. I really
don’t know how to thank you for your love and sacrifice. I only hope that I can repay you in the
future and will strive to do better in my studies—not all C’s. I don’t know what happened, but perhaps due
to lack of practice, I was nervous about taking the final exam in Swimming—thank
God I passed. This afternoon I spoke
with Miss Capt, my advisor, a kind old lady with a loving heart. This is her last semester as my advisor and
starting next year my advisor will be the head of the department I select as my
major. I decided to bring a gift and
took the scarf, not yet given to Mrs. Hensel, with me. She told me she liked it because it was from
me. After our discussion, I decided to
major in Secondary Education, to be a teacher for high school students. When she asked me what subjects, I told her
English and Business. I realized that I
really wanted to major in Sociology, but the Lord stopped me; I just missed by
a few points and ended up with a C for the course. I would be better off majoring in Education
and pursue my interest in Sociology after I graduate. I trust that the Lord blesses my desire to
serve Him and can use me in whatever I do.
There is another problem:
even teach in secondary
schools. Since these certificated are
awarded to American citizens only, Miss Capt will ask some people to let me
know tomorrow. I was thinking that after
I receive my BA in English, I can teach in private schools. For my minor, I selected Business, and already
signed up for Typing and Shorthand classes. . .Besides teaching, I prefer an
office job. I have a burden in my heart,
since it is by grace that I was able to come to college, that I will give my
life to do His service—that is why I thought about majoring in Sociology. But I realize that God hath ten thousand ways
to make a way for me; and He knows the best. . .. After I complete my
registration, I write you about it.
Emmanuel! Daughter
Helen 1/24/61
Letter
No. 110 Dated 01/31/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Right
now, it is Tuesday afternoon and I have a PE class soon, but due to many things
that I needed to tell you, I decided to write this letter. . .. As I mentioned
to you about moving to a single room this year, I did not realize that the
expense would be an increased amount—something I must rely on donations. Since people are giving sacrificially for my
needs, I should not be choosing what I like to have. I decided not to move and just remain in my
room, despite that fact that Bobo has moved to another room. Then I was told about someone who is going to
be my new suite-mate. She is from Japan
and is sponsored by a retired missionary who worked with students in Tokyo for
many years.
Nanako
Yakotaki is now staying in Bobo’s room, and we are suite-mates. This is an answer to my prayer, and I can
have a chance to share the gospel with someone.
She does not speak English well, but is very polite in her manner. I realized that this will not be easy, but I
believe the Lord gave me this calli.ng to be a witness to her. She has been attending church with me on
Sundays.
Let
me tell you now what courses I am taking this semester: Educational Psychology; English Literature;
Marriage and the Family; Algebra and Trigonometry, Badminton, and Fine
Arts—totaling 16 credits. I considered
having a double minor in Religion, and then I would be able to go to the
seminary and study to be God’s servant.
The Lord knows the future, and He will lead me. So nice to know that Mama is now staying home
more to study English, because you can be drawn closer to the Lord this
way. Since I have been in the States for
a while, I have observed that people here are very trusting. When someone
believes in you, you are more likely to act as expected. . .. My advice to Mama
is to show your workers that you have confidence in them, and they will do as expected.
. . I have learned that I need to stop being suspicious of people’s motives,
but to show loving kindness without ceasing—as God’s Word in I Cor. 13. As a result of practicing love without
ceasing, I find lasting joy and peace in my heart. Emmanuel, Daughter Min-yen
01/31/61
Letter
No. 113 Dated 02/06/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Received your letter dated
01/23, and so happy to know that you have been getting some news from Mrs.
Helen Liu regarding my life as a college student. Truly the Lord hath provided
all my needs—so much more than I even dreamed of. Whenever I feel needy and even desperate, He
sent help through His “messengers” to save and protect me. My heart is anxious to seek and find what is
His will for my life and how I am doing in His sight. The Lord must have heard my prayer, as we are
having a Focus Week schedule at the College.
Instead of having classes, we must follow a schedule consisting of: worship services each morning and evening,
speakers teaching classes, and discussion sessions in the afternoon—all led by
pastors, teachers, and students sent by the Southern Baptist Convention. The theme of the week is found in Proverbs
3:5-7: In All Thy Ways Acknowledge
Him. I trust that the Lord will use this
time to move hearts of students to focus on following Jesus. I was remembering the words of a hymn we were
singing: “God has a plan for every creation, a place for every star to
shine. Let God and let God have His
wonderful way…” I truly felt that as God hath a place for everyone, it is for
me too. I dedicate my life to live for Christ and starting now this is the time
for preparation. As I felt this way, the
Lord began to use many lessons to teach me:
first, my faith hath grown in that I no longer nurture my doubts and my
trust in others has increased—giving me inner peace and joy and my teachers and
classmates seem to be nicer to me.
Second, I learned and still need to learn how to be a channel of God’s
love to others. Thirdly, I must learn to
have the mind of Christ. “Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure,
lovely, of good report . . . think on these things (Philippians 4:8). I am healthy and no disease or illness. Sometimes, when I got up too late for
breakfast, Nana always brings me something to eat. We are getting along very well. Last night, a Sunday evening, we were at
Annie Chang’s for Chinese food, and the four of us bought a chicken to cook
with soy sauce—so good! Today is the
beginning of a new week, and I just wish this time will linger for me to
remember as meaningful time. It was
getting colder, and at about 5 p.m. I began to see some snow flakes from my
window. Everyone was shouting: “Snow”,
and as we walked to the Dining Room, snow was falling on our coats. I seem to be lost in my thoughts, recalling the
time when we had snow on my tenth birthday. . .. How I wish you were here to
see the snow! I am wearing two sweaters,
winter coat, and warm socks. Since we
have heat in our rooms, I don’t need to dress warm. . .. More about the snowy
scene next time. Emmanuel! Wishing you Joy and Peace, Daughter Min-yen 02/06/61
Letter
No. 114 Dated 02/14/1961
Daddy & Mama:
It has been only a week since
I wrote, but it seems a long time to me—I could not still be talking with you
in person, but I am thankful that I can only write a letter. I have many questions to ask you, but first
let me say that I am in good health and sleeping well every night. Spring has arrived and making it very
beautiful on the campus; some of us like to take a walk in the afternoon. My classes are settled and in progress for
the new semester—more about it later.
First, I need to discuss more crucial issues including: my passport is due for an extension—and I
need to get an extension at the beginning of March. Do I need to get another letter from Mr.
Kessler? I could also go to Houston and
get an extension. If Mr. Kessler helps
me to get my visa extended, then I can travel to San Antonio and visit the
American Immigration Office for an extension of my passport. I can also inquire about the procedure how to
apply for citizenship. Please advise.
Second, about my summer job: I
have discussed this with some people who did this last summer. They told me there are jobs available, but I
just need to find it. I would qualify
for an office job if I can type 50 words a minute, or I could be a waitress. .
..I trust if the Lord leads me, then I can surely find a job. I can get a bus ticket costing $50.00, and
then I pay $12.00 to stay per week.
Another student (from Jin Ai Baptist Church and just graduated) told me
she can share a room with me until she found a job. New York City is big and very busy
metropolis, but the Lord looks after the safety of His children. Annie gave us a testimony: she was returning
home one evening with a friend, and they got lost, not knowing which stop to
get off. Suddenly she heard a kind old
man telling her to get off at the stop, and she was able to get home. I trust that the Lord is with His children He
loves, and I pray about it and ask also for your advice. Today is Valentine’s Day, and in the evening,
we have a ceremony to install new officers.
Our theme this year is based the love chapter found in I Cor. 13, as
every old officer will pass to the new officer her mantle with a few words of
encouragement. I shared with Annie about
the need for peace and love—as she works to help international students adjust
to life on the campus. As Mrs. Tyson
sang the words of the Lord’s Prayer, we all joined hands—and this was the end
of the ceremony. Remember I told you, in
my last letter, about the Focus Week? I have been blessed during these five
days, more than I ever expected. Every
message I was hearing, just seems the Lord was speaking to me—answering my
questions and reminding what I was neglecting.
I was especially helped by one speaker on the problem of
self-complacency—not willing to leave childish things and grow deeper in
spiritual maturity. I found myself
living either in the past or the future and not facing the present. It seems
that I need to use this time I have to be studying and getting better
grades. I ask the Lord to cleanse me
from every sin and set me free, and then send me to be His witness.
The Lord has given me go much
and entrusted me to be His witness—I dedicate my life to live for Him. Emmanuel & Rejoice Always, Daughter
Min-yen 02/14/61
Letter
No. 116 Dated 02/28/1961
Daddy & Mama:
So glad to have received your
letter dated 02/20 with the good news about our reunion. Mr. Chan is coming to America, and you have
begun to work on your application now. I
pray that the Lord help our family to be together soon. This is Mama’s birthday, and I hope you
received my card sent expressing how I missed you and think about you
often. I know you will have a very happy
birthday–my prayer for God to bless you with the best year of your life in the
days ahead. . .. The Lord called you to be a missionary—a witness unto the ends
of the earth. Only you know what a
responsibility you have–to take up your cross and follow. It is also a challenge as the prince of the
world would be setting traps for your defeat.
More important, it is a call to experience the presence of the Lord giving
joy and hope. The world is your mission
field: wherever you go, you will be the
light of the world; whatever people you are with, you may do the work of saving
souls. I want to let you know how I feel
when people express their admiration in response to hearing me say about my
mother being a missionary. Everyone who
loves the Lord knows the cost of such a life as a missionary and pray for God
to give you strength. Only the Lord
knows best, and He will bless His faithful servant—preparing for him a crown in
heaven. On your birthday, Mama, I ask
the Lord to help you rededicate yourself to follow the call to be a missionary,
taking up the Cross, and continue to fight the good fight. Because He loves you and calls you, He will
bless your ministry. Remember that I
will be praying for you, Daddy, and all in our family. Because God loves us, He will bless us and
grant our requests.
It has been several weeks
since the semester started, and I have begun to understand what I study in each
course. I decided that the Marriage and the Family course is too hard for me,
and I changed it to New Testament Literature—as I am interested on the topic
and already got “A” on a test. . .. By my third year in College, I must decide
what I want to be my Major and Minor. Daddy asked about when I need to renew my
passport. . .. Since I will be in Houston from April 1 to 7 visiting Mrs.
JoIly, I can visit the Chinese Embassy to renew my passport—if I can get a
letter from Mr. Kessler. . .. About my summer job, do you suppose it will be a
good idea to follow the suggestion from Mr. Choy and attend the conference for
Chinese students? Another way is to apply for a waitress job in New York City—a
sister from Jen Ai Baptist Church, Lillian Tsang, gave me an address to
contact. . .. Have you heard from Grandma?
I miss and did not write her, but I have written a letter to Florence;
she probably is studying at a larger university. Must stop now and waiting to hear from you
giving me advice. Wishing you joy and
Emmanuel, Daughter Min-yen 2/18/61
Letter
No. 117 Dated 03/06/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Received your letter dated
01/27 to know that you are now preparing to celebrate Mama’s birthday. Did you receive a birthday card I sent a
month ago via sea-mail? I included a photo
taken after a Bible Study class and just hoping you
receive it soon. I thank God for giving
me loving parents, and your good advice I follow, more than advice from anyone
else. I will remember your instructions,
and after prayer, to make my decision.
The Lord leads me by His own hand everyday…and He is my way and my
guide. What Daddy reminded me about
going to New York is that I need to find a place to live first: I would not be thinking about going to a
strange place and trusting a stranger like Mr. Choy. But I would put this matter into God’s
hands—some students going to New York City are willing to help me find a place
to live, but I would have to find my own job. I also remember others in New
York including Shirley Sun (the one who reminded that I owe her 50 cents), and
Rose Ching; Kathy Hsu in D.C., and Jennifer in Georgia—I can find out about
jobs from them. I will have a chance to
practice typing and shorthand during the holidays–so I can at least type 50 words
a minute and get a job. If I try hard, I
can do this. What I like most is what
Mama said about my question: and I trust I can do this. What I learned from Focus Week is that
according to the measure of our faith, I can receive His blessings. Whatever I am not certain could help me: I need to pray before accepting it. Basically, I understand that I need to live
in the present, the past is gone; but I still have today to concentrate on my
studies–for His glory. Very soon you
are going to receive my report card, and I already know about what I got: except for one B in English, all C’s in
others. Since we are a small college,
the grading system is less lenient than larger schools: 93-100—A, 87-92–B, 78-86—C, and
70-78—D. Most students get Cs… .my
problems are not preparing ahead of time and poor concentration. Thankfully my course on Education has a few
lessons on the topic of how to study, and I can benefit from it. I trust that if I make efforts to achieve,
that the Lord will give me strength from above to be getting better grades this
semester. Please pray for me. I received a letter from Aunt Nancy to learn
that everyone is doing okay, and I did not reply yet. Is Grandma’s health still okay? I will write soon. Some Chinese students coming to our class are
not yet saved, and I can only pray for this weekly Chinese Bible Class. Lord willing, we continue to share the gospel
message with all who come to seek the Lord’s blessings. Received a letter from Edward Chan sent from
New Jersey, and I need to answer immediately.
Wishing you joy and peace, Daughter Min-yen 03/06/1961
Letter
No. 118 Dated 03.14.1961
Daddy & Mama:
I received your letter dated 03/08, and I wrote to
Mr. Kessler today. . . I have already spoken to Bobo, and she told me that for
my visa to be extended, my passport must be extended until six months after the
new extension. Although my passport
expires in November, I need to have it extended to next November. Bobo promised to help me in April with my
visa due to expire in May—after I visit the Chinese Embassy in Houston during
Spring break for my passport extension. I wrote to Mrs. Jolly (the family I
stayed with my first Christmas and my best holiday), and I asked to stay with
her family for the spring holiday. She
wrote me to let me know her willingness to help: “About your job for summer,
we’ll do all we can to help”. … Before
I go to Houston, I plan to attend an International Students’ Retreat with Kathy
Garrett (the classmate who introduced me to Mrs. Jolly) and several other
Chinese students. We will travel to
Palestine and stay for two days, from March 31 to April 2—total cost
$4.50. The reason why I am going is
because the ticket costs $6.00 to travel by myself from Belton to Houston. Then I also would like to hear some messages
from speakers–some of them were speakers at Chapel; and some others attending
include Nana, Annie Chang, and Rachel Chang.
After the retreat, I can get a ride with Cathy taking me to Mrs. Jolly’s
home to stay until I go back to school.
My summer vacation starts after the beginning of June, and I am not sure
when it ends. I will keep you informed.
Spring
has arrived: the campus is turning green
and the air is fresh, as I walk to my classes feeling blessed; despite having
tests these two weeks, I have peace knowing that if I just do what I can, I can
pass. I suppose I have grown up so that
I am not bothered by some little trials of life. I often recall Paul’s words: “Patient in
tribulation, rejoicing in hope, and pray without ceasing” (Romans 12: 12). The Lord really loves me, and I trust your
advice (as I know so little) and what my circumstances require my
adjustment. Please pray that the Lord
will lead me in the path of righteousne and may glory be to God! Wishing you joy and peace! Daughter Min-yen 03/14/61
Letter No. 119 Dated 03/20/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Time passes so fast that one week after another has already gone by, and in two weeks my Easter break begins. I still have an exam in Religion and a test in English—as well as preparations to be made. Hoping I can do everything well, and I trust God’s grace is sufficient for me. . .Last Saturday I had an opportunity to attend a BSU banquet at Texas A & M University, with my suite-mate Nana and several others. We left in the afternoon for the ninety miles ride to this university for the study of courses in agriculture and mechanics. We were looking at a big campus in Spring, and it was covered by green grass. We stopped to view the many buildings before we rested at the BSU Building. The program began at 6:30 pm. After dinner, the program began with introductions to council members—each one speaking for himself. Then someone from our school sang followed by another speaker with the keynote message. It reminds me of the BSU banquet at our campus not long ago. We met a few Chinese students, and they took us all the way back to campus—after we had a good time. Now let me tell you about my plans for the spring break: I decided to leave on April 1st with others for Palestine to attend the International Students Retreat. Mrs. Hyden, our BSU advisor, will take us there. We will attend spend Sunday, April 2, at the retreat; and Cathy Garrett will give me a ride to Mrs. Jolly’s house afterward. During the week I stay there, I need to renew my passport and find my summer job. Please do pray for me and advise. . . I need wisdom from God to overcome all my difficulties. I heard about the possibilities of looking for a summer job in Houston, but Annie Chang and others are going to New York City. I try to look for something here, and Mrs. Jolly said she would help. I trust the Lord heard our prayers and hath prepared something for me. I need to decide early and not to be rushed. My address for the holidays is: c/o Mrs. W. F. Jolly, 2012 Second Street, Galena Park, Texas. If you write me after March 24, please use this address. I received a letter from Rev. Hunker with news from churches in Taipei, and a photo of the ground-breaking ceremony for a new Religious Education Building at Amoy Street Baptist Church. I miss this my home church and pray for its ministry often. Is Mama very busy with your ministry serving the Lord? The Lord will certainly use you for His Kingdom’s work. Blessings! Daughter Min-yen 03/21//61
Letter No.
120 – Dated 03/26/1961
Daddy & Mama:
When you receive this letter, please don’t worry, as what I am about to
tell you is some concerns that came up; but I have peace in my heart and in
good health. Last week I received a bill
from our business office asking for a payment of $325.00. Though confronted with this trial, without a
clue how to handle it, I have peace in my heart that is there to stay. I decided to go see Dr. Tyson the next day—he
was very nice and before I could tell him about the amount, he said $100.00 and
that rest would be up to me but will help if not paid. When I told him that I will nthat this is a
great trial, but I trust the nothing is too hard for the Lord–as He hath made
the way for me to come here and hath provided all my needs; I just must live by
faith to receive His blessings.
I received your letter dated 03/20 this
morning—to read Daddy’s advice letting me know what I should do. I already received a letter from Mr. Kessler.
. .but the date is from November 1961, to November 1962; and I need write him
to have this changed to November 1963, tomorrow morning. He stated that I was a translator: “Since she
is in training to become even more useful to this enterprise in the production
departments, she will be . . . affiliated with this company for an indefinite
period of time.” I hope I may have a
chance to do some translation for him, and I may gain some experience. I just translated an article for my friends
back at my home church, and I hope they liked it. Now let me tell you about my plans for the
Spring break: I will attend a retreat
for international students, from April 1 to April 2, and then visit Mrs.
Jolly’s home staying until April 9, where I can do necessary tasks—my passport
and my plans for the summer. I hope to
be able to visit the Chinese church to ask about the possibility of getting an
office job, and I might be getting some ideas from some students who are from
Houston and discuss with Mrs. Jolly. . . Please pray that God will make a way
for me.
Abundant Blessings!
Daughter Min-yen 03/26/61
Letter
No. 121 Dated 04/01/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Already very late but I need to finish writing you before I go away for
my spring break about some progress.
1. Mr. Kessler has already sent
me another letter with the date changed and advised me about other things. As I was thanking him, he told me that he did
this in the spirit of Christian love. I
thank the Lord sending me this kind person to help me. 2. I
received a letter from Mr. Ma, who works at the New York Chinese Consulate, and
enclosed was his business card with these words written on it: “This is the
daughter of my class-mate coming to get an extension for her visa; and if not
against any rules, please do a favor and process without delay”. I just realized that Mr. S. T. Ma was same
person who processed my extension previously when I visited the consulate’s
office. . .3. I have asked several
persons about my summer job including Miss Capt, my advisor, and she told me to
ask other faculty members. I need to
find out where to stay and ask Mrs. Jolly or Cathy Garrett. . . I have faith
that the Lord is helping to train me to grow into spiritual maturity and be a
useful servant. Happy Easter &
Blessings!
Daughter
Min-yen 04/01/61
Letter
No. 122 Dated 04/06/1961
Daddy & Mama:
I was at the home of Jollys yesterday when I received your letter—making
me very happy. When I showed Mrs. Jolly
to read your greetings, she was very happy.
Now you won’t believe what I did yesterday during lunch—I bravely
suggested that I will cook a Chinese Fried Rice dish. Mrs. Jolly agreed and gave me what l needed
as ingredients: rice, a can of green
peas, diced ham meat, and onions. I
first cooked the rice, fried the ham and onions, added rice and eggs, and added
peas. It came out as a colorful plate
and delicious to all, and Mrs. Jolly asked me to cook the same dish to be taken
to her daughter’s home. I cannot believe
that the only dish I learned to do at home was now used for my stay to be
welcomed by my host family. Now let me tell you about
two important matters: 1. My passport
has been extended to November 3, 1962.
After Mrs. Jolly drove me to the Chinese Consulate, I asked to see Mr.
Chao and handed him the business card from Mr. Ma. He read the card and very politely told me to
complete two forms for application. On
the line asking for my occupation, I wrote down “student and translator”. He did not ask to see my letter of employment and handed it back to
me stating that it was okay. I told him
I am a student now, and he quickly completed my extension, and I just paid the
fee of $1.25. Thank God He honored my
faith and I did not lie about anything.
I trust that the Lord’s hand is leading me and that He will
never leave me or forsake me. I pray
that He will be each of us and for our reunion to be together soon. 2.
About my summer job: Mrs. Jolly
has been asking her friends about this matter, but nothing definite has come up. Thank God for opening another possibility in
that my suite-mate Nana is staying at the home of a retired missionary who
served in Japan for the past forty years, and she asked me to visit for two
days—to meet some Chinese and Japanese families. After I got my passport extension, Mrs. Jolly
drove me to Miss Lancaster’s home to stay until Saturday evening. Last night, Miss Lancaster, Nana, and I
attended a prayer meeting at the Chinese Baptist Church in Houston. She was hoping I would be able to meet some
Chinese people. I met the Chinese pastor
and some church members; and Mr. and Mrs. Wong, church members, invited us to
have a meal at their house. Another
lady, who is the Church Secretary, asked me to stay at her place Friday, and
she can help me look for a job. Another
couple got my address, and they will let me know if the grocery store needs a
helper. I look to the Lord to make a way
for me. Mrs. Jolly suggested that I stay
at the YWCA, and I realized I cannot be asking to stay with her. I think the best way is to discuss this with
Miss Lancaster, as she has a loving heart for young students. I could also ask during my visit to the
Wong’s house. Miss Lancaster has many
friends, and she could probably help me; just as I met Mrs. Holloway last summer,
the Lord has led me to meet Miss Lancaster. . .. I return to the campus Sunday
afternoon and will write you about everything. Blessings, Daughter Min-yen
04/06/61
Letter
No. 123 Dated 04/10/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Praise God for leading
back to the campus yesterday afternoon—even though I needed to ride a bus, with
another student, and pay about $5.00 for a ticket. I was glad to be back and received several
letters from friends. Annie Chang
prepared some Chinese dishes and invited me to share the meal with others. We joyfully talked about our experiences
during the past week, and I was thinking how the Lord was faithful to His
children who trust in Him: 1. After
spending one day and night at the International Students’ Retreat, we rode on a
bus chartered by the University of Houston to arrive at Houston. Mrs. Garrett, Cathy’s mother, picked us up
and drove me to Mrs. Jolly’s house. 2. I stayed until Wednesday and then
visited Miss Lancaster’s home, where Nana was staying. We attended a prayer meeting at a Chinese
Baptist Church in the same evening. 3. Nana and I spent one day at the home of
a wealthy Japanese family—to be guests of a banquet with two young men who work
at the Japanese Consulate’s Office. 4.
On Saturday I returned to the Jolly’s home and stayed until Sunday. I made up some plans for the summer and need
to discuss it with you: 1. Miss Viola
Chan has promised to help me find a job.
2. The Japanese couple want to help and invited me to stay at their
home. 3. Miss Lancaster is willing to
help me. 4. Since the Jolly’s home is
too far away from the city, there is a possibility to stay at the YWCA. 5. Viola drove me down to Texas Employment
agency for me to take a test. Even though I had a score of 54 words per minute,
my interviewer told me I needed to go again after my vacation starts. . . I
trust God’s faithfulness to prepare something for me—just the right job I
need—if we ask in prayer. Another
problem is paying my expenses to study here. . . I never experienced such a
problem before in my life, and I would be learning to grow with each
victory. “Casting all your cares upon
Him, for He careth for you” (I Peter). I
received sometime ago a letter from Rev. Hunker letting me know about a new
building for Christian Education, and I wanted to give a donation and sent my
tithe money $5.00 to the Church. I also
hope to translate an article “Transformed By our Thoughts” for a
newsletter. This was written by one of
my teachers, and I was inspired and believe other young people should read it–
I hope to send it to Mama first and then to the others. I was happy to have received both of your
letters sent to the Jolly’s home.
Blessings! Daughter Min-yen
04/10/61
Letter No. 124 Dated 04/17/1961
Daddy &
Mama:
Praise the
Lord I received your letter this Sunday–as I started to worry when I did not
get a letter after a week has passed after I returned—letting me know
everything is fine and you are well.
Glad to learn that Mr. Chan will be in the States soon, and it makes me
have hope for our reunion. If there is
anything I can do or some information I can get to help, please let me
know. I realize that you need all the
money for travel expense, and I should not be expecting you to help, but I need
to explain my problem and ask for advice.
Because of my lack of faith, I have been speaking with Dr. Tyson more
times than needed, and he is fed up with me.
I don’t know what the next step is, and I wonder if Daddy can, from your
experience, have some suggestions. I
however have faith and know that His grace is enough for me. Now I no longer ask that all my problems will
disappear, but, rather, that I might have the wisdom to handle each
problem. Your advice is valuable to me,
and I would also pray asking God what to do. . . I have been invited to join a
national honorary English fraternity; there were only eight persons selected,
and I was one of them. Dr. Vann, our
English teacher, recommended me, and he wants to publish my writing about how I
grew up in China on the “Baylorian” Magazine—I will send you a copy.
As summer vacation will be starting
in less than two months, I really don’t know how to start applying for
jobs. It is not easy to find jobs in
Houston, and one student told me she went there last summer and did not find a
job—even after she stayed for a long time.
If I go to New York, I could probably find a job, but the traveling
expense is too much. . .I pray trusting Lord will lead me. Blessings, Min-yen
04/17/61
Letter
No. 125 Dated 04/23/1961
Daddy &
Mama:
Thank God
for another week passed and I have received your letter two days ago. Many things are on my mind, and I need to
make decision and set up plans of action. . .I trust in God’s mighty power to
resolve my problems. Every morning I
think about my day and try my best to follow in the path of righteousness. My faith is not great, and I go through the
day often with doubts and fears. When I
was a child with hurdles at home, you were there to help, but now I need to be
all on my own. 1. I decided not to see
Dr. Tyson to ask for help—as he is trying to get donations for a new building
and may not want to be bothered; but I hope to speak to Miss Burnham and let her
know I plan to go to Houston this summer.
I may be able to ask for her to allow me to pay my bill from my income
during the summer. I have already
completed a form to apply for a scholarship for the next year, and all I need
to do now is to find a summer job. 2.
About my summer job – I need to find a place to stay first–already sent a
letter to Mrs. Jolly about it; Nana told me about how I can rent an apartment
for $4.00 – $5.00 a week (I can concentrate on looking for a job staying by
myself and what do you think?); I plan to write three others I met in
Houston. One thing I can be certain is
that I will have people helping me once I get to Houston. Do you suppose I could ask at the Chinese
Embassy about a job?
I was able to give myself a permanent Saturday with Annie’s help. I felt so much relief and everyone commented
that I look better with short hair. I
have two colored photos taken in San Antonio to send to you in my next
letter. Please tell me if you have a
letter from Grandma. My passport has
been sent to San Antonio for renewal, and I should get it back soon.
Do you remember I told you about applying to go on a tour to countries
in the East as a member of a choir? One
of our students has been selected to be among the sixteen members, and she has
asked me if there is anything, I needed her to bring to you—since she knows you
live in Taipei. I just thought you might
invite her to our home and show her around.
She is a nice young lady with God’s love in her heart, and she can tell
you more about my life here. . . I also going to write Rev. Hunker about this
group of young people—they have God’s love in their hearts, and we need to show
love and hospitality. Hope to hear from
you and please give me advice. Emmanuel
& Blessings! 04/23/1961
Letter
No. 126 Dated 05/03/1961
Daddy & Mama:
I really thank God for His grace—whenever I would start to be anxious, I
have learned to trust and go to Him in prayer.
This morning I received your certified letter with a check for $50.00 –
it makes me feel joy and appreciate your love for me; and I hope I would not
need to use it to pay my bill but for my summer vacation. I pray and hope that my bill will be paid,
and that Dr. Tyson once again helps me…
Mama’s words gave me encouragement knowing that so far, the Lord hath
blessed me and brought me here, and He will lead me to victory. What Daddy said I can follow, trusting that
He will send help through Dr. Tyson. One
thing I can be thankful now is that my visa has been extended to stay until May
1962. I got it back from the Immigration Office and was not asked to have
finger-prints, like last time. I will
let you know what I plan for getting a summer job: 1. I
want to look for an apartment and not stay at anyone’s residence—fearing I
might be a burden for them. 2. It should
not be difficult to find a job—as there are two Chinese churches in Houston,
and among over one thousand Chinese people, many are owners of grocery
stores. Unlike in Dallas, the Americans
are friendlier and more respectful of Chinese people here. 3. What I can do is to train myself to be
more admirable. . .so people can see my demeanor and want to hire me. I lack
experience in socializing and often too timid to speak up—people cannot see my
good heart. I am thankful to have an
opportunity to be learning and trust that the Lord will lead me to walk in the
path of righteousness for His glory. One
important favor to ask is about the arrival of my classmate (selected as a
representative for BSU) in Taipei—that
you welcome her to stay at our home a day or two, so that she can tell you more
about my surroundings. If not possible,
then maybe Daddy can take her to have a meal at your lunch room at the ICA
Building and show her around. . . The dates for this tour of the choir is from
July 11 – 15, arriving at 4 pm at the airport on CAT airline. I met a Japanese student at the Retreat, and
she is also a member of the choir. The
name of my friend is Rosanne Nicholson, and the Japanese student’s name is
Yoshiko; and they both would love to meet you in the short time they have in
Taipei. You may ask them to bring back
if there is anything for me.
Blessings! Daughter Min-yen
05/03/1961
Letter No.
127 Dated 05/12/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Not received any
letters but trust that you are doing fine and staying in good health by God’s
protection. The same with me here as I
go about my schedule every day. . .This afternoon, just as I was about to take
my nap, my eyes fell upon an article entitled: The Importance of Being Diligent,
and I realized I have been lazy and always seeking to get food and rest. How can I serve the Lord this way; and I have
been seeking to find God’s plan for my life—not realizing that before I do
anything, I need to discipline myself by seeking first His Kingdom and then
“all these things will be added unto thee” (Matt. 6:33) . . . About my summer
job: I have been trying my best to make
plans: Miss Viola Chan, a secretary for
the Chinese Church, wrote to let me know about rooms at the at the Salvation Army
Residence Hall—cheaper than YWCA: a double room and two meals daily costing
$12.50 a week. I plan to go there since
Mrs. Jolly and Miss Lancaster did not mention about me staying at their houses. If I have a place to stay, then they are
willing to help me find a job. . .Viola told me that not to work at grocery
stores, since the hours are long, and the pay is low. I am hoping to find either an office job or
be a sales lady—believing this is an experience for me to know God’s
faithfulness. . .My help is to be from the Lord and not from anyone else. I trust my own judgment, listen to Daddy’s
good advice, and learn about God’s Word from Mama. These few days I need to have plenty of rest,
excuse myself from attending activities, and concentrate on my studies—to do
good on my finals for the glory of God.
My exam schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, 05/24 – Math; Thursday, 05/25 – Education; Saturday, 05/27 –
Literature; Monday 05/29 – English (morning) and Physical Education
(afternoon); and vacation starts on 05/30.
I hope to find a ride for Nana and me to go to Houston, and Viola will
pick me up to stay at the Salvation Army for two weeks. I can bring $50.00, and my bill for school I
trust will be taken care of—as I keep the faith. (Proverbs 3: 5 – 6) Blessings,
Daughter Min-yen 05/12/61
Letter No.
128 Dated 05/21/1961
Daddy & Mama:
I was worried and prayed for you because I have not received your letter
for a whole week. I have just
experienced God’s deliverance from evil:
as the time drew near to the end of semester, I have not yet paid my
bill. I did read notices posted
reminding us that all bills need to be paid before a permit to take exams will
be issued. I could only go to the Lord
and earnestly pray; after prayer, I decided to go to Dr. Tyson—by God’s
strength in my weakness and fear I was not welcome. On Thursday I decided to go—remembering what
Proverbs says about the heart of the King is in God’s hands. As I entered his office, with fear and
hesitation, the Lord already prepared his heart for my request. He asked me how much I still need, and I told
him truthfully that it was $325.00. He
smiled and asked where I plan to go for the summer. I told him I was going to work. He also asked if I would like to graduate
from this college, and I said I hope so.
He then said he will discuss this with Miss Burnham and let me know in
three or four days. I don’t know how
much I would need to pay, but I believe my help comes from the Lord—since all
man are His instruments—and He will direct my path.
On the same day, I
happened to read another notice posted requesting all students to pay their
bills on this day. I have already
confronted my problem and went to see the President. A few hours later, as I walked back to my
dorm after my class, I saw a snake on the ground, I was frightened; but I was
with another classmate, and we walked quickly back to the dorm. I realized, in my heart, the Lord helped me
pass through another trial. Let us
praise the Lord together!
About my summer job,
the Lord prepared a servant of His to help me.
I have been corresponding with her, and she has found a place for me to
stay at the Salvation Army Women’s Residence.
I finish my exams on 29th, pack my things on 30th,
and leave the next day to take a bus to her home—to stay for three days before
I moved to the Residence. It costs
$12.50 a week prepaid, and two meals included.
With what I got, $50.00, I can stay for one or two weeks. Please don’t be worried—as Viola has some
places for me to apply Texas Employment Agency, Southwestern Bank, and a
hospital– for interviews and perhaps be tested again in typing and
shorthand. Please pray as I know that
only the Lord can really help me. . . I believe I can do better with friends
close by, and it is better than going to New York to look for a job. Please write me here before school is
out. Blessings! Joy and peace, Daughter
Min-yen
05/21/1961
PS: Address in Houston – Miss
Helen Shao, c/o Miss Viola Chan, 2103 Huldy, Houston 19, Texas
Summer
1961
Letter
No. 129 Dated 05/30/1961
Daddy & Mama:
So glad to receive your letter dated 05/22, letter
me know that you had a cold but now recovered. I thank the Lord for His
guidance watching over us at two different locations. As we depend solely on
the Lord, He will make a way for us and guide our steps. Last week before I could take my exams, I had
to resolve the problem of paying my bill.
When I went to see Dr. Tyson Tuesday, he told me that he can help me pay
$200.00, and the rest would have to be a loan—given by the Business Office. I went to see Miss Burnham to get an
application, and she told me I needed to have a guarantor’s name, and to pay
back the loan by August 23. I did not
know who I can ask, but then I thought of Miss Lancaster. I was relieved when Miss Burnham told me they
will not contact anyone if I paid it back on time. …I was able to get my permit just thirty
minutes before my exam. But God’s help
has been timely—lifting me up from my helpless state. I have gained a lesson learning to trust Him
for my future problems—as I trust in Him more each day, knowing He He will be
with me.
Nana
and I were able to get a ride from another student to go to Houston, and we
will spend one night at the farm of an old Japanese couple; and Viola will come
to pick me up to stay at her home for three days—before I move into a
residence. I have $40.00 left and enough
to stay for three weeks; and I hope to find a job. Please do pray for me and write me often.
I
start looking for a job tomorrow: I plan
to call some friends I met previously who live in Houston and ask if they know
of any opportunities; I will visit the Bank and the Employment Agency. I prefer an office job, but would also be
willing to take any jobs, even if it is to be a waitress—if I can have a job. Despite the difficulty to achieve this goal,
I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to help me. Please
give me your good opinions. About my
clothing’s for the summer: I only have a
few outfits left and have grown for the rest to fit. If it is not too much trouble, maybe Mama can
make me two new dresses. I can go to the
dress shops here, but it costs $3 or $4—and I did not want to spend the
money. I want to look nice if I work at
an office, and for my interview, I try to mend one I have now.
I
plan to start searching newspapers for a job after I move into a
residence. Since I am not good at
directions, I hope Viola will help me.
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 1:1). When a person is in a difficult situation,
God’s presence is what is needed. All I
have got is my faith, and the Almighty Lord can change my problems into
blessings. Emmanuel & Blessings of
good health. Daughter Min-yen 05/30/1961
Letter
No. 130 Dated 06/08/1961
Daddy & Mama:
First
let me wish Daddy a Happy Birthday – may the Lord grant you your wishes in this
new year. God really loves us very
much—as He answers our prayers leading us to lie down in green pastures.
About
my summer job, I have decided to accept an opportunity to stay at the home of a
Chinese family—to help take care of two boys, ages 9 and 13. I made this decision after I tried but did no
find any other jobs. I believe this is
God’s guidance to walk this way. Miss
Viola Chan had this in mind when she was helping me to come here. I went with here everywhere these past few
days, visiting church members and sharing meals at their homes. Viola is a lady who has given her life to
serve the Lord, and she is young at her heart even in her thirties. I get along
very well with her. Her work is about
the same as Mama’s ministry—leading others to Christ. There are over three thousand Chinese
families here in Houston, and she is welcomed by each family on her
visits. I believe the Lord prepared His
servant to extend me hospitality and help me get this job—while many others are
still waiting as they even put ads on newspapers. I stay here until next Monday
or Tuesday, then Mrs. Young will pick me up to go to her house. She must go to Hong Kong for some important
business, and my job is to take care of the two boys for the summer. . .From my
experience earned last summer, I should have no problem handling this job. Wherever God hath led me to, I believe it’s
the best way.
My
purpose and goal for the summer includes trying to get to know some Chinese
families here—for the purpose of helping you to come here. Viola know a lot of people here, and
yesterday she received a phone calls from a company requesting to hire some
technicians. Maybe she could help Daddy
get a job—if there is one that requires your qualifications. . . …We can pray
about this . . .. I also asked about seminaries for Mama to study, and she told
me about Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and I will help you to
apply. I heard about Mrs. Culpepper
coming here, and I hope to meet her. Mr.
& Mrs. Yang invited Viola and I to dinner tonight. I need to lean on the Lord, watch what I do
and say—in order that I may glorify His name.
Emmanuel! Wishing you good health
& joyful hearts, Daughter Min-yen 06/08/61
My address for summer: c/o Mrs. Ark Young, 808 English, Houston 22,
Texas, U.S.A.
Letter No.
131 Dated 06/13/1961
Daddy & Mama:
I left Viola’s home yesterday to move into the home
of Mrs. Young. But before I left, I
received your letter to know about your concern for me for not having heard
from me. It was the week of our finals,
and I even skipped a few meals; and I did not write you for seven or eight
days. But I did send two letters after I
got to Houston–including a birthday card for Daddy—that you should have
received by now. I try to write more frequently
so you don’t worry about me. Mrs. Young
came yesterday afternoon to take me home—a medium-sized building with two
bed-rooms, a living room, and a kitchen.
They have air-conditioning, and it is very comfortable to be inside on
days of high temperature outside. Their
two children, ages 9 and 13 are a little naughty but lovable. I sleep in their room, and I have a bed and a
closet (to put my belongings). Mrs. Young is very polite and did not set up any
requirements for me. After telling to do
I think is needed, she said that she is leaving this week to stay in Hong Kong
for two months. My job is to take care
of her children and the house until she returns. I give thanks to the Lord for preparing a
nice and cool place for me to spend the summer, but I know I need to be
learning how to get along with and be preparing myself to be a teacher in the
future. I hope to do some work of
translating writings from/to Chinese or English. I also hope them some Chinese language and
history. I read in my devotion last
night about Peter’s call: after he answered the Lord’s question saying: “Lord, you know that I love you, the Lord
commanded him saying: “Feed my
sheep”. I will do my best to help these
two little lambs and help bring them closer to the Shepherd. Please pray that the Lord give l
I
have made quite a few friends at the Chinese Church in Houston, and Viola has
been speaking highly of me before her friends.
By God’s grace and His presence, everyone seems to like me including the
Pastor, deacons, congregation, and young people. After service on Sunday evening, I got to play
the piano for them—just can hardly believe that what little I learned can be
use. Viola is well respected and liked by everyone, and I gained respect being
her friend. I help teach two classes
training youth for Christian living. I
feel joyful when I can be at Church, and I am no lonely with these people
around. You need not worry about me, as
the Lord already been leading me to a land where I may dwell safely; and I
trust that the Lord will continue to guide me until we are reunited again. Viola is someone sent by God to assist me,
and I have given her a handbag with embroidery, but this is not good enough. I
hope you can help to get her another gift—she spoke about her wish to have a
jacket with Mandarin collar, asking me how much it might cost. She would like to have a short coat and two
long skirts in the same color. . .Please let me know in your next letter. Must stop now as I need to give this to Mr.
Young to be mailed. On Wednesday, Miss
Lancaster invited me to spend the night at her house. Emmanuel!
Daughter Min-yen 06/13/1961
Letter
No.132 Dated o6/19/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Got up to cook for the two boys. . .On Sundays I
bring them to Church with me. Thank God
for this opportunity to rest and recuperate at a home this summer—so much
better than anywhere else. I also have a
chance for serving in the Church: play
the piano for the evening worship service.
Last Sunday I spoke, in Cantonese, sharing about how the Lord saved our
family and sharing Mama’s testimony about how she became a Christian and was
called to be a missionary. They were
able to accept my sharing, and I pray to be a good witness for the Lord’s
glory. Those who trust in the Lord, will not be put to shame. Please pray for
me. Viola has told Mrs. Young about my
situation—that I need to pay for my college education, and I was paid $15.00
for last week even though she has still has not left for Hong Kong. Starting this week, I will be paid the full
amount of $30.00. Mrs. Young will stay
in Hong Kong for two months, and after she returns, I can remain here or move
out to have another job. I hope to earn
$300.00 this summer. Viola gave me your
letter (sent to her address), and I was relieved from worrying. I know that you had a slight cold and please
take care (you have just recovered) by resting and eating nutritious food. I
can eat well as Mrs. Young cooks with the best ingredients for the boys to stay
healthy. Mr. Young does not eat at home,
and he is a very honest man. Compared
with Dr. Teng, he is more friendly and allows me to have my way to do my
job. Mrs. Young will leave early next
week for Hong Kong.
There are many Chinese people in Houston, and the
Chinese Church has three hundred members, and they are preparing to move to a
new building. Since I was led by God, I
have a chance to serve, and I teach on Sunday evenings a class of four or five
teenagers. The pastor, who lives near
me, gives me a ride to Church. I hope,
after a while, to ask him about how I can get permanent residence status in
order to apply for your coming to this country.
Let me know if Daddy has any ideas or plans. I asked Viola and got the address of the
seminary: Seminary Hill, Southwestern
Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas; and all though there are a few other seminaries,
this one is closer to my school. We can
ask about others, and Mama can talk to Mrs. Culpepper about it. It seems most Americans are willing to
help—so we don’t need to be afraid and it will do no harm to ask. Does Mama agree? My friend Roseanne Nicholson
is coming to Taipei. I am so glad that
you are willing to show her hospitality.
There is another girl I met, Yoshiko from Japan, for you to invite. They have a place to stay, but you can take
them out to an authentic Chinese meal.
Also, they will have a busy schedule, and you need to ask about when
they are available. Rosanne has a photo
of me with her, and she can show it to you.
I remain in good health– enjoy my meals and sleep well; and I thank God
for leading me to green pastures.
Please, don’t worry about me.
Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 06/19/1961
Letter
No. 133 Dated 06/28/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Mrs. Young
left this morning at 6 a.m. to travel by airplane to Hong Kong. I now have the responsibility of teaching two
boys and taking care of household duties.
As you suggested, I have set up my schedule as follows: 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. – getting up and fixing
breakfast (consisting of bacon or sausage, eggs, toast, juice, and milk); watch
TV after breakfast for 15 minutes; from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. teaching Chinese; go
outside to play for the boys and do laundry for me; lunch at noon (prepare
sandwiches, open cans for soups to save time); from 1:00 to 4:00 pm is free
time, and I can write letters and read magazines (Life, Look, and newspapers);
from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, I give them some assignments (writing or drawing); then I
start to prepare the most important meal of the day (rice, stir fry
vegetables—green beans from the garden, and steak or chicken baked in the
oven); please give me some ideas about dishes I can prepare. After dinner, we relax and watch some
educational programs on TV; I do iron and finish other duties. At 10.00 pm, after we have our baths, we read
the Bible before going to bed 10:15. This
is my tentative daily schedule, subject to change when I go to the grocery
stores, swimming at YMCA on Fridays, or go to Church Sundays. Praise God, as He hath prepared such an easy
job for me; but I need to do a good job.
As I have prayed about our reunion, the Lord has opened a door for
you—as I got to know Viola, the Pastor, and many other believers– to ask about
your plans to come here and for Mama to do ministry. When Viola can see my good
works, she is likely to be willing to help us. I thank the Lord for preparing
this opportunity to be someone like her, and I trust this is God’s plan: as my strength is too small—as I have not
died to self. . . I just strive to follow step by step, until I have been
crucified with Him; and I live, not for myself but for Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is
no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live by
faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians
2:20). I need to ask God to take away my
selfishness, unbelief, and then the Holy Spirit can dwell in my heart and I can
do all things through Christ’s strength.
“. .for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced, that He is able
to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (Galatians 2:20). . . So
glad to receive two of your letters; I need not be concerned but just to remind
you to take care of yourselves in this hot summer: careful drinking and eating nothing spoiled
and keep food in the refrigerator. I am
staying at a house with air-conditioning and a big refrigerator; so please
don’t worry about me—for the Lord hath given me more than I could ever ask or
hope for. Since I seldom need to go out,
I have enough outfits to wear; I just hope to buy a new winter coat and a robe.
. .. I would like to have two long-sleeve blouses and a skirt. Emmanuel!
Blessings of joy and peace! Daughter
Min-yen 06/28/1961
Letter No. 134 Dated 07/08/1961
Daddy & Mama:
You must be waiting for my letter—as this morning
my letter was returned to add postage—and I hope this one will reach you soon.
Praise God I am happy here every day and feeling good. My daily work schedule is not strenuous, and
I am content. Compared to my job last
summer, Mr. Young is very humble and respects my ways of teaching his children. Especially when I go to Church, a few
Christians accept me as their friend and ask me to play the piano often. I have learned how to play almost every song
in the hymnal, and I will be the speaker this week for a class. I trust this is going to be a meaningful summer
for me. What Daddy wants me to do I will try to follow. When Viola comes back, I can have a chance to
ask her. What I understand now about how
one can be qualified as a permanent resident is either by adoption or
marriage. Since neither way is acceptable
for me, I need to search for other ways.
The day before yesterday, we had a celebration for the Independence Day;
and I was at a picnic with people from the Chinese Church. I met two people, Mrs. Wu and Mr. Chao, from
the Chinese Embassy. Viola knows them,
and maybe I can get to be acquainted with them. . .I miss my family and trust
that the Lord will answer my prayers for our reunion.
As Mama will be going to the annual Retreat at the
Grass Mountains, I hope you have a time to rest and that both of you have a
vacation. If Daddy wants me to get a
tennis racket here, just let me know and I can get it for you. I seldom go out . . and I have enough clothes
to wear at home—saving a few nice outfits to wear to Church, receiving
complements from others. I can wear my
white flats and heels, but I need to have two pairs of shoes (brown and black)
when I go back to school.
Emmanuel! Daughter
Min-yen 07/08/1961
Letter
No. 135 Dated 07/14/1961
Daddy & Mama:
It’s already Thursday, and two more days until the
week is over; time passes quickly when I feel happy at home. Last Saturday, Mr. Young took the boys out,
and I spent the afternoon alone; if he does it again this week and I can have a
day off, I hope to have a chance to visit my friends: Mrs. Lancaster invited me to visit, and maybe
I’ll meet Nana there. Not sure if I ever
mentioned this friend: she comes from a
prominent Japanese family in Tokyo, and we quickly became friends—God’s
provision. I have shared my testimony
with her a few times, and she has accepted Jesus as her personal Savior—making
us sisters in Christ. She was very
helpful when I needed to find a summer job, and she introduced me to her
Japanese friends. I will later explain
to you more about her family; we are going to be suite-mates again next
year. I need to ask Daddy what to do
about these things: 1. I hope to pay back to school my loan for
$125.00, after I have earned this amount this month. Do I ask Viola to write a check for this
amount and send it to Miss Burnham, or do I need to visit the school and bring
the cash? 2. I need to think about my
expenses for next year: So far and for
two years, I have depended on scholarships, but is it time to find a way to
earn money and pay by myself. I have submitted my application to continue to
receive scholarships, but I don’t know if it has been approved. 3. Regarding
the check I received from you for $50.00, I already cashed it and used the
money. Not sure if I told you about
it. A letter from Florence has been
received, and she was letting me know that she is staying at a friend’s home,
located in California, and she could not find a job. She mentioned about wanting to change to
study in a different school, and I wrote back explaining about God’s love and
how she can be saved. We need to pray
for this one in our family to find salvation. . .. Nana is back from summer
school, and she called me about coming to visit me tomorrow—may with Miss
Lancaster. Only problem is that Lee, the
younger child, is not feeling well, but I can invite them if he recovers. When
my friends arrive in Taipei, please give them a welcome and extend your
hospitality. I have already heard some
good reports about the fruitful results from the choir’s tour in many places.
They shared their testimonies and were invited by numerous places with
significant numbers in audiences.
I hope you can send me a package to Houston for me
with things needed: a short jacket for Viola, a book of popular Chinese songs
for someone at the Church, a can of fried meat, a pair of shoes for me, and if
possible, a blouse with mandarin collars. Not sure if you can do all this, but
I will write again about this request next time. Thanks!
Emmanuel!
Daughter Min-yen 07/14/1961
Letter No.
136 Dated 07/20/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Received your letter yesterday and what a relief,
since I did not hear from you for many days and probably because you did not
get my letter. Many things need to be
done and I am unable to concentrate when I am writing a letter. But I believe, if I lean on the Lord,
everything can fall into place. 1. I need to think about how I can handle the
two children as it is very difficult to make them listen. I must find ways to earn respect and listen
to my explanations. Also, their
grandparents call every day to invite them over to eat; and I must avoid making
any mistakes. When Nana came last
Saturday, I invited her to eat and afterwards we went out. I later realized this was not right, and
despite Mr. Young’s approval, the children and their grandmother were
complaining. In order to do a good job,
I must avoid going out—please pray about this.
I believe God loves me and will help me not to make mistakes. I know a lot of people are watching my every
move, and I must be careful that I still glorify His name. 2. I wasn’t going to mention it, but several
young people at Church are asking me to go out with them, and I have been
telling them I have to work and no time to go out. I met this one honorary student at Rice
University at the picnic on July 4th, and I went out with him once; he calls me
often and I don’t know how to say no; although he is educated and has
experience in social life, I did not consent to go out because he is not a
Christian. Most of the others, though
they are from Church, I have no interest to date any of them. I am still in college, and I have plans to do
something meaningful for the good of mankind.
I might be interested to have some friends, and I thank God for leading
me to this place and for the opportunity to meet some nice young men—widening
my horizon and giving me joy. 3. Viola and I are going to visit my school; I
plan to deposit the money I earned, about $100.00, at the bank. I can write a check and bring it to pay back
my loan; I can also visit Nana and some friends and visit Viola’s friends in
Waco. It also happens to be Nana’s birthday, and I asked viola to buy her a
book from the Christian bookstore. I
need to get two books for the children, and hopefully they will listen to me. After I do these things, then I can start
saving money for next semester—trusting the Lord’s help is even more than what
the eye can see. When I left to go to
Houston, all I had was faith, and I trusted the Lord to make a way for me. Because I had faith, the Lord led me to this
job. I thank and praise the Lord for His
love. Please pray that I will do a good
job for the Lord’s sake and be a witness of His faithfulness! Blessings!
Daughter Min-yen 07/20/1961
Letter
No. 137 Dated 07/24/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Received your letter to know that you were
anxiously waiting to hear from me. I
have been selfish spending all my time doing my own things, but I will try from
now on to reply immediately after each letter.
I pray every night for our reunion, and the Lord is starting to make a
way. Viola is taking me to College for a
visit, and she is driving—giving me a chance to ask her questions I have for
about immigration. We had visitors
yesterday at Church, Miss China and Consulate Wu and his wife. He seemed to remember me from the last time I
was at the consulate for an extension of my visa, but I did not have the
courage of speak to him. Mr. Wu is being
transferred to Hawaii, and there will be a new person at the office. Viola knows him, and I hope to have a chance
to pay a visit to his home. . .. Tomorrow at school and after I submit payment
for my loan, I hope to see Mrs. White, the President’s secretary. I need to be starting early to plan—as I
don’t know how the Lord is going to provide for me—and can do little. After I pay back the amount of $130.00, I
still have $30.00 left to be deposited at the bank in Belton. I will be paid
soon for what I need—just stamps and two books for the boys, may be a coat. .
.. Mr. Kessler asked me to work as a translator, and I did not accept his
offer. If I major in English, maybe I
could be qualified for this kind of work.
What do you think? I have faith
to know that if we pray to God, and then (do what we can to help ourselves),
our lives will be changed from weakness to strength. I was lost and had nothing good in me, but
the Lord called me to be trained into a vessel fit for His honor. He has a plan for each of our lives, we will
do good to pray without ceasing and wait for His timing—praising Him everyday
for His love. Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 07/24/1961
Letter No. 138 Dated 07/27/1961
Daddy & Mama:
Praise God I am back safely after visiting my school yesterday. I was able to accomplish all my plans and got
back at 10:30 p.m. I received your
letter giving me joy and hope. God’s
great love has moved and compelled me to give my body and heart to live for
Him. Viola picked me up at 9:30
yesterday morning, and we brought the boys to their grand-parents’ to stay for
the day. Then we started our trip to
Belton—it was a beautiful day and the sun was shining as we chatted all the
way. I had many questions about things I
cannot resolve by myself, and she helped me to find solutions. It was about 1 p.m. when we arrived at
Temple, and we went to a Chinese Restaurant for lunch. Since Viola knows the owner, we were treated
with a free lunch. After lunch we drove
to Belton, and I visited my bank to deposit a total of $155.00 on my
account. I was able to find Miss Burnham
at the Business Office and gave back the amount of my loan plus
interest–$125.33. Next, I went to see
Mrs. White, and her position has changed from a secretary to an administrative
assistant.
When I requested to
apply for a part-time job, she mentioned about the fact that no foreign student
can work. But she also asked me why I
wanted to work, and after learning that I was only able to pay $200.00, she
gave me an application to apply for a scholarship for the difference. This was I am only responsible for $200.00
next year, and everything else will be taken care of by the scholarship. The Lord hath given me more than I could ever
think possible, and my faith is too small not knowing the Almighty God. . ..In
your letter I read the first sentence stating what God promised will be
accomplished. When I visited Nana, she
was touched by my love bringing her a birthday gift. We left Belton for Waco to visit Viola’s
friends who are missionaries. We rushed back to pick up the boys and arrived
home at 11 p.m. I give all the glory to
God for this day as He led me by His own hand to bring success.
So happy to know that you are planning to send a package, including a
jacket for Viola. . ..I know that you were there to meet Rosanne and Yoshiko,
and they will let me know how you are doing.
Your gifts are better than inviting them to a meal, and they will feel
welcomed by the Chinese people. Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 07/27/1961
Letter
No. 139 Dated 07/31/1961
Hi
Letter Dated 01/23/1962 Daddy &
Mama: I am so glad to have received your letter during my exams bringing good news. I am glad to learn that Mr. Chen has arrived in America, and I hope he can assist me as I plan my future after graduation. I just finished my exams, and I registered this morning for my classes in the new year. Tomorrow I have a holiday, and then classes will begin. I was very fearful during my exams, and I did not do too well. I am not sure if I passed Accounting, and three out of ten students dropped the course. The problem, I believe, is in my wrong selection of some courses: I did not need to take Accounting and Physics, and I end up with a lower grade average. After considering and learning from what I did wrong last year, I have selected 19 credits consisting of six courses including three for English (Shakespeare, Modern Poetry, and Modern Drama) two for Sociology (Research Methods and Family and Child Welfare), and Chemistry. My plan is to obtain a C+ grade, in order to apply for a graduate school. … The two courses I chose for English are very popular for English majors. I will be graduating in May with a major in Sociology and a minor in English. But if Dr. Tyson is going to help me, I hope to stay for summer school to be taking two more courses—for a double major in Sociology and English. After summer school, I can go to Dallas and look for a job to work for a Children’s Home. This can be some experience for me in the field of Social Work. Also, the Director of BSU used to work there, and she might be able to recommend me. I hope to work for half a year in order to repay what I owed for summer school. After this I hope to go to a college in Texas to study for a M.A.—preferably at the University of Texas. Dr. Tyson is familiar with this school, and he would at least be able to give me a letter of recommendation. He would like me to be furthering my study, and I could get my master’s degree in one and half or two years. After that, I can do research work or teaching in Sociology. These are just my plans I can only imagine. I trust the Lord and He will lead me and make a way. I let you know my plans (and not anyone else) and hope you can give me some advice or your opinion—before I make any plans. Anyhow, I need to concentrate and strive to study hard. I have already ordered invitations to be sent to people for my graduation. I will send them to you as soon as I get them. I alsoy hope to notify the American Embassy that I wish to have Daddy attend my graduation, if it helps with getting a visa. Due to the expenses incurred in ordering my invitations and other fees, I don’t have money to get books for the new semester. I am waiting for my tax refund check which should have been received the end of last year. I don’t know why you did not receive my package yet, as it was sent on 11/15. For the New Year, we are having a Chinese meal. Blessings! Happy New Year! Daughter Min-yen 01/23/1963
Daddy & Mama:
Letter Dated 01/30/1963 Daughter Min-yen: Received your letter dated 01/24/63 and praise the Lord giving you peace as you remain at school. Another semester has ended, and your schedule of courses for the new semester appear to be more suitable, but your chemistry course may take up a lot of time—though this is easier than Physics. If you need money to pay your expenses for graduation, write us early and let us know to take care of it so you don’t need to worry. About your plans for what happens after graduation, we have discussed it and made these suggestions: 1. We hope you could go to graduate school to get a master’s degree. 2. You should try to get a scholarship including tuition, room and board, etc. 3. If no scholarship, then you need to support yourself by working part-time. This means you will take less credits and finish in a period of a few years. I know some students from Taiwan doing the same thing, and they needed to remain at schools in order to extend their visas for staying. They needed to work and earn enough money to support their families, but they take at least one or two hours to study at schools. If they got some friends willing to help them apply for permanent residence, then they can remain in the country. That’s what two members of your mother’s church did, and we shop you can find out how you can do the same thing. 4. If you are unable to do the above 2 & 3, then you will get a temporary job to work at the office for a while before you go to a graduate school. Please find out more about how you can extend your visa, so you don’t make any mistakes. You mentioned about summer school—there is no need to remain at school after graduation unless you find it necessary for the extension of your visa. … Dr. Tyson wrote us after you delivered our gift to him, and I have not yet responded. Is there anything he can do, and you would like us to ask him? Mr. Chen is in America, and you need to write him a letter to express your gratitude for his help in the past and for the future. We hope you will dress warmly for the cold weather and take it easy in order to recover from an exhausting week of exams. We are praying earnestly every night for you—and trust that the Lord will give His best to you. Emmanuel! Blessings of joy and peace! Daddy 01/30/1963 PS: Please keep this letter for future reference Daughter Min: Praise to the Lord for His faithfulness and grace throughout the last four years for you and our family. Therefore, we are reminded we need to depend more on Him as in His presence, we can make it through every day. “Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard the things that God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Cor. 2:9). Right now, we don’t know what happens after you graduate, but I believe God will prepare for you what you need. His will for you now is to focus on your studies and trust in the Lord. Even though you failed to gain good grades last semester, don’t worry about it. We know that all things happened to us according to His will and work together for our good. You try to live in the present—day by day. I have a friend at my church, Miss Yin, who is now studying at the University of Texas. I understand that she must work hard with her studies in order to be getting a scholarship. She was considering how she can support herself by working part-time. Even with the minimum wage of 60 cents per hour, she cannot find any jobs. She is considering going to New York City, as there are no jobs in Texas. She already has M.A. degree. For you, I think you might want to write a letter to Mr. Chen who lives near New York City. At the same time, you can discuss with your classmates about graduate school—and even travel together. As you look to the Lord for His help, you need to spend time in prayer. We will be praying for you. You need not be anxious about the future only trust the Lord. Since I am preparing to start my work for the New Year, I will continue in my next letter. Wishing you success! Blessings! Mama 01/31/1963 Letter Dated 03/05/1963 Daddy & Mama: Just as I was about to write a letter, I received your certified letter and a check. This really helped to calm my fears quite a bit. These past few days, I was very tight on my cash—as I had to pay for a ticket to see a play (requirement for English) and order invitations for my graduation. Miss Burnham will not take any orders without $2.00. I got up early in the morning to pray and gave my problem to the Lord. What happened, almost a miracle, was that I received a letter that morning from a church with a check for $10.00. It stated that the gift was from them after hearing my testimony during my visit. This can only be the faithfulness of God…I remember visiting the church during the Christmas holidays, while I was a guest at Aline’s house in Baytown. Mrs. Bourge, Aline’s mother, told me previously about a package given by people at the Church with gifts for me including a red sweater, a stylish plaid skirt, and a black dress. When I needed some close friends to give me advice and did not seem to have anyone, the Lord hears and answers my prayers. … This was an experience for me to always trust the Lord for my needs. Now that you have sent me $60.00, I can pay my expenses during the spring break and some fees incurred for graduation. I even have money left to travel after I graduate. I just hope this is not a burden to you and that you are not working too hard. Mama should be giving up some work at the churches, I suggest. You are also preparing to some me some clothes, and I am very excited. But I don’t need to have some very fashionable dresses, just get me another blouse like the grey cotton one I carried from Taipei—as this one is too worn out. Some of the blouses I find here don’t fit me, and I just hope you can send me both short and long sleeve, one of each, in yellow and pink. I can match my blouses with a permanent-press skirt –to make up my wardrobe for both spring and summer at school. I only need, for food, two cans of dried meat; sometimes I have not time to cook my dinner, but I can take some bread from the dining hall back to eat at my room. Another item I desperately need is a box (about 20) of name cards I had ordered for my high school graduation—to be used with my invitations. Please rush this to me. This is one semester with my heaviest load, as I am taking 19 credits and hoping for a B average. It is not easy: I must skip meals, sometimes sleep six hours, and did not go to Church last Sunday. I two tests tomorrow, and each of my three English courses requires a term paper. I am beginning to understand the perils of a student, but I keep on going for the goal that is set before me—to study in a graduate school. When it snowed a few days ago, I had some photos taken outside for you to see the snow. If I need you to write to Dr. Tyson about my plans, I write let you know later. I will write to Mr. Chen soon. I still have many letters to write and must stop for now. I will try to answer your letter sooner next time. Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 03/05/1963. Letter Dated 04/04/1963 Daddy & Mama: From your last few letters, I learned that Mama was not well; I was very worried and prayed for you asking the Lord to take care of you. You work so hard serving the Lord, and your devotion has been seen by others and deserves their respect. From Mr. Chen’s letter, he mentioned about your service—he willingly gave his blessings and helped a family of believers. He told me that if you come to the States, you can share the Gospel with many Chinese people still without Christ. I, however, suggest that you start by taking courses at the seminary—perhaps the same one Pastor Chang attended. I was a retreat and visited this school with a beautiful campus and many students coming from foreign countries paying affordable fees and requiring knowing a little English. If you are interested to apply for this school, I would be able to write a letter to the President of the Seminary. He was here at our college to be the speaker, and you can also write a letter to Dr. Culpepper asking him to recommend you to be a student at this school. I remember someone I met, and she came from Hong Kong to study at this seminary. Her English is not good, but her classmates welcome her, and they even jokingly ask to visit her room in order to practice Cantonese. Among students in colleges and graduate schools, married women always seem to get best grades. When single students like me see one of the married women in same classes, we know we need to study harder to get a good grade and be still above average with A or B. …I needed to work very hard for a whole weekend and did end up with a B for Modern Poetry. But another student, probably in her forties, received a grade of 94. When I read her paper and compared it with mine, I see that hers is longer and includes more information, but she did not have some descriptive views I included. It seems that teachers in this school based their grading system on quantity and not quality. But I always like to write well and not just be including many reference books. …I admire how Mama can memorize a lot of information and your talent as a writer. You are such a good student, and please consider this and let me know so I can write to a seminary for an application to be air mailed to you. This way, when Daddy gets his passport, you can be getting yours too—and we will be reunited as a family. Letter Dated 04/17/1963 Daddy & Mama: Did you receive my previous letter, written in English and Chinese, yet? I have not heard from you, and today is the third day after my spring break ended. I stayed at the campus for nine days, but I paid only for seven days not included two Sundays in the amount of $14.00. I had planned to complete a few papers and study for an English vocabulary test—one of the two tests required for graduating students and including 2,000 words mostly already learned. My schedule was such that I had not free time. After classes resumed, I need to start preparing for exams in order not to be staying up cramming on the night before each exam. I end up with no good grades this way. Right now, I have barely a B average including all courses. Praise the Lord, I have selected courses that I am interested in and can be getting better grades. I look for the Lord for His help. Uncle Chen wrote me, and I wrote back to thank him asking that he continue to help Daddy with your plans. I also wrote to Mr. Larsen to thank him and to let him know that I will plan to arrive in New York City early June. I plan to visit Debbie in Washington D.C. and attend a summer retreat at Ambassadors for Christ Headquarters. If you think I should go to New York earlier, then I can cancel my plans and arrive earlier. In my last letter, I suggested that Mama apply to study at a seminary, and I mention this again. Mrs. Tyson and her father are joining a team to travel to Japan for a short-term mission tour. They will be passing Taipei where they will stay at the Grand Hotel. If you are interested, you can visit them and speak to them about your plans for Mama to study at the Southwestern Baptist Theological seminary and Daddy to find a job in the United States. There is a possibility that Mr. Ray will give you a letter of recommendation. I visited their farm one time and know that they are one of the wealthy farmers, and I also know that they love the Lord and have connections helpful for your application. It’s up to you, as I am still inexperience and just wanted to let you know about some opportunities. For an extension of my passport, I already wrote a letter to (Chinese Embassy) Houston, and I probably will have no problem. …I started to pack my clothes and found many dresses I no longer can wear. There is a large pile of clothes including ones given by my big sister. I don’t know what to do and just wondering if there are places to donate in Taipei. I can send some back home or just give them to people in villages here. Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 04/17/1963 Letter Dated 05/05/1963 Daddy & Mama: On this Sunday morning, I have the time to write this letter. Truly these past few weeks I was rushing to finish my reports—one has been handed in with two more to complete. I also have a weekly report to hand in for a Social Work course. When I count the days, I realize that it is only three weeks before finals; and I feel very fearful and nervous in anticipation. Adding to these concerns, I need to have a new passport. My passport has no more room after three extensions were stamped on it. For this, I’ll need to send a recent photo and pay $5.50. This means I must wait for the Chinese Embassy to send it to me before I can send it to the American immigration office for my extension. I already spoke to Miss Burnham about this, and I think she is willing to assist me. So happy to receive your package – I was busy with writing a term paper when it arrived with your gifts including a beautiful Chinese dress, a pair of red slippers, and three cans of my favorite food. I have not been to the dining hall for three days, and I am cooking some rice to eat it with some fried meat. I completed one of the three papers consisting of 4,500 words, and I still need to complete two more. I have done most of the research during my spring break, and I just need to organize my notes and complete each paper. Moreover, I still need to pass a vocabulary test and memorize 4,000 English words with roots in Greek and Latin. That means I have no time for anything else until after my exams. I am anxious about getting a B and not a C grade for a few courses. All I can do is to trust the Lord to give me strength as my day. About where I will go for the summer, I have no time to think about it. I know I will be going to New York, and it will probably cost $50.00 or $60.00 to travel including baggage. When Annie left, she paid $30.00 to ship her baggage, but she took the train. I think I can travel by bus with my baggage at no extra cost. I will probably donate some of my clothes to a church… Let me know if Daddy needs me to do anything to help him with his application for a passport. But we need to pray for the Lord to help us—knowing our efforts are in vain. I realized that as I tried with my effort and still did not get grades I hoped to get. The American people live in the present, and they pay little attention to the past and the future; just live one day at a time. This is how Christians can live with hope and be strengthened to live victorious lives. I will try to follow Daddy’s instructions and each of the four suggestions to my best ability. Blessings! Daughter Min-yen 05/05/1963 Letter Dated 05/19/1963 Daddy & Mama: So glad to receive your letter giving me the good news that Daddy can come to America soon. Praise the Lord for answering our prayers, but I hope you plan everything carefully. For my part, I will be looking for ways to help and facilitate your plans to travel and to find a job in order to remain in the States. Once you find your job, you will not need to worry about financial problems. Final exams start next week, and I went to see Miss Burnham today. She asked me to pay the balance of my bill totaling $100.00. I had to give her the two checks I received from Mr. Chen, and I only got $10.00 left. I will need $50.00 for my ticket to travel to New York, and I wonder if you can ask Mr. Chen can send it. All I can do is to stay at school and wait for the check, and then I can leave to go to New York. This is unexpected that students graduating are not eligible for a scholarship. I did receive a refund check of $80.00 from the government, but I needed to pay for my diploma and renting a gown for graduation ceremony. I also paid $35.00 for staying at the campus during my spring break. I hope I can leave right after my exams, instead remaining longer, as I want to be a good example. I can only ask that you send me the money now, and I can pay you back instead of sending it to the school. I ask Daddy to please do this immediately. About my extension—I receive my visa from the Chinese Embassy in Houston extending my stay until May,1966. My advisor has help me to write a letter to the Office of Immigration in San Antonio, Texas, and I should be receiving my passport back in two weeks. Our summer vacation begins on May,29. I can stay a few more days before summer school starts. Even though I must wait (for my passport) before leaving for New York, I have a chance to prepare for my summer. I have checked my schedule at the Bus company, and it will take forty-eight hours traveling to New York, and my bus fare is $46.00 including my luggage. Blessings! Daughter Min-yen 05/18/1963 Letter Dated 05/29/1963 , Daddy & Mama: Praise the Lord, I have finally completed four years of college! Our Baccalaureate Service was last Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Belton. Our speaker has a PhD in Religious Education, and he admonished all graduates to devote our lives serving in areas constructive to society and our neighbor. I am not sure can do this and not be concerned about pursuing my future and my American dream. We need to use our gifts in the service most beneficial to others. I started to go over my plans accordingly, but I had to stop in order to keep up with what is on my plate now. I trust the Lord to guide me in the path of righteousness. Monday was the graduation ceremony for our class of ninety students. After each of us went up to the platform to receive her diploma from Dr. Tyson with a handshake, sang the class theme song, we all turned the directions of our caps (from left to right) signifying the change from students to graduates. Some were crying but not me—perhaps due to having had many other previous departures so that in comparison I did not feel too sad. I was more concerned about that fact that I still have not receive the money I needed to travel to New York. I received your letter this morning and the check in the afternoon. I went immediately to get a ticket for the bus—to be leaving tonight at 7 p.m. from Belton, passing Memphis and Washington D.C. before arriving in New York City. Since I might stay in D.C. and visit Julie to attend her graduation, I will take the bus for the next day to go to New York City. I will write to Mr. Larsen about the time of my arrival, and I also have someone going the same way to keep me company. I left a paper box of my books in the basement and will ask someone to send it to me later. Mr. Chen told me that he cannot come to meet me due to his busy schedule, but he wrote and told me that he has asked Mr. Larsen to meet me and take me to stay at their house. I feel safe knowing I can stay at a home and pray that the Lord will open some doors for me to find a job. I don’t think it’s too difficult. I still have $20.00 left, after purchasing my ticket, to be used for traveling to Long Island and getting some food during the trip. …I will write again when I arrive in Washington D.C. and New York City. Please remember to pray for me. I am in good health but lost some weight from skipping meals and lack of sleep during exam week. I should recover quickly. Must stop now and be getting ready to leave. Blessings! Daughter Ming-yen 05/29/1963
07/31/1961
From left: Fan (husband of my deceased cousin; Wang and Cousin Yi, Cousin Lu Zho Chin, Helen, Cousin Lu’s family (Julia and her father), &Cousin Jin Bo at my birthday on 12/5/18
Continued from Previous 12/03/1962 Letter Dated 12/21/1962 Daddy & Mama: I have already left school and arrived at my classmate’s house for the Christmas holiday. I was planning to attend the winter retreat in Dallas but decided that I needed time to study and to give up the idea; and, instead, come to this Christian home where I was previously. Also, there is a library where I can find reference books to read. Instead of going to Dallas, I came to a small town—in order to have a rest and start preparing for my finals early: several courses I am taking are requiring me to spend a lot of time, and the only time I can catch up is during the holiday. I am afraid that I don’t do well and forfeit my chances to be continuing in a graduate school; and this might give me the chance to catch up. I am staying with a loving Christian family, and I can be more casual and spend my time studying. I hope you are going to have a nice holiday, and I miss being home; but please write and let me know about your holiday. I will be here until January 3, and I hope to be able to visit some friends (members of churches) in Houston, but not to take away the time I need to study. On my way out of school, I stopped by Dr. & Mrs. Tyson’s home to deliver the package of a Christmas gift. He was happy to receive it and gave me a Christmas card. I also gave the two royal lamps to the Dean of the College. I am keeping other gifts, but I will give a few cans of tea to the Bourge family. Praise the Lord, and these gifts are more precious because you have selected them. I already finished several cans (almost half) of food items, helps to keep me in good health and not have any problems. I sometimes seem to feel depressed and need to trust the Lord and rely on His guidance. I pray for the Lord to open a door for me so I can concentrate on my studies and not be concerned. Please be not concerned—as whatever circumstances, the Lord’s strength is sufficient for me. I will pray about Daddy’s plan and what his is doing for the possibility of coming to America. I will pray about it asking the Lord to make a way—if it is His will. …Did you receive my package yet? May you give more love to the Lord! Daughter Min 12/21/1962 Letter Dated 01/23/1962 Daddy & Mama: I am so glad to have received your letter during my exams bringing good news. I am glad to learn that Mr. Chen has arrived in America, and I hope he can assist me as I plan my future after graduation. I just finished my exams, and I registered this morning for my classes in the new year. Tomorrow I have a holiday, and then classes will begin. I was very fearful during my exams, and I did not do too well. I am not sure if I passed Accounting, and three out of ten students dropped the course. The problem, I believe, is in my wrong selection of some courses: I did not need to take Accounting and Physics, and I end up with a lower grade average. After considering and learning from what I did wrong last year, I have selected 19 credits consisting of six courses including three for English (Shakespeare, Modern Poetry, and Modern Drama) two for Sociology (Research Methods and Family and Child Welfare), and Chemistry. My plan is to obtain a C+ grade, in order to apply for a graduate school. … The two courses I chose for English are very popular for English majors. I will be graduating in May with a major in Sociology and a minor in English. But if Dr. Tyson is going to help me, I hope to stay for summer school to be taking two more courses—for a double major in Sociology and English. After summer school, I can go to Dallas and look for a job to work for a Children’s Home. This can be some experience for me in the field of Social Work. Also, the Director of BSU used to work there, and she might be able to recommend me. I hope to work for half a year in order to repay what I owed for summer school. After this I hope to go to a college in Texas to study for a M.A.—preferably at the University of Texas. Dr. Tyson is familiar with this school, and he would at least be able to give me a letter of recommendation. He would like me to be furthering my study, and I could get my master’s degree in one and half or two years. After that, I can do research work or teaching in Sociology. These are just my plans I can only imagine. I trust the Lord and He will lead me and make a way. I let you know my plans (and not anyone else) and hope you can give me some advice or your opinion—before I make any plans. Anyhow, I need to concentrate and strive to study hard. I have already ordered invitations to be sent to people for my graduation. I will send them to you as soon as I get them. I also hope to notify the American Embassy that I wish to have Daddy attend my graduation, if it helps with getting a visa. Due to the expenses incurred in ordering my invitations and other fees, I don’t have money to get books for the new semester. I am waiting for my tax refund check which should have been received the end of last year. I don’t know why you did not receive my package yet, as it was sent on 11/15. For the New Year, we are having a Chinese meal. Blessings! Happy New Year! Daughter Min-yen 01/23/1963 Letter Dated 01/30/1963 Daughter Min-yen: Received your letter dated 01/24/63 and praise the Lord giving you peace as you remain at school. Another semester has ended, and your schedule of courses for the new semester appear to be more suitable, but your chemistry course may take up a lot of time—though this is easier than Physics. If you need money to pay your expenses for graduation, write us early and let us know to take care of it so you don’t need to worry. About your plans for what happens after graduation, we have discussed it and made these suggestions: 1. We hope you could go to graduate school to get a master’s degree. 2. You should try to get a scholarship including tuition, room and board, etc. 3. If no scholarship, then you need to support yourself by working part-time. This means you will take less credits and finish in a period of a few years. I know some students from Taiwan doing the same thing, and they needed to remain at schools in order to extend their visas for staying. They needed to work and earn enough money to support their families, but they take at least one or two hours to study at schools. If they got some friends willing to help them apply for permanent residence, then they can remain in the country. That’s what two members of your mother’s church did, and we shop you can find out how you can do the same thing. 4. If you are unable to do the above 2 & 3, then you will get a temporary job to work at the office for a while before you go to a graduate school. Please find out more about how you can extend your visa, so you don’t make any mistakes. You mentioned about summer school—there is no need to remain at school after graduation unless you find it necessary for the extension of your visa. … Dr. Tyson wrote us after you delivered our gift to him, and I have not yet responded. Is there anything he can do, and you would like us to ask him? Mr. Chen is in America, and you need to write him a letter to express your gratitude for his help in the past and for the future. We hope you will dress warmly for the cold weather and take it easy in order to recover from an exhausting week of exams. We are praying earnestly every night for you—and trust that the Lord will give His best to you. Emmanuel! Blessings of joy and peace! Daddy 01/30/1963 PS: Please keep this letter for future reference Daughter Min: Praise to the Lord for His faithfulness and grace throughout the last four years for you and our family. Therefore, we are reminded we need to depend more on Him as in His presence, we can make it through every day. “Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard the things that God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Cor. 2:9). Right now, we don’t know what happens after you graduate, but I believe God will prepare for you what you need. His will for you now is to focus on your studies and trust in the Lord. Even though you failed to gain good grades last semester, don’t worry about it. We know that all things happened to us according to His will and work together for our good. You try to live in the present—day by day. I have a friend at my church, Miss Yin, who is now studying at the University of Texas. I understand that she must work hard with her studies in order to be getting a scholarship. She was considering how she can support herself by working part-time. Even with the minimum wage of 60 cents per hour, she cannot find any jobs. She is considering going to New York City, as there are no jobs in Texas. She already has M.A. degree. For you, I think you might want to write a letter to Mr. Chen who lives near New York City. At the same time, you can discuss with your classmates about graduate school—and even travel together. As you look to the Lord for His help, you need to spend time in prayer. We will be praying for you. You need not be anxious about the future only trust the Lord. Since I am preparing to start my work for the New Year, I will continue in my next letter. Wishing you success! Blessings! Mama 01/31/1963 Letter Dated 03/05/1963 Daddy & Mama: Just as I was about to write a letter, I received your certified letter and a check. This really helped to calm my fears quite a bit. These past few days, I was very tight on my cash—as I had to pay for a ticket to see a play (requirement for English) and order invitations for my graduation. Miss Burnham will not take any orders without $2.00. I got up early in the morning to pray and gave my problem to the Lord. What happened, almost a miracle, was that I received a letter that morning from a church with a check for $10.00. It stated that the gift was from them after hearing my testimony during my visit. This can only be the faithfulness of God…I remember visiting the church during the Christmas holidays, while I was a guest at Aline’s house in Baytown. Mrs. Bourge, Aline’s mother, told me previously about a package given by people at the Church with gifts for me including a red sweater, a stylish plaid skirt, and a black dress. When I needed some close friends to give me advice and did not seem to have anyone, the Lord hears and answers my prayers. … This was an experience for me to always trust the Lord for my needs. Now that you have sent me $60.00, I can pay my expenses during the spring break and some fees incurred for graduation. I even have money left to travel after I graduate. I just hope this is not a burden to you and that you are not working too hard. Mama should be giving up some work at the churches, I suggest. You are also preparing to some me some clothes, and I am very excited. But I don’t need to have some very fashionable dresses, just get me another blouse like the grey cotton one I carried from Taipei—as this one is too worn out. Some of the blouses I find here don’t fit me, and I just hope you can send me both short and long sleeve, one of each, in yellow and pink. I can match my blouses with a permanent-press skirt –to make up my wardrobe for both spring and summer at school. I only need, for food, two cans of dried meat; sometimes I have not time to cook my dinner, but I can take some bread from the dining hall back to eat at my room. Another item I desperately need is a box (about 20) of name cards I had ordered for my high school graduation—to be used with my invitations. Please rush this to me. This is one semester with my heaviest load, as I am taking 19 credits and hoping for a B average. It is not easy: I must skip meals, sometimes sleep six hours, and did not go to Church last Sunday. I two tests tomorrow, and each of my three English courses requires a term paper. I am beginning to understand the perils of a student, but I keep on going for the goal that is set before me—to study in a graduate school. When it snowed a few days ago, I had some photos taken outside for you to see the snow. If I need you to write to Dr. Tyson about my plans, I write let you know later. I will write to Mr. Chen soon. I still have many letters to write and must stop for now. I will try to answer your letter sooner next time. Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 03/05/1963. Letter Dated 04/04/1963 Daddy & Mama: From your last few letters, I learned that Mama was not well; I was very worried and prayed for you asking the Lord to take care of you. You work so hard serving the Lord, and your devotion has been seen by others and deserves their respect. From Mr. Chen’s letter, he mentioned about your service—he willingly gave his blessings and helped a family of believers. He told me that if you come to the States, you can share the Gospel with many Chinese people still without Christ. I, however, suggest that you start by taking courses at the seminary—perhaps the same one Pastor Chang attended. I was a retreat and visited this school with a beautiful campus and many students coming from foreign countries paying affordable fees and requiring knowing a little English. If you are interested to apply for this school, I would be able to write a letter to the President of the Seminary. He was here at our college to be the speaker, and you can also write a letter to Dr. Culpepper asking him to recommend you to be a student at this school. I remember someone I met, and she came from Hong Kong to study at this seminary. Her English is not good, but her classmates welcome her, and they even jokingly ask to visit her room in order to practice Cantonese. Among students in colleges and graduate schools, married women always seem to get best grades. When single students like me see one of the married women in same classes, we know we need to study harder to get a good grade and be still above average with A or B. …I needed to work very hard for a whole weekend and did end up with a B for Modern Poetry. But another student, probably in her forties, received a grade of 94. When I read her paper and compared it with mine, I see that hers is longer and includes more information, but she did not have some descriptive views I included. It seems that teachers in this school based their grading system on quantity and not quality. But I always like to write well and not just be including many reference books. …I admire how Mama can memorize a lot of information and your talent as a writer. You are such a good student, and please consider this and let me know so I can write to a seminary for an application to be air mailed to you. This way, when Daddy gets his passport, you can be getting yours too—and we will be reunited as a family. Letter Dated 04/17/1963 Daddy & Mama: Did you receive my previous letter, written in English and Chinese, yet? I have not heard from you, and today is the third day after my spring break ended. I stayed at the campus for nine days, but I paid only for seven days not included two Sundays in the amount of $14.00. I had planned to complete a few papers and study for an English vocabulary test—one of the two tests required for graduating students and including 2,000 words mostly already learned. My schedule was such that I had not free time. After classes resumed, I need to start preparing for exams in order not to be staying up cramming on the night before each exam. I end up with no good grades this way. Right now, I have barely a B average including all courses. Praise the Lord, I have selected courses that I am interested in and can be getting better grades. I look for the Lord for His help. Uncle Chen wrote me, and I wrote back to thank him asking that he continue to help Daddy with your plans. I also wrote to Mr. Larsen to thank him and to let him know that I will plan to arrive in New York City early June. I plan to visit Debbie in Washington D.C. and attend a summer retreat at Ambassadors for Christ Headquarters. If you think I should go to New York earlier, then I can cancel my plans and arrive earlier. In my last letter, I suggested that Mama apply to study at a seminary, and I mention this again. Mrs. Tyson and her father are joining a team to travel to Japan for a short-term mission tour. They will be passing Taipei where they will stay at the Grand Hotel. If you are interested, you can visit them and speak to them about your plans for Mama to study at the Southwestern Baptist Theological seminary and Daddy to find a job in the United States. There is a possibility that Mr. Ray will give you a letter of recommendation. I visited their farm one time and know that they are one of the wealthy farmers, and I also know that they love the Lord and have connections helpful for your application. It’s up to you, as I am still inexperience and just wanted to let you know about some opportunities. For an extension of my passport, I already wrote a letter to (Chinese Embassy) Houston, and I probably will have no problem. …I started to pack my clothes and found many dresses I no longer can wear. There is a large pile of clothes including ones given by my big sister. I don’t know what to do and just wondering if there are places to donate in Taipei. I can send some back home or just give them to people in villages here. Emmanuel! Daughter Min-yen 04/17/1963 Letter Dated 05/05/1963 Daddy & Mama: On this Sunday morning, I have the time to write this letter. Truly these past few weeks I was rushing to finish my reports—one has been handed in with two more to complete. I also have a weekly report to hand in for a Social Work course. When I count the days, I realize that it is only three weeks before finals; and I feel very fearful and nervous in anticipation. Adding to these concerns, I need to have a new passport. My passport has no more room after three extensions were stamped on it. For this, I’ll need to send a recent photo and pay $5.50. This means I must wait for the Chinese Embassy to send it to me before I can send it to the American immigration office for my extension. I already spoke to Miss Burnham about this, and I think she is willing to assist me. So happy to receive your package – I was busy with writing a term paper when it arrived with your gifts including a beautiful Chinese dress, a pair of red slippers, and three cans of my favorite food. I have not been to the dining hall for three days, and I am cooking some rice to eat it with some fried meat. I completed one of the three papers consisting of 4,500 words, and I still need to complete two more. I have done most of the research during my spring break, and I just need to organize my notes and complete each paper. Moreover, I still need to pass a vocabulary test and memorize 4,000 English words with roots in Greek and Latin. That means I have no time for anything else until after my exams. I am anxious about getting a B and not a C grade for a few courses. All I can do is to trust the Lord to give me strength as my day. About where I will go for the summer, I have no time to think about it. I know I will be going to New York, and it will probably cost $50.00 or $60.00 to travel including baggage. When Annie left, she paid $30.00 to ship her baggage, but she took the train. I think I can travel by bus with my baggage at no extra cost. I will probably donate some of my clothes to a church… Let me know if Daddy needs me to do anything to help him with his application for a passport. But we need to pray for the Lord to help us—knowing our efforts are in vain. I realized that as I tried with my effort and still did not get grades I hoped to get. The American people live in the present, and they pay little attention to the past and the future; just live one day at a time. This is how Christians can live with hope and be strengthened to live victorious lives. I will try to follow Daddy’s instructions and each of the four suggestions to my best ability. Blessings! Daughter Min-yen 05/05/1963 Letter Dated 05/19/1963 Daddy & Mama: So glad to receive your letter giving me the good news that Daddy can come to America soon. Praise the Lord for answering our prayers, but I hope you plan everything carefully. For my part, I will be looking for ways to help and facilitate your plans to travel and to find a job in order to remain in the States. Once you find your job, you will not need to worry about financial problems. Final exams start next week, and I went to see Miss Burnham today. She asked me to pay the balance of my bill totaling $100.00. I had to give her the two checks I received from Mr. Chen, and I only got $10.00 left. I will need $50.00 for my ticket to travel to New York, and I wonder if you can ask Mr. Chen can send it. All I can do is to stay at school and wait for the check, and then I can leave to go to New York. This is unexpected that students graduating are not eligible for a scholarship. I did receive a refund check of $80.00 from the government, but I needed to pay for my diploma and renting a gown for graduation ceremony. I also paid $35.00 for staying at the campus during my spring break. I hope I can leave right after my exams, instead remaining longer, as I want to be a good example. I can only ask that you send me the money now, and I can pay you back instead of sending it to the school. I ask Daddy to please do this immediately. About my extension—I receive my visa from the Chinese Embassy in Houston extending my stay until May,1966. My advisor has help me to write a letter to the Office of Immigration in San Antonio, Texas, and I should be receiving my passport back in two weeks. Our summer vacation begins on May,29. I can stay a few more days before summer school starts. Even though I must wait (for my passport) before leaving for New York, I have a chance to prepare for my summer. I have checked my schedule at the Bus company, and it will take forty-eight hours traveling to New York, and my bus fare is $46.00 including my luggage. Blessings! Daughter Min-yen 05/18/1963 Letter Dated 05/29/1963 , Daddy & Mama: Praise the Lord, I have finally completed four years of college! Our Baccalaureate Service was last Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Belton. Our speaker has a PhD in Religious Education, and he admonished all graduates to devote our lives serving in areas constructive to society and our neighbor. I am not sure can do this and not be concerned about pursuing my future and my American dream. We need to use our gifts in the service most beneficial to others. I started to go over my plans accordingly, but I had to stop in order to keep up with what is on my plate now. I trust the Lord to guide me in the path of righteousness. Monday was the graduation ceremony for our class of ninety students. After each of us went up to the platform to receive her diploma from Dr. Tyson with a handshake, sang the class theme song, we all turned the directions of our caps (from left to right) signifying the change from students to graduates. Some were crying but not me—perhaps due to having had many other previous departures so that in comparison I did not feel too sad. I was more concerned about that fact that I still have not receive the money I needed to travel to New York. I received your letter this morning and the check in the afternoon. I went immediately to get a ticket for the bus—to be leaving tonight at 7 p.m. from Belton, passing Memphis and Washington D.C. before arriving in New York City. Since I might stay in D.C. and visit Julie to attend her graduation, I will take the bus for the next day to go to New York City. I will write to Mr. Larsen about the time of my arrival, and I also have someone going the same way to keep me company. I left a paper box of my books in the basement and will ask someone to send it to me later. Mr. Chen told me that he cannot come to meet me due to his busy schedule, but he wrote and told me that he has asked Mr. Larsen to meet me and take me to stay at their house. I feel safe knowing I can stay at a home and pray that the Lord will open some doors for me to find a job. I don’t think it’s too difficult. I still have $20.00 left, after purchasing my ticket, to be used for traveling to Long Island and getting some food during the trip. …I will write again when I arrive in Washington D.C. and New York City. Please remember to pray for me. I am in good health but lost some weight from skipping meals and lack of sleep during exam week. I should recover quickly. Must stop now and be getting ready to leave. Blessings! Daughter Ming-yen 05/29/1963