Second topic: China (not quite what we had planned)

I'm still trying to figure out the whole saving thing from an academic perspective. . .
So, in light of that and me wanting to really wrestle through something I'm going to shift topics a bit. Apparently Brae is back in China. I'm slightly jealous. I miss peeing in porcelain holes.
In light of recent events, I think this would be an excellent time to be studying abroad and/or living in China as an American. The Tibetan protests and American reactions to them has me a little conflicted. No, not conflicted, but agitated. Americans don't understand what a bind the typical Chinese person is in. They don't have the freedom to be vocal in their dissent towards their government. I don't think Americans get that. I mean, they "know" that they aren't free, but they don't get what that translates to in everyday life.
I was told once that the Chinese are like reeds in the wind. They bend depending on the way the wind is blowing at any given moment. That makes a lot of sense. They would have to if they want to live. At this point, nearly six years after I was in China, I wonder what the conversations are like at "English Corner". Since I am American and I was there with Americans, Chinese people would come out by the dozens and practice their English. They would start by asking surface type questions. By the end of the evening, the deep stuff was being discussed. I would often wake up the next day with hardly any voice left. Talking for 3 hours straight will do that to you. I wonder if it was discussed Friday night/Saturday morning (depending on which hemisphere you live in.)
Six years ago, we were told to stay away from the Tibet issue at all costs. (Me being the typical ignorant American, I had no idea where Tibet was at the time.) Tonight, my heart is at Xia Da. (Interesting side note: I tried linking the actual university website, but the website is down. Odd timing. . . or not.) It is Tuesday morning. I wonder what the atmosphere is like. Xinhua has mentioned the protests, but it isn't front page news.
I really ache for the Chinese people. They are forced to turn the other cheek.
I really hope the Lord leads me back over there one day. I miss it. I left part of my heart there. I'm trying to get back, but the Lord has me where He has me. I can't complain because He does all things exceedingly well. I will go back one day, though. I will.