By: Xiaolin Ding
From: December 2009

I had wanted to go to the United States ever since I was a small child, but it became a reality in this past year with the help of both the U.S. and Chinese Governments.  I had been in contact with an American man before I came to the states. I eventually became very fond of him, and a few months before I got my visa, I fell in love with him.

After being denied a learning visa twice by the United States Ambassador, I finally got approved the third time.  I then set off my trip to the United States with great hope and determination, not only for study but also for the man I had became fond of in China.  But this selfish love ruined my love for everybody else, including myself.

I didn't find it hard to adapt to the new environment at Northwood University in Dallas, Texas. There was no feeling of loneliness at all! Most people at Northwood were friendly and easy to get along with. Although I was the only Chinese student from Mainland China there, I made some very cool friends.

At first, I kept my studying enthusiasm very high. I enjoyed all the classes. They were much more interesting than the classes I had in China. I really liked it's natural atmosphere. Most of all, I expected the man I loved to also loved me.

However, it hurt me so much that he was getting married to another woman. Having lost purpose in life, I almost lost my life in a coma, but I gained the new life in Christ with knowledge of the greatest love that God has always had for me before I even knew of Jesus. Followed with the start of my new faith in God and Jesus, my school work showed a large improvement.

I once was lost in my own selfish love, but then I found the true love of God. I came to realize what I have is all by God's grace. Now all my life is for Jesus, who is full of true love.

This article is based on a true story.