To enjoy an audio version of this post read by Jedd Medefind, click below.
The Chinese government agent spoke without emotion, but his words carried electricity, “You are under investigation.”
My friend Tom knew what that meant. He and his family were being watched, closely. Any contact with friends would land them on the government’s watch list, too – and likely in serious danger.
Tom sped home. His wife, Erika, agreed: there was little to discuss. They’d poured their hearts into China for more than a decade, including many years with the persecuted Uyghur people. Now, the very best thing they could do for those they loved was to leave without saying goodbye, immediately. Within hours, they were at the airport.
They were grateful to make it out together. But as a plane spirited them away, relief turned to grief. Their life was back there. They’d put down roots, immersed…
