Germany: SOS -- Bicycle Journey from Heidelberg to Bonn: Strive Together to Rescue Xiong Wei (Part II) (Photos)

August 17, 2002 - Since we did not make appointments with city governments, sometimes we failed to meet with the "Executive Officers", the mayors. However, we always came across the mayors' fellow workers. They gave support to our cause and appeal as we requested. Even in the smallest towns, we still left appeal letters in the city government mailboxes - we did not want to leave anyone out.

After riding many hours along hilly roads, the road ahead seemed still endless. I almost could not go on anymore. I felt so helpless, tears rolled down my face. It was not only due to the trip being so arduous, but also I had a thought of whether the whole trip had any meaning until my sister said to me, "Always remember, what we are doing is not for ourselves." I was knocked wide-awake. I realized how selfish and how shameful my thought was. Xiong Wei could be tortured at any time in the labor camp. The very reason we embarked on this journey was to help her. How could I become so discouraged just due to a hilly road? Once I realized this, I regained the energy needed to continue on the bike. I knew we endured the hardship for Xiong Wei and other Falun Gong practitioners in China.

As the sun sets the road ahead is still long.

We entered a sparsely populated area. Close to a farm the chain on my sister's bike fell off. After having finally managed to put the chain back, we asked a resident whether we could wash our grease-stained hands. The lady agreed at once. The gentleman noticed our yellow "SOS" T-shirt. After he listened to the reason of our journey, he at once called the mayor's home on our next stop and made an appointment for the next day.

Quite often we needed to make phone calls to check the location of churches that offered accommodation. Initially we felt uneasy in doing so, but quickly we found that many people were willing to help us. Many people were deeply touched after they learned that young people like us were making such a sacrifice for others.

Mayor of Kolpingdiözesan of Alzey City says to practitioners, "To fight for freedom and Justice, you are doing the right thing. Continue your efforts and I wish you a success!"

"You are so brave and sacrificing. We wish you success!"

Many people who gave us help also signed their names on our SOS! signature book.