Shengchun Sophie Luo: A Woman with Voice and Attitude (Part 5)
By Sloane Song
Due to concerns regarding government repercussions, the writer of this piece writes under the pen name “Sloane Song.” Human Rights in China has independently verified the identity of the writer.
The fifth and final installment of Luo Shengchun’s story is a brief update regarding her life after our 2023 summer interviews.
While the current feature series concludes here, Luo Shengchun’s narrative extends beyond these pages, much like the enduring history of resistance against oppressive regimes.
Read the full story on the Human Rights in China website.
Update:
October 8, 2023, Sunday:
My dear, today is our 30th anniversary of marriage. I got up this morning and put on the blue, embroidered blouse you bought for me when you were here, driving the bright blue hybrid Honda I bought last Monday to the weekly adult study class at the church. I’m in a very good mood!
Today’s class discussed political factions, church denominations, and the reason behind these formations. It showed me the openness of this church. Today’s service focused on the baptism of a one-year-old girl – which made me think of something I’ve been considering these days – I’m thinking about getting baptized this year. I started to believe in God while studying in Alfred, but I’ve never discussed or thought about baptism with you. For one I always feel I haven’t thoroughly read the Bible and can’t distinguish between different church denominations. For another – I never had the chance to tell you this – I’ve been waiting for you, because I often feel like I came into this world for you, because only after meeting you I started to experience life and feel its meaning. I always have the confidence that you would join my path. We’ve been married for 30 years, together only for 20 years. I firmly believe that I won’t have to wait for the full 12 years for you to be released from jail, but it seems like an endless waiting for you to believe in God. You are too rational to be convinced.
October 14, 2023, Saturday:
Yesterday was my 55th birthday. I didn’t plan on celebrating it, but a few new friends invited me to make dumplings, so I just made the excuse to give myself a night off and had a happy birthday. By the candlelight, I initially made three wishes, thinking by achieving these my later years would be perfect. But three more wishes jumped out when everyone sang me the Happy Birthday song. I kept repenting to God, saying sorry, I was too greedy. But God responded to me: I understand that you actually had only one wish, as long as this wish comes true, the rest would follow suit.
My dear, please guess what my six wishes and one true wish are. I’ll tell you when you come home!
November 17, 2023, Friday:
Yesterday was the busiest day of the week, but upon the earnest invitation by a few friends at the Ping Pong club, I joined the monthly potluck lunch gathering for the first time. During lunch, someone mentioned Biden’s meeting with Xi Jinping in California, and I couldn’t help but share some stories about the current situation in China. They were amazed. In this small setting I updated the American’s perception of China while strengthening the friendship with fellow players. It only took an hour and a half for lunch, but it was a very enjoyable experience. I should participate in gatherings like this more often in the future.
Last week, I took leave from work to attend the World Liberty Congress in Lithuania and came back feeling a bit depressed. This conference was held by a newly established human rights organization, bringing together human rights defenders from almost all authoritarian countries. It was an excellent platform. I learned a lot of organizational management and met many outstanding activists in this three-day conference. But due to my lack of understanding of the purpose and working methods of this organization before the conference, I didn’t prepare well for the meeting and I saw clearly the inadequate coordination and support among Chinese ethnic teams, the apparent generational gap between the older democracy activists and younger generation, and the fact that few people were aware of the threat posed by an authoritarian China, I felt the road ahead was really long and very challenging.