(Minghui.org) This is a story about a woman who lives by the values of commitment, integrity and devotion. 

Yan’s husband, Xiangyu, is a Falun Gong practitioner. After the persecution of this ancient spiritual discipline began in 1999, he was sentenced to ten plus years in prison for holding fast to his belief.

Yan waited earnestly for him throughout the years.

When I ran into the couple this summer, I learned about Xiangyu’s story, his heavy sentence, and his suffering in the prison. But despite everything he has gone through, he still looked calm, content, and had a warm smile on his face.

I can’t help but admire them for their love for each other throughout the most difficult years.

After Xiangyu was sent to prison, Yan was also arrested and fired by her workplace. Growing up in a well-to-do family, she had enjoyed a prestigious life and never suffered any major hardship before. But now, she had to face the world all by herself and raise their child.

Yan made a living by doing all sorts of odd jobs, including being a housemaid and a janitor. She took good care of her child and in-laws.

Sometimes she traveled hundreds of miles to visit Xiangyu, only to be rejected and kept outside of the high walls of the prison.

During those years, some people attempted to make inappropriate advances to her. She declined and reprimanded them. As time went by, those who had indecent thoughts about her began to respect her.

In the prison, Xiangyu was hung up and beaten. The guards poured cold water over him in frigid winter. He passed out many times, but refused to give in.

It was hard for others to imagine how he made it through in those endless years. He used his life to validate his faith and safeguard the truth. His uprightness and noble character moved many people, including some prison guards.

When Xiangyu was released, many people came to greet him at the prison. Family, friends, as well as some strangers, came to celebrate his homecoming.

Yan and Xiangyu’s unfortunate encounter is the epitome of the persecution of thousands of families by the Chinese Communist Party.

In the face of tyranny and unprecedented persecution, Yan and Xiangyu endured it with love and faith. Her story really inspired me, also a Falun Gong practitioner, to continue waging the peaceful battle between good and evil. And I believe that goodness will eventually prevail and bring us a new era of hope.